LUSH Sex Bomb Bath Bomb

LUSH's Sex Bomb Bath Bomb is one of their most widely debated products. It has some people that can be considered obsessive fans and others who hate every aspect of this product, from the scent to the color that it turns your bath water. This one is the strongest bath bomb that I have ever used and might even be the strongest scented bath product that I have come across so far.

Here is how LUSH bath bombs are meant to be used, "Pop one in a pre-run bath and watch it erupt in a mass of fragrant fizzing, gently scenting the water with natural essential oils. The most popular of all LUSH products, bath bombs were created by Mo Constantine, one of out founders. Often imitated, our bath bombs are still the best, bar none". The product itself is one of their best sellers. Here is the product description from LUSH, "Sex Bomb is the perfect bath bomb for a romantic evening for two, or an indulgent evening for one. Romantic pink water and an incredibly sexy jasmine fragrance set the mood...and once the rice paper rose petals fill your tub, there's no holding back! Let your fantasies run wild as this bath bomb brings out your sensual side".

I am in this camp of loving this bath bomb but since I happen to love the fragrance of jasmine...this is a product that would appeal to me. The scent is the strongest of all the bath bombs that I have used and it does linger in the bathroom well after your bath is over. It turned the water a bright pinkish purple color that I liked but wasn't in love with. I would prefer a lighter pink shade. The strong scent and deep color are usually the two major things that turn people off about this product. This can be helped by only using half of the bomb to lighten the whole bath experience up.

The downsides of this product? The flower that they include in the bomb quickly turns into a soggy mess and looked like a floating jellyfish. I scooped it out almost right I began my bath. Also, this bath bomb has the most clean-up time required of anything that I ever used in the shower. It left my tub with a huge purple ring...and my tub is white! It came out with a Magic Erase but I did have to leave time to take a shower after my bath so I could clean the mess up. Worth the clean up job? I think so.

I fall into the group that is into this bath bomb. It is tied for my favorite along with Big Blue. This product is not one that I will be using very often since it quite strong and I don't want to get burned out on it. But this one will remain as one of my LUSH staples.

photo courtesy of LUSH

New Mascara Number 3 - Diorshow Iconic

Diorshow Iconic is considered to be one of the top picks of the mascaras that have come out within the past year time frame. Everyone that I know that has been able to try it has raved about how much they love it. From the formula to the innovative brush design, so many people have something positive to say about this mascara. I had used the original Diorshow and while I liked it a lot, it wasn't my top choice for mascaras. However, I have heard from several sources that the new Iconic formula is even better than the original, I decided that I would give it a try.

So why is this mascara so unique and fabulous? I went right to the Dior website to try and get some insight on the product. Here is how they describe the mascara, "Introducing Diorshow Iconic High Definition Lash Curler Mascara. Now, give your lashes fascinating, high-definition curves. The new fashion icon-inspired mascara and Dior's couture tradition. The secret weapon behind the most alluring eye looks created backstage for Dior's fashion shows and celebrity red carpet events. Imagine your lashes - in high definition. Thicker, curvier, sexier than you have ever seen them before. A revolutionary mascara with a with revolutionary trademarked Oblique Brush - the better to create curves on curves - first introduced by designer Christian Dior and celebrated by John Galliano. As iconic as the models and movie stars who love it. Diorshow Iconic mascara is the latest in Dior's dazzling range of mascaras for every lash look in the book".

My verdict? It is to die for, I am totally smiten with it! The formula is top quality and makes my lashes thick and curly without clumping or smuding. It lasts all day without flaking and if I don't wash it off at night, it is still going strong in the morning. I have the black shade which is true inky black. The brush took me a bit off guard the first time that I used it but it quickly became one of my favorite aspects of this mascara. I have a semi-hard time describing it but it appears as though it has lines that curve around the head of the brush (the provide picture is much better than my definition). The brush is covered in long, skinny teeth so it can grab every lash and gives maximum curling effect. It defines lashes really easily and it appears that is helps to fan them out. If this is the future of mascara, then I am totally on board! Also, the tube is silver and just looks expensive and stylish.

