2025 Beauty Faves

 This is one of my favorite posts to do- and yet I put it off because it takes so long. I basically come through my posts from last year and pick out my favorite products. I also do the one products I hate at the same time to save myself some time. 

I think I had a pretty good year- but honestly I never know until I finish the post.

1. Plant Therapy Fresh Meadow Blend- I don't know if I will come across this brand again but this is such a fresh, unique, and pleasant blend. It really smells like a freshly brewed cup of Jasmine Green Tea. 

2. Pre De Provence Rosemary Mint Bar Soap- I love trying new soaps. Of all the things to try it is my favorite. I tried a lot of soaps from this brand because I had a sampler pack.  I found their soaps to mostly be OK- except the Rosemary Mint bar. It isn't just your standard Rosemary Mint scent- it is a sophisticated scent with the perfect amount of Rosemary and Mint. Best iteration of the scent I have come across.

3. Aveda Cherry Almond Leave in Conditioner- This makes my hair unbelievably soft when I straighten it. And it smells good! Bonus: it has heat protection and no silicones.

4. Lush Scan Me for Scares Shower Gel- Smells like my beloved Roasting Chestnuts shower gel from Lush . I love that scent and this is identical or so similar it's a perfect stand in.

Honorable Mention- Lush Grass. I super enjoyed this. It's a very unique and fresh scent. 

5. Alaffia Black Soap- I loved using this on my face. I went through three bars of this. It's not authentic African Black Soap but it's nice. 

6. Poppy and Pout Marshmallow Creme Lip Balm- I love these balms. I especially love that the packaging is plastic free and easily recycled. I also have the pomegranate peach scent- both yummy scents. Can't go wrong with them...I want to try them all! 

7. Danessa Myricks Lightwork V- I'm so glad I was able to get my hands on this. I bought the newest iteration and this one is definitely the favorite of the two. I think it just has more fun colors. And the flaky blue shade is LIFE. 

8. The Unbrush- Changed my life as far as detangling. I was slow to try it thinking it was hype but this one was worth it! 

9. Fresh Soaps- I find the Fresh soaps to be very, very nice. The shape, the packaging, the scents. They aren't overpowering and are more subtle but so far every single one I have tried I have mega enjoyed. I wish they would bring back the Patchouli so I could try it. My faves are the Waterlily, Freesia, and Citron. 

10. Apto Turmeric Mist- Love the packaging, the price, the ingredients...just everything about this. Makes the skin glow! 

I'm kinda surprised, I thought we would have a lot more but I think that's it. Ten favorites. I tried a lot of different brands this year- a lot of candle brands and I definitely found a lot of stuff I really like. But I guess just not favorites! The standards for these year end favorites is high.

I'll probably be back to post the opposite of this list in a few days. For now. I really can't keep my eyes open. So I'll probably some tea- wash my makeup off and drift off to Dreamland. 

Tamia

 

It's that time for a music post again- today we talk Tamia. I remember back in the days when we went to the stores and bought actual CD's I kept coming across her album. Every time I went to the store- I made  beeline to the CD's. I loved looking at the album covers and really taking the time to ponder if I wanted to blow my allowance on one. You always took a chance on if you would like more than just the single. I also spent more time listening to any album I purchased over and over again. Although I kept picking it up...I never bought it. And I really should have because when I finally came across her music- loved it! 

We will start with the first Tamia song I remember hearing- Stranger in my House. I remember finally listening to the live version and being blown away- her range, her pitch..PERFECT! Wow. She sounds just like the record- but it's live. I'm probably going to go and watch all live versions of the song now.

Next up, Can't Get Enough of You. This one specifically got me through so many of my solo road trips in my early driving days. It would always come on in the last of my road trip and I would replay this song a billion times and just about bust my ear drums out.

Next, Stuck with You. I always forget this one until it starts playing. Then I fall in love in love with it all again. The way she sang this...This unplugged version is everything. I wonder why she didn't' release this one as single. 

Then we have Officially Missing You. I never skip this song. 

