Butter London Signature Glass Cuticle Pusher Review

I really need to paint my nails...I just need to find a good movie or show to watch before I get started. I went through a moment of buying all the things I need to do any at home mani because I don't get my nails done.  I thought about getting a pedicure for a brief moment too but ultimately just bought the stuff to keep doing it myself. The most convenient place to me charges about 60 euro which is insanely high for something that only lasts a few weeks at most.

Butter London claims:

Benefit

Preps nails for a professional-looking at-home manicure.

Made in China

I already have the tools I need but I saw a set on Macy's that had the cuticle remover and thought having a backup set of tools would be a good thing to have. I was especially interested in the glass cuticle pusher. Glass files are a dime a dozen but this was completely new to me. 

And I like it. I'm glad to have it in my arsenal. It's easy to push your cuticle back and also get a little exfoliation because sometimes cuticle tissue is sticky. I can use this on my fingernails and skip a liquid cuticle remover. It makes it easy to get everything back. I think a metal one is still good for pushing the skin but this is great for the actual cuticle. 

It has a little sleeve to keep it safe. I've had it for awhile now and have managed to not break it. 

The other end can be used to scrape any dirt from under the nails...I don't normally use that side since I tend to pick under my nails but usually my nails don't attract a lot of dirt since I keep my nails short. 

Overall, I'm glad to have it in my collection. I love my metal pusher....but every now and again this is handy to reach for! I recommend the gift set if you can find it because it made the price so much better than purchasing alone.

I like it, glad to have it in my nail tools...

Murray and Lanman Florida Water Cologne Review

 What a drive home! The fog was so bad I could barely see more than two feet in front of my car. I hope it all goes away soon..it really only was good for a super spooky Halloween. 

Florida and Lanman claims:

Florida Water by Lanman & Kemp is a Citrus Aromatic fragrance for women and men. Florida Water was launched in 1808.

I heard about Florida Water when I was reading about Lucille Ball. It was supposedly one of her faves- she even was said to request it after her last surgery before she passed away. I don't know how true that was but since I read that, I wanted to get my hands on it. I didn't know of a retailer so I ordered it when I was in the states off Amazon and brought it back with me. It actually came in a pack of two and I just gave the extra one to my sister. She said she likes it so that's good.

The packaging is plastic- I think it was probably originally glass though. The label looks like it might be the original.

I incorrectly assumed Florida Water had something to do with Florida. Or was made in Florida. Not true. 

It's basically an American version of European style colognes. It smells like citrus...and spice. And for some reason really reminds me of mouthwash.

I don't really like wearing it. It also doesn't last anyway so I have mostly been using to mop the floors. And scent my DIY cleaning sprays. Would probably be cool as a fleshing room spray as is too.

The scent is also linked to spiritual/practices and the scent is largely believed to channel good vibes. 

Overall, fun to try. I love experiencing beauty products that have been around a long time. Supposedly this is the same formula that was produced in 1808... Fun to try but I definitely prefer more modern scents.

Dermalogica Body Hydrating Cream Review

 The dry skin season is upon us and as usual, I am trying to be moisturized this season. I haven't really had dry skin in awhile though, not unless I am using something that really dries my skin. I thought I would start experimenting with higher end body creams- just to see if there is something my skin is missing. Also I have heard such great things about Dermalogica I just really wanted to try something from them. I can't really justify more skincare at the moment so this was it.

Dermalogica claims: 

Smooths, conditions, and hydrates 

The Dermalogica Body Hydrating Cream is an oil-free body lotion for all skin types and skin conditions. It improves the smoothness of the skin, reduces inflammation, has a soothing effect and smoothes the skin. The Body Hydrating Cream revitalizes the skin, it has an intensive smoothing effect and intensively moisturizes the skin.

Advantages
- oil-free body lotion
- revitalizes and smoothes
- reduces inflammation, soothes

- intensively moisturizes the skin

 Made in the USA

This is a pricey cream....I managed to get it slightly cheaper at $32.00.  I can already tell you I don't think it's worth that price. 

I've had it a few months (since April)  and I haven't really used it consistently. Just as needed and I still have quite a bit left so I guess I can say it lasts quite awhile. I still have about a quarter left and at the rate I use it at, I probably won't finish it will next year. 

It does work...sinks in quickly, rubs in easily, and is hydrating enough. I do notice it keeps my hands less dry throughout the day when I use this at the start of my day.  I don't encounter a lot of creams that do that so I do love that about it.

It does mention Lavender Oil...and Patchouli. So I was expecting something along that scent family. It smells like lemongrass though. I'm not the biggest fan of Lemongrass. It's ok in the shower but I don't prefer it in leave on products. It just clashes with anything else I put on after like perfumes. But then again..the scent isn't strong nor does it linger noticeably. 

My skin seems normal after use. Can't say I can see a difference in my tone or smoothness. But I do feel like my skin seems hydrated for 24 hours.

