Oars +Alps Superfoliant Bar Soap Review

 

Got another soap review today. I have quite a few in reserve which I want to use up and then switch to trying out some shower gels- mainly from Molton Brown. And I also want to buy a few of the bar soaps from Lush because it's been a minute since I've ordered anything from them.  Anyway--- this is the first of a lot of soaps I need to get through. I've tried a few soaps from the brand- which is a men's brand- but I don't really discriminate when it comes to soaps. 

Oars claims: 

Our most exfoliating bar soap yet pairs powerful grit with nourishing plant oils for the ultimate one-two punch. Jojoba Esters scrub away dry, dead, flaky skin while a trio of Shea Butter, Coconut Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil moisturize and soften. We also pack in Spirulina and Witch Hazel to balance and clarify.

Just one use will leave your skin feeling super.

1. Our Superfoliant Bar Soap is for guys looking for a super deep clean. This bar is best suited for those looking to exfoliate away dry, dull, and rough skin. Say hello to hydrated and softer skin.
2. Due to the ingredients used in this exfoliating soap bar, there is some variation in the size of the exfoliators. Please use caution.
3. Our blue Jojoba Esters are not only biodegradable, but provide the exfoliation for more refreshed skin.
4. This clean ingredient bar soap uses a triple moisturizing blend of Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, and Sunflower Seed Oil to provide lasting hydration to combat dry, tight-feeling skin.
5. Coconut and Sunflower Seed Oils provide lasting hydration and combat dry, tight-feeling skin.
6. This Sandalwood bar soap features our Eucalyptus Woods fragrance: a mix of Eucalyptus, Sandalwood, and light citrus notes.

Eucalyptus Woods Scent: A blend of Eucalyptus, sandalwood, and light citrus notes.

Made in USA 

This is probably one I should have skipped. The last two bars I bought from them were pretty unisex- this one isn't. It kinda smells like every single mens cologne with a hint of mint/eucalyptus that gets stronger when you use it.  The scent is not really for me...although it is pretty nice. It just really isn't my type of thing. I can't really fault the product for that..since it is a men's line. 

I did really like that's is an exfoliating bar though. You can get clean and exfoliate at the same time. It is more on the scrubby side- so I wouldn't recommend for those that have sensitive skin. I didn't mind it but it is a bit scratchy. It is what they say- super exfoliating.

Other than that it works well. Lathers nicely, rinses cleanly and isn't drying. The only thing is it seems to melt a little quicker but most bars that you scrub back and forth to get exfoliation from do. I wasn't too bothered by it. Also the scent wasn't for me- so I didn't really want it to last and last.

One thing I do really like about the brand are the ingredients. They use things like coconut oil, shea butter, and biodegradable jojoba beads amongst other goodies. I always like to see a nice ingredient list. 

Ingredients:

Sodium Palmate,  Sodium Cocoate, Water, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance, Pumice, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil), 

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Jojoba Beads (Simmondsia chinensis), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Cladonia Stellaris Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Larix Sibirica Wood Extract, Pentasodium Pentetate, Tetrasodium Etidronate.

.Overall, I think the brand makes solid mens products. Or soaps at least. I haven't tried anything else by them. This scent just wasn't for me. I would probably still try the others though....

Siblings Clean Candle Refill Kit No. 01 Bergamot White Rose Oakmoss Review

 

It's candle season and I had this kit waiting all summer- just ready to pull out and finally make a refill with it. This is not my first candle refill type product- I have used the ones from Voluspa- which are a lot easier and fuss free. This is a candle refill kit for those that want to have the experience of making a candle without fussing around with scents. And maybe want a little more freedom is the vessel the choose to refill.

Siblings claims:

Lagom — Swedish for just right. A summer garden in bloom. Wild roses reaching for the sun as the forest sneaks into the trädgård. Delicate yet grounded, with bright blackcurrant and the quiet depth of oakmoss.

Top: Bergamot, Blackcurrant Berries
Heart: White Rose, Geranium
Base: Oakmoss, Patchouli, Musk, Tonka Bean

If you like: Diptyque Baies, Maison Louis Marie Antidris Cassis

This is a new to me brand- I just saw it pop up on Nordstrom and it looked interesting enough so when it went on sale- into the cart it went. I don't think they carry it anymore. I don't think candle refill kits are popular in department stores. But I do like the product enough that I will probably purchase from their website.

