La Chatelaine Passion Fruit Luxury Soap Review

I have recently discovered my love for passion fruit on a trip to Spain. I love Gelato and we went to one of the food markets, they had so many amazing sounding flavors I almost couldn't pick one. I ended up getting the Passion Fruit one...and it was sooo good. I do get Passion Fruit juice from the store but the gelato was a whole other ballgame. We went another place the next day I think and I had to get more. I tried a few other flavors but nothing was hitting like the Passion Fruit one. I've tried a few Passion Fruit bath and body products. The most spot on was the Body Butter from The Body Shop. I also tried the V05 Passion Fruit Shampoo/Conditioner, and lastly a Passion Fruit facial cleaner. I've had a few other things with the extract or notes of passion fruit but nothing memorable. When I saw this soap, I picked it up because it's not a scent you see often...and I'm glad I did.

La Chatelaine claims:

La Chatelaine plant based soaps are made in Provence using time-honored craftsmanship and ethically-sourced natural and organic ingredients. Enriched with organic Shea Butter, Argan Oil, Calendula, and Vitamin E to leave your skin feeling cleansed, soft, and moisturized. They are triple milled resulting in a long lasting bar with a luxurious lather. Formulated to protect and celebrate our bodies and our planet. 

• Made with love using ethically-sourced natural, nutrient-rich ingredients to leave your skin cleansed hydrated, and subtly scented. 
• Crafted in France and quad-milled for a dense long-lasting bar and a luxurious lather. 
• These hand wrapped soaps are enjoyed by natural-beauty buffs or as a coveted gift for any occasion. 
• Our custom formula is gentle enough for everyday use. Cruelty-Free and formulated without BHT, Parabens, or Phthalates.

The first soap I tried from this brand (listed on Oprah's Favorite Things) was the Fig soap and I did not like that one at all. It's mostly the scent, didn't vibe with it. Most soaps work the same, some are less drying than others so really the scent makes it. Better ingredients help. I did not like the Wild Fig scent...but I like this.

It doesn't smell like passion fruit. Just a nice fruity clean scent...almost smells like a quality Herbal Essence type of scent. Fruity but not in a not obnoxious way. I can't pick out any specific fruit. And it's on the lighter side, I do wish it was stronger but those that like a lighter scent would probably enjoy it. It doesn't fill the shower or even the bathroom but I can smell it. And I really, really like the scent. I kinda wish I could find a shampoo that smells like this. 

Other than that, the bar itself is $10. Many higher priced soaps have increased, I like that these haven't. I also am not sure I would pay more than $10 anyway.

They are made in France. 

They lather really well, make a lotta bubbles. And is only slightly drying. Not anywhere near as bad as the Fig one that left my skin looking extra ashy. My skin is slightly soft.

Ingredients are OK. I've seen better and I've seen worse. 

Ingredients:

Sodium Palmate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Aqua, Fragrance, Organic Shea Butter, Palm Acid, Glycerin, Argan Oil, Palm Kernel Acid, Salt, Vitamin E, Sunflower Seed Oil, Titanium Dioxide,  Tetrasodium Etidronate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Organic Calendula Extract,  Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbet, Sodium Benzoate

Overall, really love the scent. After the first one I wasn't sure if I would repurchase from this brand again but after trying this, I do want to try out the other scents. This scent itself will probably make my year end faves. 

Lush Sleepy Body Lotion Review

 I think that Lush Sleepy Body Lotion is the mostly heavenly Lavender scent in the world. I've had the scent in a lot of Lush products so far- Lush Twilight Shower Jelly,  Sleepy Shower Gel, and the Sleepy Soap. I think the Shower Jelly is my favorite iteration. With the lotion being a close 2nd. Or maybe they are interchangeable....

Lush claims:

Soothing and relaxing lavender

Blanket your body in this lovely lotion before stepping into soft pyjamas for snuggly nights beside the fire.

