Taliah Waajid Curl Sealer Leave in Conditioner Review

It's Halloween, Halloween...and it's time for me pick some scary movies, make a cup of hot cocoa, and relax. I'm not in area where kids will knock on the door...so I didn't get to see any of the adorable costumes this year- but that's OK. 

Tallish Waajid claims:

Curl Sealer

• Light, alcohol free, and hydrating formula

• Helps to stop frizz and lock in moisture for defined curls

• Dries invisible for a flake-free shine

How to Use:

Apply after Clean-N-Curly™ shampoo. Use on wet hair to set in curls. Use on dry hair to revitalize curls. Avoid combing or fingering through hair for at least 10-15 minutes to help seal in curls and prevent frizz

The Curl Sealer gives best results when not combined with the Curly Curl Cream or Curly Curl Cream Lotion.  The Curl Sealer softly shapes and seals in curls.

What It Does:

Curl Sealer™ helps stop frizz, adds shine, shapes and seals curls. This is the perfect leave-in curl conditioner that never causes unwanted product build-up in your hair, so it can be used as often as needed! Curl Sealer™ offers a light, alcohol-free, conditioning and hydrating gel that helps stop frizz in its tracks. It adds moisture and definition while it shapes and seals in any size or texture for great, lasting curls. Curl Sealer™ dries invisible to give you soft, manageable curls that will shine without ever going flaky on you. It also holds hair in place for styles such as ponytails, pinups and twist outs.

Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Glycerine, Polyquaterium 10 & PEG-14M, Polyquaterium 37, Polysorbate 20, Yarrow Extract (Achillea Millefolium), Jual Extract (Zizpkus Joazerio Bark), Lemon Extract (Citrus Medic Limonum Fruit), Caprylyl Glycol Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum).

I've used a few Taliah products...I can't say I'm a big fan. I hated the Curly Curl Cream but I did really like The Great Detangler and even bought a second bottle before I finished the first. I still have some in my cabinet to help with knots when they arise.  

I figured I should try more of the brand- I think it's black owned. And I know it's woman owned. 

First things first- the smell. I really dislike the scent in her products. It reminds mea fruity laundry detergent. Or a febrile scent.  I usually dislike detergent type scents in anything outside of laundry. I especially don't want it in my hair.

The texture of it is like a gel. You can use it to add definition or slick your hair back. I never slick my hair back so I can't tell you how well it works for that. I mostly just scrunch it through and shake my head around to try and define some curls. Some days it works- some days it doesn't. I think it worked better for me in warmer weather. Now that it's getting cooler, I don't see the definition like I got before. Also...it's heavy on Glycerin so because it doesn't have moisture to pull from the air like it does when the weather is warmer, it seems more drying in the winter. 

I do agree that it doesn't really build up. I don't get flakes...it doesn't sit oddly on top of a leave in I tried. But I didn't test it with more than one leave in. 

It does state on the packaging that it's for curly, kinky, wavy, and coily hair but when I looked it up they mainly show it being used on looser curls.

Overall, it's OK. Better than the Curly Curl Cream....but I wouldn't buy it again. 

Danessa Myricks Lightwork Volume VI Freedom Palette First Impressions

 I have really slowed down on buying palettes- I was really focusing on trying to use up shades rather than always buying more. I only bought two palettes this year- both by Danessa Myricks. Mostly I was drawn to this because I knew this would add something completely new to my collection. Most palettes that come out I feel like I can rock my old shadows and get a similar look. I can already tell you it was worth picking up and I love, love, love these shades! 

I was also super drawn to the packaging and how you can package it up to go and you can re-arrange the pans etc.  It just seems new and different from anything I have ever seen.

Now that I have added this into my collection, I regret not picking up Lightworks 3,4,and 5. But no worries, going forward I think the holiday Danessa palettes will be an automatic purchase for me. No more missing out. 

