Category Archives: Body Care

Soft Skin by Wash the Day Away

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Cardamom Orange Lotion by Wash the Day Away is my favorite skincare find this winter. It’s unabashedly spicy with a fervid dosing of cardamom and the sharp effervescent of lime. If you love cardamom, and by this I mean the vibrant scent of freshly chopped pods, Cardamom Orange will send you into blissful olfaction as its spiciness is more akin to adventurous culinary pursuits rather than a gentle hint or suggestion of the seasoning.

Its piquantness settles after a half hour or so as the sweetness of orange becomes more apparent and the kick of cardamom and lime recede into backnotes. The hydrating properties of Cardamom Orange last much longer than that since it’s loaded with powerful healers like calendula, aloe vera juice and aloe vera gel (the first three ingredients) along with shea butter and wheat germ oil (the next two ingredients).

This lotion is surprisingly light for how well it moisturizes and completely absorbs into the skin within seconds. I’ve been keeping my sample jar in the car for a quick fix, and can grip the steering wheel moments after application without feeling like I’ve greased it with butter. Kind of a silly example, but you get the point.

If you’re interested in Wash the Day Away’s Lotions, but cardamom isn’t quite you’re thing, I highly recommend the Bergamot Coriander Lotion as well. It too is redolent of kitchen spices, but it’s toned down and has a floral facet thanks to the always lovely neroli. The formula of Bergamot Coriander is a tad thicker than the Cardamom Orange, but it absorbs just as quickly.

Wash the Day Away has many lotions to choose from, and Lavender Lemondrop and Warming Mandarin Rum are next on my list to try. You’ll find many more enticing products at the Wash the Day Away etsy shop. Both lotions are $14.75 for an 8oz jar or $7.75 for 4oz.

Disclosure: Samples were provided to me by Wash the Day Away. Opinions in this review are my own. I was not financially compensated for this review or any other.

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Seasonal Scents

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We decorated our Christmas tree this past weekend, and had *Aftelier Perfumes’ Blood Orange, Ginger & Blood Cedarwood candle filling the air with a fragrance that will now forever remind me of this special family tradition. As you might guess from its name, this candle is a piquant blend of orange, ginger and cedarwood that is effortlessly intertwined yet allows for moments when the individual essences shine on their own.

Aftelier’s perfumed candles are made with beeswax and the finest of natural essences. I wasn’t too sure what to expect in terms of throw, but its festive redolence suffused my rather large living room which admittedly was unexpected and very much appreciated. I’ve got it burning right beside me at this moment, and am contemplating an online Aftlelier shopping trip as there are four other candles to try. Since they are limited edition, you might want to check them our sooner than later. I’m ready to hit the button on Resurrection. With notes of frankincense, vetiver, clary sage, geranium, bitter orange, fir needle, and lime, it sounds like an ideal scent for unwinding during the bustling holiday season.

I’ve written a couple times about Olive & Oud, my absolute favorite place to buy soaps. Laura Natusch, the creator of these divine bars, always has inspired blends with essences like cardamom, bitter orange, ginger, clove, vanilla-like Peru Balsam, amyris, nutmeg, and black pepper. Actually, those are the notes for the above soap, Spiced Chai, my current favorite from Laura. Like the Aftelier candle, Spiced Chai is teeming with ginger and orange, but also has a liberal dose of cardamom and clove which make for warm and spicy suds. I like to say that Olive & Oud is a perfumista’s place for soap, and I really do mean that. Laura is currently sold out of Spiced Chai, but she is always making new batches, so please contact her via etsy or Facebook if you are interested. As of today, Bed of Spice, which is similar to Spiced Chai, and another one of my favorites, Cocoa Butter Mint are both available.

If it wasn’t already apparent, I love citrus scents this time of year. And what better way to relish the citrus than in another winter favorite, body oil! One of my very first posts was on Jo Wood’s Amka. That was nearly three years ago, but it continues to be a treat for my skin and nose that I reach for again and again. Amka possesses a great deal of sparkling citrus. Orange oil, bergamot, petitgrain, and mandarin oil abound in Amka, but are grounded by an incredibly smooth cedarwood. This counterbalance between vibrancy and tranquility is perfectly achieved in this fragrance and I still enjoy its soothing hydration and restorative scent after a warm bath before bedtime.

Aftelier Perfumes’ Blood Orange, Ginger & Blood Cedarwood candle is available at Aftelier.com for $50. *This was a collaboration with Nikki Sherritt of Gabriel’s Aunt.

Spiced Chai is available at Olive & Oud on etsy for ~$5.50

Jo Wood Amka Bath Oil is available at BeautyHabit for $100 for 100ml. Please note: this is different from the body oil I reviewed. It looks like the Body Oil might have been discontinued. Please see Beauyhabit for the Amka Bath Oil and the EDT which I also adore.

Photo of Aftelier candle and the Christmas Tree are mine. Products reviewed in this post are from my own collection. 

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Top Autumn Sensory Discoveries

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I’m nursing a minor, albeit very annoying, cold at the moment. It’s the typical deal, stuffy nose, cough, fatigue- and all I can think about is warmth, comfort and pampering. Fortuitously, a lovely parcel arrived from Ayala Moriel Parfums last week which included a sample of her newest fragrance Zangvil, and its accompanying perfumed tea. Perfect for autumn, perfect for my achey bones.

Of course I was thrilled to give her latest perfume creation a try, but it was the tea I really wanted to dive into. OK, so I didn’t literally dive into the tea, but I definitely steeped in it. I held the cup close to my nose and inhaled its steam, allowing the aromatic vapors to heal my tender and congested self. Ayala uses very fine Jasmine Silver Needle tea leaves for Zangvil, which is harvested in the spring and then laced with night blooming jasmine during the summer. I envision the jasmine blooms opening and infusing the white tea leaves with their scent, just as Ayala’s Zangvil tea infused me with its restorative perfume. And not only with the perfume of jasmine, but also of organic crystalized ginger, ambrette seeds and vanilla bean. It’s a gorgeous tea and I think I need to make another cup as I continue to write.

Ahhh, now that I have the aroma of Zangvil swirling about me, I am tempted by my other autumnal (and common cold) indulgence- the bath! I guess this is when the real steeping begins right? It’s a simple pleasure really, immersing oneself in hot water. But when you add something deliciously scented into the tub, it becomes a truly pampering experience. My newest bath discovery is Persephenie’s Nanu Lei Bath, a fizzy mineral bath powder with the potent hydrating powers of coconut oil and cocoa butter and the captivating scent of tiare. Nanu Lei Bath has just the right amounts of coconut, tiare and a sparkling citrus to warm your senses with thoughts of a dreamy tropical destination without hitting you over the head with too much of any of them. I adore it.

