Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant Review

Tuesday, February 25, 2014


There's been tons of studies that have concluded that aluminum in antiperspirant is linked to serious health conditions, so I've been trying to find a good aluminum-free deodorant. I've tried just two in the past: Tom's of Maine Long Lasting Natural Deodorant ($5.99 for 2.25 oz) and Arm & Hammer Essentials Solid Deodorant ($2.99 for 2.5 oz). Neither really cut it for me, unfortunately, and I don't like the concept of crystal roll-ons. After those fails, I went back to my old Dove antiperspirant.

I started hearing great things about the high-end Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Deodorant ($14 for 2 oz). After reading tons of reviews, I bit the bullet and popped into Sephora to pick one up about two months ago. I'm ready to share my thoughts!

Shopping My Stash Post #1: L'Oréal HiP Studio Secrets Shadow Duo

Sunday, February 23, 2014

As I'm trying to reign in the makeup "collecting," I'm starting a new series on my blog called Shopping My Stash. I've seen these circulate on YouTube and other beauty blogs, and I think it's a great way to rediscover an older item in your makeup collection and put it to good use. 

As I've been on a copper eyeshadow kick lately, I checked out some of the oldest eyeshadows in my collection, the L'Oréal HiP Studio Secrets Duos (retail $8.25). I have about six of these duos lying around. Most of the shades I have are now discontinued, but I found one duo that has a current dupe still in the HiP Studio Secrets collection. 

See pictures and swatches below, as well as some fun GIFs of the eyeshadows in action!

Physicians Formula 'Natural Nude' Shimmer Strips + 'Sexy Eyes' Eyeshadow Quad


I popped into CVS last week to see what was new at the drugstore. CVS was doing a 40% off sale on all Physicians Formula products and I had a PF $5 off $15 CVS coupon so I decided to stick with that brand for my shopping haul. I spent $12 and change for a new Shimmer Strips palette and a Sexy Booster Oh So Sexy Eye Shadow Quad, which is a great deal. One thing I always say is "never pay retail for drugstore beauty items!"

Check out my swatches and first impressions below!

My Sultry Valentine's Day Look Featuring the LORAC PRO To Go Eye/Cheek Palette

Sunday, February 16, 2014


We had a great Valentine's night at home on Friday. Laurent made seared sea scallops and steamed lobster tail and we ate lots of drunken goat cheese and chocolate cake! Even though we were staying in, I decided to get glam with the LORAC PRO To Go Eye/Cheek Palette ($38), which I've been loving lately.

Check out my sultry Valentine's Day look below for pictures and a full list of all of the products used!

Photos, Review + Application Tips: Japonesque's New BB/CC Cream Brush

Monday, February 10, 2014

Japonesque BB/CC Cream Brush ($30)

This week, I was browsing Ulta's site because I had a 20% off coupon when I spotted a couple new brushes from Japonesque. I have three brushes from the company and I'm a big fan of all of them because they're well constructed and offer unique brush designs.

The new brush that really interested me was the BB/CC Cream Brush ($30).  There were no reviews on the Ulta page and I couldn't find any blog reviews, so I decided to be the guinea pig and share my thoughts.

See what I think of Japonesque's new BB/CC Cream Brush below!

Blush Review: NYX Powder Blush 'Terra Cotta'

Saturday, February 1, 2014

NYX Powder Blush in Terra Cotta ($5.99 for 0.18 oz)

NYX powder blushes are great quality blushes. They come in tons of colors (many of them dupes for NARS and other high-end brands), last pretty long, and blend beautifully onto the skin.

Terra Cotta is one of the most unique blushes in my collection. See what I think of Terra Cotta below!
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