There are 18 shades. And the glittery, multi-chrome shades are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. Definitely something you have to see in person to really understand. But let's swatch them and talk about them. 

First things first- the swatches do them no justice and they are truly pure magic on the eyes. 

Mini Palette 1: 

Proud- The way this one looks in the pan does it no justice to how it actually goes on. It's a multi-chrome with yellow, orange, and green in it. Really beautiful! 

Rise- Mostly seems like a gold-yellow sparkle shade. Not sure how I am gonna wear it, maybe with some bronze-eyes? 

Higher- A shade that works well with orange eyes...it has some beautiful coral-y red shift to it. I think this will end up being one of my favorites! I love orange on the eyes so I think I will get a lot of use out of it.

Gleaming- Greens always stump me but I wore this yesterday and I LOVE IT! It seems to have some purple flip to it..I mostly see the green though. I just popped some in the center of a bright matte green shadow look and it came out magical looking. I can't get over it and I think I have a new green go-to look. 

Unapologetic- This is a very unique shade- nothing shifty, shimmery, glittery about it...but I think it will make a good one to layer with. I plan to put this one on my eyes today.

Nirvana- I was looking at past swatches from her old palette and one of the shades I really want is called Gaia. This isn't a dupe but close enough that I feel less sad about missing out on that shade. I can't wait to try it on my eyes-I see a lot of colors in it- green, blue, yellow, AND pink. Stunning! 

Mini Palette 2 

Release- I used to hoard my Roadstripe Urban Decay shadow but compared to this- that was nothing special. This seems more of a topper shade- it has flashes of blue and purple and seems like one you add to any blue  or purple look to turn it into something special. 

Free is an unexpected golden orange shade. Looks white and flaky in the pan but it's really something special when you swatch it. It's kinda an odd one out compared to the other colors in this mini. 

Fluid- This is a very textured, bright, vivid blue. These are the hardest colors to pull off for me so I am looking forward to playing with it. If you look closely it seems to have some green shimmer and glimmer and sparkle to it. Not sure if that will translate to the eyes though.

Euphoria- I love, love, love a good purple and this one is beautiful. Seems to have some pink glimmer, shimmer and sparkle. I can't wait to put this one on my eyes. Purples are basically a neutral so we will see how it goes! 

Unbound is probably one of the most boring in a swatch? It's also lighter on the pigment but might be a good one to layer. I am now wowed by this one but may change my mind once I dig in. 

Empowered- A deep purple that looks purple can be hard to find, this one seems to have a blackened undertone to it. Looks pretty swatched but I'll see how I like it once I actually wear it! I think even though it's bit boring it will add something to the other shadows in the palette.

Mini Palette 3 

Dance- I was very excited for this mini because I love pink eyeshadow. I think Dance is pretty but I'm not sure it has enough pigment to look how I want it...but I'll have to see when I play in it. 

Serenity- One of the first shades I wore and I am obsessed. I used it as a topper on a deeper pink/brown look and could not stop staring at how it sparkled! 

Rejoice- Gorgeous multi-chrome. I see green and yellow in it...but the main color is the pink. I cannot wait to wear this one! It's so smooth and pigmented too. 

Joy looks really similar to rejoice...just a different pink base shade. I already know what colors I want to pair this with....I think this one will be another favorite.

Love- I feel like I have similar shades from Urban Decay. These seems like they may need building up...but I am going to hold off judgment until I get them on my eye. I think it will make a great base shade for the other shades. 

Bliss- This one is just slightly different from Love. And again- I do have similar shades already in the collection so it's hard to be excited for it but I am trying to hold off judgement until I get it on my eyes. I can see it working with with some shades in the blue/purple mini.

Overall, I am in love with this palette so far and I cannot wait to throw more of these on my eyelids. I will probably come back and update more as I use each and every shade. 

I really want to get my hands on more of her stuff like the chrome flakes and the multi-chrome liners. But that's for a later order after I use up some more products...possibly sometime next year unless I ask for some of her stuff for Christmas.....