So....it's the prettiest lilac purple shade. With some sparkle thrown on top. 

And the best Lavender Vanilla scent there is. I really love it. I don't think it lasts that long though, but I don't even think I really care. As long as I can smell it when I put it on and it lingers in the room. I think it is pretty relaxing and calming. And does help (sometimes) to get me to sleep when I need to since I have a hard time falling asleep. 

The only thing is...it's not that hydrating. There have been times I've used it and woken up with dry skin. It's mostly been in the Winter time, and when I'm using a more drying soap. In the summer it seems fine or if my skin is less prone to being dry, it's OK. 

It is the perfect night time lotion though....

I find most Lush lotions have the best ingredients and still smell great. Not completely natural but natural enough....

Ingredients: 

Oat Milk, Almond Oil, Lavender Water, Lavender Flower Infusion, Organic Jojoba Oil, Glycerine, Fair Trade Cocoa Butter, Stearic Acid, Organic Illite Butter, Triethanolamine, Lavender oil, Benzoin Resinoid, Tonka Absolute, Ylang Ylang Oil, Water, Titanium Dioxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Synthetic Bio Glitter, Tin Oxide, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Cinnamate, Coumarin, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, Perfume, Color 

Overall, love it, it's a fave. I'll be repurchasing it! 

J.R. Watkins Lemon Hand Soap Review

 Quick Review today because I have a lot I still need to do today. But vacuuming is all done at least...I bought a Dyson a couple of weeks ago now and I LOVE it. Why did no one tell me how great cordless vacuums are? I think I wanted one but didn't want to buy one that was 220 volts...because who knows when I'll move back stateside. Then I found out they are dual voltage. 

Anyway..hand soap. 

J.R. Watkins claims: 

Formulated with plants and skin-nourishing ingredients, our gel hand wash effectively cleanses hands while being gentle enough to use multiple times a day. 

Does lemon soap just seem like something that belongs in the kitchen? 

I was expecting a realistic lemon scent and it smells like lemon kitchen cleaner. Like something you would spray on your counters or sink to clean it. I don't like the scent.

It bubbles up OK. I've had more lathery soaps. It doesn't really dry out my hands though, so that's good.

Ingredients are really nothing special. 

Ingredients: 

Water, sodium laureth sulfate (surfactant), cocamidopropyl betaine (surfactant), sodium chloride (salt), tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), glycerin, fragrance, citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel oil, methylisothiazolinone (preservative).

Overall,  not a fan.

Bath and Body Works Midsummer Dream Pocketbac Review

Is it just me or are all BBW scents starting to smell similar?  I think I like the summer hand sanitizer scents best so I picked ups couple to try out and this one has been my go to for the past couple of weeks.

Bath and Body Works claims:

A dreamy blend of salted pear, fresh nectarine and seaside lily. Infused with essential oils, shea extract, vitamin E and aloe, our skin-softening hand sanitizer kills 99.9% of most common germs, while the pocket-friendly design makes it easy to keep hands clean and conditioned on-the-go. Don't forget to add a cute holder, sold separately! Formula is 71% alcohol.

Pear, Nectarine, Lily

It's very scented and cloying and reminds me past scents they have released. Maybe takes me back to middle school and a Sheer Freesia Body Spray I had? But this isn't exactly the same. It smells worse. I'm not sure what note it is that I generally just dislike. And also very strong, very floral, and reminds me of scents that give me a headache.  Maybe it's the "sea water" notes I don't like? I have found I really dislike aquatic scents although sometimes I think they are OK at first, I get sick of them quickly though.

I think I do smell the nectarine in it though. 

As far as sanitizing...it leaves my hands clean I guess. But then my hands also feel a little odd and coated but not really coated. I don't like the way it leaves my hands feeling.

I really wish Bath and Body Works would start a recycling program. It says 100% Recycled Plastic in Bottle...whatever that means. Something where you can bring in your packaging and get a discount on your next purchases. 

