December Glossybox

This is a bit overdue, but hey, better late than never, right? I was a bit disappointed with the packaging of December's Glossybox because I was hoping it would be red or something rather than just holiday tissue and a red ribbon. Apparently January is a special silver Man Repeller edition, which I am totally looking forward to. Let's take a looksie at what was in my box.

Denise Richards Volume Extend by Christophe Finishing Spray (full size $20) - Okay, Denise Richards?? Barf. Why would anyone want to collaborate with her? I'm not sure how much use I will get out of this since I rarely use hair spray. Maybe I should start?

Heartland Fragrance Co Bath Salts (full size $10) - I also don't really take baths that often because I hate just sitting there getting hot. I meant to take this to Vegas to use in the ginormous Wynn tubs, but I forgot. I received the white tea scent which smells really nice.

mark. Lipclick Luxe Lipstick in m.powerment petal (full size $12) - I really like the pink packaging the magnetic closure which closes with a satisfying click. The color is also a nice berry pink, but I found the formula quite drying.

Please Please by Issey Miyake (full size $92) - I'm not sure what the notes are in this, but it smells very floral. I haven't heard much about Pleats Please recently, so I'm glad they're still around.

Wella Velvet Amplifier (full size $16) - This tiny packet is a styling primer. Not quite sure what to do with it, but does hair really need to be primed for more products??

Zoya Nail Lacquer (full size $8) - I received Electra which is a clear base packed full of tiny silver bar glitters. I wore this on the tips over a navy blue polish and it looked very festive!

JewelMint Ring ($29.99) - JewelMint is like the jewelry version of Glossybox. Basically you pay $29.99/month and receive a piece of jewelry each month. I'm not that into jewelry so I think $29.99 is a bit much to spend every month. I like the ring I received, but I would never pay $30 for it - it seems more like a $5 Forever 21 piece to me.

And that's all! This was another just okay box for me. I'm looking forward to January though!

The Vegas Edit

So, I sort of screwed up the last 6 days of the perfume challenge because I've been a little busy after Christmas. I spent the past few days in Vegas with my parents eating, gambling and shopping. As you can tell from the contents of my bag (and the fact that I was with my PARENTS), this wasn't really a party trip - just a casual one, which I much prefer anyway. Here are some of the highlights of my bag.

The bag itself is from LeSportSac. I love love love LeSportSac and have quite a collection. I bought this bag at the outlet store in Vegas the last time I was here in July. It's not very big, but there is a larger zipped compartment and then another one in front for smaller items.

I usually have a travel toothbrush, toothpaste and razor in my bag at all times for convenience. I also took a bunch of samples from Mario Badescu which I recently received after taking a skin care quiz on their website. They sent me samples of my entire suggested regimen which was awesome. There are a couple of products which I'm definitely interested in picking up, including the Orange Cleansing Soap.

My makeup items probably look pretty familiar because most of them are from my last Shopping the Stash post. I'm trying to use up the Lancome Aqua Fusion Teinte tinted moisturizer and the Lancome Photogenic pressed powder because I've had them for a while. They're both discontinued which is unfortunate because I really love the tinted moisturizer. I think I'll also review the Blinc mascara and the Dolly Wink eyeliner soon.

Finally, a couple of brushes that I didn't even use and my Bumble & Bumble Brilliantine. I love Brilliantine for creating an easy, piecey, slept in hair style. It's a little pricey, but I've had this tube forever.

That's all! I didn't do too bad gambling in Vegas, but I did lose $20 at the Wynn. Like, literally dropped it on the ground and lost it. I was so pissed! If you find, please let me know :)

December Perfume Challenge: Day 25 - Basic Instinct by Victoria's Secret

Merry Christmas everyone! Okay, so not to sound like a total Scrooge, but does anyone else feel like Christmas is super boring when you're an adult? You don't get presents you can play with all day, everything is closed, and there's nothing on TV! That's why Christmas in Vegas rocks because everything is open! It is the best, seriously. If I was in Vegas, I'd probably be at the Forum Shops at Caesar's browsing around Victoria's Secret. That's why today we have Basic Instinct by Victoria's Secret.

I thought this was called Very Sexy for some reason and it's what I was talking about yesterday, but now that I actually went to look at the bottle I noticed it was called Basic Instinct. I also noticed that pretty much all of the fragrances I own have been discontinued! What is up with that??

I say: "I got this in a swag bag when I was an intern for a shoe company in New York. I don't think this is a fragrance I would have picked for myself, but I actually love it. This is my "going out" scent as it's a little dark, moody and sexy. It's a really nice floral, but there's something about it that makes it so evening appropriate."

They say: "Basic Instinct by Victoria`s Secret is a Floral Fruity fragrance for women. Basic Instinct was launched in 2004. The fragrance features apricot, tuberose, gardenia, plum, patchouli, turkish rose and vanilla." - Fragrantica

Well it makes sense that this launched in 2004, because I lived in NYC in 2005. I don't know when it got discontinued, but it did. Have you been in Victoria's Secret recently? It's like half of the store is bath and fragrance and makeup stuff with a bunch of knick knacks!

I hope you all had a great Christmas. Looking forward to after Christmas shopping tomorrow!

December Perfume Challenge: Day 24 - Paco Rabanne Lady Million

Merry Christmas Eve everyone! Are you all doing anything special? I spent most of the day (or afternoon, really) working on dinner - prime rib, roast potatoes, creamed spinach and yorkshire puddings. YUM! I wanted to pick a Christmas-y scent, but I didn't have one, nor could I think of one, so today it's Paco Rabanne Lady Million. This scent seems really popular right now as I have several friends who absolutely love it. But I guess the real question is, do i?