During the fall and winter months, I like to ramp up the pampering, and apply a facial mask before dipping into the tub. Evan Healy’s French Rose Clay Mask has occupied my number one spot for just over a year now, but I decided to give a new one a try, Naturopathica’s Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel. My first test-drive timing wasn’t great as it was on a hot, dog day of summer, and I was not feeling the scent of pumpkin. Fast forward to the cold chill in the air of late October, and it’s ideal. According to the Naturopathica website, pumpkin is an exfoliator that is loaded with antioxidants given its high beta carotine content. Cinnamon is also in the mask which gives it a spicy aroma and also acts as an antiseptic. I’ll take their word for it, because after I rinsed it away, my skin felt smoother and softer and I had a curious craving for pumpkin pie.

My last autumn discovery is actually a rediscovery of a forgotten perfume love, YSL’s Paris Roses des Bois. This Paris flanker was released in 2004 and it’s been far too long since I paid it any mind. It’s much more wearable on me than the original Paris which I find too cloying. If you’re familiar with Roses des Bois, you know it to be full of pink roses and blackberries, with an added smidge of sandalwood and musk. Not your typical fall-ish fragrance I know, but it’s really working for me in this colder weather. The musk has taken on a new coziness this autumn as the rose feels a little wilder and the blackberry like a special preserve you ration out during the chilly months. Happily, I have a huge bottle that need not be used sparingly. This jammy rose can now take its rightful place at the front of my perfume collection.

What are your latest autumnal discoveries? Feel free to share in this blogging event!

 

And please visit the following blogs for more autumnal pleasures, and many thanks to Elena of Perfume Shrine for getting this together!

Katie Pukrick Smells

Perfume Shrine

Smelly Blog

The Non Blonde

 

 

Top most Image from PennGastronomyClub

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My recent Spirit Beauty Lounge splurge

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Here’s a peek at my recent SpiritBeautyLounge order. Of course my favorite part of receiving an SBL package is the goodies inside, but I also love the entire presentation. The sweet pink tissue paper, the way in which each item has been carefully placed in the box, and the always generous samples make an SBL haul, a special haul.

I haven’t tried the Rahua hair samples yet, but you can be sure that lollipop went right into my mouth as I unearthed the Kahina Toning Mist that I’ve been wanting since I read Dain’s review as well as the Intelligent Nutrients Finishing Gloss that will replace my almost empty bottle.

I reviewed the IN Finishing Gloss last fall, and it’s back in heavy rotation this summer. I’ve taken to mixing a few pumps of the gloss with Weleda’s Rosemary Hair Oil and warming it all over my hands. I then run my fingers through my hair and pat the hair that frames my face to give it a little extra help tamping down the frizzies. A nice combing and an air drying gives me soft, pieced-out waves. Of course a great haircut also helps, but this method tames my thick, frizz-prone hair like nothing else.

In addition to my order, SBL included a Wild Rose Lip Balm by Phoenix Botanicals for me to sample for possible review, and I am so glad they did. I adore this little balm! Its cute design belies its 100% biodegradable packaging with sweet illustrations and a sturdy feel. I love how you pinch the bottom of the tube to access more balm which also makes it easy to use every last bit. The balm itself goes on smoothly and hydrates just as well as my holy grail of lip balms, Dr. Hauschka’s Lip Care Stick. The balm itself is a bit thinner than the Dr. H balm, but it feels supple and does the job.

As for the Kahina Toning Mist, I love it too. I would be hard pressed to do a more thorough job at reviewing the toner than Dain already has done, so please check out the above link to her blog, ARS Aromatica. Suffice to say, I am in full agreement with her rave review.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention my fabulously efficacious Soapwalla Deodorant Cream! I wrote about this product last summer and am thrilled that SBL has included it in their offerings. It’s a simple, all natural deodorant that truly works.

Intelligent Nutrients Finishing Gloss is $29 for 1.7oz, Kahina Toning Mist is $36 for 1.6 oz, and the Phoenix Botanical Lip Balm is $6, Soapwalla Deodorant Cream is $10. All at SpiritBeautyLounge.com

 

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Naturopathica Lemongrass Mimosa Body Scrub

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The scent of lemongrass is just what you think it would be, lemony and grassy. It’s bright, green and crisp and is the perfect addition to bath and body products if a pick-me-up is what you’re after. But lemongrass is more than just a grassy-lemon scent, it’s also herbaceous and kind of spicy. Because of its use in cooking, lemongrass can easily conjure up culinary references, but in Naturopathica’s Lemongrass Mimosa Body Scrub, we are taken down a different path.

 

 

Lemongrass is far and away the dominant scent in this gently invigorating scrub, but the inclusion of mimosa, ylang yang, rose and jasmine lend complex floral notes which heighten its spicy and herbal qualities. While massaging the Lemongrass Mimosa Body Scrub onto my skin, the shower fills with its uplifting and unique fragrance. And while it’s difficult to discern the floral notes as separate essences, they swirl together beautifully. As I sit here with some of the scrub on the top of my hand, there is a note that suddenly stands out, one that I have not noticed previously, and that’s vetiver. Vetiver, like lemongrass, is herbaceous and green, but with a sweet woody character rather than a citrus one. Like in perfume, vetiver melds seamlessly into floral blends and helps to bring out the earthy side of lemongrass.

 

 

As far as it’s performance as a scrub, it gets my highest recommendation. Although it is important to note that this is not a foaming scrub, it’s a thick walnut shell powder and shea butter based paste that’s creamy and does an excellent job of exfoliating. Naturopathica has succeeded in creating a scrub that does what it’s supposed to do, but without the unwanted side effect of feeling too rough. The walnut shells are very finely ground and the shea butter gives it a soothing creaminess that I really like.

 

Naturopathica Lemongrass Mimosa Body Scrub is $28 for 5oz. Available at Naturopathica.com

Visit Now Smell This for a past review of Lemongrass Mimosa by Jessica.

Watercolor image of Seaside Mimosa by The Joy of Color at etsy.

 

INGREDIENTS: Aqua/Water/Eau, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Cetyl Palmitate, Lactobacillus/Arundinaria Gigantea (Bamboo) Grass Ferment Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cymbopogon Flexuosus (Lemongrass) Oil, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil, Jasminum Grandiflorum (Jasmine) Flower Oil, Acacia Decurrens (Mimosa) Oil, Citrus Hystrix (Combava) Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Vetiveria Zizanioides (Vetivert) Root Oil, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Silybum Marianum (Milkthistle) Leaf Extract, Filipendula Ulmaria (Meadowsweet) Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol

Disclosure: Samples were sent to me for consideration by Naturopathica. The opinions in this review are my own. I was not financially compensated for this review or any other.

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In Fiore’s Bois de Rose

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After a long hiatus, I’ve started swimming again. I’m trying to remember why I stopped, and I think it had something to do with the arse-freezing water at the gym and not wanting to feel like I am gasping for air as I launch into my first lap. Our recent trip to Arizona rekindled my love of swimming as the hotel had a fantastic outdoor lap pool that made working-out blissful. I can’t say the pool at the gym is nearly as sublime, but the bone-chilling water has been remedied and I have been thoroughly enjoying my time in the pool.

