Friday, October 29, 2010

I Love Candles!!!

I love candles. I am a candle addict. I belong in Candle Lover's Anonymous.

Admitting it is the first step to recovery, right?

Scratch that. I don't want to recover! :) I have candles burning daily -- they help energize me, relax me and just plain smell nice!

Now, I know this isn't a beauty review, but that's ok by me. Feel free to skip over this post if you'd rather read about beauty products.

My latest favorite is Febreze's Pumpkin Harvest & Fall. My nose mostly picks up a creamy, vanilla, pumpkin scent. There is just enough cinnamon and spice in here to keep the cloying nature of desserts away. While I adore eating dessert, I do not want to smell it all day long (the exception here is apple pie). It just makes me hungry, and then gives me a stomachache. It's the same thing with body lotion and perfume -- I just do not like smelling like a bakery!!! (I suffer from migraines, and overly sweet scents just seem to trigger them. Strangely, actual desserts baking don't usually bother me.)

That being said, this scent is the perfect balance of "outdoor pumpkin patch," pumpkin pie, and spice. It's not too sweet, and it's not too "outdoorsy" (for those who love those bakery scents). I love outdoorsy, homey, comforting scents, and this candle captures all of that. Plus, it has that nifty Febreze core that absorbs yucky odors while emitting a yummy punkin scent. Double plus, my fiance loves this too! He wasn't such a fan of the last candle I had burning (it was a Jasmine and Bamboo, Cotton Blossom, and Hinoki Bonsai tiered candle I got at Kohl's, and I loved it).

I'm dying to try some candles by Candles by Victoria. Right now, I can't afford to buy any more candles and am resorting to burning my way through my stash. But as soon as this broke college girl lands a job, she's buying herself the $45.00 9 oz. sampler!!! I've heard so many wonderful things on YouTube about Victoria (and her candles), so I really can't wait to try. Maybe I'll compile a wish list and slip it to my fiance! :) Did you know that Victoria currently carries 600 fragrances? 600!!! That's pretty bangin', if I do say so myself.


My next blog post will be a review on the Sea Pure line of H2O Plus -- keep an eye out for the review. There will be a surprise in there for my readers!


Thanks for reading, and I'll type to you soon!

xoxo





*I purchased all of the products mentioned -- I will be sure to clearly state when I receive something free for review purposes.*

Friday, October 22, 2010

My first "official" review!

It's officially fall. I have my Halloween costume ready, my Halloween nails all done, and I'm drinking hot apple cider by the gallon. Holla at your girl, Ziegler's!

Now, on to the review...

Le sigh...

Soap & Glory, why do you love me and then leave me?

As most of you know, Target will no longer be selling Soap & Glory products. However, S&G's website does state that they will be partnering with a new retailer soon. Until then, whatever S&G products you see in Target are all you're getting...for now.

My current love from the S&G line is the Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser.

This cleanser claims that "It cleans, it smooths, it melts away makeup!" It contains panthenol, sweet almond, orange oil, and lavender oil. The directions say to "squeeze out a generous splodge," and massage it into your face and neck for at least one minute. (I like to concentrate on my trouble areas -- my nose and chin) Let the cleanser sit for one full minute. If I'm in the shower, I fill this time by rinsing the conditioner out of my hair. If I'm not, I fill the time by flossing (this is actually a great way to remember to floss!) Then use the included muslin cloth and warm water to wipe off the cleanser. This step not only removes the cleanser, it also gives your skin a great, yet gentle, exfoliation.

The cleanser claims to remove makeup as well as cleanse your skin. I don't wear a whole lot of face makeup on a daily basis, but this definitely gets rid of my concealer and powder. The back of the box says that it will remove eye makeup -- including mascara -- but that you have to be very careful about rinsing it off. I can't really speak to how this removes eye makeup, because my contact lens-wearing peepers are pretty sensitive, and the essential oils don't get along with my eyes. I imagine it would work if your eyes aren't sensitive.

I have to say, this stuff is incredible. My skin absolutely loves it. My face looks clearer, feels smoother, and just seems happier and healthier! I have never bought a backup of a cleanser before -- I'm always on the hunt for the next "holy grail" product. Ladies, I have three tubes of this stuff in my bathroom closet.

Your local Target may have a couple tubes left, and if you can find one, I highly suggest picking it up. At my Target, Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser was originally $14.29, but I've seen it reduced for at little as $7.14. Be sure you check the box, though -- my latest backup purchase was missing a muslin cloth (why do people steal something like this? Seriously?) Be warned, though -- Target may not accept returns or exchanges with this product, because they are trying to get rid of their remaining stock.

If your Target is plumb out of Soap & Glory products, sign up for the S&G newsletter. Their website states that this is how they will announce their new U.S. retail partner.

I give this product an A.

Questions? E-mail me at honest2goodnesssreviews@gmail.com or check me out on Twitter at HonestReviewer.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Someone Catch Me...

...because I am about to faint.

OK, so most of us know that Justin Bieber is getting his own collection of nail polish from Nicole by O.P.I. I couldn't care less about Bieber or his fever, and the colors really just don't excite me. But here's something I am excited about: Katy Perry. I try not to like her music, but it's always in my head because it's so damn catchy! What I really love about her is her personality and fashion sense, and I'm really excited about her collection.

Here's what Teen Vogue has to say about the fabulous Ms. Perry's collection, which is set to release in January 2011:
"The Katy Perry Collection by OPI will include four glamorous shades: Teenage Dream (a dreamy pink glitter), Not Like the Movies (a sultry silver), Last Friday Night (a fierce glittery blue), and The One That Got Away (an amazing deep berry). But the breakout hit of the collection is sure to be Black Shatter, a revolutionary topcoat that creates a cracked/leopard pattern when applied over dried nail lacquer. "


(picture from bellasugar.com)

I have to say, I am most excited for Black Shatter. I missed out on the CoverGirl Crackle Polishes (I was too young to buy them when they came out), so I can't wait to pick it up. I'm not sure how "revolutionary" it is, but one thing is for sure...it will be mine! I'm also excited for The One That Got Away. I know a lot of people are bored by berry shades, but they really complement my fair skin.

Gah! I just can't get over Black Shatter. I can't wait to see some swatches.

Are there any new nail polish collections you're excited for?





Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Welcome!

Welcome to the first installment of my beauty blog. My name is Kerry, and I love all things beauty-related. I named this blog “Honest Beauty Reviews” because I intend for this to be a review-oriented site. There may be occasional Nail of the Days or Face of the Days (and maybe even a nail tutorial!) but I really want to concentrate on reviewing.

I am an honest person. I will try to find the good – and the bad – in every product I review. I will hold fast to this policy of honesty regardless of brand, price, or where I get the product.

If there is anything else you think you want to see from me, let me know. I am open to suggestions, comments, and constructive criticism. I’d love to hear from you!

xoxo