Fragrance – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

March 2020 Beauty Favorites

Hi all! I hope you’re well and staying safe.

Below are my beauty faves for March. As usual, If I have reviewed them before, I will include the link, if not, I will link to where you can purchase:

I had a pretty good mix of skincare and makeup this month — plus a perfume!

Here’s a close up of the eyeshadow and face palette:

This is the Viseart Paris EDIT Eyeshadow Palette. I picked this up at the beginning of the month and love it! I can create cool and warm tone looks and every shade is stunning! This is my first Viseart palette and I am so impressed with the quality. It’s tiny, but I love that it has so many shade in it. I will definitely be purchasing another palette from Viseart in the future.

This is the Stay Naked Threesome Bronze, Blush and Highlighter Palette in Naked and it’s such a nice face palette. It’s compact enough that it’s perfect to travel with (someday). I love having my bronzer, blush and highlighter in the same palette. So convenient!

This is my current favorite skincare. The Derma E Vitamin C Gentle Daily Cleansing Paste helps to reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone, revealing a radiant and beautiful complexion. I also like using it as a mask.

The Tonymoly Vital Vita 12 Synergy Ampoule is infused with Niacinamide, Adenosine and the exclusive Vita-12 multi-vitamin compound that uses nanosome technology that provides 12 types of vitamins (A, B1, B3, B5, B6, B8, B12, C,E,F,H) combined to create a highly effective multi-vitamin blend. I use it in the morning to brighten my skin and love it! It’s light and sinks right in.

I received the Nuria Defend Triple Action Eye Cream from an Allure box last year. It’s very hydrating and feels nice on my eyes! It claims to remove the appearance of dark circles, reduce the look of puffiness, and improve fine lines. The skin around my eyes do look nice and smooth.

The Pixi Collagen LipGloss is my current favorite lip balm. It is enriched with Botanical Collagen and Peptides and hydrates and softens while helping to create smoother, fuller looking lips. I like using this before I do my makeup so my lips are nice and hydrated when I apply lip products.

I’ve had this since last year, but I’ve just really starting using the beautyblender RE-DEW Set & Refresh Spray. It’s such a cool product! It refreshes makeup, extends wear and adds a boost of hydration. This has a very fine mist nozzle, and it doesn’t disturb makeup. I like how it blends my powders into my makeup so I look really natural.

And my last favorite of the month is a perfume! It’s the Jen nifer Lopez Promise Eau de Parfum. I have been loving this fragrance. It’s so nice for every day, plus it’s a little bit glamorous!

Have you tried any of these products? What are your favorite products from March?

Jennifer Lopez Promise Eau de Parfum Review

Hi all! I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe!

I’ve recently received the new Jennifer Lopez Promise perfume for my honest review.

Promise EDP by Jennifer Lopez — ($55 for the 1.7 oz shown. Also $45 for 1 oz and $65 for 3.4 oz).

Jennifer Lopez recently launched her 25^th fragrance as a celebration of the promises she’s made to herself. Be part of the Promise movement as Jennifer invites us to make promises to ourselves and to keep them, to be better every day, no matter what stands in our way. This is a floral, woody fragrance with a bit of sweet notes in it. Here are the notes of the perfume:

Fragrance Notes:

Top – Italian tangerine, luscious pink berries, nashi pear
Middle – orris, jasmine sambac, dewy honeysuckle
Base – woods, crystallized amber

The bottle is gorgeous! It’s glass that has a multifaceted cut to it. The lid and Jennifer Lopez plaque are rose gold. Very elegant!

I also really love the scent. It’s sophisticated, but soft at the same time. I think it’s a really nice everyday scent or wear it for special occasions.

What do you think about this fragrance? Do you have any of Jennifer Lopez’s perfumes? What’s your favorite scent?

Holiday Gift Guide 2019 — Philosophy Fragrance, Skincare and Bath and Body Sets

Hi all! Looking for some gorgeous fragrance, bath and skincare gift ideas? I was sent these amazing holiday Philosophy products for my honest review.

Philosophy products are amazing quality and smell wonderful! They would make very nice gifts for the beauty lover in your life.

