Obsession: Beautannia Columbia Road Candle

I really enjoy trying out high end candles, and I was quite excited when Space NK sent me Beautannia Columbia Road. I had never tried the brand before, but was always intrigued by their pretty packaging. Look at all the colors! :)

According to Space NK, Columbia Road is an "abundance of fresh flowers. Peony, rose, geranium and freesias billow and bustle against warming musks and sensual jasmine. An early morning garland to fill the air with a heady, floral bouquet." I find this to be a truly accurate description - I really feel like I am walking through a pretty flower garden! 

The candle itself burns quite well, and you even get about half an ounce more than those regular size Diptyque candles but for $12 cheaper. (Woohoo!) Diptyque candles disperse scent everywhere very quickly (unlike anything else), and I think Beautannia Columbia Road comes really close to that in a delicate, manageable way.

Now I have my eye on some of their other candle varieties AND their bath oils...

All in all, I'm really loving this candle and happy to have a slightly less expensive candle brand to obsess over. :) Have you tried anything from Beautannia? 

P.S. Those of you in the U.S can enter my giveaway for a $150 Space NK gift card here and get your hands on one of these! 

Product provided for review. Affiliate links.

New Beauty Resolutions

I'm all for making resolutions (New Year's anyone?) but it is much, much harder to keep them. I figured that while everyone is off celebrating Halloween, it is the perfect time for me to commit to a few new challenges and recommit to a few old ones. :)  

1. Wear makeup every day.
Now you may be shocked to hear that I haven't worn makeup in at least two weeks. Maybe more. Oops. I'm a habitual snooze-r, so mornings are always hard. The brilliant Gummy suggested I pick a few products that I must wear, to make it easier on myself in the mornings. So I've selected my 3 product categories - base, lip & eye - and I'm committed to applying at least 1 product from each category every day. 

2. Stop buying mascara! 
I've been reminded of the numerous mascara samples in my sample drawer, so I think it is about time I use them up. Plus, I never finish a full size mascara anyway, so no need to waste money. No more buying mascaras for me until I run out! 

3. Stop buying skincare! 
Not only do I have numerous open skincare products but I have quite a BIG stash of skincare samples too. So no more buying skincare until I run out of something necessary. Seriously.  

4. Focus on low buy.
Yes, for a while there, I sort of ignored my low/no buy. I was feeling OK about my stash and content with my spending habits, and SO over it. Even so, I should really focus on using things up and acquiring less, so I'm recommitting. Gift cards/points only, and very little else until the end of the year. Maybe in 2014 I'll recommit to a very small monthly beauty budget. HMMM. 

What are your thoughts on my beauty resolutions? Any tips or tricks? How about you, what challenges are working on??  I'd love to know! :)

Quick & Easy Travel Bag Essentials

As you're reading this, I'm probably on the plane flying back to Chicago after nearly 6 months of staying in California for work. Since I had to pare down the ridiculous amount of products in my purse, I thought I'd show you what's staying in my purse today. Besides what I'm showing you here, I'll also have my blog notebook, a few pens, my wallet, headphones, iPhone & iPad mini. :)  

The Makeup Attempt
I had a few makeup bits rolling around in my bag, and I thought I'd hold on to them so I could attempt to look slightly more put together. I definitely could use Benefit Eye Bright & Watt's Up to perk up my tired eyes, and I'll top it off with Marc Jacobs Highliner in Ro(Cocoa). 

The Always in My Bag Must Haves
I kind of love my mini glass nail file from Sephora for those on the go nail emergencies, and I always have a hand cream (Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve) and a lip balm (Hourglass N28 Lip Oil). I also have a compact mirror and Boscia Peppermint blotting linens, which somehow happen to be items I very rarely use but think I desperately need.

The Add-Ons
When traveling into cold weather, my biggest concern is how horribly dry my skin may feel once I reach my destination. Ugh. So I added in a deluxe sample of moisturizer - Somme Institute Double Defense, which sounds promising. 

I can't help but mention that I have a horrible fear of feeling dirty while I travel, and if I'm traveling with my fiance as I am today, that fear morphs into a much more realistic one where food/drink/something random and sticky will end up on him, me, or our stuff. So i've packed some Dial antibacterial hand stuff I love the scent/feel of, and Wet Ones. Haha! 

I hope my picks are very pared down and practical, but who knows. Maybe I could've pared down more, but my suitcases are stuffed! What do you think of these picks? I'm super curious to know what you bring with you when you're flying!  

P.S. I'm alarmed to report that I am bringing home an entire suitcase of products and it must be only 50% of my collection. o.O Anyway take a peek at this week's posts while I'm in the air and let me know what you think! 

Posts This Week: LA Beauty Discoveries // Is It Love? Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Crayon // Blush Fiends Fall: Stila Convertible Color in Poppy

Space NK Chicago Event & US Online Offer!

Those of you who have been reading the blog for a while probably all know that I'm a huge fan of Space NK. They carry such a nice collection of luxury brands, and their customer service has always been exceptional. (Seriously, the associates there know their stuff, and have introduced me to quite a few favorites.) And, I nearly failed to mention how much I love their n.Dulge rewards program...! 

This summer, Space NK opened a location in Bloomingdale's on North Michigan Avenue, and planned a series of events to celebrate their opening. I've been traveling all summer, so I haven't had the opportunity to participate, and I'm disappointed to say that I won't be able to attend this upcoming event either! Sad! But all of you Chicago area beauty junkies should definitely visit Space NK on Saturday, October 26th to meet founder Nikky Kinnaird.  

For those of you not in the Chicago area, don't despair. I have an online offer code! Not only do you get free shipping on all US orders, but you will receive $20 off a purchase of $75 or more! Shop online at Space NK (affiliate link) and use the code BBDISCOVER. Happy shopping! :)

Will you be attending the Chicago event or partaking in the online offer? I can't wait to hear what's on your shopping! :) 

Terms & Conditions: The Bronzer Bunny Discover Promotion is $20 off your total purchases when you spend $75 or more on full price/non-sale products AND free shipping on any item purchased online. The promotional code must also be quoted at the checkout for either part or all of the promotion to apply. The offer cannot be applied to the purchase of gift cards/vouchers. The offer is available for US customers only, on the us.spacenk.com site, not the UK site. The $20 will be applied at checkout where the order total exceeds $75. The offer is not refundable and there is no cash value/alternative. The offer cannot be exchanged in stores or online for another product. This offer applies online only and is not available in-store. The offer is restricted to one per customer. This offer ends at 11.59pm EST October 23rd, 2013 and Space NK reserve the right to end it early or extend it without notice.