Overall, not the scent for me. 

Sriracha Chicken Strips, Kimchi Tuna Fried Rice, And Smores Ice cream

I've been passing some time by listening to Usher's old albums. Some I haven't listen since high school/middle and I still know every single lyrics. Probably if someone mapped out a brain they would find a large chunk dedicate to lyrics. It's been kinda nice cause I was reliving my little crush too. I had it bad for Usher,  I had his posters, a few of his DVD tours.  One of my faves growing up for sure, I almost forgot how big of a fan I was 😂.

Anyway...what have I been cooking lately? Feels like everything and nothing. 

First thing I made was sriracha chicken strips. I was really excited for these but they weren't that great. I just didn't like the flavor which was odd because I usually love sriracha. I ate them plain and then also made a salad with it. Excuse all the dressing. I tend to drown my salads. But since we saved calories on the chicken (not fried)...oh well. You can find the recipe here.  

Then I made Kimchi Tuna Rice. I love Korean food, but I was not sure about this. Everything I've made so far with canned tuna has not been good. But I'm glad I tried this because I did like it. My Dad made Kimchi awhile ago so I stole some of that. Couldn't find Gochujang sauce either so I just subbed with Chilli Garlic Sauce. Came out great! Would definitely make this again. And so easy...you can find the recipe here.

Then Smores Ice cream. I even made the marshmallows from scratch. I don't recommend small batch marshmallows. The texture was off but it worked in the ice cream lucky for me! I just used some cookies I got in the store. I'm not a fan of chocolate ice cream usually...but this was really good! I bet it would be amazing with brownie pieces too.... Didn't get a great pic of it, but trust it was good! 

You can find the recipe here.

And that's it! 

The Miracles

 

I meant to do this post yesterday but I got caught up watching the new House of Dragons show. I have been so excited for it and it's finally here! I do kinda wish it dropped like Netflix drops shows- I want tot whole season! I just want to sit there and watch the whole thing and get it over with. It's the only show I will watch on a weekly basis though. But back to the music. I love Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. One of the best groups on Motown- and there are a lot to choose from.

I love You Really Got a Hold On Me. Lyrics-  I don't like you, but I love you /I don't want you, but I need you (those lyrics really tripped me out 😂). Also, isn't it weird how Smokey Robinson has been looking exactly the same for decades and decades. 

Posting the album version cause it needs more views and I like it a little better cause you can hear the lyrics more clearly.

Ooh Baby Baby is probably my ultimate favorite Smokey and the Miracles song. I say this all the time, but they really don't make music like this anymore. 

Gotta have The Tracks of My Tears on the playlist. More genius song writing from Smokey. He was such a hitmaker for Motown. 

Shop Around is one of those fun Motown songs. Better shop around...Good advice. 

I love I'll Try Something New. Such a beautiful song, beautifully written and beautifully sung. 

I'm in such a good mood now and off to listen to more Motown classics....

J.R. Watkins Lemon Cream and Coconut Milk and Honey Body Wash Review

Figured since I've used both of these little samplers I would combine the reviews into one. I'm not a fan of either of these washes though so that makes it easier.

J.R. Watkins claims:

• J.R. Watkins Lemon Cream Daily Moisturizing Body Wash contains plant-based cleansers and skin conditioners to gently cleanse without stripping away natural moisture 
• With 97% Natural Ingredients and a delectable lemon cream scent 
• Leaves all skin types fresh, hydrated and healthy-looking

Where to start? The first thing I don't like about these body washes is the texture. It's like liquid milk...I like a thicker texture because they tend to last longer and who wants a watery shower gel? .This just seems to run everywhere and I ended up using the full ounce of each in just one shower. The Coconut Milk and Honey had a weak lather and the Lemon Cream was a little better. But really it was nothing special. It had me missing the lather and performance I get out of a bar soap- plus it saves on plastic.

