Review - L'Occitane Hibiscus Flower Shea Hand Cream

This Limited Edition Hibiscus Flower Hand Cream, enhanced with an exotic and sensual fragrance, is highly concentrated in Shea Butter (20%) to help protect, nourish and soften your hands.

She went to Tahiti the summer after her sophomore year of college. "All alone?" her friends asked her. Alone, she told them, she could have an adventure. Her grandmother had given her enough money to sustain a few months in a tropical climate, so off she went.

It was hard at first, being a foreigner who wasn't quite a tourist. "I want to see everything," she told the woman in the dress shop. "Everything? Good luck," she said, and went back to her gossip magazine.

But she did try to see everything, even when rain beat down like there could never be enough water. As she ran through the rain, she saw him: a tan boy with a basket full of hibiscus blossoms. He saw her dashing through the rain and chuckled. "Kind of wet out, wouldn't you say?" she shouted over the sound of thousands of water droplets pelting the ground and the trees and the rocks. "Kind of?" he laughed outright at her, and held out a flower. "For the lady in the rain." Then he was gone. And at the end of the summer, so was she.

Sometimes she thinks about that boy when she uses her L'Occitane Limited Edition Hibiscus Flower Hand Cream. She lets the shea butter soak into her dry hands and inhales the divine scent of the flower that, for a moment, meant everything to her. She's older now, and doesn't run in the rain, but at least her hands smell like hibiscus.

Review - Pevonia Sensitive Skin Line

Pevonia's Sensitive Skin kit provides a complete regimen against sensitive skin, helping alleviate redness, discomfort and inflammation. Rich in natural plant extracts and essential oils, these soothing formulas are perfect for use on the road or in the comfort of your own home.

After trying out the DDF sensitive skin products I figured, would I luck out and get a few good cleansers or was I in for trouble this time? In this kit there is a cleanser, eye make up remover, sensitive skin lotion, and sensitive skin cream. So, I admit it. I guinea pigged my friend with this kit first, and had her try it out twice. I figure, her skin gets red and sensitive too and why not see how the both of us react to it? Well... apparently she just went and BOUGHT one of these kits, so that should tell you something. I think this whole line of products is really great. I really have a bad routine set up when I'm traveling, I constantly forget things and end up making due. That translates to my skin suffering miserably until I get home, look in the mirror, and get a look of shock and horror on my face. But this weekend when I travel to Massachusetts, I'll be taking this with me and I'll come back to New York feeling nice and pretty like when I left.

Review - Eminence Organics Mimosa Champagne Body Lotion

Movie Maven says:

Thank goodness I live in New York, where brunch is an institution. Brunch is my favorite meal, for several reasons. I love breakfast foods (pretty much all of them). Brunch is later in the day than breakfast, so you get to sleep later. But most of all: I love drinking in the morning. It feels sort of subversive while at the same time being totally socially acceptable. And my favorite brunch drink is the old classic, the mimosa. So when I saw this Mimosa Champagne Body Lotion, I got pretty excited. And you know what? It totally smells like a mimosa. What!?! I was amazed, y'all. It's that perfect blend of tart citrus and sweet champagne that make the real mimosa so good that make this lotion delectable to smell. Now, I'm sure the grapes and citrus oils have benefits beyond just making me want french toast, like antioxidants, but honestly, I just really, really like the way this lotion smells. Get it. And have some bacon.

Deedlejuse Says: I have to agree with Movie Maven on how nice this lotion smells. While it has that citrusy-champagne smell it is definitely subtle, which is my favorite part. I can't stand a lotion that is so strong that I have to decide which perfume I am going to wear around the smell, and luckily there was no problem with this Body Lotion! It also made my skin feel really nice, we got a very small sample, so I had to be rather stingy, but for how long I was able to use it the results were great. Aaaannnddd... It's organic, sigh, how could you ask for more?


CitySlicker Says: Crisp, clean and citrusy is how I describe this lotion. I think it's a little thicker than the normal body lotion I use. The sample I got wasn't enough to cover my legs to I ended up using this on my elbows, knees and hands. I applied after showering in the hopes of locking in moisture for the entire day. This does the job and makes my skin feel silky smooth. This is a really nice creamy lotion that absorbs quickly and has just the right amount of fragrance, its not too perfumy or overbearing. I can't stress how much I really like the smell. YUMMY! I wish I had access to more of the Eminence line, everything looks wonderful and the ingredients to die for!

