Sol de Janeiro's Brazilian Bum Bum Cream -- Worth The Hype? -- Part I

July 2017 Favorites -- Beauty And Bath

Most of these are not really from the month of July; but, I did not include them in June's favorites.

1.  Urban Decay JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT Gold Griot Palette:  I went back and fourth with whether or not I was going to buy anything from the collection.  It seemed to be getting mixed reviews on YouTube.  I ultimately decided I wanted to get the eyeshadow palletes, at least because I was enamoured with the packaging, and YouTubers like Phyrra Nyx and grav3yardgirl liked their palettes.  Some YouTubers complained about the pigmentation and blendability.  When I got mine, I didn't have any problems with either.  The Gold Griot Palette is a really nice basic neutral palette that leans a little more on the warm side and has a few shimmers.

2.  Urban Decay JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT Gallery Blush Palette:  I almost wasn't going to get this palette -- like I needed more blush (well, like I need more eyeshadow!  LOL).  I popped into Ulta one day and saw that the blush palette was on sale.  Perfect!!!  So I got it, and a backup for the bright green eyeliner.  It is a good palette!  I have a lot of warmer blushes so it's nice to have a cooler option.  Plus Urban Decay's highlighters have improved immensely.  The complaint used to be that they were dry and glittery.  They are now much smoother and glitter free.

3.  NYX PERFECT FILTER SHADOW PALETTE in Rustic Antique:  This was the first of the three Nyx palettes on this Favorites post that I bought.  Yes, how many uber warm palettes do I need?  I think, the idea behind this was to have something with a limited amount of shadow choices, but that can complete an eye look, when I'm low on time.  When you have ADHD, a big palette can end up being a time waster as it's very easy to get sidetracked by all the choice you have.  The shadows are all nicely pigmented, they blend well and you can achieve several complete looks with this palette.

4.  Urban Decay JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Post Punk:  I had been searching for a chartreuse eyeliner -- and a few weeks later, Urban Decay came out with one for their Basquiat collection!!!  

5.  Urban Decay JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT Tenant Palette: Not only do I love chartreuse eyeliner, I love chartreuse eyeshadow!  The tenant palette has some really fun colors to work with when I'm not in the mood for my usual warm look.  (See #1 for more.)

6.  NYX DUO CHROMATIC ILLUMINATING POWDER in Crushed Bloom:  I bought this to use as a blush.  It gives a gorgeous glow and a light wash of color.

7.  NYX CONTOUR INTUITIVE PALETTE in Warm Zone: Ironically, for a palette called Contour Intuitive, there is no contour powder in this palette.  LOL  But I didn't buy it for that.  I really bought this for traveling.  It's perfect to go with my Naked Skin Shapeshifter palette. (See June 2017 Favorites: Beauty and Bath.)  I've since tweaked my Shapeshifter palette to meet my needs more when travelling and the Contour Intuitive palette just makes a perfect companion with it's blush, highlighter and just enough of all of my eyeshadow shade staples.  Everything blends well and the shadows are nicely pigmented.

8.  NYX LIQUID SUEDE METALLIC MATTE (Liquid Lipstick) in ACME:   Even though the definition of Acme is: the point at which someone or something is best, perfect, or most successful, I cannot see the word acme and not think of  Looney Toons cartoons.  This color reminds me of a color Lancome had over 20 years ago in their lipstick line.  It was a shimmery full coverage lipstick called Fraise (strawberry in French).  Nyx describes Acme as a metallic strawberry red.  I love it!

9.  Nubian Heritage PATCHOULI and BURITI HAND and BODY SCRUB:  This smells SO good!  I love the body wash; but, I can detect some almond scented oil in here, maybe some musk as well as a hint of patchouli. The sugar gives it some fragrance, as well.  I've used it all up; but, was thinking of experimenting with making candles and wanted to see if I could dupe this fragrance.

10. NYX LIP LINGERIE (Matte Liquid Lipstick) in Cabaret Show:  This is one of four Lip Lingerie Lipsticks that I got in March 2017.  The other colors I got were French Maid, Cashmere Silk and Seduction.  I'd say Cabaret show is the one I like most, followed by French Maid.

11. NYX LID LINGERIE SHADOW PALETTE:  This, to me, is Nyx's answer to Urban Decay's Naked Basic's palette.  There are six shadows.  Some lean towards the warm side.  I think this a great palette when you want some neutral shades to complement a colorful palette, or if you have a palette that seems to be lacking a light neutral shade and a dark neutral crease shade.  

12. Brow Rehab Brow Cream Ash Brown and Brow Brush:  I've been using this since before the new year started.  I use it almost every time I do my makeup.  It's a small container; but, I've still got plenty of product left and it has never dried out on me.  Every other brow gel or paste I've ever gotten has dried out on me way before its time.  I love the brush from Brow Rehab, as well.  It's a wider brow brush than most and it really makes for having an easier time drawing and filling my brows in (my brows on on the sparser side -- I can't just lightly fill them in).  One of these days, maybe next year, I will invest in some microblading for the brows.

13. Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Foaming Milk and Body Wash:  I forgot I had this in my bathroom cupboards until I started doing a declutter.  I started using it when I ran out of whatever I had been using in the shower at the time.  I wondered why I forgot all about it.  I quite liked it!  It's softly scented and feels luxurious.  I even took it on vacation with me to San Luis Obispo!  When my body wash stash starts getting low, I will definitely be replenishing it with some of this.

14. Kat Von D Shade + Light Glimmer Eye Contour Palette:  Honestly, I really got this because I love acquiring Kat Von D palettes!  It's a very good palette.  I will say, I wish the lighter shimmery shades weren't quite so sheer.  Other than that, it's a great basic nude shimmery palette.  I use it with the matte one.

15. Kat Von D Shade + Light Face Contour Refillable Palette:  I love this palette.  I finally got mine when she came out with a refillable one.  I mostly use Sombre (the cooler shade on the left) and Shadowplay (which is a slightly warm contour shade that still works very well).  I mostly use the highlight shades as a lighter eyeshadow or to blend out eyeshadow.  I will use the darker shade as eyeshadow as well.  I don't see myself needing to replace the darker shade or the highlight shades any time soon.

16. My Mix Powder And Blush:  

Powder

This started when I had two Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders (One in Diffused light -- pale yellow.  One in Luminous light.).  I sort of liked them both on their own; but, not enough to use them all the time.  They had been in my makeup collection for almost three years.  About a year ago, I decided I was going to scrape the powders out of the compacts, mix them together and put them back into one compact.  I loved the result.  I could powder my face and not look powdery or cakey!  After that, I started mixing my own face powders adding lower shimmer highlighter to matte powders.  It has definitely cut down on makeup clutter; and, I just love the result.  (The nude and very light pink tins.)  Milani has since come out with something similar.  I have it; but, am still deciding if I like it better than the powder I mix. 

Blush

I had a lot of blush.  I still have a lot of blush; but, not as much as I used to.  I was trying to cut down on some clutter so I gathered up all of the blush that I knew I wasn't really using, scraped them all out of their containers, mixed them together and put them in two tins.  One of the tins is warmer and one is cooler.  It comes in handy as something to reach for.

June 2017 Favorites: Jewelry, Home & More

Quite a bit late, as we are already into the month of August.  June's favorites is actually a favorites for November 2016 through June 2017, since I was gone so long.  Lots and lots of stuff.  Enjoy!

PeachTreats (Etsy) Black Phoenix - Faux Gauge earrings: I thought these earrings looked so cool!  I thought they were only available for stretched lobes.  I contacted the seller and asked if they could be made in Faux Gauge style.  She said yes -- so I ordered them!

PeachTreats (Etsy) Spirals and Spikes - Faux Gauge earrings:  I'm always on the lookout for interesting light colored earrings.  I have long dark hair and need them to be lighter colored if I leave my hair down.

Amazon - Jack Frost (The Guardians of Childhood) - Joyce, William: I love the animated movie, Rise of The Guardians.  I just happened to see The Guardians of Childhood series of Amazon.  The artwork in them is spectacular!!

Amazon - The Man in the Moon (The Guardians of Childhood) - Joyce, William: (See above.)

LostApostle (Etsy) Human Skull Necklace - Antique Silver Skull Jewelry on 24" Antique Silver Chain:  I saw a pic on instagram from a shop where the model wore multiple necklaces with different sized skull pendants.  I liked it so much I got this necklace from Etsy.  It's the only skull necklace I have -- right now.

Amazon - Stainless Steel Razor Blade Pendant Men Necklace 40mm: This was a very inexpensive necklace.  I got it to celebrate a one year marker, of sorts, that makes me very proud of how far I've come.

BunnyPaige (Etsy) Classic Spiked and Pavèd Heart Necklace in Pyrite: I saw Phyrra Nyx on YouTube & Instagram wearing one of Bunny Paige's heart necklaces and loved it.  I got one of my own.

Amazon - Wytches, Vol. 1 - Scott Snyder:  Description: When the Rooks family moves to the remote town of Litchfield, NH to escape a haunting trauma, they're hopeful about starting over. But something evil is waiting for them in the woods just beyond town. Watching from the trees. Ancient...and hungry.  Had to get this, after I saw a pic of it on Instagram.

Amazon - The Evil Garden - Edward Gorey:  This is my first Edward Gorey book!  Guests meet their demise in the Evil Garden via rhyming poetry and whimsical drawings.

Bloodmilk Jewels -Beauty is convulsive. Skeleton key lariat: This was actually a Valentine's present from my hubbie (that I asked for).  I love this necklace.  I am such a fan of Bloodmilk Jewels.

FilmAdvance (Etsy) Compco Reflex 1 Twin Lens Camera, Art Deco Design: I had previously gotten a vintage typwriter (see August 2016 post).  I thought a vintage camera would look great with it!

Amazon - Anker SoundCore mini, Super-Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Gold: This rechargeable speaker is about the circumference of a can of soda and just over 1/2 the height.  It puts out good sound! This is a staple when I travel.

Amazon - The Occult, Witchcraft and Magic: An Illustrated History - Dell, Christopher:  I saw this on an Instagram post and had to have it!  It's an illustrated history of magic in ancient and modern culture across the world.