 

The only downside is my terrifyingly dry skin. We’re talking seriously scaly which is not pretty to look at or touch. The product that came to mind above all others to cure my chlorine-induced dryness was the Body Balm by In Fiore. My last post was a review for In Fiore’s Lustra, and I’m pretty sure this is the first time I’ve written back to back reviews of products from the same company, but I can’t hold back because this has saved my skin.

 

In Fiore’s Body Balms are in a base of grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, beeswax and vitamin E. Sounds soothing but kind of simple right? Don’t let yourself be misled, as Julie Elliott, creator of In Fiore, has perfected their ratios which results in a luxuriously soft balm at room temperature that transforms into a sensual oil once it’s warmed onto your skin. Because the balm is thick, it takes about 5 minutes for the skin to completely absorb the oils, but less time is needed if you apply right after shower or bath. When I smooth this on liberally at night, morning arrives with no more dryness, just soft smooth skin and sheets that waft like a sachet.

There are six Body Balms in In Fiore’s permanent line, but my favorite is Bois de Rose and is exclusive to the In Fiore boutique in San Francisco. Bois de Rose falls into one of my prized fragrance categories, the woody floral. The rosewood in this balm is divine and melds into the Bulgarian rose absolute seamlessly. Both essences are exceptionally warm and a touch spicy, entangling themselves in a honeyed backdrop that is both soothing and sensual.

What makes Bois de Rose even more compelling is a substantial dose of vetiver which gives an earthy and tangy kick, creating the impression of oud as it commingles with rosewood. A minty green suggestion from geranium bolsters the richness of vetiver’s roots while simultaneously enhancing the smoothly harmonious floral rose absolute.

In Fiore’s products contain only the finest organic, wildcrafted or biodynamic ingredients, which heightens the luxuriousness of the balm and the lushness of its fragrance. I am so smitten with Bois de Rose (as well as Dayala) that I want to experience more of these balms. I’m thinking that a not-so-subtle Mother’s Day hint for the Body Balm Trio of Jolie, Shevanti and Tangiers is in order.

 

Bois de Rose is $95 for an 8oz jar. Please call the In Fiore boutique to order. 415-928-5661

Image by: Ignacio P. Camarlench, Una rosa,1894 at Wikimedia Commons

 

Posted by ~Trish

Disclosure: Bois de Rose is a part of my personal collection. The opinions in this review are my own. I was not financially compensated for this review or any other.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2010

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Can you believe the holiday season is already upon us? Thanksgiving will be here in a heartbeat, and the first night of Hanukkah is December 1st. So it’s time to hop to it and get gifting. I’ve gathered together some of my favorite bloggers (links below) to offer our recommendations for those special items on our to-give lists, and maybe even our own wish-lists. My list includes many price points ranging from $6.50 for a gorgeously scented soap to $325 for a precious limited edition perfume, with lots in between. As you might have guessed, all of my recommendations are 100% natural which means no petrochemicals, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, or parabens.


Urban Eden (Now Oilve and Oud) Shahrazad soap ($6.50 per bar) I recently reviewed Urban Eden soaps and at the time I had just started using my bar of Shahrazad. At this present moment, I have but a tiny sliver left and recently placed an order for another bar so I can continue to bask in its plentiful floral spiciness. Tuberose, frankincense, and cardamom are the standouts in this richly lathering soap that’s perfect for this time of year.


Gabriel’s Aunt tea light sampler. ($9 for a set of 10) After you spend some time at the Gabriel’s Aunt etsy shop, you’ll be glad you can choose 10 different tea lights in your sampler. Nikki Sherritt, creator of GA, has so many scrumptious scents to choose from that it really is hard to pick only a few. My favorite is Royal Couple ($25 for 8oz candle), a rose and jasmine blend that warms a room with a finespun throw. You can read more about her liquid and solid fragrances here and here.

Wing and Prayer mini sampler ($10 for three 1/8oz rollerball) This has got to be one of the best bargains in the natural perfume world. $10 for three nicely sized fragrances? That’s a steal that we all need to take advantage of! I adore Flowers, a gardenia fragrance with sweet notes of linden and beeswax as well as Bella, a soft blend of verbena and neroli. An individual bottle is $35 for a 1.78oz spray which is also an incredible value for such gorgeous, all natural scents.

Scented Djinn Sahar ($25 for 5ml) This beauty boasts jasmine, sandalwood, and champaca infused with honey and vanilla. Sounds pretty right? It’s also calming and cozy and I love to wear it on cold fall mornings. I reviewed Sahar this past spring if you would like to read more.

evanhealy Sweet Blossom Hydrating Oil ($29.95 for 4oz) Smoothing this body oil over freshly showered skin is a pleasure of which I will never tire. Frankincense, neroli and a light touch of ylang ylang intertwine to create a comforting scent that will put a smile on the lucky recipient’s face. And not only is it beautifully fragranced, it is made with cold pressed, organic oils of sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, jojoba and apricot kernel so it feels as good as it smells.

Organic Apoteke Droseros Hydrating Mist ($30 for 5oz) Hyrdosols have become a part of my daily skincare routine. Sometimes I spray it on my skin when it’s dry and I want to apply a body oil (such as evanhealy’s above) and I also mist my face with a hydrosol before using my serum. Currently, Organic Apoteke is my favorite because it’s soothing and hydrating. But honestly, I really love it because it smells so darn good. It’s like there’s a magic honey ingredient in this mist that lasts for hours and swirls around my skin amidst delicate rose petals. I’ve got this in the travel size, and you can be sure it’s going with me on my next plane ride.

DSH Perfumes Épices d’Hiver ($40 for 1 dram/5 mls or $120 for 1 oz) Épices d’Hiver was launched by DSH Perfumes last fall, and got a lot of wear during the cold months, which here in the Northwest can last well into May. So suffice to say, I wore it many a day. Now that the rain and cold are upon us once more, Épices d’Hiver is back in action, providing me with a cozy spicy go-to fragrance suffused with nutmeg, hay and woods.

Ayala Moriel Parfums Palas Atena ($48 for 4mls or $120 for 9ml flacon) Palas Atena was the first Ayala Moriel fragrance that I fell for, and it still ranks high on my list of favorites of her creations. It’s a classic floriental with notes of patchouli, amber, champaca, cinnamon, jasmine, lavender, neroli, sandalwood, and sweet orange. Each essence flows into the next, moving in continuous harmony like a high quality vintage fragrance.

Intelligent Nutrients Aromatics in Focus ($50 for 0.85 oz) Feel free to spritz this alluring aromatic all over yourself. Mist it on your face, your skin, and your hair and let its organic vitamin e and castor oils hydrate while organic flower oils intoxicate. The neroli jasmine duo is swoon worthy, and so well loved, that I can’t imagine anyone not being thrilled to open up this 100% organic scent.

Roxana Illuminated Perfume’s Rosa Solid ($72 for 5.3 gm solid in a refillable silver compact) Oh lovely Rosa! Such a precious compact made even more so by its contents. If you are a rose lover, or know one, you should feel compelled to give Rosa a serious gander. Rose otto from Turkey and an absolute of rose bourbonica from India grace this sensual solid perfume, as well as woods, oud, vetiver and leather. Its rich and earthy bouquet is full but wears close to the skin. One of my favorite rose perfumes.