Only one complaint, this is not the easiest mascara to remove. Even after throughly cleansing, i often have black streaks under my eyes and running down my cheeks.

The verdict - This is one amazing mascara, it has even knocked my coveted Benefit BadGal out of my number one mascara spot.

photo courtesy of Dior

YSL Summer 2009 Collection

Reviewing these collections for summer is turning out to just be variations on a theme. YSL continues right on with the theme of bronze skin and bright blue eye shadow. I don't know about anyone else, but I am beginning to think that there is nothing new in any of these collections. The other day at Sephora, the whole store was done in mermaid blues and bronzers were out all over the place. Maybe I wouldn't be as bitter if I could actually use the pretty blue eye shadows without looking clownish. I think that many of them are really beautiful but they just 100% are not working with my blue eyes. Oh well...

The description of the collection from the YSL website, "This season, the Yves Saint Laurent woman in the mesmerizing beauty and exoticism of Africa. With warm and radiant contrasting colours, she is bold and beautiful and extremely glamorous".

Here is the collection...

Touche Eclat Radiant Touch - Instant highlighter. The best selling must-have, take-anywhere pen brush for adding a touch of light or banishing shadows and signs of fatique from the eye area, the hollow of the chin, the contour of the lips, and the sides of the nose. All skin types.

- #3 Light Peach - golden medium tan

Tresor d'Afrique Collector Sun Powder - Resembling fabulous costume jewelry, the Limited Edition Tresor d'Afrique Collector Sun Powder houses a large pressed bronzer with golden shimmer, to give you a healthy glow. Its silky and protective texture ensures it will last through the day and the Poudre de Soleil N. 2 Golden Sun shade offers an even and luminous tan with only a few brush strokes. Sure to be the star product of the summer.

Tresor d'Afrique Collector 5 Colour Palette for the Eyes - Inspired by the African universe of vivid colors, this summer's must-have Limited Edition Tresor d'Afrique Collector Palette for the Eyes is filled with five radiant and easy-to-wear shades to give you a luminous look. Palette contains five shades: ivory, to be used as a base; turquoise, plum, and navy blue for definition, and toffee to brighten the arch area and bring warmth and contrast to the eyes.

Everlong Waterproof Lengthening Waterproof Mascara - A double innovation for a double lengthening effect; immediate and long-lasting. This performance is due to association of a new generation brush with an exclusive complex - the LASH GROWTH BOOSTER - which favors lash growth.

- #1 Ever Peacock Blue - bright aqua blue

Rogue Pure Shine Sheer Lipstick SPF 15 - This shiny lipstick with exceptional gliding properties illuminates the lips with sparkling, transparent colours. The exclusive long golden cap opens in a "click" to reveal a delightful, hydrating texture that reshapes the lips while ensuring comfort and protection.

- #32 Frozen Mango - bright coral

- #33 Wild Blackberry - deep berry

I saw this collection the other day when I was visiting Sephora and let me tell you that it is stunning. There is simply no other word for it, I spied it from across the room and it stopped me dead in my tracks. The first item that I saw was the bronzer, the compact is amazing and it is the size of a small diner place. I don't know if I could ever use up that much bronzer in one summer since I am still on one that I bought two years ago. The eye shadow palette is also amazing. It is by far the most beautiful of the ones that have been released so far this summer. Neither of the lipstick testers were available to see so I guess both colors are totally sold out there. The Mango shade is sold out on the YSL website already too.