Amanda S. Says: I love the smell of this lotion, it doesn't seem like it's even perfumed, but it's got this great fruity subtle scent.  I'm picky with lotions and I would hate to recommend something that doesn't work well enough for dry skin, because once the cycle starts, it's really hard to repair and start over again in the right place. I can safely say this is a great moisturizer. These scaly patches on my shins haven't gone away in over 4 months, and they're finally gone! They were getting so bad I was afraid I would have discolorations there by the time spring came. What a huge relief. That should be enough evidence for most people, considering the loads of things I've used to try and stop the madness. 

Review - Barielle Total Foot Care Cream

"This luxurious conditioning formula softens and helps to eliminate calluses while healing chapped areas of your feet. Use it just twice a day, and your entire foot will be soft and silky. Gives you great looking and feeling feet."

Movie Maven says:
After just one use of this thick, creamy Barielle Total Foot Care Cream, my feet felt and looked noticeably better. I used it in the suggested way - I put it on before going to bed (while watching the Colbert Christmas Special, if you must know), put on cotton socks, and slept with them on. I actually cannot stand wearing socks while I'm asleep, but I wanted to get the full effect of the lotion, and I'm happy I did! My gnarly winter feet were softer and prettier already. I suspect that I will have to use it on a regular basis to get the full benefit, but as I said, I don't care for socks in bed. However, I may start putting it on at the beginning of the day as a test!


Deedlejuse says:
I totally agree with Movie Maven on this super rich, thick and creamy foot cream. I also used it before bed and wore socks, and my feet in the morning looked like they belonged to someone else. Or more specifically someone who wears socks and foot cream to bed regularly. It only took one use for them to look much nicer, but after a few weeks of using it every couple of nights my feet look, and feet amazing. They are so soft and less uncomfortable! I'm definitely sold on this cream.

Review - Liz Earle Young Skin Try-Me Kit

Movie Maven says:
While I wouldn't say I have young skin, I definitely have the skin problems of a much younger woman. Overactive oil glands lead to a constant battle between me and pimples galore. So when I got the opportunity to try this Liz Earle Young Skin Try-Me Kit, I was stoked. It comes with a variety of products, so I'll talk about each one (in the order you use them).

Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser: This cleanser, a thick cream that you apply to dry skin, then "polish" off with the included muslin cloth, is fast becoming one of my favorites. It left my skin soft, but not oily, and I did see mild improvement in my problem skin after using it for about a week and a half (which is about as much as you can get out of the little tube in the try-me kit). It did claim to remove even "tough mascara," which I didn't see happening, but it's definitely a nice product for teens (or women whose faces think they are teens).

Deep Cleansing Mask: This mask might work. I could only use it twice, though, because the smell is so strong that after I used it (AND put the toner on AND put the lotion on), my face STILL smelled like rancid dirt. I really wish it didn't smell so bad, because the two times I used it, I liked the results, but it's just not worth it when there are other, lovely-smelling masks out there to use. The only plus: it comes with two sponges to sponge the mask off your face and provide an even deeper cleansing. Skip this one. Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer: This toner in a little spray bottle is, thankfully, wonderful-smelling. I don't really care for the spray toner thing generally, but this spray bottle worked well and was a much finer mist than others I've tried, so I liked it.

Skin Repair Light Combination/Oily Lotion: This lotion really is light and works well on oily skin. In the winter, it's so difficult to tread the line between "my face is so dry it's about to fall off" and "I need to do something to control this grease" when you have combination or oily skin. This lotion moisturizes just enough for the winter dryness to be under control, but not so much that it will overdo the grease.

Final Thoughts: The kit is well worth trying out if you've got combination, oily, or problem skin, even if you're not a teenager. But if you're buying full-size products, steer clear of the mask!

Review - Sycamore Boutique 1899 Soap Company Products

I got a cute little bundle of products from Sycamore Boutique, and actually at this moment I am burning the delicious spring lilac soy candle and it's so cute and teeny but spreads a wonderful scent throughout our apartment (which isn't easy because it's a long long hallway with many rooms!). The candles are slow burning and all natural, so you don't have to worry about lead in the wicks and other gross things creeping into your lovely scents.
I also received an unscented shea butter lotion that is very natural smelling and not thick and difficult to absorb into your hands like some shea butter products. It cures dry spots like elbows and knees really great also.
My two REALLY favorite items I got though are the rose petals perfume oil and the cherries & chocolate car/closet/drawer freshener. The freshener is an adorable heart shape (and I love anything star or heart shaped) with a really pretty soft penetrating scent. I'm currently using it in our self-built closet in the bedroom and it's making a huge difference removing the musty weird smell that has sort of creeped into there from who knows where. The perfume oil is soooooo sooooo beautiful. It's not overpowering but has a strong enough smell to last all day (even through a strenuous gym workout, I could still smell it), and it comes in a cute little glass rollerball applicator bottle that is easy to keep in a purse/make up bag. It completely lacks any chemical, artificial or weird smell to it, it's just straight rose scent with no weird by products to muck it up.
What a great series of products with an impressive dedication to natural products.