Aftelier Perfumes Candide ($150 for 0.25 oz which includes a 2ml mini, the mini is sold separately for $45) Mandy Aftel of Aftelier Perfumes has just launched Candide, and made a personal appearance last night at Bendel’s in NYC to celebrate its release. And believe me, she has much to toast as Candide is truly beautiful. It radiates with sparkling notes of pink grapefruit, blood orange and raspberries all wrapped up in sueded jasmine petals. Its lush and enticing, but cheerful and flirtatious as well. A suggestion of frankincense affords a bit of grounding, but to be sure, Candide is lighthearted through and through.

Strange Invisible Perfumes Elektrou ($325 for 0.25 fl. oz. pure perfume • Available in-store or by phone only. Call toll free: 800.919.7472) Strange Invisible Perfumes has lured me in once before with these limited edition gems. I caved and bought Dimanche last spring, and have not regretted it for a second. It exudes two notes that I can’t seem to get enough of, hay and honey, in a surprisingly sophisticated and provocative manner. Well, if you wish you’d jumped at the chance to get Dimanche, Elektrou is quite similar, with a few distinct differences. Dimanche’s opening is on the sharp side due to the edginess iris sometimes possesses. Elektrou on the other hand is immediately soft with its vanilla and smooth amber accord. Sandalwood plays a large roll in Elektrou’s suppleness, emanating a sensual ease. It’s going to take serious restraint that I am not sure I have to keep myself for purchasing Elektrou as I want every scarf I own to smell just like it. It’s a splurge no doubt, but one that the perfumista in your life (which is probably yourself) will adore.

Please stop by the following blogs for more gift ideas.

Perfume Shrine

IndiePerfumes

Roxana Illuminated Perfume

All I Am- A Redhead


Posted by ~Trish

image courtesy of Roxana Villa.

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Luscious bars of soap by Olive and Oud (formerly Urban Eden).

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Is it laziness that I don’t take the time to put a body wash on my shower scrunchie anymore? These days it feels like an unnecessary step, especially when I have a deliciously smelling, beautifully lathering bar of soap at the ready. Not to mention there’s no waste of plastic tubes or bottles with bar soap whose packaging is easily recycled.


Handmade soaps from etsy are a great place to start if you’re interested in boosting your bar soap inventory, but after some etsy soap searching you’re sure to feel overwhelmed. So let me introduce you to my favorite soap of the moment, Tranquility by Urban Eden. All of Urban Eden’s soaps smell wonderful and have an exceptional lather and I bet you’d be hard pressed to find one you don’t like. But there’s something about Tranquility with its soothing sandalwood, vanilla, and cardamom blend that creates one sublime showering experience. Lemon, ginger and vetiver give this soap a touch of sparkle, but Tranquility stays true to its overall sandalwood impression.


You might have noticed that Tranquility’s ingredients read like notes from a perfumer’s website which is the case for all Urban Eden soaps. For example, here’s Urban Eden’s description of Vetiver Lime:

“…the refreshing tang of Mexican lime contrasts with the sweet earthiness of vetiver and patchouli. Allspice and black pepper add intrigue; French tangerine slightly sweetens the lime; lavender acts as a bridge between the vetiver and citrus. Lime is the predominant note, but instead of a summery lime, it’s like lime wearing a fall coat.”

Such a lovely and utterly accurate olfactory sketch of this yummy soap! Shahrazad is another soap whose following list of notes would be worthy of a luxury perfume: tangerine, blood orange, bergamot, tuberose, ylang ylang, amber, frankincense, myrrh, cardamom, clove, black pepper, coriander and nutmeg. There’s a lot going on in Shahrazad, but the end result is a rich, spicy citrus scent that is subtly floral.


In addition to the gorgeous essences, there’s olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil and organic palm oil in these 100% natural bars which make them hydrating and long lasting. At $5 per bar ($6.50 for the costly tuberose in Shahrazad) they make for inexpensive gifts or a guilt-free treat for yourself.


Urban Eden is available at etsy.

Posted by ~Trish

Disclosure: Samples were sent to me for consideration by Urban Eden. The opinions in this review are my own. I was not financially compensated for this review or any other.

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Sunless Tanning by Chocolate Sun

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In the past, sunless tanners had never appealed to me. I felt like they would take too much time and I didn’t want to incur the risk of streaking and turning orange. Hence, I steered clear. Then I came across Chocolate Sun’s Shea Sunscreen for Body SPF30 at the SpiritBeautyLounge website and promptly ordered it. When that purchase was a success, I figured their Cocoa Glow Sunless Tanning Cream would be worth a shot and while I was at it, I gave Cocoa Illume For Face a trial run as well.


Here are a few important details before I get to the self tanner review: my skin is light to medium and olive in tone, so I chose Cocoa Glow which is their sunless tanning cream for medium tones. The “lite” is for paler skin and “absolute” is for darker skin tones. The Cocoa Illume for Face comes in light  and medium/dark, so I opted for the light.



I hinted in my previous Chocolate Sun review that my sunless tanning experiment went very well, and indeed it did. The body cream is applied with ease, just like a daily body lotion. I use one pump per leg, and one pump for my arms, chest and upper back. I have used the body cream at least 4-5 times and have never had any streaking, only a lovely sunny glow sans orange. The Cocoa Illume for Face is just as simple to use. I’ve applied it three times, after washing my face in the morning and again, no streaking to be found. The Cocoa Glow Sunless Tanning Cream has a pleasant, albeit strong scent of bittersweet cocoa butter that lasts for several hours.


The ingredients in all of Chocolate Sun’s products are 100% natural and the “developer” in the sunless tanners is derived from beets. The bottles have extensive application directions on the labels which I find much more practical than searching for a pamphlet each time I put it on. (I like to refresh my memory regarding their recommended techniques while I’m in the newbie stage). But in reality, the directions are almost unnecessary as they are so easy to use.


So now that Chocolate Sun’s body and face sunscreens are working out so well for me, I really do need their sunless tanners to keep up my summer glow. If sunscreen wasn’t such an important part of any skincare regimen, I’d be a little suspicious of a Cocoa Glow conspiracy!

Cocoa Glow Sunless Tanning Cream is available at SpiritBeautyLounge, $40 for 8oz.

Cocoa Illume For Face is available at SpiritBeautyLounge, $17 for 2oz.



Posted by ~Trish

image from vangaurdgallery at etsy.com
Disclosure: Samples from SpiritBeautyLounge were provided for this review. The opinions in this review are my own. I was not financially compensated for this review or any other.

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All Natural Deodorant Creams: Florere & Soapwalla

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My Florere Cream Deodorant samples sat in my stash drawer for a couple years before I started using them a few months ago. I’ll admit I was not drawn to the idea of applying a cream deodorant with my fingers: add to that a dose of skepticism, and you’ve got my (unfounded) reasons for the samples remaining untouched for so long.