OPI The Spy Who Loved Me

 I'm just sitting around waiting for my buttermilk to come to room temp so I can make some waffles....figured I would do a post while I wait. Continuing on with reviewing all the nail polishes I have in my small collection. 

I'm not the biggest red nail polish fan- but I do think it's necessary to have a least one in the collection. This is my "one." I got this for Christmas years and years ago and was really excited to see it because my all time favorite red nail polish- Ruby Pumps by China Glaze- was running a bit low. I thought this would be a good replacement.

This is a subtle sparkly bright red shade. Seems like the perfect color to wear to a holiday party. And it kinda reminds me of the Rihanna Viva Glam lipstick that came out years and years ago. It's like the same type of red. It does have some gold sparkly in the bottle but not detectable on my nails.

It is a very pretty red- but it's not my favorite. I have been wearing it a lot lately- and it's grown on me. I can happily finish the bottle but it's not something I would seek out again. For sparkly reds I prefer Ruby Pumps. But it was part of a limited edition collection for the James Bond movie so not like I could purchase it again anyway. It was the Skyfall collection and I actually had three polishes from that collection. 

It wears ok. I don't find OPI to wear the very best for me- but nail polish also never lasts on me anyway. I think brands like Essie work better on my nails but for some reason I have mostly OPI. I think because I heard they were the best back in the day and then that's all I bought for a minute. I do love the look of the OPI bottles though- so classic. I also really like their brushes. Makes polishing so easy!

This is a highly pigmented and thin formula so it dries reasonably quick and is very easy and smooth to work with. It can stain so use a base coat. Two coats if you can! 

I do have it on as a pedi color and at first I wasn't sure about it- but I don't mind it actually. It's not my favorite and I prefer wearing other colors but I won't be mad to rotate this one in every couple of months. 

Overall, it's OK. 

Random: I bought this tea a few months ago and it is AMAZING. It has very prominent fruity notes to it and is supposed to be from trees that are over 400 years old. It's Ancient Yunnan from Harney and Sons.

Maja Soap Review

 It's almost Halloween week and I need suggestions for Halloween movies. I didn't do much this week for Halloween- no Halloween candles or anything Halloween themed. I am kinda hoping to pick up some on sale after Halloween.  In the meantime...a soap review. 

Maja soap:

Made with essential oils, they provide a relaxing and sensual sensation during the day, keeping the skin perfumed with a delicious aroma.

• Enriched with glycerin
• Moisturizes the skin naturally
• Sophisticated and elegant aroma
• Since 1918

This soap is a little confusing because it definitely says Espana on the front so I incorrectly assumed it was  made in Spain. Upon looking a little further, I found it is actually made in Mexico. Idk if they used to be made made in Spain and switched production county...couldn't find much about the soap online but it's supposed to be an older classic scent. 

The packaging is so pretty..I love the black and floral design. The soap comes in a box wrapped in tissue paper so the packaging makes it feel a bit fancy. But the price was quite cheap- I only paid 3.49 Euro for it. For the quality...that's kinda insane.

It's a very perfume-y scent. Unique and sophisticated and smells way more expensive than it is. It feels like an experience. It's very powdery and smokey. It slightly reminds me of the Dial Gold Bar soap in a way- just one note of it. I was intrigued by the scent and really enjoyed it but after about three showers with it I was a little tired of it. It might be one better saved and only used rarely or on certain occasions. 

It does stick to the skin a little...and scents the bathroom as it sits there. I love the way it made the bathroom smell. 

The ingredients are interesting. This is probably the first soap I have ever seen to have Mineral Oil. I'm not a big fan of mineral oil but I guess it's ok in a soap. I didn't notice any dry skin- my skin actually feels pretty soft and normal after use.. No dry, ashy, or tight skin whatsoever. I almost thought it was an olive oil soap because of the color- but it isn't. 