No live performance for this---- what a bummer.  Very obviously Babyfaced penned. The lyrics can you make some type of way- if you're single. 

Was You Put a Move on My Heart her breakout song? In my head it was. Not that the other songs don't show her vocal abilities- but this SHOWCASES her voice. She is too talented.  And everyone should have stood up!  This cements her as a legend- because I don't know any other singers that could even touch her vocals on this.

Tamia on a track with a prominent sax? Yes please! I love her version of Careless Whisper. 

I saved the best for last. A lot of these are of my favorite, favorites. But So into You in my favorite, favorite, favorite. I first heard this song when Fabulous sampled it...had no idea it was a WHOLE SONG. As soon as I did...DOWNLOAD. I really love the stripped down versions of this song (Jac Ross' version in particular).  Beautiful lyrics. 

Such an underrated vocalist/artist. Her voice is definitely top 10 for me, if not top 5. 

Banana Cake with Macadamia Nuts and Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

 It's already that time for another foodie post. I started off this am making some whole wheat banana blueberry pancakes- just kinda winged the recipe. And they came out really good. I had a banana that was really about to go bad.

These are the recipes I didn't wing...kinda.

I feel like banana bread recipes always pop up for me. Every food blog their first recipe tends to be Banana Bread. Technically this is banana bundt cake but I didn't feel like making it in a bundt pan. And I wanted to half the recipe. I made a few other changes like adding the macadamia nuts- they bake up really strange in bread. The texture gets a little soft and crumbly. I think I prefer pecans or walnuts but I'm glad I tried something different. I also used wheat flour and I swapped out some of the butter for oil.  And I almost forgot I used less sugar- about 3/4 cup. And added a ton of vanilla extract. The final bread was amazing...but could have used an extra banana. 

Then I made a sun dried tomato pesto. I also made a few changes here- forgot to buy tomatoes so I used tomato paste. Used dried oregano instead of fresh. I couldn't find sun dried tomatoes in oil so I just used the dried stuff and added extra olive oil. I love pesto- especially homemade. Anything is a jar will not compare.  Also added extra garlic. This was just like a basil pesto but with some tomato flavor. So easy to make and so good. I originally started it in the Vitamix and then switched to the food processor because it just wasn't processing since I halved the recipe. I think I'll have plenty leftover to put in the freezer to eat another week.  Served with pasta and chicken bites. Yum!  This recipe is similar but exact to the one in my Vitamix book.

And that's all...it was a good week for me as far as recipes go! 

Nudy Rudy Killa Vanilla Soap Review

Back today with a Nudy Rudy review. I bought four of them at a time- and kinda wish I hadn't since I am not a fan of their soaps. 

Nudy Rudy claims:

Just a tony teaspoon of real vanilla gives this puck its warm, vanilla-y energy. The subtle blend of Shea Butter balances out the sweet making this the perfect soap for just about everybody. long, lasting, triple milled, and made by Aussie's with love.

Unique Scents, Sustainably sourced,  No Harsh Chemicals 

Made in Australia 

In bath and body everything is vanilla scented- except soap. I never come across a straight up vanilla soap. Vanilla mixed with patchouli, rose, lavender, orange, peppermint, and all sorts of stuff but never on its own.  I have tried a a few vanilla shower gels though- Lush American Cream,  and Body Shop Vanilla Shower Gel- which is long discontinued.  I think thats really all for vanilla shower products. 

We will start off with the scent- it smells pretty good before you get it in the shower. It really reminds of of another soap I tried  years ago- Pistachio and Goat Milk.  It even kinda lingered around the bathroom and made it smell amazing.

The problem is when you go to use it-  there is this underlying scent of hot dog water, sausage, or BBSo it has a vanilla meat smell when you get it wet. Not pleasant. Now that I'm down to the last little sliver- that scent has largely gone away but I had to wait til the last little bit and that is not ideal.

I've been basically letting it melt when I use it...and using it excessively because I dislike it so much. It can be kinda drying- the last few times I've gotten out the shower my hands have been SO dry. 

