Quick Thoughts: Juniperseed Mercantile Reusable Cotton Rounds

If you're like me and cotton rounds (or cotton balls) are a part of your daily beauty routine, consider picking up some reusable cotton rounds, or "unpaper cloths," from Juniperseed Mercantile. Making the switch from disposable to washable cotton rounds is one easy way to be eco- and budget-friendly.

*Photo via etsy.com

These organic, unbleached cotton rounds come in a pack of 12 for $15 and are, of course, reusable. They also come with a complimentary wash bag for washing (but any lingerie mesh wash bag would do).

I don't know about you, but the thought of never wasting money on a bag of cotton balls again sounds pretty sweet to me. I mean the money could always be put to use in other ways, like on a bottle of red wine maybe? Cheers to that!

Quick Thoughts: Essie Sand Tropez

Essie Sand Tropez is the nail polish equivalent of khaki pants. It looks polished (no pun intended), but casual. I actually surprised myself by even liking this color because I'm not really a khaki-wearing gal. Also, when I go for a neutral, it tends to be more pink like Essie Mademoiselle or Sally Hansen Something Borrowed. It's a good day for something new though, don't ya think?

Does my hand look weird to anyone else?

What do you think of Sand Tropez? What's your favorite neutral polish?

Quick Thoughts: Lisa Eldridge "PMS Face"

I'm not sure if it's the fact that she's British or if it's the fact that she's just gorgeous, but Lisa Eldridge makes "PMS Face" (or at least getting rid of it) seem way glamorous. Check out this video and you'll see what I mean.

I wasn't aware that "PMS Face" was even a thing until finding this tonight, but after Lisa discusses it, I know exactly what she means. So, thank you Lisa! Now we all know how to handle this lady issue like professionals.

Quick Thoughts: An Experiment with Water, Part 2

Some experiments start out destined for greatness and others, not so much. Unfortunately, "An Experiment with Water" falls into the latter category. What started out as an attempt to see if my skin responded well to fewer products ended all too soon because I totally chickened out... well, sort of.

The whole "chickening out" stemmed from me not being able to remember a morning I hadn't washed my face since I was probably 12. I kid you not, I have been washing my face in the mornings religiously since this age. I think this is around the time that my friend and I first started applying her mom's RoC anti-aging masks to tighten our faces as well. I wasn't always the brightest lip pencil in the Caboodles case.

Insert unrelated grad photo here, please.

I probably also chickened out after day two because, to be honest, I just don't enjoy the way my skin feels when I don't wash it. It's this strange combination of tight, oily and gross. No gracias!

Above all, though, I found myself unable to commit to this experiment because I run in the mornings. I definitely could have stuck it out for a week had I not returned from my run every morning with a nice layer of sweat covering my face. Rinsing with only water on those days would have been a severe beauty offense.

So, as much as I like to be a human guinea pig, I couldn't fully commit to this experiment and for that, I'm sorry. BUT, now, my skin isn't doing to shabby despite the humid weather's best attempts to turn it against me. I'll take it!

What are some failed beauty experiments you've tried in the past?

Quick Thoughts: Garance Doré, where have you been all my life?

Okay, so were you all keeping Garance Doré a secret from me on purpose? For crying out loud, this blog did a beauty feature with Rashida Jones, only one of the most beautiful women on the planet!

Seriously, what a babe! *Photo via movies.yahoo.com

Just head straight over to www.garancedore.fr/en, so you can see all the fashion/beauty goodness I'm talking about. You can thank me later.

Quick Thoughts: An Experiment with Water

Staying with my sister this weekend has apparently revealed a lot to me about beauty, Toothy Tabs being the first beauty revelation. The second being that a majority of the women in my family (who have less irritated skin than myself, I might add) cleanse with only water in the morning. So, since learning this, I've been asking myself, "Should I be cleansing with only water in the morning also?"

Well, folks, I'm going to give it a try. I'm also going to keep a photo diary, though I'm not too sure if I'll be sharing it with you all. However, despite me sharing irritated complexion pics or not, I will most definitely be keeping a written account of this experiment which will be revealed at the end of, let's say, a 2-week-long period.

