St. Ives Green Tea Face Scrub

Out of all the drugstore face scrubs, St. Ives is one of my favorite brands. I tend to use their Apricot Scrub, but recently, their Green Tea Scrub caught my eye. As green tea is so wonderful for the skin, I was very excited to try it.

The first thing I noticed about this was the sweet smell. The apricot version has a very soft, creamy fragrance. This one smells bright and fruity, more like kiwi than green tea, but with just enough of a hint of matcha that I can buy it. I also noticed that the scrubbing agents were a lot finer than the apricot's crushed nutshells.

After washing my face with it, I couldn't help but notice how gentle it was, yet my face still felt clean and refreshed afterwards. I also have noticed a significant decrease in my blackheads when I use it, though I get the same results from the Apricot Scrub. Though I tend to prefer slightly more abrasive scrubs, I will happily use this one as a gentle alternate when my skin is feeling delicate.

Final Verdict: Like It!

EOS Pomegranate Raspberry Smooth Sphere

When I first purchased eos's on-and-off Pomegranate Raspberry smooth sphere, I was rather hesitant. I'd already tried that flavor in their stick-shaped balm and I hadn't been very impressed by it.

Let me tell you something, though...

This product rocks! All of the delicious moisture I've come to expect from eos, plus a sweet, juicy pomegranate scent with just a hint of raspberry. My only issue would be that it could have used a little more raspberry (yum!) but this fun little ball will fit right in with any other eos aficionado's collection.

Final Verdict: Like it!  

Urban Decay Naked Palette 1 and 2

I’m a gal who likes her colorful eye shadows. I love the vibrancy, I love to create a make-up look to go with different outfits or if I’m decked in all black (the majority of my wardrobe) the colors can add some much needed variety.

However, colorful make-up isn’t always appropriate. The problem is that it’s so easy for neutrals to come across as boring or lackluster. That’s why I’m always so excited when I am able to find palettes like these two from Urban Decay. 

You have a wide range of shades (browns, beiges/gold, blacks/grays) and they’re both incredible. The colors complement each other well (and will work for either warm or cool complexions,) leaving you with endless possibilities. The only thing one might have trouble with is that while there are a few matte shades included, most of these will be metallic/shimmery. You might have trouble if those just aren’t your thing. My personal favorite shades are Half-Baked (included in both kits,) Chopper, YDK, Buck, and Gunmetal. 

Swatches of original Naked Palette

Swatches of #2

Both kits also come with a handy little eye brush. Number two's brush is also double sided, with one end for blending. Awesome for application on the go!

So while I can continue buying my colorful shadows in single shades (or custom palettes!) I’m pretty much set when it comes to my neutrals, thanks to the two Naked Palettes.

Final Verdict: Love it!

Evolution of Smooth Hand Lotions

So this little brand called EOS? I might be a fan of it. In case you were wondering. And though I’ve already talked about their lip balms, their other products are pretty nifty, too!

I love the shape of these little hand lotions, available in three different fragrances. These are Berry Blossom and Cucumber. The third, Fresh Flowers, used to be the unscented one, but I’ll be sure to try it out soon. These are very convenient for travel and are super affordable as well.

Naturally, they’re rich and moisturizing, though the consistency of the lotion may feel a little watery at first. However, it absorbs fast and leaves my hands feeling fresh! It’ll be nice to keep one in my purse when I go out.

Final Verdict: Like It! 

Dior Lip Glow

Sometimes lipstick is too much for a certain look. Lip gloss or lip balm are the solution, of course, but they aren’t always perfect. They can be a little too colorful, when you want something natural or a little too sheer when you want to stand out.

That’s why I absolutely love Dior’s Lip Glow. Though it looks like a light pink, its unique chemistry will cause it to react differently to everyone’s unique skin color, yet still look very natural and not overdone.

As you can see, it gives my lips a soft pink tone. Depending on your skin tone, you can get this result or a more berry-like shade, but whichever it is, the color is sure to match you perfectly.

This product (which comes in a chic little package) also goes on silky-soft and carries a little spf 10 to protect your beautiful lips from the sun.

Final Verdict: Love it! 

