more raves...

I have definitely had more product raves recently than I have in a long time. Maybe I've just got the good make-up chi going on right now, but I'm definitely loving whatever is sending this stuff my way.

#1 Benefit Playsticks Foundation (my shade is Tea Party): I started using this junior year of high school, and it was my first foundation ever. I bought it because my boyfriend at the time invited me to his homecoming dance, and my mom took me out to "prettify" me or something. It was a treat, bought a new outfit, and she took me to Benefit in Mill Valley to deck my face out. I stopped using this before I left for college, I just basically stopped wearing make up that summer. I was in the pool all the time and it wasn't a priority. (Duh.) Anyway, my skin dried out quite a bit this winter so my usual Bare Minerals routine wasn't cutting it. (However, Bare Minerals OVER Playsticks gives flawless coverage!) I decided to bust this stuff out and I am blown away by it, once again. Seriously. And, of course, just when I am rediscovering it, I find out Benefit is discontinuing it!!! I need to have me a serious talk with Benefit, they have discontinued some of the greatest stuff!! (Show Offs anyone??)

#2 Clinique Super Moisturizing Balm Gloss in Black Honey: Everyone knows what the Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey looks like, and how phenomenal it looks on basically everyone, and this is the super glossy, super moisturizing gloss formula. This color is the perfect, just ate a whole bowl of raspberries or cherries and now my lips are this gorgeous color but glossed. Seriously. Fabulash. They also have this formula in a bunch of other colors. Worth checking out.

#3 NARS Lipgloss in Dolce Vita: This is like the "real" lipstick version of the NARS lipstick by the same name. The actual lipstick is a sheer, your lips but better color, the lipgloss is full color, glossy, opaque, pinky-rosy-nude gorgeousness. The lipgloss definitely has more color than the lipstick, but both are beautiful. The gloss is definitely on the stickier side, but it's worth it!

#4 Clinique High Impact Mascara: I wrote a whole post on this, so I do not feel the need to repeat myself. All I will say is: fake eyelashes for real. No lies.

#5 Milani Mineral Powder Blush (pressed) in Luminous: Perfect, peachy pink with teeny gold luminous flecks. Not even flecks. Just luminosity. And it's drugstore. Totally accessible. Perfect glowy, pink, healthy cheeks. Perfect with a light bronzer, like Dior's Matte Sunshine in Honey Matte. Love.

I'm in love with all these products, they will probably all be accompanying me to Milwaukee next weekend. I really feel like these are helping my face look....better. My skin looks glowy, healthy, my lips look full and gleamy...my eyes look ridiculous. Getting stopped on the street and asked if you're wearing false eyelashes is CRUCIAL. And amazing. So happy.

in LOVE

Okay, this may be a bit premature, I've only been using this product for two days, but I'm thoroughly impressed with it. I had heard rumblings on Youtube for a while about this leave in treatment for your hair from the It's a 10 line and, as I've been teaching a boat load this winter, and my hair is crunchy, dry & frizzy as a result, I was curious to try anything that supposedly is so great. According to vloggers, this stuff detangles, moisturizes, repairs damage etc. According to the packaging it repairs dry, damaged hair; adds shine; detangles; controls frizz; seals and protects hair color; prevents split ends; stops hair breakage; creates silkiness; enhances natural body; and is a flat iron spray and thermal protector. So, I immediately started looking around for places around town that sold the It's a 10 line of hair products. Nada. There is no Ulta near my house, and that seems to be the primary place these are sold.

Well, whaddya know? I'm walking through CVS the other day and I see a blue bottle that says It's a 10 in the shampoo aisle. Sweet!!! It was It's a 10 Miracle Moisture Shampoo, next to a tub of Miracle Moisture Repairing Mask. Whoosh! In the basket they go. Only, I still couldn't find the leave in treatment. Cut to two days later, I'm walking around and I see a Super Cuts, decide to walk in and see if they carry it. Score! I pick up a bottle and race it home to try it out.

