Bath and Body Works Mini 75% Off Haul

February 18, 2014  *Update Product Review

The updates will be in bold.




I was in the right place at the right time at the mall and a Bath and Body Works  haul happened. LOL!

My favorite type of sale is when the prices are marked down 75% off more. The least expensive item was the gold glitter Christmas gift bag with pink ribbon handles for only 75 cents.

 I am impressed with he thickness of the paper. It strangely reminds me of the gold shimmering fabrics of evening dresses from the 50s and 60s. 

Now for the body care products:

The ultra shea body butter 7oz moisturizers in the scents Japanese Cherry Blossom and Wild Madagascar Vanilla were a great find and the most moisturizing of all the items.

Key Notes for Japanese Cherry Blossom are first it's namesake - JCB then Asian Pear, Mimosa Petals, White Jasmine, and Creamy Sandalwood.

Key Notes for Wild Madagascar Vanilla are Madagascar Vanilla Accord, African Pear, Wild Jasmine and White Sandalwood.

Both butters also contain Shea and Murumuru Butters and Coconut oil.

 I had been searching for body butters on sale for a while now.  They were regular priced at $15.00. I got them at  the more affordable price of 75% off - $3.75.

As I was standing in line at the register, I saw the  3 FL OZ Country Chic lotions for 75% off $5.00 - $1.25. 


This lotion contains both shea butter and vitamin E and has a sweet citrus scent. I've had better quality lotions from other brands but I love the low price. 

My experience with Bath and Body Works lotions is they smell very strong of fragrance but were not very moisturizing. I added a small amount of olive oil and this made the product a lot more moisturizing for my skin.

The last item was the Oahu Coconut Sunset shower gel - 3 FL OZ. It has a very sweet coconut scent. I use shower gels for hand wash.

It was fun running into the store right before it closed and getting some great deals. I don't often shop here but I could not pass up this deal.


 My total purchase was under $19.00.  I love shopping the end of season sales.

Thank you for reading my blog.

Thomasina


If you want to contact me, send me an email at Thomasinawords@gmail.com

Beauty Review - Lush Soap - Sexy Peel

I went inside the Lush store for the second time at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh, NC. The first time I ventured in, it was on a busy day and was immediately helped a lot more than I wanted to be by the sales associates. My favorite way to shop is to be kindly approached by the sales associate then let alone to shop in peace until I have a question. At that time I felt so smothered by sales associates, I hurried up and let the store.

This time was a much better experience. The store was quiet with only one other customer besides me. The two sales associates were very nice and extremely helpful. I had lots of questions about what is the smallest amount minimum I could purchase. They very graciously gave me a small sample of the soap "Sexy Peel".

Oh btw, my understanding was that there wasn't a minimum to the smallest amount I could ask to purchase, I am going to test this out the next time I am in Raleigh.

The Beauty Review:

Lush soap - Sexy Peel

Main Ingredients: Organic orange juice and lime oil.

It is a citrus soap that first of all smells wonderful of oranges. The lime oil is not as strong as the orange fragrance but it is there just in the background.

This soap is a peeler bar with exfoliating properties hence the rough texture within the soap is small bits of orange peel.

My opinion after using the sample is that it  is OK nothing special. I loved the smell of the soap a lot more than what the soap was supposed to be used for. The lather and exfoliating were both nothing special.

My biggest problem with Lush  is the expensive price. For what the products are in size and use, in my humble opinion, you really don't get a whole lot for your money. Yes I know - organic ingredients are not cheap.

This store is hyped a lot by the beauty gurus on you tube but it's another store that once I actually use the products, it doesn't live up to the excited reviews by the gurus.


I will definitely go back to Lush (on not crowded in the store days  LOL!) to try more products.

Here is the link to the Lush site for the "Sexy Peel" soap.

Anyone have any suggestions on what I should try next?

Here is a link to another beauty review on my blog for the fragrance Jovan Island Gardenia

Thanks for reading

Fragrance Review - Lucky Parfum

Lucky Number 6 by Lucky Brand for Women

The fragrance notes of this light floral sweet scent are: Peony Tiger Lily, Jasmine Tea, Casheran Lotus, Leaf Musk, Liquid Amber, Lychee.

I would have never thought this perfume would consist of such a long list of ingredients. The simple floral scent that I love only seems to come from one or two notes.  This light scent is definitely best for springtime wear.

