DIY Chocolate Bath, yumm!!

Hey there! So here's the DIY post I was yammering about last night. :) Though I didn't quite post this in the evening...it's now 5:15am. Oopsie. Ha. I suppose I will get started on how to do so. *Of course if you are allergic to any of the following ingredients, do not use them!

What you'll need:

1/4 cup of honey

2 cups of milk

3 tablespoons cocoa powder

*I used Hershey's Cocoa Natural Unsweetened, but any will do, I prefer organic seeing as I will be sitting in this and don't really want fillers,etc. etc., I also used an organic honey for the same reasons.

What the ingredients do:
*In case you don't care about what they do, proceed below to the Mixing section. :)

Of course the cocoa powder softens your skin nicely, plus it moisturizes and re-mineralizes the skin and metabolism.  The chocolate also improves mood by producing more endorphins, hormones that generate feelings of well-being.

You could also just use milk. This was of course made famous by Cleopatra, she is said to have used camel's milk. She took milk baths to soften and improve the appearance of her skin, however, she used purely milk without the water, seeing as that would take quite a bit of milk, I decided to cut the amount (and cost) down, ha ha. The milk and honey supply a lot of nutrients to your skin along with proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and calcium and is also quite hydrating.

Mixing:

First, measure out 1/4 cup of honey, I just poured it into one big microwave safe measuring cup (didn't want to dirty too many dishes). Now, add in your 2 cups of milk. Then microwave the ingredients for 2 1/2 minutes. The reason for microwaving is because it makes adding and blending the cocoa powder easier. Remove from the microwave and whisk until frothy.  Add in your 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder and whisk again until the cocoa powder is dissolved.

Bath Time!!:

Fill your bathtub with about 75% water, while the water is running, pour your mixture under the faucet. The running and warm water makes the mixture nice and frothy.

Now, dim the lights, possibly burn a candle or two, and just sit back and relax with a good book or magazine. *For an extra luxurious touch, take some dark chocolate to enjoy eating. I recommend Divine brand chocolate. <3

Sweet chocolaty dreams, Annie

HEADS UP!!

Woahhh! I have a new blog post coming at ya soon. You should read my post that will be up tomorrow.
 It's about a chocolate DIY thing, nooo, it's not dirty, it's nice and squeaky clean. :) ...well, maybe not. You kinda do have to wash after. ha ha , well in case you're wondering what it is, you'll just have to wait until tomorrow evening...more like this evening, but you know. It will be up earlyish evening. :)

Heh heh heh...secretive blog posts...Annie :)

Heavy Metal!...Cosmetics?!?!

Hi everyone. I'm really sorry about not posting last weekend and to apologize somewhat in advance for not really posting this weekend either. I have come down with the flu and I'm behind on a lot of things, obviously, including this.
 
    So I did happen to read an article about there being some heavy metals in beauty products, to which I was alarmed because these metals are not listed on labels, are very harmful to the body, let alone that we apply these to our faces! So I'll include this article so you guys can throw out these products if you own them and hopefully avoid purchasing them. This article actually made me want to buy certified "green" or "eco-friendly" products... kind of. I still love my MAC mascaras, and the only product of theirs that had an issue was a certain kind of blush, which I never use, except my different kind in Azalea Blossom.
   I was alarmed to see these metals in higher end brands: Clinique, Sephora, MAC, and Benefit. But I was also glad I don't use any of these products except for the Benefit Benetint. Which was obviously disappointing, seeing as I really like this product. But just knowing what is in it, was enough to make me immediatly throw it in the trash.
  So finally, here is the article!

Shocking right?? I do wish they would have listed all 49 of the products that included the heavy metals. So disappointing to me just hearing that some of my favorite brands have harmful products in them. Hopefully these brands realize this or will do something to put an end to the use of these.

I'll try to do a new post next weekend, but I'm not sure what over. That will be determined last minute. Hah!

