Birthday Haul!

Hey, everyone!

I'm super excited about this post- my birthday haul! My birthday was several days ago, but I celebrated it on Sunday, so that's why this is being posted now. 

Either way, I've got products from Lush (which include the new Christmas items!) and then two others.

                      Everything :)

                       First Half 

         

                     Second Half 

The products are:

LUSH Knot Wrap

LUSH Angel's Delight Soap 

LUSH Godmother Soap

LUSH Candy Mountain Bubble Bar

LUSH Snow Fairy Sparkle Solid Lotion

LUSH Pink Bath Bomb

LUSH Solid Perfume in Karma

LUSH FUN Holiday Set

VERSACE Bright Crystal Perfume (3.0 oz)

VIKTOR & ROLF Flowerbomb Travel Set 

     

(The Sweetie Pie shower jelly is a gift for someone else!) 

Individual Pictures

                      Knot Wrap

                   Godmother Soap

              KARMA Solid Perfume

              Angel's Delight Soap

           Candy Mountain Bubble Bar

                   Pink Bath Bomb

         Snow Fairy Sparkle Solid Lotion

                FUN Christmas Gift Set 

    Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Travel Set

             Versace Bright Crystal

I can't wait to review all of these products; I'll have review up soon! 

Which products catch your eye? Tell me below in the comments, and make sure to subscribe/follow so you can hear about new reviews first! 

SPOTTED: EOS Limited Edition Five-Pack

Sound the alarms! Just kidding, but seriously. Taking the spotlight on our first "spotted" post, EOS!

While EOS smooth spheres are sold individually too, they can reach about $4! Pricey. That's why this pack was almost irresistible- you get almost half off! 

The pack contains 5 different flavors:

(Strawberry Sorbet, Cool Mint, Honeysuckle Honeydew, Passion Fruit, and Summer Fruit.)

So, while I don't have a picture of the packaging (but the top picture shows it!) I can tell you that it's located in the pharmacy/cosmetics section. I found this pack literally right between the pharmacy and skincare sections, for $10.99. 

I have to say that Honeysuckle Honeydew and Cool Mint are definitely the best in the set. (Mint is definitely the most potent, while Honeydew has a clean but strong, melon-y scent.)

You can see our review of some EOS lip balms here.

So, check it out! (And while you're there, check out the $50 designer fragrance section!) 

Fashion Week 2013

Okay, so I know that Le Renifleur is a fragrance/skincare review blog. But I just couldn't resist making a pos about this. After all, hello?! Paris is one of the fashion capitols of the world.  I just HAD to do a post covering this. So bear with me. 

While I cannot name all of the designers for the life of me, and I am most definitely not in Paris, NYC, London, or Milan right now (I wish I was), I've put together a string of my favorite new designs together, along with some inspiration from the designers. These pictures are a collection from my "2013 Fashion Week" board on Pinterest, so have a look!

(Source)

BCBG Spring Collection

Marc Jacobs/Louis Vutton

(Source)

Marc Jacobs

Glamouri

Those are my favorite out of the bunch, but you can check out the entire board of pictures HERE!

Catastrophe Cosmetic: Lush Fresh Facial

This is a bit of a quickie review, (Emilie and I are planning something awesome for you guys!) but still a review nonetheless.

I recently (five minutes ago, actually) used the Lush Fresh Facial, Catastrophe Cosmetic. 

This lovely little facial is packed with blueberries (YUMMM) and antioxidants, and I think this is the mask for oily/breakout/somewhat dry/sensitive skin. (This is probably a good time to mention that this mask was originally bought for my sister. My skin is desert-dry!)

"Still learning about proper skin care? No need to be embarrassed. After all, every face has different needs! We recommend starting here. Prevent disasters by taking regular care with our deep cleaning blueberry mask, Catastrophe Cosmetic. The little blue bulbs are packed with vitamins, with a gentle calamine base to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Use this one weekly as a deep cleansing treatment to kick off your regular skin care routine.