Lucky Number 6 is one of the few fragrances that I loved the product packaging so much, I saved the box for display and inspiration. I have always loved Asian art and design. The cherry blossoms on the box and frosted glass of the bottle look so lovely on my perfume tray on my dresser.

A little of the perfume goes a very long way. I bought this tiny sample size from Walmart a very long time ago. I have never been one of those women who drench themselves with so much fragrance, you smell them before you actually see them. My bottles of perfume tend to last a very long time.

My perfume bottles are all getting a bit low so very soon I will be doing a bit of fragrance shopping. Any suggestions for my next fragrance?

Here is my review of another fragrance - the classic Love's Baby Soft

Thank you for reading!

Fragrance Review - Realities By Liz Claiborne

Realities By Liz Claiborne eau de toilette spray 3.4oz

I have enjoyed this fresh floral perfume for several years.
 
My second bottle of Realities actually smells a bit different from my first bottle. Doing a bit of research online, I find out the formulation had been changed and most people favored the original formulation.  The first bottle smelled a lot better because of the more subtle rose notes.

The fragrance notes include a touch of peach, amber, sage, white lily, jasmine, rose, vanilla, and carnation. 

For many years, this product has been my go to scent for when I want to feel pretty and dressed up but I can easily wear it when I am throwing on a pair of jeans and a T shirt to run around doing errands. Realities has grown up with me and is a classic in my perfume collection.

I was sad to learn that apparently has it has been discontinued . Since I use so little perfume at a time each time I wear a fragrance, it takes a very long time for me to finish my larger bottles. Now it is time to find the more recent versions of Realities by Liz Claiborne and decide if they can replace an old favorite.

Click here for my review on my Adrianne Vittandini fragrance.

Thanks for reading!

Adrianne Vittandini - The Perfume That Will Not Go Away

Adrianne Vittandini eau de parfum spray 3oz

I brought this fragrance at Marshalls a couple of years ago and it should be all gone by now but it will not go away.

Have you ever had a perfume that smells good but it is so strong that you only can use a little bit of it at a time? Adrianne Vittandini eau de parfum has strong lingering strong flower notes with a bit of spice. 

The notes are listed as oakmoss, fresh flowers and the ocean air. Maybe it is the oakmoss note or the distinct "fresh cut flowers" notes but this fragrance has always been very hard for me to wear on a regular basis. I've tried putting on just a little and it is still overpowering. Sometimes it does not bother me and I am able to wear it all day and some days it is just too much.

Maybe I have a love hate relationship with this perfume. The bottle is beautiful and I really like the clothes the designer creates. Or maybe I just outgrew the scent over the years. Everyday I choose my fragrance depending what mood I am in at that particular moment.

 I want to be able to spritz, love the scent immediately, and go on with my day. When I have to gently dab or calculate the exact amount of pressure to put on the spray nozzle, that particular perfume is not going to be a favorite scent.

In the past, I had this very same problem with another fragrance, Sung by Alfred Sung for Women. To this day, I think that perfume was the strongest perfume I ever owned. I loved the scent but wow was it strong. Eventually, I was able to use the entire Sung bottle but I did not want to repurchase it.



Click here for my review of Love's Baby Soft Body Mist fragrance.

Have you smelled this fragrance before?

Thanks for reading!

Natural Hair Product Review - Cantu Shea Butter

Cantu Shea Butter is a very popular holy grail hair care product in the natural afro hair community. I have been using it in my natural hair routine for years. It is definitely my favorite leave in conditioner. After trying several other leave in conditioners, I always come back to Cantu Shea Butter.

I apply the product right after I have deep conditioned and washed my hair.  Depending if it is the warmer or cooler months, I usually apply Cantu Shea Butter, olive oil and coconut oil then braid my hair and let it air dry.

Since I have very coarse dry hair, I have to use a lot of deep condtioners and oils to keep it moisturized. In fact my hair just absorbs the products like a sponge, so I'm in a state of constantly fighting to keep my hair from becoming dry and brittle.

Some people have said in reviews they experienced a white build up when they have used the product. I have never had this problem. Another way I use Cantu Shea Butter is with my actual shea butter mix I make myself. I use a lot more shea butter mix in the cold months when my hair is a lot drier. A future blog post will have details of the ingredients I put into my shea butter mix.

Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioner does seem a little bit "wet" when applied to dry hair. As a result my hair's curls become a bit more defined. I love the product because it helps to retain a lot of moisture in my hair. There is a slight scent to the product but it is not strong and I've never smelled after I applied the product to my hair. It has a medium thickness creamy texture. The sixteen fluid ounces container lasts a very long time although I use it every time I wash my hair.

It is very inexpensive and this is another reason I love this product. I try to keep my natural afro hair routine very simple and quick. When I find a product that works, I am very loyal to that product. Over the many years I have been natural, I have repurchase this several times. 


Have you used this product before?

Thank you for reading!

Fragrance Of The Day - Love's Baby Soft Body Mist

 Love's Baby Soft is a classic girly fragrance I've worn non stop since high school. It has a very powdery soft flowery scent, wood and "animal" ( LOL!) notes. It actually reminds me a bit of a bubble bath smell. I love love love this happy light fun fragrance. Just spray it on and go have a great day. 

It reminds me of good times in the 80s and the 90s. Everyone has heard of this popular fragrance.  There are other baby soft scents now but I haven't tried them. They honestly didn't seem to be as appealing to me the original.

Even the blush pink color of the liquid fragrance and the pink top cap is very sweet and feminine.  The only downside is that the scent is so lightweight it doesn't last very long. I have never really minded reapplying it during the day. 

Warm weather is my favorite time to reach for this scent but wear it in the winter too. I wear my fragrances to suit my mood not the seasons or fashion rules.

  

Love's Baby Soft is like an old friend that has always been around. I will always repurchase this inexpensive fragrance. We have a lot of history together and I can't wait to see where we both go in the future.

Here is my post about Jovan Island Gardenia fragrance.

Thanks for reading!

Fragrance Of The Day - Jovan Island Gardenia For Women

Jovan Island Gardenia For Women is probably my favorite fragrance I have ever owned. It is a delicate soft scent that I wear in both the cold and warm months. It is very easy to wear everyday. Never overpowering.

It actually does smell like the gardenia flower. Very few scents smell exactly like the flower notes in the ingredients. Although it is inexpensive it don't smell loud and strange like a cheap perfume. The bottle lasts for a very long time because a little goes a long way.

I also love the simple sleek packaging. This is the only Jovan perfume that I really like. My mother enjoys the very popular Jovan Musk perfume.

Maybe I love this scent so much because gardenias are one of my favorite flowers. I will definitely be repurchasing this classic fragrance for years to come.

Thanks for reading!

Fragrance Of The Day - Paris Dreams Pour Femme

This fragrance was a Christmas gift. It is an imitation scent of the Can Can from Paris Hilton fragrance from one of those discount trendy strip mall stores. But wait don't judge! It actually smells amazing. I was pleasantly surprised when I first trying it on. Usually imitation perfume are horrible. I got really lucky.

It is a light slightly sweet floral fragrance. It is a warm weather scent that could be worn for daytime or evening. As for lasting power, not too short but not very long. Love that it came with a little tiny travel bottle.

The lotion is a lightly scented lightweight moisturizer. It's OK . I love that it isn't that typical cheap watery useless lotion I've used in the past.

The fragrance came in a very nicely packaged white box covered in clear plastic. Nice presentation. This is the first imitation perfume that I've been gifted that smelled really good. In fact, I plan to try to track it down and repurchase it myself.

Btw I have absolutely no idea what Paris Hilton's Can Can fragrance smells like.

I just did a quick internet search to see where this product would be available for purchase. I saw this on some random site for $49.00! No way. This product must have been discontinued.

The Paris Hilton Can Can is listed for just $12.99. Wow. The cheap imitation is now sold for more than the original? The internet is a very strange place.

Have you had any luck in finding an imitation perfume that smells amazing?

Beauty Review - Elf Professional Foundation Brush

Elf Professional Foundation Brush

If you need a very inexpensive foundation brush, Elf professional foundation brush is a good choice. This is my very first foundation brush and it does a good job of applying my liquid foundation to the skin.

The bristles are synthetic and hold their shape very well. It is not necessarily the softest brush but it doesn't feel harsh to the skin. For the low price (about a dollar) you definitely get all your money's worth.