I say: "I remember the sales girl at Sephora saying this was her favorite scent for going out and I agree that it's more of an evening scent than an every day scent for me. It reminds me of Very Sexy by Victoria's Secret which actually does make me feel sexy (okay, very sexy even). I don't even know where to start with this scent - it's a little musky, dark - not particularly floral per se. I'm at a loss with this one!"

They say: "Vibrant and sensual, Lady Million is like a voluptuous nectar of flowers. Powerfully seductive, the sparkle of bitter orange and a hint of raspberry reveals the fragrance's first breath. Smooth and bright, a burst of neroli follows. Then the lethal weapon: heady orange blossom slips out of its sheath. Its narcotic sweetness then reveals itself, bewitching and demanding all attention. Joining with sambac jasmine and underlined by gardenia, the blend soars into something more carnal—yet ever subtle. Now the obsessive pulsing of patchouli enters the fray, pacifying notes of honey with an addictive and supremely tempting sweetness. Amber endnotes become all enveloping, floating around like a ray of light on a diamond.

Notes:
Neroli, Bitter Orange, Raspberry, Orange Flower Absolute, Sambac Jasmine Absolute, Gardenia, Patchouli, Honey, Amber."

I wonder what absolute is. Probably not vodka. See ya tomorrow on CHRISTMAS!

December Perfume Challenge: Day 23 - Clean Shower Fresh

Today's fragrance is Shower Fresh by Clean. I feel like the name pretty much says it all, I mean I doubt this one is going to smell like tobacco and leather. Okay, well I actually already kind of know what this one smells like because I have the rollerball! I really love rollerballs, they're awesome and convenient and I feel like I might actually use one up.

I say: Yup, definitely smell clean and like a shower. It smells a little soapy, but in a fresh and floral way. Again, this one is very non-offensive and most people would probably just think you took a shower this morning rather than doused yourself in perfume. In fact, I might even wear this in lieu of a shower. Just kidding... sort of... maybe

They say: "The quintessential soapy, fresh-from-the-shower clean scent is a soft and sexy musky floral, that's not overwhelming or pretentious. This pure, clean fragrance blends natural notes of Lily of the Valley with lemon and mandarin orange.

Notes: Lemon, Mandarin, Orange, Jasmine, Lily of the Valley (Muguet), Orange Blossom, Sheer Woods, Musk.
Style: Fresh. Clean. Sexy."

Whoa whoa whoa...I got so many of the keywords right - fresh, floral, soapy. Damn I'm good. I think this fragrance is unisex and I could see it smelling equally delightful on a guy. 

December Perfume Challenge: Day 22 - Oscar de la Renta Live in Love

I remember reading a review of Live in Love where some guy said it smelled like his mom. And I don't think that was meant as a complement. I really love the old timey look of this bottle and I received an adorable tiny version in a beauty box. But the real question is, how does it smell?

I say: I don't really think Live in Love smells like old ladies per se, but it is more mature than Esprit d'Oscar. It smells pretty clean and I feel like there are piney green notes at the end. Or maybe I've just been hanging around too many Christmas trees. This wouldn't be my first choice, but I wouldn't mind wearing this on occasion!

They say: "Live in Love by Oscar de la Renta is a Floral fragrance for women. This is a new fragrance. Live in Love was launched in 2011. Live in Love was created by Jean-Marc Chaillan, Carlos Benaim and Ann Gottlieb. Top notes are hyacinth, galbanum, bergamot, lily-of-the-valley and orchid; middle notes are jasmine, african orange flower and rose; base notes are sandalwood, virginia cedar, woodsy notes, amber and musk."

Woodsy! I knew it! Does anyone else think of Keeping Up Appearances whenever they see Hyacinth? I love that show. 

Anyway, I'm going to be able to make it to the end of the month! I'm running out of samples, but I have some actual purchased scents in my collection. This has been really fun and I've discovered some great scents. I have totally been obsessing over Especially Escada and can't wait to pick up a full size bottle!

BB Creams - Asian Edition

L to R: Missha, BRTC, Clinique

Today I wanted to talk a little about BB creams. I know, they're old news, but hey, I didn't have a beauty blog when they first came out! I've already mentioned before that I'm not a huge fan of Asian ones because of the whole single color thing, but here is my collection.

BRTC Aqua Rush Water Drop BB Cream SPF 28 - BRTC is a popular Korean brand, well known for their wide variety of BB creams. You can buy their products online at Sasa.com or Amazon for between $20 and $30 or at the official BRTCstore.com for $35. I think I got mine at a Sasa store in Hong Kong for about $20. 

The Aqua Rush Water Drop BB Cream claims to "release moisture drops to provide ample hydration and help relieve skin sensitiveness for a more vibrant and flawless makeup look."

I like the texture of this BB cream and it gives medium coverage and a nice dewy, radiant finish. However, the color doesn't work for me at all! It is far too light and a little bit gray. I can't use it because I end up looking like a ghost!

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream SPF 30 - You're probably thinking "Clinique isn't as Asian brand!" but I bought mine in a two pack at the HK airport and it says "formulated for Asian skins" on the back. Is this true? Is there a difference? I don't really know! But I'm looking on the Clinique website and the US version comes in 3 shades, while I'm pretty sure the Asian version only came in one. 

This one claims to "conceal, hydrate, help prevent premature signs of aging with UVA/UVB protection. Optics instantly help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Special ingredients help defend against environmental aggressors and soothe skin. Long-wearing, oil-control formula works beautifully under-foundation or alone. Skin feels soft, smooth. Looks brighter, perfected."