It wasn’t until I read a glowing review of Soapwalla’s Deodorant Cream over at Fig+Sage, that I thought to myself, “I know I’ve got a cream deodorant somewhere around here!” Luckily, I found my Florere samples quickly and started using them immediately. Cynthia, the owner of Florere was nice enough to send me a fresh jar as I wanted to be sure of the smell and consistency for my review since my older samples were well, old. My new jar of cream’s gentle lavender scent is a tad stronger than the older samples, but there is no difference in efficacy between the two, attesting to the longevity of Florere’s product. Soapwalla’s cream also smells of lavender with added peppermint and tea tree oils that are subtle and nicely blended.

Both deodorant creams are exceptional. Aside from the subtle variation on scent, there is no difference in terms of performance. They are both easy to apply, leave absolutely no whiteness on the skin, and hold up in all heated situations. I’ve worn both to dance class, on the treadmill, gardening in the sun, at work, etc. They’ve held up to every deodorant challenge I could muster. As a huge plus, neither cream deodorant interferes with my fragrances.

I continue to use my Dr. Hauschka Deodorant as the convenience of rolling on my deodorant comes in handy when in a rush to get out the door. Florere does have a solid stick option which I have not tried, but I’m sure it works just as well as the cream since it has the same ingredients save for added palm tree wax. But let me say this, the few extra moments it takes to use a cream deodorant is worth it, thanks to Soapwalla and Florere.

Florere Cream Deodorant ingredient list: Soothing unrefined Shea butter, sodium bicarbonate (Naturally occurring earth mineral deodorizer), cocoa butter, coconut oil. Essential oils of lavender and clary sage. Tincture of lemon balm, lavender flowers and ecologically wildharvested benzoin.

A 1.6 oz jar is $8.50 at Florere.com

You can get a dollar off your Florere order, good for the month of June 2010. Just enter “ScentHiveJune” in the “Special Instructions To Merchant” during their checkout. (The dollar will be credited back to your account after you check out.)

Soapwalla Cream Deodorant ingredient list: Organic jojoba, rice bran, and rosehip seed oils; shea and/or mango and/or mowrah butter; a combination of all-natural and gluten-free vegetable clays and powders; aluminum-free sodium bicarbonate; organic vegan kosher glycerin; a combination of essential oils including organic lavender, peppermint and tea tree oils.

A 2 oz jar is $10 on etsy

You can receive a 10% discount for your readers with the following code: SCENT10 (put it in the comments section on the Etsy purchase page, and you’ll be refunded the 10% right away). Good through July 15, 2010.

Posted by ~Trish

Disclosure: Samples from Florere and Soapwalla were provided for this review. The opinions in this review are my own. I was not financially compensated for this review or any other.

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Trance Essence Nectar Bath & Body

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I love smoothing body oils on my skin after I get out of the shower. The way they lock in moisture and subtly scent my skin starts my day with a positive outlook and at night, guides me to sleep. When body oils are made with all natural moisturizers, I love them even more. Add a beautiful scent derived from organic and wild crafted essential oils and absolutes, then I’m smitten.

Trance Essence has launched their Nectar Bath & Body collection which features body oils that satisfy my above preferences. Rose hip, evening primrose, jojoba, macadamia, and sweet almond oils are the nourishing hydrators in the Nectar Body Oils, each one with a distinct and lovely aroma.

Prayer Nectar Body Oil was the first of the four that I sampled, and I was instantly intrigued. Prayer has a soothing presence and all I wanted to do was apply this oil to my face so I could feel its comfort, intensely. Wildcrafted frankincense, organic Bulgarian lavender and organic rose geranium are the essences that bring Prayer to life, which to be honest, was surprising. Rose geranium oftentimes overwhelms me and can be too tenacious. Prayer’s rose geranium by contrast, is very wearable as its citrusy aspect gives it a bergamot-esque liveliness which is simultaneously balanced nicely by the grounding quality of frankincense. Frankincense and lavender work well together in Prayer as lavender heightens the woodiness of frankincense and frankincense accentuates lavender’s herbaceous aroma. As the rose geranium and lavender bid a leisurely farewell, frankincense remains steadfast with its incenselike essence and a remarkable creaminess that appears in the drydown. Perfect for an oil called Prayer.

Gabrielle is my undisputed favorite of the four Nectar Body Oils as rosewood (sustainably harvested), Bulgarian rose absolute, pine absolute and jasmine grandiflorum are among notes that I prize. Jasmine is at the core of Gabrielle, giving it a juicy sweet richness that is supported by woods and rose. Orange blossom is not listed in the ingredients, but its note seems to shine through Gabrielle’s drydown. How I love to be enveloped in bright citrusy florals!

Amma is a soft floral that reminds me of the perfect scent for a summer wedding. It’s light and girly and you’d be hard pressed to find someone averse to having the seat next to you. Rose, tuberose and linden blossom absolutes flaunt their flowery vitality, but I find it to be the least complex of the four Nectar Body Oils. It’s the most linear of the bunch, which isn’t necessarily a negative, but when compared against the others, Gabrielle and Prayer specifically, I am drawn to their more sophisticated nuances.

Ripe is scented with neroli absolute (orange blossom absolute), sandalwood and mimosa. Mimosa can turn sharp on my skin, therefore it is not one of my preferred notes. I enjoy mimosa more when it is blended lightly with many other botanicals, but it stands out too much for my liking in the top and middle of Ripe. Upon the drydown though, mimosa settles, becoming less high pitched and more honeyed. This mellowed sweetness melds fluidly with neroli and sandalwood, so hurray! the lovely drydown redeems Ripe in the end.


Leave a comment and you’ll be entered to win a bottle of Prayer Body Oil (gently used by me for the review) Another winner will receive samples of Gabrielle, Ripe and Amma. Extra entries if you follow Scent Hive on Bloglovin, Twitter, Google Friend Connect, Facebook’s Networked Blogs, or subscribe to Scent Hive. Please let me know in your comment what you did so you get the entries you deserve! Drawing will close Sunday June 20th at 3pm PST. Drawing closed, we have our winners.

UPDATE: Janna has offered up a Gabrielle Body Oil and a Gabrielle Bath Salt as well! More chances to win…woo hoo!

Janna Sheehan, creator of Trance Essence, makes perfumes as well. While her Nectar Bath & Body line are 100% natural, the perfumes are 75% natural. The other 25% is made up of perfume oils which contain synthetic aromachemicals.

Trance Essence Bath & Body is available at BeautyHabit. $46 for a 2oz bottle.


Posted by ~Trish

Disclosure: Samples from Trance Essence were provided for this review. The opinions in this review are my own. I was not financially compensated for this review or any other.

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Chocolate Sun. All Natural Sunscreen for Face and Body

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I’m always on the look-out for natural sunscreens. Specifically, one for the body that smells nice, leaves no white cast, and is also efficacious. Well, I’ve discovered a terrific body sunscreen by Chocolate Sun that meets all three criteria. Aloe Vera, sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, and shea butter are the nourishing and hydrating ingredients in Chocolate Sun’s Shea Sunscreen for Body SPF30and titanium dioxide provides the protection. 82% of the ingredients are organic and all of the ingredients are natural. Sunscreen for Body smells nothing like chocolate as the name suggests, as it’s scent is a light and pretty citrus aroma, compliments of sweet orange oil.

