Pomegranate Love

I have a very weird obsession with pomegranates. I don't even recall when it all began. There is something about those little seeds bursting in your mouth that does it for me. I enjoy anything pomegranate scented, especially this new line from B&BW.

:: Bath and Body Works Midnight Pomegranate ::

Right now, I am using the hand soap in my bathroom. It makes me happy every time I wash my hands.

Sexy. Mother. Pucker.

Leave it to hottie Micala to recommend one of the best products I've used on my lips in ages.

If the name alone doesn't suck you in and make you buy it, the fact that is feels like bee stings on your lips should be enough to convince you. Found this at Target for $9.99.

:: Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss ::

Good things:

1. Comes in clear, and nude, and maybe others that I didn't see. I bought the clear.
2. Has a delightful chocolate/orange scent that is subtle, not too cupcakey.
3. Marketed as a lip plumper, but I think it should be seen more as a "vibrator for the lips." For the first few minutes it feels like any other gloss, then you start to feel a massive tingling that makes your lips feel like they were stung by bees. Scary? Maybe. But not for those of us into a lil bit of pain. It *does* smooth out lip texture and give you plumpy, juicy lips.
4. Cute, retro packaging and marketing.

Bad things:

1. Sticky, which is good for staying power, but bad if it's a windy day and you have long hair.
2. A tad expensive for a gloss, but I would have spent twice as much.

Stress Control

I've been using two of the products from the new Neutrogena Stress Control line for the past month. I have to say, I haven't adored products like this in a while. I think they're putting crack in it because I *so* look forward to using these twice a day. Usually my adoration wears off after a couple of weeks.

:: Neutrogena Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Treatment ::

Good things:

1. Gel-like consistency that moisturizes but also leaves you with a matte finish.
2. BHA helps to clear acne and prevent it, and exfoliate skin.
3. Has a soothing effect that I can't really describe with words.
4. The smell is light and refreshing, though I normally detest fragrance in face products.
5. Recommended by Paula Begoun, who researches products scientifically and ignores marketing.
6. Comes in a very nice, sanitary squirt-bottle.
   
7. Around $7 and available everywhere.
   

:: Neutrogena Stress Control Power-Clear Scrub ::

Good things:

1. I *rarely* enjoy a scrub, as most are too harsh for my skin. But this one is fantastic. I use it every morning and sometimes at night too.
2. Does not irritate or dry out skin, but leaves your skin even-toned and refreshed.
3. Has a cream base that makes it easy to put on and leave on throughout your shower, so the medicine has a longer time to work into your face.

Bad things:

1. Something in it is tingly, which feels nice but sometimes those ingredients can be irritating, so be careful.

Hyper. Shine.

LooooOOOOoooOOOooooooOOooOoOOOOve this lip glos. Love. Love. Love. You can find this at most Target stores or online.

:: E.L.F. Hypershine Lip Gloss in Nude ::

Good Things:

1. It's $1.
2. Ultra shiny, but not ultra sticky.
3. Nice scent and taste.
4. Fairly long lasting and conditioning.
5. Brush-on applicator is very nice.
6. Similar to the Stila glosses.

Bad Things:

1. For $1, nothing is bad about this.

Chick Flick Cherry

A quickie post today. Love this gorgeous red polish from OPI. I have to say, even when I was sweaty, dirty, and mosquito-bitten in Alaska, the fact that my toes looked fabulous kept me going. It didn't chip once, and I was wearing hiking boots almost every day.

:: OPI Nail Lacquer in Chick Flick Cherry ::

I've blogged about these polishes before. They are a tad more expensive than regular drugstore lines, but so worth the few extra bucks. They go on smooth, don't chip, and the bottle lasts a long time. This shade of red is deep but also sort of retro cherry-red at the same time. Brilliant.

You can find them in specialty beauty stores, and even grocery stores, which is where I got this one.

Shower Caddy Love

Somehow I always end up starting these posts by apologizing for what a slackass blogger I am. I'm sorry. I really am. I'm like that boy-toy who doesn't call for two months, then shows up at your door with a smile and a condom in his pocket. It's not fair to you, but listen: I only feel like blogging when there's something that I *really* love. It's not like I wake up every morning thinking, "Man, I wonder what I can recommend today?" I wait until I love something so much I can't stand it anymore and then I bring it to you justthewayyoulikeit.

Okay, so this isn't a beauty product, persay. But I am creaming my jeans over it.

A little back-story...

Anyone who has visited my house knows that I have a blajillion products in the shower. I need variety and so I have at least three sets of poo/conditioners and about 5 soap/gel thingies and then tools. Not to mention the stash in the hall closet which is quite frightening. It's really not healthy, but I can't fight it. I tried. So anyway, my landlord came to fix my shower while I was in Alaska (during which time I had a weird sexual dream about him). The new head would not sustain my old hangy basket of products so I had to venture out to BB&B and find a new one. Sigh. Luckily, I came upon this and started swooning when I digested just how well-designed it is.

