Olivina Nappa Valley: Honeysuckle Rose Collection Reviews

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During my childhood, my best friend and I spent countless hours playing in her backyard.  One side of her house was simply covered in twining Honeysuckle.  The scent of those blooms and taste of their nectar is rooted firmly in my memory.

When I recently sampled Olivina’s bath & beauty collection in Honeysuckle Rose, the scent took me right back to those glorious sun-filled play-dates, and immediately put me in a “feel-good” state of mind.

Fomulated with Olive Oil, Olive Butter, Shea Butter and honey; Olivina Bath Soap is incredibly moisturizing.  The 8 oz. generously-sized chunky soap also comes packaged in the most beautiful gift-worthy box.  No wrapping necessary!
olivina napa valley honeysuckle rose hand creme review, makeup reviews, beauty reviews, product reviews, blog, fall 2010Olivina Hand Creme is ultra-rich and quick to absorb.  I saw immediate improvement in the condition of my dry hands, and the bonus is a lingering Honeysuckle scent!  Off-label use:  If you have extra-dry skin–like me–don’t stop at your hands!  Olivina Hand Creme is a strong ally in the war against dry elbows and abused knees as well.

There are countless reasons to love this brand.  Not only are Olivina bath and body products to-die-for rich and pampering, they are also free of parabens, sulfates and preservatives.  Another reason I love Olivina?  The patriot in me is pleased to announce that Olivina is not only made in the USA, but is exported to consumers abroad!  Positive GDP!  Woo-hoo! 

Olivina Bath Soap and Hand Creme in Honeysuckle Rose retail for $18 each.

Click HERE to buy from OlivinaNapaValley.com.

The author of Raging Rouge received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

Beau Bain Bath Cupcakes Review

beau bain bath cupcake review, birthday cake, bath bomb, beauty blog, makeup reviews, product reviews blog, cosmetics blogAfter a certain age, a birthday isn’t always cause for celebration.  Unless, of course, you are the lucky recipient of thoughtful pampering gifts like Beau Bain’s Bath Cupcakes!

This delicious-looking bath treat by Beau Bain is genius.  The bottom portion of the product–or cake, if you will–is a fizzy moisturizing bath bomb.  The top–icing–creates a thick sudsy bubble bath!  It’s the ideal combination for a long, relaxing soak that will leave your skin feeling super-soft!

The scents available range from baked goods (like Dark Chocolate, Coconut Creme  and Birthday Cake) to fruity (Tropical Mango, Juicy Peach and Lemon Zest) to floral (Lavender and Hawaiian Lei).  Let me tell you, Birthday Cake smells so real, it’s tough not to try a bite!

Retail price is $8.95 per Bath Cupcake.  Bath Cupcakes make terrific inexpensive gifts!

Click HERE to visit BeauBain.com to select one of their yummy bath treats!

The author of Raging Rouge received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

Liz Earle Energising Body Scrub

liz earle energising body scrub reviewAs my baby graduated to toddler, and my pre-schooler graduated to big-kid, I assumed I’d feel more well-rested and energetic.  Not so!  This full-time Mom is perpetually exhausted, and looks for any and every healthy way to give her energy level a boost.

Enter stage left:  Liz Earle Energising Body Scrub.  Scented with nine essential oils (sweet orange, grapefruit, geranium, peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, pine, patchouli and petitgrain), the scent is positively invigorating and really helps me to open my eyes in the morning.

Unlike some scrubs that can be messy and clumpy, Liz Earle’s Energising Body Scrub comes in a no-mess tube, and keeps application neat!  The formula is easily worked into a rich emulsion, so a tiny bit of scrub goes a long way.

This scrub effectively removes dead/dry skin, and leaves the body feeling silky.  I am hooked!

A generously sized 6.7 fl. oz. tube retails for $24, and a travel sized 1.6 fl. oz tube retails for $10.

Click HERE to visit LizEarle.com.

The author of Raging Rouge received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

Creighton Edward Launches Madison, NJ Location

I literally almost had a stroke!

