2 Rich Face Creams I'm Enjoying For the Winter

After revisiting this cream in my collection and falling in love with it, I was interested in add in a few more richer creams to help my skin deal with the recent dropping temps. Though I have combination skin typically, it has been quite dry in certain patches lately and I enjoy a thicker cream to help comfort and nourish my skin. Here are two that I have had in regular rotation:

1. Aerin Rose Night Table Cream - While I have a ton of anti-aging serums and creams, I still reach for products that provide intense hydration. One of the best ways that I keep my skin looking its best is by keeping it hydrated. This night cream by Aerin is delicate, calming, soothing and incredibly nourishing which I greatly need in the colder weather. I find myself even scooping a bit out for my morning routine on days when my skin requires a bit more comfort. As I am already a fan of Aerin's skincare line (love this oil and recently discovered this cleanser that is lovely for winter), I knew that this overnight cream would be a great addition to my collection. For those that are averse to fragrance, just note that this has a rose scent. Not overpowering, but it definitely lingers on my skin for about 30 minutes after. I find it to be calming and one of the reasons I am drawn to Aerin's line over and over again!

2. Algenist Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream - I haven't tried too many Algenist products, but so many of my readers tell me they are obsessed with the line! I've heard tons of buzz about the peel, the oil and this face cream. I was immediately intrigued because it is designed for all skin types, and targets almost any and all anti-aging concerns - fine lines, firmness, dullness, etc. While the cream looks quite rich in the picture below, I was shocked to find that it breaks up into a thin watery texture that instantly absorbs into the skin. My favorite way to use this is when my face is still damp from using a hydrating mist (this one is in my routine currently) and pressing it into the skin. It's as if my skin drinks it up because it disappears immediately and looks plump, fresh and radiant after. After using it for the past 2 months, I find my skin looks bright, even and while it's not incredibly apparent, there is some change in my skin's firmness. If you are looking for an overall anti-aging cream that targets a multitude of concerns, this may be a great one to try.

*pr samples included 

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Cleanser Diaries: Kypris, Aerin, Elemental Herbology and Sisley

I have 4 cleansers to share with you today that I've been testing over the past 2 months. All are quite gentle on my skin and easy to incorporate into any skincare routine. While I love products that help target certain concerns, I have been drawn to simpler and more gentle cleansers recently to nourish and calm my skin while I let the serums and strong moisturizers in my routine do their work.

1. Aerin Rose Gentle Cleanser - Not only am I a fan of her fragrances, but every skincare item I try from the Aerin line seems to always work for my skin. Most of the Aerin products seem to be geared towards calming and nourishing the skin which is why I go back to them over and over (I use this oil regularly and am currently testing this night cream). The Rose Gentle Cleanser name perfectly describes the product - it is a cream cleanser that hydrates, soothes and calms my skin with a scent of rose infused throughout. Recently I have been going hard with a lightening serum and a retinol cream now that we are transitioning into fall, so I like to have a gentle cleanser in my routine to comfort my skin.

2. Sisley Gentle Cleansing Gel - Cleansing Gels can be hit or miss with me since many can dry out my skin leaving it tight and uncomfortable. Since I have had wonderful luck with using other Sisley cleansers (this foaming one is beautiful as is this cleansing milk), I was confident this gel would be great on my skin. Initially I felt it was going to foam when adding water, but was pleasantly surprised to see is turn into a lightweight cream that left my skin feeling extra clean and fresh but without the dreaded tightness or dryness. I would recommend this more for combination to oily skin types rather than for someone with drier or more sensitive skin.

3. Kypris Cleanser Concentrate - After falling in love with this serum and this serum from Kypris, I knew my skin would be in good hands with their cleanser concentrate. It's a lightweight cream that feels cooling on the skin. I like it best used as a morning cleanse with dry hands and a dry face. I massage it in for 30-60 seconds, wet it to emulsify slightly and then use a warm cloth to remove. It gives me a slight exfoliation with the cloth but the cleansing cream helps to hydrate my skin and leaves it feeling smooth and supple. With ingredients of moringa, probiotics and prickly pear, this cleanser is wonderful at helping balance the skin and is gentle enough for any and all skin types (always patch test first though). Annnnd Kypris continues to amaze me - such a great line.

