Balmbastic

Behold the Beauty in Mineral Make Up

2009-08-05T11:24:00.012-04:00

Yes, I am sure that you have seen those infomercials at 3 am or during your mid-day Soaps binge about mineral make up changing your life. From Bare minerals, to Bare essentials, to whatever else there is... I think the concept is amazing, however I am not all about the hype. I have been trying out some mineral make up from Etsy for a few months now... and I'm impressed. For the most part, I have not found the super bright and vibrant colors I love to wear, but I have found a lot of multi-purpose colors that look great in multiple combination and are appropriate for my future career. (Oh yes... I recently received my official NYS teaching certificate!) Below are some of the companies I have purchased from and my evaluation...

Mixology Makeup
samples: $1.65 and up
shadows: $6 and up
Kits and other makeup goods available
S&H : very reasonable

The colors I selected were:
(in order from L to R)

Prospector, Embark, Hooligan, Conundrum, Rock Show, Oceanic

By far these shadows are as close as I have found to match the bright and highly pigmented shadows I like to use. These apply smoothly and last a long time. They do no crease, however when used with Urban Decay's Primer Potion these (and all the other minerals that I used) do crease after about an hour of wear.
These shimmer and the more neutral colors work well as all over shadows and highlights.
Overall, I strongly recommend Mixology Makeup if you want bright and sparkly shadows. This company also promotes giving back to the world.

Rating: 5 outta 5

Pink Quartz Minerals
Samples: $2.50 and up
Shadows: $5.95 and up
Other vegan and mineral makeup items available
S&H: Reasonable

Colors: (From L to R)
Wisteria, Copper Red

The Copper Red complimented my blue eyes very well. These applied smoothly but felt a bit grainy on my lids at the end of the day. The copper red also worked really well as a pigment to add into clear lip gloss for a very nice and sexy lip color. I did not try the wisteria, but I believe it would work just as well... if you were into purple lips... This brand is bit more expensive.

Overall, I would like to try more of Pink Quartz Mineral shadows because I think they are quality.

Rating: 4 outta 5

Korisma
Samples: 35 cents and up
Shadow: $3.52
Other mineral make up products available

Colors: (L to R)

Summer Peach, Outrageous Orange, Strawberry, Terracotta, Crush, Lemon

(L to R)

Wild Watermelon , Princess Purple

(L to R)
Cerulean, Fuzzy Peach

(L to R)
Screaming Green, Golden Rod

(L to R)
Pink, Tawny, Raisin, Barely There (Blushes)

I was really impressed with these shadows. Although they are not the super bright colors I love, these colors have helped me "mature" a bit in my makeup wearing. The shadows all went on smoothly, wore well, and did not crease when worn alone or blended with other shadows (such as Urban Decay & MAC). The blushes I received also were very smooth, however I am not a blush person. They worked great as shadows... in fact Tawny was my favorite "shadow" out of this bunch. I love the sheen it has and how it catches the light.

I also received foundations, which were kinda hard to photo, but I can say that having recently experienced a Bare Minerals make over.. they are literally the same quality and almost the same colors... just way cheaper. I found that I had to mix 3 and 4 to have the right match. I recommend if you are looking for your foundation, ask for some samples... then ask to have it mixed, if you figure out what works for you.

Overall, Korisma mineral makeup has made a very positive impression on me. I think she offers great products for great prices. She recently developed a primer, and I look froward to getting a hold of that soon and testing it out. I hope that it helps prevent the mineral makeup from creasing.

Rating: 5 outta 5

I have one more group of mineral make up to review but that will be for another day!

To conclude this blog I just want to say thank you to those people who have brought the greatness of mineral makeup to me and others. I have felt a different on my skin from using mineral makeup compared to my other makeup. I can tell you that if I do not wash it off at night (Yes it's a sin... I know) the mineral makeup does not irritate my eyes. I can wear it to bed and not wake up with red eyes!

If you haven't tried mineral makeup... get out and get some from one of these fabulous Etsy stores!

And oh... VEGAN too!!!

Soapalaya Soaps tea house inspired lip balm

2009-06-16T17:43:00.004-04:00

Soapalaya Soaps
Green Tea and Chai Tea Lip Balm
Via Etsy

Green Tea: $3.50 (+ $1.75 S&H)
[Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond Oil), Elaeis guinneensis (Palm Oil), Glycine soja (Soybean Oil)& Gossypium (Cottonseed Oil,)Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Matcha Green Tea), castor oil, beeswax, candellia wax, and, viamin E]

Chai Tea: $3 (+ $1.75 S&H)
[beeswax, candelilla wax, coconut oil, sunflower oil, palm kernel oil, avocado oil, castor oil, cocoa butter, and, vitamin e.....plus, 5 other oils and butters known for their healing and moisturizing benefits]

First, the Chai Tea comes in a little tea bag, which is all to adorable and a great marketing/packaging idea.

I was really excited about these balms because both are loaded with greatness and I do love tea greatly. The Green Tea has actual Matcha tea leaves in it. I love Match green tea. Both of these balms glide right onto your lips. It is so smooth and lush. The Green Tea has this excellent flat but invigorating scent of tea leaves.

The Chai is a bit tangier, reflecting the spice of the drink, but it does actually make your lips tingle a little. Both look like they would feel greasy at first but they do not. They penetrate quickly into your lips and it feels so healthy.

I do not think these would hold up well in your pocket during the day. They seem to have a low heat resistance but do last about 3.5/4 hours, which is impressive. They hold up pretty well to drinking and eating, however I did notice they went quicker if your drink was hot, like tea. (Ironic or just unfortunate?)

Overall, if you love tea or chai or are just looking for an excellent lip balm, I am going to rave about these two options. I just wish these were vegan and I could keep them in my jean pocket and not worry about melting.

Rating: 5 outta 5

Kisse Girl Lip Glosses

2009-06-11T18:08:00.004-04:00

Kisse Girl
Lip Gloss
&
Lip Icing

Via Etsy

Lip Gloss: $4 (+ $1.50 S&H)
[beeswax, castor oil, color, vit. e, flavor, cosmetic glitter]

Lip Icing: $5 (+ $.75 S&H)
[glycerin, castor oil, vit. e, flavor]

There is a special promotion running for the month of June. If you buy one LIP GLOSS you get one LIP BALM FREE!!!!

I'm a big fan of Kisse Girl. The sweet flavors and the positive message the company has to improve the concept of beauty for the younger generation of little girls become young ladies. I love the lip balm so I wanted to try other products.

The Lip Gloss is very nice. My flavor was Cotton Candy, and it does not disappoint. Just like the fluffy stuff at the fair, this is a not a super strong flavor, but just the right amount. It has a brush applicator, so you squeeze the tube and brush the gloss on. A little goes a long way and I learned that the first time I used it and had to share the remaining gloss with my mom because there was too much on the brush. My only complaint is that that sparkles in it are somewhat big. Being a big girl, I'm used to super small shimmery dust in my gloss, but this one is a bit chunky (think of Rimmel London's Vinyl Gloss) and you can feel the sparkles. It isn't super bothersome, but if you are a person who constantly is rubbing their lips together...it may be an issue.

Overall, especially with the June promo... I highly recommend this balm to a young lady or an adult. It doesn't melt and wont leak out into your bag like some other glosses (Thanks MAC!) .

Rating: 4 outta 5

The Lip Icing was something I was really looking forward to. I got the Tango Mango flavor and was ready to experience one of my favorite past times as a little girl... roll on lip gloss. Who doesn't love it? I loved it so much I once did a soft sculpture of Hard Candy's Lava Roll on Lip Gloss. I was very pleased with the consistency of this gloss as well as the high shine and the fact my lips did not feel greasy. I think that with roll on gloss and all the oils, sometimes it is over done and it's melting off your face in the warm weather. I wore this out today in some fairly warm weather and it didn't budge. The flavor is okay, I can honestly say I prefer it more as a balm, than this icing. One issue that I found was when I used it in the winter. For some reason the ball contraptions on these glosses works poorly in the winter time here. I'm sure it has to do with the lack of heat, but I had a hard time using it in the winter...but now, no problems.

Overall, I think this is another great product for little girls. I would not recommend the Tango Mango however... possibly the Sugar Rush because that is a flavor that should translate well into any lip product.

Rating: 3.5 outta 5

Quick Product Wrap Up

2009-06-10T16:03:00.007-04:00

This is just a quick run through of some products I've used since my hiatus. There are pros, cons, costs, and just the stuff you really want to know.

Marshmallow Fluff Whipped Soap
via Etsy, Doctor Sweet Tooth

$ 5 (+ $3.89 S&H)
[Soap Ingredients: Sodium Cocoate, Sodium Palmate, Castor Seed Oil, Safflower Seed Oil, Glycerin, Water, Shea butter, Sorbitol, Sorbitan Oleate, Glycine Soybean Protein, Titanium Dioxide, Fragrance.]

Pros: When wet and using it, it smells great! Like Marshmallows!
-It's supper soft and ways like 2 oz but it's really 4.5 ozs...cool texture
-Could work great for kids

Cons: Smells bad when not in use and makes the shower smell funky too
-Doesn't really smell great on your skin when you leave the shower
- Just an OK clean feeling after use
- Don't use on your face... it stings crazy bad in the eyes and just is not meant for your face

Overall: Only for a little kid
Rating: 1 outta 5

Body Couture Junkie
Oh La Licious Body Whip
in Green Tea
(Check Etsy for prices and stock)

[distilled water, cetearyl alcohol, polysorbate, shea butter, mango butter, olive oil, sunflower oil, jojoba oil and preservative]

Pros: I loved this body whip. I wish I would have purchased a bigger container. I went through it so fast. Another great use for it, aside from body butter, using it on your feet when wearing high heels that are tight or give you blisters. It moisturizes and lubricates your feet so you don't get blisters or discomfort.

Cons: Needs to come in a bigger size

Rating: 5 outta 5

Body Couture Junkie
Kiss Me Aloe-va Lotion
in Sugar Cookie
(Check Etsy for prices and stock)

[Water, isopropyl Myristate, cetearyl alcohol, ceteareth 20, caprylic/capric glycerides, dimethicone, stearyl alcohol, sybean oil, shea butter, sunflower oil, hydrolyzed silk, aloe barbadensis, disodium EDTA, diazolidinyl urea, benzophenone 4, iodopropynyl buthcarbamate, fragrance and preservative.]