That's quite the mouthful! This one is sheerer than the BRTC and as you can see from the swatch above, it is also quite a bit pinker. It's still a bit too light for my skin tone, but it's a little easier to pull off because it doesn't pull as gray on me. You can buy the US version at clinque.com or at Clinique counters for $37. Is it just me or does this seem a bit pricey for Clinique?

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 - I received this in a Glossybox, but honestly I considered purchasing it before. I got really lucky and received the perfect shade, No. 31 - Golden Beige (also the darkest shade!). Unlike the other two, the Perfect Cover BB Cream comes in 5 shades suitable for very light to medium skin tones.

The Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream "offers a novel skincare concept with BB Cream, which lightens skin tone by healing visible wrinkles and blemishes with excellent skin-cover ability and prevents skin aging through effective whitening and anti-wrinkle properties."

I don't know about the whitening and anti-wrinkle stuff, but the color works really well for me and I do get a really nice perfected look. I also love the high SPF factor of 42! This retails on the Missha website for $29.99, but they ALWAYS have sales (right now it's 30% off). 

Well, those are all my BB creams! I used to have the SKIN79 Gold Beblesh Balm (wtf is a beblesh??), but that was also waaaay too light and gray. I ended up passing it on to my grandma and she seems happy with it. Maybe next I'll do a post on tinted moisturizers (my fave!) or foundations (once I get some more). Do you like BB creams?

December Perfume Challenge: Day 21 - Diptyque Volutes

I sort of did a quick review of Volutes when I received it in my November Sample Society box, but since I'd been hearing a lot about it on various blogs and YouTube, I thought it might be worth revisiting. 

I made it sound kind of horrible in my little blurb, will I still feel the same 6 weeks later?

I say: Okay, so I don't hate Volutes, but I still think it is just too much for me to wear. I can totally see why people really love this, but I can also see myself getting choked and overwhelmed by the scent if I actually wore it. It is very heavy and musky and a hint smokey. If I had a library that was all wood and old books, I would want it to smell like Volutes. I think Diptyque fragrances are unisex and I still feel like Volutes would be great on a guy (in small doses).

They say: "Blond, honeyed Egyptian tobacco transports you to mysterious horizons and far-off shore. Iris strengthens it, spices give it body, and styrax imposes a daring and distinguished leathery note. "

I couldn't agree more with Diptyque's description. Volutes is very mysterious and evokes far away places. Also, in case you are wondering what a "styrax" is (I was!), it is a shrub with fragrant bell shaped flowers hanging below foliage. There ya go, word of the day is styrax. lol

December Perfume Challenge: Day 20 - LIV GRN .earth

As the name might indicate, LIV GRN is a green lifestyle brand dedicated to the health of the planet. You can feel good about buying from the brand because 10% of every sale is donated to Global Green.  I took a quick look through their website and they have some cute t-shirts and bags, but really does logo merchandise constitute a "lifestyle brand"? .earth is one of 3 fragrances and there really aren't a lot of details so I'm not sure what makes this so green. I guess the important thing is how it smells.

I say: .earth actually smells quite nice! It's a light floral and while it doesn't specify on the website, probably better suited to women. I'm surprised it doesn't smell more green or grassy considering the .earth name. I guess we should just be glad it doesn't smell like dirt.

They say: Top Notes: Jasmin, Green Leaves, Mid Notes - Lavender, Lily of the Valley, Ocean, Dry Notes - Musk, Sandalwood

This brand and website are so weird. There is barely any information and the actual fragrance is only available for sale as part of a set with a lotion, scrub and shower gel. The lotion, scrub and shower gel, however, are available for sale individually. I'm not really sure what to make of this brand. They also have a blog, but it hasn't been updated since July!

Do you live green?

December Perfume Challenge: Day 19 - Harvey Prince Yogini

Today we have another selection from Harvey Prince and this time it's Yogini. I imagine Yogini will smell like Jennifer Aniston. Does anyone else associate her with Yoga? Does she even do Yoga? I feel like I've seen pictures of her doing it. I really want to like Yoga, but I'm not sure if it's for me. I tried on two occasions and one time was super easy and hippy-ish and the other time was hot, sweaty and stinky. I think Yoga and I don't get on well because when I work out I like to sing and dance along to pop music and let's face it, that's not really Yoga. Does this fragrance even have anything to do with Yoga?? Enough rambling, on to the fragrance!

I say: I could imagine Jennifer Aniston smelling like this! When I heard "Yogini" I was really anticipating something lighter, brighter and citrusy. This actually smells quite musky to me and a bit heavy. I have the sample in my purse, but I don't know why because I don't really care for it. 

They say: "Get whisked away by Yogini, the fragrance that calms the mind, soothes the soul, and frees the spirit. 

Relaxing, light, lasting. Yogini is the glow that stays with you. Experience the purifying powers of sandalwood, the age-defying glow of grapefruit, and the sensual warmth of Egyptian myrrh. Crafted with the highest quality natural essences and oils, Yogini is Nature's antidote to stress: it will make you feel as good as you smell.

Notes: Sandalwood, golden amber, sensual incense, Egyptian myrrh, pink grapefruit, blackcurrant buds, lily of the valley, star jasmine, rose petals, ylang-ylang, cardamom, madagascar vanilla
Style: Elevating. Luxurious. Serene"

Now, that I think about it, maybe I was approaching this fragrance all wrong. I was thinking of Malibu-style yoga on the beach, not REAL yoga. I guess real yoga does conjure images of incense and exotic India and stuff. Ah well, live and learn. 

