Dior Addict Ultra Gloss in Mirrored 626

Dior recently reformulated their Addict Ultra Glosses ($30; dior.com), with a few new shades added to the range and renaming a few of the existing colors. I picked up Mirrored, a shimmery, peachy bronze and a fabulous nude for medium/dark skin tones. They come in three finishes, shimmer, creme and iridescent. 

Dior’s lipglosses have always been a favorite, texture and consistency wise. The new formula is apparently plumping too, but I don’t feel any tingle or an uncomfortable sensation, which is a good thing. Its a non sticky formula too and like most lip glosses wears a good 2-3 hours on me. The brush applicator is really nice and makes application a breeze, but the short bristles were a tad unevenly cut, which wasn’t the case with the few from the older formula I owned. Mirrored is quite shimmery, but I love it. Its a beautiful golden bronze with a hint of peach that looks great on its own or over a lipstick. There’s a very slight scent to the gloss which doesn’t bother me at all. Overall, one of the nicest, non-sticky, lightweight glosses out there and definitely worth a try!

Still Life In Rio by Olfactive Studio

Still Life In Rio ($194 for 3.4 oz; barneys.com) is Olfactive Studio’s newest launch, a very unique, exotic fragrance with notes of yuzu, ginger, mint, lemon, mandarin, jamaican hot peppers, pink & black pepper, coconut water, rum and accord of white leather. Its a gorgeous summer fragrance that is light, fresh and perfect for a warm, breezy day. The opening is very zesty with a touch of the spiciness from the ginger. The mandarin and mint blend in beautifully, while the coconut comes out when the fragrance settles down a little bit onto the skin. The coconut adds a lot of creaminess to the fragrance and its a very strong note that you just can’t miss. The pepper and leather form the base notes, but they’re very subtle to me, making this a perfect summer fragrance. The longevity is fantastic - I get about 10 hours after which it starts to fade slowly. I love the minimalistic packaging and the fragrance is a very unique composition to try if you are looking for one that you could wear all through the summer!

*Press Sample 

L'Occitane Almond Favorites + Mother's Day Gift Sets

L’Occitane’s Almond/Amande range is one of my favorites for body care. Its a beautifully scented line that is luxurious, rich and very nourishing. Just a quick roundup of my top 3 almond products and a few amazing gift sets for Mother’s Day that are now available online and in stores at L'Occitane Boutiques! 

Almond Milk Concentrate ($50; usa.loccitane.com) is amazing to deliver a moisture boost to your skin. It leaves skin soft and supple and the texture is fantastic - almost whipped in consistency and absorbs instantly. The heavy glass jar packaging is luxurious and beautiful. It smells mostly like the other products from the almond line, maybe a tad less strong, yet delicious. A super comforting treat for the body anytime of the year.

Almond Shower Oil ($255; usa.loccitane.com) is one of my staples. I love it as a body wash and as a shave oil. The scent, texture, consistency, everything is fabulous. Its non-drying and doesn’t really need a lotion afterwards in the summer. Its one I would absolutely recommend trying out from the Almond range.

Almond Supple Skin Oil ($46; usa.loccitane.com) is a dry ,after shower oil formulated with more than 50% Almond Oil. The scent is more of an almond and vanilla mix and the oil is quick to sink in and there’s no greasy residue. The glass bottle has a sprayer for a convenient , no mess application. Its also a lovely one to layer underneath the Almond Milk Concentrate if you have extra dry skin. 

Overall, these three are my top favorites from the Almond line by L'Occitane and I’d highly recommend them. L’Occitane also has these in sets right now, limited edition for Mother’s Day and also a few other sets from the Shea, Verbena and Lavender line!

Shea Butter Collection ($69; usa.loccitane.com) -  Includes Shea Butter Hand Cream, Foot Cream, Extra Gentle Milk Soap, Ultra-Rich Body Cream and Lip Balm.

Lavender Collection ($69. usa.loccitane.com) - Includes Lavender Foaming Bath, Hand Cream, Candle, Perfumed Sachet and Bonne Mere Lavender Soap.

Verbena Collection ($69; usa.loccitane.com) -  Includes Verbena Eau de Toilette, Shower Gel, Body Lotion, Perfumed Sachet and Cooling Hand Cream.

Almond Collection ($75; usa.loccitane.com) - Includes Almond Shower Oil, Milk Concentrate, Delicious Hand Cream and two Delicious Bar Soaps.

Divine Collection ($190; usa.loccitane.com) -Includes Immortelle Precious Cleansing Foam, Divine Cream, Divine Eyes and Divine Lotion.

*Press Samples; Gift Set Images Courtesy L'Occitane.

