The Three Degrees

The most glamorous of the early R&B and Soul music group. When I watch their live performance all I think about is the move Dreamgirls and how they really took inspiration from them. I really thought it was mostly The Supremes- but I think a lot of the live performances definitely look like this group. I don't have as many songs as I have of the Supremes- but I still really love this group for the songs I do have.

The first song I discovered from the group was When Will I See You. I love the filming of this..something about those camera angles. I don't know if this is live but the one after this for sure is! 

Then we have If and When which is hands down one of my favorite performances of all time. I enjoy soul music more than anything so this song does it for me then When Will I See You. The voices, the harmonies, everything about this live performance was absolutely perfect. They all look gorgeous...and make me want to buy a wig and some new lipstick. Maybe even a dress so I can go play Dreamgirls in the mirror. So glad I can enjoy this performance anytime I want with youtube. Pure Magic. 

And last up- their cameo on Sanford and Son. I LOVE Sanford and Son. One of my favorite sitcoms of all time. It still cracks me up..no matter how many times I have seen it. I need to see about buying the box set so I can own it. 

I feel like they probably have a lot more songs I need to listen to. I can't remember if I heard their full discography....but these are the standouts so far. If you haven't, I really recommend giving them a listen! 

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Review

 

I have been sitting on this review- been meaning to review it for forever. But I wanted to make sure I tested it with different foundations to really get a true opinion on it. I love a good primer- some think it's not necessary but it really can go a long way to prepping your skin and providing hydration and a smooth surface for your makeup to sit on top of. They can extend your wear time, control oil etc. I don't wear a primer every day. But I do when I want my skin to look extra nice.

Bobbi Brown claims: 

Skincare made for makeup. Our bestselling hydrating primer instantly nourishes, plumps, and preps skin to improve the look of foundation. It's full makeup prep in one step, blending the performance of a makeup primer with the cushion of a moisturizer.

• A blend of Vitamins B, C, and E helps replenish and condition skin with essential nourishment.
• A moisturizing complex of Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, and Shea Butter helps instantly hydrate, plump, and prep skin for a fresh, healthy-looking glow.
• Rich yet lightweight and fast-absorbing texture cushions skin and grips foundation for smooth, flawless makeup application.
• 100% natural fragrance of Grapefruit and Geranium uplifts the senses.


- 100% natural fragrance 
- 100% naturally derived fragrance 
- Fragranced/scented with natural/naturally derived grapefruit and geranium oils
- Free of synthetic fragrance


• Real Results:


- 91% say it improves the look of foundation*** 
- 95% say it layers well with makeup, helping makeup apply smoothly and evenly** 
- 95% say it grips makeup for flawless application** 
- 93% say it leaves makeup looking fresh all day** 
- 98% say skin looks rejuvenated* 
- 96% say it leaves skin feeling nourished and conditioned* 
- 95% say skin looks vibrant* 
- 93% say it leaves skin feeling plumped* 
- 96% say it leaves skin looking healthy* 
- 96% say it leaves skin feeling moisturized throughout the day* 
- 95% say it leaves skin feeling healthy and infused with moisture* 
*Consumer testing on 123 women after one week of product use. 
**Consumer testing on 103 women after one week of product use. 

***Consumer testing on 94 women after one week of product use.

Made in USA

I feel like Bobbi Brown especially pushed skin prep...or at least I think she did in her books. This is a primer/moisturizer in one. So if they are two separate steps- you can combine them here. 

It's a thick cream that comes in a plastic tub. I was really hoping it would be glass- that would have made the packaging feel a bit more special, especially at its price point. You get 1.7 ounces of product which is a decent amount- but compared to the price...maybe not such a great deal.

I got it on sale and got quite a bit of money off. 

But back to the product itself. It's a thick yellow tinted cream that has a pleasant smell of a citrus or oranges. I really like the scent. It smooths on easily and make the skin look hydrated and perfectly prepped for the next step. I feel like it make the skin look healthy and slightly radiant but not too much on my oily skin. 

I have tried it with three different foundations and found it to work amazingly well for 2 out of the 3. I felt like my skin looked extra nice and the makeup wore well without looking greasy. The third foundation I tried it with I really dislike with or without primer- I have yet to review but I don't think anything can help it. 

I will say the ingredients really aren't my favorite and that's really the only thing that really gives me pause. There is all kinds ofdimethicone, glycols, acrylates, carbomer  and all the things I would rather avoid. . It does have some goodies though- like Shea Butter etc. 

