Oars + Alps Oars Blue Charcoal Bar Soap Review

This is a men's brand....with an interesting creation story. The origin of most men's brands are from men creators- this one is different in that the creator is a wife who was tired of her husband stealing her products so she decided to create a whole line for him. I get it, products are expensive and I myself would definitely rather not share my good stuff. 

Oars and Alps claims:

Our exfoliating Oars Bar is designed to give your skin a deeper clean.

Volcanic Sand gently buffs away dead skin cells, while Activated Charcoal binds to dirt and sweat to help keep your skin clear and breakout-free. This exfoliating bar soap is made with Blue Green Algae and Witch Hazel Extract to balance the skin and reduce excess oil. 

1. Our exfoliating Oars Bar is for guys looking for a deeper clean. Activated Charcoal binds to dirt and sweat to keep your pores clear. Blue-Green Algae Extract and Volcanic Sand exfoliate dead skin cells and bacteria that can lead to pimples and breakouts on the body. Good-bye backne.
2. Due to the ingredients used in this charcoal soap bar, there is some variation in the size of the exfoliators. Please use caution.
3. Witch Hazel Extract reduces excess oil on your skin.
4. Shea Butter provides intense moisture for dry and dehydrated skin.
5. made in USA

I love soap- and I guess that has now extended to trying out Men's bars. I find most men soaps doesn't smell super masculine and some of them have really nice shower scents. Like this one.

It's hard to tell what the scent is supposed to be and I kinda bought this without reading the description. Later on when I finally read the packaging- it is supposed to be California Coast. Which I get it. It's smells very good and I really enjoyed the scent- just wish it was stronger. It smells like a really beautifully scented breeze in the early morning hours. Very fresh smelling. It doesn't smell particularly masculine like I was expecting.  This is a bar anyone can use. I like it so much I kinda wanna buy the shower gel.

I have noticed so many bars that have come out lately also double as exfoliators. Which I really dig. Eliminates the need for a separate scrub and it also lathers. Per the label this is scrubby but gentle enough for everyday. It says every other day on the site though. I went through this bar pretty quickly because I loved how the scrubby felt against my skin. A bit scratchy but not too bad and just felt nice. Apparently the scrubbiness is provided by Volcanic Ash- and pumice. Cool.

It lathers well, rinses clean, and cleans very well. Maybe it's the blue charcoal.Charcoal is said to be deep cleansing, detoxifying, and exfoliating. It's an ingredients I love to see. I don't think it's particularly drying but it can make my skin look dry so I like to lotion up visible skin after.

Packaging is nice. It's plastic free so you can just throw the paper in the recycle. Earth friendly. 

It also  has blue green algae and witch hazel.

Ingredients: 

Sodium Palmate, Sodium Cocoate (Or) Sodium Palm Kernelate, Water, Glycerin, Coconut Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Fragrance, Pumice, Carbon, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Gluconate, 

Galactoarabinan, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Ultramarines (CI 77007), Spirulina Maxima Extract,Cladonia Stellaris Extract (Alpine Caribou Moss), Volcanic Sand, Iron Oxides (CI 77499).

Overall, I liked it much more than I expected and I'm excited to try the other two bars from the brand I have tucked in the stash. Hopefully they are just as good!

Artichoke Dip and Coconut Curry Chicken with Vegetables

 I just found out my friend passed away earlier this year..so I'm a little sad right now and looking for any kind of distractions. I had just been thinking about her the other day and had no idea she had passed and most of today I have just been visiting old memories. The first and only time I had hung out in Frankfurt and stayed with her family- her coming to a mini BBQ. Life is really just so fragile and she was a beautiful person inside and out. 

It seems odd to transition to food...but here we go.

I made Artichoke Dip yesterday. Earlier in the year I tried to make a dish with fresh artichokes and it ended up being a waste of time and money. I couldn't figure out what part you are supposed to eat...so I ended up throwing most of it away. And they were pretty expensive. This just uses the canned stuff which is probably the only way I will ever make it again. I haven't had artichoke dip in years and years but I did like it when I had it. Had no idea it was so easy to make. And really good. I made a small batch of tune (protein) and bought a package of bread to toast and use to dip. Served with cucumber and tomatoes and a light dinner was served. 

Next up...a coconut curry. I only loosely followed the recipe on this. Mainly I used frozen vegetables and switched the potatoes for chicken (protein). And it was really good. I was so grateful for the leftovers that saw me through the week. Wouldn't definitely make this again! It was a Vitamix recipe but really no need to use one. I didn't. I do just wish I had made it spicier. 

Not a bad week at all. Hopefully next week's will recipes will be just as yummy....