Another use I have for the Elf brush is to apply my clay and gel facial masks. Using this brush eliminates the messy hands part of applying a mask to the skin. As a result, I use my clay and gel masks on a more regular basis.

I have bought several of the Elf Professional brushes in the past. They have held up very well and I would recommend them as a good basic inexpensive makeup brush.

What has been your experience with Elf makeup and brushes?

Thank you for reading?

Beauty Review - Freeman Facial Brightening Paper Mask - Rose

This paper mask was not a favorite at all. It was really just a very wet piece of paper soaked in something that made my skin feel itch and tingly.

This was the very first paper mask I ever tired and it took a little bit of wrangling to get the appropriate openings for the eyes, nose and mouth in the right place. All while trying not to get the cold liquid into my eyes.

I didn't like the way the mask felt as stated above so I couldn't leave it on for very long. The instructions also said to not wash off the liquid. This was not going to happen. I quickly washed my face very well.

Before this paper mask, I tried the blue agave paper mask and I had a slight skin reaction - little tiny bumps. My skin is not very sensitive. I have combination skin. I will not try any more paper masks from the Freeman line but maybe I will try a paper mask from a more higher end brand.

What have your experiences been with using paper facial masks?

Thanks for reading!

Beauty Review - Queen Helene The Original Mint Julep Masque

This clay mask is another cult favorite skin treatment. I love using this mask a couple of times a week as part of my skin routine. It smells slightly of mint chewing gum so it does contain added fragrance. There is a pleasant cooling sensation on the skin as the product is drying.

After watching a Vivanna Does Makeup video on her youtube channel, I have been following her suggestion of applying the mask with a foundation brush. I use an Elf foundation brush with synthetic bristles. I really don’t recommend using a thick fluffy soft brush. I apply to the face and the neck being very careful to not apply it to the delicate skin around the eyes.

The elf foundation brush is a great solution for not getting my hands covered with clay  this definitely helps me to want to use this mask more often during the week. Less cleanup is very nice because clay masks can be very messy.

I have combination skin that has dry areas and my skin felt very moisturized and clean after I removed the mask. You can apply a thick layer of the clay to have a deeper cleaning of the skin or a thin layer when you want to just quickly add a good cleansing treatment step to a daily skin routine.

The mask takes about ten to fifteen minutes to dry. I use a washcloth with warm water to gentle dab the mask off my face and neck. Then I follow up with a cleanser either Cetaphil or Olay Foaming Face Wash.

 The claims on the label: Does it “rinse away blackheads”? I didn’t notice this at all. “Helps relax tired muscles and ease tension lines on the face and neck.” If you do a very thorough facial massage while applying the mask with your fingers, I guess this could happen.

I love this mask because my skin loves it and it is very inexpensive. I purchased it at Walmart for about  $4.00.

Have you ever used Queen Helene Mint Julep as part of your skin routine?

Thanks for reading!

Beauty Review - Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel

Oil free Dickinson's All Natural Witchhazel

Dickinson's is my very first toner I've ever used. Over and over, I was hearing from the beauty gurus: cleanse, tone and then moisturize as the standard beauty routine.

Well...it says it locks in moisturizes but I found it to be just a little drying but now enough to not be able to use the product.  I use this toner after my cleanser then I make sure I rinse my face and neck thoroughly with water to prevent drying.

Dickinson's ingredients are natural grain alcohol - 14% and witch hazel extract. It has a faint antiseptic smell but that to be expected. I have decided to try the non alcohol toners next to see if they will not make the dry areas of my skin feel drier.

After using it for about a month,I do like how it cleans all the dirt left after I use my cleanser. Every time I see the dirt on the cotton ball, I am always surprised.When I use my cleanser, my face seems so clean but the extra step of a toner proves otherwise.

This toner would probably be better for people with oily skin, I have combination skin but it gets oily in the warm months. Maybe Dickinson's would be better for me during the spring and summer but not for the fall and winter.

Have you used this toner? What non alcohol toners would you recommend?

Thanks for reading!

Beauty Review - Olay Foaming Face Wash

Olay Foaming Facial Wash for Sensitive Skin

This is a good cleanser if you do not use too much of it at one time. I have combination skin. When I used this product it had a slight drying effect on the drier areas of my face. I suggest using less than a pea sized amount. Also take the time to rinse off all the foam after cleansing. This may add to the drying effect I experienced.

