polish change

I used to paint my toes sporadically.  But for the past year or so, I've been on a roll.  First thing on the "to do" list this morning was a polish change.  

I purchased this O.P.I. polish at Merle Norman a week or so ago.  They usually carry some colors from each new collection.  I am assuming this one is pretty new, since I've never seen it before and she had it displayed up front.  But who knows?  I just thought it was pretty.

It's called SENORITA ROSE-ALITA

I would describe it as a medium rose color... a mixture of pink, coral, and burgundy... with a gold sheen throughout.

I usually stay away from these types of colors with sheen or holographic textures, but this one was too pretty to pass up.  It's very subtle and the color is perfect for the transition from Summer to Fall.

 

(don't mind my cuticles... just painted this one finger so you could see up close.)

I'm thinking I'll be using this color a lot this season!

Hope you have a fantastic weekend!

current loves

I'm back with a few current loves.

These are things I've never mentioned before... things that have been stand-out products for me lately.

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First up, let's talk about brows.

So many people forget about their brows, but they are quite possibly one of the most important parts of your face.  Yep.  They can make or break your look.  If shaped correctly and filled in where necessary, they can totally change your appearance, making you look "put together."

I don't do a whole lot of plucking or waxing... just what's necessary.

However, I do have a t.e.r.r.i.b.l.e. habit of pulling on my brows (and eyelashes) when I'm nervous.  As a teenager, I did this all the time and would literally pull them almost completely out of my head.  But over the past years, I've made myself stop.... and my husband slaps me if he catches me doing it. 

But a couple of weeks ago, I got nervous and starting pulling.  whoopsie.

So I've been having to do some major fill-in action.

Thank goodness, they're getting better.

Here's my top picks for brows.  They work wonderfully and don't cost an arm and a leg.

Milani Easybrow

If you like pencils, this one is great.  The color applies so easily but the formula isn't so soft that the tip breaks off.  That drives me nuts.  Also, there's a little brush on the other end that is great for brushing through and softening the look.

Milani Brow Fix 

If you prefer powder, this is my pick.  It comes with 2 shades of brow powder and a highlight.  It also comes with little tweezers, a sponge applicator, and a brush for application.  The powder is perfectly pigmented and makes filling in sparse areas a breeze.  And I LOVE the highlight color in this kit.  I use it almost everyday, no matter what eye look I'm wearing.  It's just perfect.

Benefit Rockateur

I bought this blush last weekend.  I could not wait to get my hands on it!

After all the hype about it on YouTube, I'm glad I gave in and purchased it.

It's described as a "rose gold" blush, and I'd say that's pretty accurate.  When I swatch on my finger, it actually has a little more peach than pink.  But when applied on the cheeks, it's the perfect blend with the slightest amount of sheen.  Just perfect!

Michael Todd True Organics

Jojoba Charcoal Scrub

Charcoal, you say?  Yes!  Charcoal.  I tried this product for the first time a few months ago after receiving it in my Ipsy Glam Bag.  This is what the website says about it:

Unique facial scrub formulated with Jojoba Wax Beads and Activated Charcoal to effectively remove dead skin, impurities and toxins. Jojoba Wax Beads provide gentle exfoliation without leaving microlacerations on delicate skin. Highly absorbent Activated Charcoal penetrates deeply into pores to draw out impurities and toxins. Refines texture and encourages skin renewal, leaving skin smooth and refreshed.

All skin types.Gentle enough for sensitive and acne prone skin types.

I absolutely love this scrub.  I use scrubs pretty regularly to refine the texture of my skin and remove dead skin cells and impurities.  I have several that I love, but this might just be #1.

It's black, obviously because of the charcoal, and has a nice clean scent (not strong at all).  What I love most is this.... the granules are SO tiny.  When I use this, it almost feels relaxing.  It's hard to explain, but it feels so wonderful on the skin.  My skin NEVER feels irritated while (or after) using this.  In fact, it makes my skin feel so smooth and refreshed... just as it claims.

Unfortunately, my little sample tube is almost gone.  boo.

But I will be purchasing a full size of this ASAP.

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So those are a few things I've been loving lately!!!

