Beekman Pure Goat Milk Soap Review

 I had movie night last night and did a re-watch of Boyz N The Hood. I watched the movie once- years and years ago and then never watched it again. It's good enough to watch over and over. It might be one of the best coming of age stories out there. But it's a heavy movie. Lately on social media the thing is to use the saxophone clip to short videos- the same one that Ricky is basically shot too...and it's so traumatizing. Every time I hear that music I get the imagery of Ricky running- I skip those videos so quickly. Who made that a thing?  But anyway, I'm glad I re-watched it and now I don't need to watch it for another 10 or so years.

In the meantime- soap. 

Beekman claims:

This natural, triple-milled goat milk bar soap is the first product we ever created, and it's now our #1 best seller with over 60 million bars sold! Creamy goat milk and botanicals deeply nourish and moisturize skin, giving you long-lasting freshness with a velvety foaming lather that cleanses without stripping skin’s moisture. 

Benefits:

• 100% vegetable soap base that gets you squeaky-clean–without the squeak
• 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
• made in USA

Anytime I get my hands on a fragrance fee soap I just demote them to a facial soap. I bought a ton of Beekman soaps and reviewed them all- except this one. It's probably not one I would have bought- but I do like goat milk soap. I like it for the face-  so here we are. Most of the Beekman soap line I was unimpressed with. The scents just don't really hit for me.  This won't have that problem.

So..it's goat milk soap. And goat milk is supposed to be excellent for the skin. It's moisturizing, a bit exfoliating, matches the PH of skin, and nutrient rich. Why wouldn't you want to put it on your skin? 

I like this soap- I don't think it's remarkable. I don't think it stands out as any other facial soap I've used on my face. But it hasn't caused any problems either. 

It's not too drying, gets of all my makeup off, lathers well, rinses clean. Doesn't trigger any skin problems. 

Ingredients: 

Sodium Palmate, Sodium Cocoate and/or Palm Kernelate, Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Caprae Lac (Goat Milk), Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Cocoyl Threoninate, Sodium Chloride, Pentasodium Pentetate, Tetrasodium Etidronate.

Overall, not bad. I probably won't buy again just because there are so many other brands/soaps to try. But if you like bar soaps as facial soaps and you like goat milk- it might be worth a try. 

Alberto V05 Island Coconut Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner Review

My last shampoo lasted me forever so after what seems like ages- I finally needed to pick up something else. The last few i[ I bought were more on the high end side so I decided to take it back to budget friendly and went to my old favorite - Alberto Culver. I used to love the conditioner and went though multiple bottles. It was something I used nearly every day. My favorite was the Strawberries and Cream. I haven't had a bottle in years and wanted to try something different- so here we are reviewing the Coconut.

Alberto claims:

Alberto VO5's unique formula blended with the Power of Five vitamins and natural oils provides beautiful soft, shiny hair. That’s the secret of VO5.

VO5 Island Coconut Moisturizing Shampoo is designed to cleanse dry hair while helping maintain moisture balance and softness. The hydrating formula works to remove buildup from the hair and scalp while supporting a smooth, manageable feel. The coconut-inspired scent provides a light fragrance that enhances the overall cleansing experience. The shampoo lathers easily and rinses clean, leaving hair feeling refreshed and prepared for conditioning. Suitable for daily or regular use, it can be incorporated into a complete hair care routine for dry hair types. Packaged in a 15 oz bottle, it offers a convenient size for home use. Apply to wet hair, massage into a lather, and rinse thoroughly according to the directions provided.

Made in Canada

I've used a ton of coconut shampoo over the years. From brands like Organix, Lush, Bumble and Bumble, and Suave. Every brand seems to have a Coconut line. I can't say I am particularly into Coconut Hair stuff but I always seem to end up with them. 

So we shall start with the scent. I don't particularly love Coconut Hair products- there are a few exceptions. Many of them tend to smell a bit sour and can go south in the hair. This doesn't smell bad- but it has a bit of a sour scent to it and I don't particularly love it in my hair. It smells very familiar though-- maybe it reminds me Suave's scent but it's been a couple years since I used that one.  This works a lot better in my hair than anything Suave ever has. 

The shampoo is fine. It lathers and bubbles like crazy and when it rinses it does leave my hair feeling a bit tangled and a bit too squeaky clean feeling. The only complaint I have is that I seem to be going through it quite quickly. I'm not sure that it's because it's isn't concentrated- I think the packaging just dispenses too much product. I've been going through both the shampoo and conditioner very quickly.

I like the conditioner. I feel like it really puts back what the shampoo stripped of my hair. It feels moisturizing, has slip,  and helps with detangling. My hair never feels dry once I am done with this duo. 