I don’t have much time for retail therapy, but one of my favorite haunts in the greater Seattle area was Creighton Edward.  Housed in a little red barn, Creighton Edward was the jewel of Gilman Village… packed with luxe home furnishings and divine bath & body products.

When I dropped by after an abnormally long absence, Creighton Edward was no more!

There is a silver lining to this story, however.  Creighton Edward will still exist.  The gorgeous little boutique has simply moved across the country to Madison, NJ.  The grand re-opening is planned for August 14th.  As a native of northern New Jersey, it warms my heart that I will still get to visit my favorite little shop… even if it’s not quite as often.  My son will surely insist that I re-stock the yummy candy-scented counter cleanser that Creighton sweetly gave him as a gift!

Click HERE to check out the Creighton Edward homepage.  Trust me, you’re going to want to stop by if you’re in Madison!

CLEAN Anti-Bacterial Moisturizing Hand Cream Review

clean anti-bacterial moisturizing hand cream, reviews, opinions, beauty, makeup, skin, moisture, hand care, hand sanitizer, non-drying hand sanitizerWhat a RELIEF!  As the Mom of two young children, I’ve had to ignore my dry hands and continually apply harsh hand sanitizers to keep my household in good health.  The good news?  Hand sanitizers work!  My family somehow coasted through the Winter almost illness free.  The bad news?  Hand saniziters positively wreak havoc on the hands.

There is another solution!  Fusion Brands, Inc.–the creators of CLEAN–have launched CLEAN Anti-Bacterial Moisturizing Hand Cream!  Similar to your typical hand sanitizer, this product eliminates 99.9% of germs.  But it’s so SO much better than just that!  Firstly, this lightweight scent-free lotion moisturizes dry, battered hands effectively.  Secondly–providing you don’t wash it off–CLEAN’s latest hand cream can protect you from germs for up for four hours after application! 

I’ve never used anything quite like it, and when I received a sample, I immiediately assumed this product would be pricey!  But I was wrong!  A 1 fl. oz. tube retails for only $10!  It’s the perfect purse-companion, all year long!

CLEAN Antibacterial Moisturizing Hand Cream does not contain alcohol, triclosan, sulfates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, artificial colors/dyes, animal ingredients and other harsh chemicals. CLEAN does not test on animals.

Click HERE to buy CLEAN Anti-Bacterial Moisturizing Hand Cream at Sephora.com

The author of Raging Rouge received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

Jelly Pong Pong Soap Popsicles Review

Jelly Pong Pong Soap Popsicles, Product Review, Soap Popsicles

I reviewed Jelly Pong Pong Soap Popsicles eons ago… but the memory still remains!  I miss these sweet soapy treats so much, I recently surfed on over to Jelly Pong Pong to see if they are in stock.  Good news:  this favorite is still very much available on the Jelly Pong Pong website.  In fact, the team has recently introduced a new “flavor” named Flights of Fancy!

In my original review, I wrote: “on a fun scale of 1 to 10 (10 being a trip to Disney World) this popsicle-fashioned soap ranks a 100.”  My opinion still stands.  These gentle glycerin soaps make bathtime so much fun… especially for the little ones in your life! 

Retail price is 7 GBP per popsicle.

Click HERE to check them out at JellyPongPong.com.

Noodle & Boo: Instant Hand Sanitizer

noodle and boo reviews, noodle and boo products, hand sanitizer, instant hand sanitizer, beauty, makeup, cosmetics, makeup reviews, beauty blogLet’s face it: most anti-bacterial hand-sanitizers smell like moonshine. Yuck! Leave it to Noodle & Boo to improve upon that replusive scent!

I scored a 2 fl. oz. bottle of Noodle & Boo Instant Hand Sanitizer during a recent shopping trip for only $1.75.  The solution is infused with the signature Noodle & Boo powdery scent, making sanitizer application much more delightful!

Normal retail price for a 2 fl. oz. bottle is $5.50.