Holy. Crap. The first time I used the shampoo and mask, I liked it. It definitely made my hair softer and more manageable, but still a little frizzy. And when I was rinsing the mask out in the shower, my hair still felt a little ratty and rough. Second time in the shower, it was like SILK. Oh my goodness. Getting out of the shower, my hair was so manageable. I couldn't believe it. When I finally got the leave in treatment, and used that after my shower, I was thrilled! My hair was totally detangled, no pulling, no tugging, and it felt soooo soft. And, for any Ralph by Ralph Lauren fans, the leave in treatment smells JUST LIKE IT!!! So, I'm waiting for my hair to air dry right now, to see how the treatment does. Hopefully it doesn't leave my dry hair feeling greasy like some products do. If this works out, I can throw out my Biosilk, Bumble and Bumble tonic & prep sprays and the million and one shampoos and conditioners in my shower, except for maybe a lighter conditioner, for when my hair's not so damaged. So far, I love this stuff. Check it OUT!

Mascara Gods

I have been begging the Mascara Gods for a new favorite/bomb.com mascara...and I have finally found one!!! Don't get it twisted, I still love my Diorshow Iconic, Make Up Forever Smoky Lash and Covergirl Super Thick Lash, and I definitely rotate in the YSL and Rimmel Lash Accelerator, but I have found one that is totally different from every single other mascara I have ever tried. (No, really.)

I was rummaging through my make up at my parents' house, which is pretty much just a mish mash of random products that I either don't use anymore, or only use part of the year, (i.e. darker foundations from summer), or that were absolute misses, or testers, and found a teeny tester of a Clinique mascara. My aunt always gets me a little something from Clinique when she's here, and always manages to get like a free gift set with whatever she buys and gives me that as well. I guess this came in one of the gift sets, and thus, as a tester, it was relegated to one of the junk drawers at home. Well, I was so bored with all my mascaras and so I decided to try this one out, it's the Clinique High Impact Mascara, which is supposed to be a volumizing mascara. I'm not sure if it's also intended to be lengthening or defining, but all of the above happens for me when I use it. This, with two coats, makes my end lashes wing out like none other, separates and defines and makes my lashes look super long.

I was walking through CVS picking up body wash or something, and one of the make up artists from Beauty 360, the higher end beauty store connected to CVS, was walking through the store as well and she stopped me to ask if I wanted to try a new concealer. Well, no, I didn't, but she stopped me mid-sentence to ask me what I was wearing on my eyes... Only the High Impact mascara. She was shocked, "you're not wearing fake eyelashes?" Then she inspected my eyes, looking for the tell tale sheen from eye lash glue or the band along my lash line. None to be found. (Duh, I've only worn falsies maybe twice in my whole life.) I told her what I was wearing and she was quite impressed and said she'd definitely be checking it out. "I can't believe how long your eye lashes are, hella long!" Thank you, random make up artist. Definitely the response I am looking for with my mascara, I love crazy long lashes and getting that from a tube is wonderful. She even asked me if I used Latisse or some other prescription crazy lash serum. (No, definitely do not.)

My only issue with this mascara is that it dries, and isn't necessarily stiff or crunchy, and certainly doesn't flake, but it does feel more "set" than any other mascara I've used. It feels kind of like a waterproof mascara does when it's fully dry, definitely stiffer than plain mascara but not always gross. This one is the opposite of the Diorshow Iconic, which keeps your lashes really soft, thank you silicone based formula, while you're wearing it. However, the Clinique holds a curl better than any other mascara ever. I don't even actually curl my lashes anymore because this mascara does it all for you, and your lashes stay curled all day long. It's also really easy to get off at night. It comes right off in just warm water with a little face wash, no rubbing, pulling, tugging or make up remover necessary.

