Finish these products already, Part I: Tocca Stella Crema da Sogno and Corpo

I was tempted to start with: “I refuse to be embarrassed about this,” only to realize that the whole point of this post is to shame myself into finishing off a variety of skincare products and body moisturizers that have been collecting dust in my cabinet for various lengths of time that I refuse to disclose. Let me just say that you might not be able to find all of these products still in stock, if you catch my drift.

A lot of these products are about to go off and wonky, so they need to be finished. Don’t get me wrong– most of these products are great but there are definitely reasons why I didn’t stick with them. Some of the products were flat out indulgences that I’ve savored for just a bit too long. Others were gifts that missed the mark. Either way, I’m determined to use them all up before winter sets in.

First up: Tocca’s Stella Crema da Sogno and Crema da Corpo

Tocca: Stell, Crema da Sogno and Crema da Corpo

Tocca: Stella Crema da Sogno and Crema da Corpo. These two beauties definitely fall inside the indulgence category.

I may have a little thing for Tocca. And not just for their lotions but also their laundry detergent and lip gloss and fragrances. So far, I’ve made small dents in both the Crema da Sogno and Crema da Corpo but I think it’s time to use this pair up. The Crema de Sogno is an absolute luxury and makes my skin feel like cashmere. It also smells wonderful and the scent isn’t overwhelming at all. The Crema da Corpo is going to be easier to use up.

Part II of this series will likely arrive next week, till then– let me know in the comments if you also defiantly collect things with clear expirations dates.

Goodbye, beautiful mermaid lady who lives on top of my body butter lid.

This is goodbye, beautiful mermaid person who lives on top of my body cream lid.

 

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Favorite Fall Fragrances: Cannabis Santal by Fresh, Black Orchid by Tom Ford

Today was blissful for one reason alone– the temperature strayed into “almost chilly” for the first time since autumn began in my city! To celebrate, I dusted off my favorite fall scents and doused myself with abandon.

fresh: Cannabis Santal

Fresh: Cannabis Santal

Am I crazy or did Fresh’s Cannabis Santal fragrance used to be listed as unisex? Does it matter? You know, I won’t get into that right now. This is one of my favorite fall fragrances and though it has a lot of delicious sounding notes, such as chocolate and magnolia, what really comes through for me is the outdoorsy-ness of the patchouli laying over the top of the vanilla-musk sweetness. Divine.

Tom Ford: Black Orchid

Tom Ford: Black Orchid

I’m sorry to say this will be the last bottle of Black Orchid I’ll be purchasing. It’s spicy and floral, and blended with sandalwood and patchouli, the overall result is superb. In a word: it is sumptuous. Interestingly enough, a friend used to tell me that this scent was too serious whenever I happened to wear it around her, which I soon realized was an accurate way to evaluate when a fragrance was amazing and should be worn at all times. Needless to say, I’m going to enjoy using the rest of this bottle.

While I have my favorites, I’m always looking for new ideas. Leave your favorite autumn scents in the comments!

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TARTE Away Oui Go Portable Palette & Collector’s Set

TARTE Away Oui Go Portable Palette & Collector’s Set

TARTE | Away Oui Go Portable Palette & Collector’s Set

 

Let me just start by telling you that when I picked TARTE’s Away Oui Go Portable Palette & Collector’s Set  up at Ulta the other night, the woman at the register told me not to drop my bag on the way out because then it would become a finders/keepers sort of thing and she would definitely try to take it!

Embarrassing confession: I thought I was purchasing the Petite Treats 12 Days of Tarte Deluxe Collection … I know. I was just so happy to see that there was one left in store that I grabbed the box and hoofed it up to the register. I didn’t even check it at the register; it wasn’t until I got home that I realized my mistake. Or was it a mistake? I’ve been eager to try a broader range of TARTE’s products since falling in love with their Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation so maybe this was a blessing in disguise.

TARTE | Away Oui Go Portable Palette & Collector’s Set, back of the box

TARTE | Away Oui Go Portable Palette & Collector’s Set Interior

TARTE | Away Oui Go Portable Palette & Collector’s Set Portable Palette, Lip Glosses and Mascara

TARTE | Away Oui Go Portable Palette and Collectors Set, Eyeshadows and Blushes

TARTE | Away Oui Go Portable Palette and Collectors Set, Eyeshadows in Palette

After looking at the portable compact (the palettes are magnetic), I don’t think this is something I would ever carry around in my purse. At the same time, I could definitely see myself traveling with it.

Eyeshadows: private chateau, café for creme bruelée, tea for two, marvel at the Mona Lisa, macarons for you, champagne & chocolate, kiss under the Arc, art in Montmartre, Champs-élysées shopping, stargazing on the Seine, Eiffel Tower engagement, secret soiree, snow angels in the pard, navigating the Metro, midnight stroll, liaison at the Louvre.

Blushes: irresistible, envisioned, limitless, intrigue.

Maracuja Lip Glosses: Paris, Cannes, Nice

Mascara: Lights, Camera, Lashes

If you’re interested in a part 2 of this post, with swatches or some other detail highlighted, let me know and I’ll be sure to follow up.

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G.H. Bass & Co. Whitney II Ballet Flats arrived!

Last week, I went looking for a new pair of flats, as the weather in California isn’t quite allowing for boots yet, and thought I would share the results with you!

Selected free shipping option, arrived quickly!

Pretty box

Pretty box …

G.H. Bass Whitney II Ballet Flat | Love these shoes!

G.H. Bass & Co. Whitney II Ballet Flat | Love these shoes!

G.H. Bass & Co. Whitney II Ballet Flat Top | Top view

G.H. Bass & Co. Whitney II Ballet Flat Top | Top view

G.H. Bass Whitney II Ballet Flat Top | Profile

G.H. Bass & Co. Whitney II Ballet Flat Top | Profile

I may end up exchanging this pair for a half size bigger, as the fit is tight. Other than that, these shoes are lovely, have a nicely cushioned sole for a ballet flat, and are well crafted! If you’re interested, you can take a closer look at them here on the G.H. Bass & Co. web site.

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Essie: the perfect cover up, Fall 2014

Essie: the perfect cover up nail polish, fall 2014

Essie: the perfect cover up nail polish, fall 2014

I wanted to go with the unexpected (for me) when choosing a nail color this fall and ended up surprising myself after my neutral rampage this summer. So far, I have zero regrets about choosing the color Essie describes as “powerful peacock teal.” The polish is infused with gray (my favorite!), muting the teal enough so that it is super wearable. Let me tell you, my hand looked great when I patted myself on back for a job well done.

Onto the technicalities: the formula is creamy, and I had zero problems with streaking. However, this color seems to dry quickly, plus it’s on the thicker side, so taking too long on one nail caused a few small issues. However, the application is mostly smooth so long as you don’t dawdle. I used two coats out of habit, though one would have likely done just as well, and then finished with my favorite topcoat.

Overall, I’m as pleased as I am surprised. If you have a fall favorite color you think I should try, leave it in the comments!

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