Here’s what I received:

Snow Angel Shower Gel, EDT & Hand Lotion gift set ($35 USD) — A fan-favorite, this transportive scent inspired by freshly fallen snow is perfectly paired and packaged in this holiday gift set to celebrate the season in an eau-so heavenly way. opening with a whisper of fresh air accord, notes of watery melon, jasmine petals and gentle orange blossom settle in its heart, and come to rest atop a warm base of creamy vanilla, rich sandalwood and sugared musk. use individually or layer for an even longer-lasting experience.

6 oz. shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath
.5 oz. spray fragrance
4 oz. hand cream

Miracles All Year Long 3-Piece Skin Care Set ($65 USD) — Experience skin miracles all year long with this skin care gift set trio must-haves for smooth, radiant, healthy-looking skin. Contains:

Purity Made Simple Cleanser
Anti-Wrinkle Miracle Worker+ Moisturizer
Anti-Wrinkle Miracle Worker Primer

Experience skin miracles all year long with this skin care gift set. great skin begins with America’s #1 cleanser to gently dissolve makeup, lift away impurities and gently tone and hydrate, for a comfortable clean that never feels dry. follow morning and evening with anti-wrinkle miracle worker+. the silky texture melts into skin, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, improving texture instantly and over time. The multi-tasking primer helps blur imperfections, visibly fills in wrinkles and smoothes skin for a more even makeup application and a visible improvement in skin’s appearance. miraculous!

Amazing Grace Two-Piece Fragrance Holiday Set ($50 USD) — Celebrate with a little extra grace! this gift set duo of philosophy’s beloved icon of fragrance is paired just for the holiday in classic 2 oz. and 0.5 oz. sizes, perfect for on the go. great for gifting (or receiving), this fragrance gift set of the whisper-soft floral fragrance is always appropriate—the perfect must-have on every list.

This is my signature scent, so I’m happy to have a refill! It’s so nice to wear everyday. Very soft and feminine.

These are the wonderful Shampoo, Shower Gel, & Bubble Baths. I love these so much and always look forward to what scents they release each season. The scents are Warm Apple Cider Donut and Vanilla Chocolate Crumble. Yum! And the packaging is so pretty this year! They sell for $18 each.

I recommend all of these products for gifts for someone special or yourself (you’re special, too!). Do you love giving bath, fragrance and/or skincare gifts for the holidays?

Fall Fragrance and Beauty Reviews

Hi all! Today I’m reviewing products I’ve been testing out this fall. I was recently sent these products for my honest review.

They include fragrances, skincare and more that are perfect for this time of year:

Molton Brown Geranium Nefertum Eau de Toilette

Molton Brown Geranium Nefertum Body Lotion

Molton Brown Geranium Nefertum Eau de Toilette ($120 for 3.3 oz and $80 for 1.7 oz). There is a new bottle online, but the one above is the one I have. Discover the empowering allure of this unconventional eau de toilette. Fig leaf accord and bergamot is crowned with geranium and jasmine, while oakmoss accord in the base gives an androgynous scent profile. Housed in a collectible and refillable glass flacon.

Molton Brown Geranium Nefertum Body Lotion ($42 for 10 fl oz) — Discover the empowering allure of this full-size body lotion, in a fragrance comprising fig leaf and oakmoss accord, geranium and labdanum.

This is a part of Molton Brown’s chypre fragrance family. It is describes as beautiful and sophisticated – warm and dry, with fruity floral notes. I think it’s very nice for this time of year. I love the warmth of the fragrance!

Goutal Paris Etoile D’Une Nuit ($211 for this 3.4 oz, $133 for 1.7 oz and $92 for 1 oz) — soft & comfortable with notes of face powders and sweet, sensual, seductive notes of lipstick, iris, rose & raspberry. Just a few minutes before heading out to embrace the night. She throws a silk scarf over her shoulder, her bare skin imbued with the scent of makeup. A powdery cloud as elegant as her lipstick with a soft and creamy cosmetic scent that highlights her colorful personality. In just a few moments, all eyes will be on her.

This is a beautiful evening scent! It’s really glamorous. It’s a sultry floral. I will definitely be wearing this all fall and winter long!

C.O. BIGELOW Cinnamon Orange Perfume Oil

C.O. BIGELOW Lily of the Valey Perfume Oil

C.O. BIGELOW Patchouli Perfume Oil

More amazing fragrances are these Perfume Oils form C.O. Bigelow! The are $15 each. The scents I have are:

Cinnamon Orange — A juicy, spicy, zesty scent. Our perfume oils are concentrated fragrances that have a longer lasting scent compared to EDT’s and EDP’s. May be worn alone or combined to create a unique signature fragrance.