Ingredients:

Sodium Palmate, Sodium Cocoate, Zea Mays Starch/Almidón de Maíz (Zea Mays), Perfume/Fragancia [Citronellol, Limonene, Eugenol, Geraniol, Linalool], Lactato de Sodio, Gluconato de Sodio, Aqua/Agua, Paraffinum Liquidum/Aceite Mineral, Cera Alba/Cera de Abejas, Manteca de Butyrospermum Parkii/Karité (Butyrospermum Parkii) Butter, Glicerina, Cloruro de Sodio, Tetradibutil Pentaeritritol Hidroxihi-drocinamato, Ácido Cítrico, EDTA Tetrasódico, CI 77891/Dióxido de Titanio, CI 47000/D&C Amarillo 11, CI 61565/D&C Verde 6, CI 26100/D&C Rojo 17.

Overall, a nice one to experience but I don't think I would repurchase. 

This is random but have you seen the Nomad Speak Easy palette? The theming looks so fun...I would almost have bought it except I really need to try and pan another palette before I go adding more to the collection....

Shalamar

 

Already time for a music post- they come up quickly!  Today we talk Shalamar. I feel like I heard about this group a lot growing up- I even think I actually got to see them as a kid- but I need to fact check that with my parents. 

The song I know best from them is A Night to Remember. I often have this one stuck in my head. 

Another song on my Shalamar playlist- Full of Fire. Underrated song. Has a bit of a disco sound to it.

Important 80's group- can't have an 80's playlist without them! 

Pooka Shea and Olive Hair Butter Review

 My Danessa Myrick Lightworks palette is here! I'm so excited, I just swatched most of them and then shifted my hands here and there to admire all the shifty sparkly shadows. I can't wait to get them on my eyelids. I might have to test them in just a few after I finish this post and I'm hoping to do a first impression post this weekend.

In the meantime I have a hair butter to review. I have actually had it for years and years...it's probably expired and I was going to just use it up and buy another one to review but since this is taking so long to use up, i'm not too sure I will repurchase again now.

Pooka claims:

Shea butter and Olive oil join forces for this powerful hair butter that will leave your hair feeling moisturized and super soft. With the added benefits of Rosemary essential oil which stimulates hair growth and Lavender essential oil to soothe your scalp. A perfect addition to your hair care routine whether you have locs, braids or kinky coils.

Works great in combination with our Hair Nectar. 

Ingredients: Natural Shea Butter, Olive oil, Beeswax, Rosemary & Lavender Essential Oils & Fragrance

I only know about this brand because of my natural-haired friend.  My first year of college she used it and some Carol's Daughter products to twist her hair. She is one of the people that inspired me to finally cut my hair and go natural so I was definitely taking notes of the brands she used. If I remember correctly she said she bought it at Whole Foods. But this was years and years ago. 

The brand stuck with me and when I thought of them again...I went to the site and ordered this and the Hair Oil. I tried them a few times in my hair and completely ignored the directions. I use it in my wash n go and also as a twist out...but they really don't work for me that way. They just feel so heavy. So then after letting it sit I went ahead and read the directions and read it's really meant for the scalp. But it doesn't necessarily mention that on the site. 

The directions on the jar say to apply a pea sized amount to the palm of the hand. Rub hands together to warm butter. Massage butter into entire scalp. Brush to distribute though hair. Repeat 1-2 times per week or as needed. 

I found it worked best just after I washed my hair...I would take a small amount and rub into my finger tips then massage into my scalp. I would be careful to only apply a really small amount. These days I use it as a kinda pre poo. When I am doing nothing and either the night before or at least an hour before I wash my hair-I'll do almost the same thing but take my time to really massage it into my scalp. Because a healthy scalp will grow healthy hair. 

I don't typically ever have scalp problems unless I am using hair products with certain color additives. Or recently I used one of the color waxes for a twist out and it had my scalp a bit itchy. I used some of this the night before I washed my hair and my scalp was back to normal. 