This may be a summer of inimitators but YSL leads the pack with this divine collection.

photo courtesy of YSL

Bobbi Brown Summer 2009 Collection - The Nautical Collection

Bobbi Brown has just released the Nautical Collection for this summer. I don't know about everyone else but I have a great weakness for all things nautical from boats to dreaming about vacations in the Kennedy compound in Martha's Vineyard. This weakness of mine is very Charlotte (indeed she is now the first person that I think of when seeing preppy guys and Hamptons houses). This won't be a collection for the "rockstar" in me that is really trying to get out but I think that I will be stopping by the local Bobbi Brown counter for some summery nautical flair. Bobbi describes this collection as "sheer, wearable and look good on everyone". This entry will be divided into two part - part one will be a discussion on the new products that have been brought out just for this collection and part two will be the current products in her line that are needed to create the look.

Time to dive in...

Sheer Color Gloss - Our newest gloss formula is super sheer and super wearable. the see-through finish makes it easy for any woman to wear the season's punchy shades. Limited Edition.

- Cabana Coral - pink coral tint

- Popsicle - light pink tint

- Marina Pink - cherry pink tint

- Sailor - rosy pink tint

Sheer Color Cheek Tint - Bobbi's new Sheer Color Cheek Tint gives cheeks a sheer tint of natural-looking color. The translucent, lightweight formula glides on and blends evenly onto skin. Comes in a swivel-up stick for portability, convenient, and easy application.
- Sheer Blackberry - deep berry tint

- Sheer Coral - bright warm pink tint with golden shimmer

- Sheer Lilac - light pink tint

- Sheer Mauve - pink mauve tint

- Sheer Pink - pink tint

- Sheer Raspberry - deep rose tint

Perfectly Defined Mascara - Perfectly Defined Mascara makes the most of every lash. In one easy sweep, this ingenious mascara lengthens, separates, and curls lashes for perfect definition. The secret? A unique multi-comb brush and equally innovative formula, working together to enhance each and every lash. This flexible, all-day wear formula resists flaking, doesn't smudge, and stays in place all day. Pair with your favorite shade of Bobbi's Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner and Creamy Eye Shadow for eyes that stay put all day long. Best of all, it removes easily with warm water.

- Black - black

Those are the new products. Now we will look at what current products are used to create the new look.

Eye Shadow - Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow is available in a range of shades for lids, lining eyes, and defining brows. This silky, matte formula glides on smoothly and blends easily. Comes in this sleek, flip-top compact that can be used individually or assembled into palettes.

- Navy - deep navy blue

Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner - Our popular long-wearing eye liner offers the precision of a liquid liner and the ease of a gel-based formula.

- Graphite Shimmer Ink - dark grey

- Indigo Ink - navy blue

Well I am not going to do the whole look, if I had brown eyes then it be might a bit different. I really love the new cream blushes, I haven't been this excited over a product since A Rose Romance. I will be getting Sheer Coral, Sheer Lilac, Sheer Pink, and Sheer Mauve. I am also really excited for the Marina Pink, Popsicle, and Sailor glosses. I wouldn't mind trying the new mascara but that will have to added to the mascara list and therefore I might not get to it until the end of summer or the beginning of fall. Overall, this is a great new collection with universal appeal.

photo courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Lippmann Collection Summer 2009 Shades

For this summer, Lippmann Collection has released two new shades. I am still rather in love with the Purple Rain shade that she released several months ago for the Zac Posen show so I have some pretty high hopes for this collection. The new offerings for the summer season consist of two new shades, both of which are more on the bright side.

The first shade is called It's Raining Men after the timeless song from the 1980s. The name of this color drew me toward it right away, this might be one of the best named polishes that she has ever come up with. The color is described by the company as being a "timeless Parisian red". It is true red with blue undertones and is a cream finish with no detectable shimmer in the formula.

The other shade is called Call Me Irresponsible. I haven't heard any songs with this name that I can remeber so I can't really comment on the provence of the name for this one. This color is described as being a "vivacious violet" and is also a cream finish. This color is bright violet with what appears as large amount of blue based undertones in the color.