Lily of the Valley — A romantic, white floral scent. Our perfume oils are concentrated fragrances that have a longer lasting scent compared to EDT’s and EDP’s. May be worn alone or combined to create a unique signature fragrance.

Patchouli — A seductively warm, earthy scent. Our perfume oils are concentrated fragrances that have a longer lasting scent compared to EDT’s and EDP’s. May be worn alone or combined to create a unique signature fragrance.

IOPE Plant Stem Cell Creme — IOPE Plant Stem Cell Cream

IOPE Plant Stem Cell Cream ($60 USD) Visibly revitalize and nourish skin with the power of Rock Samphire Plant Stem Cells. Multi-functional anti-aging cream is infused with Plant Stem Cells to deeply nourish, moisturize and brighten the look of skin and address the appearance of early signs of aging. Peptides help replenish for plumper and more radiant complexion, while the soft, creamy texture envelopes skin with vital nutrients.

This is a very hydrating cream, which is what I like to use when the weather get’s colder. It isn’t greasy at all and it sinks right into the skin. Plus, when I use it at night, my skin is so soft in the morning.

Pause Well Aging Hot Flash Cooling Mist

Pause Well Aging Hot Flash Cooling Mist ($39 USD) — Hot flashes are the most common symptom of hormonal changes during menopause. While they can’t be prevented, our Cooling Mist provides instant relief from the discomfort of hot flashes by creating the sensation of lowering your body’s surface temperature, cooling and calming skin, reducing redness and evaporating sweat. Formulated with our proprietary Pause Complex, it also helps support collagen production to lift, firm and tone skin, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And not to worry: It won’t disrupt makeup or stain clothes.

I’m really liking this spray. It’s so refreshing and minty. When I do get a hot flash, I spray it on the back of my neck and wrists first, then on my face and neck. It instantly cools and makes me feel much better! Even though it’s getting cooler, I still need relief from hot flashes!

What products have you been loving lately? Let me know!

Mother’s Day Beauty Gift Guide

Hi all! It was a beautiful day in Kansas City today, it’s definitely spring!

I have another Mother’s Day Gift guide for you! These are items that I love and think will make great gifts:

This Mother’s Day or any day when Mom deserves a little pampering, let her indulge in a journey of the senses with South of France all-natural soaps (www.southoffrancebodycare.com). They’re kettle-cooked in small batches using a traditional Marseille triple-milled recipe to create a creamy lather that leaves skin soft and moisturized. And she can choose from one of 14 transporting scents including almond gourmande, blooming jasmine, climbing wild rose, lavender fields, lemon verbena, lush gardenia or mediterranean fig. All South of France liquid and bar soaps are free of synthetic foaming agents like sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, as well as glutens, EDTA, parabens, and phthalates.

I received some of their newest scents to try — Glazed Apricots, Violet Bouquet, and Cherry Blossom. They are all very fresh and sweet, so nice for spring. My favorite is Cherry Blossom, but my family loves all of them.

You can find South of France products in natural and grocery stores nationwide. Check their website here for locations.

11940142_fpx — Philosophy Pure Grace Desert Summer Spray Fragrance

I of course had to include some of my favorite Philisophy products as they make amazing gifts for moms!

Philosophy Pure Grace Desert Summer Spray Fragrance ($50 for 2 oz) a desert summer’s allure can only be described as original, illuminating…extraordinary. we’ve tried to capture the unexpectedly intense beauty of this uniquely wild climate to bring you pure grace desert summer perfume. freesia, ozone, star jasmine and cool cactus blossom meet in a breathtaking blend of fresh florals, anchored by pink clay, blonde woods and musk for a truly special experience. summer is fleeting, but its free spirit lives on and on.

Philosophy Amazing Grace 3-Piece Eau de Toilette Set this exclusive giftable collection includes 3 ways to enjoy the beautifully crafted, universally loved franchise. the experience opens with the award-winning shampoo, bath & shower gel featuring a rich, grace-infused lather that leaves skin and hair clean, soft and delicately scented. next, a nourishing treatment of firming body lotion conditions and moisturizes as it tones, for skin that feels pampered and renewed. a finishing spritz of perfume will accompany her through the day with grace.