Features

• • Gentle enough for everyone: Catastrophe is one of our best-selling masks because it’s gentle on all skin types.
• • Local matters: We buy our blueberries for Catastrophe Cosmetic from a local farmer here in British Columbia.
• • Calm catastrophes: We use calamine powder for its calming and soothing effect."

              

                          -Lush website

I have to note that these facials smell really good. Some of the Lush stuff *cough cough 24:33 Perfume cough cough* smells, well, pretty peculiar. But these smell amazing. (Especially the chocolate one...) 

Anyways, I asked the employee that was by the masks if I could eat them. 

I got a couple strange looks for that. (But to answer the question you're probably wondering about now, yes, yes you can. It just might not taste too good.)

While my pores are noticeably smaller, and the redness (and a few specks of dried lava from my pimple volcanoes :P), my skin isn't perfectly clear. But hey, if there's a product that did that, then everyone would have clear skin. I think it's a long-term progress kind of thing. 

Overall Ratings:

Scent: 3.8

Packaging: 2.5 (nothing impressive)

Durability: Well, if it drops on the ground and makes a mess...you shouldn't use it anymore. 

The Big Question: Does it work?

Score: 4

Overall Rating: 3.5

Maybelline Baby Lips: Quenched

You've probably heard of then, or maybe you've asked, "I wonder what that empty shelf is supposed to hold." 

Either way, introducing Maybelline Baby Lips. 

"Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm moisturizes lips for a full eight hours. Made with an exclusive skincare formula, lips are visibly renewed after using this Lip Balm for just one week. 

For clinically cared-for, baby-soft lips, Maybelline Lip Balm is easy to carry with you and designed to be effective." 

-Maybelline Online Description 

There are three different collections of Baby Lips: the originals, the spring limited editions, and the Electros.

(I have two other Baby Lips, but they are from the Electro collection, so I will review them separately.)

Unless you're willing to dish out some cash out Amazon, you (and I) are out of luck where the springtime limited editions are concerned. However, the originals, which include four tinted colors and two sheer ones and always available, and if you look around a bit, you'll find the Electro collection. 

The one I'm reviewing today, Quenched, is one of the two sheer lip balms from the original collection, and is SPF 20. 

The scent of Quenched is somewhat peculiar. It's supposed to smell like lemon, but smells like a mixture of sunscreen and ReaLemon juice. (The juice that comes in the plastic lemon containers) 

While the scent is interesting, it's not necessarily repulsing. 

Baby Lips are probably most known for being tinted. Quenched isn't, but I don't really mind that, since it definitely does it's job when it comes to sun protection. 

While I was at the beach on vacation, I used this for a week and managed to avoid any sunburn to my lips. (Yay ^_^)

However, one downside is that it makes your lips feel kind of oily, unlike EOS lip balm spheres. This may just be in the Quenched flavor, but I have heard others say the same. 

Quenched is definitely for you if you're looking for a good, sunscreen lip balm with awesome packaging, or of you're just in town for a sheer lip balm. 

Overall Ratings

Scent: 2.5 (for Quenched only)

Package: 4 (cute and practical, however, on Quenched, they simply slapped a label on the container instead of printing the words on if.)

Price: $2.97-$3.99 in stores, varying prices on Amazon. 

Durability: I've dropped this one several times too, no breakage. I will post as soon as it is finished so you all can tell how long it lasts. (I've had it for over a month, and I've barely made a dent) 

So, the overall score is: 3.5!

Bright Crystal by Versace

Remember when I said that Bath and Body Works' Japanese Cherry Blossom was the best? (You probably don't, but I won't hold it against you.)

I've officially changed my mind. Introducing, Bright Crystal by Versace! 

"Inspired by a mixture of Donatella Versace's favorite floral fragrances, Bright Crystal is a fresh, sensual blend of refreshing chilled yuzu and pomegranate mingled with soothing blossoms of peony, magnolia, and lotus flower, warmed with notes of musk and amber.