I didn't like the scents of either one. The Coconut Milk one being the worst. It just smells like something you would spray to clean your bathroom. The Lemon Cream smelled like Lemon Sponge cake which I was impressed with at first. But as I used it, that cleaning scent came out and I didn't like it as much.

Coconut Milk left my skin slightly dry, and the Lemon Cream did a bit better, my skin wasn't as dry but wasn't really moisturized.  Both left my skin pretty soft. 

Wasn't too impressed with ingredients either.

Ingredients:

Water/aqua/eau, sodium cocoyl isethionate, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, glycerin, decyl glucoside, fragrance/parfum, cetyl betaine, gluconolactone, sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol, polyquaternium-10, citric acid. 

Overall, these just weren't for me. 

Candle Haul: Voluspa and Neom

 I decided to treat myself to some candles, I have been meeting my workout goals and wanted to reward myself. Also they were one sale! 

I bought a gift set from Voluspa. Years ago I bought my Mom a candle from them in the large jar and it was terrible. No scent at all. But maybe we  just got a dud. Decided to give them another chance and saw that they use coconut wax instead of paraffin. Not sure if Paraffin is really bad for you...I thought all candles are basically indoor pollution. But Coconut Wax does sound a bit healthier. 

When the set came a lot of the candle oil seemed to have leaked out the candles. I think it was because of the heat. But at least they have scent! The set itself is so cute. Love the tin packaging and these candles are smaller but they pack a punch. I mean they won't scent a huge room, but they do great in my larger work room. So far I'm a fan. Might have to get another gift set on sale after I burn through these.

I got:

Gilt Pomander and Hinoki- Have no idea what this is supposed to smell like...but it reminds me of the Leaves Candle from Bath and Body Works. I like this one more. Nice fall scent but not something I would repurchase. Definitely a cinnamon, apple, and all other fall scents thrown into one.

Santal Vanille- Sandalwood Vanilla. This one is really nice. Reminds me of Vanilla Satin from Yankee Candle- That one gave me a headache. This one is much smoother. I like it, probably not a repurchase but I enjoy it. Forgot to take a pic of the top. Oops.

White Cypress- I really like this one. It smells like Christmas trees. Not really Cypress. Might repurchase it because I love Evergreen type of candles. They just smells so good! Kinda spa like...and a bit like Christmas.

Forbidden Fig- Smells like a fig soap I just used up, except this one is better. I had the Nest Candle in Fig too, I prefer this one. I don't like the cold scent but I do like it lit. Not sure if I would repurchase. Probably need to burn it a few more times.

Sweet Pumpkin Latte- This one smells like a dozen other candles from Bath and Body Works. It's Ok. Your typical sweet scent, not sure I really get much pumpkin or even latte/coffee from it. I think it reminds me of Slatkin Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin.

Neom Real Luxury Candle- Think this might be my favorite! Not sure what it smells like- Jasmine, Rosewood, and Lavender. It's lighter and takes some building up but it smells so nice and fresh. Also different to anything I've smelled before....Also it's Soy. So no paraffin. 

And that's all....

J.R. Watkins Coconut Hand Soap Review

 It's been a day. I made an appointment to get my breaks and rotors changed...took the day off, got to the dealer/repair place and they go "Oh you need an oil change."  OK. And wel'l take a look at your breaks. The nearly two hours later,  they have my oil changed and tell me at the end I need my breaks changed and new  rotors  because it's dangerous for me to be on the road with my breaks liked that. But they don't have any in stock, even though I made the appointment last Monday and we spoke about me needing the breaks AND rotors replaced  . But they can have them by tomorrow. I was livid. Don't recommend Landstuhl BMW at all. They wanted me to come back next week or get a rental the next three days...I never understand why they push rentals. Break changes/oil changes do not take two/three days. Scammers Not sure if that's just specific to Germany but the US does not operate that way. I first made an appt with them and then as soon as I found another place to do it cancelled with them.  If they are not competent enough to order the parts needed for a break change in advance...I definitely don't think they are competent enough to change my breaks. So that sucks. But...let me stop rambling. Cause I'm still mad and I can go on and on about it.

