Crown Brush Set | Review

*Disclosure: This post contains a review of products sent for my consideration on behalf of a company (iFabbo). All opinions contained within are solely my own and not influenced or affected by the receipt of complimentary product(s). No affiliate links appear in this post.*

Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening to you - wherever you may be!

Today I have a review of a nice Crown Brush set that I received through iFabbo. I'm really excited about this one, as I've been looking at purchasing some Crown Brushes lately, so this was a great way to try them out before committing to any additional brushes. Did I find any must-haves within this set? Read on, and I'll share my thoughts!

THE DETAILS

::: Crown Brush Professional HD Set w/Mirror and Tweezer {Set 525}

::: Available at Crown Brush online store

::: $27.95 for six brushes and a tweezer within a mirrored brush case

::: Made with high-grade synthetic fiber

::: Vegan friendly

::: Perfect for applying high-definition cosmetics, liquids, creams and powders

THE PICTURES

*Click to enlarge and see images in their full glory*

{Crown Brush Pro Powder Brush}

{Crown Brush Tapered Blush Brush}

{Crown Brush Deluxe Contour Brush}

{Crown Brush Crease Blender Brush}

{Crown Brush Detail Liner Brush}

THE OPINIONS

First of all, you'll notice there isn't a close-up single picture of the fourth brush in the set - the Chisel Shadow brush. That's because I've been using it every day, and took the photos pre-brush cleaning, so I didn't want to take any close-up shots of my less-than-clean brush. But it's proof that I love it!

Besides how much I've already loved up my chisel brush, I have nothing but good things to say about this set as a whole. The case is cute, even though orange isn't a favorite color of mine. I don't know that I'd really use the mirror or the tweezers, since I have my go-tos for both. It's a handy set for traveling, fitting easily in a purse or weekender bag. Each brush is soft, sturdy, and appropriately dense/stiff for the specific type. I sincerely *love* this set! Full disclosure though: I don't have a diverse collection of makeup brushes to compare these to. I use mostly Real Technique brushes, with a few Eco Tools and ELF brushes mixed in. I would say these Crown Brushes are on-par with my favorite Real Technique brushes, and the quality/style of the brushes/bristles are similar to my Eco Tools brushes. The Chisel Shadow brush is my favorite of the bunch, but I also get a lot of use out of the Pro Powder brush and the Crease Blender brush. I would definitely purchase more Crown Brushes in the future!

Stay Fabulous!

#CrownBrush

Perlier Imperial Honey Body Butter - Review

*Disclosure: This post contains a review of products sent for my consideration on behalf of a company {iFabbo}. All opinions contained within are solely my own and not influenced or affected by the receipt of complimentary product(s). No affiliate links appear in this post.*

Good day, all!
It's the afternoon here, and a Sunday afternoon at that — usually bittersweet, as it's a day off of work, but it also means tomorrow is Monday. :\

I realize I've been MIA from this blog for the past few months, and perhaps at some point I'll write a post that explains the reasons behind this absence. But in lieu of those details, I'd rather get right to the point of this post: to review the Perlier Imperial Honey Body Butter!

I was sent this product on behalf of iFabbo, and have had a few weeks now to try it out for the sake of this review. My final thoughts are going to be split into two parts: the product's performance, and the more subjective aspects like the scent.

THE DETAILS

::: Perlier Imperial Honey Body Butter — 6.7 fl. oz.

::: Sold at HSN.com and retails for $40.00 {plus shipping/tax}

::: Product features — Formulated with the honey of black bees and royal jelly; nourishes skin with moisture; leaves skin pleasantly scented with the sensual notes of honey and oriental woods; and is perfect for year-round use.

::: Ingredients — Aqua (water), butyrospermum parkii butter (butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter), theobroma cacao butter (theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter), ethylhexyl palmitate, persea gratissima oil (persea gratissima (avocado) oil), behenyl alcohol, PEG-40 stearate, stearyl alcohol, dimethicone, glyceryl stearate SE, pentaerythrityl distearate, stearic acid, mel (honey), simmondsia chinensis oil (simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil), cetyl alcohol, royal jelly, parfum (fragrance), phenoxyethanol, carbomer, imidazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxide, tetrasodium EDTA, BHT, methylisothiazolinone, coumarin. Made in Italy.

THE PICTURES

THE OPINIONS

PRODUCT PERFORMANCE
This stuff is truly amazing. Simply from an effectiveness standpoint, the Perlier body butter nourishes, softens and lasts a *long* time on your skin. I didn't know what to expect when I received this product, as I had never heard of the brand nor had I read any reviews of the body butter in any of the blogs I follow. So this was really a new one for me. And I was really impressed with how awesome my skin felt — both immediately after applying, and six hours post application. Smooth like a baby's bottom, indeed! I tested it on my feet, since I don't really have issues with dry skin anywhere on my body. Sometimes my feet may get dry though, and I was definitely able to tell a difference after using this body butter. I would wear this all day, every day, if it wasn't for the scent. Which brings me to the second half of this review...