8 oz amazing grace shampoo, bath & shower gel
2 oz amazing grace eau de toilette perfume
8 oz firming body lotion

Amazing Grace is one of my favorite fragrances. This is such a pretty set! Philosophy products are available at http://www.philosophy.com

Urban Decay Naked Cherry Palette ($49 USD) These 12 all-new shades include of-the-moment soft mattes and sizzling metallics, ranging from creamy ivory and shimmering rose gold to the most intense black cherry. We’re addicted to Bing—a deep mauve matte that is right on trend. And we can’t get enough of Drunk Dial, a shimmery metallic burgundy that takes smoky looks to a smoldering climax. Adorned with a row of metallic cherries, the crimson compact includes a full-size mirror and double-sided brush—ready for precision application on one end and seamless blending on the other.

Shades included:

Hot Spot (ivory matte)
Caution (soft neutral beige matte)
Bang Bang (shimmering pink with gold shift and iridescent micro-sparkle)
Feelz (soft dusty rose matte)
Juicy (soft warm peach)
Turn On (pale metallic rose shimmer)
Ambitious (metallic rose copper)
Bing (deep mauve matte)
Devilish (reddish plum matte)
Young Love (metallic cranberry)
Drunk Dial (deep metallic burgundy)
Privacy (deep brownish-plum matte)

Urban Decay is 100% cruelty-free. Available at http://www.urbandecay.com, Sephora and Ulta.

BREVENA Basics Pack ($178 USD) — contains bestselling products to get your skin smooth, healthy, and hydrated! Enjoy a full size Daily Hydration Moisturizer, Restore & Hydrate Overnight Cream, and a deluxe travel size Intensive Foot & Heel Repair.

Pack contains:

Daily Hydration Moisturizer 2 FL. OZ. / 60 ML ($79 Value)

Restore & Hydrate Overnight Cream 2 FL. OZ. / 60 ML ($89 Value)

*may have blue OR white lid

Travel Size Intensive Foot & Heel Repair 0.5 FL. OZ. / 15 ML ($20 Value)

Purchase at shop.brevena.com

Have you done your Mother’s Day shopping yet? Any beauty gifts on your shopping list?

Happy National Fragrance Day!

Hi all! It’s National Fragrance Day today. What is your favorite fragrance? My signature scent is Amazing Grace by Philosophy, but I always love trying new scents!

I wanted to focus on some new-to-me scents for National Fragrance Day. Here are beautiful fragrances to try:

Mimzi by Marguerite Germain ($65 USD) — Honoring her Mother, Dr. Marguerite Germain has created this exquisite fragrance epitomizing unique independence, passion, and kindness. Letting nothing hold her back and rising to the top as a distinguished woman of the 20th century, “Mimzi” eau de parfum exudes classic elegance. The fragrance combines the lively spirit of a diva with natural beauty that is ageless.

Top Notes: Citrus-floral, soft lemon, sweet orange, currant, watery, airy, fresh

Middle or Heart Notes: tuberose, jasmine, grassy, light bitter orange

Base Notes: sandalwood, light cedar, jasmine

AVAILABILITY: germaindermatology.com

LAVANILA Pure Vanilla Fragrance ($48; Sephora.com): The perfect vanilla, this sexy blend of pure Madagascar vanilla, sheer freesia, and creamy tonka bean is seductive and magnetic. A grown up expression of vanilla, this fragrance is more vanilla bean than vanilla cookie. Hailed as the world’s first healthy fragrance, natural technology infuses organic sugar cane alcohol with skin-saving botanicals and antioxidants for a modern twist on the classic art of perfumery.

Available at http://www.sephora.com

Molton Brown Heavenly Gingerlily Eau de Toilette ($65 USD) — Our much-loved heavenly fragrance is now available in an alluring eau de toilette, blended with ginger, jasmine and floral notes.

Top notes: cardamom, ginger and clove.
Heart notes: tuberose, tagetes, lily and jasmine.
Base notes: cedarwood, sandalwood and musk.

Purchase at http://www.moltonbrown.com

Goutal Paris Eau d’Hadrien EDP ($127 USD for 1.7 oz) — The first fragrance from the legendary house of Annick Goutal, conveys the fiery sun and the brilliant light of Tuscany add to the charm of the cypress-lined terraces. The hottest hour of the day is the best time to sink into the soft shade of the lemon trees and reread a few passages from Memoirs of Hadrian.