I think it makes a great "pre-poo" and my newest growth has come out feeling so super soft. 

Almost forgot to talk scent...mine does kinda smell like slightly off Shea Butter because I have had it years and years. But it does also have a nice scent. I'm not sure how to describe the scent but...fruity and herbal. I can definitely tell there is Rosemary oil in it. I like the scent. 

And packaging is great-it comes in a glass jar. I can't think of the last time I had a hair butter that came in glass. Makes for easy recycling. It does still have a plastic lid.

The ingredients are also amazing- all natural. Shea, Olive, Beeswax and oils. You could make it yourself but from my experience melting Beeswax is annoying and messy. Unless you have the beeswax pellets.

Overall, I like it. Not sure I would repurchase because I really have to force myself to use it. I would probably take years and years to actually use up another...and I still have quite a bit to use up

Apple Pear Cranberry Tart and Creamy Onion Soup

 Already have another two recipes to post....It's starting to get chilly and I get in the kitchen a lot more once the weather turns.

The first one was an apple, pear, cranberry tart. I kinda modified this a bit and made it into a galette and skipped the crumble to save calories. It was still amazing! I halved the recipe and then ended up making another mini one today. I'm not sure how I feel about the cranberries but they are really good for you so I wouldn't skip them. I always keep cranberries in the freezer throughout the year because I love them so much. Also, this is the first time I have made anything with baked pears and they are so good in a dessert like this! Why did no one tell me? The only thing was the first go I messed up the crust with too much butter and it fell apart....but still tasted amazing.

So this is the picture of it unbaked cause it baked up a mess. Loved it though and highly recommend making it...I'll probably make another one with any leftover pie crusts I have from other things because I always have extra that I chuck in the freezer and then never use.

Next up was Creamy Onion Soup. Got this recipe from my Unofficial Harry Potter cookbook. It's a Molly Weasley original. 

I feel like I've made a ton of onion soups lately. And they are all good and very easy to make. This one was no exception. It has simple ingredients and all you really need is time. 

And that's all for now...until the next post! 

Voluspa Foraged Wildberry Candle Review

I have been burning candles like crazy lately. I guess...it seems I buy them and burn them up so quickly! And I've been trying to limit my burn time as well as rotate but it's not working. But not to worry, I have three more candles in the mail on the way to me. although they are all travel size. 

Voluspa claims:

Notes of Fallen Leaves, Cassis Berry, Wild Blackberry, and Golden Amber.

Capture the moment when the Golden Amber sunlight reaches down through the trees, casting warmth along the edges of a wooded trail. Tread softly on Fallen Leaves as you uncover a tangled maze of plump, ripe Berries. Hit the trail to search out nature’s last offering of the season, Foraged Wildberry.

Made in California 

I always say I am going to take a break from Voluspa but then they drop a new mini candle at Nordstrom and I run to pick it up. It's the perfect try it size and I don't have to commit to a larger sized candle that I may or may not like. 

Especially because I'm not always sure about berry scented candles. 

This smells like a Pine Forest...and Country Time Pink Lemonade....and Berries. The pine smell makes it smell like Christmas. I can't usually pick out the listed notes...but it sounds more sophisticated than it smells.

There are so many candles that I have reviewed and had no idea how to describe what it smells like...so I'm happy I have a description for this. 

The scent throw is fine, it can fill a larger room lightly and if you leave it burning long enough it will linger. I don't much like the lingering scent though.

I love that it comes in a tin, easy to clean out and re-use or recycle. And I love their Coconut Wax...as long as you stay on top of trimming the wick, it burns evenly and cleanly. 

The only thing is I don't love the scent. It's ok, it is a more unique scent,  I have happily burned through it...but I can't see myself purchasing it again. 

I am really interested in trying out their Wicked collaboration candle and once I burn through another one I may just go ahead and order it....