Currently Loving In My Skincare Routine : Exfoliating Pads

I’m currently loving the convenience and ease of exfoliating pads. They’re ones that I would mostly use in the night, but the quick, one step exfoliation is just so easy even when hard pressed for time. Here’s three that I have on rotation at the moment. 

The Skin Illuminating Retexturizing Pads ($56 for 50 pads; macys.com) is a new launch, part of Elizabeth Arden’s Skin Illuminating line. I absolutely love the texture of these Glycolic Acid based pads and how glowy it leaves my skin feeling. The pads are quilted for exfoliation which is really nice. There’s a very slight tingle after I swipe the pad all over my face, but it is moisturizing enough not to need a moisturizer afterwards. Absolutely love it!

The Magic Pads ($19.95 for 60 pads; amazon.com) is a new to me brand that makes some very gentle exfoliating pads. These pads are softer and feel almost soft like regular cotton pads with toner on. Its one that’d work for all skin types and the 2% Glycolic acid with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E and Aloe Vera takes care of not drying your skin out after exfoliating. 

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads ($15 for 28 pads; $30 for 60 pads; sephora.com) is the most gentle of them all, but its not so gentle as to use it everyday, as the directions say on the box. These have lactic and glycol acid for exfoliation. Its great for use 2-3 times a week, like most exfoliating pads and is a good one to try for sensitive skin. Read a mini review here.

*Press Samples include Elizabeth Arden Skin Illuminating Retuxturizing Pads and The Magic Pads.

Salvatore Ferragamo Emozione Dolce Fiore Eau de Toilette

Emozione Dolce Fiore ($79 for 1.02oz; $99 for 3.1oz; macys.com) is the latest launch from Salvatore Ferragamo, a fruity floral and a more youthful rendition of the original Emozione for spring/summer. The notes include grapefruit, bergamot, white peach, rose, peony, white musk, vanilla and suede. The fragrance is a stronger, more floral version of the original Emozione, and a gorgeous scent to try if you like rose based fragrances. The fresh opening that is mostly bergamot and white peach turns more floral when rose and peony kick in. The fragrance has a powdery base and the florals mix with the musk and vanilla to keep it soft and feminine. The packaging is similar to the original Emozione, only in pink and rose gold. Its a light springtime fragrance that is youthful, fresh and lively. If you like a good fruity floral for this time of the year, this is something you can’t go wrong with.

*Press Sample

CONTEXT Skincare

Context Skin is a new to me brand, that has a small selection of skincare products for a simple, everyday routine. I tried out a couple of products from the line, a Daily Facial Cleanser  ($35; contextskin.com) and a Microderm Regenerator ($35; contextskin.com). The Daily Facial Cleanser is a non-foaming , gentle cleanser for the skin. Its very hydrating, non-drying and is great for dry skin. Its not one I’d recommend for makeup removal, but it is great as a skin cleanser when you don’t have much to cleanse or as a second cleanser. The scent is very comforting and while it may not be something suitable for oily skin, its one to try if you have combination to dry skin. 

The Microderm Regenerator is a facial polish that helps scrub away impurities and dry skin with the help of small non-scratchy physical exfoliating crystals in a gel base. It does foam quite a bit, but isn’t drying and leaves skin feeling super clean. Its not something that would get rid of black and white heads, but if you need a gentle exfoliator that also deep cleanses, try the Microderm Regenerator. Overall, the two products I tried from Context Skin are great gentle cleansers, good for combination to drier skin types and definitely worth looking into!

*Press Samples

Dr Teal's Pure Epsom Salt Eucalyptus and Spearmint Body Lotion and Foaming Bath

Dr Teal’s Eucalyptus and Spearmint is a very affordable line of bath and body care that I recently tried out a couple of products from. The Eucalyptus Spearmint Pure Epsom Salt Body Lotion ($5.99; cvs.com) is a light body lotion with ingredients like Epsom Salt, Shea Butter and Vitamin E. Its great as a light lotion that moisturizes without any residue and sinks in pretty quick. The Foaming Bath ($5.49; ulta.com) is a bubble bath that also doubles up as a body wash. Its very foaming and can also be a tad drying on dry skin, but the scent on both these products is very relaxing and lingers on for a bit after a bath. If you are looking for a light day lotion for hand and body, try the Eucalyptus Spearmint Pure Epsom Salt Body Lotion, and be sure to follow up the Foaming Bath with a post shower lotion if you have dry skin. 