Pros: Smells amazing! Like real cookies!
-Does nourish skin

Cons: Very slippery and slimy
- felt like an attempt to copy Skin-Trip but failed.
- Poor shelf life... two months in and it started to get lumpy

Rating: .5 outta 5

Birch Soaps
Berry Scrub Soap
(Check Etsy for prices and availability)

Pros: Smells great
-Looks great
- Nice cleaning power
- Great exfoliater

Cons: The seeds can be a pain
- Not to be used on the face

Rating: 4 outta 5

Hawkmoon Soaps
Spring Lilac
$ 4.35

Pros: smells amazing
- Got a soap already going? Use this in a drawer to make your clothes smell great
-Leaves your skin so clean and fresh
-Can use everywhere

Cons: - Sticks to soap dishes like WHOOAAA

Rating: 4.5 outta 5

I hope that wasn't too much for you all!!!!

Other Exciting New Body Products!

2009-06-10T14:47:00.003-04:00

Terra Secrets Tingly Feet Foot Scrub
2 oz. $2
12 oz. $9

via Etsy
(Shipping depends on your order)

[ Dried rosemary, dried peppermint, rosemary EO, peppermint EO, sea salt, natures sunshine concentrate, olive oil, vegetable glycerin, vitamin e oil]

I'm used to much coarse and rougher foot scrubs, this one at first made me question its scrubbing power. I won't lie. I was a doubter and after my first use I felt like I did not prematurely jump to that conclusion. However, I began to use it twice a week, and within 3 weeks I noticed a huge difference in my feet. They were softer and were not chalky looking. You know what I'm talking about...when you wear flip flops a lot at the end of the day there is that chalky look to your feet, which is just dead skin and dry spots caused by the strap of your sandal rubbing your skin. I feet felt great and when I went to get a pedicure, the woman did very little scrubbing because my feet were already so soft.

Overall, I was impressed with the foot scrub with consistent use. It got under my nails (literally) easily, but that's not a big issue, because it a product that delivered.

Rating: 4 outta 5

Terra Secrets Tea Tree Foot Soak
2 oz. $2
8 oz. $7
16 oz. $10
(S&H varies)

[Tea tree oil, lemon oil, sea salt, epsom salt, baking soda cornstarch]

In conjunction with the foot scrub, this foot soak is decent. I am not a big fan of soaking, but I did to try this out. It smells a bit intense, but if you enjoy tea tree oil, then it will work well for you. I'm glad I did the scrub after the soak. I don't know if that was the correct order, but it's what I did.
My feet did feel revived... in some weird way they felt warm and healthy. The instructions were on a card so this soak was easy to use.

After a hard day of work, I could see this foot soak being helpful and a nice little mini spa at home. I do not have much use for it, but if you are a soak person, I think this offers a lot and is a solid value. You get a lot for a nice price and a little can go a long way.

Rating: 4 outta 5

Soapalaya Soaps Facial Cleanser

$5.75 (+ $2.25 S&H)

[Micro-fine oatmeal will soothe irritated skin and soften.
Jojoba beads are amazing little micro spheres that ever-so-gently help to exfoliate dead skin cells without irritating sensitive facial tissue. Wonderful for encouraging circulation! White kaolin clay is a perfect detoxifier and will effectively draw out impurities from the skin without over-drying. Handmade olive oil soap, along with the clay, provides creamy, light suds action and allows you to gently use your hands to massage your face as the jojoba beads exfoliate, the clay removes impurities and the oatmeal soothes.]

I purchased the formula to oily and blemish proned skin. I was impressed with how it made my skin feel. But let's start with beginning process.... mixing it. It is very sloppy and icky at first when you mix the powder with water to create a cream/paste. When you apply it, there is a cool (I found that warm water makes it thicker and harder to put on) sensation on your face like if you were to spread papermache on it. You have to let it dry and if you let it dry too much it starts to flake off, which can be bad if you're wearing a thick knit sweater, but hopefully you're not. I washed it off with warm water and there is this very clean feeling. A deep down clean.

I did not notice any dramatic changes in my skin, but I did find the clean feeling rewarding. There was some tightness that went along with the clean feeling, so it did brighten up my face.

Overall I think this would make an excellent morning cleanser; get your face ready for the day.
It's actually cheaper, if not the same price as most drug store and some department store brand cleansers, and it's not full of crappy chemicals.

Rating: 4 outta 5

Back and talking Body Scrubs.

2009-06-10T14:04:00.006-04:00

First and foremost, thanks to everyone who expressed concern for the past several months I have been MIA. It's the summer and I am going to be back to the swing of things and have a lot of catching up to do, so expect a few reviews per post!

And let's begin!!!

GudonyaToo SMOOchy Bar
@ Etsy
$4.75 (+ $1.25 S&H)

[ coco butter, beeswax, fragrance, oatmeal, salt, preservatice, emulsifiers]

This winter was not unlike any other Buffalo winter, but my skin was super dry so I was looking into more skin products (sorry lip balmers). This scrub seemed very practical, well priced, and easy to store in the shower.

The fragrance of this is fresh and crisp. I am a big fan of the Spa Fusion scent from GudonyaToo. It's not over powering so I never worried about it poorly mixing with lotion or perfume. It definitely exfoliates... if you don't have enough water on your body before you start to scrub it can hurt a little.

This bar lasted about 2 months. I used it roughly once a day. My only problem with the bar is the fact you have to keep it dry. This means you have to get your body wet, scrub, then rinse, without letting any water that is not already on your body get to the bar. Towards the the end of my last month of use, water did get on it. It began to crumble quickly. If this bar was able to be a scrub and a soap and endure water, I think this would be a perfect body scrub, especially with the bars circular shape. It was so perfect, and easy to use and fit into my hands perfectly.

Overall, this is a solid body scrub bar. It is not super moisturizing, so I would recommend using it with a body wash or body conditioner.

Rating: 3.75 outta 5

Body Couture Junkie
Pin Up Girl Body Polish, 8 oz.
in Island Girl

check Etsy for current selling price and availability.

[Sunflower oil, shea butter, rice bran oil, golden jojoba oil, behenyl alcohol, fine grain pure dead sea salt, phenoxythanol, caprylyl glycol, sorbic acid, polysorbate 20, fragrance and preservative.]

This was 8 oz of sheer greatness. The smell is girly. It is sweet, floral, yet has strong subtle hints of vanilla. A little goes a long way with this body polish, it lasted about 3 months with daily use. It exfoliates and does polish your skin. When I got out of the shower, it felt like my skin was glowing without any harsh rubbing, it was gentle and like a mini massage.

My only complaint against this body polish is that I wish it had a bigger opening at the top. When I got down to the very last bit, it was hard to get into.

Overall, I hope this body polish returns to her shop because I was very impressed and strongly recommend this scent.

Rating: 5 out of 5

The Low Down on the Slow Down

2008-11-09T22:09:00.002-05:00

Well as you can tell Balmbastic has not been blowing up. (Sorry for these terrible puns and internal rhyme schemes)

Between graduate school, working, and the recent death of my grandpa things have been hard.

I just want everyone to know come winter break, I will finish up the reviews that I have, then this blog will again go on hiatus while I student teach.

I appreciate the support of those who send me well wishes and questions about the blog and for those who stumble upon it and find it's content useful.

Thank you for your thoughts, hits, and support.

And I would like to promote Ella Dean's new line of holiday lip balms. I highly recommend them. I will be stocking up on them for stocking stuffers!

Have a swell and safe Holiday Season!

Miss Beauty Fiend

Kisse Girl Skin Desert

2008-09-28T16:42:00.002-04:00

Kisse Girl
Skin Desert

$5.50 (+ $2 S&H)

[Water,Isopropyl Myristate,Glyceryl Sterate,Cetearyl Alcolol,Steric Acid,Polysorbate-60,Stearyl Alcohol,Allantoin,Propylene Glycol Diazolidinyl Urea,Metholparaben,Propylpababen,Sunflower Oil,BHT Triethanolamine,Benzophenone-4,Aloe Vera, Cosmetic Glitter, Color, Fragarance]

Yes... some of those ingredients are scary.... but I must admit, I've been using this lotion as a shimmer/glitter for when I go out and I have not had any irritation from using it. So I do not endorse this as a natural body product, however it's fun, non-irritating, and can help start a good moisturizing regiment for young girls.

The scent is Lemony Berry. It is a sweet yet tart lovely light scent. It smells like a high tea pastry. Yum yum!

The clear jelly part of the lotion glides on and absorbs well. The pink opaque lotion takes a bit more to rub in. If you just glide it on it looks like sunscreen... that light colored film... but a few seconds it's nicely going into your skin.

Overall, I like the sparkle in this lotion. I wish it was natural... vegan would be awesome, but hey... it is a glitter that doesn't turn my skin red.

Rating: 3.5 outta 5

Kiss me like you mean it Lip Balm

2008-09-25T17:16:00.002-04:00

Kiss Me Like You Mean It Lip Balm
from Ajoeynamedroo via Etsy

$1.50 ( + $2.05 S&H)

[ Sugared Grape Lollipop: Beeswax, Organic Coconut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Cocoa Butter, Lanolin, Flavor, Vitamin E, Castor Oil, Red 7, Blue 1, Titanium Dioxide]
[Under the Mistletoe: Beeswax, Organic Coconut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Cocoa Butter, Lanolin, Organic Cinnamon Leaf Oil, Flavor, Vitamin E, Castor Oil, Red 7]

I'm sure the first thing you notice about these awesome lip balms are those bitchin' sparrows. Oh yea.... how Sailor Jerry. But I digress....

I got the splendid scents of Sugared Grape Lollipop and Under the Mistletoe (Vanilla and Cinnamon). The Sugared Grape is delightful. It is a nice sweet lollipop flavor, however it is not super sweet. If you love grape... this is a must.

The UTM is a super cinnamony chai like balm. It has lip plumping qualities and a slight tint. If you dig chai, this is the balm for you. Or is you are looking for a natural plumper that isnt a sticky gloss... this is for you.

Both have a nice firm texture, which transfers fairly smoothly to your lips. It feels very silky and nourishing. It lasts about 4 hours and does not hold up to drinking but it does hold up to mild to moderate snacking. That is impressive.

Overall this is a great lip balm. Quality for the price. It's not organic or vegan, but it's a fun little balm to have in your purse if your going out to a punk or rockabilly show.