Notes: Sicilian Lemon, Citron, Grapefruit, Green Mandarin, Ylang-Ylang, Cypress, Bergamot

Purchase at us.goutalparis.com

Tocca Monatuk Candela

Tocca Monatuk Candela ($42; Tocca.com) Retreat to where the sound meets the sea. Breathe in the salt air, cucumber and sea grass abound in this natural and unspoiled haven. The perfect accessory for your home and can be used as a jewelry holder or for decor after the candle is done. Uniquely beautiful and richly fragranced with our classic scents, our luxurious hand-poured candle will captivate your senses.

Purchase at tocca.com

What fragrance are you wearing today?

Holiday Gift Guide 2018 — Beauty Gifts Sets

Hi all! I’m back with more gorgeous holiday gift ideas! Today I am focusing on sets of items that you can try out or give to a beauty fan!

Below is a variety of holiday gift sets from fragrance, to skincare to bath and body and nails:

LAVANILA The Healthy Fragrance Rollerball Trio: Find your favorite with this trio of hand-crafted, roller-ball fragrances. Each exquisite scent infuses organic sugar cane alcohol with a beautiful blend of pure essential oils for a luxurious experience that is gentle on sensitive skin. Wear individually or layer for a signature scent. Set includes 3 x 5ml roller-ball fragrances $20 ($45 value)

Vanilla Coconut — Paradise Found: Creamy coconut, Tahitian tiare flower and Madagascar vanilla.

Pure Vanilla — The Perfect Vanilla: Warm Madagascar vanilla, sheer freesia and creamy tonka bean.

Vanilla Grapefruit — Sparkling Citrus: Juicy pink grapefruit, fresh lime, cedar wood and Madagascar vanilla.

Zoella Beauty Cosmos Fragrance Collection

Zoella Beauty Scents of Wonder Rollerball Trio

Zoella Beauty Cosmos Fragrance Collection ($16.50 USD) — Discover a scent that’s out of this world with the Zoella Cosmos Fragrance Collection. Cosmos features crisp, uplifting notes of mint blended with delicious red fruits to create a very special limited edition fragrance and body lotion. This set includes:

Cosmos Fragrance (1.5 oz)
Cosmos Lotion (4.4 oz)

Zoella Beauty Scents of Wonder Rollerball Trio ($12.95 USD) — Discover these fragranced wonders in the Zoella Scents of Wonder Rollerball Trio. This trio of rollerballs are the perfect partners for your handbag. This trio includes:

Sweet Inspiration Rollerball (0.3 oz)
Gelat’eau Rollerball (0.3 oz)
Botanic’eau Rollerball (0.3 oz)

Purchase at Ulta.com

Morgan Taylor React Trio With Bag

Morgan Taylor Classic MiniI 4 Pack

Morgan Taylor Lacquer has come out with the Forever Fabulous Marilyn Monroe” Holiday/Winter 2018 Collection. The collection is beautiful! You can purchase 16 new individual shades of polish inspired by Marilyn Monroe, or there are some fun bundles like the ones above.

REACT TRIO WITH BAG — Includes 15ml bottles of REACT Base Coat, REACT Top Coat,
Wish Upon A Starlet polish, and a Marilyn Monroe makup bag

CLASSIC MINI 4 PACK — Includes 5ml bottles of She’s A Natural, Hollywood’s Sweetheart,
A Kiss From Marilyn, and The Camera Loves Me.

You can find a salon to purchase at http://www.morgantaylorlacquer.com and some of the sets are available at Ulta.com.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Holiday Duo ($45 USD) — This holiday duo features our Mini Colorescience^® Sunforgettable^® Total Protection^™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50 and Mini Lip Shine SPF 35, in an exclusive scarlet shade.

ONEOSEVEN Gift Set ($79 USD) — A limited edition gift set containing the brand’s newly launched 107 line containing all the essentials for glowing, refreshed skin. Rose Vinegar Water can be used as a makeup setting spray or as a midday refresher that calms and hydrates. An Oil-in-Gel Cleanser with a dual action formula containing Jojoba Seed Oil in a gel base that emulsifies with water to provide a gentle yet deep clean. And finally, an illuminator with 14 different natural oils and amino acids to provide a healthy, soft luminous glow. Plus, all products come in a complimentary branded tote bag!

Purchase at GothamGrove.com

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Do you buy beauty gifts? I give beauty products to my friends and family, and I have a stockpile for them, but it’s fun to buy these amazing sets!