J.R. Watkins claims:

Our non-drying gel hand soap works into a soft lather for clean, freshly scented hands. Made with plant-based ingredients.

I don't normally review hand soaps but this one came in my little "gift" set. I usually just use bars of soap in my bathroom. Saves the plastic. I did think about bringing this to work, the two days I work from work. I don't like the soap at work at all. I might still. Anyway, hand soap is important...cause Monkeypox, Covid, and who knows what's next is out there.

That said this is a really basic soap. It doesn't smell like Coconut. Just generic and odd. It reminds me of the Burt's Bees Milk and Honey Lotion.

Not super bubbly or lathery. 

Surprised it has Sodium Laureth Sulfate. But actually the ingredient list isn't that impressive. It runs about $5. More expensive than brands like Dial, Soft Soap, etc. but not much better quality in my opinion.

Ingredients:

Water/aqua/eau, sodium lauryl sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium chloride, decyl glucoside, caprylyl/capryl glucoside, glycerin, tocopheryl acetate, Citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel oil, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, myristamine oxide, methylisothiazolinone, sodium benzoate, gluconolactone, fragrance/parfum, citric acid

Not something I would buy or reccomend. Which I wasn't expecting because the other stuff I've tried so far I've really liked!

Project Pan #24

 The heat is sucking my ability to want to do anything away. Yesterday after I got home from work, I did absolutely nothing. Today, I had to force myself to get stuff done. But I did it. Not blogging...don't even really wanna do this but figured before I go about destroying my Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette more, I had better get to it. 

This was last update:

And what I have now

Finished up Frosting over a month ago. Happy to see it gone! Hit pan on Rum Raisin. And everything else looks almost the same. Except Truffled. It's my focus shade so I wear it everyday. I matched it with all the neutral colors in my collection and found my favorite to match it with is a cool toned brown Ambush from my Urban Decay Vice 2. I wear it everyday I go out because it's easy and I've managed to now hit pan on Ambush. Now that I have this pic taken I am going to repress Truffled because it's easier to grab on a brush and use up after...I'm hoping it will be used within the next two months and then I can move on the the Peanut Butter shade which is a bit more versatile. 

Still loving the Puddin' Shade to fill in my eyebrows.

I finished up NYX Africa. It has gone in the recycling. 

And I'm rolling in this primer. It's going to take forever to use up...but I'm trying to use it so may as well document it. I should probably roll in something else but...eh.

And that's all, until next time! 

J.R. Watkins Coconut Milk and Hand and Body Lotion Review

 More lotion from the little sampler kit I got. These are really easy to use up...and try at a reasonable price.  I had some issues with this lotion, it separated like the hand cream. Not sure if it's an old sampler kit  or just this scent that has separation issues. This one was easier to fix than the hand cream because I could just shake it before use and that seems to fix it.

J.R. Watkins claims:

Our moisturizing body lotion leaves skin soft and smooth all day long. Made with cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, and Vitamin E. 

It smells like the hand cream, an unexpected fruity scent that's pretty nice. The scent is supposed to be 100 percent natural...it's not too strong and it doesn't linger much. Just a really nice scent when you put it on.

It's surprisingly hydrating though...and not greasy at all. If you like something that absorbs quickly and isn't heavy and sticky, this would be for you. Not sure if it would hold up in the winter months but for less dry months, this is perfect. It also seems to add a little extra softness to my skin.

For the full size it's 9.99 for an 18 oz size which isn't bad at all.

I think the ingredients are pretty nice...there are definitely many ingredients I recognize and like seeing in my lotions. Apricot Oil, Shea and Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Babassu Oil, Jojoba Oil, and lots of fun extracts. There are some ingredients I'm not a big of of- phenoxyethanol is one. But I think the good ingredients outweigh the bad- for the most part. 

