Summer Lovin': Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Body Butter

Photo Credit: Sephora

Um...I think I may possibly have found the quintessential Summer scent.

You're welcome.

The last time I placed a Sephora order, a little impulse buy popped up on the checkout screen. For five bucks, I could try a 2.5 oz tube of Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Body Butter. Now, lately I've been a Jergen's girl with Victoria's Secret dabblings. However, it's practically Summer (heck, we're already hitting 90s down here. It is Summer), and nothing screams beach-chic like coconut. Considering how much I was already spending, I figured, why not?

I have not been disappointed.

Here's what Sephora has to say about it:

Pacifica's Indian Coconut Nectar is full of good-for-you organic ingredients and natural essential oils. Inspired by travels to faraway destinations, this warm fragrance is at once sensuous and fresh. It blends coconut, delicate vanilla, and creamy vetiver with exotic floral accords of ambrosia to leave skin beautifully scented.

*Fun fact: Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar products are 100% vegan.

Now, for my take:

Let's start with the packaging, first. The tube is really pretty. It's decorated in gold, turquoise, and an orangey-red, in a style that, while I'm sure they were going for Indian-inspired, really just makes me think of "It's a Small World" at Disney World. Not that that's a bad thing. I happen to like the ride. The design is very sweet, and adds a little bit of exotic spice to my dresser. I'm still not a big fan of tube dispensers for lotion, but if I'm stuck with one, at least it's cute.

The lightweight lotion goes on very dry, but a little bit covers a lot of real estate. You don't need a handful of lotion to cover a thigh. Really, the equivalent of about two fingertips takes care of mine. Also, don't let the dryness of the lotion fool you into thinking it isn't moisturizing. It is. Trust me. My arms and legs feel like satin, and I didn't have to wait forever before getting dressed. I also haven't worried about it sweating or sliding off in the crazy heat and humidity. In this case, the dryness is a plus.

I adore this lotion's scent. It's really more of a spicy vanilla than coconut, but there's enough coconut to give off a sexy, tropical vibe. Thomas said he really liked it, and that I smelled like cookies. I'm guessing coconut macaroons. The scent is not overpowering, but it is noticeable, and lasts for hours. I'd suggest tossing it in a beach bag for after your post-swim shower. That way, after the suntan lotion is gone, you can have a similar, slightly more sophisticated scent for the rest of the day.

Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar also comes in solid, roll-on, and spray perfume forms, as well as an 8 oz. tube of body butter. $5-$22, Sephora.

Ah, the magic bag o' samples! How I thought I missed you. Turns out, not so much. You see, while most samples are either lovely or simply ineffective, a few have turned out to be truly awful. Today, I experienced such a...treat...

I pulled Fresh Soy Face Serum out of the magic bag. I now hate the magic bag. Here's what Sephora has to say about the serum:

This fast-absorbing formula is packed with amino-acid-rich soy proteins, which retain moisture, stimulate collagen synthesis, and encourage cell turnover to encourage smoother, firmer, more radiant skin. It is further enriched with hibiscus peptides to soften expression lines, anise fruit extract to smooth the skin, and cucumber extract to calm and soothe. Soy Face Serum is clinically proven to immediately reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and provide long-term firming, hydrating, smoothing, and brightening effects.

Here's what I have to say:

I have no idea if this stuff works. It could be the freaking Fountain of Youth, and I'd never know because it smells too bad to use regularly. I opened the little foil packet, fully intending to only use a small amount so I could experiment over the course of a few days. As soon as I tore open the package, I was hit with the smell. I can't properly describe this smell with words. It wasn't chemical. This was a rotting, rancid, completely organic smell. Think of an old salad that's been in the trash can too long. I smeared some on my face, started to put the rest of the serum away, and just said, "to heck with it," and threw it out. It was too disgusting to keep. I will say that the serum absorbed quickly, as I was able to immediately coat my face down with moisturizer in an attempt to mask the odor. Maybe it works; maybe it doesn't. I'm not spending my money on rotten salad juice to find out. $45, Sephora.