Review: Tom Ford Ombré Leather Eau De Parfum

I received this fragrance free from Influenster and Tom Ford in exchange for my honest review. I have to say, I can’t believe I’m giving a patchouli perfume 4 out of 5 stars, but I am.

Turns out, this bold unisex fragrance is sexy as hell. It’s heavy on the leather with little sweet/smoky/spicy notes. It’s all mixed together in a way that makes the patchouli more subtle that I expected. It’s a warm fragrance with staying power, and as it settled on my skin it grew only slightly milder.

While I like the fragrance, I think the scent is too strong for me to wear out and about. And it does have more patchouli than I’m really comfortable with. However, if you’re looking for a bold and sexy fragrance, this could be the one for you.

Review: Dove Coconut & Pink Jasmine Refillable Deodorant

I received a starter kit of Dove’s new 0% aluminum refillable deodorant free from Influenster in exchange for my honest review. I’m definitely more of antiperspirant user, but I have to say I was impressed with this deodorant. I love the reusable stainless steel packaging – so sleek – and the scent is lovely. I used it for a week, during which I was moderately active most days. Only once did I feel like the deodorant wasn’t keeping up. I would recommend this product to deodorant users or anyone looking for a more sustainable package. It really does smell great – I plan to use it as a kinder, gentler alternative to my normal antiperspirant on my less active days.

Beauty Quickie: Kur Nail Concealers

Beauty Quickie: Kur Nail Concealers

Who: Londontown

Kur Illuminating Nail Concealer

What: Kur Illuminating Nail Concealers

When: Anytime I want to strengthen my nails and look more pulled together, pronto

Where: I usually swipe it on while watching tv in the living room

Why: These easy to apply, quick drying nail concealers add strength and a pretty shine to nails. It’s impossible to mess up your at-home mani if this is what you’re doing. It helped me fix a cracking nail issue this winter and is a quick and easy way to add a little more polish (see what I did there?) to your day. I’ve tried the original white shade and the pink concealer; other options are available here.

Kur Pink Illuminating Nail Concealer

Looking Alive with Pacifica Fluffy Blushy

Today is the last day of winter, and I hope you’ll all join me in a chorus of “Hooray!” as we begin to look forward to warmer temperatures and sunnier days. I, for one, am ready to put winter – and the corpse-like hue of my complexion – behind me.

If you think I’m exaggerating, please allow me to share this story with you. While setting up for a photo shoot at work several weeks ago, my colleague snapped a few photos of me to test the lighting. He looked puzzled at his camera as he flipped through the pictures. “I think there might be something wrong with the flash – you don’t look well in these pictures.” So I took some test shots of him to compare. Turns out, our setup was fine. I simply have the skin tone of a vampire.

Enter Pacifica Fluffy Blushy, which I purchased not long after the photo shoot incident in hopes that it would help me look more… alive. It comes in five shades. I opted for Bloom, a peachy pink. And let me tell you, I’m in LOVE. It has a light, bouncy texture that applies like a cream and is very subtle – you can build for as much or as little color as you like. As a person who sees herself on video meetings every day, I can tell you that even the lightest application of this little blush makes a huge difference. Amazing what a slightly rosy cheek can do for a person!

If you, too, are suffering from a winter pallor that is downright concerning, I can’t recommend this blush highly enough.

Beauty Quickie: Philosophy Kiss Me Tonight Lip Balm

Who: Philosophy

What: Kiss Me Tonight Lip Balm

When: Every night, and sometimes in the morning

Where: My bedroom

Why: This rich but non-sticky lip balm is extremely hydrating and leaves lips instantly looking and feeling healthier. This balm kept my lips from cracking and peeling through bitterly cold winter weather conditions and through Covid. Plus, I like its cheeky name and tagline. Highly recommend.

Winter Frizz Fighter

Staticky winter hair got you down? Me too.

For the last few weeks I’ve been battling frizzy flyaways mixed with strands annoyingly plastered to my face. And if I dare to touch my hair with a glove on? Forget it. Static season is here and I’m sick of it.

Or at least I was, until a few days ago when I opened my bathroom cabinet and spotted the word “HYDRATION” printed across a bottle of Moroccanoil All In One Leave-in Conditioner. Ah yes! The secret to less static: moisture. So I squirted a couple pumps of the conditioning spray into my palm, rubbed it between my hands and gently distributed through my hair, careful not to weigh down my roots. Then I brushed it through my hair and styled as I normally would.

I immediately noticed a difference. My hair was far less affected by static, and actually looked healthy. And it didn’t get greasy or flat as the day went on. I’ve used it the last few mornings and I love it – it’s officially my new winter go-to.

Instantly Smoother Skin With This TULA Toner

I received TULA Secret Solutions Pro-Glycolic 10% Resurfacing Toner free from Influenster in exchange for my honest review.

After one use my skin was noticeably softer and smoother. After a week of daily use my skin was even and looked better than it has in months! It didn’t do anything to help the redness that I struggle with, but also didn’t exacerbate it. But the dull and flaky winter skin that I usually deal with this time of year is gone!

I use it in the morning before moisturizer and makeup and everything goes on smoothly. It’s effective and easy to incorporate into my daily routine. I would definitely recommend this product.

Start Fresh with ALO Glow Mega-C Body Wash

I tend to prefer bar soap to body wash, but lately I’ve been sudsing up with a body wash that’s so pleasant to use, I have to tell you about it. ALO Glow System Mega-C Body Wash is formulated to cleanse skin without stripping away moisture, which is much appreciated now that dry winter air has come to stay for the foreseeable future. It lathers up beautifully, and has a mild, sweet citrus scent that reminds me of orange blossom. It leaves my skin clean and soft (even if I forget body lotion). Whether you typically use body washes or are a bar soap girl like me, I highly recommend.

Triple Threat: Buxom Power-full Plump Lip Balm

A few months back I found myself wishing I could find a lip balm that was both moisturizing and lip plumping, which seemed unlikely at best. But then I discovered Buxom Power-full Plump Lip Balm. This deeply hydrating lip plumper also comes in a variety of pretty shades, making it a major 3-in-1 must have. It has become my go-to daily lip color (I have it in Dolly Fever), and I get complimented on it frequently.

Buxom Power-full Plump Lip Balm in Dolly Fever

This lip balm plumps lips in a subtle – and non-painful – way, helping to fill in fine lines without creating an over-the-top bee stung look. It’s very moisturizing and has surprising staying power.

The balm comes in four shades (sheer pink, mauve, nude and coral) and provides a nice wash of color as it plumps and softens. If you’re looking for a product that will provide a little extra oomph without much extra effort, I can’t recommend this one highly enough.

Holiday Preview: Essie Wrapped in Luxury

I know it’s a little early, but the holiday season will soon be upon us. If you’re looking for the perfect nail color for the season, look no further. Essie Wrapped in Luxury is a lovely deep red from the 2022 holiday collection that will have you looking festive and put together from Thanksgiving straight through to New Year’s Eve.