*Press Samples

Schmidt's Natural Deodorant

Schmidt’s Deodorant ($8.99 each; Whole Foods; schmidtsdeodorant.com) is natural, vegan and cruelty free formulation that helps effectively protect against odor and wetness. The formula is also free of aluminum, propylene glycol, parabens & phthalates and uses plant based powders to protect.  It comes as a solid deodorant in a stick and also in a pot form that is to be scooped out. I tried the potted version in Cedawrdood Juniper, a warm woody scent and the stick in a fragrance-free version. To use, just take out a little with the spatula that comes with the glass jar and apply like a cream. The cream consistency turns to a powder once warmned up and doesn’t leave white marks. The scent is very mild and dissipates completely after an hour, but the formula as such is very effective in odor protection. I also love the stick form, in which, I tried the fragrance-free version. There’s absolutely no scent, but it is just as effective as the jar version and also very convenient. They’re both also non-sticky, dry down to an invisible finish and are very effective natural formulations. Overall, if you’re on the lookout for a natural deodorant that isn’t overly fragranced, yet works, give Schmidt’s a try! 

*Press Samples

Laura Mercier Tea Menthe Citron Eau de Toilette

Tea Menthe Citron ($55; lauramercier.com) is Laura Mercier’s newest fragrance, capturing the freshness of hand-picked mint and tea leaves, balanced with a touch of Cardomom and Cedarwood. Its a beautiful spring/summer fragrance that leans gourmand yet remains fresh through the dry down. The notes include Spearmint, Lemon, Cardamom, Orange Flower, Almond, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Musks and Brown Sugar. The opening is both sweet and fresh, lots of freshness from the lemon and spearmint. A few minutes later the Orange Flower and Almond kick in, giving it a slight gourmand touch. The mint lingers through the dry down, mixed with the creaminess from the musk, sandalwood and brown sugar. The longevity is great for a EDT. I must say, I’ve never been disappointed with any of Laura Mercier’s fragrances so far, and Tea Menthe Citron is no exception. Its a gorgeously fresh, slightly sweet fragrance to try this season and one that can be worn all through the year. There’s also a Creme Body Cleanse and Gel Body Moisture in this line that can be layered on for some long lasting Tea Menthe Citron goodness! 

*Press Sample

Smooth Shave Essentials To Try For Sensitive Skin

Two products, one a recent discovery and another, a staple, that I'm loving for a smooth shave, perfect for sensitive skin!

L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil ($25; usa.loccitane.com; L’Occitane Boutiques) - Is a luxurious, gorgeous scented foaming shower oil that I also absolutely love to use also for a smooth shave. I've bought many bottles/refills of this shower oil since I discovered it a few years back. Its foaming, but not drying and foams up really well with a loofah, so while shaving I just apply it like a lotion just so it doesn’t foam up as much and the product has a certain slip that helps the razor glide on effortlessly. Definitely a must have if you love a good multitasker in the shower!

Shaveworks The Coolfix ($26; ulta.com; In Stores at Ulta; press sample) - Is a new to me, post shave soother that helps relieve razor burn and irritation. Its also one to be used after waxing when skin is left sensitive. The scent is light and there's a cooling sensation upon applying the gel lotion. It is supposed to target and prevent ingrown hairs as well, but I haven’t seen too much of a difference with that. As an after shave soother though, it is great! It instantly takes care of problem areas and leaves no greasy residue. Also, a little bit goes a long way with this one. 

Three Moisturizer Additions To My Skincare Routine I'm Currently Loving!

I've tried quite a few skincare over the past couple of months or so and have found some favorites along the way. I've been loving these three moisturizers for my dry skin recently and have them on rotation in my current skincare routine.

belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb ($$22 - $38; sephora.com) is now a staple. I’ve since repurchased many of these, but always go with the smaller size since I have at least 2-3 moisturizers on rotation. Its great for dry skin, leaves skin feeling soft and supple and takes care of dryness instantly. I love everything about this cream, great texture, nice scent and very lightweight yet moisturizing. Read a full review here.

The Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream Ultra Rich ($189; elemis.com) is a very rich moisturizer for dry aging skin. It has a beautiful consistency that is a tad thick, but also very hydrating. It feels super comfortable and is also a fabulous base for under makeup. Featured here is a limited edition version released for Women’s Day, in association with Women For Women International, although it is available in various sizes as well. Overall, a very luxuriously hydrating moisturizer to try for dry skin.

REN Vita Mineral Daily Supplement Moisturizing Cream ($38; renskincare.com) is one of my very recent discoveries and I’ve been loving it from the first use. Its a very emollient cream that sinks in quite fast. Its a great pick for dry/sensitive skin that got rid of my dry patches in just the first few uses. Its quite a thick cream and is very gentle for day/night use. I also love it over lighter serums and oils in the night and the scent is very pleasant. If you have dull, dry skin that leans sensitive too, give this one a try!