Ingredients: 

Water/Aqua/Eau, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Fragrance/Parfum (100% Natural Fragrance), Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Glycerin, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Allantoin, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Panthenol, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Potassium Sorbate, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide.

Overall, I really like it. I would recommend it and wouldn't mind having the full sized of it- I would just have to make sure to shake it each time!

Mint Condition

 

Already time for another music post. Comes up so fast. Today Mint Condition. At first I thought they were a one hit wonder...but they have two songs I really love.

If you are a 90's R&B fan then you know Pretty Brown Eyes (Breaking My Heart). For years that was their only song I knew. I love trying to sing along...and brown eyes are my favorite. 

And live sounds JUST like the records (better) . I thought square hair was going to make a comeback, I'm so glad it didn't. I saw a few guys rocking that square look and I'm always like why? It looks better longer but in general...no. Makes the head look square. But anyway..you know a song is good when they get on their knees to sang it.

Then we have What Kind of Man Would I Be. I think my sister played this for me first. I love this song...vocals and love, love, love that guitar. 

Perfection live. I just love his voice. His hair kinda remind me of Dee Dee Pickles though....

Anyway, great group to listen too...I almost want to re-listen to their music cause I must have missed some great songs...

L'occitane En Provence Extra Rich Shea Milk Soap Review

Can't believe it's only almost ten. Feels like it should be much later. Anyway...another soap review. This time from L'occitane. I've never tried anything from them but always wanted to. I feel like I'm always hearing about their hand creams, the almond shower oil,  and I know they have what is probably overpriced pure Shea Butter. I like to look at reviews of stuff before I buy...most of the reviewers say that this soap changed and it's not as good as the original. Wish I would have gotten to try the original but this is what we have.

L'occitane claims:

Take part in a tradition that outlasts any trend. Our authentic formulas are made the old-fashioned way, respecting the traditional cauldron method used by master soap makers. Enriched with shea extract, known for its softening and nourishing properties, this body soap is also suitable for sensitive skin.

Made in France.

From what I read the biggest change is the scent. I don't know what it smelled like before but this one smells like sandalwood. Not sure if it's a blend or intended as pure sandalwood because they don't really say. I'm not typically a fan of pure sandalwood, but this one is nice. It smells luxurious. And really high quality.And when you rinse, it mixes with the heat/water of the shower and smells even better. I have used quite a few sandalwood soaps and this one is my favorite with the scent of Auromere Sandal-Turmeric soap coming in 2nd. 

Another thing I like is that it sticks to you a bit. I can definitely smell it on my skin after I get out the shower and it leaves a nice scent.

I also like the scent in the bath. I think it smells better in the bathtub actually and I wouldn't mind a bubble bath scented like this. 

As far as how it leaves my skin...not dry, not moisturized. Almost normal. I've had other soaps leave my skin feel softer but this is not bad. I can skip moisturizer sometimes....

The lather is rich and thick and rinses pretty cleanly. One thing I notice is that it produces so much less soap scum that most other soap bars I've used. 

The price is $14 for 7 ounces. I thought it was $12 when I bought it so it looks like the price increased recently. Bummer. 

Another major change from the original to this one is that L'occitane changed the formula to exclude Palm Oil. There is "sustainable" Palm oil but some argue it's not truly sustainable. At least that's what L'occitane thinks. If you are one of those people that like to avoid products with palm this could be a good option. Lush also makes palm oil free soaps. 

Not the best ingredient list. Sunflower Oil isn't very common in such high concentration so that's a little different. The rest of the ingredient s are meh except the Shea Butter and the Almond Oil. 

Ingredients: 

Sunflower Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Water, Shea Butter, Perfume, Sweet Almond  Oil, Salt, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium Glutamate Dictate, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin. 

Overall, I like it and surprisingly enjoy the scent more than I would have thought. I think it would make a great gift bar.  I really want to get my hands on all their other soaps...definitely need to go place an order for the Lavender. I have a few soaps I need to get through before I get anymore but then I might just place that order in the next few months...