Ingredients are simple- I like that there is Shea and Vanilla Extract. Whenever I see Shea I always wonder if they are paying fair trade prices...they don't mention it on the site but just something that crosses my mind.

ingredients: 

Sodium Palmate*, Sodium Palm Kernelate*, Aqua*, Sodium Gluconate*, Fragrance, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Palm Acid*, Glycerin*, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract*, Sodium Chloride*

Overall, like all the other soaps I've tried from the brand it missed the mark for me.  

Cinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara Review

I just finished watching a video that details all of Liz Taylors jewelry. That's my current kinda obsession I guess. I treated myself to a new ring and now I kinda want to find some other rings to create a nice stack. I've been working on that for the last 6 or so years and I'm still only on ring three. It takes me just about forever to pick something I truly want- so maybe in another two years I'll find something else. In the meantime, jewelry vids just keep popping up. I watched the entire video and I never knew jewelry could be so opulent. Her collection was insane. Usually I always think that type of jewelry is too  much but I really like the way she styled hers.

Anyway...today we talk mascara. 

Clinique claims:

See 230% more volume, instantly, with an ultra-pigmented, fiber-infused eye mascara that amps up lash volume to the max.* 

Dermatologist tested. Ophthalmologist tested. Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Allergy tested. 100% fragrance free. 

Major Lash Volume

Our most volumizing mascara for your loudest lash look. 

High Impact High-Fi™ Full Volume Mascara amps up lashes for 230% more volume, instantly.*

Tiny dimensional fibers in this fiber mascara are deposited throughout lashes with every swipe, turning up volume to the max.

*Clinical testing on 31 women.

Formula

The fiber-infused formula is ophthalmologist-tested, safe for sensitive eyes, and safe for contact lens wearers. Fibers may be visible on the brush.

Ultra-intense pigments deliver super-saturated color for high impact in one application.

The lightweight gel formula is infused with a nourishing oil blend of coconut, argan, and moringa oils to help lashes feel stronger, softer, and look healthier.

Innovative Mascara Wand 

High-Def Wave Brush has wavy bristles to comb and coat every last lash.

The precision tip easily catches and defines small corner lashes.

Shades

Available in Intense Black and Intense Black-Brown.

Formula Facts

The Clinique Eye Safety Promise

Ophthalmologist tested

Safe for sensitive eyes

Safe for contact lens wearers

This Product is Also

Dermatologist tested

Allergy tested

Fragrance free

Great to Know

For all lash types

12-hour wear

Non-flaking

Smudge-proof

Non-clumping

Non-fading

Sweat and humidity resistant

Easy to remove with makeup remover

Made in USA

I've tried a lot of Clinique makeup. Kinda. And a few samples of mascara. The one I remember most  was horrible- I poked myself so badly in the eye and messed up my eye for a little while. I hated the brush. And it didn't double my lashes as promised. But I decided to jump right in there and try another one. It was on special- so I got the primer and another mascara for a great price. 

I decided to start with this one because it looked the most promising. I always want high impact voluminous and long lashes. I liked this on first swipe- didn't even have to wait the customary week or so for it to dry out to be better . I liked the last Maybelline mascara I was using prior to this- but this one is without question a lot better. 

It builds great volume, decent length, lifts my lashes and no drooping. And wears all day. No flaking- no irritating my eyes. And it's a nice dark black. My thin short lashes always do well with volumizing mascaras and this was no exception. 

I noticed more and more mascaras these days are harder to remove- this one is OK. I've had mascaras that washed away easier...and also mascara that was harder to remove. I usually just like to remove my mascara with soap and water but in order to completely remove it, I do need to break out some sort of makeup remover. 

I almost forgot to talk brushes. It is the traditional brush with a tapered shape. On the longer end. Not my favorite shape- but it gets the job done. And traditional bristles are my favorite. 