The (After) Christmas List

Christmas isn't that big of a deal with my family anymore, especially now that we are older. We don't really do gifts and I feel kind of weird asking for stuff when I can just buy it myself. In fact, I think we're heading to Vegas on the 27th, so I'll do my after Christmas shopping there! It's a bit late to make a Christmas wish list, but here are some things I'm lusting over, whether it's as a gift or as a gift to myself!

 MAC Makeup - I really haven't used MAC in forever (like since high school!). My cousins were visiting from Japan in August and they were crazy buying MAC since it's so much cheaper here. I kinda joined in and bought a Shy Girl lipstick, but now I have my eye on a few other things. First, Face and Body Foundation. I really need a grown up foundation and I think this fits the bill since it's lightweight and without SPF. Next up is the Select Moisturecover concealer which looks like a great all purpose, moisturizing concealer. Finally, the infamous Stereo Rose Mineralize Skinfinish which is being re-promoted with the Spring 2013 Apres Chic collection (in stores 12/26).

OCC Lip Tar Set - The last thing I need is more lip products, but I really want to try these OCC Lip Tars! This set at Sephora is a great deal with 5 full size lip tars and a brush for only $49. 

Isaac Mizrahi Fabulous - I kind need to smell this again to be sure, but I tried a sample and I absolutely loved it. It's fun, fruity and feminine (uh, just like Isaac?). And I absolutely love the polka dots and vintage-y atomizer. I think right now it's exclusive to QVC and Bloomingdales. On QVC.com, you can get the 1.7oz bottle, plus a rollerball for $69, which is like getting the rollerball for free.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate - I'm going to do a full review of this, but I freakin LOVE this stuff. It makes my skin baby soft and so so smooth. It's not cheap at $85 for a 2 oz bottle, but a little goes a long way. This is the perfect gift item because I don't want to pay that much myself, but I will gladly accept it as a gift!

Sanuks - I never really understood the appeal of Sanuks because let's face it, they're ugly. Sure, I've had something like 4 pairs of Toms, but Sanuks just seemed worse. Then for some reason, I bought a pair when they were half off at Sport Chalet and I fell in love. They are crazy comfortable, even more so than Toms. Sanuks call their shoes "sandals" and maybe thats why I like them. I think these furry ones will be perfect for wintertime dog walking.

iPad - I am super late to this party, but now that Verizon has combined data plans it makes more sense for me to get one. I hate the idea of paying for internet for my home, phone AND an iPad, when I'm only one person! But now my phone and iPad could share plans. I'm in the market for a new laptop, but  I really just play games and surf the internet, so maybe I could get away with an iPad?

December Perfume Challenge: Day 18 - DKNY Women

DKNY evokes an image of a stylish young, modern, urban woman and I would imagine their namesake fragrance to do the same. The sleek bottle even brings to mind New York City skyscrapers. And what exactly does DKNY smell like?

I say: This smells super clean. Remember I said that Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue made me think of a clean guy? Well DKNY is even cleaner! It's even a tiny bit soapy at the end. Very crisp, but not exactly citrusy. I think this is a great non-offensive fragrance for day.

They say: "An opulent perfume for women, a perfume with unusual and magical components; a cold, strict and elegant fragrance for daily and office use. An energetic wave of the top awaits you with the notes of green tomato leaves, red orange juice and cold vodka. The floral heart is composed of water lily, orchid and daffodil. The composition closes with the mild and pleasant notes of birch and tulip." - Fragrantica

Hey, I didn't do half bad! I wouldn't mind having a rollerball of this, but I don't know about a big bottle. 

I have to agree that it would be a great daytime office scent because it pretty much just smells like a shower and clean clothes!

L'Oreal Sublime Mousse

I will be the first to admit that I'm horrible about coloring my hair. I go back and forth between natural color, salon color and home kits. I rely on the salon when I'm coloring my hair significantly lighter or for highlights, but it just takes so much time. I know some people think going to the salon is a pampering experience, but I just get bored! Home kits only take about 30 minutes, but it can get quite messy and it definitely shouldn't be used for drastic hair color changes. I just got my hair cut on Friday and I needed to do something about my majorly grown out color, but I didn't want to commit to salon color, so I ran out to Target and picked up L'Oreal's Sublime Mousse.

I actually colored my hair at home a few months back using the Palty Bubble Mousse color. Palty is a Japanese brand aimed at a younger crowd. The problem with Palty is that most of the shades are very light, like blonde light! I bought the darkest color (Chocolate Waffle, I think), but I barely saw any difference to my roots or ends. I also thought using the mousse was kind of weird, but because I never learn my lesson, I decided to try the Sublime Mousse.

I used shade #50 - Pure Medium Brown and it was easy enough, although I did make a huge mess (as always). I like that the mousse doesn't drip, but I still find it more difficult to apply than regular color and it seriously left half my forehead brown! The other good thing about Sublime Mousse is that the instructions say to apply it to the entire length of your hair whether you have roots or not. 25 minutes later, just rinse it out, apply conditioner and you're done!

I'm happy with the results, but the color is a LOT darker than I was expecting. Medium brown made my hair really dark, almost black. Oh well, at least my roots problem is gone. I think I want to do something red next, so I'll probably be heading to the salon for a couple of hours early next year.

December Perfume Challenge: Day 17 - Salvatore Ferragamo Attimo L'Eau Florale

Today's second selection is Attimo L'Eau Florale by Salvatore Ferragamo. This one shouldn't be too difficult since the name pretty much says it all.

I say: Yup definitely floral! I also get a slight undertone of baby powder. What exactly does baby powder smell like? It smells nice, but not necessarily one I would buy. It's feminine and classic, much like the Ferragamo brand.

They say: "When glamour meets romance no one can resist. A fresh bouquet with a heart of Bulgarian Rose that subtly fuses with delicate and luxurious hints of Pink Peony and Lotus Flower."