The main thing I look for in a shampoo and conditioner is silicone free. Mainly Dimethicone. And microplastics. I don't truly know all of the microplastic derived ingredients but I don't think there are any in this. It also has a few other goodies which is surprising at the price point. 

Shampoo Ingredients: 

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Fragrance, Sodium Benzoate, Polyquaternium-7, Glycol Stearate, Clycol Distearate, Citric Acid, Disodium Edta, Glycerin, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Polysorbate 20, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Oil, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Biotin (Vitamin H), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Benzophenone-4

Conditioner: 

Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Chloride, Cetrimonium Chloride Fragrance, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Distearate, Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Disodium Edta, Glycerin, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Biotin (Vitamin H), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Shea Butter, Benzophenone-4

Overall, for the price it's a bargain. I really liked it- except the scent. I wouldn't buy this scent again but I would pick up another a different one.

Thai Pizza and Cornish Pasties (Tiddy Oggies)

 It's already that time for another food post- this time I made some truly new foods to me. Well, maybe just a different type of pizza and a different type of meat pie. Different enough though. 

Starting with the Thai Pizza. I mostly followed the recipe except I used a whole wheat flour flat bread recipe that has been my go to for stuff like this. Sometimes I buy bread- other times I really try to make it. So on to making this- it was definitely unique and I think I would have liked it more if the sauce was just regular tomato sauce instead of the peanut/hoisin combination. It was just a bit too rich. But I like the topping- for the most part. I'm not the biggest fan of chicken on a pizza- it's not bad it's just not my preferred topping. So this was OK for me. If I made it again- I would probably make some tweaks. But I don't think I'll make it again.

And then I made Cornish Pasties. I had a feeling looking at the recipe that it might be a bit bland...and yes. I think they might taste better as they sit but they definitely need a flavorful dipping sauce. The crust was really nice- and unlike most of the crust recipes from the cookbook (Harry Potter Unofficial) it was all butter. So I didn't need to run and buy shortening. I have made a variety of meat pies from that book and I think cooking everything down with different seasoning and stock really made the difference. I link and talk about the other pies I've made from the cookbook here.

I was still getting the hang of rolling them up so they don't look how I expected but I still think I did a good job. I wouldn't make these again...or not with this recipe. But I'm glad I did make them. I was very curious about them- especially given the name. 

And that's all for this week....

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Perfumed Soap Review

This is probably one the worst "luxury" soaps I have ever used. Which is shocking given the brand- and the price. Full price it will run you $37.00. 

So let's dive right into it.

Chanel claims: 

Delicately scented with the fresh, ambery notes of the COCO MADEMOISELLE fragrance, this soap for hands and body transforms into a creamy lather upon contact with water. The formula is enriched with cranberry seed oil, leaving skin soft and supple. 

A double name, a double personality. Independent and endearing, mischievous and provocative, light and exuberant. The expression of an individual free to reinvent themself.

composition

Notes of vibrant orange mingle with the transparency of rose and the elegance of patchouli.

art of perfuming

Create a generous lather in bath or shower as the first step in your COCO MADEMOISELLE fragrance ritual.

3.6 ounce.

Made in France

The prices on Chanel soaps have really sky rocketed over the past few years and I can tell you this is not worth it. I would not even pay $2.00 for this soap.

Packaging is basic. A box with the soap wrapped in plastic. It travelled well and the soap looked immaculate when I got it- but given the price- it is underwhelming. I think if I had ordered it directly from Chanel the packaging and samples can help digest the price- but I wanted to use Nordstrom bucks so I cashed in my $10.00 to lower the price on this. I wish I hadn't done that.

It's a square shape and I have to say I prefer the shape of the No.5 soap over this. It's nice but that one is nicer and much bigger.

The part about this that I cannot stand is the scent. It's horrible. It has an underlying pleasant fruity pear/floral scent. But what you smell most is something that smells like Nair. It smells so bad. I was shocked at how bad it was. Very unexpected. I thought maybe it was just the top layers but that horrible scent goes all the way down the last sliver. So I over lathered to try and use it up quickly. It took a lot of will power to not just toss it in the trash. 

Another thing- it makes my skin look awful. It feels like a very moisturizing soap as it's going on but it leaves a layer of white ash over my skin no matter how much I rinses. Some soaps do that- but this is the last soap I would have ever expected that from. Usually it's been cheaper soaps.

I don't know if I got a bad bar- but at this price there should be no "bad" bars. Quality control should be top notch. Or maybe that's just how the soap is supposed to be. 