I'm totally stoked. New mascara that literally makes me look wide awake, doll eyed and fake lash adorned in two coats. Love it. My lashes look insane when I wear it. I don't need fake lashes because my lashes already look dope with this stuff. It's dramatic enough that it can be the only thing you put on your eyes, and get compliments galore, but it's also wearable for every day. Definitely repurchasing this one when mine runs out. (I bought a full size after I realized how great it was. Still have the tester, probably taking that with me on the plane to Milwaukee in a week and a half.) Seriously, go check this stuff out, it's incredible.

beauty wanderings

This is going to be sort of a ramble. I'm in bed sick and have been thinking quite a bit. First of all, I was told that I looked great last night, even though I've been in bed for days in and out of sleep. I've never been told that I looked great while sick before. It occurred to me that the only thing I've been really paying attention to is my skin. I'm convinced that even if you're deathly ill, if your skin looks decent, so do you. Healthy looking skin really keeps you looking better than almost anything else. I think if nothing else, having clean skin, nails and hair will make you look better even if you feel like crap. That being said, I'm definitely on another skin care kick. I've rotated out my Clinique Moisture Surge and am trying the Ole Henricksen Sheer Transformation creme. So far, so good, it's supposed to help deal with hyperpigmentation and the like, and while I can't say if it's done that, I've only been using it a few days, I do like the moisturizer. It's lightweight and soft and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and smooth. I've even started using it on my neck and chest instead of my Benefit Firmology.

Second, I'm currently obsessed with OPI's Ski Teal We Drop. I love it on long nails, short nails, it's a freaking fantastic color. Not too blue and not too green. It's a perfect cream, and it's glossy and rich. You can definitely get away with only one coat, but I prefer two. While we're on the subject of nail polish, I want to talk about top coats. Seche Vite has had everyone's hearts for quite some time, but I have to say I have a bone to pick with it. Yes, Seche Vite dries super fast and makes your nails glossy and hard to chip. But, it also makes your nails prone to peel. Yes, peel. I've noticed that because it seems to have a thicker consistency than most top coats, it can cause your polish to actually peel off in chunks rather than chip. I'm not a fan of my nail polish peeling off. Other than that, it is a decent top coat, but that's a pretty hard to look past when it's supposed to make your nails last longer. Hmm. So at the moment I'm favoring OPI's top coat, just plain old top coat. It works fine for me. I don't expect manicures to last too long on me, since I'm always picking at something or other. That being said, one coat of OPI's base coat, two coats of Ski Teal We Drop and one coat of top coat works wonders for my nails.

I've been using a new shampoo and conditioner lately, the Pantene Pro V Beautiful Lengths frizz control. I like it quite a bit, it keeps my hair manageable and works well with my Bumble & Bumble tonic/prep sprays and my Biosilk serum. The line also has a leave in conditioner that I'm liking, especially since I've been back in the water over the last couple of weeks teaching. The pool kills my hair like nothing else, it's terrible. I'm always looking for a great leave-in conditioner, so if anyone knows of one, hit me uppp!!!

I have a minor obsession with Victoria's Secret body lotion in Love Spell. I'm not entirely sure why, it's one of those scents that easily err on the side of 'baby prostitute' but can also be quite lovely. I definitely bought three tubes of it the other day. I've been seriously into lotions for the body and hands recently, the pool not only kills my hair but my skin, as well. I've been loving using Neosporin cream with Burt's Bees Cuticle Butter with either Neutrogena Swiss Hand cream or Burt's Bees Shea Butter Hand cream. The Burt's Bees hand cream has quite a strong smell, very herbal, and while it does make my hands very soft, can also easily feel quite greasy. I use this combination at night only, so my hands can really soak up the moisture and have time to repair without being interrupted by the day time tasks of dishes, washing hands etc. Anyway, that's my ramble for today, while I'm sick in bed. I haven't been using much make up, duh, and so I haven't really got anything new and exciting for you all. Off I go to rest in bed with The Tudors on dvd.

Beauty Pet Peeves

Okay, so this post might sound a little mean, but I think it's kind of hilarious. I mean, we all have these, when we see other people commit certain beauty crimes, we cringe. Some get me more than others, but here's my list.