Rating: 4 outta 5

Obama Balm!

2008-09-25T16:18:00.006-04:00

I don't want to push my political beliefs onto you... especially because this is a bath and body product review... but I do want to tell you to VOTE! If you are not registered, REGISTER! If you are, then get your friends and other people who may not be REGISTERED!

Obalma balm
from KandFshop on Etsy
$3.00 (+$ 2.25 S&H)

[sweet almond oil, beeswax, organic cocoa butter, vitamin e, honey, propolis, essential oil colors, natural organic flavors]

So, I've elected to show my patriotism and voting spirit through lip balm. I am sure you are shocked. When I cam across this Obama lip balm, I had to snatch it up. And bonus... it's actually awesome lip balm!

Its scents are raspberry, chocolate, and blueberry. That's right... three layers... red, white and blue.

It smells fantastic! I've only gone through the raspberry, but it is a wonderfully light and natural scent, and tastes sweet and yummy like a fresh raspberry! I'm beginning to smell the chocolate, but I haven't gotten to it yet.

The red also works as a tint. It's bright and not so sheer, so if you do not want color, avoid the red.

This balm goes on nice and smooth. It makes your lips feel extremely moisturized. For being a politically charged lip balm, this packs a very powerful punch for greatness in the lip balm department.

It lasts about 3 hours, and doesn't stand up to drinking or eating.

The only negative thing I've found with this balm is that when you put it on and it gets on the corner of your lips it seems to spread out and the corner of your mouth turn red.... this is also known as "fruit punch mouth." It is easily resolved by wiping the corners with a tissue or some other paper product... or your sleeve.

Overall, this is an awesome lip balm, which I am using as my main squeeze lip balm until the election. I'm hoping it lasts till then!

Rating: 4.8 outta 5

Along with this balm, I recieved a bunch of small samples from Clear Hills Honey. They all apply and moisturize the same, so here is the run down on the scents and flavors.

Oregon Hazelnut: Smells just like International House of Coffee's Hazelnut Cappuccino. Very yummy, and tastes lightly nutty.

Chai Tea: Spicy and chai like. If you dig chai, this is for you! It is tingly on the lips.

Sugared Violet: I don't know what this is meant to taste like, but it is very sweet, light, and berry-ish. When you put it on it has a definant floral taste. Very sophisticated and enjoyable.

Tangerine Vanilla: Hello super sweet dreamcicle. Yummy smell and taste.

Mocha Latte: A nice blend of chocolate and coffee. On your lips the cocoa prevails.

Wild Strawberry: Fresh and sweet, just like I picked it out of my grandpa's back yard. Smells delish, tastes less sweet, but still very strawberry, and a natural flavor... not that Bonnebell crap.

Chocolate Mousse: Does not have an overpowering chocolate smell but when you put this on your lips will love it. It tastes so chocolately and rich. Awesome for a chocolate lover!

GO VOTE!!!

My Birch Lip Balm and Butter Bar... MANGO MADNESS!

2008-09-14T15:08:00.003-04:00

My Birch

Lip Balm
$2.50 (+ $1 S&H)
[Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Jojoba Oil, Castor Oil, Fragrance oil ]

Butter Bar
$3.50 (+ $2 S&H)
[Beeswax, Shea butter, sunflower oil , fragrance oil, turmeric root for color]

The simple ingredients of these products and the sleek logo design really attracted me to Birch.

First up, the lip balm. I opted for Mango-Peach Fusion. It does smell very sweet and fresh, but more like a peach than a mango. Once it is on the sweetness becomes obnoxious and overly floral. This is scented with a very strong fragrance oil so the balm tastes like perfume. This is not attractive.

The balm glides on very nicely. At first it feels a bit greasy but when you rub your lips together they feel like they are being wrapped in moisture. There is also a nice subtle sheen/gloss to this balm. It makes your lips look healthy, supple, and moist. Wonderful!

The balm lasts about 2 hours and can stand up to a decent amount of heat. It does not seem to surpass eating however drinking light drinks will not wash it away.

Overall, I was not overly impressed with this balm due to the taste of it. I don't like perfumey things on my lips. However, I would use this a sick balm (ie. when I cannot smell or taste because I am sick but do not want my lips to get icky and chapped).

Rating: 2 outta 5

Body Butter Bar

To continue with the mango theme... this butter bar is in... guess what? MANGO! And when I was opening my package I could smell it through the cardboard. I'm glad my crazy mailman does not like mango, cuz if he did, I'm sure he would have pocketed this.

This smells so refreshingly light yet has the full essence of a rip mango. It is the perfect scent for your skin because it lasts but it is not heavy and compliments most any perfume (especially L.A.M.B, Juicy Couture, and Daisy).

It comes in a little cupcake sleeve, which is so cute. However if these were offered in cupcake scent or even labeled as baked good scents... this sleeve would be 3 times cuter! Imagine... instead of just mango... I received Mango Madness Tart. I digress...

There are several options for use for this body butter. I found it cumbersome to try and take it out and apply it with the ridges. If i pressed to hard they broke off and I had to rub them in more with my hands. Yet this body bar seems to instantly melt when placed against your skin BUT does not melt if you leave it out on your night stand or in a dresser drawer. This amazed me, especially with how hot my room can get. Major Kudos!

When you rub it onto your skin it feels a bit greasy as you rub the bar over your skin, but when you take your hands and rub it in more that feeling goes away and your skin feels soft and moist. I was worried about the bright yellow rubbing off or transferring to my skin, but no worries there! There is no color that comes off.

Overall, I am in love with this body bar. Even though it can get slippery in my hands, it is an amazing cuticle softener and again... the scent is amazing. I highly recommend if you are looking for a natural lotion bar, get this. Or if you like to treat yourself to manis or pedis... this is a great way to soften those rough spots and cuticles.

Rating: 5 outta 5

Lip Addict Lip Balm... sneak peak preview!!!

2008-09-14T14:50:00.003-04:00

Lip Addict
Key Lime Quicky Sample

Lip Addict is this awesome spin off of Body Couture Junkie Etsy shop. It focuses on giving you that lip balm fix that you so crave!

[a mystery... but natural!]

This sample was sent my was a sneak peak of great things to come from Lip Addict, and let me tell you... I am very impressed and look forward to more.

This balm is softer, so do not push hard when applying, but it glides right onto your lips like luscious butter. It is rich and moisturizing. I LOVE the way it feels. It is not greasy or slick... just silky smoothness.

It slowly absorbs into your lips which I enjoy. Often times this affect produces an awkward slick feeling, but this does not. It is a lingering feeling of moisture: very refreshing.

As far as the scent and flavor... wow. I am not a fan of Key Lime, however I do love lime. It smells like Key Lime pie from the Cheesecake Factory yet tastes like a nice lime with a hint of vanilla. It is a wonderful scent and flavor, but it is not overly sweet.

This balm wears for about 3 and half hours. An admirable duration. However you cannot leave this out in the sun or expose it to heat because it is very soft (I believe it contains a lot of butter(s)) and melts very easily. It does not hold up past drinking or eating.

The only negative about this balm is an odd one. I have never experienced this before. If I put too much on (go around my lips 3 times or more) I get this white tint on my lips. I don't believe there is shimmer or pigment in this balm but it is weird, so I just have to make sure that I don't go over board applying it.

Overall, I'm counting down the days till Lip Addict opens. I look forward to it and you should too! If this balm is offered in a vegan variety you can bet that it will be considered one of my top 5 balms.

Rating: 4.8 outta 5

Kristen's Cosmetics Body Mousse

2008-08-31T17:38:00.003-04:00

Kristen's Cosmetics
Body Mousse
in Lemon Icing

4 oz. for $6 (+ $3.50)

[Water, Isopropyl Myristate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth 20, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Dimethicone, Stearyl Alcohol, Soybean Oil, Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil, Hydrolyzed Silk, Aloe Vera, Disodium EDTA, Diazolidinyl Urea, Benzophenone 4, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrances, FDA Approved Colors]

This picture does no justice to how richly yellow this body mousse it. It is this gorgeous canary yellow.

This "mousse" is a whipped body lotion. This is a very thick lotion, almost a butter. I found that applying this after showering, when you skin in warmer, it absorbs better; at least it rubs in quicker. When my skin is dry and normal... (ex. it's 6:30 and I'm sitting here typing and feel like procrastinating so sure...blogging would be a great productive time killer!!!) it takes a bit more effort to rub in.

In the container it has this super sweet lemon scent. It is like lemon zest. When you put it on it is the exact amazing smell of those flower shaped lemon frosted cookies you buy in a red package. You know the ones. Yes...those exact ones! It is so delightful and delicious. Wow.... great scent.

When you put it on the lemon evenly disperses but that baked good scent comes out more. The cookie scent goes into a more mild cupcake scent, with a stronger undertone (maybe vanilla?) coming out. Still it is a fresh and quenching aroma I'm proud to wear!

Your skin does not feel greasy, however if you do not rub it in totally there is this awkward thick feeling. Once it is rubbed in, it absorbs like a few minutes and leaves your skin feeling very refreshed and smooth.

Overall, aside from the thickness that may bother some people, this is a great body mousse. It is a luxury bath item (available in other great smells as well!) My only concern is that you may want to eat or lick it. Hey... there is an idea... can this be made edible? I'd sign up for it.

Rating: 4.8 outta 5

You Go Girl Sopas Lip Balm

2008-08-30T20:15:00.003-04:00

You Go Girl Soaps
Lip Balm

$2 (+ $2 S&H)

[almond oil, beeswax, flavor oil]

I love banana...and I love sparkles. This lip balm brings together my two aforementioned loves. There is a cute little jem on the top of the cap. Delightful.

The banana scent is delightfully intoxicating. It is not the scent of a ripe banana rather a mix of banana cream pie and crispy yummy banana chips. If you love banana, I highly recommend this balm.

It has a firm consistency which is always nice. It glides on nicely and evenly, however feels a bit greasy until you rub it into your lips. It absorbs quickly, which helps decrease the greasy feeling.

It doesn't taste overly banana-ish, which is disappointing considering how intensely amazing the scent it. But that's okay. You don't lick your lips so it lasts longer.

And on the topic of length for wear... this is an average lip balm in that area: 2-3 hours. It does not stand up against food and fluids. However this balm has a great heat resistance. I had it in my pocket on a super hot day at a local park and no softness.