CitySlicker Says:
I too got a little bundle from Sycamore Boutique.
Spring Tulip Candle – I burned this in the office and it carried throughout the area. It is a bright spring bouquet that is very pretty and enveloped all that came through. I then brought this tiny dream home to fill my living area with a fresh bunch of floral sunshine. This candle is small but throws a scent into the air even before lighting it. I really liked my scent!
Cotton Shea Butter Cream – This is a perfect scent for anyone who doesn’t really like scents; it’s light and smells clean. I used this after showering. It absorbs really quickly and left my skin feeling soft and supple. The moisture lasts throughout the day to.
Jessica McClintock Perfume Oil – This is a powdery musky scent that also has floral notes. I apply in the morning and found that it faded throughout the day, by the end of the day I could no longer smell anything at all. It’s a very pretty feminine scent.
Car Freshener in Juniper – This little freshener is very cute and in the shape of a vw beetle. It’s got a true juniper scent that really smells fresh. I put this in my car and have smelled the scent all week, it’s not overpowering in a perfumey way, and it’s like having a juniper bush in the back seat. The scent is beginning to fade but it’s still there and I am sure will be for some time.

Hillary says:
I got the perfume oil in Downy scent (yes the fabric softener) and it smells just like the real thing (one of my favorite scents in the world). I've been let down by fragrance oils before, I found the scent just wasn't strong enough, but that can't be said for this oil. I could still smell it hours after putting it on.
I also got she butter lotion in Downy scent. It smells wonderful! I love the fact that it moisturizes but it sinks in completely. If you wear layers of fragrance (body wash, lotion and perfume) the scent lingers much longer.
I don't recommend the Woodland Violet scent of candle because although it smells divine in the tin, once lit I could only smell it by holding it up near my face. From the looks of the other reviews, this is only the case with the scent I got.
The car freshener I chose is Violet as well and it smells divine. It is even strong enough to smell over my husband's smoking and is shaped appropriately enough as a car.Sycamore boutique has hundreds of scents to choose from and their prices are out of this world.

Maria says: Well, I burned my entire tin of the lovely Orange-Vanilla scent. Yum. Such a great smell. I will say that I could smell it much better in the bathroom - which is very small. When I moved it to my bedroom, I couldn't really smell it anymore unless I was very close to it (like you Hillary). When I opened up the rest of my little package from this great company, my daughter immediately took off with the star-shaped room freshener (in Downy) smells JUST like it - she hung it from her ceiling fan in her bedroom and when the fan is oscilating it smells just like fresh laundry in there - I got the perfume oil and body lotion in Blue Musk and it has to be one of the cleanest, softest, scents I've ever had the pleasure of wearing - it's so pretty and it's not like when you smell it you can say "oh this smells like ________" (insert perfume company name here) because it is unique. I wish the scent lingered a little longer on me. But that tends to be a problem with me - scents tend to fade quickly - who knows...maybe it's my skin's absorption properties! I can imagine that I'd have a field day with the amount of products to choose from. This is just an all around GREAT company.

Deedlejuse says:
This is a relatively difficult review for me to write. My job is for a company that is quite similar to this boutique, but their products are much cheaper. Unfortunately, my soy candle went the way Maria and Hillary's did. I got Lemon Verbena and I loved the size of the candle tin, and the scent before it was lit, but I couldn't smell it at all after it was burning. I let it burn a long, long time before I decided to just give up and snuff it. The car freshener I got in a scent called Mediterranean Fig; I wasn’t the biggest fan of this fig smell. I actually used it in the car, which was a bad decision. It got so strong the first day (probably because it was really hot) that it was difficult to breathe, and by the second had faded to nothing. My recommendation on the air freshener is: by in bulk to save on shipping, pick a smell you know you'll love, and please use them when the temperature outside is less than 90*. The lotion was nice, and of course it is cool that you can have it scented with your perfume. I got Angel Food, it was a very strong version of the desert. I really did like the smell I just found it strong. The perfume oil was Sandy Beach, it was a very accurate smell beachy flowers and maybe cucumber to make it sort of fresh. Not overly coconut, which is nice. Again, the oil, like the lotion is very strong. I think that they are both stronger than alcohol based perfume, which is quite unusual for oil. Overall I kind of think purchasing blind is risky, maybe have them send you samples of the smells first? I don't know I guess even if you hate it you have only wasted $7 for the perfume oil!
P.S. I just realized that I was also scent a glycerin soap which is useful when one is having a hot flash. I very much like the smell of the rose geranium, and the soap suds well and lasts a while. Unfortunately, I'm 24 so I cant report back on the hot flash thing......