Estee Lauder Turbo Lash Mascara in Black Review

 I have a long list of things to do today and have really only done one of the things on my list- which was wash my hair. Getting this blog post out the way if one of them thought so here we are....

I've tried one Estee Lauder mascara and I forgot what I thought about it so had to go back and check the review. From what I could tell I just thought that was OK. I definitely like this mascara a lot more.

Estee Lauder claims:

Drama. Care. Our best mascara for length and volume

Our fastest building mascara-get to the drama 25% faster.

Our supercharged mascara powered by Estée Lauder science delivers instant-build, high-powered volume and length, plus continuous care. 

92% saw longer, fuller, restored looking lashes.*

Infused with 100% naturally derived** Maracuja, Argan and Castor oils, this formula protects and conditions for visibly stronger, thicker lashes. Fuller. Revitalized. Stand-out.

Plush fillers immediately build volume as they effortlessly glide onto each lash. Whipped texture is infused with microscopic silica spheres to create that instant impact.

12-HOUR POWER

• 12H length, volume and curl-it's our best mascara for length and volume
• Won't smudge or flake
• Resists clumping

I've been using this mascara for a few months now and I have to say I really like it. I think it might make my year end favorites. I like everything about it except the price. $35.00 is STEEP. I know I got it for less than that cause I never pay full price.

The packaging is nice.As you would expect for the price. When I go back to drugstore mascara I can really tell the difference in the packaging. Not that the packaging makes a difference- it's what's inside that matters. But I can certainly appreciate better packaging. 

What I like most about it is that I get a lot of volume and length quickly. I don't have to put multiple coats on or wait for anything to dry to try and layer to try and get the volume and drama that I want. And I always want a lot of drama. I don't love a subtle mascara. Ever. 

I like how black it is. It's not the blackest mascara but black enough. It doesn't look like an off black or anything. It doesn't flake off and wears well throughout the day.

The only slight complaint I have is that because it does create a lot of drama and length it can feel slightly weighted down so my lashes don't get the lift I want. A lash curler can probably help with that but most days I am not curling lashes. And I like to review a mascara based on how it actually performs without the help of a lash comb, curler, etc. 

The brush is very unique. It has shorter bristles and can look clumped up with product but I don't feel like it clumps on my lashes. You can wipe off excess product though I don't find that necessary. 

I guess the reason this has a higher price is that it it supposed to have oils that are good for the lashes. I can't say I have noticed my natural lashes are any longer or thicker but I'm not mad at a more "nourishing" formula. They do also make a separate lash serum which is something I am planning on trying eventually. Might wait til I have a gift card to make the price easier to swallow. 

Ingredients:

Ingredients: Water\Aqua\Eau, Silica, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer, Paraffin, Synthetic Beeswax, Polyisobutene, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax\ Copernicia Cerifera Cera \Cire De Carnauba, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Polyvinyl Acetate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Levulinate, Peg-9 Dimethicone, Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Simethicone, Isostearic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Pvp, Laureth-21, Phenethyl Alcohol, Disodium Edta, Potassium Sorbate, Chloroxylenol, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499) <ILN50227>

I'm a fan and despite the price might repurchase again. I do love trying all the different mascara but if I wanted something I know is going to be good- this is one I would buy again.

It doesn't look as great in the pictures as I feel it looks in real life though. Random but I loved my makeup that day- I went for a Grunge-y green look using Sugarpill Continue Eyeshadow, and the greens from the Viseart Dark Mattes palette - Foret and Olive. 

First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub Review

I just booked my flight back to the states for the Holidays (some of them). I can't wait....I love looking forward to a vacation. In the meantime ...time to do a blog post. I think I only have one more use of this and I need to cut it open so definitely time to review it. I've tried a few things from this brand- and I'm also pretty sure I had a tiny sample of this scrub but I think it was before I reviewed samples.

