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

 

philosophy Crispy Marshmallow Bars Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath

It’s that time again, the time for warm comforting scents of fall! I always look forward the luscious scents philosophy introduces during this time of the year, they make you want to wrap up in a blanket and settle in for a cozy night in front of the fire. Crispy Marshmallow Bars sounds ooey and gooey and oh so yummy  and how it is! But not in a super sweet teeth- rotting way. It is just enough to make your mouth water and your bath a super special treat. Use it in your bath, shower or as a shampoo and you will be well moisturized to face your day; it’s even better at bedtime to give you that special comforting scent of fall. Any way you use it, you will love it. You might have to fight off the family with this one! It's a limited edition item so if you love it, get a few. They won’t last!

philosophy’s Everything's Coming Up Rainbows™ Set

The amazing thing about philosophy’s bath sets is that they allow you to indulge the scrumptious scents without indulging in calories. ‘Everything’s Coming Up Rainbows’ allows you to enjoy the scent of Rainbow Sherbet with a shower gel and bubble bath, lotion and lip shine, while cleansing and softening. The set includes a 4oz Rainbow Sherbet 3-in-1, a 4oz Rainbow Sherbet Body Lotion as well as a Rainbow Sherbet Lip Shine. The scent is refreshing and delightful, yet soft enough as to not over power any other fragrance you apply. End your summer indulgence with a shiny and plump pout of Rainbow Sherbet Lip Shine and have a day that is bright and happy! Whenever I need a pick-me-upper, I go for something philosophy. They never fail to lift my spirits with their refreshing and energizing scents. I added this to my never ending collection and only sorry I didn’t get more! The set is available for $28 and what a wonderful way to spend $28!

Victoria’s Secret ‘So Sexy’ Hair Care

A recent revamping of the Victoria’s Secret Hair Care line has brought forward some fabulous products for all hair types. Previously the line was limited to just a few shampoos and conditioners and even fewer styling products. The new range offers shampoos, conditioners, deep treatments and varying styling products from sheer hair sprays, volumizing mousse, shine serum, shine spray to heat styling products. Have curly hair? There is a curl cream for you, and with the demand for dry shampoo’s for those in between shampoo days, there is even one of those.

Whether your hair is dry, color treated, curly, lacking in volume or sun exposed, there is a product line for you. My hair in particular is color treated and dry so I use the Nourish shampoo and conditioner. A once a week a treatment with the Nourish Moisture Mask is a great treat leaving my hair super soft. Not to mention, I have wavy and frizzy hair that I blow dry straight then smooth out with a flat iron, so I especially love the Smooth, Straight and Silky spray before blow drying. After all of that, a smoothing over with the shine serum or a quick spray of the Brilliant and Glossy Mist and I am set for days of soft, silky and freshly scented hair.

From the nourishing ingredients to the soft, fresh and feminine scent of the collection, I am quite impressed with it all. My hair is scented yet not overwhelmingly so, and I love the body and shine I have. Each of the products have the same scent so no matter which products you are using, the scent compliments each other. Overall I say that this collection is quite note worthy and even better, the price point. Usually priced at 3/$24, these are quite affordable. Great products that deliver with an affordable price range, I’m game for that!

philosophy 'apricots and cream' gift set

The newest collection of yummy scents to grace the philosophy collection is Apricots and Cream. Available in the shower gel, bubble bath and shampoo formulation each 8oz bottle from the gift set gives you a healthy, blissful treat. Layer from head to toe for healthy skin and hair; skin that is revitalized and super hydrated. Add the fresh, sweet scent and you will be running to the nearest store for the super size! Full sizes are available for $16-$24 and a gift set is available with 8oz sizes for $25.

Philosophy “Mocktails”-Bellini, Appeletini, and Pomegranate Martini

With the Holidays over, but winter still upon us we all need a break from the freezing cold and chill. I love Philosophy’s new “mocktails! They give a quick dose of refreshing cocktail scented bubbles without the calories, and lets me escape for just a few moments. While I’m in the bath at least! Use them alone or combine them to make a “mocktail” of your own! Enjoy a cheerful bath with a bit of Italian flair with peachy Bellini scented bubbles; how about a scintillating dose of Pomegranate Martini and lastly but not least, my favorite; bubbly Appletini! All are gentle, creamy and give a huge dollop of extra-rich bubbles. I like to use these as a treat for shiny soft hair, with just a touch of scent. Any way you like to use them, they are the ultimate escape from the reality of winters chill. Even if for a moment! At $16 for a 16oz bottle you can have your tropical get-a-way without breaking the bank. Exclusively at Nordstrom or Nordstrom.com.

Philosophy Shower for the Cure

Shower for the Cure is Philosophy’s contribution to the cause. The creamy all-in-one formula is great for use as a shampoo, shower gel or bubble bath. The soft floral scent represents the spirit of every woman, with 100% of the net profits from sales of Shower for the Cure donated to the Women’s Cancer Research Fund. This limited edition, extra creamy gel is only available for a short time so show your support and stock up! I’ve bought several, they make great gifts, and everyone loves them! Available at Philosophy.com.