*Press Samples include REN Vita Mineral Day Cream and the Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream Ultra Rich

Malin + Goetz Bergamot Eau de Toilette

Bergamot Eau de Toilette ($150; malinandgoetz.com) is a new launch from Malin + Goetz. Its a zesty, refreshing citrus fragrance with notes of bergamot, lemon, mandarin, bell pepper, lime, grapefruit, cardamom, ginger, spearmint, sandalwood, amber woods and musk to name a few. The packaging is minimalistic, and the unisex fragrance is perfect for the warm weather ahead. I get mostly Bergamot and Ginger from the opening to dry down. The cardamom adds a nice aromatic touch and the ginger, mint and bell pepper blend beautifully with the bergamot, adding to the zestiness. There’s only a very slight trace of musk and sandalwood that my nose detects, mostly after a few hours, but otherwise, the fragrance is mostly Bergamot tempered with a bit of Ginger. The longevity is average, but good for an EDT since it is quite a light fragrance to start with. If you love a good citrus fragrance, Bergamot by Malin + Goetz is a fabulous pick. Its light, zesty, crisp and perfect for all round the year, although I would tend to gravitate towards it more during the warmer months.

*Press Sample

100% Pure Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream

100% Pure Organic Coffee Bean Eye Cream ($25; 100percentpure.com) is a caffeine rich eye cream targeted at dark circles, puffiness and tired eyes that comes in a 100% natural formula. Its a good cream for under makeup that is great for daytime use. There’s a slight coffee scent to the cream that dissipates almost immediately. Eye creams that are ultra rich can sometimes give me milia around the eyes, but this one is quite light yet nicely moisturizes without any extra greasiness. I feel like it did lighten my dark circles to a certain extent, although I can’t say its a miracle cure. It does a great job under makeup though and keeps concealer from creasing into the fine lines. Overall, its a good one to look into if you are looking for a light day cream for under the eyes that works great under makeup too, but if you have stubborn wrinkles and dark circles, this might just be a good one to maintain the eye area hydrated and bright.

*Press Sample

Fresh Seaberry Skin Nutrition Cleansing Oil

The Seaberry Skin Nutrition Cleansing Oil ($42; sephora.com) is new from Fresh, an omega-rich cleansing oil gat gets rid of waterproof makeup and impurities in one step. Its a blend of Seabuckthorn Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, Nigella Oil, Orpheus Flower Extract and Grapeseed Oil to name a few. I love how lightweight it feels and how very nourishing it leaves skin feeling after. It is mildly scented and does not irritate my sensitive eyes. I like to massage a little bit onto dry skin and remove everything with a washcloth, finishing off with a few splashes of cold water. It emulsifies well and washes off easily too, but I quite like using a warm washcloth to remove makeup, be it cleansing balms or oils. It leaves no oily residue, yet leaves skin feeling soft and clean and I don’t even need a second cleanser. I love the simple packaging and the well designed pump that is super easy to control. Overall, the Fresh Seaberry Skin Nutrition Oil is a nice addition to my skincare/cleansing routine and works really well for my dry skin as a non-stripping, gentle one step cleanser.

*Press Sample

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colours in Copper and Grey Pearl

Laura Mercier’s Caviar Stick Eye Colors ($29; sephora.com) are some of my favorite cream shadows. I absolutely love these for a quick wash of color and the creamy texture blends itself. The shade range is fabulous and two new to me colors I’m absolutely loving are Grey Pearl, a taupe-y grey with a hint of purple and Copper, a shimmery, gold-copper. Both shades are absolutely  gorgeous, Grey Pearl being a neutral color on me that looks subtle for daytime, while Copper, although a little more shimmer packed than Grey Pearl, is still a great color for all over the lid. I love to wear them both on their own with just some kohl and mascara. The formula is amazing, long wearing and very creamy without needing a primer. I do feel like these need to be blended in quickly since they set within a few seconds, but that apart, they are one of the best cream eyeshadows to own!

*Press Samples

L’OCCITANE is giving away free Shea Butter collector's sets!

Starting  (April 13^th) you can visit this link and score a FREE Shea Starter Kit, featuring a mini Shea Butter Hand Cream and Shea Light Comforting Cream, in an exclusive collector’s tin!

To access the above link, follow the prompts that will encourage you to complete these three simple steps:

1)      Enter your email address

2)      Check your inbox for an exclusive email

3)      Present email at any L’Occitane boutique nationwide and redeem your FREE Shea Starter Kit.

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