J.R. Watkins Coconut and Honey Hand Cream Review

 I feel like I'm starting a mini collection of hand creams, which is good because lately my hands have been drier and drier. I hate when my hands are dry....

J.R. Watkins claims:

Our hand cream nourishes and hydrates hands to leave them feeling soft and smooth. Made with shea butter, cocoa butter, and avocado oil. 

Made in USA

I'm not sure the formula of this is stable, which is why I am trying to use it up as quickly as possible. I have the little sampler size and when I opened the little container it was all separated. There was a chunk of something- maybe Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter, and liquid. Whatever they used to emulsify it isn't working. Either that or it's older and past expiration. 

I'm not sure. Since it's such a small amount I have been trying to stir and pound it back together and use it anyway. First thing I noticed was the fruity scent. It smells nice..not what I was expecting when I was thinking Coconut and Honey but it is a nice happy, uplifting scent. Doesn't stick around long though. 

Surprisingly it is pretty hydrating without being greasy. I wouldn't say it's all day moisture but good for something light that you can re-apply without issue through out the day. I like it! 

I also like that it's not full of mineral oil, petrolatum, silicones and other cheapie ingredients that do nothing but feel heavy and greasy on the skin. 

Ingredients:

Water/aqua/eau, Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), glyceryl stearate SE, stearic acid, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Macadamia ternifolia seed oil, Persea gratissima (avocado) oil, cetearyl alcohol, fragrance/parfum*, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, Prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil, Orbignya oleifera seed oil, Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, sodium behenoyl lactylate, beeswax/cera alba/cire d’abeille, allantoin, panthenol, glycerin, honey extract/mel/extrait de miel, Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, Tilia cordata flower extract, Centaurea cyanus flower extract, Anthemis nobilis flower extract, Hypericum perforatum extract, tocopheryl acetate, benzyl alcohol, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, sodium hydroxide *100% natural fragrance / Parfum 100 % naturel

I'm curious about the full size...does it have separation issues? Not sure... I do like it and kinda recommend it. Sort of. Maybe not.  List price is fair at 8.99 per tube. The reviews on Amazon seem to indicate most people got an intact product. 

NARS Casino Bronzer Review

 Since I'm doing nothing else but waiting for my chicken to finish marinating...figured I could knock out a blog post. I've had this bronzer for years and years but I didn't really use it because I was trying to pan other bronzers in my collection. I finished up everything else..but still largely neglected this. But since I'm trying to use it up (still only using it max 2x a month because..masks), figured it's time to review it. 

NARS claims:

Award-winning Bronzing Powder creates allover warmth and a longwearing, natural-looking glow.

Casino: Diffused Deep Brown with Golden Shimmer 

The gold standard. NARS’ award-winning Bronzing Powder creates the ultimate healthy glow. Diffused bronzing powders with subtle golden sheen create allover warmth with an imperceptible finish. Can be used to contour, create, or enhance the look of tanned skin. Finely milled powders fill in lines and pores for a smoother, more even-looking complexion. Each shade delivers soft, natural-looking color for a sunkissed glow. In four longwearing shades. 

I bought this at a time when bronzers for darker skin just weren't being made. There really wen't many options back then. I loved the Covergirl Ebony Bronzer though.  It was deep enough to show up and had reddish tones to it that really added the warmth I was going for. And it was super affordable. Wish they still made it. These days there are more options...even Nars has come out with a deeper shade. Maybe if I ever finish this up, I would buy that just to give it at try.

I think I bought this because NARS Laguna is super hyped up and I wanted to try out one other bronzers.

First up, it's not really a "bronzing" color. It has the shimmer of a bronzer but it's almost more a cooler color. So it's kinda like a contour, but not deep enough to really contour. So it's super subtle if it's even noticeable at all. Which is kinda a good thing because I really can't overdo it to the point where it looks like a bronzer helmet or dirt. 

