♥ Tatcha Polished Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder ♥

Last fall, I was lucky enough to receive the Tatcha Polished Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder and I am so glad I did. While I spent much of the fall forgetting to use this, I've now put this right next to the sink so there is no chance of me forgetting to use this gentle exfoliating goodness. 

*PR Sample

If you have been following the blog for a while, you may know that my skin was extremely dehydrated for most of 2013. As a result, I steered clear of my usual exfoliants and didn't exfoliate AT ALL until this little beauty landed on my doorstep. 

Not only does this come beautifully packaged (seriously, I couldn't even take it out of its box for weeks), I love how there is a small hole that has a lid to help you dispense the product. It reminds me a bit of a well packaged bottle of spices, except fancier! :) Pour the product into your palm, and mix with water until you have a nice paste to spread on your face! 

This is gentle enough to use daily, which I really appreciate. My skin feels soft and cleansed, and I just think the rice powder concept is so cool. I would really like to try mixing it with honey, but I just haven't gotten a new jar of honey specifically for this purpose. I can report that it mixes well with cleansing oil though, so if water bores you or you want a bit of extra cleansing, I think that is a great way to use this stuff. 

Tatcha also has two other varieties of this powder for different skin types, and I imagine those are just as good as this one. I have a sample packet of each one from a recent Tatcha order, so I can definitely do a comparison post if you guys are interested! 

What do you think about Tatcha's Rice Enzyme Powders? Have you tried these before? I'd love to know! :)

Shadow Stick Comparisons: Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown, & By Terry

In 2013, I really got into eyeshadow sticks. I had always liked them, but 2013 was a year to really try some of the most popular ones out there from Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown, and By Terry. 

Affiliate Links

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick in Bark, $28
I picked this one up during the Sephora VIB sale and I am glad I did. This nearly matte medium brown is a great shade for everyday looks, and it wears all day on me without fading or creasing. I'm definitely going to look at more shades in the line!

By Terry Ombre Blackstar Color Fix Cream Eyeshadow in Bronze Moon, $43
Lots of bloggers rave about these By Terry Ombre Blackstar sticks, so I caved and bought one for myself. In general, I found these to be more metallic than the Bobbi Brown or Laura Mercier options. There's not a "matte" shade in the lineup at all! Unfortunately for me, I have a problem with the shimmers in this one. They just keep migrating and getting in my eyes and lashes! At the end of the day, this fades a bit and creases on me, but not enough for me to be upset about it - and really, it could be a result of the irritation from the shimmers rather than the product's overall performance. 

Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick in Khaki, $26
I have been building my collection of these sticks for the year, and perhaps I have too many now, haha! I love the variety of colors available in this line, and I've been using Khaki non-stop all year! I love how easy to use it is, and it is budgeproof on me all day, though occasionally I see very very minor creasing in my monolid area. (You know, when you can tell it isn't perfect but really no one else can!) 

View fullsize

I can't pick a favorite, but it definitely comes down to Laura Mercier or Bobbi Brown for overall value and shades available. Their formulas are so long wearing, and I don't even need to wear primer with them unless I want to. I really like how the Laura Mercier range has a variety of more shimmery finishes and less shimmery ones and so many colors to choose from. I'm bummed the By Terry Bronze Moon didn't work for me, but I think perhaps Laura Mercier Sandglow or Bobbi Brown Sand Dune might be comparable shades. 

What do you think about eye shadow sticks? Have you tried any of these or have a favorite one I need to try? I'd love to know what you think! :)

An Introduction to Sai Sei

Last summer, I spotted the brand Sai Sei on a trip to Space NK, and I was keen to try a few items from the line. At some point in late summer, I purchased their bath crystals, and in the fall Space NK sent me their body veil. I figured it was about time I shared them with you! :)

Sai Sei Mineral Seaweed Bath Crystals
From SpaceNK: Unwind with natural marine sea crystals, infused with wakame seaweed. Revitalising essential marine minerals of calcium, potassium, magnesium and iodine combine with a tranquil watery scent for a truly relaxing experience. Benefits: Helps create a relaxing, restorative bathing experience. Leaves skin feeling soft and revitalised.

Throw in a handful of these, and your bath will be silky and very lightly floral. I really like the concept, and enjoy using these, but given my lack of experience with bath salts in general, I'm not sure if it is worth the price tag. I can say I really like using these, and they've lasted quite a while. Plus I feel relaxed and my skin always feels soft and silky!  

*PR Sample

Sai Sei Mineral Revive Body Veil* 
From SpaceNK: This light hydrating veil with essential minerals from Japan's ancient hot springs, known as Onsen, is quickly absorbed. Moisturising Soybean, Rice Bran Oil, Capuacu and Jojoba Oil leave the skin smooth and silky.

This is the perfect body lotion for those who don't like greasy or heavy body creams. I love the light texture of this, and it just soaks in beautifully. At this time of year, it isn't quite enough moisture for my dry itchy legs, but I think I am going to LOVE using this in the summer. It is very lightly floral scented, and I don't find that it gets in the way of fragrances or anything like that. 

All in all, I'm liking these options from Sai Sei. I especially like the sturdy, ombre packaging. :) If you're curious about the brand, Space NK currently has 2 gift sets on sale in the sale section. What do you think about Sai Sei? Are these products something you would try? I'd love to know! :)

Travel Light with Lush Solid Perfumes!

I love the idea of solid perfumes (easy to travel with and apply on the go) so I was quite excited to try a few from Lush Cosmetics. 

*PR Samples

Breath of God, $9.95
Main notes:  Neroli, lemon, melon, jasmine, rose, vetivert, sandalwood, cedarwood, amber & musk
Of the three scents, this one is my favorite, and I think the neroli, lemon and fresh woods really contribute to that. Warm up a bit of this scent on the skin, and I love how fresh and almost nutty it is on me and Mr. Bunny. :) It is fresh and spicy all at once! So good!

1000 Kisses, $13.95
Main Notes: Mandarin, osmanthus, labdanum, myrrh and musk
1000 Kisses is probably the most feminine of the trio, and I like how it is fruity, powdery, and spicy all at once. Words fail me to describe this scent, but I think it is really interesting and different. It isn't a "me" scent, but I think it could be a good one on someone else! 

The Smell of Weather Turning, $15.95
Main Notes: Oakwood, hay, beeswax, nettle, English peppermint, mint and Roman chamomile
I definitely think this scent smells just like the notes in it - I love the mint, and while my nose is so not good at discerning scents, I think this is such a great combination to create a warm musky but minty fresh scent. I love this one on Mr. Bunny and don't mind it on me! Actually, I think this one would make a perfect invigorating massage bar!  

In terms of the packaging, I just have to note that the top twists off and the product isn't a twist up tube but rather more like a push pop! I was a bit confused at first, but I just have to keep reminding myself to twist the cap and not push out too much!

All in all,  I think these Lush perfumes are totally worth checking out even if I am picky about perfume on me,. A number of the solid perfumes (and many of their products in general!) are vegan, and they are overall full of natural ingredients. Plus, they are super affordable, so you can't beat that! 

What do you think about these Lush solid perfumes? Have you tried any?? What are your favorite solid perfumes?