Overall, this is an adorable balm at a reasonable price. I would love to give this as a gift if I knew someone who loved banana. The greasy feeling is a bit much, but compared to all the pros...it's a con I can over look.

Rating: 4 outta 5

Jadewicks Lip Balm

2008-08-29T14:48:00.007-04:00

Jadewicks
Lip Balm

$3.25 each (+ $1.60 S&H)
3 for $8.25

[Soy Wax, Avocado Oil, Apricot Kernal Oil, Meadowfoam Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Rice Bran Oil, Jojoba Oil, Cocoa Butter, Illipe Butter, Mowrah Butter, Sal Butter, Castor Wax, Flavor]

These lip balms should really be called Lip Butters. They glide on so smooth and so lushly... it's divine.

I got these balms in Lychee Martini (no alcohol though!) and Vanilla Sugar. The Lychee Martini is a perfectly sweet and light lychee scent and flavor. By far the best lychee I have experienced in my lip balm endeavors. The Vanilla Sugar is another great demonstration of a flavor. It is a warm and hearty vanilla, almost as full as a chai, but not actually a chai. It is very refreshing and I would even say this would be a great holiday flavor.

These balms glide on smoothly, coating the lips and wrapping them in moisture. They absorb slowly but are not greasy or waxy. The texture is so full and velvety, it is pleasing to have on your lips. There is a slight gleam to your lips, but not a heavy gloss.

These balms wear for a long time. I would say they surpass 4 hours of wear, however they do not stand up to drinking or eating. And a warning, these lip balms are one of those balms that when you drink from glass or crystal, they leave a residue which you may have to hand wash.

Overall, these lip balms, although I fully support them being called lip butters, are fantastic. the $3.25 might seem a bit much, but really, the luxury these provide is worth every penny. Great scent, great flavor, great feeling, and great moisturizing qualities. The only downside, low heat resistance.

Rating: 4.9

Om Shanti Bath Salts

2008-08-23T07:21:00.004-04:00

Om Shanti
Bath Salts
Awakening Blend

$9 (+ $5 S&H)

[epsom salts, sea salts, kaolin clay, sage, pine, cedar wood essential oil, vitamin e]

Another guest post from Di!

its smell, prior to use, was just like soap and baby powder. not a strong/over-powering smell.

it took about 2 minutes to dissolve in very warm water. it had no smell after being dissolved.

but I had an overwhelming feeling of being calm, relaxed, free of any worries.

after I smelled slightly of baby powder. a nice clean smell. after my skin was very soft, not silky soft but much softer.

I quite enjoyed the feeling his product gave me but would have appreciated a stronger sent while it is in use in my bath. I was calm and such but it didn't feel very special with out a sent.

I would give this a 4-5 out of 5.

Body Couture Junkie Bath Melt

2008-08-23T07:13:00.003-04:00

Body Couture Junkie
Bath Melt
$.30 per melt (+ $2 flat rate S&H)

(please note, this Etsy seller is re-doing the packaging/labeling/products in her store so as of this post there are a very few items, however the items to be reviewed will be available again soon)

[Cocoa butter, sweet almond oil, vitamin e]

Another Guest review by my bather Di!

this product smells just like milk chocolate. if I didn't know it was a bath product I would have eaten it in a heart beet. it made me crave chocolate. the hotter the water the quicker it dissolves. it wasn't melting fast enough so I added more hot water and then I melted faster. I wish that it was only 1/2 the size it was like bathing in butter (not the good "like badda" from SNL, it is like the stick of greasy butter in the fridge).

it melts and looks just like butter creating yellow pools of grease on top of the water. it left parts of my skin a lot more greasy than other spots that I rubbed to even out. I think that's just because there was to much oil for one bath melt. it has now been about an hour since my bath and I still can feel the layer of oil on my skin in spots (legs and hands). I am waterproof (lol) but it is slowly soaking into my skin.

the bath smelled very good not over powering I kept getting nice wafts of the chocolaty goodness. I liked this product a great amount but a little goes a long way. would love to try this again and cut it in 1/2 maybe even a 1/4. warn people after your bath that the tub is completely greased down so they don't kill themselves getting into the shower.

it did not enhance my bath this time. I ended up quickly getting out of the tub after about 20 minutes. the plus is that I did smell slightly of delectable chocolate. I felt like if I were to stay in any longer it would never absorb. I air dried because did not want to ruin a towel then waiting even longer for it to absorb so could put old "I don't care" pjs on.

I would rate this product (as is) 3/5.

if it was smaller it would be much more enjoyable and would receive a 5/5

Kreated by Karina Mango Tart Lip Balm

2008-08-19T16:44:00.004-04:00

Kreated by Karina
Lip Balm
in Mango Tart

$3 (+ $1.85 S&H)

[Shea butter, safflower oil, beeswax, vitamin e, flavor, mica]

I've been led astray by the allure of mangoes on many occasion, and throwing a tart in there made me a bit nervous about this balm... but my fears were put aside and tried this bad boy out.

First the label is this calming green and blue modern swirl thing. I just love it. It is so fun and fresh. If this lip balm completely sucked (which it doesn't) the label would clearly improve the crappy lip balm just because of it's amazing looks....seriously.

When you smell this balm you don't think mango. It is fresh and fruity but somewhat guava more than mango. When you put it on the mango comes out. It is a slight highlight of sweetness, very subtle, and very sophisticated. If you are not into sweet lip balms, this is the balm for you! However, if you love your mango sweet, you have to apply this a few times.

There is this great tingling sensation on your lips when you apply this. It feels like peppermint essential oil, however that is not listed. I have no idea where it comes from but it really enhances the feeling of this balm. The lip balm has a nice and firm texture but I found you had to go around your lips twice to get a really good application, which is not bad at all. This is common for harder lip balms. As you rub your lips together you can feel it absorbing into your skin and it is a very refreshing feeling.

This lip balm lasts the average 2 to 3 hours and does not hold up to food or drinks.

The ingredients say mica but I'm not to sure if there is actually any in it. It is not tinted and there is no sparkle or sheen to your lips once you put it on.

Overall, this a solid lip balm. If it were Vegan and sweeter I think it would be even better, however to the general public, I would recommend this balm to anyone that is over the age of 10.

Rating: 4.3 outta 5
(that .3 is for the label.... kudos label!)

Kisse Girl Rocking Bath Bombs

2008-08-19T16:36:00.003-04:00

Kisse Girl
Rocking Bath Bombs
in Cupcake

2 for $3 (+ $.75 S&H)

[sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, witch hazel distillate, fragrance, color]

This is a Guest Review done by my good friend and Bath Aficionado, Di.

My original thought on the smell prior to use is curiosity. I was completely unable to label the sent. This is every thing that first went through my head. Quiet, subtle, clean, soapy, baby powder, chalk, coconut (?), vanilla (?). several people could not figure out the specific sent. Then after reading the label closing my eyes and thinking really hard then I could small cupcakes.

It was very easy to use, plop right in the tub and watch fizzle away. It dissolved very quickly in my opinion too quickly. It fizzle and foamed but was not as energetic as I hoped. Once it dissolved in the tub it was much harder to smell cup cakes, I mostly could smell chalk and soap. After my skin was not hugely soft but much softer than usual. My skin now smelled like I had baked a cake.

I was a very positive experience and did enhance my bath. It made the bathe unique and a little extra special. I am personally not a cup cake sent type person but I will more than likely enjoy another cupcake bath bomb bath.

Mystique Lip Balm

2008-08-19T16:23:00.003-04:00

Mystique Products
Garden of Earthly Delights Lip Balm
$1.99 (+ $1 S&H)

[apricot kernel oil, mango butter, vitamin e, beeswax, sweet orange essential oil]

The awesome typeface on the label really drew me into this balm...and the great price!

This balm has a wonderfully subtle hint of orange. It is just enough to make you think of a bright and succulent orange, but not enough to make you want to constantly lick your lips.

It glides on very smoothly. The mango butter really makes your lips feel so smooth and soft. At first it felt a bit greasy, but this sensation quickly goes away. This only happened the first few times I applied this balm. My conclusion is that maybe via mailing it melted and reformed when it arrived and there was just some odd settling at the top, because after the 12th or so application, it felt like a gloriously well textured lip balm.

This balm lasts the average duration of your general lip product, 2 to 3 hours. It does not hold up to eating or drinking and I found that it really smudges clear glasses, so that you have to wipe them off before putting them in the dishwasher, otherwise they still come out with your lip-print on the rim.

Even though this product is not Vegan, it is all natural and organic. This makes this lip balm that much more awesome.

I cannot figure out why it is the Garden of Earthly Delights however. When I think of the title I think maybe Apple would be a better scent? It doesn't affect the great quality of this lip balm however!

The only negative of this balm is its low melting point. I forgot it in my car (I was doing so well remembering to take them out too!) and when I got it, it was too late, so I put it in the fridge and when it came out the mango butter had crystallized and it was no longer usable.

Overall, this is a great balm for the price. It has a sophisticated scent with a light flavor but do not expose it to great amounts of heat or sunlight.

Rating: 4 outta 5

Hidden Blessings's Luxurious Shea Butter Lotion with Goat Milk

2008-08-16T15:54:00.003-04:00

Hidden Blessings
Luxurious Shea Butter Lotion with Goat Milk
in Vanilla Berry

5 oz for $6 (+ $2.40 S&H)

[water, goat milk, shea butter, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, hydroxyethel acrylate/sodium acryloydimethyltaurate copolymer and squalaene (plant origin) and polysorbate 60]

First, yes.... I know what you're thinking... there are some scary words in the ingredients. This is true...but I feel that I do need to give props to this lotion for two reasons. First reason... it smells like RED KOOLADE! Second, it is a goat milk lotion, which are super good for you...possibly better with out those big scary names...but moving on.

This sample smells faaaabulous! Red Koolade like WHOA! I love it. Vanilla Berry? They really mean Red Koolade. When you put it on, the sweet red goodness mellows a bit, but your skin still smells refreshing and sweet. It is delightful!

This lotion has a really nice cooling effect too when you put it on. It does not make your skin feel greasy, only nurished and lush. The only issue I have is that when it is really hot and you put it on, it sometimes leaves this odd film that you notice if you touch where you put the lotion on. It sounds odd, but it has happened several times where I had applied to lotion when it was considerably warmer than 75 degree and a few minutes later I itched or touched the area with my hand and there was this filmy feeling on my hand. But it doesn't feel gross where you put the lotion...so go figure?

