I'm Seriously In Love with African Botanics Marula Intense Skin Repair Body Balm

On a wonderful trip to Space NK at the end of May, I discovered this brilliant product from African Botanics. I hadn't heard of the brand before that visit, but once the SA told me her personal experiences with this particular product, I was sold.  

Marula is fast becoming a popular ingredient in a variety of skincare products these days. Known for its moisturizing properties, this particular product was much loved by both of the Space NK associates I met that day for its ability to repair.   

Yes, you read that right. Repair! I have a number of scars that are slow to heal, and one particular raised scar underneath my lip from stitches. The associates recommended massaging this balm onto that area to smooth out the texture, and boy it really works. They also shared some stories of personal experiences (oven burns, skateboarding accidents, general clumsiness injuries) where this balm managed to heal their issues with little to no scarring in the span of a week. Seriously.  

The day I bought it, I immediately massaged it into my raised scar and thought I could feel a difference. I had some acne that was just beginning the healing process, so i warmed up some of this balm and put it on that too. I swear my acne was less red and significantly less noticeable, but I was so impressed with how smooth that particular scar became. I only managed to massage that scar a few times, and even my fiance noticed a difference in its texture. He told me he couldn't feel the scar without looking, whereas he could find it easily with his fingers before! 

But that's not the only thing this balm does. I've used it on my face when I'm feeling particularly dry, and it just does wonders there. Same with the vaguely eczema-like patches and slight rashes I get on my arms and legs occasionally. I don't know how, but it clears it up! I don't have serious eczema, so I don't know how it fares for that, but I have heard people having success with this.  

So, I'm seriously in love. There are some other products from the line that I'm dying to try, but this little jar of balm is really a miracle for me. I'll happily use it up and repurchase it again! (But don't worry, I still haven't made too much of a dent in 5 months, a little goes a long way!) 

If you're itching to get your hands on it, I'm currently working with Space NK (affiliate link) to offer $20 off a purchase of $75 or more! Click here to purchase and use the code BBDISCOVER. :) 

Have you tried African Botanics Marula Intensive Repair Balm? Will this end up in your shopping cart? :) 

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.

Added to the Wishlist: Candles

Post images contain affiliate links.

Over the weekend, I made a trip to Barney's because I was curious to see what the gift with purchase looked like for their event that starts tomorrow.  (Yes, I know, I don't need the gift or anything from Barney's, but a little bit of window shopping never hurts, right?) 

Whenever I stop by Barney's, I always take a peek around to see if there are any new brands that are typically not carried at other retailers. I was sniffing Diptyque Feu de Bois, and my eye landed on a unfamiliar-to-me brand, Astier de Villate. The Barney's in San Francisco has quite a selection and I'm quite enamored by the clean look and complex yet subtle scents.  Check out the pretty display below. I don't even know what scent I would pick if I could buy one - they all seemed so pretty! 

Cire Trudon is another brand I gaze at whenever I see it in a store. I was pleased to find that my fiance likes their scents and thinks they could nearly be worth their $85+ price tag. Though in my opinion, how could you NOT love a candle brand that has been around for centuries and outfitted French kings and was a favorite of Marie Antoinette and Napoleon?  

Last but not least, I discovered that Noble Isle Willow Song also comes in candle form! I may be able to shell out the money for a candle, even though I love and despair over their $30 shower gel... Decisions, decisions. In any event, I sure can't be spending $250 on all these candles, even if I could get a stellar gift with purchase with it...   

What do you guys think about my new wishlist? Have you tried any of these candles? What are your favorites??

My Week in Lip (Balms)

A month or two ago, everyone was talking about lipstick, and the lovely Gummy posted about her week in lip products. (See that post here!) I loved the post, and thought that I would like to do it too, until I realized that I really use very little over the course of a typical week. I may use a lipstick here and there, but "my week in lips" is really more like "my week in lip balms".

And seriously, I've tried for weeks (ever since she made her post in MID AUGUST!!) and all i've managed besides lip balms is maybe one lipstick here or there until it wears off. LOL! So finally, I decided I should just show you all of it anyway. Everybody likes lip balm right? 

The Luxury Must Haves
Hourglass N28 Lip Oil and La Mer The Lip Balm have been favorites, and really contribute to the overall look of my lips. When I do a good job using them regularly, my lips are more even toned and less wrinkly - my fiance even compliments me on them! 

The Pretty Tints 
The Jouer Tinted Lip Enhancer in Shiraz and Clinique Superbalm in Grapefruit live inside random jacket pockets. Perfect mini sizes to tote around for a bit of moisture, and I like to slick them on for a hint of gloss and color. I love the bit of berry tone in the Jouer, and the classic light pink tint of the Clinique. For a bit more color and hydration I use on Lancome Baume in Love in Urban Ballet, and the neon shade in the tube cheers me up too.  

The Everyday Balm 
Towards the end of summer, I received the Lush Honey Trap Lip Balm*, and have been using this little floral-honey scented pot. The moisturizing effect doesn't last as long as the La Mer or Hourglass for me, but it still works well. It does take a bit of warming up to get it to that proper balmy texture, and I haven't quite figured it out yet. (My fiance seems to be able to do this successfully with just his finger, while I can't seem to at all!) I'm most curious to try this under Lush Emotional Brilliance Lipsticks, as a kind associate once showed me how the lip balm could add moisture and soften the color. 

And I seem to have talked about most of these in a post about my favorite lip products. How predictable of me! :) What do you think of my week in lips? What lip products have you used this week? I'd love to know! 

This post contains affiliate links. Products marked with a * were provided for review.