1. Mismatched foundation/skin color that leads to the "foundation mask." Or unblended foundation. Shudders abound. I hate this. It makes me want to grab someone and blend for them. Sometimes, if it's a close friend or someone I know, I'll actually do that.
2. Lashes that are curled STRAIGHT UP and don't actually curl, they just stick up straight... hideous. You curled too much and used too much product. It's like they curled, did a coat of mascara, curled, another coat of mascara and curled again. It's gross.
3. Lip liner that DOES NOT MATCH YOUR LIPSTICK. That's all I have to say about that.
4. Over-plucked/drawn in eyebrows.
5. Blush overload. Seriously? Do you want to look like a kewpie doll?
6. Super thick "winged out" black eyeliner.... especially when it smudges. Especially when they have an attitude like they're such amazing make up artists...please, honey.
7. MAC snobs. There are other, incredibly good make up lines out there, and owning a shitload of MAC products does not make you a "make up maven". Expand your horizons, sweetie.
8. Wearing 6 inches of make up all over your face. We are NOT on stage.
9. Orange bronzer. And glittery bronzer. And not knowing how or where to apply bronzer, yes it will make your face look dirty.
10. Paint by numbers eyeshadow. It is exactly what it sounds like. Your eyelids are NOT a paint by numbers canvas. Stick to 3 colors MAXIMUM for day, please.

Seriously, ladies, make up is meant to enhance what is there, not to completely change the way you look. It is not necessary to wear it every single day. It doesn't matter what anyone else says to you. It's your choice and you're beautiful with or without it. It is not always about the physical, remember that.

some recommendations...

A friend and I were talking earlier today as she asked me for a recommendation for facial moisturizer and a toner for sensitive skin. After I hemmed and hawwed and gave my recs, I asked if she thought this would be a good idea for a blog post: my most recommended skin care products. Enthusiastic yes! So, this is for all my girlfriends (Amanda, Alexa, Shawna, Anna, and the rest of you) who ask me for advice on how to take care of their skin. Here is a fairly exhaustive list of products that I know work for different skin types and that have worked for me, both high end and drug store brand. Hope that you all enjoy.

I'm going to do this in clumps, i.e. different face washes that I think are good, then different toners, then different moisturizers, etc. It will be a mish-mash of drugstore and high end.

#1 Face Washes: Murad Clarifying Cleanser: this stuff works really well, it gets everything off my face, leaves a tingly feeling and doesn't over dry my skin. It uses sulfur and salicylic acid (I believe) to kill surface bacteria and it is my primary face wash and definitely my first choice.

Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash: this was my original holy grail face wash, I've mentioned it before when discussing the discontinuation of the product that made it the holy grail, the overnight acne treatment. However, this is still a really great face wash, I have it in my bathroom at my parents' house and I still love it. It gets my skin really clean, but it does leave it a bit more dry than the Murad.

Aveeno Foaming Cleanser Clear Complexion: I used this for a while and I didn't love the results I got, I feel like I personally need something a little stronger and, ahem, medicinal, than the Aveeno products. However, if you have sensitive skin, and are also acne prone, I would definitely recommend this to you. It's gentle, it removes makeup and is a nice face wash.

Clean and Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser: I used this in middle school and I love it. It's a little too thick and creamy for my tastes now, but the tingly feeling you get when you rinse it off is amazing! I think if you have drier skin or normal skin this would be great for you, but it is a little intense for oily skin.

Ole Henricksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser: I love this stuff! It's perfect for all skin types, gentle enough for really sensitive skin, and it leaves my skin looking radiant. Seriously, the difference between the way my skin looks when I wash with Neutrogena or Murad and this is MAJOR. It's a great morning cleanser, when you're not washing off all the dirt from the night before, but you want a clean slate before you put on any make up. I also use it during the summer when I'm in and out of the pool teaching, it helps keep my skin from drying out too much from the chemicals.

