Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink Review

 Everyday is a struggle to do a post. I just want to settle in and continue watching Breaking Bad. I'm hooked. But I have wanted to get this review up for awhile so here we are. I think the main struggle has been not wanting to wear liner looks because I have been so into applying glittery, shimmery, and colorful looks and I don't always like to match that with a lot of liner. I don't like looking overdone and on my face that combination does look overdone.

Bobbi Brown claims:

A jet black.

Our bestselling waterproof eyeliner provides ultra-precise, budge-proof, smudge-proof, fade-proof definition. A must-have for our Artists, this highly pigmented gel-based liner lets you create subtle to dramatic looks effortlessly, all with 8-hour wear.

• Offers the precision of liquid liner with the ease of a gel-based formula.
• Stays on for 8 hours without smudging or fading.
• Resists sweat and humidity and is waterproof.
• Made in Belgium 
• 
  
  
  I had wanted a gel liner again for a little while now- but I really wanted to use up some of the liners that had been in my collection forever. Now I'm down to one colorful liner- which I do want to use up- and this. And I have a billion shadows I can use as liner so I am good now. 

Years and years back I tried MAC Blacktrack but I didn't like it much because it wasn't black enough. But everywhere i have read it says that the MAC liner is darker. From what I can remember that's not true. I think this could get darker but I am happy with how black its looks. It doesn't go on looking as black as it seems to dry down. But I do really like the color and it's black enough for me. 

I think it goes on smoothly with no tugging or skipping or patchiness. Very user friendly. I've been testing it with the different brushes in my collection and the brush I like it with most was the MAC 209. It is perfect for a more graphic look and great if you have larger eyes. I used to be all about an angled brush but I think the 209  loads up the product better and gives you more control. 

As for wear time- I feel like it lasts all day. I always use primer though. And I don't usually rub at my eyes. The only time it ever smudged on me was when I fell asleep with it on, and I was sleeping HARD. But...I don't expect my makeup to last through a nap...so it's fine.

I find it's easier to use than a liquid liner...not as easy as a powder shadow. But with shadow you get fall out which can be annoying- no fallout with this! 

Ingredients: 

Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyethylene, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Lecithin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Methicone, Barium Sulfate, Bht, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Carmine (Ci 75470), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Chromium Hydroxide Green (Ci 77289), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510)] . <ILN29463>

Overall, I like it. Definitely my favorite gel liner I have tried- although I have only used two. I think this will last me quite awhile....but when it's done I might go ahead and pick up the very popular Maybelline gel liner to see how it stacks up. 

Lush Haul

 Somehow I have gotten sucked into watching Breaking Bad. I'm already on season 3. In between watching Breaking Bad, I order Lush. I was just browsing the website and noticed they brought back from retro Lush which means I can try some of the much hyped older discontinued gels that I have been so curious about. I went overboard. And may or may not have about three more coming to me. But I guess at least I won't have to buy any more shower gel/soap for quite awhile. 

This is what I got.

Flying Fox Shower Gel- This is one I know got a lot of love and I was intrigued by the name. I did get a chance to try this and it is very much so a Jasmine scent. Real, authentic Jasmine. Reminds me of drinking fresh brewed Jasmine tea. I don't love it, but I am going to keep testing it out. It may grow on me. 

Tramp Shower Gel- I also got a chance to use this one...and WOW! It's is heavy on the patchouli. I am a fan of Patchouli- but this might be too much for me. But I'm gonna keep using it. It usually takes about three uses before I really decide how I feel about shower products.

The Juice is Loose Shower Gel- I can't say I'm particularly drawn to the collabs but I was curious about this scent. They also have a hair gel that looks interesting but I am not in need of anymore hair stuff. Anyway, it's from the Beetlejuice collab. It smells like Grape Soda mixed with their super popular Snow Fairy scent. Which means I don't need to buy any Snow Fairy this year.

Cempasuchil Shower Gel- This one is a Day of the Dead holiday release. It reminds me of a hair grease I used as a child. It smells like an Orange gum. Kinda reminds me of the Holiday release  Jolly from a few years back without the spice. 

Scan Me For Scares Shower Gel is a Halloween release. It smells like Roasting Chestnuts on an Open Fire which is one of my favorites from a few years back. I can't wait to use it and see if it's the same! Definitely wish I picked up a bigger bottle. 

Sticky Dates Shower Gel- This one was very popular on Social Media...I haven't used it yet but it smells just like a sticky caramel cake with lot's of sugar and butter. If it smells as amazing in the shower as what it smells like outside the shower...WOW! 

And last but not least- Lush Big Body Spray. I have only worn this once so far but it has longevity. I'm not quite sure what I think of it, but I like that it's so unique and different from anything I have smelled. I think that's what draws me to Lush. I will probably keep purchasing the body sprays but they are so hard to catch in stock! 

Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce and Brussel Sprouts with Chestnuts + Cinnamon Rolls

 I feel like I have just spent an eternity in the kitchen...make a few things and it really zaps your energy. But usually I love the end results so it all ends up OK. 

First thing I made was the Raspberry Chipotle BBQ sauce. I don't make BBQ sauce often. I think the last time I made it was years and years ago. And it didn't come out quite right so I was a little hesitant to make this. vThis actually came out pretty great- and better after you let it set overnight. Not much raspberry flavor though. It just cooks out. I did add extra chipotle but I think if I were to make this again, I would definitely add even more. I wanted it to be more spicy. I made a ton of BBQ chicken with this and it was really good. 

I ate the veggies later that's why they aren't on the plate.

Next up, I made some Brussel Sprouts with Chestnuts. This is from the Unofficial Harry Potter cookbook and it's another recipe from Mrs. Weasley. I'm not the biggest fan of Brussel Sprouts. I have probably only really tried two recipes with them. This recipe uses frozen and I think it would have been better with fresh because the frozen always gets mushy. But otherwise, it did taste nice. Not bitter at all. And the sweetness from the Brown Sugar and nutmeg was...nice. Interesting. But nice. I found chestnuts so I didn't use the canned variety. I think it was better that way. I also thought it was a good time to cook up a Bison steak I bought a few weeks ago. This is my first time trying Bison and it's not bad but I think I prefer Beef.

Also, I do want to search and make my ultimate cinnamon rolls so I think I might start baking them a bit more often. I used a different recipe from my usual and actually only used Bread flour, but I think I would like more of the pastry type flour for a softer dough. They were pretty amazing and froze really well! I spiked the icing with Crown Salted Caramel. Yummm.....

Shannon

 

(I just love her hair in the this picture!)

Quick little music post before I get back into my Saturday hustle and grind. Just a quick music post. 

I don't remember if I first heard this song on Dance Central. I feel like I probably already knew it. But...I am still obsessed with the game so of course I am posting the dance. I don't think I ever played this song on hard. Maybe I should. I don't know that I necessarily like the dance just looking at it- but maybe it's fun to play.

And the official music video...

I just love 80's music 😁

Capri Blue Havana Vanilla Candle Review

Did anyone else's feed go completely crazy with "What You Should Buy in the Sephora Sale" videos? So many people trying to get you to click their links so they can get that little kick back. Shop, Shop, Shop! I just kinda wish more youtubers made ore original video's and didn't focus on selling, selling, selling.

Capri Blue claims:

With notes of vanilla, smoky tobacco, bergamot, and sandalwood

Cultivate a vibe wherever you go! Whether you’re traveling in style or hosting a soiree at home, this Modern Marble Travel Tin will complement any room. Available in your fav fragrance, Havana Vanilla, fill any space with notes of vanilla, smoky tobacco, bergamot and sandalwood in beautiful sedona.

Poured in USA

Burn Time 40 hours

I was on a Capri Blue kick and ordered a few- so that's what I'll be reviewing for the next couple of candle posts. All because of their super popular Volcano scent. Which I do actually really enjoy. And has me trying more of the their scents to see if I think anything else is just as good. So far I've mostly tried their summer scent. I think the Havana Vanilla is more of a fall scent- maybe a summer evening scent. And probably nice in Winter when not burning holiday scents.

Admittedly I am not a fan of plain vanilla scents in a candle. And I can't say I particularly love this. Upon first sniff it reminded me of something I couldn't quite put my finger on and after a few days it came to me. It reminds me of the Sol Bum Bum scent.  It's definitely different but they seem to be the same scent family. 

Most of the time I have had it burning I've felt indifferent. However last night it had some woody notes to it that made it smell more interesting. It's definitely more towards the bottom though and I didn't smell it at all the first couple of times I burned the candle. I like it a smidge more. But I'm not so impressed with it that I would repurchase or even miss it once it's gone. 

I think the throw on this one is on the lighter side. Once it' pools out it gets a bit stronger. But not that strong.

Capri Blue candles are a mix of paraffin and soy wax. I don't have any problems with this one sooting or smoking. I do recommend keeping the wick trimmed though. If it's cooler I do have issues with it pooling out so I do like to foil the candle. 

I bought mine in the travel tin which I think is such a nice way to try a scent. I also like that the tin is so easy to recycle as well. 

Overall, it's fine. Nice to try. But I wouldn't purchase it again. I am still interested in continuing to try their scents so after I am done burning this I might pick up Blue Jean.

Aveda Shampure Nurturing Shampoo and Conditioner Review

 I definitely got scissor happy yesterday when I "trimmed" my hair. The good news is that my hair grew back from the last cut but. I basically butchered my hair and probably cut at minimum four inches. My ends just felt so dry though...I think I couldn't get it smooth because I didn't use enough product so the next time I do a blow out, I'm going to make sure I get my ends coated. You live and you learn. 