First Aid Beauty claims:

Exfoliate bumps and chicken skin associated with keratosis pilaris

Works Best For

Normal Skin, Dry Skin, Combination Skin, Oily Skin

Solutions For

Dryness, Dullness, Uneven Texture

A body scrub that sweeps away dry, rough bumps associated with KP, strawberry skin and booty bumps to reveal healthier looking skin that feels exceptionally smooth.

• Safe for sensitive skin
• Fast-acting body scrub uses Glycolic & Lactic acids, at a combined level of 10% AHAs, to help resurface skin’s top layer + Pumice to physically exfoliate
• Helps improve skin’s texture and smooth away bumps, roughness, and scaly areas, also known as chicken skin + buttne
• Allergen-Free, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Nano-Free, Parthenolide-Free

• Sunburn Alert: This product contains Glycolic and Lactic Acids that may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.  

First things first- I don't have KP. But I heard this scrub can get rid of "strawberry" skin. And even though my strawberry skin legs don't bother me I thought I would give it a go because I was in disbelief. IDK if it's because I only had the small size but it doesn't get rid of strawberry skin.

It has both a chemical exfoliant and a physical one in the form of pumice. I do like a pumice scrub because unlike sugar or salt it does not dissolve so you can scrub as long as you wish. I also like pumice because it's not scratchy but does feel like it's exfoliating. The chemical exfoliants are Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid. 

It is really nice and scrubby. And my skin does feel slightly smoother for about an hour after. Lotion goes on smoother and sinks in quicker. But I really feel the smoothness is temporary. I think I was expecting more. 

You do have to be careful to really rinse it- otherwise you will find it stuck in random places.

I bought the 2 ounce size for about $8.00. I like that First Aid Beauty offers small sizes and so many sampler kits so you can really test the smaller sizes before committing to a larger one.

Ingredients: 

Ingredient Highlights

• Pumice Buffing Beads: Natural exfoliating particles that mechanically remove dead cells on skin's surface to reveal brighter & smoother skin.
• Glycolic & Lactic Acids: Alpha hydroxy acids that exfoliate skin and help it appear brighter and improve texture.
• Bisabolol: A botanical extract that helps soothe and calm skin.
• Vitamin E: A vitamin rich in antioxidants that helps condition and soothe skin and stave off environmental aggressors.

Full Ingredients

Pumice, Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Lactic Acid,  Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Palmitic Acid, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sorbitol, Colloidal Oatmeal, Tocopherol, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract,  Bisabolol, Hydrogenated Coconut Acid, Xanthan Gum, Steareth-20, Steareth-21, Myristic Acid, Sodium Isethionate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, EDTA 

                               Overall, it's ok. I can't really see myself repurchasing but glad I got to try out.

Shai

 

Throwing it back to the 90's and one of my favorite groups. If I Ever Fall in Love is one of my favorite songs of all time. I literally have three different versions of the song. And I love every single one!  If I had to pick a favorite I'm going with the A Capella version. 

This is my favorite live performance of the song.

And posting the music video cause why not?

They weren't a one hit wonder for me...I do also love the song Baby I'm Yours. This is my first time hearing that song A Capella...OMG. Beautiful. I think I have goosebumps. 

They were the Brothers With Voices of the 90's. 

L'occitane Osmanthus Perfumed Soap Review

 

 Osmanthus- otherwise known as Devilwood (much more interesting name!) . I don't know much about Osmanthus- except I do remember I had a soap that had it from Lush...and it was very expensive so I figured the oil was expensive. I had a few essential oils with it...also tried out a sample of the Acqua Di Parma scent. Even after using the soap I have no idea what Osmanthus smells like. Except very pretty, and very floral. 

L'occitane claims:

Envelop skin in the elegant, serene aroma of Osmanthus as you cleanse with this solid soap. Crafted with coconut oil, sunflower oil and 99% readily-biodegradable ingredients¹, this formula is a treat for you and the environment.