FOTD - featuring Ipsy's May Glam Bag

I'm coming at ya today with a FOTD post.

I could spend all day playing in my makeup drawers... rediscovering products I haven't used in a while... & trying out new things.  

I recently subscribed to Ipsy's Glam Bag and I am LOVING IT.

For $10 a month, you'll receive a cute little makeup bag with 5-6 products, some full-sized, for you to try out and enjoy.  So far, everything I've gotten has been top notch.  It's an opportunity to try new products, things you've never even heard of, as well as things you normally might not be drawn to or spend your money on.  

And it's $10!!!  All you have to do is walk (or drive) to the mailbox.

So today, my FOTD features 2 products I received in May's Glam Bag.

There are also a few new products I'm trying out and will review soon, as well as some that were tucked away in the back of the drawer... they needed to be dusted off and used again!

 Products Used:

Makeup Forever HD Foundation - #118

yaby concealer* - buff

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder - 011 Creamy Natural

Bare Minerals concealer - Well Rested

NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer - Sunny

Merle Norman Lasting Cheekcolor - Heavenly

MAC Paint Pot - Painterly

Revlon Colorstay Smoky Shadow Stick - 220 Volcanic

Maybelline Eye Studio quad (LE) - Olive Martini

(I focused on the deep, bronzy/blue color - compared to MAC's Club, in case you don't have this quad or can't find it)

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen - 01 Blackest Black

Covergirl Lashblast Volume - Very Black

Milani Brow Fix Kit - 01 Light

Juice Beauty lip gloss* - Fig

*products mentioned are from Ipsy's May Glam Bag

Current Loves

It's been so long since I've done a "Favorites" post.  But I do have some things I've been loving lately, most of which are brand new products for me.  These are not my every day, no fail, "have to reach for" products.  These are products I've either rediscovered or purchased recently for the first time.  I love them so much, I thought I'd share them with you... in a "Current Loves" post.  And it's a long one.  ;)

Here goes...

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We'll start with the foundations of the face - what holds the look together.

Revlon Colorstay

Normal/Dry

200 Nude

I have posted before about Revlon Colorstay.  Back last year sometime, I purchased the Oily/Combo version.  And I hated it.  Only tried it a few times... but I knew it was not for me.  However, I kept hearing everyone on YouTube rave about it.  I just didn't get it.  That's until I saw a video by MakeupByTiffanyD just in the past month or so.  She had the same feelings that I did about the Oily/Combo version.  So she's been using the Normal/Dry version for a while and loving it.  And I have to say, I DO, TOO.  It's TOTALLY different in consistency and finish.  It's more lightweight, blends SO much easier, and has a very natural finish.  And it still has the staying power that Colorstay products are all about.

Merle Norman

AquaBalance

L26

On days when I don't want/need as much coverage, I've been reaching for my Merle Norman AquaBalance foundation.  I had sort of "replaced" it with Maybelline Fit Me, which I still love, simply because it's much cheaper.  But I wanted to go back to AquaBalance for a while.  It's a great foundation for all skin types and it's perfect for Spring and Summer.

A few times, I've even mixed AquaBalance with Colorstay for medium coverage and a natural dewy finish.

For my concealer step, I've been using this combo:

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind

Eraser Dark Circles

Fair

I don't have to tell you about this concealer.  It's amazing.  And I've raved about it before.  But it works great with the next product.

Bare Minerals Concealer

Eye Brightener

Well-Rested

I have terrible dark circles.  Terrible.  And I had heard so many great reviews about this product that I couldn't wait to try it.  I couldn't hold out any longer.  And it IS amazing.  After I apply the Maybelline concealer and blend out with my fingers, I use a large fluffy shadow brush to sweep Well-Rested in the corners of my eyes and down under.  It "sets" the concealer and adds brightness, while also hiding the darkness.  And a little goes a long way.

NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer

Sunny

This is the time of year when we all want to look sun-kissed.  I use bronzer throughout the year.  I don't do heavy contouring.  I just use it to give a little life to my skin.  I purchased this product back during the winter, but it was just too much color for my pasty skin.  Since it's now getting close to Summer, and I've gotten a little sun on my pale complexion, it works much better.  I sweep it along my cheekbones with a Sigma F30 Large Powder Brush.  It just wakes up the skin.