Keeping your face from harmful metals, Annie

February Lovin' Product Haul

Hey everyone! So, I went to the mall last weekend and basically had $50 to blow on the things that I'd had my eyes on for quite a while. :) I left the mall extremely happy. Let's begin!
 The first product is from The Body Shop and is called Chocomania Bag of Heart Soaps. This costs $6, whereas the larger, individual bars cost $4.

As you may be able to tell, I did use the one on the top right twice then put it back in the bag for this picture, ha ha. First off, I love love loveee them!! This soap smells fantastic and the heart shape is sooo cuteee!! It smells so different from the rest of their Chocomania collection and is a lot more subtle. The scent smells mainly of cocoa butter with a dash of chocolate, rather than their reoccuring Chocomania scent that is in their body butter. They also include little bits of coconut shell as an exfoliator, and it is surprisingly delicate on my super sensitive skin! :) The scent hardly lingers after a shower, and my skin is sooo smooth afterwards. Just one of these mini-bars has lasted me 6 showers, and it looks like I have at least 5 more left in it! I will definitely be going back for a ton more, especially at $6 for 4!! :)

 Continuing with the Chocomania collection is their Chocomania Body Butter which is sold in the large size at $18, it is also sold in the mini size at $6. Let me begin with this, I opened a jar of this body butter and seriously gagged. I had expected it to smell divine like most of their stuff (excluding their grapefruit scent, ha ha) but it didn't. I did not buy the full size or the mini, but they gave me a sample with my purchase and the lady told me that once it's applied, the scent dies down. I assumed she was hoping I'd turn around a buy a full size container, but I put in my mind that after my shower, I would try it...

I did and I actually do like it. I couldn't stop smelling myself! I had put it on my arms so I could really get my whiffer exposed to it. ha ha. And I really do like it. I shower at night, so this stays on me while I sleep and all the next day. When I woke up (7 hours after my shower and application) I could still slightly smell it. The body butter smelled somewhat of men's cologne, but just slightly. An hour later, after I did my hair and makeup, I went to apply perfume and I couldn't smell the body butter any longer except on my arms, but very faintly, which was great because it didn't change the smell of my perfume or anything. However, I will not be buying any size container of this scent because I'm just not too into it like I am with their almond scent!

 And the last item from The Body Shop, is the Almond Bath & Shower Gel. This is about $8. As I said, I am in love with their almond scent. I wish they had an almond home fragrance oil or something so I could smell this stuff 24/7!! I own their body butter in this scent too (see my older haul post for that review), I just can't get enough of it, every time I go in this store, I just have to pop open a body butter to smell it more. Ha ha. I'm an addict. :)

I loveee thisss smellll!! It does leave a hint of the almond smell on my skin, but as all of their other products that I own, it isn't enough to interfere with perfumes. <3

 Now for the one product I purchased from Sephora. It's from Escada (I love their perfumes) and is called Rockin' Rio. This is the scent that got me hooked on their brand. I'm soooo happy that it's returned for a limited time because I'm almost completely out of my full size.

The packaging on this isn't that cute or whatever, but I don't even care, I know the scent and LOVE it. The full sized bottles were $55. The one I purchased was $20, on the sign it was advertised as a rollerball, but I was so pleasantly surprised when I arrived home and found it to be a spray instead. :) I can't explain the scent, I just know it, you must go smell it though! Definitely my go-to perfume! :)

 Then I stopped in Bath & Body Works for their Valentine's party! :) And to make some purchases.
Up first is the Coconut Leaves mini candle (1.3 oz). This was $3.50.

 I really like the smell of coconut and this just puts that at the next level. The container is made of glass this time. I loveee this candle so much!! It's sweet and fresh and tropical. <3 So summery. :)

 Another mini candle I purchased is Flower Shop. I have yet to burn it at all, but I purchased it because it reminds me of the gardens in Giverny in Paris, which I miss more and more each day. This was also $3.50.

