Tyrese

Oooh Tyrese. He stay crying on the Internets. I remember at one time thinking he was hard on the eyes, then it was like a switch went off (I was young) and then I just thought he was one of the finest men 😂. It was around middle school and they kept playing that "Signs of Lovemaking" song...or at least I thought it was. Maybe it was "How You Gonna Act Like That"

Anyway..I don't have a lot of his songs so we won't be here too long. 

Of course, number one Tyrese song is Sweet Lady. I have the cutest little memory the pops into my heads every time I listed to this one. I was dating this one guy..and we were hanging out in his car after going to the movies (or dinner..maybe it both)? This song comes on and he asked to make it official. I remember thinking it was really the cutest way to ask- and I did really like him. But I said no cause even though I liked him...we really still barely knew each other. In hindsight I should said yes 😂😂

And then we have Lately. I thought there was a music video for this one too..I guess not. But I do really love this song. He needs to make/release more music like this.

Even my fave Miss Anita Baker rocked with this song. So you know....

And that's all for today...

Lancome Bi- Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover Review

 I'm happy- finally got my hands on the phone I have been after for the last few monthsI've had my other phone since 2019 so enough time has passed that I can see some changes- like speaker quality. And better camera. And I'm sure tons more. I'm still waiting for it to update. In the meantime, a review.....

Lancome:

An award-winning, waterproof makeup remover that is gentle enough for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers. 

WHAT IT IS
The #1 makeup remover in the US* that instantly and effortlessly removes waterproof makeup. The bi-phase makeup remover contains an oily phase and a water phase to remove stubborn makeup without irritation or greasy feel.

WHAT IT DOES
From dramatic smoky eye looks, to waterproof or water-resistant makeup, this effective makeup remover easily rids skin of residue and cleanses without leaving skin feeling greasy or sticky. Bi-Facil is an essential for makeup bags and professional makeup kits. Shake to activate the bi-phase formula.

BI-PHASE FORMULA
This unique makeup remover is designed with two phases to lift eye makeup off while leaving the skin feeling refreshed and clean. The oily phase uses a lipid concentrate to loosen and lift eye makeup, while the water phase uses unique emollients to leave skin feeling perfectly cleansed.

Suitable for all skin types, from normal to sensitive skin, combination to dry skin or oily skin – it’s also great for contact lens wearers.

I like to splurge on soaps, skincare, makeup (sometimes) but I never really understood splurging on makeup removers. I did it anyway because I am making my way through the most iconic beauty products of all time. This was on the list. So I bought it. But it's probably the most unnecessary splurge. 

Years and years back, I reviewed the sister remover from L'oreal at a much more reasonable price.  Same company- products even look similar but one is drugstore and more reasonably priced. And the Lancome is not. I don't usually keep eye makeup remover- usually I just scrub at my eyes with soap. At one point I used coconut oil. I don't find it necessary unless I am using a mascara that is just really difficult to remove. I don't buy waterproof but more modern formulations of mascara can be quite difficult to get off. This type of product can come in handy for that. 

You do need to shake it. I can't tell you how many times I have forgotten to do that. I'm still working on making it a habit. From what I can remember the L'oreal did not need to be shaken. You can definitely see the layers though- which is kinda cool.

Packaging is ok. I think I would prefer a pump though. 

The actual product itself has never stung my eyes. Removes makeup easily and cleanly without smearing all over.And it has a slight rosy scent that is not overpowering and very pleasant.

Ingredients:

INGREDIENTS: AQUA / WATER / EAU • CYCLOPENTASILOXANE • ISOHEXADECANE • SODIUM CHLORIDE • POLOXAMER 184 • BENZYL ALCOHOL • BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE • GERANIOL • DISODIUM PHOSPHATE • DISODIUM EDTA • POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE • CITRONELLOL • HEXYLENE GLYCOL • PARFUM / FRAGRANCE (F.I.L. B244918/1).

Overall, it is a nice product. It works very well. It's just the price....4.2 ounces for $36.00 is just too much. I paid about $30 for mine. It does get better priced per ounce when you buy the larger sizes. Nearly impossible to justify when there are more reasonable options for much less. For example Micellar Water can work just as well and is much more affordable and can be used all over the face. 

Not a repurchase for me. But I'll definitely be using up the bottle. 

Tony Moly Plum Bum Gentle Daily Exfoliating Body Bar Review

I didn't even know Tony Moly made bath and body type of products. I thought they mainly did skincare. I've used a few face mask but that was years ago. I like trying soaps made in different countries and I think this is the first Korean made soap I've found. 

Tony Moly claims:

This gentle resurfacing Plum Bum AHA Exfoliating Body Bar is designed to cleanse, refine, and restore your skin’s glow. Infused with AHAs and Plum Extract, this dual-action exfoliator removes dead skin cells, helps to prevent ingrown hairs, smooth keratosis pilaris (KP), and unclog pores while still remaining gentle for daily use. 