SUBJECTIVE THOUGHTS
I've read other reviews of this particular product and scent that have been nothing but positive, so it would seem I'm in the minority in the fact that I *hate* the scent. I can't even describe what this smells like to me — almost like honey that's been burned and tossed with garbage. Yeah. It's that disgusting to me. Hence why I only tested on my feet, where I couldn't really smell it once my socks and shoes were on. And that's unfortunate, since the product itself is so wonderful. I'd wear it day and night if it was a different scent. But this just didn't work for me. As soon as I applied it to my feet, I had to wash my hands quickly to get rid of the lingering scent, which made me slightly nauseous. I feel bad that my experience with Perlier was kind of ruined by the scent, but that's my honest opinion. However, that's why I've separated this review into performance versus subjective opinions, because I know the scent will appeal to some. If this came in a fresh, delicate scent, it would probably be a new favorite for me, hands down.

FINAL NOTES
I won't discount this product just based on scent — it's really an amazing body butter, and is probably perfect for people who love the smell of honey {and it's a strong honey scent}. The scent just isn't for me, and that's disappointing because of how much I loved the formula. I'll be keeping an eye out for similar products in different scents though! If you're a fan of honey scents, this could very well be your next favorite body product!

Have you tried this product, through iFabbo or otherwise?

*SPECIAL DEAL FOR YOU!*
Take $5.00 off your Perlier order on HSN.com by using the promo code IFABBO5 at checkout!

Stay Fabulous!

#PerlieronHSN

Four Fantastic Femme Fatale Cosmetics Swatches

*Products reviewed within this post were sent for my consideration. All opinions are my own, and nothing but completely honest.*

Today's swatches include four amazing eyeshadows from Femme Fatale Cosmetics {FFC}: Jewel Scarab, Planeshift, Wisp and Genesis.
I've done reviews and swatches of FFC in the past, but since it's been a while, here's a refresher for anyone who is unfamiliar with the company and its products.

Femme Fatale Cosmetics is an independently owned small business based in Brisbane, Australia, and is operated by Sophie {with assistance from her partner Dave}. They opened in September 2011 and specialize in hand-blended mineral-based cosmetics and 3-free nail lacquer, while also acting as one of the only stockists for top international and national indie lacquers in Australia.

Femme Fatale's selection of powder cosmetics are available in sample sizes at an affordable price of $1.10 each {with free shipping worldwide on sample-only orders}. They also offer a mini size {3g priced at $3.10 - $3.20 each} for eyeshadows and a full size of 5g {$5.85 each}. Facial products come in a 10g size {$8.25} with sifter for ease of use. All of the powder cosmetics can be shipped worldwide. The nail lacquers are available in 12ml sizing, from $9.10 - $9.85 depending on the type. At this time, FFC is unable to ship nail lacquers internationally outside of Australia. For specific shipping policies and prices, check out the website {HERE}.

THE PICTURES

*Swatched over Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy, photographed under an OttLite. Click to see the images in all their detailed glory.*

{Described as: "a deep blackened teal blue with green
shimmers and turquoise sparks." Vegan. Not lip-safe.}

{Described as: "a blend of pale jungle green and teal with slight
gray tones, and striking gold shimmer." Vegan. Not lip-safe.}

{Described as: "a soft slate gray highlighted by a heavy
blue duochrome." Vegan. Lip-safe!}

{Described as: "a soft seafoam turquoise with light golden shimmer."
Vegan. Not lip-safe.}

Well holy moly! So much awesomeness packed into four colors! My favorite of the bunch is Planeshift, as it's one of the most unique colors in my collection thus far. And that's an extensive collection! The green plays off the gold shift in such a beautiful way — and as a Packers fan, I love me some green and gold! :} But seriously, it's amazing, and a must-have if you place an order with Femme Fatale {which I think you *definitely* should!}.
Not to be outdone by Planeshift, the other three colors offer just as much beauty and their own unique qualities. Jewel Scarab is a dark and almost haunting blackened teal, which would be perfect for fall/winter looks. So far I've used it foiled as a liner for a daytime-friendly look with a bit of a punch, and I received many compliments. Wisp is a stunning gray-blue shade that, to me, also appears somewhat purple with just a hint of pink depending on the light. I've worn it as an all-over wash of a single color, blended out with a lighter white/silver just to lighten it up a bit for work, and I thought it was pretty darn versatile. The last color, Genesis, is exactly as it's described with a lovely mix of seafoam and a light golden shimmer. It can easily transform a cool summer eye look, while also looking appropriate across any season depending on what it's paired with.
All of the colors lasted all day over primer {my go-to is UDPP}, and I have relatively oily lids. I usually pair eyeshadows with a base as well, like NYX Jumbo Pencils or Maybelline Color Tattoos. So far I haven't been disappointed with a single product I've received from Femme Fatale Cosmetics, and I continue to recommend the shop to anyone and everyone interested in top-of-the-line indie products!