4. Elemental Herbology Purify & Soothe Cleansing Balm - As I have said many times before, cleansers are the first products I like to test from a line that is new to me. So that is exactly what I did when I was introduced to Elemental Herbology. I went right for their Cleansing Balm to gauge how it worked before deciding on if I will move forward with the line. The texture is rich and thick but not as oily as many of my cleansing balms in jars or pots. While I have used it to remove makeup, I find that it did a better job as a second cleanse or morning cleanse. A cloth is a must when rinsing it off, and my skin is left soft and plump feeling. If you are wanting to add a cleansing balm into your routine, but prefer one that is not as oily - this may be a great option for you.

Top: Aerin Rose Gentle Cleanser, Bottom: Elemental Herbology Cleansing Balm

I am not typically someone that gravitates towards natural or organic skincare, but I have had such a great experience with all the brands that I have discovered lately. Looking forward to incorporating more into my routine!

*pr samples included

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4 New Fragrance Additions to My Collection

For many years, I went with the idea of a "signature scent" and rotated the same 2-3 fragrances day to day. When I began blogging, that entire notion went out the window and I loved trying new scents and having different ones for different days, seasons, occasions, etc. Here are 4 recent additions to my collection:

1. Nomaterra Cape Cod Wild Beach Rose - Nomaterra is a relatively new brand based out of NYC and I loved the story behind this niche brand. Each scent is reminiscent of a certain destination - bringing to light the idea that fragrances can transport you to different places or help you revisit certain memories associated with a city or town you enjoyed. This particular scent would best be described as beachy rose. It mixes the delicateness of rose with the notes of the beach which is something I don't have in my current collection. I find it so unique because most florals can seem sweet or powdery, but this has an unexpected woodsy freshness. In my mind, I envision a rose garden on the side of a new england beach home when I smell this - which basically sounds like paradise, doesn't it?! 

2. Aerin Lilac Path - My love for Aerin fragrances keeping growing and growing (this fragrance by Aerin is one of my best of beauty). Between the gorgeous packaging and the wearability of all the scents I can't get enough. It always amazes me how she can create SO many unique scents but yet all of them appeal to me in different ways. While the notes are prominent and the fragrances last all day, they are still such easy scents to wear. They never turn on my skin and it's shocking how every single one I try manages to work with my body chemistry. This particular one has notes in it that I'm not typically drawn to (Jasmine and Lilac), BUT they are mixed with other notes (Orange Flower, Angelica Seed Oil) that drew me to it instantly. It's a warm floral that allows for it to be a great daytime scent for the summer, though I can see it transitioning nicely into fall. That is what I love about Aerin's fragrances - she uses notes that I never enjoy or wear and then creates blends that I end up going crazy for! 

3. Aerin Waterlily Sun - Another Aerin fragrance addition, but completely different from the Lilac Path mentioned above. The Waterlily Sun is more herbaceous, fresh and crisp with notes of Bergamot and Jasmine. It reminds me of the water, so I see this as more of a spring/summer scent. It wears very well on my skin and develops nicely even when it's hot outside. I've been reaching for it when I have bare shoulders, arms or legs because I love the way it smells as the day goes on. 

4. Stella McCartney Pop - I was anxious to try Stella McCartney's newest scent because I have been a LONG time wearer of her signature scent. When I say long, I am talking at least 10 years if not more. By the name alone, Pop, I anticipated this being a younger, sweeter fragrance and those can often be a hit or miss with me. While it definitely has a floral lightness to it (green mandarin, violet, plumeria), the woodsy elements such as sandalwood and cedarwood give it a deeper, more sophisticated finish. Bottom line - I am crazy for this scent!