Ingredients: 

SODIUM PALMATE | SODIUM PALM KERNELATE | AQUA (WATER) | PARFUM (FRAGRANCE) | PALM KERNEL ACID | VACCINIUM MACROCARPON (CRANBERRY) SEED OIL | ZEA MAYS (CORN) STARCH | HEXYL CINNAMAL | SODIUM CHLORIDE | SODIUM THIOSULFATE | GLYCERIN | LINALOOL | LIMONENE | BENZYL SALICYLATE | TETRASODIUM EDTA | TETRASODIUM ETIDRONATE | CITRONELLOL | GERANIOL | COUMARIN | CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE) | BS000136B

Hated it. Would never buy it again. If you are in the mood to treat yourself with a soap from the brand-  No.5 is a much better option. Or I would even highly recommend Dior J'adore as a more modern option that would be more comparable. Anything but this.

Senna Cosmetics Ultra Last Eyeliner in Tangara Review

I wasn't going to review this- but I think this is my favorite colored liner of all time. So even though it's discontinued, I'll review it anyway and hope they bring it back. I had another one in a purple shade that I absolutely hated. Not sure how two liners from the same line can be so different- but they are.

Senna claims: 

The Senna Ultra Last Eyeliner is a super creamy waterproof ultra eyeliner that glides on without any tugging or skipping, and the color shows up rich and precise in a single stroke. Put it on in the morning and forget about it; it's still there when the day ends. 

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT

Here's what makes this high pigment gel liner different. Right after you apply it, you get a little play time smudge it out for a smoky look, or clean up the line if you want it sharper. Then it sets, and once it sets, it's not going anywhere. It won't smear, won't bleed, won't fade. Your liner looks the same at hour 12 as it did when you left the mirror.

When evaluating the top eye products on the market, longevity is everything. And yes, it's fully waterproof and smudge proof. Humid weather, a sweaty workout, or a night that runs late—none of it moves this liner. It stays locked onto your lash line, not under your eyes. 

THE BEST EYELINER FOR TIGHTLINING

If you tightline, this one was made for you. The creamy gel hugs your waterline and upper lash line and stays there it doesn't transfer to the lower lid, which is the whole reason tightlining usually goes wrong. Makeup artists love it for exactly this. Your lashes look fuller, your eyes look defined, and you're not checking the mirror at lunch wondering where your liner went.

EASY TO USE, ZERO MAINTENANCE

The retractable pencil means no sharpening, ever. Just twist up and line. The cap seals airtight, so the formula stays creamy instead of drying out the way most waterproof gel pencils eventually do. And when the day's over, it comes off easily just a bit of makeup remover on a cotton pad and you're done.

HOW TO USE

Line your upper and lower lids, and if you want to smudge or soften the line, do it fast you only have a few seconds before it sets. When you're done, snap the cap back on tight so the formula stays creamy.

AVAILABLE SHADES

• Ultra Black: The blackest black for bold, classic definition

• Ultra Brown: A dark brown for softer, everyday wear

• Python: A gilded brown with a hint of shimmer

One ultra eyeliner, three shades, endless looks. Once it's on, it's on exactly the way eyeliner should be.

Made in Germany 

My favorite thing about this liner is definitely the color. It's the prettiest shade of teal. It's vibrant...just everything you would want from a colored liner. 

It goes on smoothly, doesn't irritate my eyes. I've literally had it forever and it hasn't dried out.

It also lasts. It's always there at the end of the day- even though the waterline can be a tough place to keep liner- especially for my eyes. No issues with this. I don't wear it on the lid though, I only like it in the water/tight line. 

I love it. 

The only thing is you should be careful with how much you roll it up and how hard you  press. I did break it once. But it was probably my fault. 

It's not a microliner- so it won't have a sharp tip or make a thin line. But that's OK with me. I haven't met a micro-liner I love yet. 

I mostly love to pair it with bright and green fun shades on the lid. 

 I wish they still made the fun colors. It might be worth trying in the black/brown shades if I ever place another order with Senna.

The Toys

Kicking off my four day weekend with enjoying the sun and knocking a post or two out the way. I'm getting spoiled lately with very short music post. 

Today- The Toys. I think I discovered this group when listening to Alicia Keys- but not  I'm not 100 on that because I see that The Supremes have their own version. But The Toys version is superior if you ask me.  It was really so long ago now. I almost couldn't find this live version that I know I listened to years and years ago.

It needs some remastering now but it's a good clip that showcases the song. It's a good song- I think my favorite part or what draws me in it something about the melody. 

Also the 60's styling is drawing me in.

Classic.