Overall, I cannot get over the scariness of those ingredients. I Googled them and some wierd OSHA stuff came up.... I just did not want to look. So if you don't mind remaining ignorant to the ingredients for the sake that this stuff smells phenomanal I won't judge. However if you want to hold out for a more natural and easier to pronouce ingredient list, I promise I have some winners coming up soon.

Rating: 2.5 outta 5
(I'm torn. This ingredients make me wanna say 0, but the scent makes me wanna say 6. Somebody make this scent into a green friendly lotion!!! Please and thanks!)

Green Springs Rose Face Food

2008-08-16T15:24:00.004-04:00

Green Springs
Rose Face Food

2 oz. $18 - $20 (+ $3 S&H)

[rose hydrosol*,aloe vera*, unrefined coconut oil*, comfrey, calendula, rose petals, marshmallow root, elder flowers, & plaintain infused in extra virgin olive oil*, sunflower oil*, jojoba oil*, shea butter*, kukui nut oil*,caster oil*,carrot seed oil, rosehip seed oil*, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, blueberry extract, black willowbark*, roobios*, benzoin, ROE(rosemary extract) and GSE(grapefruit seed extract).
*certified organic]

My mother will pay upwards of a hundred dollars on a moisturizer that will leave her skin soft, fresh, toned, and younger looking. Now I'm not saying that high end stuff is bad and doesn't do it's job, but why spend that much when for a fifth of is you can have this natural and organic product?

I was super pumped about receiving this face food sample. In the summer my typically oily skin gets extremely dry. I have always had a hard time finding moisturizers because of how sensitive my skin is. I was hesitant at first because of this known fact, but I figured that my face turning red couldn't be worse than my face peeling as much as it was with dry skin.

This face food smells like a garden of roses, real roses. This is not some Victoria Secret or Bath & Body Works rose scent. This is the real deal. I love it. I used a little bit (they recommend a pea-size, but I would say a little more if you really wanna cover your neck too) every night for a straight 2 weeks. The first few days my skin felt oily. I was not happy and losing confidence in this face food. I don't need more oil on my face, I need moisture. Well by day 5, my skin was glowing with moisturized goodness. I just woke up one morning and the peeling was gone, my skin actually felt firmer, and it just looked really healthy. I think that it is possible that my skin needed to adjust to this new product, which is why a delay in results occurred.

In a little less than two weeks this Face Food made my skin feel and look so healthy and supple. It was wonderful. My mother even asked what I was using. I found washing and exfoliating my face first, before bed, then putting this on seemed to work well. While looking at Green Springs's Etsy, I noticed there are other varieties of this Face Food. Tangerine sounds like it would be a wonderful choice for using in the morning. Citrus has a natural mood enhancing ability via scent They also offer a lavender, which would be wonderful as a before bed time scent so that you can really relax.

Overall I was very impressed with this (as I first thought) pricey face moisturizer. Compared to the quality that my mother buys, this is a bargain! My only qualms is how it made my skin very oily for a bit. This may or may not be an issue for you, but please be aware of it.

Rating: 4 outta 5

Nahia Creations Elihlizio Soap

2008-08-15T15:19:00.002-04:00

Nahia Creations
Elihlizio (Chocolate Espresso) Soap
Via Etsy

$8.50 (+ $4.95 S&H)

[Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, possibly a Butter, Essential or Fragrance Oil and perhaps, some grains]

I received this bar of soap when I got the Nahia Mango Lip Balm. I've been using it for a while, on and off, and I figured it is about time to discuss this bar.

First, it smells heavenly, if you love espresso. It is like a cocomoco from Spot Coffee... nice and warm with the espresso but a little bitter sweet with the subtle chocolateness.

It quickly soaps up with either hot or cold water, however the lather is minimal. It rinses well and does leave your skin feeling fresh and clean, without any tightness or that dry clean sensation. Yet my skin does not feel moisturized. With the espresso, cocoa butter, and other goodness in here, I would assume that my skin would feel more lush. It is clean but that is about it.

Another disappointing quality of this soap is that it's great scent doesn't transfer to your skin. You may not want to smell like a cocomoco but I sure as heck do! What is the point of yummy smelling soap is not a little of it rubs off onto you?

I won't get started on the price either...

Overall, this is an average soap. It's quality does not back up the price tag of over $10 once you include shipping and handling. I should have kept it in my underwear drawer to make my undies smell yummy.

Rating: 2 outta 5

Random Lip Balm

2008-08-14T18:40:00.006-04:00

So through my travels, I often stop at random places with the sheer desire of finding some small company or stay at home mom selling their wears, especially lip balm. This blog is a simple run down of 3 balms I have recently purchased at random, un-balmy places.

Woodman Farms Beeswax Lip Balm
$2.00 at craft fair in Lockport
Scent: Wintergreen
[not on label... My guess... Beeswax, castor oil, essential oil]

First, what the heck. There is a giant bump like growth on this balm when I first opened it. I think this balm is hand filled and the person didn't want to waste any...but gees... it makes putting it on hard.

This lip balm has a nice firm texture, which makes application easy. It has a light gloss to is, so your lips look wet. The scent is almost nauseating. It smells like chewed gum. When you put it on, it doesn't get better.

This balm lasts through drinking but not through eating and remains on your lips for a good 2 to 3 hours.

Overall, this balm is in my "sick balm" bag. I can't handle the crappy smell and taste, but it does it's job and it shan't go to waste.

Rating: .5 outta 5 (they are from New York... I have to represent)
DO NOT BUY

Ganache for Lips
$4 purchased at Butterwood's on Main Street in Williamsville
Flavor: Mocha Latter

[Ingredients per lip balm found @ website by clicking flavor]

This little splurge came after a great meal of sweets and some warm mocha. (If you are ever in the Buffalo area I recommend without hesitation Butterwood's or The Chocolate Bar... both the same company.)

So this lip balm is a chocolate lover's dream. It is made with real chocolate and coffee bean extract. It is very rich and flavor and the wonderful mix of ingredients becomes a delightful texture to put on your lips. It is smooth and just glides on leaving your lips feeling so moist.

It does not wear through eating or drinking but it does last at least 4 hours, if you can resist licking your lips!

Overall, I consider this a great investment. It is a great pick me up when I wanna chow down on chocolate that I don't have laying around.

Rating: 4.5 outta 5
GREAT BUY! GO GET YOUR OWN!

Wei East White Olive Tinted Lip Smoother
available here or at random beauty conventions
(I got it as a gift and I didn't wanna know)
$10 online

Tint: Pink Peony

[ingredients were MIA]

Well...yes. There is a butt load of money to spend on such a small container of lip balm. 0.28 0z. It is bigger than your standard stick but it doesn't look like that.

It doesn't smell great and you wont be licking your lips, but I have to give it up; this balm is the bomb. Have you tried the new O-Gloss from smashbox? Well... this pink is the exact same pink that the O-Gloss turns on my lips. (This is one way I justify the fact someone may have spent $10 on this for me.) The tint is great, and perfect for my pale complexion. It feels uber luxuroius on my lips. It has a creamy texture that is thick, in a good way, and makes your lips feel like they are wrapped in healthiness.

The tint and sheen last about 2 hours, and that is if you are not drinking or eating. Yet the effects of this balm last for hours. Even after I wipe this off, I can still feel my lips being moisturized. I love it. It has SPF too!

Overall, if you can afford this, you need to buy it. It is CHEAPER than O-gloss (and better for your lips)

Rating: 4.9 outta 5
PRICEY BUT PERFECT

{and BONUS!! if you go to their website they are offering a free hand & body lotion, you just pay $2.97 S&H... WELL WORTH IT!!! it's normally a $14 product! Click for details! The coupon code is "perfection"}

Hand Maiden's Garden
Orchard Blend Balm for Thy Lips
$3.50 per tube
I purchased this at the Sterling Ren Fest

[castor oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, wheatgerm oil, glycerin, beeswax, natural sweetener, artifical/and or natural flavors]

I was super pumped because I love Ren Fests (I don't dress up.... I'm not that into them) and I love lip balm. I saw this as a perfect combination. Oh how wrong I was.

The Orchad Blend was the most AMAZING scent int he form of candles, lotions, and perfume. I was unable to smell the lip balm because it was wrapped...for safety issues, I understand. Yet the balm smells like perfume...heavily scented with chemical florals, perfume.

The balm does have a nice consistency and glides onto your lips, only in turn to make them feel a bit greasy, not to mention the fake the balm then begins to taste like plastic. Yes... plastic.

I have yet to find someone who can stand it on their lips longer than ten minutes to figure out it's durability.... but I think that it is an irrevelant quality when the balm is putrid to say the least on your kisser.

I also think this reinforces my dislike of lip balms with glycerine in them. It's meant for Bush to sing...not for my lips.

Overall, LADY IN THE FRUMPY TIME PERIOD OUTFIT, I WANT MY MONEY BACK!

Rating: 0 outta 0
DO NOT BUY

Hidden Blessings Lips of Praise Lip Balm.... Balms for Jesus!

2008-08-10T20:37:00.002-04:00

Hidden Blessings
Lips of Praise Trio
via Etsy

$5 (+ $2.40 S&H)

[castor oil, cetyl stearyl alcohol, olive oil, beeswax, soybean lipids, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, flavor oils]

I wont lie (that's a sin!), I got these as a joke. I thought it would be so hilarious to have Jesus approved lip balm. (Jesus would approve of these, like he does Birkenstocks)

I was pleasantly surprised with these balms.

I received the following flavors: cotton candy, wintermint, and tropical madness

Cotton Candy: It smells super sugary, which is yummy! When you put it on your lips it is just as sugary and sweet.

Wintermint: It is like sweet Wrigley's green gum. On your lips it tingles and is sweet but leaves and odd and unpleasant after taste.

Tropical Madness: COCONUT COCONUT COCONUT!!! Did I mention it's really just coconut? There is a slight sweet twist of maybe a banana or pineapple. I thought it would be more mango-y than pina coloda-y.

I was concerned when I saw alcohol, but I looked into it (yea wiki!) and it turns out it is not an alcohol, rather a common cosmetic ingredient that comes from vegetables. I dunno if it is considered natural though.