Anyway. I have been taking so much better care of my hair and really paying attention to the products I have been trying. I really like Aveda and I want to try all their lines...mostly because their products are usually silicone free. And I like avoiding silicones (except when I am using heat!).

I bought this for my Mom one holiday but she didn't seem that into it....

Aveda claims:

Smells like an Aveda. 35 Years of an Icon. Nurture your hair and calm your senses. Instantly recognizable aroma of shampure. 

Gentle shampoo cleanses and provides weightless nourishment*, making it perfect for everyday use.

shampure™ nurturing shampoo

Keep it simple with shampure™ - a gentle shampoo for everyday use providing weightless nourishment*.

• 96% naturally derived.*

• Ideal for light daily cleansing

• Gently cleanses and provides long-lasting nourishment with the help of abyssinian oil.

• Features our signature shampure™ aroma - a calming blend of 25 pure flower and plant essences, including certified organic lavender, petitgrain and ylang ylang.

• Best for fine to medium hair types

• Silicone-free technology

Lightweight conditioner instantly detangles, nourishes and adds shine.

shampure™ nurturing conditioner

Keep it simple with shampure™ -a lightweight conditioner for everyday use.

• 98% naturally derived.*

Detangles, adds lustrous shine and provides weightless, long-lasting nourishment with the help of abyssinian oil.

• Provides moisturizing benefits without making hair feel heavy

• Ideal for light daily conditioning

• Features our signature shampure™ aroma - a calming blend of 25 pure flower and plant essences, including certified organic bergamot, lavender, lemon, petitgrain and ylang ylang

• Best for fine to medium hair types

• Silicone-free technology

Keep it simple with shampure™ -a lightweight conditioner for everyday use.

• 98% naturally derived.*
Detangles, adds lustrous shine and provides weightless, long-lasting nourishment with the help of abyssinian oil.
• Provides moisturizing benefits without making hair feel heavy
• Ideal for light daily conditioning
• Features our signature shampure™ aroma - a calming blend of 25 pure flower and plant essences, including certified organic bergamot, lavender, lemon, petitgrain and ylang ylang
• Best for fine to medium hair types
• Silicone-free technology

Responsible Packaging, Responsible Manufacturing

Aveda markets this shampoo for everyone. You're basic, everyday, good for the entire family shampoo. Or at least that's how they sell it on QVC. I didn't know that when I bought it but I would have bought it anyway. 

I think we should start with the scent. I am not a fan of the scent. It does smell like it has essential oils. I can't pick out any particular one except I think there is citronella in it. Or maybe it's the petitgrain which is an oil I especially dislike.  Especially the conditioner.  It doesn't smell horrible and unbearable...it smells like something likable. However I just can't bring myself to like it. That's largely a reason I would not repurchase it. I want to enjoy the scent of whatever shampoo/conditioner I am using. 

As for how it works...it's fine. It gets my hair clean without drying it out. The conditioner does what it claims as well. Both work OK . I don't feel like it strips or dries out my hair. But I think my hair could use just a little bit moire moisture. As my hair as gotten used to it though, it seems to hydrate more and more. I don't notice my hair needing more hydration as much as I did when I first started using it. Maybe it's improving my hair long term? Hmmmm.   

I do like to use conditioners to detangle my hair sometimes and I think this one works OK. I need to make sure to leave it on long enough that it does its job. But it's OK. I'm not wowed by it. But it works.

As for shine, I think it makes my hair look healthy...but not as shiny as the Rosemary Mint line. As long as my hair isn't dull though, it works for me! 

As for the claims of weightless hydration...I would agree. My hair doesn't feel weighed down, heavy, or greasy. I find that especially helpful because I feel it's a better canvas for curl gels/creams. 

Ingredients: 

Shampoo: 

Water\Aqua\Eau, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamide Mipa, Propanediol, Babassuamidopropyl Betaine, Crambe Abyssinica (Abyssinian) Seed Oil, Bixa Orellana (Annatto) Seed Extract, Glycerin, Peg-60 Almond Glycerides, Polysorbate 80, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Geraniol, Citronellol, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Sodium Phytate, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Annatto (Ci 75120) <ILN45473>

Conditioner:

Water\Aqua\Eau, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Crambe Abyssinica (Abyssinian) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Lactic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Geraniol, Citronellol, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate <ILN44970>

Overall, I can see why it's marketed for everyone. I think it could work for a wide variety of hair types/textures. I just wish I liked the scent better and that it was a smidge more hydrating. I still have a ton of the shampoo left and running a bit low on conditioner but when I do finally use this one up, I plan on getting my hands on more Aveda. I just really like the brand....Maybe I'll try the Be Curly line next...