The kit itself is packaged so nicely. It comes in a nice box and everything you need -except the candle vessel- is included. I was a little suprised to see it was a wood wick. I've made a few candles before but this was my first time making one with a wood wick. Same general idea- but exciting to me nonetheless. Woodwick candles tend to be a little more costly but they can be a little nicer to burn since sometimes you can hear them crackling.

Before I trimmed the wick.

The kit was mostly great except the baggie you are supposed to warm the wax in. I didn't have a good time with it. I felt like the wax leaked out the bag and the bag felt like it was breaking down although it didn't bust. Usually I used an old tea container made of metal to heat up my wax and that works a lot better. I think I would prefer the wax to come in beads or a different form so I don't have to deal with the baggie. 

Other than that you just pick your vessel, place the wick, melt the wax, pour and let it cool. And then you have a candle. 

I didn't read the description of the candle before I bought it so I wasn't expecting it to smell like Dyptique Baies. But it really does smell exactly like it- if not better. I think it might be slightly stronger. The more I come across this scent- the more I like it. I'm not typically a fan of rose unless it's blended with something and this is the perfect blend of green, fruity berries, and rose. 

I really enjoy the scent...and I got it on sale. So I really enjoyed the price. But also in comparison to the Dyptique brand- I would be more likely to buy this and enjoy the scent and save my coins. 

Almost forgot to mention- the brand is free from Paraffin. It uses a blend of coconut and soy. I haven't had any issues with the burn of the candle. The wax burns very cleanly. I used my Bridgerton vessel and it was a little too small and wide- I had leftover wax but it still burns down to the edges as it burned down. So although it wasn't perfect I would still use it for the next candle I made from them.

Overall, I would buy it again. Making the candle isn't something I am always in the mood for- sometimes I just want something I can light up. But I enjoy the scent (wish they made it in a shower gel), so I could see myself getting this one again and also trying more from the brand.

Neom Uplifting Hand Balm in Wild Mint and Mandarin Review

 I'm really supposed to be having a way more productive Sunday than I have been having. I have been marathoning the Toy Story movies. Toy Story is my childhood. I have seen the first one about a billion times. No joke. I've seen the second one a handful of times- and the third twice now. I thought the 3rd one would make a great ending to the series. But I was open to the fourth one- which I thought was hot garbage. The journey of the movie was cute at times but I abhorred the ending. I mean, I really hated it. I hated it so much I went on the Internet to find out if others felt the same way..I looked up who was responsible for the movie so I could avoid watching their movies ever again. But now that I want to watch the first movie I decided to watch them all and I still HATE the fourth one just as much as the first time I watched it. Now after this post I'm gonna start five. I don't have high hopes...

But anyway-- hand cream. It's dry hand/lip season so I have the hand creams and lip balms on deck. 

Neom claims: 

An uplifting experience in the palm of your hand. Nourishing with rich cocoa butter, softening with skin-loving shea butter and expertly blended to help lift your mood.t

Smells like crisp fresh air with a hint of sweetness – juicy and joyful. - Alice du Parcq, fragrance expert

• Wild mint & mandarin plus 4 other essential oils
• 92% felt they had soft, hydrated & nourished hands*
• TSA-friendly. Perfect for vacation or a wellbeing boost on-the-go.
• 30ml (1.01 fl oz) / 100% natural fragrances

*Consumer research trial involving 65 people.

Neom is a UK brand- I tend to be really like UK brands. This one is a more natural brand- scented with Essential Oils. I had one of their candles before...and also some of their lotion. I don't love the brand- don't hate it. But I'm open to trying more. 

The idea of an aromatherapy scent in a hand cream appeals to me. This is your typical mint/citrus offering. It's not a unique combination to me. But pleasant enough. You get just enough of the citrus with a hint of the mint. Actually I think it's majority mint. It's pleasant enough but definitely smells like essential oils and has an underlying scent that all Neom seems to have. I like it. But at the same time- it's nothing to write home about.

The hand cream itself is on the heavier side. I tried to use it where I use the tiniest amount- but I don't like it like that. I find this balm works best when I use a generous amount. It takes a little while to sink in but when it does my hands look and feel really soft and hydrated. 

It definitely is a balm as opposed to a lotion/cream.

You don't get much for your money. I went back to look it up and I got this one one sale for $7.50. Which I think it a better price for it than the listed price of $12.00. Which is pretty pricey for just 1 ounce of product.