Now that they mention it, I do smell the rose, but it isn't as intensely rosy as the Escada. I wonder if I'm going to have enough fragrances to last until the end of the month - I still have 14 days left!

December Perfume Challenge: Day 16 - Dolce & Gabanna Light Blue Pour Homme

Today we have something different because we have a fragrance for men! Does that make it a cologne? What's the difference between a cologne and a perfume (other than the obvious gender differences, of course)?

Also, have you noticed that men's fragrances are a LOT cheaper than women's? For example, you can get a 2.5 ounce bottle of Light Blue for men for $58, while a 1.6 ounce bottle for women is $68! Let me do the math for you. That means for the men's version, you get 56% more product for 15% less money! WTF?

I say: I would love Light Blue on a guy! It smells really clean, like you just stepped out of a shower. Not too cloying or overpowering. I don't think it's really citrusy, but just a little musky and clean. Yeah, I said clean like 10 times, but I don't know how else to describe it! What do the pros say?

They say: "Drawing upon their native home of Italy, this innovative design team have captured the sensuality of the Mediterranean. A refreshing blend of citrus notes combines perfectly with masculine woods and subtle spice to create a distinctive fragrance that epitomizes relaxed sophistication.

Notes:
Sicilian Mandarin, Frozen Grapefruit Peel, Bergamot, Juniper, Rosemary, Szechuan Pepper, Rosewood, Musk Wood, Incense, Oak Moss."

Oh, I guess it is citrus lol. Frozen grapefruit peel? What the hell does that smell like? Just for fun let's look at the notes of the women's version. 

Notes:
Sicilian Citron, Bluebell, Granny Smith Apple, Jasmine Sambac, Bamboo, White Rose, Cedarwood, 

Amber, Musk.

Hm, quite different. I wonder why the price difference? Are the women's ingredients more expensive? Is the women's version more potent? (They are both called eau de toilette, though). Are fragrance manufacturer's sexist??

December Perfume Challenge: Day 15 - Harvey Prince Eau Flirt

Are you guys familiar with Harvey Prince? I don't know a lot about them, but their fragrances are crafted in the US and are 100% cruelty free. Today we have Eau Flirt which is supposed to attract men. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to test this claim out today since I just spritzed myself at 9:30 pm while in bed in my pjs. 

I say: It's interesting that this is supposed to attract men, because the scent doesn't really scream SEXY to me. I guess it's supposed to be more a subconscious attraction. It smells pretty crisp and clean with a slight spice undertone. I like it, but I don't love it enough to buy a whole bottle. 

They say: "This perfume flirts for you.

It starts with whispers…“Who’s that girl?” The irresistible and flirty fragrance of Eau Flirt captures the imagination of the entire room with the subtle, sexy allure of flowers and spice.

“What’s her secret?” Lean in closer. The fragrance contains notes of pumpkin pie and lavender, which have been shown to evoke a more passionate response in men than any other smell. Why do men find these two scents so arousing? Experts believe men subconsciously associate pumpkin and lavender with happy, positive and stimulating memories.
An encounter with Eau Flirt reveals top notes of sweet lavender and a cocktail of bright citrus, followed by a mingling of feminine florals freesia, ylang ylang and jasmine. Delicate spices and warm nighttime amber offer a graceful and balanced flourish." - harveyprince.com

Notes: Lavender, Pumpkin Pie, Citrus, Jasmine, Freesia, Ylang Ylang, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Ambers

Hey I am getting way better at this! I got the spice note right! Ha! I don't really smell pumpkin pie per se, which is a good thing because I actually really hate pumpkin pie. I like the scent alright, but I hate the flavor. If you could develop a perfume based on your favorite dessert, what would it be? Mine would probably be a refreshing mint and chip ice cream!

That's all for today. I know I'm one day behind because I went out yesterday night with friends, but I'll catch up tomorrow. Have a great Monday!

December Perfume Challenge: Day 14 - Especially Escada

Alright, I'm going to try and make today's post quick because I am watching Lord of the Rings and I am totally intrigued. Yes, this is my first time watching LOTR and yes, I'm like (over) 10 years late! I tried to watch it once before and I remember being totally bored and falling asleep, I wonder what changed!

Well, on to the Escada. Honestly, Escada is a brand that brings to mind old ladies. Will this fragrance do the same?

I say: Wow, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that I can identify a note in this - I am definitely smelling roses. I actually really like this fragrance and it doesn't smell like old ladies at all! It smells, light, rosy, fresh and young. Dare I say, I might be interested in buying a bottle of this??

They say: "A luxurious and feminine scent, Especially Escada carries a joyful, spontaneous, and glamorous spirit. Inspired by the glistening scent of morning dew on a sparkling rose, Especially Escada says luxury, but in a modern and light-hearted way. 

The fragrance opens with a sparkling top note of pear and combines with the exotic notes of ambrette seeds. A luxurious combination of rose and ylang ylang radiates a fresh and natural aura of floral joy and happiness. Light musky notes complete the scent, adding a subtle touch of femininity.

Notes: Pear, Rose, Ambrette Seeds, Ylang Ylang, Musky Notes." - Sephora

Duuuude, I was totally right about the rose! I'm excited. But I gotta go cuz LOTR awaits! Why are those hobbits always eating stuff??

December Perfume Challenge: Day 13 - Hello Kitty Eau de Parfum

What does Hello Kitty smell like? I'm thinking flowers, glitter, cake and happiness. I'm happy to report that it does not smell anything like cat litter.

