Already? July Favorites

Well, another month has flown by. My brother starts high school in a couple of weeks, and there are only 69 more days until Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Seriously, where has this year gone?

Anyway, old lady moment aside, here are the products I gravitated toward the most this month. I normally try to choose two items for each category, but this month, I had some clear favorites that blew everything else out of contention. I hope you enjoy!

Eyes
Benefit Creaseless Cream Eye Shadow in Sippin' and Dippin'
I know, I picked this last month, but you know what? It's still awesome. In addition to being a pretty color on its own, it works really well as an eye shadow base. The golden peach shows nicely through bronze shades.

Stila Eye Shadow in Sparkle
Speaking of bronze shades, this is my favorite to layer over the Benefit. It's not glittery, but just shimmery enough to catch the light, and looks fantastic sheered over the lid. Also makes a nice, subtle crease color.


Lips
Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait
I just posted about this the other day, and I can not get enough of this color. I won't bore you with my ravings again. Just go get one.


Face
Rimmel Stay Matte Shine Control Pressed Powder in Transparent
I know I've mentioned this product a bajillion times on here. I keep one in my personal stash and one in my film kit. It is the best setting powder I've ever used. I've tried Urban Decay, Bare Minerals, MAC, Clinique...you name it, and keep coming back to this drugstore pick.

Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray
There is a post coming on this, but here's the short of it: it's supposed to keep makeup from melting off, and it actually does. The end.


Nails
China Glaze in Rainbow
I've really been impressed with China Glaze. I'd never tried them before the Hunger Games polishes came out, and now I can't get enough! This color is an iridescent pink opal that lasts for ages, even without a top coat. Perfect for lazy bones like me.


Body
Ahava Velvet Cream Body Wash in Hibiscus and Fig
This came in my Glossybox, and I've really enjoyed it. I'm seriously thinking of repurchasing when I run out. A travel-size (like I have now) is only $7 at Ulta. That's definitely reasonable.

Satin Care Shave Gel with a Touch of Olay
I've been looking for a good shaving cream ever since my favorite Soap & Glory disappeared, then reappeared at a much higher price. This is it. It's moisturizing, doesn't goop up on the razor, and keeps down nicks and cuts. It's a keeper, and only a few dollars at the drugstore.

My Own Magnetic Marvel and Some Random Observations

Months ago, I posted about this brilliant makeup magnet board I found at Laura Thoughts. Well, as it turned out, my ten year-old, might-as-well-be-blood niece (who shall remain nameless, since she Googles herself constantly) needed something to get all of her glitter lip gloss and hair ribbons up off of the floor. Guess what she's getting for Christmas!



The camera on my phone really sucks.

 Yeah, I made that. Go ahead, be impressed. I'll give you a second to take it all in.

Truth be told, once I had all of the pieces, the whole thing took maybe half an hour to put together, and that's only because I had to stop to play with all of the cute little glitter skulls and sparkly rhinestones (and you should have seen my precious husband trying to help pick out girly fabric and shiny decorations! He's a good boy, that one. I think I'll keep him).

Here's the breakdown:

• The frame and glitter spray paint were on sale at Michael's. I replaced the glass with...
• Sheet metal from Lowe's. It comes pre-cut, so I got an 18x12 to fit the frame perfectly. Then...
• The fabric was a pre-cut scrap from JoAnn's. Seriously, I never picked up scissors for this thing. Instead of using adhesive, I simply taped the fabric onto the metal so my niece can switch it out if she changes favorite colors again.
• The chain for her hair ribbons, skulls, and foam initial were also on sale at Michael's. I hot glued the skulls in place, and the chain and initial onto strong magnets from JoAnn's.
• The rhinestone accents were some I already had, and came from Michael's. They're also hot glued on.
• The End. Easy Peasy.

I won't say the total cost, because the niece's mom reads this, and also because it will vary from board to board, since not all decorations are equal. I'm just so tickled at how cute it turned out, and really hope the li'l bit likes it. If not...dibs!

In other news, recently, I've run across some items that, while I've formed definite opinions, didn't really warrant whole reviews. Considering it's stocking stuffer season, and these fit that description, I thought I'd give some nutshell overviews of a few of these products:

Urban Decay Lip Junkie: I'm currently obsessed with this product, especially the color "Naked", but there are lots of great lip glosses out there. What makes this special? Well, I looked in the mirror this morning and was actually startled at how much my lips had plumped up since I started wearing this almost daily. It is noticeably different. This is one lip plumper that really does work. And with that, I am now re-evaluating my thoughts on Bigfoot, Nessie, and the Easter Bunny. $19, Sephora.