Chocolate Sun’s Marigold Sunscreen for Face SPF 30 is virtually unscented, which I prefer in my facial moisturizers. Like the Sunscreen for Body, it contains aloe vera gel, sweet almond oil and titanium dioxide with the added ingredients of calendula (marigold extract) and white tea for their respective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 90% of the ingredients are certified organic. This facial sunscreen provides excellent hydration and would work on most skin types. Thankfully, it leaves no white cast and mixes well with tinted moisturizers. My favorite way to wear the Marigold Sunscreen for Face is with a pump of Dr. Hauschka Translucent Bronze Concentrate. I warm the two together in my hands before applying, and it evens my skin tone while also creating a natural, glowy look.

As you can see pictured above, Chocolate Sun also makes self-tanners derived from all natural ingredients. I want to give it a few more weeks before I review the Cocoa Illume For Face and the Cocoa Glow Sunless Tanning Cream, but the early findings are very positive. (see link for the review….it’s in!)


Chocolate Sun is available at SpiritBeautyLounge. Sunscreen for Body is $30 for 8oz, Marigold Sunscreen for Face is $28 for 4oz.

Posted by ~Trish

Disclosure: Chocolate Sun Sunscreen for Body was purchased by me, a sample of the Marigold Sunscreen for face was provided for this review by SpiritBeautyLounge. The opinions in this review are my own. I was not financially compensated for this review or any other.

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Ava Anderson Sugar Lip Scrub

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First, apologies for the dearth of posts this past week. I have been busier than usual at work, and I was also preparing for a dance performance that happened last night. The excitement and busy-ness have settled for a moment, so I find myself  this Saturday morning with a little time to ponder life’s pressing issues, like….Do I need a lip exfoliator?


Funny I should ask myself that question, because I never thought I did, until I used one. Ava Anderson’s Sugar Lip Scrub is a treat to use. It smells minty fresh, tastes like sugar (no big shock given the name) and is an effective but gentle exfloliator. The ingredient list (Shea Butter, Pistacia Vera Seed Oil, Sucrose, Menthol Crystal, Spearmint Leaf Oil) is simple and all natural. So much so that I could probably make this at home myself. But in reality I know that’s not gonna happen and I probably would never achieve the perfect texture of Ava’s Lip Scrub.


So is this little pot of joy a necessary step in one’s skin care? For me, probably not a necessity, but something I appreciate having in my armamentarium. I have been wearing lipstick more frequently and this certainly helps remove dry skin flakiness to create a smoother look. So give it a try if you are a lip exfoliator fan or if even if you’re just a little intrigued by a balm that makes your lips smooth, hydrated and a little more pout-worthy.


Ava Anderson Sugar Lip Scrub (as well as her all natural skincare line) is available at Ava Anderson Non-Toxic for $12.95.

Other review of Ava Anderson at Palacinka Beauty and Beauty Banter.

Photograph: Secret by ellemoss at etsy.com
Disclosure: The sample of Sugar Lip Scrub was sent to me by Ava Anderson PR. The opinons in this review are my own. I was not financially compensated for this review or any other.

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Jurlique Jasmine Body Care Lotion

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What better place to give Jurlique’s new Jasmine Body Care Lotion a try than Kauai? I just have a little pouchette sample, so I’ve had to use it sparingly during my vacation to get a sense of it over several days. Having a limited supply of the Jasmine Body Lotion has proven that you don’t need very much on your skin to 1) moisturize effectively and 2) provide a gorgeous jasmine scent that lasts for hours.


I’ve been using just a nickel sized dollop of this lightweight lotion which thoroughly hydrates my hands and upper arms. It’s not thick or greasy and absorbs immediately. And the scent is pure dewy jasmine lusciousness. Jurlique’s Jasmine gives an indolic first impression which melds perfectly with my current humid, tropical jungle surroundings of the North Shore in Kauai. After 10-15 minutes though, it turns more clean and slighty soapy. But not in an old school guest-soap way, it’s more of a fresh “just after the rain” feeling.


Jurlique’s Jasmine Body Care Lotion is a harmonious meeting of the minds. It’s as rich and lush and intoxicating as any jasmine lover would want their beloved night blooming flower to be, but tame enough for those who prefer a more clean encounter in their fragrance.


I am not sure how available Jurlique’s new jasmine line is in stores, but the lotion is available at Jurlique.com for $38 for 300mls (10 oz).

Posted by ~Trish

Disclosure: I received my sample with my recent SpiritBeautyLounge order. You can see a picture of that order here. The opinons in this review are my own. I was not financially compensated for this review or any other.


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Gorgeous Eyes by 100% Pure

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People who know me might not realize that I am a makeup junkie as I keep my look pretty minimal and natural. But step into my bathroom and start opening drawers, and you’ll find the evidence of my habit. Nowadays you’ll discover natural makeup there, but in the past I have worn many, many brands, including drug store finds and high end department store splurges so I know what works, for me at least. At times I hanker for a cosmetics shopping excursion to Nordstrom’s, because let’s be honest, going to Whole Foods to play at the Dr. Hauschka display isn’t quite the same. Lucky for you Bay Area readers who can have the best of both worlds at the 100% Pure Boutique.


Even though going to the 100% Pure Boutique in Berkeley might not be as sexy as a trip to the Chanel counter, I did find it equally as enticing.  The shop is light-filled and friendly and all of the make-up is displayed in the back, my danger zone! Their makeup is on par with anything I have ever used, with one salient difference, their ingredients are 100% pure and natural. And there’s no greenwashing here. 100% Pure does not use synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, or harsh detergents. Additionally, all of their products are biodegradable, vegan, and cruelty free. Susie Wang, the founder of 100% Pure, has a statement on their website regarding their charitable giving which is concentrated on improving the lives of needy animals.


After my visit this past December, I walked out of their boutique with a gel eyeliner in Shimmery Chocolate (see pic at left, it’s the one at the bottom). Their gel eyeliners come in a glass pot with a black cap, similar to Bobbi Brown’s. But unlike Bobbi Brown’s eyeliner (or Stila for that matter), 100% Pure’s is much easier to apply.

It goes on smoothly and does not smudge. It’s also easier to build the color so I can control the intensity with greater ease than others I have tried and it does not take repeated attempts at washing your eyeliner brush to get it clean. (I simply wipe it off with a tissue and it’s good to go). Shimmery Chocolate is a beautiful deep brown with subtle shimmer. I have since acquired Blackberry and Silver Star and both are just as pretty as Shimmery Chocolate. Blackberry is a gorgeous deep purple that gives a more dramatic eye and Silver Star is a charcoal gray with a silvery luminosity that is buildable like Shimmery Chocolate, making it effortless to play with your look.