Notes:
Iced Accord, Yuzu, Pomegranate, Peony, Magnolia, Lotus Flower, Acajou, Vegetal Amber, Musk.
Style:
Sheer. Sensual. Luminous.

If this could be described in one word, it would have to be tropical. Bright Crystal is not specifically tropical, but also floral and clean. The Style in the description is 100% accurate. I'll admit- I have absolutely no idea how Yuzu, Acajou, and Vegetal Amber smell. My guess would be like an orange, wood, and, well, amber, I suppose. 

The first notes you're going to smell are pomegranate, Yuzu, and iced Accord. (Top notes) After that, it's lotus, magnolia, and peony. (The middle notes.)

I have a really weird nose, and I tend classify things perfumes/fragrances into three categories: (1) Smells like un-scented hand sanitizer. (2) PLEASE TAKE THIS OFF ITS BURNING MY NOSTRILS AAAAHHHHH HELP ME! (3) Ooh! I can smell it! This smells good. (This category branches off from there.)

It's fun and fruity, meanwhile being poised and elegant. 

This fragrance is great for the day (any time of year, but more so summer) and remains fruity.

I'd say that it is a must-buy. 

Overall Ratings:

Packaging: 3.5/5

Scent: 5/5

Price: $50-$90

So, our overall rating for Versace Bright Crystal is 4.5/5. 

EOS: Lemon Drop and Pomegranate Raspberry

"Smooth on an all-natural lip balm that delivers the perfect balance of flavor and moisture."

Looking for a smooth, moisturzing lip balm with a totally new and creative container/package! Then I advise you check out EOS lip balm. Available in 12 different flavors, EOS is sure to please. These happen to be my first EOS lip balms ever purchased, so withoput further ado, Pomegranate Raspberry and Lemon Drop!

Pomegranate Raspberry:

Pomegranate Raspberry is probably my fourth or fifth favorite of the EOS smooth spheres. I've been using this one for a while, but the scent starts to...deteriorate after a while, and starts to smell like Passion Fruit, Summer Fruit, and Strawberry Sorbet. (The same happens with those, but that's a different subject for a different time!) Personally, I think tha tit still smells fine, but some of my friends and others I have aksed have said that they hate the smell. Meh. 

Lemon Drop

Lemon Drop- one of my favorites! (My 2nd, actually, after Honeysuckle Honeydew.) When I first bought this, like with all cosmetic products, you have no idea how it's going to smell or look once you crack it open. I'm definitely more of a fresh lemonade sort of person, and this smelled exactly like a hyped-up lemon and keylime pie. For a while, it was too overpowering for me, but now, it's one of my favorite scents out of the EOS's. Along with smelling super sweet, this little egg's got SPF 15, too.

Overall Ratings: 

Pomegranate Raspberry:

Scent: Three Roses

Packaging: Four Roses

Durability/How Long Does it Last?: Depends on usage amount, but a couple months, if not more.

Would I Buy It Again?: No. I would buy a different flavor. 

Lemon Drop: 

Scent: Four Roses

Packaging: Four Roses

Durability: Depends on usage amount. (couple months)

Would I Buy It Again?: My favorite is Honeydew, but yes!

Also, check out our SPOTTED: EOS 5-Pack Review!

The Contest Has Ended!

So, the Tropical Traditions giveaway has ended. (But don't worry, there will be more soon!)

We could only choose one winner, and we have sent the email; so please check your inboxes!!

For privacy, we won't post the name of the winner here, but if you received an email from us, you MUST respond within 24 hours, otherwise we will have our raffle buddy choose a new winner.

*UPDATE* 4/17
Our winner did not respond, so we will have Rafflecopter choose a new winner.
Please check your inboxes again!!

Review: Miranda

As you may have been able to tell, we really like Lush's soaps. And lucky you! Here's another Lush soap review. :D

Miranda. Mur-an-duh. Just like the name.
Lush's Miranda soap is definitely one of the lighter, cleaner smells.

The overall scent of the soap is citrus and kiwi, but not overpowering. More kiwi than anything....a sweet kiwi.

