LUSH: 13 Soap (Unlucky for Dirt) Handmade Soap

Lush 13 Soap (Unlucky for Dirt) is an interesting soap.  Here is the description from Lush:

Our beautiful rose and oregano soap gets its name from a 1931 Hollywood film about a soap company; the son advertised a soap that didn't exist and demand was so high, the dad had to make it. Sounds like typical LUSH, except for the advertising part. Sue and Dawn from the UK had been asked by nurses for an oregano soap because they'd heard that oregano kills bacteria. This lovely soap has been like gold dust; we adore its translucent loveliness, its herbal scent and its very effective cleansing properties.

Pros - Creates a light lather, very mild scent (not overpowering), chemical free.

Cons - Melts quickly, soap didn't seem to last through too many showers or baths, have to order online if there is not a store near you, expensive.

Overall, I recommend this soap for someone who is sensitive to chemicals or is interested in going green with their bathroom products.   I think many products at Lush can be hit or miss but for the most part, this soap is OK.  I only wish it didn't melt so quickly so that it would last longer than it did for me.

Redken Real Control Intense Renewal Hair Mask/Conditioner

I bought 'Redken Real Control Intense Renewal' hair mask awhile ago and I have to say, that I really like it.  I find that it really helps to moisturize, condition and repair my hair from the coloring that I do to it and also the general dryness that it tends to get over time.

Pros - Moisturizing, smells wonderful (it has that salon product smell, light and clean), creamy, covers and conditions hair well, product lasts a long time even if with regular use, attractive packaging.

Even though this product is somewhat expensive (depending on where you get it from), I think it's an investment.  You aren't going to use it everytime you wash your hair and a 8.5 oz. tub with last you a long time. 

Cons - Not available everywhere, might be too heavy and moisturizing for very fine hair.  I think this hair mask would be best for thick, damaged or frizzy hair.  If you do have very fine hair and want to use this hair mask, I would only use a little bit and I would really concentrate it on the ends.

Do you have a favorite hair mask that you like to use?  What is it and why?  I would love some recommendations!

Manicure - Revlon 'Minted' with Wet n Wild 'Glitz'

Revlon nail polish in Minted with Wet n' Wild in Glitz on top

This was hard to photograph, it is just a bit more green but my camera tinges in kind of light blue

I was really excited about the Revlon nail polish in Minted when I picked it up the other day.  However, I don't recommend it.  The formula was horrible to work with.  It might be better the second time around (I am keeping my fingers crossed) but with this first manicure, it was streaky and thin.  Then when you applied more coats, it became thick and hard to evenly apply.  I felt like it was a waste of money even if it is drugstore nail polish so that is why I am hoping it will get better, the more I use it.

Anyone have any suggestions for a better nail polish in a mint color?

Homemade Sugar Scrub

I found this simple recipe from a blog on healthy & green living:

1/2 cup sugar
Enough cold-pressed oil (olive, wheat germ, peanut, corn, or sunflower) to dampen the mixture

I wanted a really simple recipe that would allow me to take household ingredients and make my own sugar scrub (which sugar scrubs at the store, in my opinion, are way more expensive most of the time than it should be).  You can get really fancy with the recipe, adding in banana, avocado, etc. depending on what type of moisturization you are looking for.

Here's my verdict on this recipe and how I feel it works:

This recipe is so easy and quick to make!  I used sugar and vegetable oil since that was all I had.  I also mixed a few drops of rose perfume oil in that I just got from Coastal Scents and then I scrubbed away.  I felt awesome afterwards.  It exfoliated well and left behind a thin layer of oil to protect and moisturize my skin.  I didn't feel oily or greasy, just moisturized and refreshed.

I definitely recommend creating this quick scrub at home especially if you are trying to save money or use up some ingredients you have lying around.  You can scrub as gently or as hard as you want depending on the kind of exfoliation you are looking for and you can customize the scrub to your liking.  I think this is a great homemade option for people who are allergic to certain ingredients and need options that are free of certain chemicals.

PS - If I am going to buy a scrub ever again, I like Bath & Body Works Cucumber Melon Salt Scrub 16 oz.  It's my favorite and I like to get it every once in awhile, especially when there is some sort of sale going on.

Milani Lipstick in Rose Hip

Milani Color Perfect Lipstick in Rose Hip (an intense pink)

This lipstick is exactly what I was looking for.  I am totally impressed with this drugstore brand and I look forward to trying more of their products!  This lipstick is creamy, moisturizing, vibrant, true to color, affordable and lasts a long time with minimal touch-ups needed.  This is probably one of the best feeling lipsticks that I have worn in a long time, it feels so light weight on my lips.  I really like it!

Check out more color options on Milani's website and if you have tried this lipstick, what did you think of it?

Revlon Lip Gloss in Lilac Pastelle

Revlon Lipgloss in Lilac Pastelle

I picked this lipgloss up a few days ago from my local CVS.  I am totally captivated by anything that alludes to vintage ideas of beauty and plays up weird color combinations.  Pastel colors like these can be both sweet or innocent but I think that they can also be very futuristic feeling and edgy as well.

Overall, I really like it.  I wish it was just a bit more opaque but I like the milky pink/lilac that is left on my lips.  This gloss isn't too sticky but you can definitely feel it on your lips.  I think this is something I am going to often be reaching for in the coming month.

What do you think of the pastel craze that seems to be happening?  It's popular for nails, highlights in hair, cosmetics.  I am loving every aspect of it, especially when it is used to create an edgy/statement look.  I hope that this trend lasts for a little while.

Urban Decay Afterglow Blush in 'Fetish'

Delicate, fresh... Introducing Urban Decay's first-ever powder blush... appropriately named Afterglow. Small enough to fit in your clutch, this blush can be perfectly paired with your dressy pearls or worn alone to recreate summer's glow. Bronzed pinks and hints of gold are here for the taking. Available in several colors to enhance a wide range of complexions

Made with Chamomile -- Nature's best, with these properties:
Healing/soothing effect
Anti-inflammatory
Relieves dryness
Rich in B vitamins and minerals
Suitable for all skin types, including very sensitive skin

Urban Decay Afterglow Blush in Fetish

Urban Decay describes this blush as: light pinky plum w/ shimmer

A 'hard' swatch of Fetish (left) and Fetish blended out (right)

I think this blush is great, it has awesome staying power and applies nicely.  I find myself reaching for it everyday and I would definitely want to check out some of their other colors in the future.