Stay Fabulous!

Skin-a-licious | Review

I purchased from Skin-a-licious earlier in 2012, but only recently finished testing out each of the products I ordered. Now that I have a good idea of the quality of these products, I can share my opinions on each of them.

:::  THE SPECS  :::

Skin-a-licious offers various different bath and body products that are handmade with lovely details. The product they're known for is the Marshmallow Gang Bubble Bar, which is visually represented within the Skin-a-Licious logo. The overall theme for Skin-a-licious is "All-natural handmade products designed for sensitive skin." You can see this echoed throughout their product line, from the attention to detail to the skin-friendly ingredients. I ended up ordering a few different soaps, and received some nice freebies along with my order. Shipping is usually dependent on your individual order, but I will note that Skin-a-licious recently opened up a UK website, which should make international orders more reasonably priced. The product selection is limited on the U.S. site for now, while the owner gets back into the swing of things for the new year. However, some of the products I purchased are still available now, so I recommend giving them a try!

:::  THE PICTURES  :::

{The entire order, wrapped and ready to dig into}

{The freebies! Blackberry Sage soap sample, Gummie Bear Sugar scrub sample, Goo Goo for Guava soap sample}

{Marshmallow Soap Bar - choose your scent - and Pink Sugar Solid Perfume Bar}

{Promotional goodies from the "Wonderland" campaign}

{Three Soaps: Ozone, Cocoa for Cameron and Pink Sugar}

{Ozone: I can't find the description, but it was a fresh, clean scent}

{Cocoa for Cameron: Coconut with a hint of lime}

{Pink Sugar: A dupe of Aquolina's Pink Sugar}

I'll only mention my thoughts on the main products I ordered, since those were the items I paid for. :} All of the soaps felt really nice on my skin. None of them were drying, but they didn't leave an oily film behind either. The scent of each lingered for quite a while throughout the day, with Pink Sugar lasting the longest. The Pink Sugar solid perfume bar is pretty convenient — I stash it away any time I travel, and the scent is subtle yet lovely. Obviously I love the smell of Pink Sugar. :} Ozone was the first soap I used up completely, and it was a very fresh-out-of-the-shower scent. I'm looking forward to the store being re-stocked again, as there are a few original scents I'd like to try at some point. And, of course, I love the cute little marshmallow that represents the company!

Stay Fabulous!

More OHWTO Buys | One Hand Washes the Other

I've ordered a slew of products from One Hand Washes the Other in the past few months, so it will take a few posts to get caught up. As I type this, I have yet another order en route to my home. :}

The following products were purchased back in September, based on some of my favorites from the past and also recommendations from friends.

My order consisted of two 2-oz amber bottles of Snake Oil {Snayk Oyle} in All the Fires and Oceanside, and four solid scents in Oceanside, Beach, All the Fires and Exhume. Two sample solid scents were included as freebies: Buttella {a play on everyone's favorite hazelnut spread - smells identical to it!} and I Smell Like a Witch.

All the Fires was a scent I received as a free sample earlier this year, and fell in love with it instantly. It has become my absolute favorite private stock scent from OHWTO. Unfortunately, it was released as a new summer fragrance for 2012, and is currently out of stock/out of season. I'm not sure if it will be restocked at any point in the future, though I seem to remember reading that it wouldn't be returning. So, I picked up a bunch of products in that scent just in case, which are on their way to me now. Anyway, I was able to find the description of All the Fires:

All the Fires: All of 'em. Green Tea, Squash Blossoms, Tomato plants, sweet Osmanthus, tangy Kumquat, Valencia Oranges, Vetivert, and the memory of a Wasabi burn.

This scent is truly amazing. I can't even begin to describe it, as it smells like pure perfection on my skin. I've never smelled anything like it before, and I doubt I ever will. Out of all the private stock scents at OHWTO, I would call this one my "signature scent." And now I'm to the point of hoarding everything in that scent that I can afford. :}

I also picked up Oceanside in both the Snake Oil and the solid scent, based on a recommendation from some super ladies.

Oceanside: "Oh, if I could only coax you overboard, to leave these lulling shores, to get you oceanside"... Inspired by everything ocean-y, most especially my little home by the seaside salt marsh. A cool Ocean breeze, Monoi de Tahiti, Beach grass, Sea moss, Tuberose, an oversized white Linen shirt, and Rockrose and Mimosa blossoms. Gorgeous.