#2 Face Masks/Treatments/Scrubs: Clean and Clear Morning Burst In Shower Facial: This is great in the shower. It literally makes your skin feel so soft and so clean. It's super easy to do, you just smear a decent layer all over your face in the shower, I do it while I'm shaving my legs, and you let it sit on your skin for about a minute. Then you massage it into your skin, and it has these little exfoliating beads in it, it feels so good. It leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshed.

Murad Clarifying Face Mask: This is my favorite face mask to use. I love the way you can feel it tightening your face as it dries, and the smoothness of your skin when you rinse it off and the way that it literally shrinks any blemishes by at least half by the time you rinse it off. It's a little pricey, as most of Murad's line is, but it's so worth it. This and the face wash are the only things I would absolutely recommend from the Murad line.

Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating 2-in-1 Foaming Pads: I love these things! They take off all my make up and they exfoliate all in one. They have a nubby side and a smooth side, they don't foam up too much but they lather nicely and they get the skin totally clean. (With this I recommend also buying the Blackhead Eliminating Facial Scrub and using the scrub in the shower after your regular face wash and after you have rinsed the conditioner from your hair.)

Benefit Cosmetics Honey! Snap Out of It! Scrub: Love this scrub. I've been using it for years. It's actually not my favorite from Benefit, I was obsessed with the Pineapple Facial Polish, but they discontinued that. (Boo! Hiss!) The exfoliator pieces are actually like walnut shells or something, so they're pretty intense but as a once a week or twice a week treatment, this thing is amazing.

#3 Toners: Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Free Astringent: I've been using this stuff off and on since I was maybe 11 and my mom brought it home for me. This came after Sea Breeze! I like it, it's good on keeping skin tight and it does help with keeping skin clear. Not sure if it's my favorite toner though. I also really like the Neutrogena Acne Stress Control toner.

Kate Somerville Clarifying Treatment Toner: I didn't particularly like this for my skin, it's pretty mild and I love (seriously, love) the stingy feeling with strong toners, I just feel like it's working! However, it is a great toner for people with sensitive skin. Kate Somerville does a wide range of products and many of them are amazing for people who have sensitive skin, so for all of you, I recommend this.

Ole Henricksen Grease Relief Tonic: Personally, I've never used this, but I've heard only great things. First, that it provides great oil control if you've got oily skin and second, that it's easy on sensitive skin. I love Ole Henricksen, seriously, the only thing I wasn't crazy about was his acne face mask and that's only because I discovered the Murad one first, and it worked so well for me, so I didn't really give the Ole Henricksen one a chance, I suppose. Anyway, his toners are lovely, and they smell nice. His whole line is pretty fantastic as far as skin care goes.

Ole Henricksen Balancing Cucumber Face Tonic: Again, this one is great for the sensitive skin crowd. This toner is refreshing and gentle and a beautiful teal color. This is best for those of you with normal to dry skin, because it replenishes the skin but doesn't control oil production or shine. Another amazing thing about Ole Henricksen's toners and face washes is that they are HUGE. You get an insane amount of product, 12 full ounces. Pretty amazing when you consider that Neutrogena gives you less than 10, I think. (8, to be exact)

#4 Acne Treatments: there needs to be a disclaimer here! I have acne prone skin and literally will try anything to keep my skin clear. I decided to make this its own little section instead of throwing these products into random categories. I won't, however, mention products here that I've already mentioned in other categories. I'm sorry that these are pretty much only higher end, but these are what I've been using because I haven't found any drug store treatments that work well. (except the Neutrogena overnight acne treatment, which they stopped making.)

Ole Henricksen Roll-On Blemish Attack: This lil' guy is pretty amazing. It comes in a roller ball type container, and it has a solution in it that contains both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. You roll the ball across your finger a few times to get the product out and then apply to your face. They recommend using it only at night because benzoyl peroxide can cause increased sensitivity to sun exposure, but if you already wear sunscreen every day (and you should!) then that isn't an issue. I think it's more a matter of personal preference. I use it every night, and in the mornings when I feel like I need some extra fighting power.