This balm is very, very soft. Yet it has a great creamy texture which just melts into your lips. There is a light gloss to your lips as well. Your lips are not greasy or waxy, just silkly and smooth. However the flavors all wear and there is this aftertaste. The Wintermint is icky after about a half hour, but the other two are not terrible... but they are odd.

These balms last about an hour or two. They do not stand up to drinking or eating.

Overall these are average lip balms with a super cool idea. If you are religious...or may even find having Jesus lip balm funny, these are for you. A little Bible verse graces each tube and the woman who runs it sent me the most sincere and darling note a long with these balms, she is truly a beautiful person making a product that I know people can appreciate. If these were firmer, I think I would like them better.

Rating: 3.8 outta 5

Vixen and Venus Hair Conditioner

2008-08-10T14:21:00.003-04:00

Vixen & Venus Hair Conditioner

From Vixen & Venus's Etsy

Contact about price
Contact about ingredients

So for lack of information (which I apologize for) you may have to wait till the end of August to get your hands on this. The owner of Vixen & Venus is re-doing products and the store, so this item is not listed and through it being in my shower, the ingredients part of the label has blended into this giant ink blot that may be ponies under a rainbow by a waterfall of sunshine dust.

First off, this hair conditioner smells like my grandmother's perming solution. This is not attractive, however you can tell that it is potent stuff and is not filled with fluffy fragrances like other types of conditioners that's don't really condition.

The texture of this is extremely thick. I had a hard time getting it out of the bottle.

I found that after a few uses, this conditioner is awesome as a leave in conditioner. When you leave it in overnight then wash it out, it makes your hair wonderfully smoother, softer, and I even noticed my ends seemed less split and frayed. However, when I used it after I shampooed, my hair seemed greasy at the ends and very heavy. So I recommend this as a leave in, versus one you would use in the shower in combination to shampooing.

Overall, aside from the terrible smell, I feel that this is a pretty good conditioner. It is thick and creamy, covering your hair and nourishing it. It did work nicely for the ends of my long and straight locks.

Rating: 3.5 outta 5

Kristens Cosmetics Rosemary Lavender Foot Scrub

2008-08-04T16:56:00.003-04:00

Kristen's Cosmetics
Rosemary Lavender Foot Scrub

2 oz. for $5 (+ $1.50 S&H)

[Sodium Chloride, Granulated Pumice Stone, Water, Sodium Cocamphoacetate, Cocamide MEA, Glycerin, Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Xanthan Gum, Shea Butter, Rosemary powder, Tocopheryl Acetate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Phenoxyehtanol, Propylene Glycol, Aloe barbadensis, Chamomille Extract, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Extract, Jasmine Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Galbanum Gum Extract, Fragrance]

I have never used a foot scrub before. My Beauty Queen Mother told me it was the next best thing to a pedicure... mind you my idea of that is a nice barefoot walk on a beach. Nonetheless, she was actually amazed that this foot scrub was handmade and not sold by a larger marketing company like Philosophy or one of those other overprices Sephora brands.

It smells glorious. It is an intoxicating aroma of rosemary which really picks you up and the lavender is in the undertones which also calms you down. It is a wonderful combination of scents. And as you bend over to apply it and massage your feet, the scent really is just wonderful. It is very relaxing yet it is uplifting. It really embodies the ambiance of the spa in your own home.

The texture is thick and coarse, but not so much that it can scratch and hurt you. As you rub it on the texture breaks down finer and finer is lightly tickles your skin. A little goes a long way with this scrub. I used roughly a nickle sized amount for each foot. This covered the top, bottom, to the joint in my ankle and everywhere and in between on my toes.

It really does scrub away dead skin. When I finished my right foot, I felt the left for a comparison and there was a drastic difference in smoothness. It was very noticeable. I massaged my feet for about ten minutes per foot. I do not know if this is excessive, but the results were well worth it!

The only negative about this scrub is that the scent fades very fast. I thought, like soap sometimes does, the scent would linger on my feet, however it didn't. And if it were there, it was far to faint for me to notice.

Overall, for my first foot scrub and judging by the way my feet feel after a pedicure, I think $5 is a great investment. This doesn't take much time, the results are awesome, and if you do this two or three times a week with a practical amount, that 2 oz. container may last you a month or more! I know my little sample jar is on it's third use and still has a little less than half left.

Rating: 4.5 outta 5

Lip Service Lip Balm

2008-08-04T15:12:00.005-04:00

Lip Service
Aloe Butter Lip Balm
$1.75 each (+ $1.52 S&H)

[Beeswax, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter (Cocoa Butter), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (Aloe Butter), Ricinus Communis Seed Oil (Castor Oil), Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (Sunflower Oil), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Flavor Oil]

Every now and then, Lip Service offers 2 balms for $3. I just wanted to point this out to those of you who are all about the bargains.

Many of these balms you can choose your own flavor. received the "tax balm" in grape and the "sweet dreams" balm in cheesecake.

The Tax Balm has a green wrapper, a dollar sign and a quote about how much the government loves to screw you over (it is true). The scent/flavor is grape. As an avid grape lover, this flavor meets my high standard of great grapeness.

The Sweet Dreams balm is scented/flavored is Cheesecake. At first I was a little skeptical with this flavor but oh gees, am I super glad I got it. It smells like a rich New York style cheesecake, plain, but soooo yummy. I think if you requested a hint of strawberry mixed with it, you may never have to actually eat cheesecake again. (But really, no.... everyone needs cheesecake, unless you're lactose intolerant.)

I digress...

These balms go on very nice. It glides on smoothly, however it is a bit soft, so I recommend you do not push down super hard when applying it. At first there is a slightly greasy feeling, but when you rub your lips together, it goes away. This balm absorbs very nicely, and leaves a light sheen on your lips.

They last a little less than the average lip balm. I would say you can get a solid hour to two hours with this balm. The yummy flavors, however, make reapplying not so much of a chore. They do not stand up against eating or drinking.

Overall, I am very impressed with the quality of this balm versus how inexpensive it is. This is about what you would pay for a typical Chapstick brand (Boo Chapstick!) but it is cheaper than Burt's beeswax. This is a great quality balm with some cute wrappers (they have a ferret one which is too precious!) and great flavors. I expect to see some even greater flavors to come shortly!

Also check out Lip Serivce's Blog and Myspace!

Rating: 4 outta 5

[That fury creature is the Fire Salamander from the Kreepy Doll Factory. Check out their one of a kind and original Plushes and dolls]

Sun Chief Soaps Lavender Body Powder (For Baby & Mom)

2008-07-25T20:14:00.004-04:00

Sun Chief Soaps Lavender Body Powder
via Etsy

3 oz for $3 (+ $2 S&H)

[corn starch, arrowroot powder, lavender buds, lavender essential oil]

At first I was a little puzzled by this body powder. It has been years...yes years, since I've used something like this. Flash back, I was about 7 and when I would get out of the shower at my grandma's house she would insist I put on body powder because it would make my skin soft and smell good.

This body powder is advertised as being gentle enough for a baby's butt yet fragrant enough to be worn like a traditional body powder you would find in the bathroom of a super fancy restaurant. Due to the lack of baby in my life, I cannot test the first claim. However I have uber-sensitive skin.

I used a large and CLEAN blush brush to dip into the baggy and brushed it over my left arm. It went on white but within a stroke it was sheer and against my skin. There was a subtle and light scent of fresh cut lavender. It is not overly fragrant, but it does smell pleasant and I found it to be very calming. It did make my arm smoother. You could tell by feeling my arm where I had applied the powder and where I had not. The powdered area felt soft. This powder also absorbed some of the oil in my skin. You could feel where the "dryness" of the powder began, in contrast to the colder oiled part of my skin. Does that make sense?

The powder is refreshing and after wearing it for about 2 hours, my skin was not red or irritated. So I am going to go out on a limb and say that the claim of this powder being gentle enough for the bum of a babe is accurate. However I disagree with how strong the scent it, yet I think the subtle scent is a plus. It this body powder had a stronger scent I think it would be overpowering and possibly hard to compliment with other body sprays or perfumes.

Overall, this body powder is pretty great. Not to sound terrible, but I remember my grandmother putting it in shoes and so I put it in my DC's (I wear these often and you're feet sweat and I have put damp socks on while wearing them....so they may not smell like sugar, spice, and other girly scents) and wow. My shoes smells great, not like a lavender bush or anything amazing, but it took away the scent of well... icky shoe and replaced it with a slight floral scent. Wonderful! It's good for your body and for keeping your shoes smelling nice!

And by looking at the ingredients... this body powder is looking pretty vegan...unless it is prepared in a non-vegan container.... you may have to inquire about that....

***I can't really rate this because I do not have anything to compare it to, however I would recommend this to my friends with kids or smelly shoes over the kind you by at the store***

Take 2 Post

2008-07-25T14:54:00.007-04:00

Often times I wanna give products a second chance or want to explore different flavors in balms that I totally loved. I've realized that I don't review these, but really should. This blog is going to be a quick run down of additional balms I purchased after doing the initial review.

BathLife
Original Review
Lime Grenadine

This lime sweet drink lip balm is an explosion to the sensations. It smells wonderfully divine, it feels amazing on, and the final product is smoochably smooth silky lips!

A GREAT BUY!

Sassy Scrubs and Such
Original Review
Oatmeal Milk & Honey lip tin
Creme Brulee tube

The consistency of these balms is great. They do not hold up well in the heat, but their cover and ability to make your lips moist makes up for that. However the flavors are just off. The Creme Brulee is more sweet milk and the Oatmeal Milk & Honey has this extremely unsatisfying sweet caramel smell and taste.

When I'm sick, these balms work great because I cannot smell or taste them.

NOT A GREAT BUY

Embrace Bath & Body
Original Review
Brownie Batter, Pomegranate Gloss, Cotton Candy

The Brownie Batter lip tube is AMAZING! It provides a really nice bronze-ish tint... not to mention how yummy it is. The Cotton Candy is also as yummy! It is light and sweet and has a nice shimmer. The Pomegranate Gloss does not smell all that pleasant nor does it taste that great. It does provide a nice sheen too.