I say: Okay, this fragrance is smelling REALLY familiar. I'm pretty sure it is the same thing as the Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy La Fleur. Seriously, my nose has been working over time this month, but yeah, they smell very very similar. The bottle is kind of creeping me out because the bottle curve looks like a weirdo Hello Kitty/Jack O' Lantern smile. 

They say: "You're sure to feel sweet and fancy with this pretty perfume. Made with some of Hello Kitty's favorite things, its notes of green apple and Japanese fruits will make you smile inside. As the fragrance's heart comes forward, you'll smell rich floral accords and a wink of warm vanilla. A little hint of musk is present in the base notes, adding a touch of glamour to a twinkling fragrance created especially for the young-at-heart. 

Notes: Cassis Sorbet, Italian Mandarin, Apple, Magnolia Blossom, Freesia, Orange Flower, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Musk."

Let's take a look at the notes from Viva La Juicy La Fleur - Wild Berries, Mandarin, Honeysuckle, Gardenia Petals, Soft Jasmine, Vanilla, Caramel, Sandalwood. So I'm seeing Mandarin and Vanilla in both, but not much else. I'm not crazy! Do you know of any fragrance dupes?

Shopping the Stash #1

So I've been buying entirely too much makeup recently and only have one face to put it on. I think I'll have to put myself on a makeup buying ban for the next 3 months or so. The one possible exception might be a foundation because for someone my age, I have very few foundations and only one without SPF (that I don't like).

I put all my stuff in this clear-ish Benefit bag thinking I might be more likely to use it if I see it. Yup I treated myself to this Benefit Legally Bronze kit using the $15 Sephora coupon. This kit is actually an amazing deal because it's only $38 for four FULL SIZE products including a Hoola bronzer and High Beam. Anyway, back to the stash...

Shu Uemura Atelier Made Eyebrow Manicure - A tinted eyebrow mascara that I picked up the last time I was in Japan. I need to use this up before it dries up.

Sonia Kashuk Brow Definer - This is a pretty soft eyebrow pencil that I can use to do my brows quickly.

NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder - I mix the two shades together and sometimes add a little bit of clear wax on top. The mini tools are surprisingly useful!

Blinc Tubing Mascara - This was a Birchbox sample and I actually quite like it. I'm going to do a full review soon.

Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Waterproof - The Colossal is one of my favorite mascaras. This is my first time using the waterproof version (of any mascara, actually!), so we'll see how I like it.

Stila Prime Pot in Taffy - I think this was a 100 point perk from Sephora a long time ago. It's a flesh tone primer, probably similar to MAC Painterly.

L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Amber Rush - I like this eyeshadow because it has serious staying power, even without primer. Amber Rush is a coppery color that I was unsure of how to wear for a long time, but I think it will look good with smudgey brown liner.

Tarte smolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner in Espresso - This was part of last year's holiday set, but I have to say this year's set is a lot better because it's no where near as glittery (although I don't believe there is a brown color). Espresso is more shimmery than glittery and lasts a long time.

Stila Smudge Crayon in Smoke - I guess this is kind of similar to the Tarte smolderEYES - a liner/shadow hybrid thing. I like this shimmery light taupe color for lining my lower lash line without looking like a Panda. Another sample, from Sample Society, I think.

Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Singles in Brulee and Nutty - Dude, these were on sale for only $1 at CVS. People make a big deal about Brulee, but it's just a matte cream color. Nutty is a nice taupe.

Lancome Le Crayon Kohl in Black Ebony - This liner is just okay for me and not worth any big bucks. I don't remember how much it cost, but I know I got it with my employee discount when I used to work for L'Oreal. This pencil is really huge though!

Garnier Skin Renew Anti Dark Circle Roller - I don't think I really have bad dark circles, so this sheer tint is just fine for me. The tint though is just bordering on too light for my skin tone.

Wow that's a lot of eye products, but I guess if you think about it, you have eyebrows, liner, mascara, shadow, so you have a lot of stuff to use on your eye area!

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer - I like this so much I just bought the full size!

Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil - A creamy pencil concealer that I mostly use for the occasional spot.

NYX Blush in Taupe - I'm using this as a contour and I think it's a great winter contour color because you don't end up looking too bronzey or tanned. However, this shade barely registers on my medium skin tone. Oh well, at least I can go crazy with it and not end up looking beat up.

Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Betray - Such a beautiful berry color, perfect for fall/winter! Just use the teeny tiniest amount though because it is super pigmented

Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Rose Petal - This one is a soft rosy pink which will work well with  bolder lip colors.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush - A nice wine-y, berry color. Darker than what I usually go for, but hey, I'm trying to branch out a little.

Urban Decay LipLove in Stung - This is a very sheery dark purple, wine colored gloss. It has a pretty strong honey smell which takes some getting used to.

CoverGirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in Peony - I have three of these and Peony is the most pigmented by far. It's a red leaning pink, kind of like Revlon Cherries in the Snow.

That's all! I really hope I use up some products soon, but as you can see, all of these products barely have a dent in them! Le Sigh.

December Perfume Challenge: Day 12 - Bvlgari Mon Jasmin Noir

Forget perfume, I could really use some Bvlgari jewelry. Maybe a watch. Do they make watches? Probably.  Yeah, I'll take one of those. Today's fragrance is Bvlgari Mon Jasmin Noir - The Essence of a Jeweller. What is that supposed to mean? It smells like metal? Diamonds? Let's see

I say: I'm going to make a wild guess here and say that this smells like Jasmine. And it's dark, black even. Upon initial whiff (yes, I said whiff), I immediately thought of old ladies. As it dried down, the smell improved, but I still can't say I'm a fan. It's quite heavy and smells almost smokey. Obviously very floral, but I get a hint of an almost incense smell.