:: The Simple Human Shower Organizer ::

Good things:

1. These people thought of everything assinine about shower caddies and then fixed all the problems. There are so many little fabulous things about the design of this caddy that just puts all the other ones I've owned to shame.
2. It has a foam-padded screw-tightened mount at the top, so it stays in place *firmly*....nothing worse than when your damn caddy slips and throws bottles at you.
3. The trays move up and down, and left and right, to accommodate different sized bottles.
4. There is a razor holder built into the right side and a toothbrush holder built into the left...which you can also use to hold tools. (Who the hell brushes their teeth in the shower? Comment me if you do.)
5. Rust-Proof for at least 5 years, guaranteed.
6. Suction cup at the bottom is hard-core and it swivels in case you have tiles that would prevent good suction.

Bad things:

1. At $40, it's a little steep. But I am not regretting it one bit. Take a coupon...those ones they send every few weeks.
2. I wish it had more shelves, but that's cause I'm a shampoo whore.

This really makes me want to check out more Simple Human products. I get a boner for great design.

Giada's Nails

So my friend and I were watching the Food Network the other night and TOTALLY ORGASMING over Giada DeLaurentis' nails. She always has on a sheer, simple pink color that looks polished, refined, and sexy. We agreed that we wished we knew what polish she uses so we could get our hands on it.

I was eating lunch the next day and still thinking about Giada so I Googled "Giada DeLaurentis' Nail Polish" and imaginemysurprise that other women were curious too. I found a blog somewhere that a woman was at a book signing and asked Giada what polish she uses. She said she uses OPI Bubble Bath because it holds well for her when washing dishes/cooking/etc.

OMFG I totally HAVE and LOVE OPI Bubble Bath. It's such a classic color and I'm so psyched that Giada and I have one thing in common besides our amazing breasts.

:: OPI Bubble Bath Nail Laquer ::

Good things:

1. The sheer pink color is that perfect shade for YNBB (Your Nails But Better). It's creamy/milky enough to look sophisticated but not so milky that you look washed out.
2. One coat gives a subtle, clean sheen. Two coats is perfect for tailored, more opaque nails.
3. OPI brand polishes are notably fabulous.
4. Hello, Giada wears it. Enough said.

Bad things:

1. Probably a poor choice if you skin is darker than fair or medium. There are slightly darker colors in the OPI line that may work better.
2. Tends to pool in the cuticles a bit if you're not careful to apply thin coats. I thinned mine out with a few drops of remover.

More Soft Hands

I love lotions. Love them. If they had AA-type meetings for lotion and lipgloss addicts, I'd be needing a handful of sponsors.

:: Johnson & Johnson Softcream Extra Care Healing Hand Cream ::

Good things:

1. Extremely good moisturizer...ranks better than high-end brands like L'Occitane.
2. Really does last throughout the day. May need to reapply if your hands are especially dry, but for the most part it's the type of lotion you can put on once and feel the effects throughout the day even after washings.
3. Scent is lovely. Relish anything that is warm and cozy like babies.
4. Nice small tube goes great in a purse/bag.
5. Reminds me of the Neutrogena Norwegian formula except WITHOUT the excessive greasiness. It's not very greasy at all because there's just a touch of baby oil.
6. Cheap

Bad things:

1. I can't think of a single one.

Eye Brightener

It's been a long time. Since I left you. Without a dope beat to step to. Step Step.

Yes, I know I am the world's most horrible blogger. It's been too crazy and busy for me to post for a long-ass time now, but summer is here and I'm hoping to pick up the pace again.

:: Physician's Formula Eyebrightner in Natural Eyelight ::

I bought this a few months ago, and I swear to God everytime I wear it, at least one person compliments me on my eyes. It's just a simple base shadow but it seems to have magical qualities. I only like the lightest color...the reviews on the darker ones were not too good and so I wouldn't recommend them. I love using white shadow on the brow bone and center of the eyelid to highlight, and this is great all over the lid and brow with extra added to those areas.

Bar Soap

I went through a phase where I only used body washes. Who didn't love their big, fat, lathery poof? It was the thing to do.

Over the past few years, I've grown to love bar soap once again. There's just something old school about it: rolling that slippery little bar around in your wet washcloth, watching the little bubbles rise up to greet you, knowing that it's going to be there waiting for you in the shower when you get back.

:: Caress Exotic Oil Infusions Moroccan Bar Soap ::

Good things:

1. Okay, this was totally an impulse buy. I did not read any reviews before buying this. When I smelled the soap in the box, I knew it was going home with me.
   