The packaging is pretty cute and springy, but brings back summer memories. :) I can't wait to begin burning it!!

 Then I purchased a Vanilla Berry Sorbet PocketBac for $1.50.

I really enjoy this scent. It's so addicting and summery!! I don't know how long this scent is back for, since it was released last summer, so I had to buy it. Ha ha. Fantastic!!

 I also bought a PocketBac in Exotic Rainforest. This was also $1.50.

This one is a really fresh and clean scent, very slightly fruity. It's alright, smells pretty good, but it's not a scent that I'm going to repurchase.

I also got their Deep Cleansing Hand Soap in Fresh Picked Tangerines for $5.50.

I like this smell a lot. Smells exactly like tangerines, and sooo summery!! :)

 And last but not least, a travel size shower gel in Paris Amour for $5. But I had been mailed two coupons for them, one was for any free travel size signature collection item. I like this scent, so, of course, I bought it.

I like this scent, it's light and romantic. For me, there's no lingering scent. It's pretty decent.

 For Valentine's Day, my parents bought me a Shakira S Eau Florale Eau de Toilette Natural Spray in the 1 fl. oz. size, which was on sale at Walgreens at the time for about $13.

 It doesn't strike me as too floraly, mainly fruity, I do like it though.

May you find many great new scents this month, Annie

Valentine's Day

Hey everyone! I just wanted to wish all of you a "Happy Valentine's Day!!" And to let you know that I will be doing a shopping haul this weekend of what I purchased last weekend. A few are valentine's related. :) I'm hoping to do the post Friday evening.
Thanks for reading my blog posts, and for that, you're my valentines. :)
           Happy v-day, Annie <3

BB Creams!

Hey everyone!! So this evening I'm doing a review on BB Creams. I'm also going to let you know the history of BB Creams and what their purpose is. So let's get started. :)
 History- BB Cream was created in the 1950's in Germany by a dermatologist named Christine Schrammek, M.D. She had created the product for her patients after they had completed treatments like skin peels and facials. This BB Cream was made to soothe the skin, but also hide redness, it was of course tinted. Then, 30 years after this, it was introduced to the Korean market, and took off in Asia.
 What they do- BB Cream stands for Blemish Balm Cream. The Asian markets tend to refer to BB Creams as Beblish Balm, rather than Blemish Balm, but I'm not sure why. BB Creams truely are a multi-tasker! I love them so much for this. ha ha. So BB Creams offer sun protection, prevent blemishes, cover imperfections, include anti-aging/wrinkle coverage, prime skin, and prevent shine. Most are only offered in one shade. A lot of the asian ones contain whitening agents, making their skin appear more naturally pale, this is good for me because I'm quite pale so it applies fairly tan, but as it oxidizes, it whitens a bit so it matches my skin. But please don't think that just because you may be tan that you can't wear this product without being way more pale than the rest of your body. Most tend to kind of "know" what your skin tone is. I have a couple of friends who are more tan than me and who have used mine and it blends into their skin just fine. I love them because they really improve my skin and hide any blemishes I may have at the tie, they help get rid of blemish a lot more quickly too. :)
 Because of the fact that the Asian BB Creams only came in one color, the United States felt it had to fit all of the different skin tones, so they decided to make many different shades, but maintain the benefits of a BB Cream. Personally, I am not a fan of the BB Creams created here in the U.S., they're just not right. I'm not sure what it is about them, but they're just not the same. I have yet to find a BB Cream from Germany, but I would like to do so soon. :)

Reviews:

I'm going to start this with my favorite BB Cream at the top and go to my least favorite one at the bottom. I like the smell of all three of them, to me they smell the exact same. These three smell like sunscreen and kinda clean, I just really like the way they each smell. The scent lasts for a while, maybe an hour, I never really timed how long it lasts. Ha ha.