A completely unrelated photo of one of my sisters, her boyfriend, my boyfriend and myself.

Basically, during this experiment I'm going to continue on with my normal routine, except in the mornings I will forgo cleansing with an actual cleanser in exchange for cleansing with water and following with a mild toner (I'm thinking a mixture of Dickinson's and green tea).

I'm kind of nervous for the outcome, but my skin is always screaming at me for using so many different products. This water cleansing experiment will be a nice change of pace. Wish me luck!

Do you cleanse your face in the morning? Are you a fan of the water-only approach?

Quick Thoughts: Kiss My Face Pure Olive Oil Soap

With all of the great bar soap options available on the natural beauty market these days, bloggers (myself included) are finding themselves more enamored with the stuff than ever. Rather than using harsh detergents and animal fats like older formulas, new soaps use a lot of nourishing plant-based butters and oils. And if you know beauty bloggers, then you know there is little more we love than some plant butters and oils.

One bar soap in particular, Kiss My Face Pure Olive Oil Soap, has me completely ditching my other soaps and body washes at the moment.

Made of 86 percent olive oil (yep... that's awesome), Kiss My Face Pure Olive Oil Soap is gentle and moisturizing. Plus, this particular variety is unscented and would be great for anyone with sensitive skin. I even tried this one on my face. Unfortunately, olive oil is apparently a no-go for my complexion but, it didn't leave my skin feeling stripped at all.

I have an in-depth post about bar soaps and the soap making process in the works, but first, I had to warm you all up with this little ditty about Kiss My Face Pure Olive Oil Soap. It's so wonderful and at $4 for an 8 ounce bar, it's also an absolute bargain. You can pick yours up at your local Whole Foods or online.

Quick Thoughts: Blackheads Suck

When it comes to talking blackheads, there's no other way to put it than to say that they just suck. From your chin to your nose to your forehead, they suck all around. And as someone who's just basically scarred her forehead trying to extract what was a pretty unnoticeable blemish, I've got sympathy for any and everyone who's ever had trouble with them. I've also got a little something that can help...

*Photo via byrdie.com

This article from Byrdie offers great advice (courtesy of celeb facialist, Renee Rouleau) on what to do if you're trying to extract blackheads yourself. Seriously, check it out before you try and be your own esthetician, like me.

Quick Thoughts: Black Widow Balm

Trying to squeeze the last little bit of life out of your dark, winter lip options? Look no further than Black Widow Balm. I was browsing Etsy Featured Shops today, as I normally do when I should be doing something else more productive, when I was kind of sucked in by this brand's cool look.

*Photo via Black Widow Balm

I myself have yet to try the whole black-lipstick trend because I'm not that bold, but if you are, I say go for it. Black Widow Balm's Black Magic Lip Balm and Star Dust Galaxy Gloss are great black options, but, if dark lips aren't your thing, check out the Calavera '12 Lip Balm. It's bright pink and perfect for pretending it's warmer outside than it actually is.

What are some new beauty goodies you've discovered this weekend?

Quick Thoughts: China

Not too long ago, I had the incredible opportunity to travel with my family to China. Never in my life have I been in a place more foreign and as I'm sitting here thinking about it now, I realize how badly I would like to go back.

Not only would I like to go back because the culture and people were truly incredible, but I would like to explore more of the Chinese medicinal practices. In general the Chinese people were beautiful, and despite the large beauty retailers on every corner, I believe it was mostly due to the high value they place on internal health. From the large quantities of fish they consume to the amount of tea they drink, the Chinese people (and honestly, Asian people in general) are definitely doing something right when it comes to skincare.

I think I may do a little more research on this topic for a future post. What do you think?

Quick Thoughts: Late Night Snacks

As of late I've been doing this thing where I eat pretty healthy for most of the day (at least during the week... weekends are a work in progress), but then come nighttime, it's game over. I get these insane cravings for junk food that up until I switched to a healthier way of eating, were non-existent. Lately though, I've found a semi-smart way to deal with them.