Covergirl Lid Lock Up Eye Primer Review

 I just got an email that Apple is making an announcement next month- I sure hope it's for a new phone drop. I dropped and cracked my screen a few months ago and it's been such an eyesore. I would have bought a new phone- but I don't want to buy a new old phone. I want to buy a new (new phone) so I've been not so patiently waiting for the new phones to drop. I've had my current phone since 2019 so I think it's time for an upgrade. I think Apple is supposed to be releasing a Cherry color which is the one I want. Hoping I like it in person though because I thought the Orange drop from last year was for me but I didn't like the color when I saw it in person. 

Anyway..eye primer. 

Covergirl:

COVERGIRL Lid Lock Up Eyeshadow Primer gives you all-day, crease-proof eyeshadow security. Prep your lids to maximize the wear and intensity of your shadow. This quick-to-dry eyeshadow primer pairs perfectly with our range of eyeshadow kits and palettes.

Made in England 

No matter how good or expensive an eyeshadow I am using it- I need a primer. I went without primer one time a few days ago and by the end of the day all my shadow was gone. creased, etc. It's not an option for me...so I always try to keep one on deck. 

I picked this one up because it was affordable and I like to switch up between high end  and budget friendly. 

It comes in what I associate as lip gloss packaging. But it's easy to use and it works. I just worry that there will be a lot of product left over that I won't see, be able to get out. But so far I've had it and been using it for a few months and it's still going strong. 

It looks/feels just like any other primer. Looks beige but rubs in clear for the most part. I have found I can see it looking slightly ashy sometimes if I don't really take care to rub it in. I'm not a fan of that.

It is a slightly sticky to grip shadow but in a good way. I haven't noticed any dragging or difficulty blending out with it as long as I'm using the right brush. 

My shadow lasts all day. I feel like it looks the same at the end of the day when I first applied so it does what it says. 

I like it. I think it's a great primer- the only thing is I would prefer something truly clear that I can throw on. So it isn't a repurchase for me- as I prefer something truly clear. But it is a really good primer that I would recommend. 

Toussaint Mccall

Quick music post today. I feel like I have the whole day ahead of me since I managed to sleep a glorious 12 hours. It was much needed because I hadn't been getting much sleep throughout the week.

I only have one song to share today- and this is one of those oldie songs I have to be in the mood for or else I'll skip it. It's one of those beautiful songs with a haunting kind of sound- doesn't really match the lyrics to me but I like it anyway.

I've never seen Hairspray but maybe I should watch it.

And also the song on the record in all its glory.

Classic.

Salt & Stone Black Rose and Oud Body Lotion Review

 

It feels like we just had a heat wave a few days ago and now out of nowhere it's cold. Chilly enough to light candles and unplug the air conditioner. I miss burning my candles so I am definitely taking advantage and have one lit as I'm writing. In the meantime, it's also time to pull out the lotion. Not that I was able to put it away. 

I've had this for a little while now. My problem is that I'll buy a cheaper lotion and put this away to use up the cheap stuff. Now I'm out of the bargain stuff-which is good- because it's forcing me to actually use up my good stuff.

Salt and Stone claims:

A fast-absorbing body lotion infused with seaweed extracts and niacinamide. Deeply hydrates and dries down to a silky soft finish.

Bouquets of black roses and lilies bloom as you climb, engulfing your senses. Warm rays beat down. Refreshing. Powerful. Sensual. A wave of deep, warm oud meets fresh vetiver. Clove and amber invoke forgotten memories, cascading down to float, finally, atop woody cedar.

Notes:

Top — Black Rose, Lily of the Valley

Heart — Oud, Mahogany

Base — Vetiver, Santal, Amber

Made in US

I've wanted to try this brand for awhile and finally just went for it and ordered the lotion. I tend to love any scent that has Noir or Black in it.This is no exception. I love the scent of Roses but I can be very picky when it comes to Bath and body or perfumes/candles. I think my favorite Rose scent of all time would have to be Lush Rose Jam. It's a sweet rose with lots of vanilla. I think the problem is Rose is that it can smell old fashioned and old lady like. But this is different. 

I definitely get the rose but it's definitely blackened. This is a sexy date night Rose. I'm still trying to learn what oud smells like. I think it tends to be a very heavy scent but I'm guessing the Rose mellows it out. But this is not a mellow scent. It's also supposed to have clove, amber,  vetiver and cedar. I can't pick up individual notes, I just know that I really enjoy the blend of it all together. I'm actually really surprised to see that is has an element of spice to it. But it's very rare that I can pick out spice notes.

It's definitely a perfumed body lotion. But I don't think the scent lasts longer than two hours. Maybe two and half. But while you are wearing it in that time frame- if you let it warm up on your skin it really creates a cloud of scent that also get's a little soapy and clean smelling while still smelling dark and mysterious. I really, really enjoy that and it's what made me want to order another scent. I do wish it lasted longer though or maybe it's just that I go nose blind to it. 

I really like the packaging. I've only had this type of packaging for hand cream. But it is aluminum and as they say on the box, it is infinitely recyclable. I'm just always happy to see anything other than plastic so I am into it. The only plastic is the lid. When I saw this type of packaging I was expecting a thick lotion- but really it's pretty lightweight. It's not greasy at all and absorbs really quickly. 