They say: "The jasmine flower, a diamond of perfumery and a symbol of beauty and luxury, is the centerpiece of this lighter addition to the Jasmin Noir line of fragrances. Young, modern, and highly refined, it opens brightly with top notes of citrusy golden cedrat and floral lily of the valley. The heart of this eau de parfum dazzles the senses with an unexpectedly modern composition of two jasmine flowers, sambac and angelwing, which linger elegantly as the sensual drydown emerges with essences of light musks and vibrant woods. The award-winning perfumers Sophie Labbe and Olivier Polge created this fragrance with Bvlgari. 

Notes:Golden Cedrat, Lily of the Valley, Jasmine, Sambac, Angelwing Jasmine, Musky Nougatine, Cedar, Patchouli." 

Hey I wasn't that off - did you read that "drydown emerges with essences of light musks!" I'm going to have to disagree with Bvlgari that this smells young and modern though. 

December Sample Society

I'm going to call this month's box, the box of small samples in large boxes (see 3rd picture). On another note, what do you guys think about my new comforter/quilt? It was a Black Friday purchase from Anthropologie. The white blanket I usually photograph on is actually primarily used by my dog. I'm sure if you look closely, you will see tons of hair on there! LOL. Oh yeah, back to the box...

Vapour Organic Beauty Elixir Lip Gloss (full size $20) - I received color #302, Sulty. It's a pretty nudey pink and the gloss is quite nice and not sticky. It does however, have a slight scent that reminds me of the toy/play lipsticks that I used to have as a child. I don't know how to describe it, kind of plasticy and a little fruity?

Hanskin Premium Perfect Super Magic BB Cream SPF30 PA++ (full size $33) - I mentioned before that I've kind of given up on asian BB creams because they are just too light. This one isn't too bad, but it is just bordering on too light. It's fairly thick and offers good coverage. I gave this one to my Grandma. There was also a tiny sample packet of another version of BB cream.

Murad Age Reform Time Release Retinol Concentrate (full size $65) - Another one that I gave to my Grandma. I've seen the L'Oreal and Garnier versions of this product where you fill in your lines with product and hope they plump up. I don't really have any wrinkles and while I totally believe in using products as a preventative measure, this one seemed better suited for use on actual wrinkles.

Philosophy Living Grace Shampoo, Bath & Shower Gel (full size $22) - I have a couple of these Philosophy 3 in 1 shower gels, but this is my first time with the Living Grace scent. It smells feminine and soapy. I always save these shower gel minis for when I travel, but in reality, I never bring my own shower gel to hotels! Do you?

Delaney Wellness Rejuvenating Eye Cream (full size $135) - I'm all for trying out new eye creams and while this one says it is suitable for day or night, there is a noticeable shimmer (see 4th photo, rightmost swatch) which makes me think it would be better for illuminating under eyes during the day. I'm pretty excited to give this one a go.

December's Sample Society box is going to be the last one for me. I loved this service at first, but over the past 3 months, I've been really disappointed with the samples.  I'm going to be getting the Ipsy bag starting in January. I was subscribed to MyGlam Bag previously, but cancelled after a few lousy months. I'm hoping with the rebranding things will be better and I really like what I've seen in other people's boxes.

December Perfume Challenge: Day 11 - Lady Gaga

Dude, I haven't heard a Lady Gaga song in forever! Where'd she go? You couldn't turn the radio on without hearing half a dozen of her songs a little while ago. I guess she's just been busy with other ventures like her new-ish fragrance. I really love the bottle and the black liquid, while gimmicky, is still interesting. Unfortunately, the sample I received came in a black plastic tube so I don't know if my liquid was actually black.

I say: Again, this isn't really my type of fragrance. I could actually see older people liking this, even though they might not know who Lady Gaga is. It smells warm, dark and musky. It kind of reminds me of Very Sexy by Victoria's Secret. Definitely better suited to a cool winter evening. 

They say: "Embrace Lady Gaga Fame, the sultry, black eau de parfum. First of its kind in fluid technology, it is black like the soul of Fame  but invisible once airborne. This black fluid exudes a lustful, floral, fruity essence for fabulous little monsters. 

Enriched with tears of belladonna, a black veil of incense, and pulverized apricot, this fragrance may cause illicit fits of extravagance, unrivalled rushes of adoration, and prolonged moments of ecstasy and rapture."

This description just cracks me up. "Tears" of belladonna and "pulverized" apricot? Um, a little overdramatic if I say so myself. I can't wait for other colored perfumes to come out. Who knows what will be next - red, pink, rainbow??

December Perfume Challenge: Day 10 - DKNY Be Delicious Eau So Intense

DKNY Be Delicious Intense smells really familiar, but I can't put my finger on what it reminds me of. How does it smell? Let's see...

I say: I thought this was going to be a bit sweeter and apple-y because the bottle looks like a friggin apple! Despite the "intense" name, it smells fresh, clean and summery. I get citrus and also a little bit of green. I would wear this on a warm summer day.

They say: Donna Karan launches yet another limited edition in summer 2012. It is an intense version of the original DKNY Be Delicious from 2004, which bears the name DKNY Be Delicious Eau so Intense.

Juicy as a fresh and sour bite of an apple, DKNY Be Delicious Eau so Intense captures apple extracts wrapped up in green and moist freshness of grapefruit and magnolia. The heart is a floral bouquet of violet, rose, tuberose and lily of the valley, complemented by the base of fine sandalwood, white amber and blonde woods." - Fragrantica.com

I'm not getting apple from this at all! Maybe I'm expecting more of a Jolly Rancher smell, which doesn't exactly scream $69 bottle of fragrance. Looks like this one is limited edition, but it is still available on Sephora.com

NEW Ichikami!