Pepperidge Farm Pirouette cookies are my late night snack hero. While not healthy by any means, one of these cookies rings in at only about 60 calories and 10 carbs. Just one of these is so satisfying and a pretty good option for those of us with a post-dinner sweet tooth. So, that's my two cents on late night cookie cravings. How do you satisfy your sweet tooth at night? 

Quick Thoughts: Nirvana by Elizabeth and James

As a lover of unisex fragrances (and all things Mary-Kate and Ashley), I was immediately intrigued by the description of Elizabeth and James Nirvana on Sephora.com: "Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black is an addictive blend of alluring violet, sensual sandalwood, and rich vanilla that strike the perfect balance between masculine and feminine."

*Photo via Sephora.com

Has anyone tried this fragrance? As a lifetime Mary-Kate and Ashley fragrance line supporter, I'm feeling semi-obligated to head over to Sephora and check it out.

Quick Thoughts: EOS Lip Balm in Lemon Drop

I was slow to jump on the EOS Lip Balm train, but I'm so happy I finally did. The unique ball-shaped packaging is adorable and super easy to find when blindly digging around in your school bag. I chose the Lemon Drop flavor because it contains SPF 15 and it also tastes exactly like a lemon square. Yum!

Have you tried the EOS lip balms? What do you think?

Quick Thoughts: What I've Been Up To

Hey, everyone! Oh my goodness, it has been wayyyyy too long since I've put up a decent post.  I'm sorry that, unfortunately, it's going to be probably another week before I can talk beauty with you people again.  Ugh, and I'm so ready to discuss the fun new products I've discovered!

Until next time, take a look at the music video for Avicii's "Wake Me Up".  It basically summarizes how I'm feeling about this next week and a half. "Wake me up when it's all over..." Let this hectic weekend begin!

Quick Thoughts: Primal Pit Paste

My search for the perfect all-natural deodorant started after I had already found a pretty decent eco-friendly formula.  I say "after" because my mom shamed me for using a deodorant that I had to apply using either my fingers or a popsicle stick (ok, yea, it was a little weird) and it was then I realized what I really wanted was a natural deodorant that I could apply like the mainstream deodorants in stick form.

*Photo via primalpitpaste.com

Enter Primal Pit Paste, the best thing to happen to armpits since... well, deodorant. *Disclaimer: I'm not really a sweaty person, so I can't claim that this will keep each and everyone of you dry all day.  But, what I can say is that if I apply my Primal Pit Paste in the morning around 9 a.m., I'm still smelling fresh around 7 p.m.  Surely it would give those of you with more active sweat glands at least five to eight hours of wear.  Plus, Primal Pit Paste offers a "Strong" variety, as well, which I have yet to try.

The lavender scent of this deodorant is amazing.  Sometimes lavender can give off a cleaning-supplies-vibe, but Primal Pit Paste in Lavender just smells really fresh.  For those of you that aren't into lavender at all, they also offer Thyme & Lemongrass, Spice, Orange Creamsicle and Unscented for the sensitive pits out there.

At $10.95 a stick, this might be what some would consider an "investment deodorant", and the grit from the baking soda and arrowroot powder may take a bit of getting used to, but finding a deodorant in stick form that doesn't contain all the usual bad-for-you chemicals (which you can read about here), that actually works, is really priceless.  Buy your Primal Pit Paste here or here.


Have you found a natural deodorant formula that you really enjoy (stick form or otherwise)?

Quick Thoughts: Beauty Websites of the Moment

         As a diehard Sephora junkie, I must commend Sephora on having one of the best makeup selections around, both online and in stores.  However, sometimes I'm in the mood for a little something different and when that happens, these are the websites I go to:

BeautySage.com 

I discovered this website when I read an Into The Gloss Article on Liv Tyler.  She apparently orders her C.O. Bigelow Musk Oil from there.  I've actually never tried musk oil.  In fact, even the word "musk" seems a little offputting to me, but for $15 you know I've already ordered myself a bottle.  If Liv likes it, the best I can do is give it a try.

BeautyHabit.com

This website is just gorgeous.  I can't exactly remember how I came across it, but they have the most unique (and cult) brands.  It's like Cult Beauty for the U.S.