Well, I really like both shades in this collection which is kinda surprising! It's Raining Men is the best name ever but I think that the color will be a great addition to my polish wardrobe. Actually both shades would be great additions since I don't own any other shades like these. I am happy that Lippmann did not follow in the neon bandwagon that we have been seeing so far for nails this spring and summer. These two shades prove that it is possible to still have some color in a manicure without it being completely unprofessional.

photo courtesy of Lippmann Collection

Phyto Phytodefrisant

Quick...what haircare product has recently been introduced into the Allure Beauty Best of Hall of Fame and is touted as one of the most amazing products ever introduced into the market by tons of women?! Fekkai? Jonathan? SLS free products that actually clean hair? Well not quite...it's Phyto's Phytodefrisant, a product that is most likely the most amazing hair straightening balm ever. Now, you may all remember how much I like the Jonathan Silky Dirt. That is my second favorite hair straightener, but Phytodefrisant is the gold standard and Holy Grail for turning my thick curly hair into thick supersleek hair.

This company has been a favorite of mine for quite a while and many people are quite aware of this, especially anyone who has been reading this blog from the beginning. This product belongs to their "anti-frizz" line of products, along with Phytobrush shampoo and Phytolisse smoothing serum (neither of which I have had the opportunity to work with but would love to). This is their philosophy behind controlling frizzy or hard to maintain hair, "Naturally frizzy hair is generally dry and difficult to style. It may even become ultra-day after straightening and heat styling. Highly sensitive to humidity, frizzy hair needs to be relaxed with moisturizing and coating products that will gently smooth the hair fiber while protecting it from breakage. Naturally curly hair will also benefit from these hydrating and shielding properties".

Here is some information on the product itself from the Sephora website (not sure why the Phyto website wouldn't let me see the individual product), "Phytodefrisant is a relaxing balm for all hair types, naturally curly, or permed hair. Ferula, horseradish, and garlic extracts coat and straighten hair without any chemical action. The non-oily formula won't weaken hair. Imparts shine as hair is blow-dried to smooth, straight perfection".

One of my favorite things about this product is the texture. I squeeze a little bit out from the tube into my hands and then I rub my hands together to melt the product. After that, the producty turns into the same consistency as water, so it is very easy to get through hair and evenly coat every strand. It never weighs my hair down but still manages to get it straight and smooth. This product is unique in that it claims to have a cumulative effect on hair, every time that it is used, it becomes easier and easier to straighten hair. I don't quite know of a quantitative measure to judge this but I do know that I used it for two years and I never really saw that much of a change in styling or the time it took. That being said, it still helped me to get much better results than I ever would have without it and it fully deserves its place in the Allure Hall of Fame.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Island Michael Kors Bermuda

Early this spring, Michael Kors released his latest fragrance that joins the popular Island series. I really like the original fragrance of this collection but haven't really been taken with the others in the series. Many of them smell very much alike to me and therefore, never really gave me much of a reason to purchase them when the original serves me just fine.

The latest fragrance is called Island Michael Kors Bermuda. It is housed in pink bottle that is shaped exactly like the others in the collection. Here is the description of the product taken from the Sephora website, "Introducing Island Michael Kors Bermuda - an escape into breezy, floral fragrance bliss. Experience the exotic blend of tropical passion flowers and smooth cedar wood that will transport you to a world of relaxed luxury. Once you get there, you will never want to come back".

The notes - Freesia, Hibiscus, Cassis Buds, Tiare, Peony, Jasmine, Passion Flower, Driftwood, Soft Skin Accord, Cedar.

On initial sniff of this fragrance, I feel that this one is farthest from the original and therefore is the most worth purchasing of all those in the series. Another point in the favor of this fragrance is that it contains mostly floral notes and less of the fruit notes that others in the collection contain. Peony and jasmine continue to top the list of my favorite notes that can be contained in any fragrance. I might not purchase a bottle of this until I finish up my original bottle of Island but so far it is the only member of the collection that I am really looking forward to picking up.

photo courtesy of Sephora