I am also in love with 100% Pure’s pressed eyeshadows. Their colors are mostly neutrals, tastefully shimmery and have a smooth and creamy texture. I only have personal experience with the three that I own, Vanilla Sugar, St. Tropez and Cocoa Plum. Vanilla Sugar is perfect for a fleshy champagne wash. Anything more than that, and it tends to get a little chalky. But a once over with Vanilla Sugar lasted the day which is impressive as my lids make everything crease! St. Tropez is a taupey bronze that is beautiful on the lower lash line for a flash of subtle color. And Cocoa Plum is the eyeshadow I have been waiting for, an easy to wear and easy to apply, deep burgundy-chocolate. In the above photo (it’s on the right) Cocoa Plum appears more plummy than it actually is, it definitely leans more cocoa. Cocoa Plum is practically a dupe for Stila’s Twig which I love but have always found hard to manage. Cocoa Plum, like the Shimmery Chocolate eyeliner, is very versatile and easily layered. These three colors make my brown eyes stand out with a natural, cocoa glow.


Whatever look you are going for, I cannot recommend 100% Pure’s Mascara highly enough. Their Black Tea is especially exceptional. It gives length like no other mascara I have used. Dr. Haushka’s Volume Mascara gives a little more volume, but if you apply a few coats, you’ll have amazingly dark, long, full lashes. They have improved upon their brush which grips the lashes snugly and doesn’t make a mess when putting the wand in the tube or taking it out. The tube itself is silver with a white floral design that is both elegant and playful. It’s pictured above in my first photo.


100% Pure is carried at some Bath and Body Works, which is fun for testing and checking everything out. But if you want to go for it and order from their website, they have a 30 day return policy. And rest assured, opening up a box of 100% Pure goodies is as pleasurable as an afternoon at Nords.

100% Pure gel eyeliners are $18, pressed eyeshadows are $15 and full-size mascaras are $21. I got my goods from their website and boutique.


Posted by ~Trish. Photos are my own.

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Head to Toe in Almond Deliciousness

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I‘m finding almond to be a seasonless comfort fragrance. As long as the scent is not too powdery, a hint of fresh almond can feel refreshing in the summer, and on a winter night it’s equally soothing and cozy. My most recent almond discovery has been Dr. Bronner’s Almond Liquid Soap, probably the biggest bargain I’ve written about yet! A tiny squirt on my shower scrunchie brings forth glorious suds and a delicious almond aroma. The scent is pure almond. There’s no hint of cherry, no powder or added vanilla, and it’s luscious. The 16 oz. bottle I purchased is going to last me many months. I also put a 50:50 ratio of the Almond Liquid Soap to water in my foam dispenser at the sink, which gives me another opportunity to enjoy its lovely almond lather.

Another gorgeous straight-up almond scent comes from 100% Pure. Their Honey Almond Body Scrub andBody Cream are must-haves for any self-respecting almond lover. Organic apricot oil, organic rosehip oil, and vitamin E give the body scrub a base of moisturizers that are so hydrating, no further moisturizing is needed once you’re out of the shower. As you smooth the scrub over your skin, the exfoliating granules dissolve without rinsing, and your skin is left with the perfect amount of oil. If you gently pat yourself dry and then rub the oil and any remaining water into your skin, you’ll feel thoroughly moisturized. As for the scent, it’s softer than Dr. Bronner’s, but it’s not a fussy almond fragrance despite the long list of fruit and herbal extracts labeled on the jar.


I adore 100% Pure’s Honey Almond Body Cream so much that it’s become a staple. To be honest, it was this cream that turned me into a crazed almond addict. About two years ago, I purchased my first bottle of 100% Pure’s Body Cream, and chose this one because its scent didn’t last as long as the others’ and I typically prefer that my lotions don’t compete with my perfume. But over time, the almond scent lured me in and I began to crave it, wishing the scent would last longer into the day. Where do you think this has lead me? You guessed it, the search for the perfect almond perfume.

I have come awfully close to finding it in Sexy Angelic by Honoré des Prés. I reviewed it this past summer around the time this line of organic perfumes launched. The big complaint with most of the Honoré des Prés perfumes is that they are far too ephemeral, and I agree. Sexy Angelic is short-lived and I remarked in my review that its lasting power was in the 1-2 hour range and that if I were to become the owner of a full bottle I’d be spraying it with wanton abandon before getting dressed. I’d like to amend my statement. I am now the owner of a full bottle (thanks to the November discount Beautyhabit.comwas running), and I have found it far more effective to spray Sexy Angelic with wanton abandon while clothed. Winter clothes to be more precise. Turtlenecks and scarves hold the scent much better than skin and allow me to smell the licorice and honey coated almonds until midday.


And where I found Sexy Angelic revitalizing and fresh this past summer, I am finding it tender and sweet this winter. It’s got a light touch, and in this season where things seem to be overdone and overblown, it’s delightful to be subtly nuzzled and caressed. Sexy Angelic is a gourmand with licorice (from angelica seeds) and almond featured prominently in the notes. Yet, Olivia Giacobetti, creator of Sexy Angelic, has rendered this fragrance with a subtle hand. She offers a lighthearted, yet cozy and sophisticated gourmand fragrance to those of us seeking respite from the onslaught of ordinary confections.


Please note: The above products are all-natural and do not contain artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, phthalates, or parabens.



Dr. Bronner’s Almond Liquid Soap $8.50 for 16 oz at SaffronRouge.com

100% Pure Honey Almond Scrub $22 for 13 oz jar at SkinBotanica.com

100% Pure Honey Almond Body Cream $14 for 8 oz bottle at SkinBotanica.com

Sexy Angelic $145 for 1.7oz at Beautyhabit.com


Posted by ~Trish

Almonds by blackleafstudio at etsy.com

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Pangea Organics for some heavenly suds.

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You may have read back in May, that Oracle Organics Body Wash is my favorite way to suds up sans bar in the shower. There’s a tiny glitch though, my supply is depleted and Oracle Organics is on maternity leave. Which leaves me to my second favorite body wash, of which there are actually two: Weleda’s Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash which I have already spoken of, and Pangea Organic’s Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom Wash.


I had forgotten how much I love Pangea’s Lavender Wash! The beautiful, luxurious suds that this wash creates are astounding. No puff is needed to achieve this lather, but of course feel free to use one. The scent is lovely as well. It’s a light lavender, with a hint of blood orange. I’ve never noticed any cardamom as the name suggests, and I’m on my second bottle.


I’ve tried a sample of the Canadian Pine with White Sage and it certainly lives up to its name. It’s all about the pine and sage, and lots of it! If you like forest hikes that are balsamy, piney, sagey, and green, with loads of fresh air, go for this one. You’ll be enveloped in a sudsy woodland, right in your own shower. Quite apropos for the rapidly approaching wintry holidays.


If bar soaps are your preference, which I have to admit I’ve become partial to lately, Pangea’s are not to be missed. Like the washes, theses dense bars pack some serious suds-action. I’ve tried two, Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom and the Indian Green Tea with Mint and Rose Petals. To be honest, I can’t tell you much about either scent. They both became a variation on a subtle rosemary theme, but what stood out was the exceptionally silky lather. I bought them when they were on sale at Whole Foods a few months ago, so keep your eye out for those specials!