Father’s Day Gift Guide

Father’s Day is next Sunday. Time to get shopping!

I have some great picks for Dad. Below is a fun fishing subscription box, fragrance, skincare and a book:

Lucky Tackle Box is the #1 fishing subscription box in America, where you can sign up and receive a monthly package full of the hottest lures, tackle and products in the sport fishing industry. I received a sample of the Father’s Day Bass XL.

Lucky Tackle Box ships once a month, with each box packed full of some of the top fishing lures, tackle and accessories in the industry. LTB has 10 different boxes for species ranging from Bass to Walleye, Trout to Fly Fishing.

Subscription plans are set up for 1-month, 3-month, 6-month or 12-month durations. The Regular box is from $15.99 per month and is approximately a $25 value. The XL box is from 25.99 a month and is approximately a $40 value.

Absinthe Shave Cream

Marigold & Ginseng Aftershave Balm

The KORRES assortment of Greek grooming essentials are formulated with clinically-proven ingredients that reflect the brand’s deep knowledge of authentic herbal remedies. KORRES identifies powerful natural ingredients and maximizes the effectiveness to address the skincare needs of men, from dads to grads. The ABSINTHE Men’s Shave Cream and MARIGOLD & GINSENG Aftershave Balm are must-have grooming items that are perfect for Father’s Day (and even the soon-to-be graduate).

ABSINTHE Men’s Shave Cream ($32.50 USD) : This richly textured shave cream helps your razor glide smoothly over skin to ensure a deep and comfortable shave. Absinthe Shave Cream is a brushless, non-foaming preparation and, as it is formulated at a milder pH than lathering creams—preventing skin roughness.
MARIGOLD & GINSENG Aftershave Balm: The light textured and nutrient-rich balm is made for after-shave care. Enriched with energizing ginseng and anti-inflammatory marigold, it reduces irritation commonly caused by shaving. Ginseng extract enables the delivery of nutrients—ensuring the healthy appearance of skin.

Annick Goutal Eau de Monsieur Eau de Toilette Spray ($162 3.4 oz) — An ode to masculine elegance. A perfume that combines the freshness of bergamot and Italian citrus with the warm and enveloping notes of sandalwood.

Blvgari Man Black Orient Cologne — Bvlgari Man Black Orient Cologne

Bvlgari Man Black Orient Cologne (3.4oz – $89, 2oz – $68, 1oz – $50) — Combines the strength of leather and oud with the sophistication of Tair rose, expressing a scent that is suave, heady and wild. Also combines the collection’s signature rum and tuberose with added thread of woods in each base with a new smokiness that evokes the scent’s Oriental muse.

Available at Bulgari stores nationwide; for additional information and retail visit Bulgari.com

Three Gorges Dam by Thomas V. Harris — New Yorker Michael Brannigan and the People’s Republic of China are concluding a triumphant week. The PRC’s top energy consultant has fallen in love with Australian geophysicist Kylie Ryan while traveling in Xinjiang Province. President Lao Ming is in Beijing hosting a game-changing summit with the United States. CNN is broadcasting the new reality: the Communist juggernaut has surpassed the United States as the world’s top superpower.

Brannigan’s train is retracing Marco Polo’s historic journey—when the Silk Road Express reaches the Far East’s Far West, his team of engineers will assist the Chinese in developing the world’s richest oil fields. As Brannigan heads deeper into the Taklamakan Desert, President Lao’s motorcade is approaching the end of its parade route. In a few hours, the president will arrive at the Hall of Purple Light to celebrate his victory.

All that changes in two blinks of an eye. Television cameras capture the crumbling of the Communist regime while China’s Young Turks and Fighting Monks rock the country. Caught up in the violence, Brannigan’s love affair meets a tragic end. Hostiles are raging and the Chinese miracle is self-destructing. In the midst of the turmoil, Brannigan returns to China for a hush-hush assignment at Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric facility. There, he overcomes his demons and finds lasting happiness. Everything is coming up aces.

Fun Products For Easy Summer Beauty!

Happy Friday! I’ve received samples of some fun products for my honest review. Some are new and some are new to me, but all are fun for the summer to some degree!

Ola Tropical Apothecary Body Mist ($14 for 2 oz) – The secret ingredient in Ola Tropical Apothecary’s Deep Sea Body Mist is…the water. Found at 3000’ below the ocean surface off the Kona Coast, each Body Mist contains over 90 trace minerals, and is high in calcium and magnesium. A few simple spritzes to hair, face and skin instantly hydrates and moisturizes.