Ingredients: 

Water\Aqua\Eau , Cyclopentasiloxane , Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2 , Butylene Glycol , Ppg-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate , Cetyl Alcohol , Peg-40 Stearate , Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) , Squalane , Glyceryl Stearate , Sorbitan Stearate , Epilobium Angustifolium Extract , Yeast Extract\Faex\Extrait De Levure , Beta-Carotene , Sodium Hyaluronate , Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil , Tocopheryl Acetate , Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate , Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil , Dimethicone Crosspolymer , Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer , Carbomer , Peg-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate , C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate , Tetrasodium Edta , Sodium Hydroxide , Panthenol , Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate , Limonene , Citronellol , Geraniol , Linalool , Chlorphenesin , Phenoxyethanol <ILN39205>

There's not much else to say except that I really, really like it (except the ingredients.)  I think it might be in the top of primers that I have tried...it combines moisturizer and priming really well. It's something I could definitely see myself purchasing again and I would recommend giving it a try. 

PF Candle Co. Arroyo Oak Candle Review

 

I just realized my blog has hit over a million views- wow. I honestly thought that would never happen but I'm very pleasantly surprised and grateful for all the views. Every now and again I consider just quitting the blog- but I really like writing reviews and keeping track of all the things I've tried (and cooked) . Especially hair and makeup. And of course soap. And in the past few years I have certainly stepped up the candle reviews. 

This is my third PF candle....and I think I'm going to take a little break from the brand for a few months. Just to make sure I am rotating brands and continuing to try new things. Although PF is a brand that I like and definitely want to explore more. 

PF claims: 

A love letter to the quiet wild of the Arroyo Seco. A passageway of twisted terrain perfumed by native sagebrush, crushed oak leaves, shady creek beds, and canyon stone. Vetiver, frankincense, & california oak.

TOP

wild sage, silver artemisia, bay laurel, black pepper

MID

chopped cedar, vetiver, pine needles

BASE

palo santo, olibanum, oak wood, white smoke

Of the three I have tried- this is my least favorite. It's supposed to be earthy, smoky, and woody. I get that- but I also get something that I keep thinking is kinda citrus...but I know it's not citrus. And whatever that note is I don't like it. I can smell it in the cold throw and the hot throw. 

I was curious about the name so upon a quick google- the Arroyo Oak is an endangered oak tree native to Mexico. I also just learned that Mexico is home to more species of oak than any other country. I like oak trees. I really hope they can find a way to save the oak trees. They are beautiful trees. 

I kinda wish this candle did an educational moment on the trees and maybe donate a portion of the proceeds to saving the oak trees.

As for the quality- it takes a while to get going. I find that to be true for most soy candles. The scent is really hidden in the lower 2/3 of the candle. Until then the candle will give you nothing. It's throwing scent pretty well now though so I can really smell it. The smoky part of the scent s intriguing but there is just something off about this scent to me. I don't enjoy it. 

It is soy though, so it's pretty clean burning. It burns evenly and I haven't had any trouble with sooting, smoking, or tunneling. Also-- I love the packaging. I just love anything packaged in amber glass. It gives a very apothecary feel. 

Still really like the brand- I would just prefer something like Iris Suede over this type of scent. I think when I circle back to this brand I really need to get my hands on the Sandalwood Rose scent...

Fajita Marinade and Chicken Club Sandwich

 Two chicken recipes this week- kinda boring. But I'm just happy I ended up cooking because I had burned myself out a bit. 

Anyway...I'm just gonna post these rather quickly- Starting with the Fajita marinade. It's been a little while since I have had fajitas. This marinade was not it. It was a little too vinegar-y. It sure has me craving sizzling hot fajitas that you get in a restaurant though--- the problem is I don't know where to get some great ones and I don't think I want to make anymore anytime soon. I did break out my wok that I got for my bday...I've been so excited to use it. I have a lot to learn about Wok cooking...I def need more practice but I'm happy with what I did here- except for the flavor of the marinade. 

Next up- a chicken club sandwich. The chicken club originated in NYC. Next time I'm there I definitely wanna grab one. I never order chicken club sandwiches- they just seem a bit boring. I didn't make mine any kind of traditional- I bought the wrong bread on purpose. I had a use for the other three that came in a pack. And I also swapped the bacon for beef bacon. Added extra seasoning to my chicken. And I used a spicy mayo. It was pretty good. You really can't go wrong with a chicken sandwich. Served with rice and lentils and green beans. 