What sets the Plum Bum AHA Body Bar apart? It’s exfoliation done right—effective yet gentle enough for daily use, so your skin feels polished, not stripped. This bar physically buffs & chemically exfoliates for double the smoothness, revealing a fresh glow. Alpha-Hydroxy Acid helps improve skin tone, texture & radiance while Plum Extract and Cica Extract encourage collagen and soothe the skin. 

• AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) - Gently exfoliates dead skin cells away, and visibly smoothes dry, bumpy skin. Helps address KP and ingrown hairs.
• Plum Extract -  Brightens, soothes, and promotes collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and redness.
• Centella Asiatica (Cica) Extract - Calms irritation and promotes youthful skin by encouraging collagen promotion and deeply hydrating.

For even deeper exfoliation, use with the K-Spa Exfoliating Glove 2-3 times per week.

Made in Korea 

You can now find Tony Moly just about every and anywhere in US stores. I was a little curious though on how popular the brand is in Korea and from what I found on reddit- it's mainly considered a widely available drugstore brand that's more on the "fun" side but probably not the best in terms of quality. 

This soap was fine though. I thought it was interesting that it's a chemical exfoliant soap. I think physical exfoliants work better on the body because you can feel the smoothness and it feels like you are really sloughing off dead skin cells. Not quite sure I can completely buy into a chemical exfoliant for the body. I don't know that my skin felt any smoother when compared to using just about any other soap.

The scent was interesting. It smells like a combination of a bubbly fruity wine, Swedish fish candy, and cheap bubble bath. A very interesting scent. Not bad- not my favorite. It lingers around the bathroom a little which is more rare in bar soaps. 

As for the soap itself- lathers well, rinses clean, cleans OK. 

I do have the gloves from the same line and you can definitely combine them to get deeper exfoliation and smoother skin.

Ingredients: 

Sodium Palmate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Water, Palm Acid, Fragrance, Palm Kernel Acid, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Sodium PCA, Butylene Glycol, CI 14700, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tetrasodium Etidronate, CI 77499, 1,2-Hexanediol, CI 17200, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Prunus Salicina Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin

Overall it was fine. Nothing I need to buy again but nice to try.

Rosemary Focaccia and Golden Milk Cookies

I think this fall/winter season will be the season I will get some serious baking done. Feels like every week I am running the oven and turning out some baked good or other. Which is nice. At least all the recipes are coming along in the cooler weather rather than the summer. 

I've baked a ton of different breads- but never focaccia. And I have to say- I LOVE it. Had no idea it was so easy and time friendly. The perfect bread to make when you are in a time crunch because this is so much faster than other recipes that require an hour plus of rise time. This was a ten minute rest time, another 20 minutes and then you bake. I will definitely be making this time and time again. I decided to turn my bread into sandwiches. I made a quick turkey schnitzel. This was basically one of the best sandwiches I have ever made....I will definitely have to do it again. 

This was the bread with a chunk cut off. It was topped with parmesan and more rosemary. 

This was my delicious sammich. I prolly shoulda took a pic of the schnitzel. But trust it looked good and tasted great! 

Next up- golden milk cookies. This is probably the most unusual cookie flavor I have ever made. I love a turmeric milk latte. I really should start making them again. They are a perfect night time latte that is caffeine free. I don't think the flavor quite works in cookie form. The turmeric taste was a little too strong and I thought it could do with more spices- more cinnamon, ginger, all spice, nutmeg etc. The recipe itself is vegan but I use milk and real butter because I don't keep alternatives on hand since I'm not vegan. 

My coconut got a little toasty. 

Overall, I'm happy I tried something so different but I wouldn't make them again. 

And that's all for this week! 

Too Faced Naturally Better Than Sex Mascara Review

 It's the coldest day of the season yet. Every time I go outside I'm always shocked that cold weather is really here. And I've been reminded of why I usually don't go out many places once the cold starts. I become the most homebody person there ever was. I have everything I need at home. And since it's cold and I'm at home- let's do a post. 

Too Faced claims:

98% Naturally-Derived Formula*

WHAT IT IS

You CAN have it all…a mascara that’s Naturally BETTER THAN SEX!

Volumize, lengthen, curl, and condition with a mascara that delivers 100% sexy lashes with a 98% naturally-derived formula.* Formulated with Bamboo Fibers and a Goji Berry Blend.

Our iconic hourglass-shaped brush separates and coats each lash with our intense black formula, creating lashes that are volumized, defined, and stretched to unbelievable lengths.