The Body Shop’s Earth Lovers Shower Gels

Sulphate-free. Paraben-free. Colorant-free. I’m sure you’re aware by now that hearing your beauty products described as such is a good thing. You’ll be happy, then, to know that all three apply to The Body Shop’s Earth Lovers Shower Gels. These eco-friendly cleansers are designed to be entirely biodegradable (bottle included!) and are made from natural ingredients that won’t harm the environment, even when washed down the drain. They also come in delicious and creative fruit and herb fragrance combinations, although don’t expect to smell too much of the latter in any of them. The lather they produce is luxurious and rich and they’ll leave your skin feeling hydrated and fresh.

Here are my thoughts on the individual products of the line:

Apricot and Basil:

I’m gonna be honest, I’m a little sad that this smelled all apricot, with little to no basil involved. However, said apricot was very juicy and sweet, so I can’t be too unhappy with it.

Pear and Lemongrass:

Ripe, refreshing pear with a hint of fresh lemongrass.

Watermelon and Eucalyptus:

I was very sad that I couldn’t find any eucalyptus (which I love) in this. However, like with the apricot and basil, the watermelon was still very nice, saving the gel from being a letdown.

Cucumber and Mint:

This wasn’t as minty as I wanted, but it was as tingly and refreshing as one would imagine anything involving these two ingredients would be.

Fig and Rosemary:

Out of the bunch, this was the one where the “herb” ingredient was most noticeable and I gotta say, the combination was delightful. My favorite.

Lemon and Thyme: (Not Pictured)

I didn’t buy this one, but I did whiff it in the store. It was a little too “floor-cleaner” for me.

Final Verdict: Like it! 

PS- In case anyone's wondering why I post so many things from The Body Shop, I actually used to work for the company, plus I've been following the brand since I was a little girl. What can I say, I'm a  fan. 

The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost

If you were to ask any employee of The Body Shop what their number one skin care product is, they would say the Vitamin C Skin Boost. And I can understand why.

This little skin serum/gel is silky to the touch and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. It also absorbs quickly, so that your face isn’t left sticky or oily. It also has a refreshing orange-y smell, not unlike the company’s Satsuma line.

Upon application, the gel might look glittery or shimmery. Don’t fret, as this will not show up on you. This property will, however, help brighten your skin and give it a touch of radiance.

The only thing that drives me nuts about this product is that I can only wear it on foundation-free days, as any type of foundation I’ve tried to use with it (powder, liquid, cream, etc) slides right off and gives my face a blotchy appearance.

Final Verdict: Like It

Michael Kors Leg Shine

Who doesn’t love glowing, dewy skin? Unfortunately, while we have lots of moisturizers and serums we can quickly slap on for that glow (not to mention some highlighting powder and blush) our bodies don’t always have the same luck. And while body lotion is great for keeping skin soft, it doesn’t usually have enough oomph to give you radiant legs and arms for a night out. This is why I love the Michael Kors leg shine, a little bronzing/shimmer gel that glides on to give your body an extra dash of radiance. 

Now, I’m already pretty tan, so I can’t say anything about the bronzing properties of this product. However, I do love the shimmer it gives to my skin: Subtle (meaning I don’t look like a Twilight Vampire) but enough of a glow that my skin looks more alive and alluring.

This swatch on my wrist is under indoor lighting…

...And while the effect fades a lot more in the outdoor lighting photograph, it was still noticeably lovely in person. 

Sadly, I could only get my hands on the little travel size version at Sephora. Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus will have the normal size, though, if you think you’ll be using this product frequently. Only a final note, it comes in a delicious freesia-based scent that’s so elegant and delicious that I would consider using this product as a solid fragrance just to enjoy it. 

Final Verdict: Love it!  

Ingredients: BUTYLENE GLYCOL ,WATER\AQUQ\EAU, SODIUM STEARTH-100, FRAGRANCE, STEARTH-2, PVP, HYDROXYETHYLCELLUIOSE, POLYQUOTERNIUM-11, ISOSTEARYL ALCOHOL, LINALOOL, HYDROXY-CITRONELLAL, EUGENOL, BENZYL ALCOHOL, BENZYL BENZOATE, COUMARIN, LIMONENE, ISOEUGENOL, FARNESOL, BHT, MICA, IRON OXIDES[CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499], TITANIUM DIOXIDE[CI 77891], BLUE 1, RED 33, YELLOWB5.

