Dove Body Wash

As a person who suffers from wacky skin allergies (I know...weird for a fragrance junkie.), my life has always been one with Dove soap.  My favorite is actually pink dove.  Something about the smell reminds me of my childhood babysitter who wrapped me in love...all the time.  She was truly my surrogate grandmother.

As a singer...while traveling it can be really rough trying to find what is needed when gone from home for long periods of time.  I remember when my mom and I were in Berlin, Germany for an extended period due to work, I became addicted to Dove's Oil Wash and Body Milk.  The combo didn't bother my sensitive skin and the mom and I were VERY happy.

In 1998...back to Europe I went for 4 months of singing and back to my addiction of Dove's Oil Wash and Body Milk.  To the extent that I shipped boxes of the products home that lasted for months.  (Sad, I say.)  It would irk my nerves that we didn't really have the products I wanted at home.

I can't remember exactly when Dove started selling their body washes in the states, but at first I wasn't moved.  It didn't have the same feeling like the European brands.  My friends and I would complain and continue to buy it in bulk and send it home.

About a month ago, I was hanging out with one of my friends who worked in Germany for years and has since moved back home.  She was tooting the horn of the Dove's Body Wash saying it reminds her of the European version.  I balked...she said..try it.  I did...and I'm just addicted like a looney toon!  My favorite scent is Plum and Sakura blossom.  They even had a trial size of the deodorant attached...oh my.  The scent lingers softly all day.  Love, love.

If you're looking for a moisturizing wash with a soft scent...try the Dove brand.  They even have unscented, plus a plethora of other scents.

Pacifica...my new summer fragrance crack!!

So...it's been a minute.  *throwing up my hands*  I will say I am doing better in the heart that I have prior.  LOL

Anyway...I've known Pacifica for a while.  My mom is addicted to the candles.  My mom...the one who grips when she is given a candle.  My mom...the one who doesn't understand candle obsessions.  Yes, said funny mom loves Pacifica candles.  She has them in the bathroom and when they die down...she puts the wax on this funny plate and puts it on her radiator and the warmth scents up the hall. 

Before the summer heat really started, I was roaming in Sephora and remembered the Pacifica fragrances.  I had tested the Tuscan Blood Orange scent and as a citrus junkie...I fell in love.  I picked up the fragrance and decided to test it.  Love, love.

I've mentioned before how awkward it can be as a singer who is addicted to perfume and how other singers can greatly detest the smell of it.  *sigh*  Well, I wore my perfume all summer during this summer program that I participated in.  I received several comments about the soft citrus scent I wore.  No one was offended...and I was quite happy.

The program I was in ended almost 2 weeks ago and I decided to invest in the layerings.  I mean...what is a fragrance without layers?  I love the feel of the Tuscan Blood Orange body butter and when butter's main scent dies down...it smells like strawberries on me.  With the perfume...*singing* heaaaaaaaaaaaven!  LOL  On this same trip, I purchased the Indian Coconut Nectar.  I'm loving it just as much.  I just wish that it was a stronger scent on me.  Oh well...it works perfectly for the gym. (Yes, I'm that quirky person who is scented for the gym.)

Antywho...I give my Tuscan Blood Orange a 5/5 for people who really like a nice soft citrusy scent.

Peace...until the next time!!

Wow...

Umm...so I had planned a comeback and then my computer started showing its age.  Last year my refurbished IBM of 3 years died and I had to go back to my old HP...which at this time is 9 years old. (I know gag.)  Once I started blogging, blogger would make it freeze and posting...well, it was NOT an option. *le sigh*

Today, I took the time and stopped flaking and bought a new computer....a new HP. (Why change now...HP has been my saving grace for years.)  May I just say, I'm here acting out. LOL  Hopefully in the next couple of hours I can get everything uploaded and some new posts going on.

BTW...if you are suffering from this heat wave like we are in NY...please drink tons of water and stay cool.

Peace!! 

Friday on a Saturday

Vampy Varnish was one of the first nail bloggers I read and I just love her Friday questions.  Since I've been on a blogging slack, I didn't do them.  Now that I'm back, the Friday questions are going to be on a Saturday...