2 Great Buys, 1 Okay Buy

Cherry Blossom Co.
Original Review
Pomegranate & Rosemary
Lime & Coconut
Mocha & Peppermint
Orange

These balms have the best mix ever. Their consistency is great. Their feel is great. Overall a great balm. The Lime & coconut is a wonderfully sweet coconut. The Mocha & Peppermint smells like a yummy Christmas candy. Pomegranate & Rosemary is very Rosemary-ish, an herbal pleasure. And finally, but certainly very amazing, the orange smells like orange soda! A crisp and flavorful and fizzy orange paradise!

THE BEST BUY!

Kisse Girl
Original Review
Sugar Rush
Cotton Candy

These balms are wonderful and great in the summer heat! I hit the jack pot when I picked these two sugary delights. When you wear them together it creates this amazing flavor! It is very very sweet, so if you are not a fan of sweet lip balm, avoid this. But if you love sweet and are a little girl... Get this balm... NOW!

A REALLY GREAT BUY!

Overall... C&B Co. and Kisse Girl really have it going on: great price, great lip balm, great flavors and just plain FUN!

HawkMoon Soaps Summer Slice Soap

2008-07-22T16:00:00.005-04:00

HawkMoon Soaps
Slice of Summer

$4.25 for 4 oz
or 3 bars for $12 (+ S&H depends on location)

[saponified vegetable oils of olive, coconut, sweet almond, castor,rice bran, sunflower and soy & drenched in shea butter, natural fragrance]

This is the first of three bars I purchased from HawkMoon Soaps at the Allentown Art Festival.

The smell of this soap is so crisp and refreshing. At first I had no idea what the distinct smells were but I found out it is Cucumber and Melon. This is such a wonderful burst of summer smells for a morning shower. It is a really great wake up scent.

It lathers well with both hot and cold water. It is not super bubbly but it gets considerably foamy with luke warm water. I have found that this soap is awesome to shave with. It makes your skin super soft and not froathy so shaving is easy.

It leaves your skin feeling nice and clean. Your skin does have some tightness, yet it is soft. It is a wonderful feeling on your face in the morning, and it helps a lot with dry skin, but also wont add oil to your skin. Its scent does not fade after you rise it off. The wonderful mix of cool crisp cucumber and ripe melon make your skin radiate in summer scents.

Overall, I think this is a great soap. It lasted about 6 weeks, and I used it at least once a day and all over my body. I think that is an adequate amount of time for a full bar. The only negative is that you really need to use a slatted soap dish. It gets mushy and icky on the bottom otherwise. And apparently this soap is also Vegan (but you want to double check, but they state on their site that they are vegan friendly).

Rating: 4.5 outta 5

4th Ave Soap Co. Ginger Peach Honey Soap

2008-07-20T20:25:00.003-04:00

Ginger Peach Honey Soap
from 4th Ave Soap Co. Etsy

$5 for a 4 oz. bar (+ $2.50 S&H)
$2.75 for a 1.5 oz tear drop bar (+ $2.25 S&H)

[Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Castor Oil, Safflower Oil, Glycerine (kosher, of vegetable origin), Honey, Purified Water, Sodium Hydroxide (saponifying agent), Sorbitol (moisturizer), Sorbitan Oleate (emulsifier), Soybean Protein (conditioner), fragrance, mica colorant]

This soap looks as fantastic as it smells. Its light peach color with gold shimmer is a sophisticated look for a sweet peach and tartly ginger scent. It looks great on white or marbled soap dishes.

It begins to provide a nice lather quickly, with warm or cold water. Its lather is not super foamy, but it provides great coverage. When you rinse it off, the peachy scent fades and the ginger stands out considerably. It also leaves a subtle shimmer on your skin.

It leaves a soft and supple feel to your skin. No tightness nor grease. It is a really wonderful feel.

I would recommend this as a hand and body soap. I used it on my face and did not like fact my face sparkled.

Overall, this soap is a wonderful sophisticated scent with a nice presentation (in either size) which leaves your skin clean, moisturized and smelling fresh. The only draw back about this soap is that it is going to leave a shimmer, and I don't know many guys who want their chests, arms, and hands to sparkle. This soap is not vegan either.

Rating: 4 outta 5

Constructivist Tinted Lip Luster

2008-07-20T19:33:00.002-04:00

Go Contrsuctivist's Tinted Lip Luster
from Etsy

$3 (+ $1.50 S&H)

[beeswax, avocado oil, almond oil, coconut oil, lanolin oil, cocoa butter]

This nifty looking lip balm caught my eye. Then the fact it was tinted, I was super excited.

It has an odd smell. According to the add, it is a subtle scent of cake. I think it smells like some weird chocolate almond concoction. It is not that great. When you put it on the almond scent is predominate, and you wont find yourself licking your lips a whole heck of a lot.

This lip balm glides on really nice. It is a soft and smooth transfer. Your lips feel creamy and not greasy. The color is a light reddish coral. It is subtle, but definitely makes your lips look brighter and lusher. It is a nice compliment to your natural lip color.

This balm contains lanolin, which is suppose to make your lips stay softer longer. I find that it does make the lip balm seem to stay on longer, but the feeling goes from creamy to a sticky grease feeling in about an hour. This is uncomfortable, and since it's taste is icky you can't lick it off, so you reapply it. So even though the balm DOES stay on longer, it does not remain that nice original consistency... therefore, this balm does not actually last long. I would give it about an hour, maybe two at the max. Yet it does stand up well against drinking and eating.

Overall, this is an okay balm. It doesn't smell super awesome, nor does it taste great. The tint is awesome. There is a vegan balm through this seller... it may be more exciting and worthwhile.

Rating: 2.8 outta 5

Lippy4u Lip Balm

2008-07-16T20:40:00.003-04:00

Lippy4u Lip Balm
From their Etsy

$3 (+ $1.50 S&H, $.30 S&H for each additional balm)

[avocado oil, beeswax, cocoa butter, shea butter, flavor oil, soybean oil, castor oil, vitamin e acetate, coconut oil]

With flavors such as Shirley Temple and Coconut Bubble Tea, how could I resist?

The cute, simple, PAINT inspired labels are adorable and add a really fun appeal to this balm.

When you uncap the Shirley Temple, it smells great. A nice seltzery drink rich with cherry goodness makes your nose happy. When you put it on it has a wonderfully sweet and crisp taste. It is a great sweet taste, which at first provides a super sweet licking opportunity, but when you start to lick, the shea and cocoa butter flavors come out and detour you from doing so.

The other scent/flavor is Coconut Bubble tea. I got this for the sake that there is a bubble tea reference. I love boba, it's Asian and delicious. I am not a fan of coconut, but wow...this is a great scent and flavor. It is not overly coconutty, and surprisingly there is even the subtle hint of a milk flavor. How accurate! I was not tempted to lick my lips with this on.

Both balms are a great consistency. They are hard, but seem to melt as they glide over your lips providing a nice smooth feeling. I really like the firmness of this balm. It is awesome because it has a very high heat tolerance. According to their Etsy Shop page, the high heat may melt your balm, but I have not found that to be true at all.

This balm lasts the average lip balm time, 2 to 3 hours, however I have noticed something very odd about this balm. It does last past drinking, not past eating, but when you drink an ice cold beverage, this odd waxy feeling covers your lips. I do not know if this is a coincidence or a reaction to something in the balm with the cold, but it is such a weird feeling. I just reapplied and carried on with my day.

Overall, aside the weird occurance of waxiness when drinking a cold beverage, this lip balm is pretty nice. It is not vegan, nor organic, but it is a super cute and yummy lip treat. I think these are also just super rad from my point of view of a Straight Edge gal who loves her party drink alternatives.

Rating: 4 outta 5

Ella Dean Beautiful Twists Body Mist

2008-07-13T11:02:00.004-04:00

Ella Dean's Body Mist

$5.99 for single spray
$8.99 for spray/lip conditioner set
(+ $1.65 S&H)

From Etsy

[pure floral water from a daisy patch, spring water, vitamin E, essential oils, fragrance oils & isopropyl alcohol]

I am a huge fan of Ella Dean. What she makes and what she stands for. These body mists are a new creation from a creative mind. I was super pumped to receive them and try them out!

First, let's talk about my favorite.... Daisy's Burnt Marshmallows. I love marshmallows, especially what Ella does with marshmallow flavoring. This spray smells just as scrumptious as the lip gloss that matches! It is a light and sweet scent of a gooey marshmallow. Not one from the plastic bag, no, one that is homemade and lightly roasted. (There is a difference. If you have never had homemade marshmallow, get on it. It is incredible.) When you put it on it is just as sweet and sugary.

The second scent is Moonbeam's Summer of Love. This is an interesting scent. It is very sweet with fruity and floral tones. The best I can describe this scent as is a field of glorious flowers and pomegranate. It is delightful but it also subltey sophisticated. As much as I would want to, wearing marshmallow body spray to a job interview may not be a good idea, but this spray would work wonderfully. It is a stronger scent, when applied, that the marshmallow.

The final scent is Mia the Lifeguard's Summer Fling. I wore this to a wedding a recently went to and received TONS of compliments about how great I smelled. Everyone kept asking where I bought it and what designer it was. It was Ella Dean from Etsy! Everyone was really shocked that a Vegan, homemade by a lovely lady, and inexpensive body spray was on me, rather than some high end designer fragrance, which would be the typical me. The scent is light and sweet. It reminds me of fresh air on a beach. I wore it because it has this great envigorating quality yet also this sultry undertone. This is a great mist for going out at night and not wanting to smell like you just walked through the perfume area at Macy's getting assualted by old women with sprayers.

So, we've established how great these all smell, I now want to point out some fantastic things I have noticed about these all, just as body mists.

Putting the scents aside, I usually spray three squirts into the air in front of me, start at above my head, at abotu my neck and then chest area, and proceed to walk through the mist and the walk backwards. I find this is a great way to evenly apply this body mist (or any perfume for that matter). These sprays feel light and refreshing on your skin. You do not need to worry about feeling oily or greasey. And they do not leave stains on your clothes like some perfumes/mists do (thanks J.Lo).

After applying the Marshmallow spray one day, I went to a bonfire and was really concerned that because I sprayed sweet smelling goodness on me, I'd become large, living bait for mosquitoes and bugs. Not true. I found that these sprays (I later tried it with the other two) do not attract bugs. Which may not even cross your mind, but I think it's a good thing to think about because I know the Bath & Body Works body sprays DO infact increase insect interest.