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Now we have the fun, color stuff!

For shadows, I've been reaching for 2 palettes lately.  

Wet n Wild

Comfort Zone

My "go to" look for the past week or so has been a bronzy eye.  Sometimes, I'll throw in a little color on the bottom lashline, since that seems to be a hot thing right now. 

Gold/Bronze looks are so flattering on blue eyes.  And they are just so summery.  And I'm ready for Summer!  For a CHEAP, but amazing quality shadow option, you just can't beat Wet n Wild.

Lorac Pro Palette

I've also been reaching for my Lorac Pro Palette a lot.  It's just so perfect.  It has an amazing mix of matte and shimmery shades and the color range is excellent.  This is a great palette to own.  And it's perfect for traveling.  It's a "one stop shop."

e.l.f. Studio Blush

Twinkle Pink

This blush was featured in my last blog about e.l.f. blushes.  It's just great.  It's got pink... it's got peach... it's got shimmer.  Makes for the perfect Spring look.

Merle Norman

Soft Touch Eye Pencil

Blackout

Not enough people talk about Merle Norman products, but you know I'm a firm believer and supporter.  This is one of those products I just can't live without.  The WHOLE LINE of Soft Touch liners is great.  I've got several colors and they do not disappoint.  I reach for Blackout the most.  It's a true, rich, deep black.  And it has amazing staying power.  It also smudges easily for a smoky look.  I've never been one to rock dramatic eyes, until lately.  I've loved playing with different color combos and thick black liner.  And I've also been wearing this product on my water line... something I've never been a fan of.  But this pencil stays put and does not irritate my eye.

The last is a brush.  And I apologize, but I don't even know the brand.  All I know is that I bought it in a set of 3 from Wal-Mart.  I THINK they say something about High Definition on the package.  This particular one is perfect for blending and adding a crease color on my eye.  I love it.  It's just perfect.  And the other end is a pencil brush, which I use for inner corner highlight.  LOVE LOVE.

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Next, lips.

Nivea

A Kiss of Milk & Honey

This is a great lip balm.  I keep one in my purse and one by my bed.  I have been having a problem with the corners (actually just one corner) of my mouth cracking.  So I've been applying this product like crazy.  It helps to heal and takes away the itch. 

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner

East End Snob

I'm not a big lip liner user, but I saw Kandee Johnson use this one in a prom video.  I loved the color.  It looked like the perfect nude pink.  And I was right.  It's a great color and would go with almost any lip color.  It's not drying, but stays true to color and lasts a really long time.

The next 2 I've been wearing as a combo.

CoverGirl Lip Perfection

Jumbo Gloss Balm

205

I hate that these products don't have names.  But this is a soft pink.  Very natural and nude.  And I love the texture of these gloss balms.  I want to get more.. and soon.

MAC Lustre

Politely Pink

I've been topping off the CoverGirl Gloss Balm with this lipstick.  It's almost the same color exactly, but it's got a shimmery sheen.  These 2 products look so pretty together.  I also feel that the Gloss Balm gives the look a little better staying power.

MAC Sheen Supreme

Supreme Style

I LOVE this lipstick.  It's perfect.  It's a soft peachy pink.  Just so perfect.  It is sheer, glossy, and smells great.   It's just a great "go to" color.  One you can grab and slap on with anything you're wearing.

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For body, I have 2 brand new products.

Curel

Daily Moisture Lotion for Dry Skin

I have been a fan of Curel lotion for, well, my whole life.  As a child, I had lots of trouble with eczema and extremely dry skin.  And I still fight it on occasion.  Lotion is something that I like to switch up.  I try different ones each time.  I had been using a lotion by Jergens, but I wasn't really happy with it.  It was just "ok."  I was running low, so I decided to go ahead and pick out something new... I don't like to completely run out of anything.  But then, I get so excited about the new one, I usually end up throwing the old one away. :)

This is a GREAT lotion.  You get a lot of product.  And it goes a long way.  The smell is soft and very nice.  I have rarely used a lotion that lasts ALL DAY after I apply it.  And this is one of those.  I apply it immediately after my shower.  At bedtime, my skin is JUST AS SMOOTH and moisturized as it was in the morning.  Amazing.

Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner

I used to use toners religiously... twice a day.  For the past few years, I had just gotten lazy with that step in my skin care.  But I recently noticed that my skin texture wasn't as "pretty" and smooth as it once was.  So I went on the hunt for something to fix that problem.

And I found this product.  This toner has Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids.  These are great for exfoliating and resurfacing skin.  After just a few uses, I could tell a DRAMATIC difference in my skin. And the best part, my skin is back to its soft and smooth texture.  Life saver.

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There you have it.  my Current Loves.

Review - e.l.f. blushes

HELLO, THERE!

It's been a while.  I'm back today with a review on blushes from the makeup line e.l.f. (eyes lips face, can be purchased at Target, some drugstores and eyeslipsface.com).  

A few months ago, I became "blush crazy!"  I've never been a huge blush user, until recently.  And I've become obsessed.  While I love my MAC and Merle Norman blushes, as well as Tarte and Be a Bombshell, I am EXTREMELY IMPRESSED with the studio blushes from e.l.f.

They have very nice packaging (resembling those of Nars) with a sturdy, sleek black container and a mirror.  They are small enough in size to store easily, but they really hold quite a bit of product.

And they cost $3.  Yes, 3 bucks.

Now, on to the actual colors.  I have purchased 4 colors from the line.  My most recent purchase was just yesterday, actually.  But we'll get to that shortly.

Now, I know that some of the colors look very similar, but they really are quite different.  It's all due to lighting.  I tried my very best to capture the true color of each blush.

We'll start with Tickled Pink.

This is a great rosy pink color.  Not too bright.  Great for everyday pink looks.

Some of the blushes have very apparent glitter, but this one simply has a nice sheen.

Next, we have Candid Coral.  If you like peach blushes, this one is great!  It's very soft, but definitely has that peachy tone to complete your summery look.  And again, there isn't a lot of shine or shimmer with this color, just sheen.

Next, we have Fuchsia Fusion.  I LOVE this color.  While it looks so scary and bright in the package, all it takes is a tiny bit.  Major pigmentation with this color.  But it creates the prettiest bright pink glow to the cheeks.  PERFECT for summertime.

I will say, this blush color does contain larger pieces of glitter, which I am not crazy about.  But when I wear this blush, I tap off the excess from my brush and apply the smallest amount just to the apples of my cheeks.  I don't seem to notice the glitter as much applying it that way.  Also, the top layer of the blush seems to have more glitter built in.  Once you get past the initial layer, it gets better.

And last, we have Twinkle Pink.  This might be my new favorite.  It is the perfect blend of pink and peach with gold shimmer (again, it's actually glitter).  And the pigmentation is great!  I'm amazed at the quality of these blushes for the price.  I purchased this one yesterday at Target and tried it out when I got home.  When I first swatched it, I thought it was going to be too powdery.  It was quite messy in the package.  But it applied just as creamy as the others.

I also wore it to church today with a gold and purple eye look and peachy lips.

So pretty.

Here's a picture of Twinkle Pink on my skin.  I slapped some on (on top of whatever I was wearing before that had worn off) but I couldn't wait to play with it.

My local Target carries a few more that I don't have, but I'm in love with one - Pink Passion.

It will be my next e.l.f. purchase.

While Fuchsia Fusion is a more "purple based" pink, Pink Passion is a bright bubblegum pink.

Looks like it'll be perfect for summer.

Hope you get a chance to try some of these blushes and let me know what you think!

~Carolyn

FOTD Friday

It's been TOO long since I've done one of these!!

So here's a look I've been sporting a lot this week.  It's easy and has a few "multitasking" products involved.

Products:

Face

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in 120 Classic Ivory

Merle Norman Dual Action Concealer in Medium Light Neutral

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles in Brightener

Rimmel Stay Matter Pressed Powder in Creamy Natural

NYX Cream Blush in Boho Chic

Eyes

MAC Paint Pot in Painterly

L'Oreal Infallible Shadow in Iced Latte

L'Oreal Infallible Shadow in Bronzed Taupe

Maybelline Expert Wear Shadow in Browntones

Merle Norman Soft Touch Eye Pencil in Blackout

Covergirl Lash Blast Volume in Very Black

Lips

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Demure

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my "multitasking" products:

One of my most recent purchases consisted of 2 eye products:

-L'Oreal Infallible Shadow in Bronzed Taupe

and

-Maybelline shadow duo in Browntones

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I have a couple of the L'Oreal Infallible shadows and I love them.