 

First off is BB Bright Cream. The brand of it is called Etude House, their English website is "under construction" and has been for a few months, I don't know if it will reopen or not, but that was never where I purchased mine from anyway. I purchased mine off of this website http://www.asianfashioncity.com/bb-cream-gallery.html and on there it is $29. The packaging is really nice, definitely sanitary becuase the product just pumps out and can't go back into the tube, which can be a bit of a downside if you get too much product at once, but at least you know that your product won't be contaminated with little germies. :) I don't recall how much shipping costs on this website or long it took for my BB Cream to arrive, but I do know that it took quite a while. This is my favoriteee BB Cream for sooo many reasons! It covers up any redness and completely masks any blemishes on my face, so that it looks flawless. I love it so much! It is the quickest of these three to eliminate my blemishes too. I have been using this one for about a year now and still have quite a bit left! It's great because it's so buildable, so you can add more to get a darker color if you're tan, and for me, I just apply it sparingly on my face and it's perfect. Along with this I still use a concealer to cover up my dark undereye circles, just becuase mine tend to be really dark, so I need to. But, I just can't say enough great things about this product! :)

 Up next is the Hot Pink Super Plus Beblish Balm from Skin79. On the Skin79 website for North America, the price is listed as $28. I actually got this product sent to me in two sample sizes as a free gift because I purchased the VIP Gold Super Plus Beblish Balm, which was done so on ebay. I ended up cutting the little packets open and putting them in a little jar with a lid so it's a bit easier to access and I don't have to struggle to squeeze it out every morning, haha. But the actual container looks like the one on the sample package that is pictured above. I felt like this one was a bit odd at first, it felt somewhat thick and cakey on my face, but it looked fine, then after about five minutes it was as light as could be, I felt as if I didn't have any makeup on my face, which I completely love. The coverage of this one is just alright, it is pretty sheer and somewhat buildable, I still had to conceal my dark undereye circles and then my blemishes with a concealer. I do like this product though. I will have to use what remains of the sample packages to determine whether I really want to invest in a full bottle of it though.

 The last product is the VIP Gold Super Plus Beblish Balm from Skin79. On their website for North America it is being sold for $28. I was not a big fan of this one, it seemed really sheer to me and I am not a big fan of sheer products mainly because I feel that their purpose is to cover imperfections. I still had to go in with my concealer and conceal every little blemish and my dark circles. I really feel like this product is for more mature skin with acne scars and wrinkles and when you don't need much coverage. My mother loves this and she is in her 50's so she does have some wrinkles, she does have rosacea around the apples of her cheeks and it covered it really well. Her skin looked a lot more youthful and not pinky/red. So I'm surprised by the different experiences that we had. So I do recommend this for women who have existing wrinkles and minimal skin conditions. I don't recommend it to girls/women who get blemishes or have more severe skin conditions.

 

 I swatched each product on my hand. The left picture has flash and the right one is without flash. They're thicker at the base of my fingers, and by my wrist I blended them into my skin, of course I blend them each more on my face so it doesn't look like a fake tan, ha ha.At the top is the Hot Pink Super Plus Beblish Balm, the one right below it is the VIP Gold Super Plus Beblish Balm, and at the bottom is the BB Bright Cream.

So this concludes my review on BB Creams and I do hope to try some new ones soon and I'll let you guys know when I do. :)
Please let me know what you think and also please subscribe. :)

For the love of BB Cream, Annie

Sneakish Peekish!

Here is a tiny sneak peek at the items in the post I will be doing for you guys this weekend.

I know that pretty much nothing is shown in this picture, but that just makes it more of a surprise! Ha ha.
And yes, the pink thing at the bottom is a little sample package. But there is enough product in two combined packs (what I have and decided to do with them) for at least 5 more applications.
Please be patient with me being so untimely with my posts. Thank you!! Please let me know what products/ brands you would like to see reviewed, etc. Thanks again!
              Untimely postings, Annie