I must have been on to something when I posted about Ichikami the other day because they have recently released a new line!

As far as I can tell, this new line includes apricot extract, instead of cherry blossom and tsubaki. I love the peachy/apricot packaging! I'm tempted to buy, but I just posted about how I didn't have the best results with the original Ichikami. I still have a Shiseido Tsubaki set to use, then maybe I'll pick this up or the Asience Nature Smooth.

I took this picture at Marukai in West Covina and as you can see, the shampoo and conditioner are $15.98 and the refill bags are $10.98. They also currently have a set with the shampoo, conditioner and treatment for only $20. This is an awesome deal, because the bottles are big at 550ml. 

Can I also just say that Marukai has really stepped up their beauty game? I noticed that they were now carrying BIODERMA!! But I didn't buy it because the 500ml bottle of crealine solution was $30 ($27 on sale) which isn't that different from Amazon prices. I was still excited nonetheless. And finally, just because it is super cute, here is a box of Hello Kitty corn flakes (made in Italy, natch). 

December Perfume Challenge: Day 9 - Arquiste L'Etrog

Okay, I missed yesterday, but I'll make up for it with two posts today. Today we have L'Etrog by Arquiste. I'm not really familiar with Arquiste, but their website says that they create "fragrances that transport you to another place in time." They have a quite a backstory on L'Etrog, which you'll see below. In case you're wondering, according to Wikipedia, an Etrog is a "yellow citron or Citrus medica used by Jews on the week-long holiday of Sukkot

I say: "This definitely smells expensive compared to everything I've reviewed previously. I determined this before I did some googling and found out a 55ml bottle sells at Barneys for $165. This really isn't my type of scent - initially I thought it smelled like old ladies in a Coco Chanel kind of way. As it's dried down, I do get a hit of citrus, but in a powdery sort of way. Yeah, L'Etrog smells expensive and grown up, but it's not for me."

They say: "October 1175, Calabria, Italy. In Medieval Calabria, a family gathers to celebrate a good harvest. Within a cabin built of Palm leaves and other woody branches, an aromatic bounty is presented. The citrusy scent of the Etrog citron, a regional speciality, brightens the air, while bracing Myrtle and lush Date Fruit envelope the sweet warmth of the Mediterranean night. 

Notes include: Calabrese Cedrat, Myrtle, Date Fruit, Vetivert"

Interesting. I wouldn't have really looked to the Medieval times for inspiration for a fragrance because I'm pretty sure everyone smelled like hell back then. L'Etrog actually might be nice as a home fragrance if it was toned down a bit. 

Japanese Beauty: Kracie Ichikami

Treatment, Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Treatment Water

I thought it would be interesting if I featured more Japanese and other foreign products on here since I do buy quite a few of them!

First up is the popular Ichikami line of hair care by Kracie. I was introduced to this brand about 3 years ago, when I was given some samples outside of the Shinjuku station in Tokyo.  I was immediately attracted to the scent which smells sweet, floral and super girly. Much like the Shiseido Tsubaki line, Ichikami also contains Camelia (tsubaki) oil, which is a popular ingredient in Japan. The other ingredients include Rice Premium EX, Sakura (cherry blossom) essence, Black Rice essence, Chinese Soapberry and Blackberry Lily. I have no idea what all of those things are supposed to do!

I wasn't a huge fan of the shampoo. For some reason I couldn't get it to lather up very well so because of that I felt like it wasn't doing much for my hair. The conditioner is good, but the hair mask/treatment is even better! I love this mask because you only need to leave it on for 2 minutes instead of 20. I just leave it on for the duration of my shower and my hair is super soft afterwards. I'm not entirely sure what the treatment water is supposed to do. From what I can make out on the back with my 2nd grade level Japanese reading skills is that it helps with damage and makes hair smooth. I can't really say I've seen any results except for a nice smell. The other annoying thing is that the spray nozzle squirts a stream of water at your head so I had to transfer it to another spray bottle so that I get a mist instead. 

You can purchase Ichikami at Japanese grocery stores (Marukai, Mitsuwa) as well as online. I got the shampoo and conditioner as a set for $18-20. These bottles are pretty big at 550 ml and I feel like I've been using them for most of the year. I believe the treatment and water were $10-12. You can also buy eco-friendly refills in a bag for slightly cheaper. If you're looking for a good hair mask, I would highly recommend the treatment!

December Perfume Challenge: Day 8 - Betsey Johnson Too Too Pretty

I'm just going to come right out and say it. I'm not a fan of these bust/mannequin perfume bottles - sorry Nicki Minaj and Betsey Johnson. They look creepy! Today we have Too Too Pretty by Betsey Johnson. I wonder if her fragrances will still be around even though she's gone out of business now?

I say: Okay, we're back to a fragrance that smells sort of in the same vein as the Juicys and Justin Biebers. Definitely floral and slightly sweet. As the bottle would suggest, the scent also leans quite young - could you imagine your Grandma with this bottle on her dresser?? I didn't think so either. I like this one, would smell great on a spring day.

They say: "Betsey Johnson TooToo Pretty speaks to the girl who is radiant, charming and confident. Vibrant fruity and floral scents infuse with soft musks and woods to create a fragrance that remains true to Betsey's forever playful attitude. 

Notes of Fresh Waterlilies, Sparkling Cassis, Lemon Blossom, Osmanthus, Golden Gardenia, Pink Grapefruit Flower, Skin Musk, Whipped Vanilla, Blonde Woods."

There you go, another inoffensive and young floral scent, if you can get past the weird bottle.