Sheba says:

I can see why Deedlejuse had difficulty reviewing these items as she is associated with another line. However, these are in a completely different category completely. Nantucket Naturals is top of the line while Sycamore Boutique is a much lower priced alternative. Actually I probably should not say alternative - but addition. I would not leave Nantucket Naturals for just about anything however, I would definitely add Sycamore Boutique. I selected the Orange-Clove Candle and it is pure Heaven. I love it. . . and I did have it throughout our home but I put it out pretty fast as I do not want to use it up before I can replace it with maybe 10 more. It is addictive. That combination is one of the most pleasant ones that I have ever been surrounded by and they do an excellent job of capturing it. Then I chose the Cotton Blossom Perfume Oil which is one of my favorite scents. It is very clean without blanketing you in a Tide or detergent aroma. It is very refreshing and I enjoyed it. It is strong without being too strong. You might think if it is strong it will last all day. However, it fades as the day goes on but that is not a problem if you carry the little bottle with you. I often have to refresh my fragrances and am used to doing that. I decided on the Lemon Verbena Shea Butter Lotion and that was another good decision. Being a 'citrus nut' I love the fragrance -- it is very captivating. I feel that the lotion is absorbed into the skin very nicely and definitely moisturizes you and I love it on elbows and those other very dry area. The scent is not overpowering and needs a bit of refreshing once in a while but once again I wash my hands so often (due to my dog) that I always have lotion handy so I can freshen up frequently. My pick of the Fresh Linen Scented Ornament could not have been more on target. I love to keep something like a scented candle or sachet in the linen closet. This leaves such a pleasant and clean aroma in there that I love it when it I open the door and get this fresh scent instead of that stale scent you can get from a linen closet. I definitely have to stock up on some of these. . . they are wonderful. All in all I would say Sycamore Boutique is a winner with very affordable products that actually work as intended.

Joyce says:

Review: Blue Musk was the scent for my soy candle; shea butter lotion; scented ornament that could be a car, bathroom, or lingerie freshener; and the perfume oil. I love musk, and this one is particularly yummy. I had on the perfume oil and a guy caught a whiff of it (no, not a total stranger) and began nibbling on my neck. A woman caught the scent and went crazy over it (without nibbling, of course). This scent is both sensuous and innocent. Very, very nice.

Review- Nubar Skin Essentials Hand and Body Lotion

Rich with moisturizing, cell regenerating shea butter, antioxidants, essential oils, vitamin A, vitamin C and the healing power of vitamin E. All nubar lotions contain essential oils, vitamins A, Vitamin E and are NON-Paraben. Research into Parabens have found them to be carcinogenic. $4.99 for 2 oz., $10.99 for 8 oz.

So let me get this straight, now lotions are carcinogenic? Well not this one. Right on the heels of discovering that lots of nail polish contained cancer-causing agents, I read this. If you use a lot of lotion, it would be in your body's best interest to buy some Nubar Skin Essentials Hand and Body Lotion. The Hypnotic scent is deliciously fruity and citrusy. And the lotion glides on like a dream. The directions say use a generous amount (don't all directions say that?) but I've found that a little goes a long way. It's a very silky, emollient-rich lotion. Vitamins A & E are great Environmental Protection Factors, something I look for in all my creams and lotions.

Joyce says:

This lotion has shea butter and antioxidants A & E in it. Emotional Balance is the aromatherapy scent I’m using. It has citrus, primarily pink grapefruit to my nose, as its fragrance. I recently read that you can make people think you’re 10 years younger if you wear grapefruit as a scent. I don’t know about that; but I know when I use it, two things happen: there’s a big “Wow! Yum!” factor and it makes my skin feel the way I always hope a lotion will make it feel (but doesn’t always happen). It’s on my desk and is used often during the day, especially if I need a pick-me-up.

Amanda S. Says: I love this lotion, it has such a cute smell and is so relaxing. Like Joyce, I keep this at my desk right here, next to my computer, and put it on when my skin feels dry or even when I just need a little distraction. I too, was totally unaware that lotion could cause cancer, this stuns me and at the same time, I wouldn't put it past some shady ingredients to be unhealthy. So I'm glad to know using this stuff is safe!