If I could have any 2 soaps in the Lush store that I don't have, this would be one of them.
It's a very creamy soap, and easy to get all soapy.

Overall Ratings:
Scent: 4
Look: 3
Would I buy it a second time: 45%
Price: $$-$$$

So, we get.............3.5 Pounces!

Review: The Carrot Bubble Bar

Easter is just around the corner, and that means it's time for some Easter reviews!

Lush's Carrot bubble bar is one of the new products in the Easter line.
The Carrot is one of the first REUSABLE bubble bars, so you can use it for several baths, which is nice.
The Carrot smells very clean, with a slight bit of a fruity smell, but not much. (Hey, at least it doesn't smell like carrots!!)
If you like clean and simple, this would be a good product to invest in.
I'm going to make the assumption that bubbles won't smell like much, but, the bubbles are a brilliant, bright orange.

We are getting a new rating system soon, but until we get that made, here are the basic overall ratings:

Scent: ••• (3 stars)
Look: •••• (4 stars)
Price: $7.95

And the overall score is......3 STARS!

Animal Abuse

Hi! I'm Ceej, from Bonsai blog at http://www.bonsainewsletter.wordpress.com
We're a blog for the good of the world, so I'm here to warn you of something not so good for the world- animal testing.

I bet you've heard of it. People do awful things to animals just so they can have soap. Now, you're into soap, and I hope you're also into animal welfare. Many companies test animals without telling their consumers, which is wrong. People have a right to know that it is tested on animals. Check all your shampoos at the store before you buy them so you can make sure you won't be supporting abuse. First, you should know that if a company does not say it is against animal testing probably isn't, because they are too ashamed to put it on the back of their bottle- or, they think it doesn't matter! Second, there's a difference between companies who don't animal test, and companies who are against it. Both are good, but the ones who protest it actively are obviously better to buy from. You're not just ignoring animal testing when you buy from them... you're giving money to help them keep making products to fight it!

Soap is great, but do you really want to wash your hands with bubbles created from abuse? Thankfully, there are many companies out there that don't test on animals. I recently got some orange hair shampoo and the company does not hurt animals. It makes your hair super soft and silky and plus, it smells like orange Skittles! (Who wouldn't want to smell like orange Skittles?) If you are prone to dandruff, it might not be the best thing for you though. The point I'm trying to make, however, is that you can still get high quality shampoo while protesting the harm- or murder- of innocent animals who have been taken from your home and family. Abuse is not okay when it happens to humans, and it shouldn't be any different for animals. You can help the little furballs by:
Researching the brands you use and finding out if they test on animals
Emailing them to tell them why it is wrong
Petitioning on care2.com against companies
Abstaining from their brand until they stop
Urging others to do the same
Using brands that are against it
Talking to your school about supplying bathroom soap that is animal-friendly
Talking to your family, friends, online community, just about EVERYBODY.

There are even more ways you can help. Comment below and tell us your ideas! Thanks for this wonderful opportunity to educate soap lovers about the ethical treatment of animals.

Bonsai: Go Green or Go Home
Le Renifleur: We don't joke about soap.

Ceej, Vice President of Bonsai
Guest Poster on Le Renifleur

Sorry!

We are so sorry for not posting enough lately! It's been really busy. :(

Anyway, here's a little bit of an overview for the next little while.
We'll be having a special guest poster come and talk over here, I'll be reviewing some coconut oil that was sent to me, and we will be reviewing new fragrances, soaps, and lotions like crazy!!

Check back soon for more great reviews and posts.

