RAVE & REVIEW: Moroccan Oil Hydrating Cream & C. Booth Apricot Oil Lotion

While we really don't get a true winter her in CA, this time of the year does terrible, terrible things to my skin! And since I've had my child, my skin just seems to laugh at most lotions and oils that I apply... it's getting to be a little embarrassing lol I mean, within 10-15 minutes of moisturizing after a shower my skin looks like it's never even heard of lotion before... very sad. But I just so happened to be browsing the aisles at my local Rite Aid and found the last C.Booth's Firming Apricot Oil Lotion on the shelf and quickly snapped it up. Why, you ask? Not because I'd heard great reviews, because I hadn't. And not because it was some sort of sale, because it wasn't. I simply love the brand, as I use the Green Apple Microderm Scrub to exfoliate, and figured since that works so well (and there was only ONE left) I might as well give it a go. And a pat on the back to me for this purchase, because it is my salvation!!! No matter when or how I apply this lotion, is sinks into my skin, leaving it smooth & supple. I can't really attest to the "firming" capabilities of this product since I don't really need it yet, but I can say the light citrus fragrance is soooooooooooo delicious! It's not greasy at all, and for around $6, I WILL be going back to stock up on bottles, since this is the only thing that has been able to combat this dry winter skin of mine.

I also was on the prowl to find a moisturizing, yet fairly natural product to use on my child's hair for styling purposes, and I was directed by a saleswoman at Planet Beauty to Moroccan Oil's Hydrating Styling Cream. Even though I was reluctant to pick up a $32 hair product for a 6 month old, I broke down and bought it... since nothing is too much for my baby ;-) And I LOVE IT!!! First, it smells AMAZING! It has such a clean hair smell to it, and it truly is moisturizing, without feeling heavy or greasy on the hair. I've even begun using it on my hair daily to style and lay down any flyaways.  This is a MUST HAVE AT ALL TIMES product as far as I am concerned. I'm still tempted to try Miss Jessies Curly Pudding (for myself), as I've heard it is great for us curly haired folks.

If anyone has tried Miss Jessies or knows of any other products for curly hair (think Alicia Keys), please leave me a comment. I'm always on the hunt for a good hair product.

Cherry Culture Haul SWATCHES!!!!

I've had some time to play with most of the products that I ordered from cherryculture a week or so ago, and I have to say that I am VERY impressed with the pigmentation of the L.A. Colors palettes, especially the SAND CASTLES palette.

The Jordana lipsticks are definitely worth trying out, they offer smooth application, nice pigmentation, and are so moisturizing. They do have that cherry aroma to them, so if you're sensitive to scents you might want to stay away from these, the smell is definitely noticeable. Also, two of the shades I ordered were supposed to be matte, but that was not the case at all... I guess you can say they have a soft shine to them, but they aren't even close to being matte.

On to the swatches! Hope you enjoy!

L.A. Colors Cafe Au Lait Palette

L.A Colors Eye Candy Palette

L.A. Colors Sweet Pleasures Palette

L.A Colors Mineral Blush in Plum & Chai

L.A Colors Mineral PP in Sand

L.A Girl Pro HD concealer in Warm Sand &

L.A Girl Perfecting Liquid Makeup in Honey

Jordana Lipsticks 

 L-R: Coffee Blend (M), Haute Red (M), Cinnamon Spice, Pom-Tini, Hollywood Red, Dessert Wine

Lip Swatch: Cinnamon Spice

 Lip Swatch: Pom-Tini

  

Lip Swatch: Hollywood Red

 Lip Swatch: Dessert Wine

 Lip Swatch: Coffee Blend (matte-ish)

 Lip Swatch: Haute Red

 Jordana Lipsticks

 L-R: Hollywood Red, Pom-tini, Dessert Wine, Cinnamon Spice

  L-R: Hollywood Red, Pom-tini, Dessert Wine, Cinnamon Spice

 L-R: Coffee Blend, Haute Red

L.A Colors Mineral Spa Palette

L.A Colors Sand Castles Palette

 

Hollywood Red and Pom-tini look very similar in the photos but in person, Hollywood Red is truly bright red in color, whereas Pom-tini is a plummy-pink color.