I appreciate the full disclosure on the packaging that there are no petroleum-based ingredients, sulfates or detergents, synthetic preservatives, artificial colors or fragrances, or GMO’s. In addition, all of their products are handcrafted, organic and fair traded, and cruelty-free.

And PS: Happy Thanksgiving to you, your friends, and family!


Pangea Body Washes are $16 and available at Whole Foods and Pangea’s Website.

Pangea Bar Soaps are $8 and available at Whole Foods and Pangea’s Website.


Posted by ~Trish

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Jackson Sage Botanical Skin Care. Fabulous Gift Ideas.

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Jackson Sage

I love picking out perfume for gift giving, especially for a loved one. But it’s not always appropriate or particularly easy, so beautiful soaps, especially ones that are handmade from all natural ingredients have become my go-to gift as of late. Jackson Sage soaps fulfill these requirements and they are exceptional from their presentation to their performance, and are 100% botanical.


As you can see from the above photo, it would be a joy to give or receive one (or two, or three) of these lovely gems. Before I get to reviewing the smells and the suds, I’d like to draw your attention to the gorgeous paper in which these bars are delicately wrapped. They are all handmade, and some hand-printed, and all selected by Jackson Sage manager, Erika Holden, to complement each soap’s scent. The Yum Soap’s paper is sturdy and aubergine in color with pink graphic Japanese-style flowers that appear to be painted on its surface. Rhassoul and Lavender Soap has a softer dusty rose paper with delicate gold butterflies flitting around. These are just two examples of course, and I can’t bear to throw the decorative encasings away even though the bars are mere slivers in my shower.

So how’s a bar of Yum Soap supposed to smell? I was hoping for yummy of course, and I had very high expectations due to the description: white and dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and peppermint. Sounds like it should smell like one of my all time favorite treats, a Peppermint Pattie doesn’t it? It did and it was fabulous. I loved every chocolate-minty minute with my Yum Soap. From the moment I opened the box and saw the charming paper to the last sudsy lather, the yumminess did not disappoint. This particular bar would make a superb holiday gift for pretty much anyone on your list.

My second place favorites go to Rhassoul and Lavender Soap and Reflection Soap. The Rhassoul and Lavender Soap is dense and feels weighty in your hand. The rhassoul clay is a detoxifier which is balanced by the moisturizing effects of shea butter. The lavender scent is mild, but the suds are plentiful. For a daily body soap, this would be my pick. The bar of Reflection Soap is like a piece of art. Broad dark brown bands run across the soap and it’s intriguing to look at, like holding a mini-Robert Motherwell in your hand. Looking at the ingredients, it must be the castor oil that gives the dark stripes their color. Reflection also has a subtle lavender scent with an added touch of rosemary and milled grape seeds for exfoliation. It too creates a gorgeous lather like the others and the exfoliating action was a pleasant surprise for me, but might not be for everyone.


The last bar I tried was Island Escape. While this bar of soap ranks high among my overall soap experiences, of the four Jackson Sage soaps, this came in 3rd place since there was a tie for 2nd. The essential oils are listed as patchouli, ylang ylang, and sweet orange. To be blunt, ylang and sweet orange could not compete with patchouli. I’m not saying they were strong-armed by Ms. Patch, as Island Escape is a very nicely mannered patchouli-scented soap, but there’s not so much of the aforementioned essential oils. So if you love yourself some patchouli in the shower, put this in your shopping cart.


Jackson Sage SalveAs for those dry hands you might have, check out the nurturing ingredients that await you in Jackson Sage’s Soften Up Salve: Calendula Oil, St. John’s Wort Oil, Plantain Oil, Beeswax, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Lecithin (Soy Based), Seabuckthorn Berry Oil, Vitamin E, and Rosemary Oil Extract. I’ve been using it on my hands at night when they feel exceptionally dry, and if my boys were still in diapers, I’d be using it on their bottoms as well. My rough elbows will soon feel the comforting effects of Soften Up Salve and the next time I have a scar that needs healing, on it goes. This salve has a grassy, haylike scent that is also rich with a bitter cocoa-like quality. I find it compelling and warm. It melts into the skin after a few minutes, so even though I use it at night, I would never hesitate to apply it during the day before leaving the house. This too would make a nice gift for the holidays as most people are in need of a soothing balm this time of year.


In the interest of keeping this post a reasonable length, I’ll briefly mention the Recovery Cream which is a lovely (and effective) shea butter based, all-purpose cream. It’s thick in texture and rapidly absorbing. You can read more about it here and check out the five different scent offerings. I sampled the lavender and adored its light, refreshing fragrance.


Right now is a great time to explore the Jackson Sage line, as they have been kind enough to extend a Buy-One-Get-One-Free for Scent Hive readers! Simply put in the promotion code “ScentHive1009″  in the comments at check-out and you will get a second product for free.  This offer will be good until Friday November 13th.


Also, leave a comment and you will be entered for a giveaway to win a Soften Up Salve.

Extra entries:

-subscribe to Scent Hive’s email (See right hand column. If you already subscribe, please mention it in your comment).

-follow Scent Hive on Twitter

-follow Jackson Sage on Twitter, Facebook or sign up for their emails.

Please let me know in your comment if you did one of the extras. Thanks! You have until Wednesday November 4th at 9pm PST to enter. We have our winner!


Posted by ~Trish

Disclosure: Samples from the company’s PR agency were provided for this review. The opinons in this review are my own. I was not financially compensated for this review or any other.

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DIY Lavender Milk Bath: Alyssa’s Guest Post

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Before we get to Alyssa’s lovely post below, let me announce the winners of the Love Etc. giveaways. Lauren won the new set that will be sent by the The Body Shop, and Vicuna1 won the “tester” set that will be sent by me. Congrats!


Alyssa’s DIY Lavender Milk Bath

Lavender Milk Bath

A warm bath is one of my favorite pampering rituals, lovely scented candles casting a soft glow and maybe a little music. The perfect bathing experience wouldn’t be complete without something special added into the bath water to benefit body and soul. That is why Lavender Milk Bath is my preferred handmade bath indulgence. Here is what you’ll need:


· 1 1/2 cup of Epsom salt
· 1/2 baking soda
· 1/2 cup of whole fat powdered goats milk
· 15-25 drops of lavender essential oil
· 1/4 cup sweet almond oil


Mix all ingredients together. If you would like, into the mix you can also add a tablespoon of lavender buds. While lavender flowers are pretty in the water they can be a lot to clean up. This recipe makes a decent amount of product, lasting for many baths. Add in about 2-3 tablespoons per bath.

Smells fantastic and will leave skin soft and moisturized!


~Recipe, post and photo by Alyssa. Alyssa is studying physical therapy and working towards her medical esthetician license. Her dream is to work in a health and medical spa that offers only organic and natural treatments for the skin. She has been a member of MakeupAlley.com since 2006. You can find her other Scent Hive DIY recipe here.

~posted by Trish

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