Formulated with Bamboo Fibers & a Goji Berry Blend

Boosts Lash Volume & Length

Delivers Mind-Blowing Curl

Lash Nourishing Complex Helps Condition Lashes

Ophthalmologist Tested

Safe For Contact Lens Wearers

Safe For Sensitive Eyes

Cruelty Free

Made in Italy 

This was definitely a controversial brand---and even though the original owners were problematic- the brand was sold (as they all are) and I guess that makes it OK to purchase.  Probably not.  Although I know the parent company has it's own set of issues. I have this and a powder by them so figured I should go ahead and review them.  Oh..also I did buy another eye primer as well just because it was locally available and I remember really liking it. 

I added to cart and purchased purely based on the fact that I really liked the original Better Than Sex mascara. I only had the travel size- but that mascara build thick, long, dark lashes quickly. It's a good mascara- except I think it was prone to flaking? I can't remember now. But I did really enjoy that mascara so I grabbed this. I didn't even read it.

If I had, I would have known it was a natural mascara. Which is surprising. I never would have thought Too Faced would make a more natural product. I've tried a bunch of natural stuff- but never mascara. Mainly I  stuck to buying and trying very mainstream brands. Drugstore and occasionally higher end. But nothing natural. This is 98% naturally derived. 

Does this count as clean beauty? 

I don't know. I love how natural it is. But I don't love the mascara. 

The packaging is nice. Feels just like the original- except the top is weighted. I think that's the make the tube feel a bit higher end because it's heavy? I think they are trying to make it feel like metal. Kinda strange but OK. The packaging does end up feeling a bit more lux because it's weighted. 

The brush is also the same as the OG. And I like that because I really liked the original brush.

So it's purely the formula of this I don't like. It comes feeling like it's already dried up. And goes on much like all other mascaras when you reach the end of the tube. I get short, stubby, non-voluminous lashes. You can kinda build it up- but you need to wait for it to dry (takes quite a bit of time) and then you layer the next layer on. This also makes it more likely to flake. I need something that gives me long, thick, lashes quickly. I don't have a lot of time in the AM to build lashes and wait for coats to dry. Even so- the results are still lackluster. 

I think if you have straight lashes..this would also weigh them down. I have curled lashes and I feel like this makes them droopy. 

I've also barely been using the mascara- only a few short weeks and it really feels very dried up. 

I've tried to work with it though...tried it with primer and everything but if I build up length and volume with a primer- this seems to just undo and take away whatever the primer gives.

Usually I take a pic of the results. This is just so lackluster...I'm not. It's not even worth the time or effort to take a photo of it. 

Ingredients: 

Water\Aqua\Eau, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax\Candelilla Cera\Cire De Candelilla, Propanediol, Pullulan, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax\ Copernicia Cerifera Cera \Cire De Carnauba, Stearic Acid, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Palmitic Acid, Cellulose, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Hexylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Iron Oxides (CI 77499)

Overall, very disappointing. It's nice the brand decided to branch out and market a more natural mascara.  But at the price they are asking..NO. Not recommended. 

Essie Truth or Flare Nail Polish Review

Yesterday was a very good day. Blue tsunami. I had the news on from the time I got home until the time it was time for me to get up and go to work again. There is hope for America yet (but still a lot of work to do!) 

So much good news and this was just a small portion of it.

And now...tiem to review some polish. Blue of course. Not the right shade of blue..but any blue will do! 

Essie claims: 

Vintage Blue Denim

Essie is the ultimate nail polish authority and praised by both professionals and celebrities for it's flawless coverage and wide range of fashion forward shades. As a favorite among nail technicians, essie polish provides outstanding durability, a chip-resistant finish and innovate formulas which are free of harsh chemicals and preservatives.

Features:

• Long-lasting & durable
• Even, flawless coverage
• Ultra chip resistant
• Fast drying formula
• Formaldehyde free
• Toluene-free
• DBP-free
• 
  

This shade is long discontinued. I bought it years and years ago from TJ Maxx. There's nothing I love more than buying blue nail polish- so of course this went home with me. At least it's a different shade of blue from what I normally buy.

I love this shade though. It's like a muted, dusky sky blue. Not a bright blue. Very unique shade that I don't see often. It's from the Essie Hide and Go Chic Collection. I don't pay much to collections of NP..so I definitely never saw it in store.

I  love, love this color though. Since it's from 2014 it is the old brush style but I find that it works with this. It's very sheer and you do need at least two coats. I find this formula the most forgiving and easy to paint with so it fits my preference. 

Essie polishes also wear the best on me- given the top coat and the base coat are decent. Base and Top can make or break but this does wear nicely with good ones. 

I think it looks nice as a mani or pedi color.

If I ever do finish the bottle- it is a shade I will miss. Not sure if I would be able to find a replacement. It really is a unique shade of blue in my opinion. Perfect for the Fall season.