Love: Mint Chocolate Candle (Bath & Body Works)

Not all Mondays were created equal... no, that Monday after a nice long holiday weekend just stands out by a mile doesn't it? I think I spent most of my time at the office today in a hazy daze daydreaming about boots. (yes, boots: riding boots, ankle boots, tan, black, shiny, not so shiny, flat ones, high-heeled ones... ... but no uggs God, no uggs.)

Meanwhile, let me share with you a current favorite of mine: the mint chocolate candle from Bath & Body Works. The mint makes it refreshing; the chocolate makes it sweet. Think Andes in candle form. It's so wonderful that a part of me wants to force everyone to get it and a part of me wants to make it just mine. Is there a candle you couldn't live without?

* I recently stumbled upon another mint chocolate candle at Yankee Candle but this one definitely takes the cake.

Review & Swatch: Sephora Color Diary

Normally, I'm a minimal-eyeshadow type of gal. But the Sephora Color Diary, a practical little sampler of thirty eyeshadows, five blushes and corresponding liglosses inspired me to try something new!

The palette comes divided into five sub-palettes; each can be popped out using the hole in the back and snapped into the to-go compact. The process is very simple, it really isn't a big deal. The mother palette can get a bit clunky even when it's just used on your vanity so this compact is super-nifty/ necessary.

It also comes with a plastic cover to prevent powder migration.

Now, what the name lacks in its entirety ("Color Diary" lacks luster, no?) it makes up for with the cute themes of its sub-parts- each an event that the eyeshadows are allegedly supposed to accompany, like...

"Hot Date at Eight"

"Relax and Unplug"

(This neutral palette is a little sheer.)

"Must Get New Shoes"

"Meditation Retreat"

(The combination of orange & green! Genius)

"Day at the Museum" 

(I love that bold red and sparkly yellow.)

Here's a swatch of Must Get New Shoes. I wouldn't say the pigmentation is the best ever (and there's a little fallout) but for its affordability ($25) I think the palette is beyond awesome. The shadows are pigmented enough, the fallout is minimal and I love the combinations and the colors. I've been complimented twice already for these shadows :) And I love all the blushes; they're packed with color. As for the lipgloss I've only tried the pink one in Must Get New Shoes and it was very sheer- which is fine as I like sheer lipgloss but if you don't, you may find the gloss lacking.

I guess the question boils down to this: Would I purchase again if I went back in time? To which I would answer, a resounding Yes!

Bath & Body Works Liplicious Cupcakes in Lemon Glaze

I've never tried Bath & Body Works lipgloss before but I couldn't pass up on something cupcake-themed so I recently picked up this Liplicious Cupcakes lipgloss in Lemon Glaze. I love lemon-flavored baked goods and this smells like someone's baking lemon glaze cupcakes in the oven. Well- maybe not that good- but it still smells pretty yummy :) It's also flavored- just a sweet, kind of generic- taste but I find myself licking my lips more than I usually would.

Except for a slight golden sheen, the gloss translates to pretty much a clear gloss on the lips. The glitter varies in size so some pieces are bigger than others. That means that the glitter isn't exactly subtle but because the material? of the glitter is thin and semi-transparent it isn't exactly obnoxious either. Also, note: random glitter migration may occur.

The texture is somewhat watery and slick, allowing for a non-sticky application. This however, also means that the lasting power on these aren't that hot. Or maybe that's just because I keep licking it off?

It's a nice throw-in-your-bag-and-go type gloss, or just something to have around the house for when your lips feel bare. Maybe not a necessity but definitely something that can add a bit of sweetness to your everyday routine!

The adorable cupcake illustrations on the tubes were illustrated by Karen Greenberg. There are ten flavors here but I believe the collection comes in five flavors.

Apparently there will be a similar release in spring of 2011 by Bath & Body Works featuring cakes and pastries. I am loving the sound of that! (Illustrations also by Karen Greenberg)


Illustrations from: http://www.theispot.com/whatsnew/ispotters/kgreenberg

Haul: Anthropologie

While I've never been particularly drawn to Anthropologie's selection of clothing, I find their accessories absolutely endearing. I picked up a pair of their gloves and gray ribbon earrings last weekend.

There are lots of ribbon earrings out there, but there was something especially well-made about these. I also liked the fact that they were double ribbons and in the sophisticated gray I so love.