Click HERE to check it out at Noodle & Boo

True Blue Spa: Large Acrylic Foot File Review

true blue spa, foot file, product review, bath and body works, pedicure, beauty blog, makeup reviews, beauty news, beauty products, cosmeticsMy approach to eliminating callous before the summer season is akin to a medieval prisoner attempting to dig out of a prison with only a spoon.  After each warm bath or shower, I use this foot file for as long as possible, then add some fun moisturizer for extra pampering.

I’ve been so pleased with this Large Acrylic Foot File by True Blue Spa.  It’a amazingly sturdy–the handle doesn’t bend AT ALL during use, so you can really get some muscle in there for effective callous reduction!

The crystal blue shade and icy granules make it even look attractive!

Click here to shop for this at Bath & Body Works! $3 Shipping w/ a $50 Purchase! Use Promo Code: SHIP3

Mothers Day Gifts Guide: Beauty Treats Mom Will Adore!

As a Mom, I can tell you first-hand that beauty gifts are appreciated on Mother’s Day!  If you’re afraid to select makeup, fragrance, bath or skin care products for Mom… allow me to be of assistance!  Here are just a few of my picks for the big day.  Hope you find this Mother’s Day gift guide helpful!

borghese total serenity, mothers day gift ideas, mothers day gift guide, beauty, makeup, cosmetics  If you’re looking for a gift that will really wow Mom, Borghese offers some fantastic bath and body value sets that are a total steal.  The Total Serenity Gift Set is a $194 value, but retail is a mere $52.50!A beach tote filled with everything to cleanse the skin, scrub the body and reduce the signs of aging.  Click HERE to buy it from Borghese.com.
NARS so famous gift set, mothers day gift guide, mothers day gift list, mothers day gift ideas, mothers day beauty gifts, mothers day makeup gifts, gifts for moms, gift ideas for moms, gift ideas for mothers, beauty blog, makeup blog, cosmetics blog If you’re giving the gift of color, these universally flattering products by NARS are sure to win her heart!  The So Famous gift set contains a mini Orgasm Multiple and full-size versions of Deep Throat Blush and Bettina Velvet Matte Lip Pencil.Retail price is $44 for a $61 value.  Click HERE to buy it from Sephora.com.
LaLicous Body Butter trio, bath and body, mothers day gift ideas, mothers day gift guide, beauty, makeup, cosmetics The founder of LaLicous is the mother of twin three-year-old girls… so if anyone knows how to pamper a Mother, it’s LaLicious!The body butter trio is completely customizable!  You can personally select three different travel-friendly sized bottles of LaLicious body butter!Retail $25.  Click HERE to buy it at LaLicous.com.
estee lauder beautiful, mothers day gift guide, mothers day gift list, mothers day gift ideas, mothers day beauty gifts, mothers day makeup gifts, gifts for moms, gift ideas for moms, gift ideas for mothers, beauty blog, makeup blog, cosmetics blog Tell Mom she’s beautiful without saying a word.  The gift of fragrance is always a winner.  This Estee Lauder Beautiful Romantic Luxuries gift set includes a 2.5 oz Eau de Parfum spray, a 3.4 oz. Perfumed Body Lotion and a 1 oz. Perfumed Body Powder.Retail price is $68.  Click HERE To buy it from EsteeLauder.com.
mothers day gift guide, mothers day gift list, mothers day gift ideas, mothers day beauty gifts, mothers day makeup gifts, gifts for moms, gift ideas for moms, gift ideas for mothers, beauty blog, makeup blog, cosmetics blog Stumped?  Don’t sweat it!  Gift certificates from Spa Week are always a winner.  Mom can select the spa treatment she desires, the spa she’ll visit, and the date!  All you need to do is visit SpaWeek.com, and select a dollar amount for the gift.  Simple as that, and you’ll look like a hero.

The author of Raging Rouge has received press samples of some brands listed in this mother’s day gift guide. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

Best Selling Makeup And Beauty Products: Q1 2010 Part 3!