2. The scent is light and intoxicating.
3. The ingredients are top notch. They spared no expense.
4. Huge amounts of moisture here, but not greasy in any way like some of those oil/cream body washes. I would say it moisturized well enough that I didn't need lotion and I felt moisturized until my next shower. Kudos for a bar soap.
5. Great for shaving.
6. Very inexpensive. ~$7 for 6 bars.

Bad things:

1. Scent doesn't last long after the shower, but that's expected.

Liquid Liner

Oh, Wet 'n' Wild. You dirty bitches. How do you do it? Making products that are better than departmentstorepiecesofcrap for a fraction of the cost. Take me now.

:: Wet 'n' Wild Megaliner Liquid Eyeliner ::

Good things:

1. Sweet Lord this is a great eyeliner. I don't wear eyeliner often, but when I do I like to vamp it up and make it dramatic. Liquid liner is best for that, but dang if you can find one that doesn't look like a 9-year-old applied it. This is the best liquid liner I've ever used and it's bone-cheap.
2. Lasts all day.
3. $3.
4. Brush is perfect for creating a gorgeous, rich, thick line that isn't gonna make you look like you got hit with a softball. It makes my eyes look pretty and cat-like. Meooow.
5. I like the black, it's very, very black. Which is exactly what I want black to be.

Bad things:

1. Once the bottle starts to dry out you'll know it, because the shit starts flaking and going all schizo on your eyes.
2. It's not waterproof. Just something to keep in mind.
3. If the brush is getting too long for your taste, just cut the end off a bit with a sharp pair of scissors.
   

Lip Inflation

It is sinful how many lip glosses/balms I own. I am ashamed of myself.

Anyway, decided I needed more this weekend and picked up the Sally Hansen Lip Inflation BOGO at CVS.

:: Sally Hansen Lip Inflation ::

Good things:

1. Okay, one thing straight, I am not looking for puffy lips. Anyone who *thinks* they can get puffy lips from a plumping gloss is out of their noggin. That being said, on this day, at this moment, I decided I wanted to know how it feels to have cinnamon tingling on your lips. And I don't regret that one bit.
2. This is a really nice gloss and does give your lips a hint of plumpness. Not so much making them bigger, but maybe making the lines on your lips fill in a bit. It stimulates with peppermint/cinnamon so it doesn't last long and it's not that intense. It's more like the feeling that maybe someone was just nibbling on your lips and that is quite nice, thankyouverymuch.
3. Hydrates lips. Cleared up a small case of chapped lips that I had.
   
4. Never feels sticky.
   
5. Colors are nude/natural. Works for me.
6. Packaging is nice...square shape doesn't roll off of tables/desks/sinks. Brush is great versus the sponge tip...it stays where you put it.
7. Cheap.

Bad things:

1. Doesn't *exactly* do what it promises to do, but it's not like anyone is stupid enough to buy that line anyway.
2. Some gals may prefer darker shades.

Easy Breezy

I had a coupon for the new Venus Breeze razor, but was hesitant to try it out. When I saw it on sale, I figured it was worth the plunge.

:: Gilette Venus Breeze 2 in 1 Razor Plus Shave Gel Bars ::

Good things:

1. The best part of this razor is that you don't have to use shaving cream with the razor, you just zip it over your legs after wetting it. The Shick Intuition razor was sort of the same idea, but I always found the bar around the razor to go down quickly and the razor itself would cut the shit out of my legs. Good concept, poor design. But I've always loved the triple blade action of the Mach 3 and Venus razors, so the fact that they're combining two great ideas is good news for us.
2. It really does glide over the leg and leave it semi-moisturized (not that you could skip lotion, mind you). It also bends so well that I didn't get any nicks or cuts. Yay.
   

Bad things:

1. This is really best for lazy days or travelling. It doesn't give you the close shave of a traditional razor and good cream/lotion, but you can be damn sure I'll be using this and buying refill packs.
2. A little on the expensive side, but worth every penny if it makes the heady task of shaving easier. God I hate shaving.

Tinted Moisturizer

Today is the vernal equinox, and with the changing of the seasons I usually change my foundation. In warm weather, I prefer tinted moisturizer over foundation. It's light and natural and just feels right.

This one is by far my holy grail.

:: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer ::

Good things:

1. Covers up problem spots without being too cakey or fake.
2. Evens out skin tone.
3. Has ingredients that improve the look of your skin.
4. Nice consistency and even application.
5. SPF formula is great.
6. Has natural, yellow undertones (hard to find in drugstore products...many are far too pink).
7. Love the pump bottle. Very sanitary and clean.
8. Great price.

Bad things:

1. Only bad thing I can think about is that it looks darker than it should in the container, but that's just an annoying thing and it goes on the color it should.