Kerastase Bain Gommage Shampoo

I decided to post a review on this shampoo because I seem to be having the same discussion with many people these days. Dry, itchy and flaky scalp! It’s horrifying and extremely irritating to have your scalp so itchy and flaky, not to mention the embarrassment of flakes! But unfortunately, this time of year brings on this condition. The weather is changing and it takes a toll on your scalp. Your scalp is skin, just like the rest of your body, except when your skin is dry and itchy you moisturize it. It’s much more challenging to moisturize your scalp when it gets dry and itchy. And when your scalp decides to flake, boy does it! I use this shampoo during this pesky time and after a few shampoos, it’s like heaven on my scalp. On the first shampoo the itchiness and flakes are dramatically reduced. Upon second shampoo, it’s reduced by about 50%. After about three or four shampoos my scalp is rebalanced to a healthy condition. Itchiness is nearly illuminated and flakes are down to a bare minimum. I usually use this shampoo for about two to three weeks before I alternate in my regular routine. After that, I use this about once a week. It is gentle to my scalp and keeps my dry hair and ends nourished, so it is great for color treated or heat treated hair.

Ritual: For the first several shampoo’s, I apply shampoo to dry scalp and massage it in with my fingertips. Leave it on your dry scalp for about three minutes, then emulsify into lather with water. Rinse and reapply about a quarter size to wet hair for a second shampoo. It is beneficial to leave the shampoo on your scalp for a few minutes to allow the treatment to penetrate and treat the scalp. Then follow with your favorite conditioner.

Beauty on a Budget: part 1

With the economy so bad most of us are tightening the reigns on how much money we spend, no more $6 latte’s, eating out everyday is a no-no, luxury jeans are gone to the wind! In this series, I’m going to show you how beauty does not have to break the bank! You can look and feel fabulous for very little coin. For product junkies like us, cutting down is very hard and causes major anxiety! Fortunately it does not have to be that way, you can still indulge in your obsession and it doesn’t have to cost you your first born. You can still indulge and pamper yourself with items that will be budget friendly.

Eye Makeup Remover: Sephora Waterproof Makeup Removing pads

Removing makeup at night is an essential to having clean healthy skin. Sephora’s Waterproof Eye Makeup Removing Pads not only remove waterproof makeup from your eyes but are superb for your whole face. Each cotton round is pre-soaked with gentle fragrance, paraben and oil free remover, so no more oily residue! Even those with the most sensitive skin can enjoy the ease and convenience of these. Best of all, only $8 for 30 pads!

Facial Cleanser: Cetaphil Cleanser

CETAPHIL® cleanser is a gentle, non-irritating cleanser for even the most sensitive skin. A non-soap cleanser, CETAPHIL is completely non-alkaline, non-comedogenic, and fragrance free. It soothes and softens as it cleanses, helping the skin retain moisture yet it thoroughly removes all traces of dirt and makeup. For some this cleanser may take getting used to since it does not foam up. I usually rub the cleanser onto my face and massage off the dirt and makeup and just rinse. It is so gentle you can use for babies and children, even those with skin conditions like Eczema can use this without irritating side affects. I must mention that a 16oz bottle will only put you out $11.49!

Brush Cleanser: Johnson’s Baby Shampoo

With all of the money we invest in our makeup brushes, caring for them properly is absolutely essential. Cleaning your brushes properly not only keeps them free of germs and bacteria but keeps them in tip top shape! There are so many brush cleaners out there and they are all excellent, but I have found that baby shampoo works wonderfully. They work exceptionally well for your natural hair brushes but synthetic brushes fare just as well. I have used Johnsons’ Baby Shampoo for my brushes for years but the store brand baby shampoo’s work just as well. A 20oz bottle of Johnsons usually runs around $5.49 and last about 9-10 months. I just use a cup or bowl and make a “bath” out of water and shampoo, swish the brushes in the solution, rinse with clean water and lay flat to dry.

Frederic Fekkai Advanced Hair Care Collection

Frederic Fekkai’s new Advanced Hair Care Collection blends science and technology to deliver a legendary collection. For shiny healthy hair, the Advanced Brilliant Glossing collection infuses Encapsulated Shine Release Complex to the award winning olive oil formula to renew shine strand by strand, all day. We spend a lot of time and money on our hair color so we need all the help we can get protecting our investments. The Advanced Technician Color Care collection with Intensive Anti-fade Color Complex gives hair a powerful UV shield with Galanga Root, to ensure that your color retains its vibrancy and brilliance, extending the life of your gorgeous color. Which ever collection is for you, you will love the end result. And, don't forget about the Shampoo Exchange on September 17, 2009 at participating Saks Fifth Avenue Stores!

Kiehl's Nordstrom Anniversary Exclusive

KIEHL'S NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY EXCLUSIVE

With Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale quickly approaching, now is the time to reserve those exclusives before they sell out! The store is always a madhouse and the exclusive items sell out fast so why not reserve it ahead of time! One item I always get is Keihl's Amino Acid Shampoo in the huge 33.8oz size. For $48 this is such a good deal, considering that the 16oz size is $28. And you’d have to spend $56 on two to get the same amount. The sale starts July 17th so it’s just around the corner!

Frederic Fekkai

Frederic Fekkai Au Naturel Dry Shampoo

Revive and refresh your hair and scalp without water, with Frederic Fekkai’s Au Naturel Dry Shampoo. Au Naturel Dry Shampoo uses cotton fibers such as rice starch and corn starch to eliminate excess oils and odors from hair. Extend you’re the life of your fabulous blow dry with this waterless shampoo of all natural ingredients. Refreshing locks and preventing dirt buildup has never been easier. Be ready for summer with Fekkai Dry shampoo and have no fear for heat and humidity, just a quick refresh and you are "salon" fresh in minutes! Frederic Fekkai does not test on animals and is free of GMO’s and Triclosans.