I believe the description of this scent is quite accurate to what I smell when it's on my skin. I personally detect the tuberose note immediately, though it does blend nicely with the rest of the elements to create a nice, smooth fragrance. Oceanside is another Summer 2012 private stock scent that is no longer available. I'm sorry to present so many products that are unavailable — but on the chance that anything does come back next year, it's nice to have documented everything.

The four solid scents I ordered include All the Fires and Oceanside, as well as Beach and Exhume.

Beach: Smells like a day at the beach, the main scent being Coppertone suntan lotion (really!!). I got it to use in soaps and scents for those nasty cold days in February where all you want to do is escape the cold and lay out on the sand, it's one of those "take me to summer RIGHT NOW" scents :)

Exhume: The last olfactory impression one might experience before committing fully to the sweet release provided by Death; sealed inside a casket, buried in the Earth's embrace. Church incense, White spices, nutmeg, cardamom... Peru Balsam, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Sugar... and a lone white rose laid across your hands to carry you into eternity.

Beach is a stock fragrance, while Exhume is an original private stock fragrance that many people have recommended. Both scents are available at this time. Beach smells just like you would imagine based on the description. Exhume is extremely complicated and impossible to accurately interpret based on my own perception of the scent, so I can only suggest trying it out yourself.

OHWTO has Winter 2012 scents available now — I'm really eying up Not Your Grandma's Fruitcake, which is described as "It's not, it's really not! Unless your grandma's from the tropics and throws holiday convention to the wind, anyway. A scent made to whisk you from the frozen tundra straight to the Caribbean- Jackfruit, Acai, Sliced Fruit, Pluots, Passionfruit, Banana, Sugar, Coconut Milk, and Nectarines." You can see all of the returning and new winter fragrances {here}. Are there any new scents you plan to purchase this winter, or any other OHWTO favorites to mention?

Stay Fabulous!

Pollen Cosmetics: Review | Swatches

Pollen Cosmetics is a fairly new indie company, but they've already established quite a following since their official opening. All I kept hearing from other makeup lovers was "You have to buy Rare Find!" So, of course I did just that, along with a few other eyeshadows that captured my attention. Read on for more details!

:::  THE SPECS  :::

I ordered three full-size jars using the 3-for-$15 option, which ends up saving you $1.50. Otherwise the full-size jars are $5.50 each, and you get 1 gram of product by weight. I received two sample baggies as freebies, which contain approx. 1/8-teaspoon of product. Shipping was $2.00 for domestic {U.S.} shipping, and $2.25 for international shipping. The stated TAT was 7-14 business days, and my order did ship within that timeframe.

:::  THE PICTURES  :::

Swatched over NYX Jumbo Pencil in Cottage Cheese. Pictures are clickable to enlarge.

{Photographed in indirect/overcast lighting}

{Photographed in indirect/overcast lighting}

{Photographed in indirect/overcast lighting}

{Photographed in indirect/overcast lighting}

{Photographed with a flash}

{Photographed with a flash, blurred to show sparkle}

:::  THE OPINIONS  :::

Rare Find sure did live up to my expectations! Everyone I spoke with before ordering told me it's a must-have color, and I definitely agree. If you are limited to just one beautiful neutral eyeshadow {for some insane reason - haha}, make it Rare Find. Overall the shadows were velvety-soft and easy to work with, and the color payoff goes above and beyond.

Pollen Cosmetics also just released a gorgeous matte eyeshadow collection, and from the swatches I've seen so far, I think it's going to be a winner! If you've tried Pollen already, what are some of your favorites?

Stay Fabulous!

Darling Girl feat. Vicar in a Tutu

It wouldn't be normal if I went more than a month without purchasing something from Darling Girl. :} So without further ado, here are the swatches! If you're looking for specs on sizes, amounts, etc, refer to any of my previous posts here, here and here. The pictures below show my full-size Vicar in a Tutu, petit-size How Soon is Now, and two free sample baggies.

:::  THE PICTURES  :::

Swatched over NYX Jumbo Pencil in Cottage Cheese. Pictures are clickable to enlarge.

{Photographed in natural light}

{Photographed in natural light}

{Photographed in natural light}

{Photographed in natural light}

{Photographed in natural light}

{Photographed with a flash}

{Photographed with a flash, blurred to show sparkle}

:::  THE OPINIONS  :::

I wish I could have captured the awesomeness that is Vicar in a Tutu. It's part of the Darling Grrl! collection, and looks even better in person than it does in any picture I've seen. It's a gorgeous shimmering pearl with a light green shift and a very duochrome-like finish. I wear it a lot, and always take it with me when I travel out of town. The other three eyeshadows are lovely as well — you really can't go wrong with any Darling Girl products. :}

Stay Fabulous!