Ole Henricksen Blemish Attack Daily Defense Gel: This is sort of like your typical spot treatment, except you apply it to your whole face rather than just one spot. It's formulated with salicylic acid and zinc, to minimize surface bacteria and help treat existing blemishes. I apply this in the morning after I've washed my face (and toner, if I feel like I need it, usually I only use toner at night) and before I've put on moisturizer or anything like that. I let it "dry" or sink into my skin completely before I put anything else on my face. If I'm using the Roll-On Attack, I still apply the gel first, and apply the roll-on over the top but I don't wait for the gel to dry before applying the roll-on attack.

Ole Henricksen Invigorating Night Gel: On the jar it says "oil-free gel helps vanish the appearance of fine lines, pigmentation and breakouts with AHA." I love this stuff. The alpha hydroxy acid helps resurface your skin, promoting new cells and a younger, smoother looking surface. It's surprisingly gentle, although it does take some getting used to at first, and can sting a teeny bit when used with the roll-on attack, if you use a significant amount of either. I use this every night and after the first month I saw a huge improvement in the way my skin looked and felt. Definite must-have, even if you don't have acne prone skin. (it's not necessarily an "acne treatment")

Murad Clarifying Mask (see above)

#5 Moisturizers: Ole Henricksen Vitamin Plus: This is a fantastic, lightweight moisturizer. It also helps mattify skin. I used this all summer because it was so perfect. The only downside to this product is that it doesn't have sunscreen so you have to slather on another product over it and some sunscreens react oddly with the moisturizer and cause it to sort of peel off, making it look like your skin is peeling. (Neutrogena sunscreens, I'm looking at you!) However, it's the perfect summer moisturizer for all skin types, but I find that it's best to get something a little heavier when your skin starts to get dry when it starts getting cold out.

Clinique Moisture Surge Moisturizing Gel: I just started using this moisturizer and I love it. It's the moisturizer I've switched to for the winter, but it's still pretty lightweight. I have noticed some dryness on my face, still, but I'm not sure it's a great idea to look for something heavier, since I am acne prone. This makes my skin velvety soft; I use it every morning on my face, neck and chest.

Benefit Firmology: I use this moisturizer on my neck and chest at night before bed. It has firming "agents" in it that tighten your skin. I've noticed a definite improvement in my skin on my neck and my chest since I started using this. (actually, since I started using moisturizer on those areas.)

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer SPF 15: I used this during my Aveeno phase and it's a nice, light moisturizer. This one has salicylic acid in it, so it helps control acne while you're using it. Ultimately, I prefer something stronger for my acne treatment and since I found a whole regime from one brand that works for me, I stick to that. This is a really great moisturizer, however.

#6 Eye Creams/Serums: Garnier Fructis De-Puffing Eye Roller: I love how cooling this stuff is. It really helps with puffiness under the eyes and it dries pretty quickly. The metal roller ball is soothing and helps get circulation started throughout the area.

Clinique All About Eyes Serum: This is essentially the same as the Garnier, just Clinique, so it's more expensive. I love them both, however, and I use them both, so I decided to include them both. I don't think one is necessarily better than the other.

Khiels Abyssine Eye Cream: This is probably my favorite eye cream to date, although I'm not using it at the moment (because it's hiding at my parents' house!). It's lightweight but definitely super moisturizing. Kinda pricey but worth it.

Clinique All About Eyes Rich: I really like this eye cream, although I do think it is too heavy for day time use, and could make eyes look and feel greasy during the day. At night, however, it's like an amazing moisturizing blanket for your eyes. I think in combination with the Khiels, this would be a great day and night combo.

Okay, this post is WAY too long, so I'm going to cut myself off here, I hope you guys enjoyed it though. I'm sure there are plenty more products I could think of so maybe when it's not finals week, I'll do another. Enjoy!

Signature Scents

Do people actually have signature scents anymore? I feel like everyone I know, men included, has at least two or three scents that they wear, rotating them in and out, but most people don't just have ONE scent that they wear day in and day out. It's not like women (at least the women I know) have their day scent and their evening scent anymore, which alludes to a much simpler, more traditional time, when evening was the only appropriate time for seduction to arise.