1. How was your (hopefully short) week? Not really short.  I'm in an intensive opera program this summer and well...there hasn't been anytime off mentally in the past 6 weeks.  Plus our first performance of Rossini's last opera will be performed tonight.  Rehearsals, rehearsals, rehearsals...
2. Warm summer nights – love ‘em or hate ‘em? Love 'em.  I take a hot shower, get in the bed...get a good book...happiness.
3. What’s on your nails? NYX girls Fire Amber
4. Do you prefer sunsets or sunrises? Both.  I'm a night owl so some days I see both.
5. You must choose: popsicle or ice cream cone? Ice cream cone...sugar.
6. Currently, what is your favorite lip shade? NYX pumpkin pie with NYX smokey look mega shine lip gloss.
7. Are there any summer-time movies coming out (or out) that you really want to see? Well, I've seen Transformers 3 and Green Latern.  I really want to see Larry Crowne, Bridesmaids (yes, I'm late.) and Bad Teacher.
8. If you could be anywhere right this instant, where would it be? On the sand of the Inkwell at Martha's Vineyard.
9. When the sun is blazing, do you normally wear short, skirts, dresses (or other)? Dresses.  I just love being a girly girl.  A pretty sandal, cute dress...makes me very happaaaay.
10. What are your weekend plans?  Singing, singing and more singing.  That makes me happy as well!!  

Have a great Saturday!!!

Trying to make a comeback

*waving*  So I just looked at my dashboard and realized I haven't blogged in almost a year.  September 4, 2010 is a really long time.  LOL

What has happened in a year?  A lot of good singing, a lot of hard work on the voice, not enough exercising....but still a lot of nail polish and makeup collecting.  And soon...a lot of giving away.  I mean really, how much makeup and nail polish can a girl have?

Today as a welcome back to me, I thought I would post a few things that are floating my boat now.

1.  NYX Lip Smacking Fun Colors and NYX lip pencils.  My favorite color...Pumpkin Pie.  Neutral color, makes me happy and it is one of the creamiest lipsticks I own.

2. I've always been a fake eyelash wearer...since freshman year in high school...and I'm on my way to my ahem...LOL..20th HS reunion.  (I shall say NO more. LOL)  I have 3 different kinds that I rotate on the regular....Ardell's Demi 120, Red Cherry #42 and Elite #6.  I have others on the rotation, but these are the 3 that are always close at hand and are in BULK. (By the way...if you don't know them...check out Madame Madeline's.  They are fabulous...good customer service and delivery is QUICK.)

3.  Youtube...is the debbil.  LOL  I'm always in need of a good idea that will make me stand out in the eye department.  My favorite tubers...MakeupbyNaya, MakeupbyTiffanyD, Makeup By Candie and Prettygyrl83. 

4.  BH Cosmetics 120 Palettes....yes, all 3 editions.  LOL  You would be surprised..each palette has some colors that are not in another palette.  They are great and I love the level of pigmentation.  Happy, happy me!!!

5. Sigma makeup brushes...  I shan't say more.  LOL  I love the feel, their ability to do the do well...and that they aren't that expensive.

6. NYX girls nail polish.  My favorite color is Fire Amber.  It has taken me an awful long time to find a red that I love and I'm not doing the..."Eww, I don't like red nail polish" look.

7.  An oldie in the makeup drawer, but a newbie in use...Kat Von D high voltage eye primer.  With each usage, I'm happier and happier. Since I have SUPER oily eye lids, I can have an eyeshadow slide about 5 hours into my day.  There is NO slide when I wear this stuff.  I'm so dern grateful.

8. Decollete by Merle Norman.  I remember a dear friend in college wearing it and I had to find out what it was. Crack in a bottle for me. I was in KY recently and I bought a new bottle...oh man...happiness.

9. MAC Lady Gaga Viva Glam 2 lipglass.  I own ALL of the Viva Glam products...1. because  I have had too many friends who have died from the disease...2. The AIDS cause is as close to my heart as breast cancer.  This color works so well with some of my neutral lipsticks.  It does just what I want on a smokey eye day.  It even makes it fancier that MAC sends out thank you cards when you buy it.

10.  Avon's Moisture Effective Eye Makeup Remover lotion.  I saw it a review of it by the blogger Beatz.  I was like yea right.  I tried it...and every time Avon has a sale on it...I pick up about 3 or 4 bottles.  It removes my full face of makeup as well as eyelash glue AMAZINGLY well.

And just a random, last week I made my first purchase from Bitch-Slap! Cosmetics.  Talk about a big ole surprise when I open up my package this morning and there is a note from them.  Even if it is pre-printed, I am grateful for the thank you card. (Yes, thank you card.)  Nothing like a special touch to make a customer come back.