*pr samples included

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Splurge-worthy Body Products

As much as I like to treat my face with great skincare products, I also like to pamper the rest of me! There is nothing like bringing out all one's favorite body care products in a shower or bath, lighting a candle and shutting down for an hour or so. It's not always possible every night, but when it is, I relish in it. Here are 4 body products that are decadent yet worth the splurge:

1. Molton Brown Ylang-Ylang Body Polisher - My favorite body care products are by far scrubs because there is such a feeling of instant gratification - smooth skin! This is the first product I have tried from Molton Brown and felt it is not only a great item to use on oneself, but would make a great gift as well. The texture of the scrub is dense with little to no oily runoff so it is easy to keep in the hand while massaging it around. What makes this different than many other scrubs I have tried is the strong aroma that actually lingers on the skin after it rinses off. Many scrubs polish the skin, but the yummy scent fades quickly. This fragrance is strong enough that I was able to forego any perfume after which is very rare for me. But even after a few hours, I could still smell (faintly but it was there) the delicate notes of the Ylang-Ylang in this particular scrub. Hostess gift, birthday gift, just because gift - this body polisher is perfect!

2. Cle de Peau Beaute Body Cream - There is body cream, and then there is the Cle de Peau Beaute Body Cream. Holy cow - this stuff is what luxurious decadent dreams are made of. The texture feels like the smoothest whipped silk and envelopes the skin immediately. I let it set for about 2-3 minutes so that it absorbs fully, but once it does my skin feels like it has been at the spa all day. Initially I noticed how long my skin stayed hydrated, because even 24 hours later it felt as if I had just applied it. The second thing I noticed was how firm my skin looked and felt, while also seeing a significant decrease in any swelling or puffiness. I can often wake up with my lower legs/ankles/feet a bit swollen, either from what I ate the night before or from not drinking enough water, and this has made a huge difference when I apply it before going to bed. Though it is super rich, I plan on using this a ton during the summer to help keep my legs (and arms/tummy/thighs/etc) in tip top shape. I guess I could also go to the gym to help with that, but let's focus on one thing at a time, k?

3. Tata Harper Smoothing Body Scrub - Give me all the Tata Harper products! I can't get enough! Though I have come to enough a multitude of different natural skincare brands over the past year (this one and this one are two that come to mind), Tata was really the gateway brand. I began using her products (beginning with the cleansers first - this one is my all time favorite) and have slowly branched out. Her body scrub is a mixture of both sea salts and sugars which I found very unique. The texture is incredibly thick - almost like a paste with which I like to massage into my body and leave on for a few minutes. I either turn the water off or step away from the stream and apply a hair mask, shave, etc to take up the time. Once I step back under the water, the scrub rinses away easily and what's left is skin that needs neither body lotion or cream after because it feels so incredibly hydrated. The scent is pleasant and aromatic, but not overwhelming. It doesn't linger on the skin like the Molton Brown, but I find that it's great at helping soothe my skin when it feels irritated or itchy from dryness. If you are thinking of venturing into the Tata body care product range, this is the perfect one to begin with.

4. Aerin Rose de Grasse Body Wash - If you remember this post and this video, Aerin's Rose de Grasse fragrance is one of my all time favorites. The rose scent is one of the most pure and sophisticated formulations I have ever come across. Naturally, I want all the ancillary products that go with it and was thrilled to see in addition to a body wash, there is a body cream and candle to complete my full infatuation. The body wash itself is a clear gel that only gives a mild foam so as not to strip or dry out my skin, but the real winner is the scent which is the perfect base to layer with the cream or fragrance. Basically I would be happy smelling like Rose de Grasse head to toe every single day if it came down to it. That is how much I love this fragrance. And for those that are not a huge rose fan (I wasn't either before this), I encourage you to give this a second look. It could change your entire opinion of rose scents.

*pr samples included

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Body Products That Smell Amazing

I am a sucker for yummy smelling body products. Showers are a daily thing (well, for me they are...no judgement) and it might as well be an enjoyable experience, amiright? I still keep my holy grail body wash from Dove close by, but I like to experiment with different scents and textures both in the shower and when I get out. These are 6 products that smell heavenly - ranging from sweet and delectable to delicate and feminine.