It’s a wrap readers!  Today is the final day of the Raging Rouge “best-selling beauty” feature story!  Hope you’ve enjoyed checking out what other women are buying!  Perhaps you’ve also pulled together a wish list for yourself?

Lavanila rollerball, Vanilla Grapefruit, best selling fragrance, best selling perfume, best selling makeup, best selling beauty, best selling cosmetics
  • Who: LAVANILA Laboratories
  • What: Healthy Roller-Ball Fragrance in Vanilla Grapefruit, $19
  • Where: LAVANILA.com
  • Why: Completely free of harsh chemicals typically found in fragrance, now you can enjoy Lavanila’s fresh, clean blends on-the-go as you soak in powerful, skin-healthy ingredients with every roll. Housed in a sleek, spill-proof bottle, this lovely little travel perfume is a must for any carry-on, purse or cosmetics case. The celeb favorite product delivers an unexpected burst of citrus steeped in a warm Madagascar vanilla base.
DermaQuest Dual Pan Concealer, DermaHide, best selling makeup, best selling concealer, best selling beauty, makeup blog, beauty blog, cosmetics blog, makeup reviews, beauty news, product reviews
  • Who: DermaMinerals
  • What: DermaHide Dual Pan Concealer, $25
  • Where: DermaMinerals.com
  • Why: DermaHide Dual Pan Concealer provides natural looking coverage to problem areas, and with two colors in one compact you are sure to find your year round perfect match. Natural Health–UK’s leading glossy magazine on complementary therapies and holistic living–has awarded Best Concealer Winner to DermaMinerals DermaHide Dual Pan Concealer!
tinte cosmetics, mynt kiss, best selling gloss, best selling makeup, best selling products, beauty, cosmetics, blog
  • Who: TINte Cosmetics
  • What: Mynt Kiss Flavored Lip Shine, $17
  • Where: TINteCosmetics.com
  • Why: If the sheer pinkish red hue of this shimmer gloss isn’t enough, the sweet taste and cool feel of peppermint are sure to entice! Named after the location where the brand’s creator shared a first kiss with her husband, the original Mynt Kiss shade was updated about a year ago and the universally flattering result has been selling like crazy ever since!
korres natural products, oak, anti-aging, anti aging, skin care, best selling skin care, best selling products, beauty, makeup, cosmetics, product reviews
  • Who: Korres Natural Products
  • What: Korres Natural Products Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Primer, $33
  • Where: Sephora.com
  • Why: This powerful treatment and skin-perfecting face primer in one instantly fills wrinkles and produces a smooth and perfected skin surface—ensuring long-lasting make up application. The formula is enriched with powerful antioxidant Quercetin and Oak extracts, which improve skin cell functioning, repair fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture and elasticity.
glominerals, glopressed base, best selling makeup, best selling beauty, best selling mineral foundation, glominerals, beauty blog, makeup blog, product reviews
  • Who: glominerals
  • What: glominerals pressed base – golden medium, $39
  • Where: gloSkinCare.com
  • Why: Bobbie Thomas of the Today Show says “I don’t think I could live without my glominerals pressed base. It’s my SPF and it makes me feel like my skin tone is even. I love it.” Flawless coverage with superior texture, application and blendability.
gloconditioning hydration cream, best selling skincare, makeup, cosmetics, beauty, blog, product reviews
  • Who: glotherapeutics
  • What: gloConditioning Hydration Cream, $38
  • Where: gloSkinCare.com
  • Why: Leaves skin soft and hydrated. The nutrient-rich blend strengthens and fortifies skin, and smells amazing!
lalicious, sugar kiss souffle scrub, best selling bath and body, makeup, beauty, cosmetics, products, blog
  • Who: LaLicious
  • What: Sugar Kiss Souffle Scrub, $34
  • Where: LaLicioud.com
  • Why: This scrub is an amazing combination of Vanlla, Citrus and Rose and is a highly moisturizing body exfoliator. Before you get out of the shower, scrub all over your body and rinse with warm water. Pat yourself dry and this deliciously sweet scent will layer nicely with your favorite perfume!