-Julia

Review: Yes to Carrots Shampoo & Conditioner

The Yes to Carrots shampooo and conditioner works wonders for my hair. It has made it stronger and all that good stuff to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy. Now these dont smell the carrots, I promise. They just smell really fresh but yet unique. It's just one of those scents you personally have to smell to make sure you like it. I recommend this product to any one. I think from now on I am going to put links at the end to make it easier if you want to look further into these products and where to buy them and prices and all that fun stuff. *They have other products besides yes to carrots so make sure to check out their website*

Website: http://www.yestocarrots.com/

Places to buy the products online:
http://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=yes+to&category=0%7CAll%7Cmatchallpartial%7Call+categories

http://www.drugstore.com/search/search_results.asp?N=0&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&Ntk=All&srchtree=1&Ntt=yes+to&CSRFToken=Zr0N6BlYSZEHoPF2D5z2a9Fc%2FCfRzjBz%2BhOAO34hFjs%3D

Have a product you love? Want us to review it? Just comment below. We love to hear from you guys! :)

Mushroom Magic Bubble Bar (VDay#3)

Lush's cutest bubble maker is back. The Magic Mushroom. The magic mushroom is a cute, sweet smelling strawberry and vanilla combo. The red cap holds the vanilla scents, and the stem is the strawberry. To use it, use it similarly to the bubble wands. Swish it over the water for instant bubbles.

I think this is adorable. It smells like the description, but it was more overpowering than anything. Definitely not as strawberry as my next review, but awesome all the same.

Overall ratings:
Scent: ••••
Look: •••••
Price: $5.95

It's available at Lush for only a very limited time, so stock up before they disappear!

Review: Bath Bomb Space Girl (Lush)

        


This is one of Lush's most popular bath bombs. I thought since it is I would share my thoughts on it. I really like it because it makes your bath water a really pretty purple color. The scent is a very light fruity and floral scent. I wish it was a little stronger because it is very light. I like the look of the bath bomb. Overall I recommend this bath bomb to annyone. Also the lush bath bombs are great for little kids because it will make them want to take a bath.

I hope you guys liked this review. If you have a product you love and think I should try. Leave it in the comments.

Review: Northern Lights

Lush's Northern Lights soap bar has to be one of my favorites yet. It has a tangy, lemon smell, but it isn't overpowering. Surprisingly, it doesn't smell like cleaning spray, and is a bit lighter than Lush's Sexy Peel soap. It's a bit expensive,like most just stuff, but it's worth it. (It really depends how much you get.)
Overall ratings:

Smell: ••••• (5stars)
Looks: •••• (4 stars)
Price: $$$-$$$$

Review: Snow Frosted Apple Soap (Bath & Body Works)

Yet another Bath and Body Works product I purchased over the holidays. I bought this because I was thinking it would smell like Fresh Market Apple. It does but with more of a crisp scent and it's not as sweet which makes it good to use as a hand soap.

I hope you enjoyed this review. Have a product you love and think I should try? Comment down below.

Review~ Lush Sweetie Pie Shower Jelly

Looking for something fun, sparkly, and has the consistency of jello? Yeah, so maybe that's a bit specific. But who cares? Lush's Sweetie Pie shower jelly is definitely something you don't want to pass up.

"Our sweetest shower jelly is also our best-seller! Between the fruity fragrance, the iridescent glitter that leaves a sparkle on your skin, and the seaweed base that leaves your skin softened and refreshed, it’s irresistible. And while we know our blackcurrant and sour cherry wobbler smells good enough to eat, we recommend you curb your cravings and hop in the shower and wash with Sweetie Pie instead. Smooth it all over your body (and your hair too!) for a sweet yet sophisticated cleansing experience."      -Lush Website Description

I have to say that the description of the smell is pretty spot-on. While I'm not the biggest fan of cherry or coconut, it blends together so pefectly. I purchased the small version of this, not exactly sure how fast I'd use it up. I expected it to be finished within a month, but my surprise when it lasted several! I eventually had to throw it away, however, because the consistency had become watery, and smelled awful. 

Overall Ratings:
Scent: 4
Packaging: 3
Durability/How long it lasts: Several months, depending on size and usage.
Price: Small: $6.99, Large: $11.99

Overall score: 3.5!




Note: This is an updated version of the original review. Looking back at the reviews when this blog was started, I find my reviews to have been extremely short and distasteful- so I am rewriting them, slowly but surely.