The packaging is very nice. You get a sturdy bottle with a nice pump. It would probably be a nice bottle to keep and refill with any of those refillable pouches so many companies are offering. Except of course Dermalogica. It does also come in a box but I think I already threw it out.

The ingredient list is LONG. I was thinking since it was more on the pricey side it wouldn't have Dimethicone in it...but it does. Dimethicone is an ingredient I prefer not to be in my lotions but is in ALL of them.  Other than that it does have some goodies lower down in the list, lots of essential oils that do the skin good! 

Ingredients:

Water/Aqua/Eau, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Cetyl Caprylate, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Diheptyl Succinate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, PEG-100 Stearate, Potato Starch Modified, Polysorbate 85, Dimethicone, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Lactic Acid, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/ Leaf/Stem Extract, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Symphytum Officinale Root Extract, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Geraniol, Citral, Linalool, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol.

Overall, it's not bad. I would just prefer a different scent. Otherwise it is pricey but if you break it down by how long I have had it, it's not THAT expensive. I can't see repurchasing it though....

Capri Blue Honeydew Crush Candle Review

One more post because I don't think I will have time tomorrow...and this is one I wanted to review this week. I haven't had a Capri Blue candle in a minute...but I saw this on sale and I can't resist a sale. Plus I was curious about the scent of Honeydew in a candle.

Capri Blue claims:

Our juicy fragrance will leave you feeling refreshed and sun-kissed. Indulge in the perfectly ripe notes of honeydew nectar, grapefruit, green apple, violet leaves and peony blossom.

I have burned through a couple of their candles and so far Volcano is definitely my favorite. Even when put against their newest fruity candle- Honeydew Crush. When I first received it, I gave it a sniff and it smelled a little bit generic but like it uses great quality oils. I couldn't pick up the Honeydew on cold sniff. But when I started burning it I got notes of a ripe and juicy honeydew. It doesn't smack you in the face- but it's there. And it smells pretty authentic. It still is a generic scent but generic scent with honeydew. It's a nice daytime fruity and fresh candle.

It has a decent throw...but the throw has decreased as I have burned the candle down. 

I do like this smaller size- in the past I kept buying the larger jars. As long as the room is warm enough it does burn alright. I do use a little foil to help it along though. I like to make sure my candles burn to the edges so that way I am burning rather than wasting the wax. 

The candle itself is a paraffin and soy wax blend. I haven't had issues with it smoking but the wax has gotten a bit discolored. I don't mind a paraffin/soy candle. Or at least not this mixture. Some of them can give me breathing issues or make me feel unwell but Capri Blue's mixture does not.

This was a candle where it was nice to experience once- I don't think I will ever smell a candle with a hint of actual authentic melon. I think it's a hard scent to get right.  But I would rather try the other scents or repurchase Volcano rather than repurchase this one. I did also buy Havana Vanilla and Paris so those reviews are coming up soon. And I do really want to get my hands on Blue Jean.

Shanice

 

Time for post number two...Shanice! Underrated singer from the 90's.

My all time favorite Shanice song- I love Your Smile.  This one is always in my heads- and who doesn't love a nice smile? Her hair looks so pretty and voluminous, it's making me want to straighten and chop off my own hair. 

Next song is Silent Prayer. It's not a Christmas song but for some reason it's in my Christmas playlist. I think I get it confused with another duo that Johnny Gil has that is a Christmas song.  Voices just flawless and so beautiful. Also the lyrics...

Last song is Turn Down the Lights....Oooh I love this song! Shanice had pipes.. They do not make voices like this anymore. I think I do like the rhythm of the recorded version a bit better...but listening to it live is literally magic. 

One of the many artists that made 90's R&B special.

Mango Pineapple Chutney And Peach Julius

 I have a few posts to knock out on this cold Friday night. Mostly because I need to get my shopping list together for when I run to the grocery store tomorrow....

Starting with mango chutney. I don't think I have had a mango chutney for years and years- maybe the last time I went to an Indian restaurant? It's been a few years though. I didn't know you could make it. And I didn't know it was so easy to make! I liked this one and had it with salmon rice and veggies a couple of times. I also used quite a bit of it to add some flavor to  chickpea curry I made. I didn't take a picture of the curry. But I did get a pic of it with the salmon. I think if I made this again I would use crushed pineapple...I would add more seasoning. And I would add more cayenne (I used cayenne instead of crushed red pepper. 

And last thing I made was a Peach Julius. Peaches are not in season so I did use a mixture of frozen and canned peaches. It was so good I will probably make another one tomorrow! Idk why I don't make this type of stuff all the time. It would probably be easy to add spinach too. I don't have any in the fridge this week though...so maybe next time I made one. I probably need to buy prettier glass to serve them in....

That's all! This was definitely the week of all the orange/yellow fruit for me....