Olay Total Effects Body Wash: Skip it. It's oily, oddly textured, and broke me out. Plus, it smells weird. Strangely, it has great reviews, but my personal experience (over several weeks) doesn't jive. $6.79, Ulta.

Burt's Bees Sensitive Skin Cleanser and Moisturizer: Tried them both. You know what I said about the Olay? See above and save yourself some trouble. I'd never thrown away full bottles before, but there was no one I disliked enough to pawn them off on. $9.99-$14.99, Ulta. (By the way, I really like Ulta! It's just chance that the two things I didn't like could be found there! I promise!!! We just got an Ulta, and I may move into it!!)

Buxom Amplified Lash Mascara: This is really cool. Because the brush has adjustable lengths, you get three mascaras in one. You can use the long brush for volume, shorten it for length, or use both for length and volume. Ingenious, and with the same great Buxom formula and pigmentation you've grown to love. $22, Sephora.

Lastly, Blogger has decided that I don't have permission to comment on my own blog. I guess I did something wrong, and I'm being grounded. Well, I won't stand for it! I'm rebelling and sharing my comments right here! So there!

Christine: Welcome aboard! I'm so glad you're enjoying the blog, and bless your heart for thinking I'm funny! I hope you enjoy your Unii palette, just please make sure to keep a tissue folded in it. It'll help with shifting during travel, and will also keep dust off the mirror.

Noniek: I really wanted to do some swatches, but the lighting I had to deal with was so bad (as evidenced by the photos I did take) that it seemed pointless. I do plan to go back and add some, though, so please check back soon!

Alrighty! I think that makes up for the long weekend, wouldn't you say?! I hope everyone had a fabulous Turkey Weekend. Stick around for some holiday ideas and gift guides!

Extra, Extra! Read All About It!

Photo Credit: Sephora

BREAKING NEWS! This was totally not what I was planning to post today, but hey, that's life. As of today, Soap & Glory is once again available in the US! 

The adorable Brit skincare line launched online at Sephora.com in the wee hours of the morning, and will be in stores come September. The citrus-scented cult fave left its sparsely stocked Target shelves last Fall, much to the chagrin of its loyal followers. Of course, along with its shop status, prices have increased, and not insignificantly. There seems to be about a five-dollar uptick (give or take) across the board. 

I'm a little sad. This is a brand that's near and dear to my heart. As I said in an earlier post, I gifted some of these items to my bridesmaids when I got married. I trusted only this brand of facial cleansing wipes when I was filming The Night Shift and had to have clear, pretty skin. "Clean on Me" is not only the best body wash I've ever used, but also the smoothest shaving cream never to clog my razor. So, it's not that the line isn't worth the extra cost, it's just that the original point of the brand (which I can no longer find written anywhere...) was to be affordable, and now, that idea seems to have gone out the window. Basically, what I'm saying is that, while I'm thrilled to see this back in the States, I was fine paying Target prices and bringing home a plastic Target bag. I don't have--nor does anyone else I know-- the extra money to shell out, solely, for gift wrapping and a label. Maybe, if I'm really good and eat all my vegetables, Santa will see fit to put some face wipes and body wash in my stocking. 

In other news, my above mentioned movie, The Night Shift, has found a fabulous distributor, and will be available on DVD in the US and Canada (I'm sorry, everyone else) on October 25th! In fact, if you pre-order on Amazon (there's a link on the sidebar, too), there's an option to possibly have it delivered on that day, so you might even have your copy in time for Halloween! Now, I know you're all going to hop right over and order yours immediately, right. Right? 

Lastly, but not least: Hi, Tempest.

Have a great Wednesday!!

Sweet Temptations: Victoria's Secret Attractions Body Care

Spring is a cruel mistress. Down here in Hel--I mean, er, the Deep South--we're already experiencing temperatures in the 80s and humidity so high that you practically need a straw to breathe. It's hot. It's miserable, and it's time to show some skin.

Now, my skin is lily-white, and may cause blindness when looked upon in direct sunlight, but I'll save that rant for another day. Before I could even think about slathering on sunless tanner, I needed to get this parched, scaly mess I call "skin" (and I use that term loosely. "Leather" or "Reptile Hide" might be more appropriate) in tip-top condition. MOISTURIZE ME!!!!!