Maria says: Sheesh, what isn't carcinogenic these days? This is a yummy citrusy smelling lotion that is perfect for those warm summer days and romantic nights. I like the fact that it's not sticky and is nice and emollient. Chock full of good ingredients just completes the picture. I like to use it right out of the shower to lock in the moisture - and what's this that Joyce is saying about Grapefruit Scent making people think you are 10 years younger? Sounds good to me!!!!

Sheba says:

Too much information can be harmful to a cosmetic junkie!!! I am so sorry to hear that some creams can actually be dangerous -- but how much would you need to use for the bad effects? There are so many things to worry about without scaring people who are addicted to these products. At any rate I can use this product to my hearts content without any fear and that is good as I intend to use it a lot!! I am a complete 'citrus freak' -- cannot get enough of the scent. This one is just heavenly and to know now that I might actually appear to be 10 years younger when using a grapefruit scent only makes it better. See, I do listen to the good news. I might actually run out and buy every grapefruit product there is. Seriousy, I do believe I read that also. It is such a great scent to use as it it clean and fresh and so enjoyable. As Hillary or someone mentioned do NOT pay attention to the directions to be generous. You do not need a lot to get the full wonderful creamy effects. I use just a little dab and it is absorbed relatively quickly and starts working immediately. My skin loves the soft and silky feel. It is a definite plus for your hands and body - you will feel the difference and the fragrance is an added bonus.

CitySlicker Says:

I love a light moisturizer and I think this fits the bill. I use it after showering, it’s got lovely light scent that isn’t to perfumy or overbearing. I love anything with a citrus scent and this is no exception, it’s got just enough crispness with a touch of sweet. I can get dressed soon after application and it not greasy. It absorbs and really holds in the moisture. Nice price and good results!

Movie Maven says:
Hear, hear to everyone else! I don't know if I'm the only one who thinks "Emotional Balance" is a hilarious name for a lotion, but...isn't it, though? That's not to say that the fragrance isn't lovely - it is indeed! I did find the scent to be a little more intense than I normally like, but I tend to favor the very subtle myself. As for the non-carcinogenic ingredients...parabens (the supposed "cancer agents" that Nubar lotions make a point NOT to contain) have long been (safely) used as preservatives in lotions and other cosmetics, and you'd have to put on a LOT of paraben-containing lotion for it to affect you. Like, gallons a day. It's probably the same amount of Diet Coke you'd have to drink to get cancer from it (which, again, is, like, A LOT). In any event, it's great that this lotion is paraben-free, but honestly, I wouldn't worry too much. However, if you're an alarmist, this lotion is for you.

Review - Bath & Body Works Sweet Pea Body Cream

The scent of violets mingling with sweet pea petals is heaven on earth, and the inspiration for this delicate fragrance.

* Fragrant, everyday body cream nourishes and softens even the driest skin
* Fragrance Top Notes: Sweet Pea, Watery Pear, Logan Berry, Rhubarb
* Fragrance Mid Notes: Cyclamen, Freesia, Raspberry
* Fragrance Base Notes: Musk

Over the past few years, I have come to the conclusion that products from Bath & Body Works are both overrated and overpriced. This all changed when I was given a gift bag for Christmas that included Sweet Pea Body Cream by Bath & Body Works.

As soon as I lathered the cream onto my legs I could tell I was in for a treat. It was so creamy and moisturizing and the Sweet Pea scent is just right. It isn’t overpowering at all instead it leaves you with a sweet, subtle scent that lasts a few hours. The cream also keeps you moisturized all day long and another great thing is that you don’t need to use globs of cream, a little goes a long way with this product.

Drawbacks to the cream are that it can become somewhat greasy on parts of your body that don’t really need much moisturization. I’ve also noticed that with creams like this they tend to be too creamy once the summer months arrive leaving you both greasy and sweaty.

8 oz. Bottle - $10.50

Review - Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Body Butter

An intensive, creamy all-over body moisturizer. It absorbs easily, helping to condition, soften and smooth the skin, and help prevent dryness, leaving your skin moisturized for up to 24 hours.

Okay, seriously, if you have not tried this yet, GO GET IT. It's winter, we're all dry/scaly/ashy and our skin is THIRSTY. Quench it with this body butter. I keep the smaller size in my bag at all times. Good for cuticles, good for hands, and a small amount can be used as a hair smoother in a pinch (not that I know that from personal experience or anything). I love citrusy flavors, and the pink grapefruit tricks me into thinking it's summer even in this cold season. If that doesn't float your boat, it comes in a bunch of other good flavors - think nuts and fruits - and some less pungent versions, too.

$10-$20 @ The Body Shop