1. .mark Coconut Body Oil - I already fell in love with this body butter from .mark, so I was pretty positive I would enjoy this body oil. But I should warn you that if very sweet scents are not your bag, this may not be for you. The sweeter the better for me, and this body oil is as sweet as it gets. It is a strong coconut scent that has hints of a cake batter-like note in it which can really go one way or another. Luckily, it isn't too overpowering and when on the skin smells incredibly pleasant. But the real winning feature with this body oil is how it feels on the skin. I apply it right out of the shower while my skin is still wet, and it instantly absorbs with absolutely NO RESIDUE. And at a price point of $12.00, it's a total steal! 

2. Fresh Cocoa Body Exfoliant - I saw this on Instagram first and nearly fell out of my office chair. I could not get my hands on it fast enough. The Fresh Beauty team kindly sent one over to me for review, and I actually opened the bag, took off all my clothes, and took a shower immediately. I was THAT excited. Yes, it smells exactly as it looks. Like a decadent batch of brownie batter made from the richest cocoa around. Only a little bit is needed to cover most of the body, but it gives a nice gentle exfoliation. The granules are quite small so I can get away with using this multiple times a week if I wanted, and my skin is never irritated. From a scent standpoint, it does not linger on the skin after the shower so I was able to use my regular body lotion on top without any problems of competing scents. The only caveat is that your shower will need a complete rinse-down after using this because there will be chocolate splatters everywhere! Ha! But trust me, it's worth the extra housework for how decadent you will feel using this.

3. The Body Shop Mango Body Scrub - Another delectable scrub that will make you yearn for a tropical vacation each time you shower. The texture is much thicker than the Fresh Cocoa and definitely gives a strong exfoliation. The scent smells like a yummy mango dessert and thankfully does not leave any oily residue in the tub as many body scrubs can do. Once you rinse it away, the scent does not stay on the skin but if you wish to continue your tropical fruit salad experience, there is the mango body butter you can add on once out of the shower.

4. The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter - Continuing on that tropical vacation theme, this Body Shop Coconut Body Butter will most certainly make you feel like putting on a bathing suit. Well, at least your sunglasses. I have heard amazing things about The Body Shop Body Butters so I was excited to finally try one for myself. They are incredibly rich and nourishing, melting into the skin with little to no rubbing. I prefer to use this at night as a moisturizing treatment before bed. After a quick relaxing shower, I apply this while my skin is slightly damp, massaging it in and then wait a few minutes before getting into my pajamas. However, I usually follow my evening shower with my skincare routine so I use those few minutes to let the body cream sink into my skin. While the scent is quite strong in the tub, it actually wears nicely when on and doesn't overpower. 

5. Aerin Beauty Rose Body Scrub - Aerin's Rose de Grasse is one of my holy grail fragrances, so I knew I would fall instantly in love with the accompanying body line. The entire line has the most delicate and feminine floral scent, so I like to save it for days that I am wearing something a bit more special. I know that sounds funny, but I take my beauty routine seriously, people! The scent lingers on the skin beautifully and I like to continue the rose experience with  this body oil and then a few spritzes of Rose de Grasse. This scrub is a bit different from others I currently have because it is in a thick cream with very fine granules so it hydrates the skin while also exfoliating. And the packaging looks so fancy. Fancy packaging always gets prime real estate in my shower, bathroom and vanity. *insert sassy girl emoji with her hand up*

6. Aerin Beauty Rose Body Wash - I can use this in conjunction with the body scrub or alone, either way it gives a nice lather and makes my skin feel incredibly clean. The texture is a traditional gel, and I like to pour it onto a washcloth or loofah to get a nice lather which feels a bit more luxurious. Like my face washes, I am not the biggest fan of foaming anything but my skin doesn't feel tight or dry after using this so this falls in my "foaming but not drying exception" category. And the scent lingers even more than the body scrub so I can go without a fragrance for the day if I want. But I love perfume too much for that. 