And that's all! Hope I have a bit more variety to post for next weeks post...

Zoya Wyatt Professional Lacquer Review

 I've been meaning to do this review for a little while now. I just have been lazy to paint my nails because they have been in such awful condition- breaking and peeling everywhere. And nothing I do has helped.

Zoya claims:

Wyatt is a true racing green with a deep pigment, full coverage, and smooth application.

Finally I just figured I would go back to painting over their ugliness. Disguise it a little. And get this review out the way. This is my very first Zoya polish. I've always heard the greatest things about them. I bought it when I went back to the states- another thing I wanted to be sure of what to make sure I picked a more unique color- at least unique to my collection. I tend to by the same shades in multiples but I'm trying to stop.

I did a horrible job of painting my nails- but the excess polish will come off tomorrow in the shower...

So I picked up this lovely shade of green. Packaging is nice.  I guess at least you get a nice package for the price. Because I don't think the polish inside is worth that.

I don't love the brush. It's just your standard thin brush. I've been spoiled now with the Essie wide brushes- without a doubt my new fave. The formula is nice though, it goes on easily and very opaque. A second coat can easily be skipped.

I expected more with the formula though. I don't find it to wear any better than any other brand- it could be my top/base coats but I just haven't been impressed so far.

The color is stunning though- I can't believe this is my first true deep green- it's definitely one of my favorite shades in my collection at the moment. I think it looks great on me- manicure and pedicure.

Love the color- the formula and brush aren't my favorite. This shade is one I would be very tempted to re-purchase if I manage to get through my bottle. 

Beekman Glacial Mint and Eucalyptus Goat Milk Soap Review

 I've been looking at flights for my summer trip back home-----and tell my why the flights are all about four to five hundred dollars more than I have ever paid before. My two trips back last year are just about the same price as this one trip.  It's completely insane the price jump. In between that, I have also had the worst luck with ordering..usually I stick with the same old companies but occasionally I do venture out and order from a dud company. So it looks like I will be filing a claim to get my money back.

Anyway...I also wish I could get my money back from this soap. But at least I didn't pay much for it. I think I got it for around four dollars and some change.

Beekman claims:

Our microbiome-friendly fragrance is like a spa day for tired skin and is gentler on the skin than traditional scented bodycare.

Make every bath or shower a luxurious spa experience with this revitalizing bar soap. Creamy goat milk and our ultra-sudsy lather deeply cleanse without stripping moisture, while the scent of cool mint and soothing eucalyptus instantly calm and refresh the skin.

Benefits:

• Triple-milled to last even longer, extending all of the benefits of nourishing goat milk down to the very last lather
• Goat Milk boosts skin health with the same pH as human skin, and it’s rich in lactic acid, vitamins, and minerals to help renew and strengthen skin

Top: Hint Of Mint, Lemon, Basil, Eucalyptus

Middle: Agave, Jasmine, Lavender, Sage

Bottom: Vanilla, Cedar, Amber, Sandalwood

So far I have only been impressed by one of the Beekman soaps- the rest have been duds. I thought this one might be different. Eucalyptus Mint is a very popular combination. And so very easy to find across multiple brands. This isn't straight up Eucalyptus Mint. It's like a men's cologne with a tiny hint - but I don't get that hint in the shower. It seems pleasant enough just sniffing it...until I get it in the shower. There is something so unpleasant about it- just some sort of sourness that I really did not enjoy in the slightest. Kinda reminds me of how some of the Bath and Body works sometimes have a sourness to them.

Otherwise the soap is fine- it lathers well, cleans fine, and rinses easily. It isn't particularly drying...wouldn't say it's moisturizing but it is softening. 

Ingredients seem to be the same across the board. It has goat milk powder, kukui nut oil, jojoba and shea butter. 

Ingredients:

Sodium Palmate, Sodium Cocoate and/or Sodium Palm Kernelate, Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Fragrance (Parfum), Sodium Chloride, Caprae Lac (Goat Milk Powder), Aleurites Moluccana Seed Extract (Kukui Nut Oil), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Pentasodium Pentetate ... and Kindness.

Overall, thought I would like it. But I really don't. There are better Eucalyptus Mint scents out there and if I had to recommend something better I would say you should try the Lush Outback Mate, or Ursa Major Morning Mojo. Both are better options than this- albeit without Goat Milk but still decent ingredients.