As for the foundation, I like the texture and how it applies, but the color Honey is a bit too light for my face. I can make it work with a darker powder, but I think if these inglot foundations I ordered don't work out I'll try the next 2 shades down.

Out of the entire haul, my favorite items thus far are the Coffee Blend l/s and the PP in Sand.

Have you tried any of the products/ brands above? And FYI, Cherry Culture is currently having a 20% off sale, just use code M20 at checkout. Expires 3/17

Cherry Culture Haul!

 

I remember thinking as a child that lipstick was so old woman-ish. I would watch my grandmother put on her bright pink lipstick, dust on some perfumed talc (which I couldn't help but play in) and set out about her day, and think to myself while trying on her lipstick, what's the big deal? I was in utter dislike for the stuff... the waxy feel on my lips, the smell, the taste, the texture, the blinding brightness lol... no, lipstick was not for me. And that was ok, because other than these Toddlers & Tiaras children, what 6 year old needs to be wearing lipstick?

It's funny now, that in my 20's, I've developed such a LOVE and appreciation for a great tube of lipstick. Maybe it's a way for me to remember and feel closer to my grandma, or maybe it's just an age thing, but I almost feel naked with out it. Honestly, the right shade can brighten my mood and put a little more sway in my hips... It just makes me feel like such a woman LOL I've graduated from flavored Bonne Belle chapsticks and Jordana lipglosses and it's out of control! I mean I rarely can walk into a store without picking up a new shade... it's a sickness ;-)

That being said, here's my most recent haul from cherry culture! I thought the Jordana lipsticks were a nice compromise between 6 year old me and 26 year old me... full on color with glossy shine and that trademark cherry scent! Enjoy!

L.A. Colors Eye Palettes

Jordana Lipsticks in Dessert Pom-Tini, Dessert Wine, Hollywood Red,

Cinnamon Spice, Haute Red (M) & Coffee Blend (M)

L.A.Colors Mineral Blush in Chai & Plum

L.A Girl Pro Concealer in Warm Sand & Foundation in Honey

 

L. A Colors Mineal PP in Sand  free balm in Bubblegum

Check back for the swatch post coming soon!

Rock & Republic Shadow & Powder Swatches

 

I  ordered a few shadows during the last Rock & Republic cosmetic sale, and while I love hautelook, it takes a good week & a half to get the items you order... and I am not a very patient woman either. Anyway, these were my 1st R&R shadows, and I am VERY impressed with the quality and staying power of these bad boys. They are so silky when applied and are pretty true to color, although Tribal had me fooled. I bought it expecting it to be a deep, matte, mud brown, and when I saw it... I thought NO! Not chocolate!!! I was all set and ready to pout until I swatched it and thought, now THIS is what I'm talking about... deep, matte perfection (far right).

 

I also picked up another pressed powder (Angora), bringing my grand total to 3, and I am still loving them. I'd say Angora is a bit dark, probably comparable to MAC's MSF Natural Dark. And these powders are also finely milled and just melt right into your skin, perfect for setting your foundation.

I've heard so many positive reviews about this brand, and I can't wait to pick up a few blushes (now that I've narrowed done my shades). Also, the packaing is SO DAMN CUTE!!! All the items come in very ornate, mirrored compacts that have just enough weight to make you feel very old hollywood glamorous when applying it. And if that wasn't already enough, each compact is then sealed in a it's own "hatbox" with the item name on stickers, which seal it shut. Rock & Republic really put some thought into their presentation and product... I LOVE it!!! Anyways, enough blabbing, picture time! Enjoy!

 

Shadows w/o flash

 

Fade

Tempting

Love Rocks

 

Tribal

Emerge

Emerge, Fade (you can really see the lilac here), Love Rocks, Tempting, Tribal

 

Exhibitionist Pressed Powder in Angora

 

Powder Swatches: Angora, Cashmere, Chenille

 

Angora, Cashmere, Chenille

 

Angora, Cashmere, Chenille

All and all, very happy with my purchases and will be going back for more. Do you own any Rock & Republic cosmetics? I'd love to hear what you have and what you think of them.