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. 

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!

October Birchbox

Good Lord, how you frustrate me, Birchbox!! Now, imagine me yelling that into the Grand Canyon as Sheldon Cooper as the Flash would do.

For the first time ever, I watched a Birchbox preview video and they were talking about all these amazing brands that would be featured like Chantecaille and Eyeko and Goop, so of course I was really excited. They did mention that there was a Goop box and a "Transformations" box, so considering my horrible Birchbox luck, it figures that I received the "other" box. I guess in the end it didn't really make that much of a difference because even the Goop box recipients seemed pretty disappointed. Well, this was the last straw with Birchbox and I have cancelled the service (again). I've been really happy with Glossybox and Sample Society AND I have a glut of samples at the moment, so it won't be a big loss to lose Birchbox. Here's what I received this month...

Harvey Prince Eau Flirt (full size $55-98) - This fragrance claims to have been "clinically proven to attract men with its wickedly irresistible fragrance." Hmm interesting, I can't really say I've had men throwing themselves at me, but it does smell nice enough. The website says it has "warm, tempting notes of pumpkin pie and lavender," but I'm getting more of clean, crisp and a little fruity vibe. Oh well (or eau well?), I am awful at describing fragrances.

Mox Botanicals Pomegranate & Fig Lip Butter (full size $16) - This was alright, makes my lips smooth and has a nice scent, but nothing I'm blown away by. I also literally have a million lip balms to get through, so I wasn't that excited to get another one.

Supergoop City Sunscreen Serum (full size $20-42) - More packets of sunscreen. Woo hoo. Not. Okay, in all honesty, I really do like SPF moisturizers so I will give this a go, but I'm not thrilled about the packet aspect.

theBalm Cosmetics Mary-Lou Manizer (full size $24) - This one I was actually excited about. I've been looking for a new highlighter and Mary-Lou Manizer was on my list. It is a shimmery, golden champagne color and although you can look a little too glow-y if applied with a heavy hand, it really blends very well. What is your favorite highlighter? I'm trying to decide between Mary-Lou Manizer, MAC Soft & Gentle and Dior Amber Diamonds. Suggestions?

Luna Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter (full size 15 bars for $14.99) - I've had Luna bars before, mostly as samples I pick up from races and other events. They don't taste amazing (like for example, a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup), but they are admittedly a lot better than most (ahem, Powerbar). I think Luna bars have too many calories though - 190 for this little thing is pretty steep. My favorite protein/snack/health bars are still the Kind Bars which are delicious and made with a very good and short ingredient list.

So that's all for Birchbox. I'm a little sad to see them go, but they really need to make some improvements. I think they should charge a little more like they do for their men's box and include better items. That's my two cents anyway!