C.O.BigelowChemists.com

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Addison who believed a C.O. Bigelow cleanser from Bath and Body Works was the most luxurious thing money could buy.  Don't even get me started on their Mentha Lip Shine!  I swear every girl owned like three or four.  Although I don't see much in the way of skincare from them in BBW anymore and they no longer have an independent store in the mall, it turns out that C.O. Bigelow is alive and well.  Plus, they sell a ton of other interesting brands online!


These websites are the bomb, but tighten those purse strings before visiting them.  If you're like me, you will want to buy everything!

Quick Thoughts: A Little Bit About Labels

          With as much money as I spend in Sephora, most people would be surprised to find out that I'm a pretty frugal lady.  Apart from the typical splurge every once in awhile, I definitely prefer TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack over most high price retailers.  I've actually extended my love of TJ Maxx's clothes into their beauty department.  I don't like to buy the actual products from them, but their beauty tool section rivals that of most beauty supply stores, and at a fraction of the cost.

The warning is there, but a little hard to read

        I'm telling you all of this because the other day I purchased a knockoff Beautyblender, the Revive Beauty Pro Makeup Blending Applicator to be exact, there for $5.  Usually they're $20 at Sephora and I have a hard time shelling out that kinda cash for a sponge.  Hello, Addison...red flag!  I was super pumped to try it.  It seemed so similar to the real deal. But as soon as I had brought it home and washed it I noticed a small warning on the bottom of the box: "WARNING: This product and/or its packaging contain a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects and/or other reproductive harm".  So basically, my face makeup will look flawless all for the small price of having gremlin children in the future.  No thank you!

Not so innocent looking now, huh?           

            I understad that this chemical ingredient was probably isolated and injected into lab rats, yielding terrifying results and that the use of a facial sponge containing small quantities of it will probably not harm me, but that's not a theory I care to test.  I'm also a little disappointed in TJ Maxx for even having this on their shelves.  I suppose I should be thankful for a product that is so blatantly labeled, but I just can't get behind it.  Such a good waste of $5, too...  Long story short, read every inch of product packaging before you buy.

Quick Thoughts: Revlon Colorstay Concealer

        My skin is usually in some state of aggravation, whether it is because of the latest products I've slathered on myself or a result of sleep deprivation.  This makes concealer one of the biggest necessities in my beauty reserve.  I'm always finding decent concealers, but it's been quite some time since I've found anything great.  I'm already a tad biased towards Revlon since they make my favorite foundation (Revlon Colorstay fans stand up!), but I swear they've done it again!

*Photo Credit: Revlon.com

         The new Revlon Colorstay Concealer is a highly pigmented liquid concealer that comes in a tube with a wand.  The formula goes on easy and dries quickly, but not quite as quickly as the Colorstay foundation so you have a little more time to work with it.  It lasted all day in warm weather on my oily skin.  Bonus: it didn't break me out!  Looking for a new concealer?  This one comes highly recommended from yours truly.  You can pick a tube up at Target for about $9.

Drugstore brands are really stepping it up these days!  Do you have any favorite drugstore concealers?

Quick Thoughts: Rose Gold and Robyn

I haven't worn nail polish in over two weeks, which is definitely a record for me.  The color is called Steal the Show by Victoria's Secret.  I don't typically go for the metallics, but this one was calling my name from the beauty shelves in VS.  I would call it "glittery rose gold", but that's why I'm not a nail polish name consultant.  Here's some iPhone photography action:

Also, I love this music video by Robyn.  It's an older one, but she's just cool.  Don't you agree?

Quick Thoughts: Saks Fifth Avenue's Beauty Week

Listen up, fellow beauty addicts!  This week is Saks' oh-so-generous BEAUTY WEEK!  With the purchase of $100 worth of beauty or fragrance, they will ship your loot (along with a hobo tote filled with samples) to you for free (of course, standard shipping only).  Hurry, though!  The offer expires on Sunday March 3rd at 11:59 pm.  Even if you don't intend to purchase anything, I highly recommend browsing through Saks' beauty section online (here).  They've got a great selection of luxury products that are enough to make any girl swoon.