EOS Alice in Wonderland Lip Balms

You should be aware of my love for eos lip balms. Imagine then, my joy, when that love got mixed with my love for Disney, in this adorable Alice in Wonderland-themed lip balm gift set (with the Mickey Mouse logo embossed on each sphere.)

They deliver the same delicate moisture that all eos balms give and come in three new exciting flavors:

Watermelon Wonderland: If you’re a fan of watermelon bubblegum, then you’ll love the juicy smell of this lip balm.

Sweet Vanilla Nonsense: Rich and creamy sweet sugared vanilla, but not at all overpowering! This one gives me a bit of a sweet tooth.

Blueberry Potion: It’s a little bit artificial blueberry, but very pleasant nonetheless.

Sadly, this little kit has become rare in-stores (but not so rare online.) Don’t hesitate to make it a part of your collection, if you have a chance!

Final Verdict: Love it!

Ingredients:  Olive Fruit Oil*, Beeswax*, Coconut Oil*, Jojoba Seed Oil*, Natural Flavor, Shea Butter*, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract*, Sunflower Seed Oil*, Tocopherol, Blueberry Fruit Extract *, Limonene, Linalool. Olive Fruit Oil*, Beeswax*, Coconut Oil*, Jojoba Seed Oil*, Natural Flavor, Shea Butter*, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract*, Sunflower Seed Oil*, Tocopherol, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract*. Olive Fruit Oil*, Beeswax*, Coconut Oil*, Jojoba Seed Oil*, Natural Flavor, Shea Butter*, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract*, Sunflower Seed Oil*, Tocopherol, Watermelon Seed Extract *, Limonene, Linalool. 

Throwback Thrillers: Diorific Long-Wearing True Color Lipstick in Lady

Finding the perfect shade of red lipstick can be hard, especially if you want one that is fun and attention-grabbing for nighttime, but is still appropriate for day. If you can get your hands on this gorgeous lipstick from Dior, then this problem might very well be solved. 

It has a lovely, creamy texture and the shade is one that will translate to most skin tones. It’s vibrant and exotic, while still being tame enough to be taken seriously at work. 

It may be a little hard to track down, but trust me, it’ll be worth it. My only complaint is the plastic packaging, which felt a little bit cheap. 

Enjoy!

Korres Lip Butter

These luxurious little lip butters from a Greek company are sure to satisfy any balm fetishist’s wishes. The formula is really thick and moisturizing, without feeling heavy or sticky. They come in several flavors, and all but Guava are lightly tinted, giving your lips a subtle hint of color when you don’t want to use heavy lipstick. My only complaint is that they don’t smell too much like their namesakes. It’s more as if they share the same unique fruity/sweet base, with a dash of some other fruit (which may or may not be the one they’re named after.)

#1 Guava- Smells so much like coconut (not that this is a bad thing!) that you wouldn’t know it’s guava unless you read the jar. Very sweet and nice, though. It doesn’t give any color, just adds some shimmer and moisture to dry lips. 

#2 Jasmine- This smells very sweet, without a particular fragrance. It’s a very, VERY subtle sheer pink.

#3 Mango- I can certainly pick out the mango in this one! The color is a fun, sheer orange!

#4 Pomegranate- If there’s actual pomegranate in this, it’s lost on me. All I smell is the fruitiness, albeit lightly. The shade is a really pretty sheer intense pink, though.

#5 Quince- A more intense fruity base. A lovely magenta shade. (My favorite!)

#6 Plum- Fruity with something like… grape and prune? It’s a lot better than it sounds, and gives a deep reddish purple tint that would look very nice on darker skins.

#7 Wild Rose- Fruity with a hint of rose. A hint of deep red, very pretty.

Final Verdict: Love it!

Ingredients:

Polybutene, Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Polyethylene, Hydroxystearic Acid, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Flavor (Aroma), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Punica Granatum Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Red 7 Lake, Red 6, Iron Oxides.