I had been eyeing Bronzed Taupe for some time.  Emily from Beauty Broadcast featured it in one of her latest videos.  She did a complete eye look with this one color.

So I picked it up.  It's a great shadow to have in your collection for those days you need a quick look or if you just don't feel like using a lot of products.  This color is a beautiful bronzey taupe (hence the name).  It has a metallic finish, almost wet looking, and has great dimension on eye.

My other purchase was the Maybelline Expert Eye duo in Browntones.

I had been searching for a shadow that I could use to fill in my brows.  I have been using Naked from Urban Decay's Naked Palette for a long time.  But it's starting to wear down.  So I wanted to find something to take it's place.  I really want to try Milani's brow kit.  But my local Target never has it in stock.  So I got tired of searching for it and decided to look elsewhere.  At my last trip to Walgreens, I found Browntones.  It looked perfect, and I was right.  It is.

Now for the multitasking part:

I used Iced Latte to highlight the inner corner and under the brow.  Then, I used the lightest color from the Browntones duo as a transition color in the crease.  Then I used a flat shader brush to apply Bronzed Taupe all over the lid.  I then used a medium sized crease brush to apply it in the crease.  I also used the color on a small liner brush on my lower lashline.  The way the light hits this color, it creates its own highlights and shadows.  It's a great dimensional color.

I then used the lightest color in Browntones, again, for my brows.  Perfectly easy.

the low-down: CONCEALERS

I wanted to share my favorite concealers with you.

I have found my tops.  Now, I'm sure there are tons more out there that are fabulous.

But the ones I'm mentioning are tried and true for me & will always be staples in my collection.

They vary in strength and ability, as well as price.

There's something for everyone.

Here they are, in no particular order:

(please excuse their messiness - they are frequently used!)

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Concealer/Treatment

This is a phenomenal concealer.  When I first purchased it, I used it (and only it) everyday.  I love trying new things but I always come back to this one.  It's so lightweight, but has exceptionally great coverage.  I have TERRIBLY dark, purplish circles (allergy related) and this concealer tackles them amazingly.  I purchase the color "fair."  It's the perfect color (slightly pink) to counteract the darkness.  I recently purchased the concealer treatment in the "brightening" shade, which is a salmon color.  It also works great layered underneath this one.  This concealer is build-able and does not appear cake-y or dry on the delicate undereye area.  You can even reapply throughout the day for a pick-me-up.  The ONLY complaint I have, and it's pretty major, is the packaging. While I feel that the "twist up" design is genius, this is my second one that has broken!!!  And with more than half the product still in the container.  Once it breaks, there is no easy way to continue using it.  I have seen YouTubers go through so many of these and I never hear of anyone's breaking, so maybe I'm just twisting too hard! :)  

Revlon PhotoReady Concealer

This is a heavier concealer, but not too heavy for the undereye area.  It does work pretty well on blemishes, also.  If I need EXTRA coverage one day, I'll grab this one.  I just have to be careful not to let it creep into the lines near my lashline.  Use a cottonswab, or your finger, to gently blend that in very well.  And I have to set this concealer with powder (one designed for that area) to make it last all day without getting a little "creepy."  But overall, it's a great one to have in your collection.

Merle Norman Cover Up

This has been one of my stand outs for years.  I discovered this concealer (in the tube) while working at Merle Norman YEARS ago.  I always have it on hand.  While I don't use it everyday, it comes in handy very often.  It is a thicker concealer with full coverage.  The main difference: it dries to a powder finish.  It works phenomenal on blemishes.  And a little goes a LONG WAY.  I usually use a small concealer brush to apply it right on the blemish and just tap it into the skin with my finger.  I don't usually use this one under my eyes (though I used to years ago), because I have found that it makes my fine lines more visible.  But for photographs (not up close) or special occasions (like pageants), you could totally get away with it.  Another great use for this one: eyelid primer.  It works great for that!  It conceals darkness and discoloration and preps your eyelid for the perfect look.  And it'll last ALL DAY.