I always like to talk packaging. I really like this packaging. Clinique can be a very stuffy looking clinical brand. It looks like the brand had an update with the green metallic packaging in a nice new shape. Packaging is still plastic- but it's the nicer plastic. You can always tell drugstore plastic packaging from its higher end counterpart. In the end it still ends up in the recycle so it doesn't matter too much- but I guess it corresponds to price. And this is on the pricey side. Especially for Clinique. I remember when their mascara was priced a lot more reasonably. 

Overall, I like it. I'll be a little sad when I eventually use it up and move on to try something different.

Profumi Di Napoli Body Cream with Buffalo Milk Review

 I was really excited because I have been looking to buy a robe for the last few years and I thought I found the perfect wool robe type of thing for lounging around the house and keeping warm. I always check new brands I am thinking of purchasing from on Reddit and Reddit said nah. I thought it was a quality brand but the stuff comes from the same place as things from Shein/Temu stuff like that and I am really in search of quality piece made from quality fabric that will last years and years. It's so hard shopping quality these days. I'm really trying be a "quality over quantity" type shopper. In the meantime, I've got this buffalo milk body lotion I bought from a Bazaar. Made in small batches in Italy. Quality.

Profumi claims:

Moisturizing body milk enriched with buffalo milk serum.

Soft and creamy, it is the ideal moisturizing after-bath for the well-being of the body.

Essential daily appointment, massaged slowly relaxes and tones the skin.

The presence of whey, elasticizing and nourishing, and an emollient derived from coconut, guarantee the skin a fresh, luminous and gently velvety appearance.

Paraben Free, Silicon Free, Peg Free, Petrolatum Free, No Sles/No SLS, Not tested on animals.

I was drawn to this because of the main ingredient- Buffalo Milk. I find it intriguing. I love goat milk soaps...so why not Buffalo Milk? I bought and reviewed the soap a few years back. I really liked it.

Buffalo Milk is said to be good for your skin. It has many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins, enzymes and lipids. 

I bought this to try as a body lotion...and also to try on my face. 

As for body lotion- it's OK. It's very lightweight so I think it does better in the summer as opposed to these harsh winter months. My skin doesn't feel dry after using it, it just feels like it could use more. I'll probably keep using it up anyway rather than saving it for summer because I've had it quite awhile and it is supposed to be used within 6 months. I've had it well over the six months...so it definitely needs to be gone by summer. 

I do really like it as a face cream. It's light, sinks in quickly, and just looks healthy on the skin. I do need to make sure I don't apply too much otherwise my skin starts looking greasy/oily. Nothing a blot can't take care of though.

The scent is light- mostly it smells like baby wipes. A nice inoffensive light scent that doesn't linger. 

My favorite thing about it- the packaging. It comes in a nice heavy glass bottle. Which means a little less plastic in the world. I love anything that comes in glass so it gets extra points for that. The only thing I don't love is the pump- it only pumps out a little at a time. Perfect for the face- not so great for the body since it takes a little longer to get enough out. It's a very minor complaint though. 

The ingredients are nice. It is free from silicones- which I prefer to avoid but it seems just about every body lotion contains silicones/Dimethicone. And it has the buffalo Milk powder pretty high up in the ingredient list. 

Ingredients: 

Aqua [Water], Glycerin, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil, Lac Powder (Bufala), Sodium polyacrylate, Coco-caprylate/caprate [Coco caprylate/Caprate], Octyldodecanol, Caprylyl/capryl glucoside, Olive oil polyglyceryl-4 esters, Sorbitan oleate, Allantoin, Panthenol, Tocopheryl acetate, Dicaprylyl ether, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Hamamelis virginiana (Witch hazel) leaf extract, Cucumis s sativus (Cucumber) fruit extract, Linseed acid, Polyglyceryl-4 caprylate, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Aroma [Flavor], Benzyl benzoate, Linalool, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, Citronellol, Coumarin, Alpha-iso

Overall, I really like it. I rarely repurchase anything but it is something I could see myself purchasing again. I am definitely going to grab more from the brand the next time I see it at the Bazaar and I do plan on reviewing the bar soaps I bought in the coming months.