Gels/Soaps -Dr. Bronner's - dr bronners assorted scented castille soaps
Kelly9 12/28/2010 2:27:00 PM
This is a staple in my home, for so many uses. I dilute it in a foaming soap pump for washing hands, or diluted in a bucket to wipe down surfaces in the house. A dash of this combined with a sprinkle of baking soda or Bon Ami cleanser will make a delicious smelling bath and shower scrub (even on shower doors). A squirt in the toilet is great for swishing out the bowl. Tea tree Dr. B's in a squirt bottle with water is a great antiseptic for cleaning hard surfaces also. Grated Eucalptus bar (combined with washing soda and borax) is a great homemade laundry powder. Straight Dr. B's liquid is a fantastic stain pre-treater as well. Take a small bottle with you camping and you can wash your body and your dishes, a little goes a long way. I have used this to brush my teeth (just a drop, keep it off your tongue) and it is okay. I've read that using soap to brush your teeth is good for them anyway, removing oils that prevent your saliva from helping re-mineralize your teeth, and being gentle on gums. (If that sounds up your alley, just google tooth soap for more info.) I don't prefer using this straight in the shower, but my DH does. I like using the bar version in the shower since there's no question about proper dilution. While I do get in the mood to use this in the shower, I mainly prefer it for cleaning.
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -Dr. Bronner's - Dr. Bronners & Sun Dogs Magic Body Lotion - All Scents
Kelly9 12/28/2010 2:02:00 PM
The peppermint version of this lotion is cooling, just like the famous Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap, although not as much. The minty scent is also less sinus opening, but is soft and minty like opening a box of peppermint leaf tea. Doesn't linger very long. Everytime I use it, my toddler starts begging for Tic-Tacs. The texture of the lotion is unusual, as others have mentioned. It is runny and slippery and stays that way while you are rubbing it in, then magically the extra moisture evaporates. It is smoothing and softening, but not smothering like the silicone based lotions on the market. In summertime, this is wonderful. Nice in the winter too if you get dressed right away afterward. I love Dr. Bronners as a brand, and this lotion is a nice addition. I only wish that it came in an unscented version. I have used this on my face, which was fine. Main ingredients on the lotion are oils--coconut and jojoba (along with avocado and hemp) which a lot of people use on their face anyway, with success. The con, though, is that it stings on freshly shaved legs.
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Fragrances -Guerlain - Samsara
Kelly9 12/16/2010 10:31:00 PM
Owned this way back when, when I was 19 and didn't know anything about perfume houses, notes, etc. I loved the warm sandalwood scent, and had to track it down after smelling it on a lovely woman. I wore it for a while, but ended up giving it away. Craving this one intensely lately, so bought a new bottle. While I know Guerlain now substitutes its natural sandalwood with synthetics, I still find it brings back fragrant memories and is close enough to satisfy the craving. I own the modern EdT, and it does start off rather aggressively floral. I agree with other reviewers that say to apply this 30 minutes before leaving the house! After the floral notes calm down, a sweet woody floral just emmanates warmly from the skin, similar to the way the little halo of light surrounds a candle's flame. Wonderful longevity with light sillage with just one spritz. Peaceful, yet persistant, presence. If you want the candle's glow, go with just one or two sprays. More than that and your fragrant aura will fill a larger radius, so careful ladies. The synthetic qualities do seem more pronounced if I spray on clothing. But on skin, its a stunner. Editing: Thought I should add that the older versions of Samsara and possibly Shalimar, which from what I hear used better or real sandalwood, would give me huge headaches. Both, in their current formulations, are perfect for me and don't cause migraines.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Estee Lauder - Azuree
Kelly9 10/26/2010 6:50:00 PM
Azuree defies description. This is the fragrance I've consistently complimented others on, and the only two women I've smelled it on would be considered eccentric for the time and place. The memory of its fragrance has stayed with me for 20 years, and I just finally decided to go and buy some. At 35 USD, it is pretty cheap. And I love that Estee Lauder: A. still offers it B. hasn't changed it one bit as far as I can tell C. hasn't raised the price to compete with other department store fragrances. The bottle, as others have mentioned, isn't the most beautiful, but it is heavy and solid and spells good quality. Even the simple box it comes in is nice and sturdy. It isn't sweet, it isn't soapy, or dry, or overly mossy. What it is, though, is herbaceous and fresh, and reminds me of the beach somehow from when I was a kid. Not the suntan oil and coconut beach scent, but a fresh clean air that I can't quite describe. I've also seen it listed as a leather chypre. Estee Lauder online lists these notes: Basil, Jasmine, Citrus, Armoise, Vetiver, Rose, Patchouli, Moss, and Amber. I'd say it is a walk on a cool sunny day, and you're carrying a leather handbag and wearing a jingly golden coin charm bracelet. Could be worn by a man as well.