Just as I began to research all the different lotions and potions available (besides the Jergen's I'm currently using to try to reduce the appearance of cellulite--which is still working, by the way. Yay!), an advertisement for Victoria's Secret Attractions Body Care hit my inbox. For $25, I could pick up three products instore (it's 2/$24 and 3/$30 online, for some unknown reason), get a Secrets Reward Card, and walk away with yet another free tote bag that will collect dust on my closet shelf. Well, shoot, let's do that!

The line is broken down into four collections: Wild One, Sweet Cravings, Glam Goddess, and Love Bitten. Each collection consists of a Daily Body Wash, Indulgent Body Cream, Nourishing Body Lotion, and Fragrance Mist. I decided to get the body wash, mist, and the body lotion. I considered the body cream, but as hot as it gets down here, I worried that it might just end up sliding off of me by the end of the day.

Once I decided on my products, I needed to settle on a scent. Wild One is raspberry and lily, Sweet Cravings is vanilla and praline, Glam Goddess is freesia, and Love Bitten is "forbidden" apple. I can only assume that last one is for the Twi-hards. My gut reaction was to go with Sweet Cravings, but once I sampled it, I realized that was more of a Fall scent. I ended up with Wild One, since I love raspberry, and thought it would go nicely with my Givenchy Hot Couture perfume.

The packaging is precious. All products come in clear bottles, and the lotion boasts a wonderfully convenient pump. There's nothing like trying to squeeze lotion out of tube when your hands are greasy. Each product is labeled with a screenprint of a colorful leopard-print background, edged in black lace. Wild One is pink, Sweet Cravings is a golden cream, Glam Goddess is lavender, and Love Bitten is bright baby blue.

Before I go any further, I feel I should point out that all VS Attractions products contain something called EverTempt. This is basically a synthetic pheremone created from ingredients that, when tested, were found to be the most alluring to men. Out of 40 scents tested, the five that make up EverTempt were proven to create the most, ahem, excitement. This "pheremone" also reacts to your body chemistry for a custom scent that changes as your mood fluctuates. I'm a skeptic, myself, but that's the information. Do with it what you will.

Alrighty, back to the review.

Scent: It's a little chemical for my taste, but not so much that I can't wear it. I just can't wear my Givenchy with it because the raspberry scents will clash. Honestly, though, once you layer the mist over the lotion over the body wash, you don't need anything else. It's a lot of fragrance, but not so strong as to annoy your co-workers. I did find myself re-applying lotion or fragrance mist (not both!) during the day as the scent faded. On the plus side, Thomas said I smelled good. 7 out of 10.

Body Wash: I'm not a fan. I will not "like" this on Facebook. Maybe I'm doing something wrong, but I can not get this to lather, no matter what. I've used hot water, copious amounts of product, held my tongue just so...doesn't matter. All I can say is that it smells nice, and I think it's getting me clean. If nothing else, the pouf I'm using is helping to exfoliate my skin. 4 out of 10.

Body Lotion: Easily my favorite of the group. This is light, so it doesn't sweat off in the humidity, and incredibly moisturizing. I love the way my skin feels after I use it, and that it lasts all day. 9 out of 10.

Fragrance Mist: I really like this, too. It's an easy, quick way to refresh the scent as it fades. It also, as it turns out, makes a lovely air freshener if you happen to turn the nozzle the wrong direction. Not that I would ever do something so moronic. 8 out of 10.

EverTempt: I'm not scoring this. I just, out of curiosity, wondered if it would work. Not that I expected results similar to an Axe Body Spray commercial (in reverse, of course), but I was interested to see if men treated me any differently when I wore these products. Now, I'm a happily married woman with a husband who adores me (I'm a lucky girl), so I'm not, by any means, looking or flirting or anything else like that. I was on the look out for chivalry; common courtesy from the male gender.

I have no idea if this stuff works. Yeah, a couple of gentlemen held doors for me, but that's nothing unusual. I had pleasant conversations with some male friends, but again, that's not new. They're friends, for crying out loud. Most of our conversations are pleasant. What I will say is this product line makes me feel sexier. I feel more attractive, therefore I exude more confidence. If there is anything sexier than confidence, I haven't run across it, yet. Maybe there's something to this EverTempt. Maybe it's the most potent fragrance blend ever invented. Then again, maybe it's one really fantastic placebo effect. I'm banking on the latter, but I'm not complaining.

Final Verdict: 7 out of 10. It's flawed, but makes me happy. If you're a fan of normal VS lotions, give it a shot.