*pr samples included

Video: April Beauty Favorites

Here is a look at my April beauty favorites:

Tony Moly Lip Balm 

By Terry Hyaluronic Sheer Nudes in Nude Pulp 

mark Total Kiss Up Plumping Lip gloss Revel 
mark Naked Love body butter
mark Naked Love shower gel
Londontown Restorative Nail Cream 
Aerin Gradual Tan for face and body
Colbert MD Intensify Facial Discs
Murad Essential C Toner
It Cosmetics Hydrating Eyeshadow Trio Naturally Pretty in Plum
Auriela Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser
Beauty RX Dermstick

Review: Aerin Rose de Grasse

I am not usually a fan of rose scented fragrances. Let me just go ahead and put that out there. I like sweet, spicy and fruity scents but anything too floral is a no-go for me. Occasionally I wear scents with subtle notes of floral, but to choose something that is traditionally rose is not happening. That is until I tried this new Aerin Rose de Grasse scent. I have smelled the rose scent that is used in most of the Aerin makeup such as the rose lip balm and rose balm lipsticks (read my review of those here), and have enjoyed it but never thought I would like it on the skin. The Aerin beauty team sent this fragrance over and to be quite honest, I didn't even spray it for at least a week. Finally when I was going through my products to review, I begrudgingly gave it a go. Welp, It's an understatement to say that I felt like a FOOL for not trying it sooner! My poor skin was being deprived of one of the most beautiful fragrances I've smelled in a long time. I even ran out to the living room and shoved my wrist in my husband's face insisting he smell my arm. (and yes, he loved it too)

So not only was I now in love with the scent, the bottle immediately got placed front and center on my vanity because it was too pretty not to show off. But since I was curious exactly what was it about this rose fragrance that made me fall in love, I looked a bit more closely at the notes. And after reading the first few (rose centifolia, rose otto bulgarian and rose absolute), I then came across warming Musk and I knew why I had loved it so much. It has a nice balance of a pure rose scent and a warm musk that makes it absolutely swoon-worthy. I've been wearing it almost daily and spring isn't even here yet. But hopefully if I keep wearing it, the warmer weather will come faster. Wishful thinking I know, but everyone gets through winter differently. So just let me do my thing.

Have you entered my Tatcha skincare giveaway?!!! Enter here.

New: Aerin Rose Balm Lipsticks

I can never resist a new lipstick launch.  I don't always jump on new product bandwagons but lipsticks are quite a weakness for me, so when I see a particularly beautiful collection, I cave.  Hence, my purchase of 5 of the new Aerin Rose Balm Lipsticks.  I first saw them mentioned on Beauty Lookbook, one of my favorite beauty blogs, and she always has such wonderful taste so I logged onto to Neiman Marcus and placed my order immediately. 

I picked up a smattering of colors, from bold to bright to natural because they all looked too good to pass up.  Normally it's the packaging that lures me in with products, but to be honest, I was not in love with the gold case, as it looked a tad dated to me.  I love the raised detailing on the cap, but other than that I was not wowed.  But what was in the packaging more than made up for it.  I had anticipated these lipsticks being more of a lip balm with tint, but surprisingly they are quite pigmented with significant staying power.  A tad shiny but not as glossy and emollient as the Fresh lip sugars or even a Chanel Rouge Coco Shine.  The feel is creamy and smooth on the lips, and the colors are so wearable.  Obviously Pretty and Perfect Nude were in my basket first, followed by Coral Sand which seemed a necessity for summer.  Wild Lilac was a gamble since it seemed so dark in the tube, but when seen on Beauty Lookbook's post, I thought this would be a gorgeous deep berry for me.  The only shade that has brought me the most disappointment is Poppy.  On me it wears brown and dull, but that is probably because I am fairer than Casper.  I suspect that someone with a darker and warmer skin tone would wear this and look stunning.  But nonetheless, I have been loving the whole collection.  I am new to the entire Aerin brand and this was quite the introduction.  I already have my eye on some more pieces from the line such as this bronzer and this lip and cheek color.  And I always need more makeup - said every beauty blogger ever.

To check out the entire Aerin Rose Balm Collection, click here.  

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