I first thought this was like a body cologne spray, but it has a very fine mist and I read that it can be used on the face. I have the Pikake, which smells like a Hawaiian lei, and the Passion Fruit. I LOVE the passion fruit one, it’s one of my favorite scents. These are very refreshing and hydrating.

Hotheads’ Mini G Hairbrush ($9.29 USD) – Good things really do come in small packages! The Mini G conveniently fits in your handbag, gym bag or travel bag. Use it with your favorite dry shampoo to refresh tired locks. It’s the perfect little brush to distribute your leave-in products before heading out into the sun. Great for detangling after a swim, the Mini G also helps remove sand debris from the scalp and hair. Finishing your day at the beach using the Mini G will reduce frizz and help create the perfect ponytail.

Mally Beauty More Is More Mascara ($20 USD) has a special brush designed to grip lashes and smooth mascara out to the very tips for exceptional length and definition. Has a rich, creamy, jet black formula. It took me a few uses to get a very voluminous look. And it only really lengthens if I use a primer underneath. It is very black, though!

Mally Beauty Kiss Me Tinted Lip Oil ($27.21 USD for 3) — I received this in Crystal Clear, but you can get a trio including Crystal Clear, Peach Me and What a Melon. This is a conditioning oil that gives shine like a gloss, but it’s not sticky. It has a minty taste. This is nice when I want something on my lips, but don’t want to wear color.

Hard Candy Stroke of Gorgeous Colored Mascara ($5 USD) — Delivers intense opaque color that will not clump or flake. Maximum bristled brush helps give volume and length to all lashes. Available in 8 colored mascaras and two glitter top coats. The two shades I received are the glitter top coats in Disco Ball and Shooting Star. Disco Ball has silver glitter and shows up more than Shooting Star, which has black and multi-colored glitter. These show up the best in the sunlight. They are fun, but I will probably be giving them to my daughter.

What products have you been trying out lately?

Philosophy Mother’s Day Fragrance Gift Sets

Mother’s Days is a little over 2 weeks away, time to get shopping! I think fragrance is such a sweet gift to give to mom and the other ladies in my life.

I was sent these amazing sets from Philosophy to try out. I love the variety that the brand offers. There’s a scent for everyone!

Fresh Cream 3 Piece Set ($47 USD) — Give mom a gift as sweet as she is! This is a Philosophy fan-favorite fragrance. This includes spray eau de toilette with 2 award-winning body formulas infused with the creamy vanilla scent, for a luxurious layering experience that will last. I think this is perfect for any women on your list. It’s not a strong scent and appeals to so many people. Purchase at philosophy.com and Philosophy retailers.

: Amazing Grace 3 Piece Set

Amazing Grace 3 Piece Set ($57 USD) — This is my signature scent. The notes are bergamot, muguet blossoms and musk. This set includes the award-winning shampoo, bath & shower gel, a hydrating and firming body emulsion conditions and moisturizes as it tones, for skin that feels pampered and renewed. a finishing spritz of eau de toilette will accompany her through the day with grace. Purchase at philosophy.com and Philosophy retailers.

Pure Grace 3 Piece Set ($57 USD) — This scent is a clean soap and water scent, perfect for classic and outdoorsy ladies. This collection features the scent 3 ways, perfect for enjoying individually or layering for a longer-lasting experience, beautifully packaged for presenting. Purchase at philosophy.com and Philosophy retailers.

Amazing Grace Ballet Rose 2 Piece Set ($50 USD) — This is a fresh take on amazing grace, wrapped in elegant rose, sparkling peony and pink musk. This is for the woman who loves the scent of fresh roses. This includes 2 sizes perfect for home (2 oz.) and on the go (0.5 oz. mini), wrapped and ready for gifting. This is available exclusively at Ulta stores and Ulta.com.

Pure Grace Nude Rose 2 Piece Set ($50 USD) — This new scent has notes of blush rose, orange flower, warm cedarwood and musk. I really like this scent. It’s soft and warm, so nice for spring and summer! This gift set includes: pure grace nude rose eau de toilette, 2-oz.pure grace nude rose eau de toilette, 0.5-oz. Purchase at Macy’s stores and Macys.com

Have you tried Philosophy scents? Which one is your favorite?