 

Inspired by the light of the moon, delight in notes of osmanthus, velvety apricot, green freshness and creamy wood.

¹Based on OECD guidelines.

I bought this soap as an Amazon add on. I didn't know Amazon sold L'occitane. And from actual Amazon and not a random 3rd part seller. The only thing was this soap seemed a little more banged up than usual.  I want to try all of the bar soaps they have...and have tried about three so far. This makes four.

It does seem to be the same base soap as the other bars- so lotsa bubbly and rich thick later that rinses clean and doesn't dry my skin at all. 

What's special about it is the scent. It only comes in a tiny size. So 1.5 ounces. It's smaller than the travel sizes from the regular line. I knew it was going to be small, I kinda thought it was a sampler size and you could buy a bigger soap if you wanted but it doesn't come in a larger size. But back to the scent- it's great! Amazing for the low low price of $6.50 until you remember how small it is.

I can't really describe it except to say it smells very floral and very pretty. And just strong enough. I really like the way it smells- the quality of the scent reminds me of a soap you might get from Dior. It even sticks around a bit after you rinse off which is also impressive. 

The ingredients are ok. No palm oil so if you like bar soaps but want to avoid palm oil this could be a good option.

Ingredients:

HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL - COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL - PALMITIC ACID - STEARIC ACID - SODIUM HYDROXIDE - AQUA/WATER - PARFUM/FRAGRANCE - OSMANTHUS FRAGRANS FLOWER EXTRACT - SODIUM CHLORIDE - CITRIC ACID - TETRASODIUM GLUTAMATE DIACETATE - CITRONELLOL - ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE - LIMONENE - CI 77492/IRON OXIDES 

Overall, I think the quality of the soap is great. I think the price is OK too for the scent if you are comparing it to other luxury soaps. But then again if you are just looking at the price vs the size...it can seem overpriced. It really just depends on how you look at it. I kinda think it's a bargain. I do like the scent- not sure I would buy again to use in the shower. But I might buy repurchase to use as a hand soap....

Choco Flan Cake, Honey Garlic Shrimp, and Glass Noodle Stir Fry

 We have officially hit cooler weather which means I'll be cooking more. Mostly I think I will be trying to get a little creative with all the stuff I already bought...gotta do the cabinet and freezer clean out. Also saves money which means more money to spend on fun stuff...

Starting with the choco-flan cake. This has been on my list for a while to make....I was originally planning to make it when I went to the states to visit my family but I didn't really make much of anything. So this just sat and sat. Also I couldn't figure out if I wanted to make the Caveat (Goat Milk Caramel) or if I wanted to buy it.. Ended up making it and was surprised how easy it was...and also how good it is! I was eating it by the spoonful...definitely different from any other caramel I have had. 

I scaled the cake to a six inch size (just halved it really).  I just wasn't sure I wanted a whole 10 inch cake. Also I don't have a cake pan with high enough sides. But anyway...I made the cake part, made the flan...put them together and baked in a water bath. Let it cool an hour...and turned it out. Unfortunately the flan was mostly unset and the caramel did not come out perfectly, it stayed in the pan. I did try the cake that day and almost threw it out...the cake part was too espresso tasting and the flan tasted like egg that first day. But I'm glad I did not throw it away because after a day in the fridge some sort of magic happened and the cake had the perfect coffee chocolate flavor with the best flan I have ever had. I ate the whole cake over the three day weekend and wish I had more. It was an ugly- but delicious cake.

Next up I made Honey Garlic Shrimp. It's been a minute since I made any shrimp and honey garlic sounded amazing...I just googled a random recipe and did my own thing. Next time I think I would add Bourbon....

 

And last up I had some Glass Noodles hanging out in the cabinet for months and months and figured I would use them up. I just threw some veggies I had in the fridge in along with soy sauce and sesame oil and a few other things. Added some chicken and there it is....I should make this more often. 

Can't wait to jump into the next couple of recipes.....