The product itself is like a pearly soap. It is really gentle and cleans very well. It does not win over my favorite Cetaphil but it comes close. I use just a little(smaller than a pea size) with a warm washcloth or facial brush on my face and neck. Be gentle with your skin, there is no need to scrub.

When I apply any cleanser, I will take a few moments to do a light facial massage. This has many benefits for the skin and the muscles underneath.

I bought the product to try something different from Cetaphil that is good for sensitive skin but I don't think I will be repurchasing it. It was fine it just wasn't amazing and it wasn't very moisturizing. My blog review on Cetaphil is here.

Olay website

Have you used this product before? Did you find it drying?

Thank you for reading!

Beauty Review - Montagne Jeunesse Dead Sea Mud Pac

Montagne Jeunesse Dead Sea Mud Pac

This clay mask is for normal to oily and T-Zone skin. Ingredients include sea kelp nutrients. It has a fragrance bergamot fruit oil and lavender oil. This was the main downside to the mask, I really didn't like the way it smelled. Not overpowering where I wouldn't buy it again but definitely noticeable.

I don't usually use the entire product when I use these facial masks. The 0.7 fl oz was enough for two applications. The consistency is thick and it goes on very smooth.. The drying time was about ten minutes and it wasn't unpleasant feeling on the skin.

To wash it off, as I do with all clay masks to prevent tugging at the skin, I gently dab a warm wash cloth over my skin and neck repeatedly until the mask is removed.

I was very pleased the the results. My skin definitely felt clean and refreshed. I would repurchase this mask and recommend it to others. It was purchased at my local Walmart for about $1.34 before tax. Inexpensive and effective.

 Montagnejeunesse website.

Read my review of Freeman Facial Peel Off Mask Cucumber here,

What is your favorite clay mask?

Thank you for reading!

Beauty Review Freeman Facial Peel Off Mask Cucumber

This product has everything I love all in one: Inexpensive, easy to use and provides good results. Freeman Feeling Beautiful Facial Peel off Mask Cucumber feels amazingly refreshing and cool when you apply it to the skin. This is the perfect mask for the upcoming hot dry days of spring and summer.

You have to put on a thick enough layer for it to dry and be easily peeled off. I did manage to get two applications out of this 0.5 fl oz package.The consistency of this mask is like sticky clear glue with the scent of cucumber and aloe but it is not too strong to be bothersome. I apply this mask to my face, neck and even to the tops of my hands.You only have to wait about five to ten minutes for the mask to dry completely.

After I peeled it off, my skin felt moisturized. I used my usual cleanser Cetaphil - I reviewed this product on my blog here.  Warm water on a wash cloth, I just gently dabbed at my skin.The residue of cucumber mask washes off quickly.

I purchased this mask at Walmart for about $1.34 and will be definitely repurchasing it in the future. It contains cucumber extract and aloe. This cucumber mask is for normal to combination skin.

What masks are you using for your beauty routine?

Thanks for reading!

Beauty Review - Cetaphil

This has been a skin care favorite for years. I have repurchased it many times.

This is of course a cult favorite. Cetaphil

We have all heard how gentle it is for the skin. This has been my holy grail face wash cleanser for years and years. Easy to use and inexpensive. Definitely a win win. 

 I can use my Earth Therapeutics facial brush from Ulta (the “ghetto Clarisonic” as Brittney Gray from the youtube channel Brittney Wins eloquently put it. LOL! ) or a cotton washcloth.I use only a pea sized amount and warm water.

I use can use this in the morning or at night without it drying my skin. It’s easy to find at your local drugstore or Walmart.

It is a decent no frills cleanser. As far as a makeup remover, I don’t usually wear a lot of makeup but it you build up a decent foam the majority of your makeup will dissolved to be rinsed off.

Speaking of rinsing, a very important step when using any facial cleanser is to make sure you rinse off any residue left by the product. This can prevent that dry tight feeling experienced afterwards. 

It’s not natural product with natural ingredients but it is definitely gentle to the skin. The slight soapy scent is not unpleasant. I usually only the smallest amount if I’m not removing a full face of  makeup. Since I don’t have to use a lot of product, it lasts a long time and this is definitely a money saver.

Do you use this Cetaphil?