Maybelline Fit Me

I have been in love with this concealer for months.  I bought it after seeing Marlena from MakeupGeek rave about it.  She claims it's the best concealer she's ever tried... even better than high-end alternatives. And since I LOVE the Maybelline Fit Me foundation so much, I decided to give it a try.  And I love it just as much.  It's lightweight, easy to blend, and gives great coverage.  It doesn't have any magical powers, but I think it's just simply the formula that makes it so amazing.  It's the perfect consistency to layer and hide those dark circles.  It also works great on the face for redness and discoloration.

And it's CHEAP.  I love it.

Merle Norman Dual Action Concealer

This concealer came out just a few years ago, after I worked at Merle Norman.  I wasn't familiar with it but received it as a free sample and fell in love with it.  I forgot about it for so long, but just the other day I found it in my drawer and pulled it out.  I've been wearing it for the past week and have fallen in love all over again.  The "dual action" part is because it contains age defying ingredients.  Not only is it a concealer, but a skin care product, also!  That's great.  Killing 2 birds.  It is on the thicker side, but still in the "lightweight" category.  And it's build-able.  It's very similar in consistency to the Maybelline Fit Me concealer, but has slightly more coverage.  It also has a satin finish and stays put all day.

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So there they are.  These are products that I will continue to use and will keep in my collection at all times.  I stand by them 100%.

A little tip when it comes to applying concealer:

If you are wearing liquid or cream foundation, apply your concealer AFTER your foundation.  Then set it with your powder (unless you don't use any).  So many people apply their concealer as their first step.  And years ago, that's how the professionals taught us.  But we've found out that it doesn't do the trick.  When you apply your foundation, you are simply blending away the concealer.  

So here are the important facts to remember:

~Make sure you have the RIGHT COLOR concealer (just a tad lighter than your foundation - unless you are using it for blemishes only, and then it can match exactly).  

~Apply your foundation.  

~Then apply your concealer on top.  

For the undereye area, a slightly lighter color concealer will help to conceal darkness and brighten the area.  For blemishes, use a concealer brush to apply a small amount of concealer to the area and blend in with your finger or brush.

This will help create that flawless finish that we all strive for!

LUSH goodies

I recently ordered some new LUSH goodies.... and they finally arrived today!

It's been a while since I've had any of these lovely, smelly-good treats so I decided to try some new ones.

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First up:  

It's Raining Men Shower Gel

This was on my Christmas Wish List, but I didn't get it. :(

So I decided to buy it myself.  Only problem, I could only afford the middle-sized container.  It's expensive. 

(which, if you know anything about LUSH, 

then you know that ALL of their products are expensive.  

I'm still trying to decide if they are overrated.)

But anyhow, this shares the scent of Honey I Washed the Kids soap and that's my FAVORITE scent of ANYTHING.... ever.  That's a big deal.  

I've tried other product dupes, but there is no comparison.

Personally, I don't think this shower gel's scent is spot on, but it's close enough!

Next:

Honey Bee Bath Bomb

With Bath Bombs, you simply drop them in the bath water, or break off a chunk if you don't wanna use the whole thing, and it fizzes and makes your bath water smell amazing.  They also moisturize your water, and sometimes they even release surprises into the water.

I purchased the Honey Bee Bath Bomb.

The reason I chose it, well, it smells EXACTLY like Honey I Washed the Kids.

exactly.

I cannot wait to use this one!!!  

And I hope you can tell by the photos... it's HUGE!  I might break this one up so it'll last longer!

Next:

Creamy Candy Bubble Bar

The name says it all.... throw it in the running water and have bubbles galore!

This one smells like, you guessed it, Candy!

They describe it as an irresistible slice of vanilla sugar.

lovely.

And last:

Magic Mushroom Bubble Bar

The top of the mushroom is full of vanilla goodness, while the stem smells like strawberries.

What a great combo!

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I am excited to try all of my goodies.

Can't wait for bath time!