So it really is just a super subtle, adds a bit of radiance (without looking greasy),  and a light sort of contour/definition.

I don't love it, but I don't hate it. And I like using it when I do a full face. But it doesn't really fit into the type of bronzer that I'm looking for. 

I used to love the NARS packaging, and it's fine if you use it up quickly but after a few years the packaging goes sticky and gets gross. Also I took mine on vacation after I hit pan and it cracked. But I've had it years and years now. I should repress it but I'm scared to ruin the texture so I just use the crumbles carefully.

'Excuse my one red eye, I poked myself in the eye pretty hard with eyeliner.. Hard to get a picture of it but I have it on in this pics! 

J. R. Watkins Lemon Cream Hand and Body Lotion Review

Thank goodness it's Thursday. Wish it was Friday but I'm almost there. Just a quick review today of a mini sampler size of lotion. I'm really enjoying sampler sizes. Must get my hands on more...but for now I have quite a few of the ones from JR Watkins since I bought two of their sampler kits. 

JR Watkins claims: 

Our moisturizing body lotion leaves skin soft and smooth all day long. Made with cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, and Vitamin E.

Made in USA

First things first. This smells just like a Lemon Cupcake. Or Lemon Spongecake. It smells kinda delightful. It really reminds me of this essential oil blend that Plant Therapy gave out as a free birthday oil.  

I really want to make some Lemon cupcakes now..

It doesn't stay the same on my skin, after a little bit it almost smells like Lemon Cleaning product but that doesn't bother me too much because it smells so nice going on. 

Anyway, this is really a lightweight lotion that feels like it's providing hydration, not greasy or oil. Those that like something really lightweight that absorbs easily would love this. Makes the perfect summer lotion. Not sure if it would hold up in Winter but I really like it for now. 

It looks a little different than most lotions...it's a tan kinda color and is very thin, almost runny.

I have the 1 oz size. Lasts about 3 days. Perfect for travel. 

It's 99 percent natural. There are some ingredients that are a little questionable but there are also a ton of goodies in it.

Ingredients:

Water (aqua), Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearyl Lactylate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Allantoin (Comfrey Root), Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Tilia Cordata (Linden) Flower Extract, Centaurea Cyanus (Cornflower) Extract, Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Flower Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Extract, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), C18 22 Hydroxyalkyl Hydroxypropyl Guar, Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice, Tropolone, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid -fragrance 100% Natural 

I really, really like it. It smells good...I kinda want the full size. If I saw it, I might just pick it up!

Mulligatawny Soup, Black Bean Corn Tortillas, and Apple Crumble

 Back for a post before I slip into ultimate lazy mode. 

This time with a few new recipes I tried.

Not the prettiest soup but good! 

First up, Mulligatawny soup. Strange name for a soup. At least for me. But I was excited to try it. Basically it's a curry chicken rice soup with an apple. It's from my Unofficial Harry Potter cookbook. I don't remember this soup in the series but apparently it was in Book 2. I love trying new things and I did actually really like it. I'm not sure I would cook this exact recipe again, I would make a curry chicken noodle soup that's loosely based on this one though. I didn't even mind adding the sweetened coconut on top. Definitely satisfied my need to try something new. 

I also made homemade corn tortillas. Yum! Made black beans (in the instant pot then fried with oil and tons of garlic and chili powder) and then assembled and had black bean tortillas with zucchini on the side. I have a ton of Masa Harina I need to use up and I think I'll just be adding tortillas in the rotation until it's finished. I use this recipe...mine never puff up but they tasted good anyway.

Last but not least, I made an Apple Crumble. Had leftover Granny apples, and I don't want to eat them all...so I used two in a crumble (along with an Ambrosia apple). I also made some vanilla icecream. IDK why I've never made a crumble before, they are like a lazy apple pie...the only real work is peeling up the apples. I'm about to go grab the last of it and have movie night.