I de prefer something heavier but I can appreciate it and it seems to keep my skin soft and hydrated all day even if it is a thinner lotion. I'm not sure it would be enough if you have dryer skin though. 

These days I am trying to avoid silicones in my lotions and this fit the bill. That's really the only requirement I have at the moment.

Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Cetearyl Olivate, Niacinamide, Shea Butter Glycerides, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Fragrance (Parfum), Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Benzyl Benzoate, Eugenol.

Overall, I have really enjoyed this lotion and I definitely want to try them all. It kinda reminds me of the Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady scent. I think mainly because it's a darker rose scent. I probably won't repurchase anytime soon- but I could see myself eventually  buying it again once I have sampled all the other scents.

What's nice about it is it comes in so many other forms- so if you love it you can get the candle, deodorant, hand creme, body wash, etc. It also comes in a larger size than the 3.4 ounce smaller tube but I think I'll stick with the smeller size for now.

Dove Care & Protect Anti-Bacterial Beauty Bar Review

 

Dove has really been collaborating and branching out to make scents/soaps that I never thought they would. Earlier this year they had a Bridgerton collection that I would have loved to try but it was only available at Target and I think we are still boycotting Target. 

Dove claims:

Looking for a cleansing bar that removes 99% of bacteria while moisturizing your skin? Dove Care & Protect Antibacterial Beauty Bar combines a nourishing formula with antibacterial properties, protecting from skin dryness. This essential cleansing bar gives you the antibacterial clean you want with the moisturization you love and is more moisturizing than ordinary soap. in a 20-second wash test vs. E. coli Enriched with the Dove signature 1/4 moisturizing cream, this moisturizing antibacterial bar deeply cleanses, leaving you with soft and smooth skin. This moisturizing bar is designed to remove 99% of bacteria and protect the skin from dryness, giving you clean and soft skin after every use. in a 20-second wash test vs. E. coli To get the most out of your cleansing bar, start by rinsing your hands under warm water. Rub the bar between your hands to create a lather. Massage the creamy, rich lather across your body and hands before rinsing with warm water. Bathroom looking cluttered with skin care products? Dove Care & Protect Beauty Bar can be used on your body, face and hands, so you only need one staple in your bathroom cabinet to fit all your cleansing needs. Globally, Dove does not test on animals and is certified by PETA, going further to care for all.

• Beauty Bar, Antibacterial
• New. No. 1 dermatologist recommended. 
• Protects skin from dryness. Removes 99% of bacteria (In a clinical wash test vs. E. coli). 
• 1/4 moisturizing cream. 
• The Dove Difference: Our antibacterial formula has 1/4 moisturizing cream and cleans away 99% of bacteria (In a clinical wash test vs. E. coli) while protecting your skin from dryness. 

info

I would have never thought that Dove of all brands would come out with an anti-bacterial soap. They are largely needed and mostly unhealthy. All you really need is regular soap which is antibacterial enough. But I figured I would try it anyway.

I believe the main ingredient in antibacterial soaps years ago was triclosan but that has since been banned so I guess they have a new active ingredient in anti-bacterial soaps. As far as I can see it is generally considered safe in small amounts..but who really knows. We never really find out until years later if something is bad for us. But that may not be the case with this.

When I first opened it, I thought the scent was really good but as I've used it...it's not that great. It kinda smells like a clean, newly grouted bathroom. A few times it's also smelled a bit odd- it almost reminded me of the underlying scent of the Nudy Rudy bars. 

It's a beauty bar and not a soap. I don't find the lathering and bubbles to be as good as other bars of soap. It's OK. As far as feeling clean- I find some of the Dove bars are pretty nice but I didn't think this was that great. I didn't really feel as clean as with some other bar soaps. 

Packaging is fine- I always prefer a bar soap to save the world a little bit of plastic. It comes in a box wrapped in plastic- still a lot less plastic than if you buy the liquid version though. 

I've noticed Dove bars are so much smaller than they used to be a couple years ago. So this bar is definitely on the smaller side but it is a very pretty color.

I don't notice a lot of reviews or talk about this bar- except a few that look like ads because they all talked about Ivory and the videos really seemed to follow a format.  

The ingredients are typical for Dove. A few years back they used to use animal tallow in the bars- these days they are animal tallow free. I think I prefer the old version- simply because they were cheaper- with the reformulation Dove has really jumped in price and I don't really find it to be worth it most of the time. 

Ingredients: 

Active Ingredient: Benzalkonium Chloride

Inactive ingredients: Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Sodium Oleate, Sodium Stearate, Water (Aqua), Sodium Isethionate, Lauric Acid, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Laurate, Fragrance (Parfum), Dipropylene Glycol, Tetrasodium Etidronate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Chloride, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Yellow 5 (CI 19140).

Overall there are other versions of the Dove bar that I think are better. Not something I would ever buy again.