Revlon ColorBurst Fuschia

Pink is my favorite color...and sometimes I pick up things, because...well it is pink.  Sad state of affairs if you ask my friends.  LOL


 A few weeks ago I picked up a tube of Revlon's Color Burst...because it was 1. on sale and 2. cause I saw the color fuschia. I know, I know.  Well today as I was sitting in the house enjoying a new Korean soap that I'm watching (so addictive I might add) and I decided to test out the color.

The ad says it is rich color that is virtually weightless.  It is true and I am so mad.  LOL  I need to get me a beautiful burgundy or red or something.  The lipstick went on smooth and as I sit here now...later, with no makeup on...and just lipstick, I feel rather glamorous.  LOL

The lip liner I have on is MAC Currant.

Top 5 of Summer of 2010

I haven't been here in forever, but my blog is always on my mind.

This has been a much busier summer than I expected.  After the major program that I participated in (which I will be doing again next summer.), I went to Edinburgh, Scotland to sing in the International Festival.  I've been home for about a week now and I still feel overwhelmingly jetlagged...but I am starting to think it is PMS.  LOL

Any way, I was scouring over one of my favorite blogs...Afrobella...and I decided to do my 5 Favorite Beauty Items of Summer of 2010.

Normally when the temperature hits over 80 degrees, I'm beach bound and makeup free.  Seriously.  LOL  This year it wasn't the case and I had to pray that my skin would tolerate the heat and makeup.  It did.  Hallelu!!

No. 1.  T.N. Dickinsons Witch Hazel.
Total Savior!!!  Since I have had to be "on" all the time, I am totally grateful for this natural toner to keep my skin from acting like a donkey.  LOL

No. 2.  Urban Decan All Nighter
New York City is humidity ville.  Seriously.  Manhattan is an island...and folks will not acknowledge that...for some UNGODLY reason.  You can only get in and out of this city by bridge or tunnel...so it really is an island.  LOL  Anyway...I read early in the summer about the All Nighter spray.  Woosah...I'm grateful.  Nothing like a humid night and you are not afraid that your face will be melting on your clothes.

No. 3.  Revlon Photo Ready Foundation
As a brown girl, in my lifetime it has been extremely difficult finding a perfect foundation that just...WORKS.  Last year in the winter one of my friend's suggested that I try Revlon's Color Stay.  A dream that I didn't need to pay something exorbitant on a makeup that didn't come off on my clothes.  As it got warmer, Color Stay started making me look grey (to quote my mother).  LOL  I tried the Photo Ready on a whim and she said I had my natural color back.  LOL  I find it to be just as perfect as Color Stay. Wootie!!

No. 4. Carol's Daughter's Ocean
As an opera singer, the worst thing you can do in a rehearsal is wear perfume. *rolling eyes*  You would be AMAZED how many singers can't stand the smell of perfumes, oils...blah, blah, blah.  The dramatic outbursts are just OVERWHELMING.  LOL  Ocean is a light summer fragrance.  I remember the first day I wore it...praying that someone wouldn't say a word.  Not one utterance about it.  So, I continued to wear it.  LOL  I'm a tad sad because I went into the flagship store when I got back from Scotland and Ocean is all on sale...because THEY'RE DISCONTINUING IT.  *wail*  Hopefully, Mrs. Lisa Price will give me something else that will work.

No. 5. Dr. Bronner's Citrus Soap
Do I need to toot the horn of this wonderful soap???  I doubt it.  I actually have all of the scents in my house. Seriously.  There was a sale on the large bottles earlier this summer...for $5.99 and I acted extremely ignorant and bought at least 3 of each.  LOL  Hey...I said I have a habit.  LOL

And an honorable mention....I can remember when I first saw the name Sigma Brushes on Tiffany D's blog.  I read the reviews, ooooed and ahhhed...and I said, well one day I will purchase them.  I mean, I have enough makeup brushes...why do I need a KIT??  LOL

Ahh, the PEER PRESSURE....  LOL  I bought a Pink Complete Kit with Roll the middle of July and just looked at it.  (I'm weird like that sometimes.)  I took it with me to Scotland and may I just say, these brushes are wonderful.  They get the job done and I can even say they are on the same level of my MAC brushes.

I'm out to enjoy the last bit of summer!!  Hope you are too!!!