Osmia Organics Flower Body Oil

Do you ever try to put something eloquently, but then just end up typing out some expletives along with a product name because it's that exciting? Well, that's what I did while writing this post about the *Osmia Organics Flower Body Oil. This product is good, you all.

*Photo via osmiaorganics.com

Rose geranium essential oil is one of my absolute favorites, and a main fragrance component in this oil, so I was a goner from the first application. Its light, floral fragrance is earthy, reminiscent of summer camp and sunny days.

That being said, though, the other ingredients in this magical body elixir are nothing to scoff at. From avocado to jojoba, there is a generous helping of moisturizing oils in the Flower Body Oil that do their job and leave your skin feeling so soft. Then, essential oils of linden blossom and zdravets top off the pleasant floral fragrance. You just can't help but smile while slathering this on.

I did receive a sample of the *Sunset Body Oil as well, and I loved it almost as much, but Flower is what you really need for springtime. You will literally smell like a beautiful garden. I could see Sunset Body Oil being appropriate for a date or a night by the fire, though. It's so sweet and sexy smelling.

*Photo via osmiaorganics.com

Switching to body oils, especially during the warmer weather, is one of the best things I've ever done. Lotions linger and get slippery when you sweat, but body oils absorb completely. They're wonderful and worth the extra money.

To compliment that last sentence, I'm happy to say that ounce for ounce the Osmia Organics Flower Body Oil is a great value, considering its fancy ingredients. You can pick up your bottle here.

Have you tried the Osmia Organics Body Oils? What do you think?

The * denotes a product which I was sent free of cost.  Reviews will remain objective, regardless of how the product came to me.

Acure Lemongrass + Moroccan Argan Oil Firming Body Lotion

In my last post, "Shifting Gears", I mentioned using the same face lotion I've always used (Cerave, for those interested) in exchange for an organic body lotion.  Well, after spending a few minutes in Whole Foods, going back and forth between a few different options, I decided on Acure's Lemongrass + Moroccan Argan Oil Firming Body Lotion.  Honestly, I don't believe the firming claims at all.  Actually, I don't believe firming claims on any lotion ever, period.  Nonetheless, this is a great option for those of you that, like me, enjoy light moisture with a fresh, lemony smell sans Pledge Furniture Polish undertones.

Like my new bedspread?

I was also pleased to find that despite all of the oils in this lotion, the last thing it is is greasy.  It goes on like a dream and dries to a barely detectable finish, making it perfect for warm weather.  One of my least favorite feelings during a hot summer day is slippery legs from lotion mixed with sweat. Sitting on the leather seats in your boyfriend's car is just not cute when you're slip sliding all over the place.

This lotion costs about $10 for seven ounces.  I've paid far more for other body lotions that don't contain this many wonderful ingredients (moroccan argan oil, acaí berry, coconut oil, etc.), so it's a bargain in my eyes.  You can pick a bottle up at your local Whole Foods or online here.

What is your favorite body lotion, organic or otherwise?

Etsy Finds: Root + Roam

It's not often that I come across a scent I don't recognize.  Not because I am some kind of perfume connoisseur, but because I think the people around me gravitate towards certain fragrances. And by certain fragrances, I mean ones that can be purchased at Sephora or at the counters in Macy's and Dillard's.  Don't get me wrong.  You can find some pretty great perfumes in the aforementioned stores, but if you're looking for a unique "signature scent", you'd be better suited to look somewhere else.

The first smell that comes to mind when I hear "signature scent" is Giorgio Beverly Hills' Red, a perfume that my grandmother wore all throughout my childhood.  No one else around me ever wore it and so its memory belongs solely to her, something that I think is just so cool.

The cute little bag the samples came in.  Presentation is everything.

In the search for my own signature scent, I stumbled upon Root + Roam, an artisanal perfumery that specializes in carefully constructed scent profiles which are eventually made into small batch perfumes. Their welcome states, "For the rooted dreamer and for those who roam but are not lost…".  This statement alone let me know that if I was on the market for something unique, I could find it there.  

Instead of just going for a whole bottle of product like I am known to do, I decided on the sample approach.  I chose three samples from the Atelier collection: Prophet, Wander and Roam. Prophet is described as "confident and clean notes of citrus – bergamot, lemon and herby tangerine – nestled  on a base of spiked tea, vetiver and incense", Wander is described as "a fruity, floral twist of bergamot and blood orange with a lingering hint night blooming jasmine over a base of smooth sandalwood and earthy green notes of vetiver", and finally, Roam is described as "crisp jasmine and star anise enveloped in a soothing blend of bergamot and peppery tea anchored in a slightly musky sandalwood, pine and vetiver base".

Ordering perfume online is really a tricky task. I am totally clueless when it comes to scent descriptions and perfume ingredients, but I got pretty lucky with this one. My favorites of the three are Wander and Prophet. They both differ completely, Prophet being a sensual smell whereas Wander is fruity and bright.  Also, their staying power is incredible, which is one main reason I prefer perfume oils to regular perfumes. As for Roam, it is a gorgeous scent no doubt, just not for me.

I tread lightly by saying a perfume is "not for me" simply because I don't want anyone else to assume they shouldn't give it a try. Seriously, perfume is so individual that reviewing it in an unbiased manner is nearly impossible. As for Root + Roam, however, I can say without a doubt that you should check out their store.  The perfumes in this post are only a fraction of what they have to offer.

What is your signature scent? Or are you still searching for it?

Shea-dy Deep Conditioner

Do you ever have a product that you bought on a whim and hated it from the first try, but you hate to throw it away and just cannot seem to use it up?  That is how I am feeling about the Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque right now.  Out of all the deep conditioners on Target's shelves, I had to choose this one.  What it was about this masque that was so appealing, I really don't know.  Sure it has a lot of natural ingredients and no parabens, etc., but parabens and chemicals have never really bothered me.  I mean, you've gotta die from something, right? It might as well be beauty products.  Maybe I liked the simple packaging? Anyways, back to the actual product...  It is a really strange, lotion-y formula.  It never seemed to soak into my hair, but instead it just sat on top of it.  I think this may be for coarser textured hair, so that is probably my main problem.  I've finally resorted to using it as shaving cream and it does a decent job with that.  The oils -sea kelp and argan- and lack of alcohols and detergents make this great for your skin, but I just don't think it did what is was supposed to do for my hair.  Its effectiveness probably differs from person to person, but I will not be repurchasing.