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - Fifi Chachnil
Kelly9 10/7/2010 10:29:00 PM
I have just nearly finished 2 decants of this scent, and am planning a full bottle purchase when I have the available funds. Fifi is a little sweet, a little floral, a little spicy, and lots of smooth creaminess and powder. I get that "plastic" note others have talked about, but it is plastic in the way Johnson's baby lotion is--pink, creamy, and slightly plasticy. There's a gorgeous humid floral heart, one I can detect in other scents (like Shalimar) that I always wanted *more* of, and I get that with Fifi. I do smell a little tobacco, and the fresh zing of coriander. Interesting and comfortable. They drydown is sexy amber (like other reviewers have said: Must de Cartier and Obsession) which becomes a honeyed powder in its last breath. The staying power is good, but it requires an extra spritz halfway through the day. I love the balance of masculine and feminine; like a pretty woman in a fuzzy angora sweater with red lipstick, wearing a men's watch and holding a cigar. This could be my HG!
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Skincare - Body -Guerlain - Shalimar Dusting Powder
Kelly9 6/21/2010 1:54:00 PM
I passionately love Shalimar, but this powder is just "meh". It smells good, but it is *very* light in fragrance. It is pleasant enough to use; nice texture, makes skin feel nice, etc. but I feel it is too expensive for how lightly scented it is. When I say light, I mean it smells good in the box but undetectable once you put it on. I'm sure through the years there have been many versions of this; I bought my box of powder from Macy's last year, and the powder is a peachy color. I'll use mine up but won't repurchase.
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Fragrances -Guerlain - Eau de Shalimar
Kelly9 6/1/2010 8:01:00 PM
Eau de Shalimar, to me, is a love child between Jicky edt and Shalimar. Eau de Shalimar opens with the usual Shalimar bergamot, but here it is crossed with a fresh lime and some herbal lavender. (Lavender isn't listed in notes, but I'd swear it is there.) This herbal freshness with light citrus reminds me very much of Jicky edt. It is clean and starched, and perfect for summer. The vanilla and iris arrive together, creating a balance between smooth and powdery clean. You can't quite say this is a vanilla or citrus scent, it just is a nice blend. Lasting power is really good, one spray gives me hours of wear and I don't have to put my nose to my wrist to enjoy it. I have Eau de Shalimar on one arm, and modern Shalimar edt on the other arm: the original's vanilla smells brown, thick, decadent, with incensey spices. Eau de Shalimar's vanilla is clean and white with little vanilla bean flecks. The packaging conveys the scent well, IMO. Clear bottle, white box. Clear drops of lavender essential oil and lime juice, with white irises and vanilla bean. Definately a Guerlain from start to finish, and a good choice for me for summer. If you like Jicky and Shalimar, you should give it a try.
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Burt's Bees - Radiance Night Creme
Kelly9 3/27/2010 10:14:00 AM
If you have used anything by Burt's Bees before, then you aware that each product is strongly or uniquely fragrant and you either like it or you don't. I like the Baby Bee line, and have used some of their face creams in the past. I expected a big scent, but the night cream was totally different than I expected. Opening the jar impressions: Shampoo is in here! Looks like shampoo, gooey and pearly colored. Smells like shampoo. Not some kind of naturally scented shampoo, but some kind of L'Oreal concoction. Not what I expect from Burt. Okay, if it works I can live with that. It feels okay to use, but the moisture level is not there for me. I need something heavy duty and penetrating; this cream isn't quite it. If your skin is normal and you want something protecting for night time, and you don't mind heavy fragrance, then this is for you.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Cerave - Hydrating Cleanser
Kelly9 3/1/2010 11:53:00 AM
Many thanks to those on the skincare board who recommended Cerave cleanser to me. This cleanser is like Cetaphil in texture, but where Cetaphil left me feeling with a burning sensation and a greasy after feel, Cerave feels absolutely easy on the skin and washes completely away. There is no lather with this cleanser, rather a lubricating surfectant that you just rub over skin in circles then rinse. I find it removes my mascara well without stinging my eyes, although I have to rinse most of the mascara first in water before soaping it up. The only con I have found is it is not an exfoliating cleanser, and I could see my skin looked a bit congested on the nose. Washing with a baby washcloth and Cerave together fixes that problem. Cerave is great on hands also.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -LUSH - Karma Dusting Powder
Kelly9 3/1/2010 11:41:00 AM
I love to use dusting powder, so I have matching versions to all my favorite fragrances. In the Texas summers, powder really does the trick at keeping a lady's skin fresh and clean feeling. And LUSH's powders have a lot of devoted fans. So after getting hooked on Karma Kream, I ordered this and the spray fragrance to complete the experience. While some say the powder is grittier than some of LUSH's other powders, I didn't find that this was all that bad. The scent does seem to be a little heavier on the camphor/pine than its Karma scented counterparts. But I find that only adds to its cooling and freshening properties. My latest favorite way to use the powder: A little powder sprinkled between my sheets before I make the bed, followed by a tiny spritz of Karma on the comforter when I'm finished. I will definately buy this again. Of course, the package is crummy like others have mentioned, which is why I deducted a lippie. Just don't poke down that plastic flap all the way and that seems to help control the mess.