Amazon - Post-it Cat Figure Pop-up Note Dispenser, 3 inch x 3 inch, (CAT-330):  Why have boring desk accessories when you can have desk accessories that look cute and cheerful?

KombatKustoms (Etsy) Muntjac skull replica: I didn't even know there was such thing as a muntjac, when I first saw this on Etsy.  I was further confused by the fact that the seller also had "skulls" of mythical creatures as well.  I thought muntjacs were possibly another type of mythical creature.  LOL -- But, munjacs are real!  They are a type of deer.

Amazon - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: A Pop-up Adaptation - Carroll, Lewis: This is a legendary beautiful pop-up book.  Surprisingly inexpensive, as well.  When I originally wanted it, it was a bit difficult to find.  So, when I saw it available, I grabbed it!

ClosetandCupboard (Etsy) Russian Leaders Matryoshka Dolls - Set A:  I have wanted a set of Russian Leaders Matryoshka Dolls for around 20 years.  I think I first saw them in Details magazine, or something like that. I finally got them some months ago.

mysouldesign (Etsy) Black Spinne, eco friendly,fabric spider: Someone posted a picture of this on Instagram.  I was fascinated by how realistic the spider looked.  (I'm actually afraid of live spiders -- unless they're garden spiders that never move from the center of their web.)  But this, I could hold!  And there was a certain beauty to it.  I had to have it!  mysouldesign has other life-like insects as well as a few bird sculpture and even a fennec fox.  She also makes jewelry out of her textile sculptures.  I'm really wanting this owl pendent that is in her Etsy store.

Amazon - DECOLE: "MIRANDA" CAT TAIL CLIP BOTTLE (Black Cat):  Again, why have boring desk accessories when you can have whimsical ones?  Plus it looks like one of my kitties -- Luna!

EnchantedRumors (Etsy) Mini Lunar Filigree Spirit Board - Ouija Board: I had been wanting a/an Ouija Board for a long time.  (For decoration.  I'm a bit sensitive; so, I'm afraid to use it.)  At first I wanted to hang it on a wall; but I decided I liked it better on a shelf.

CrazyOldLadyJC (Etsy) You Paint it - 3 Doll Heads Poured: I bought these to help fill an apothecary jar that I had with other doll parts.  It turns out they were big enough that I had two doll heads left over, I used those for another display.

HeritagePosters (Etsy) Magic Houdini Magician Show Maitre Mystere The Great Vintage Poster Repro: I think I was inspired by Houdini and Doyle to get this.  (Sadly the show was cancelled after one season.)  I still have to hang it on the wall.  Some redecoration is in order.

Dellamorteco (Etsy) Anatomical Heart Vase, Red Finish:  Dellamorteco (Dellamorte and Co.) -- the "Curators of the Reliquary Macabre" is run by artist Michael Locascio.  I LOVE their stuff!  This is the second piece I've purchased from them.  I featured the first piece on the March 2016 Favorites -- Jewelry, Home & More post.  You'll see the next two things I've purchased (nightlights) for August's favorites.

flattirevintage (Etsy) Vintage Hand Poured Porcelain 5 Inch Doll Torso:  I bought this to fill an apothecary jar with doll parts.  It's large size definitely lended itself to filling the jar up!  

Amazon - CYS GCL109 Cloche Bell Glass Dome with Tray, 8.5": I put the spider from mysouldesign in the cloche jar along with some artificial moss rocks and Spanish moss.

Amazon - Creative Co-Op Dozen Ceramic Eggs in Box: I didn't want plastic eggs and I didn't want expensive eggs that cost $30 a piece (or something like that).  These fit the bill perfectly!  Some are in an apothecary jar with Spanish moss & some are in an artificial bird's nest.

MoodyVoodies (Etsy) Large Made-to-Order Handmade doll:  I saw MoodyVoodies' dolls on Instagram and I was in LOVE.  The long brown hair & brown eyes and round face reminded me of myself, as a little girl.  I saw a picture of that doll on Instagram and had her make me one.  I love it!!!  I plan to make another order in the future.  (She's even made someone a doll that looks like one of the burlap people in the movie 9.)

Amazon - Sullivans Artificial 5" Moss and Twig Bird's Nest: I wanted a couple of bird's nests for my oddities collection.  It's amazing how just putting faux robin's eggs and displaying it with my other oddities gives the nest a sort of "uneasy" look.

FurAccents (Etsy) FUR ACCENTS Purple Feather Boa Mink (Faux Fur):  I love scarves!  My inspiration for the art of scarves is the late Scott Weiland.  He made it all look good -- uber skinny scarves, scarves the size of sarongs and even scarves that looked like they had been eaten by moths and patinated with time.  This faux fur scarf looked so interesting, I had to have it!  

Amazon - DreamHome Satin King Pillowcase, Purple, Pair:  I actually got these for my hair.  Satin is gentler on the hair (and skin), than regular cotton.  I'm thinking of getting another pair in a bright noticeable color for traveling.  (Bright, so I don't forget to take it with me or take it off before housekeeping comes in.)

Ta-ta-for-now!