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water, Eau), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glyceryl Stearate, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Glycerin, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sucrose Stearate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Limonene, Benzyl Alcohol, Parfum (Fragrance)*, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Coco-Glucoside, Citric Acid, Coconut Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Citral, Tocopherol, Citronellol, Sodium Phytate, Geraniol, Linalool, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Glucose, Alcohol. *Made with 100% natural essential oils including spearmint, peppermint and mandarin

Overall, I wasn't so impressed with it that I would recommend it nor buy it again except to try other scents. 

And now I'm off to start Toy Story 5.

Troop

It's already that time for a quick music post. 

Starting with All I Do Is Think Of You. I grew up with Troops version of the song and was absolutely shocked when I heard it was originally done by the Jacksons. I love both versions though and Troop definitely did the song justice. They didn't really change it up much...but it- much like the OG- is a classic.

Why are the views so low on this? Maybe it's radio staple and we don't watch the music video? Actually I find most of their songs have lower views on youtube. Crazy

The Dancing is taking me out- all that was not necessary on a song like this. They also probable aren't the strongest live performers.  They seem like they need just a little more practice. 

Most importantly- they weren't a one hit wonder. There is one other song in the playlist. I usually forget about this song until I play it again. It definitely fits the vibe of their songs. 

Solid group. They have a few other really nice songs to just chill out to  but I always only share my faves. 

Zucchini Pineapple Bread and Teriyaki Salmon

 I had an easy week in the kitchen. Which is always a nice break from the times where I have to spend hours in the kitchen. Sometimes the effort is really worth it though. 

I have made tons and tons of zucchini bread recipes. Years and years ago. It's one of my favorite quick breads to make. You can't taste the zucchini- but it's there making everything a little healthier. I didn't follow directions completely on this one.It's a Vitamix recipe and I just didn't think it was necessary to blend everything up because I like the see in the ingredients. And I didn't want a "green" bread. This was also my first zucchini bread recipe that uses pineapple chunks- and I'm a fan. I also switched out the almonds for walnuts because that's what I have on hand. I wish I took a picture of the inside. The only thing I would change is adding less sugar. I didn't just shy of 2/3 of a cup and could have definitely use less. But overall, it was good. One of my favorite quick breads I have ever made. 

Then I made Teriyaki salmon. The original recipe calls for a different type of fish which I'm not sure where to find- so I just subbed Salmon. And pan fried it and glazed it with the sauce. It was very good. I don't know if the sauce was necessarily Teriyaki but it was better than anything you would get in a bottle. Then I just made zucchini as a side and dinner was served. I wish it looked better on the plate- it was good though...

And that's all! 

Kirk's 100% Premium Coconut Oil Castile Soap Review

 

It's a cold, rainy, and windy day...way to start the holiday weekend. I was going to go outside for a bit- but not in this weather so I figured I would knock out a post or two. I always keep a more affordable bar soap around and sometimes when I want to save my liquid hand soap- I use it on my hands. Or I use it to wash my makeup brushes. 

Kirk's claims:

We're proud to provide your family with high-quality cleansing products at an exceptional value. Our products are all clinically tested under dermatologist supervision and certified non-irritating and safe for sensitive skin. Our plant-based fragrance-free bar soap creates a gentle and creamy lather, even in hard water, leaving skin feeling soft and healthy.

Woman  and Family Owned

Made in America

This soap was created in New York and the brand has been around since 1839- which makes it one of the oldest soap brands in America. I've tried Cstile soaps before I don't think I've used one based entirely on Coconut Oil. I like Coconut Oil soaps- but they tend to be drying. 

Which this one is. I was using it to wash my hands and it makes my hands feel dry and flaky. Hand cream or some type of lotion after is not an option. Because of that I opted to not try it as a facial bar. Or in the shower. Well..mostly I didn't try it i the shower because it's unscented and I don't like unscented soaps in the shower. It's boring.

Otherwise it lathers nicely, rinses clean. 

But it's on the softer side and tends soften up considerably. It also melts away quite quickly so it's definitely not like a triple milled or hard bar. You definitely cannot leave it sitting in water or it will melt away. 

It kinda reminds me of a more natural alternative to something like Ivory. 

Ingredients: 

Sodium cocoate, water, glycerin, sodium chloride, sodium gluconate.

Overall, I might pick up the other varieties just to try out. But I don't see myself picking this particular on up again. It might be good for those that are truly sensitive to fragrance and just want simple natural ingredients.