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Fragrances -LUSH - Karma
Kelly9 3/1/2010 11:33:00 AM
After getting hooked on Karma Kream, I decided to spring for a bottle of the actual perfume. When I recieved it (in the mail, as I do not have a LUSH nearby to sample) I was a bit disappointed. My first spray seemed like strong lemon and stayed that way for a bit. Nothing like the smooth and slightly creamy incense I expected. I learned, however, that this is one of those scents better enjoyed from a slight distance than right up close, as in my common posture (nose-to-wrist, LOL). I began to use it as a room spray and when I walked into my room, it smelled like the Karma I was used to. So after changing my application technique to the spray-and-walk-through method, and letting go of my immediate expectations, I have learned to really enjoy my bottle of Karma. And as a sidenote, there really is something in here that is reminiscent of Shalimar, another favorite of mine. I say yes to repurchasing this one, though a little of this goes a long way.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lotions/ Creams -LUSH - Karma Kream
Kelly9 3/1/2010 11:20:00 AM
Yummy. Karma Kream is a delicious, comforting, creamy concoction that is supposed to smell like orange and patchouli, pine and lavender; and reminds me a bit of Nag Champa incense when its ingredients are combined. For those who've tried Karma products and want a comparison, it is more "creamy" smelling as if there is a touch of vanilla to it. Less "orangey" than the bubble bar or the soap. Less "lemony" and smoother than the pure fragrance spray. Less camphor/pine in it than the powder. Hands down, my favorite way to wear Karma. Aside from its great scent, the moisturizing properties alone make this well worth the price and effort to obtain (no LUSH store nearby, so I have to pay their shipping rates which can be expensive). The texture: thick, smooth, very rich. Moisturizes all day. The scent clings to clothes longer than it will on your actual skin, which is very pleasant. Do be aware that this product is handmade, though, and like the other reviewers mention, there may be some batch variances which might make your Karma Kream experience a bit different than mine.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Estee Lauder - Sensuous Velvet Body Creme
Kelly9 8/12/2009 11:51:00 PM
This creme is such a lovely sensory experience. The frosted glass jar and ribbed copper colored top is heavy and is fitting for a much more expensive product. The creme is buttery and thick, and smells amazing. It doesn't leave skin moisturized as much as it smoothes, and it has tiny little sparkles that won't leave you glittery, just a bit of a sparkle if the light hits your skin just the right way. A little goes a long way since it is extremely fragrant. Very luxurious to use. The scent: When I put this on, it starts off very fruity. The EdP didn't make me think of this, but the creme reminds me of Chanel's Allure. Not suprising, since they share some of the same notes: Mandarin, magnolia, jasmine, and each feature a type of lily. I put this on my shoulders, decollete, elbows, knees and ankles after a shower and it melts right in. Then all day I keep noticing a wonderful soft woody scent floating around me, like DK Black Cashmere. Gorgeous! And a compliment getter. *love it*
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Estee Lauder - Sensuous
Kelly9 8/8/2009 1:29:00 PM
If you are perfume collector, then you know what it means to have the perfume you wear everyday, and the perfume you save for special occasions. For me, EL Sensuous is in the first category. It is super easy to wear, anytime, anywhere. Great to give a fragrant lift in the morning, catch gentle whiffs of it during the day, and a cozy scent to fall asleep wearing. It isn't super expensive, niche, hard to obtain, or even extremely unique. But even though it is a mainstream fragrance, it isn't what I imagine as "trendy". The scent: opens with an almost Hershey's Milk Chocolate funky sweetness. It doesn't really smell like chocolate, but if you think Hershey's when you spray it on, you'll know what I mean. Then it calms into the molten woods everyone mentions. That is the part that makes it so wearable, and I can understand the comparisons to Chaos and especially Samsara. Lasts longer in clothes and on hair, but provides skin with a delicate warmth. The kind of perfume that begs for hugs. Classic EL quality, as well. While some might not be crazy about the packaging, I adore its simple round shape, the fingerprint-type lines, and pinky peach color. Like a drop of dew over skin. So for me it is not an all time favorite or a stellar masterpiece in perfumery, but I reach for this over and over because of its ease in wearing. And I know that it is an addiction that won't break the bank.
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Shampoo -Thierry Mugler - Angel Celestial Shampoo
Kelly9 6/26/2009 11:32:00 AM
If you like finding a hint of Angel on a scarf or sweater you've worn, you'll love the way your hair smells after using this shampoo. It's a weird pearly blue-green color (maybe because I've had mine forever?) and creates a rich, dense lather with only a small amount. Rinses clean and my hair is then shiny and smells sweet and warm, but not over the top "perfumey".
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