Here are some of my favorites, I've even researched them a bit (descriptions are from Sephora.com) to provide top-notes and the like so you can get a better sense of the perfumes.

#1 (possibly all time favorite, ever) Dolce & Gabbana #3 L'Imperatrice (The Empress): top notes: rhubarb, kiwi accord & red currant; heart: pink cyclamen, watermelon, & jasmine; base: musk, sandalwood & grapefruit wood. Light, floral/fruity, very girly. My only issue with this scent is how quickly it disappears off the skin. I don't really mind though, I'd bathe in this one. On my second bottle, and they're decently sized.

#2 (definitely the one I get the most compliments on) Acqua di Gio pour homme: notes of: marine notes, mandarin, bergamot, neroli, persimmon, rosemary, nasturtium, jasmine, amber, patchouli and citrus. I know this is a cologne, but I literally have been stopped on the street, in line at CVS and by friends in class when I wear this. I don't know what it is about it.

#3 (my "signature" from 16 to about 19, also my first "serious" perfume) Chance by Chanel: notes of: white musk, pink pepper, jasmine, fresh vetiver, citrus, iris and patchouli. I first smelled this at rehearsal for a Marilyn Izdebski show, I think it was Annie, and Lily Harowitz, a girl who went to my school, busted this out. I thought it was the most fabulous smell in the world. My mom got me my first bottle for my 16th birthday, and I've been buying it faithfully ever since. I think I'm on my third big bottle. I still love it.

#4 (reminds me of Hawaii, the beach, and all things summer & relaxing) Ralph by Ralph Lauren HOT: notes of: mocha, cream, cinnamon and maple. I think it's hilarious that these are the main notes in this scent, because to me it smells like spicy coconuts. Literally like the beach in the middle of the summer, when it's hottest, with the Hawaiian Tropic tanning lotion scent hanging low in the air. Fabulous, even it is a little kitschy.

#5 (this is my newest but it's fresh and so nice on days I'm feeling schlumpfy) Garden of Good & Eva: notes of: pear, watermelon, ozone accords, muguet, rosebud, jasmine petals, green violet leaves, freesia, sandalwood, musk, cedarwood. This is one of their newer perfumes, and I love it, from the bottle to the scent. (the bottle looks like a mini martini shaker!) So cute on my vanity!

#6 (the best Benefit scent ever, and I've smelled them all) Laugh with Me Lee Lee: notes of: cassis, melon, black violet, jasmine, blonde wood, amber, santal. I love this. My best friend and I absolutely love this perfume. I bought it first, told her she had to go smell it, she went and was gift shopping for a friend but couldn't resist buying it for herself as well. Such a great smelling perfume. So pretty.

#7 (love this, I always smell this on my older brother's girlfriend and it stops me) Coco Mademoiselle: notes of: orange, bergamot, jasmine petals, morning rose, patchouli and vetiver. Again, one of my first serious fragrances and one that I have bought so, so many times over.

#8 (great scent, but I think I might be allergic to something in it) Beachy by Lilly Pulitzer: notes of: watermelon, citrus, marine air accord, jasmine, tiare flower, frangipani, salt crystals, amber and vanilla. I'm not sure why, but I sneeze a little bit every time I wear this, which makes me sad, because I love it. I'm noticing a major pattern, 7 out of 8 of these scents have jasmine in them as one of the main notes. Hmmm, think I like jasmine?

This is by no means an exhaustive list of great fragrances, hell, it's not even a complete list of all the perfumes I own, but these are some of my favorites. Definitely the ones I keep coming back to, at least. I'm on my third bottle of Chance, third of Coco, second of D&G and second of LeeLee. I don't know that I understand the obsession with fragrance, I know we all want to smell good, but I couldn't tell you why I need upwards of 12 perfumes. I love me some perfume, and I love pretty bottles on my vanity.