Another great trait about these sprays is that their scents last a long time (especially if you spray a little into a brush and put it in your hair) and you can't sweat them off. A friend of mine recommended put the body mist on right after the shower over my entire body. She said the scent will abosrb into my skin better. I figured I'd try it. The scent did last longer but it did not radiate through my clothes, so the scent was much more subtle. I noticed however, I did not sweat off the scent. That's pretty awesome!

Overall, these body mists are super rad. They provide high quality perfume like scents that can go with most any occasion. They are in reasonably sized 3 oz bottles (I think that means they are airport safe!) that come with, as always in the Ella Dean style, bright and wonderfully colorful labels telling the tale of a wonderful and fun woman. If you are 5 or 55, there is an Ella Dean scent for you! (You could be way older than 55 becuase my seventy something grandmother really loves Moonbeam's Summer of Love.)

Rating: 5 outta 5

***ALSO***

Ella started a blog! And she has this super nifty competition going on, so if you are artsy fartsy or like to doodle, check it out. You can win some super cool stuff!!! Click HERE for info post via her blog.

Loving Naturals Organic Lime Healing Lip Balm

2008-07-13T10:17:00.002-04:00

Loving Naturals Organic Lime Healing Lip Balm
via Etsy

$1.49 (+ $.99 S&H)

[organic hemp seed oil, organic beeswax, organic olive oil, organic jojoba oil, organic lime peel oil, vitamin e oil]

This lip balm is 100% organic comes from an up and coming business from Cicero, New York. (Yeah New York!) I was really pumped about this because of the promise of limey goodness with all this wonderful organicness.

It looks like any hemp lip balm. A golden color with a hint more green because of the lime peel. It has a pleasant mix of lime and hemp that composes it's scent. When you put it on, there is a slight hint of the zing you get from a lime. It is very refreshing but not over powering.

It goes on well. It does not glide on super silky. It is a soft and firm glide that gets smoother the more you put on. It sinks into your lips almost instantly and begins to make them feel super moist. There is no waxy or greasy feel to this balm, nor is there a residue. I have been talking with some friends about hemp lip balms. Some thing that the hemp balm leaves a residue after it wears, and I haven't really seen that in any of the hemp balms I have tried, and especially not in this one. It absorbs into your lips so evenly it's wonderful. It is such a fresh sensation.

It wears a little bit longer than your average lip balm, about 3 hours. It doesn't hold up to eating, but you can drink a little bit and still have some balm left on your lips.

Overall, I think this is another superb showing of hemp lip balm. It is not vegan (which would have been stellar!!) but it is 100% natural and organic. The label is also made of recycled materials, and possibly the tube as well. This company, as states their site and etsy profile, are growing and focusing on the use of truly natural products in the home and in the lives of your loved ones. They began the company when their first child was born and I think that this is possibly the best motivation ever. Better products for our future generations that are also eco-friendly and leave a lesser carbon-footprint.

Rating: 4.9 outta 5
(If only it was vegan!!!)

HawkMoon Soaps Lip Balm

2008-07-11T15:34:00.003-04:00

HawkMoon Soaps Lip Balm in Peppermint & Lemon

$2.99 (+ tax/S&H)

From HawkMoon Soaps website
(I purchased this along with soap at the Allentown Art Festival. They are very active in the WNY art/craft festivals, see the calendar on their website)

[shea & cocoa butter, sweet almond oil, olive oil, virgin coconut oil, beeswax, cornstarch, essential oils]

*note: the website has different ingredients than what are listed on my tube. I'm posting what it says on my tube*

This is in an oval tube, which is cool. I don't own many of these and I feel people don't realize how awesome they are. They don't roll of desks. It's nice.

Moving on...

This lip balm smells very pepperminty. I thought that it would resemble the Republic of Tea's lemon mint blend, but I was mistaken. You cannot taste or smell the lemon at all.

When I first tried putting this balm on it was the weirdest and hardest sensation ever. It was like putting a candle on my lips and trying to use that as balm. When I was about to toss it, my friend who also bought this in a different flavor, pleaded with me to give it another try. Well, there seemed to be just a solid chunk of wax on the top of my balm. I rotated it up in the tube and off slid this hard chunk, about an eighth of an inch in thickness. I was like...wow...not too cool. Behind it was what the balm was really like. It is a thick and waxy balm. I would consider this more of a medicated lip balm, so if you have cold sores or severely chapped lips this or the Tea Tree balm would be great for you. I do not enjoy using this everyday. However, the one major plus about this balm is that it can handle a lot of heat and not get soft and mushy.

My friend who bought the Berry Blast flavor loves this balm and swears by it. He is a life guard who is out int he sun and he too is coming over to the dark side of lip balm addiction. He likes how it doesn't get soft and disgusting. He likes the flavor, the texture, and the wearability of this balm.

This balm does wear for a long time. It could be due to the not to lip licking goodness and it's just a wax coating that you can barely move your lips with, but then again, my friend's Berry Blast is not like that. Maybe I got a bad seed that's ruining the bunch for me.

Overall, avoid the Peppermint & Lemon lip balm from HawkMoon Soaps. It's not worth the $3 plus dollars you will spend, however the Berry Blast has been approved by my friend adding that it is not hard or lackluster like the P&L. Plus what is cornstarch doing in this lip balm!?

Rating: 1 outta 5

Vintage Soap Co. Lip Cremes

2008-07-09T16:10:00.003-04:00

Vintage Soap Co. Lip Cremes
From Vintage Soap Co.'s Etsy

$1.75 (+ $1.50 S&H)
3 for $5.25 (+ $1.75 S&H)

[sweet almond oil, jojoba seed oil, grapeseed oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, beeswax, essential oils, honey, stevia, flavor]

I received the following flavors:

Let's Smooch (grapefruit)
Sparkling Grape
Coconut Lime
Peace (anise, mints, cloves)

I was really excited about these balms because they had really cool Celtic labels...and Grape was a flavor.

These balms all go on the same. There are creamy and lush on your lips. They moisturize and nourish your lips. They are silky and soak in evenly. It is a great feeling. They last about 3 hours, and do not survive drinking or eating.

Here is the breakdown for the flavors:

Let's Smooch: If you love grapefruit...this is the balm for you! It smells great and tastes like a large grapefruit. It is tart yet sweet.

Sparkling Grape: It smells like an icky medicinal grape flavor. When you put it on, it does not get much better. I was really disappointed in this grape flavor.

Coconut Lime: This balm smells like a warm pina colada. Now, that may not sound good, but it is really nice. It tastes like coconut, but has a slight sweetness, which I assume is the lime.

Peace: This was my favorite. It is a warm and calming lip balm. It is not lick liping goodness, but it is a really great sophisticatd scent/flavor. If you love cloves, this is for you! And it makes your lips tingle wit the mint. Very nice.

Overall, these balms feel great. They are a great balm, I just picked some bad flavors. The only negative is that these balms do not hold up to the heat well. So I would advise against keeping them in your pockets.

Rating: 4 outta 5

Lip Service Organic Lip Balm

2008-07-09T15:02:00.004-04:00

Green Springs Body Works
Lip Service Organic Lip Balm in Citrus Bliss

$3 (+ $1.75 S&H)

[Certified organic: coconut oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, comfrey, plantain, and calendula infused olive oil, beeswax, pure essential oils]

This nifty vintage inspired tube has a great military/standard issue label. It's simple design is really great. It has a cute star, but the colors are sophisticated so you could pull this tube out of a Hello Kitty clutch or Prada Hobo and look oh so good.

The lip balm has a nice citrus scent. It is not overpowering and blends well with the olive oil. When you put it on you get the sweetness from the citrus then there is the mellow contrast of the oils. It is tasty but by no means are you constantly licking you lips. It is really a wonderful blend of flavors and scents that you don't need to worry about wearing or licking through.

The consistency of this balm is superb. It is solid, yet soft enough to nicely glide on, and with force applied it is sturdy enough to not splooge over the edge of the tube and onto the outline of your lips. It makes you lips feel really soft and moisturized without a film, waxy feeling, or grease.

This balm lasts a long while. I'd gauge about 4 to 5 hours worth of wear. I lost track because it lasts so long. I have also found that this balm works wonders as a lip stick or gloss base. I does stand up to some drinking and snacking, but during a meal, you will have to re-apply post eating.

Overall, this balm is a great organic find. It is sophisticated and I would warn against giving this to a child. They may be looking for a sweeter lip balm, but if you want your kid to have a balm where they are not constantly licking their lips, then maybe it's right for you.

Rating: 4 outta 5

Vixens & Venus Magic Sticks and Whipped Body Frosting

2008-07-05T15:14:00.004-04:00

Vixen & Venus Magic Sticks
$3 (+ $1 S&H)

(The ingredients online vary from the Magic Sticks I have...so this is the make up of mine)

[cocoa butter, evening prim rose oil, beeswax, fragrance]

These Magic Sticks are the nifty things around! I had never heard of lotion bars or sticks until I started this blog. Who knew lotion could be a solid?! Well, I'm glad it can be!

These Magic Sticks really are delightfully magical. A little goes a long way with these. They are great for your legs, arms, tummy, elbows, knees, and even to use on your feet! At first their glide is a bit stiff and ridged but once your body heat warms them up, they go on like butter. I found that you want to kind of round them your skin because if you build up the sides or they get uneven, they break off easily. They don't go on greasy or waxy, they soften right into your skin and it feels so silky and supple.

The scents I have are as follows:

Chamomile: I found this stick to be the driest one. You have to warm it up in your hands a bit prior to putting it on otherwise it flakes everywhere. The scent is so relaxing. I have found that when I have a head ache or stomach ache, putting this on is really comforting.

Pink Hydrangea: It is like walking into a botanical garden found at the George Eastman house. Delightfully floral and playful, yet somewhat Victorian in the subdued woody scent. It is invigorating and works wonderfully as its own perfume.

Sandalwood Vanilla: The best scent I have ever found in the world. It is warm and sugary. To be honest, I feel that a brown sugar cupcake would also work as another name for this scent. It is intoxicating. This one warms up the fastest as well.

Overall, these Magic Sticks are so convenient when you are on the go. The only trouble I have had is with pushing them up. If you push too hard they pop out, but if you don't push hard enough they don't move. But this is no biggie.

Rating: 4.8 outta 5

Body Frostings

Samples: Three 2oz containers: $6 (+$2.90 S&H)

Full Size: 8 oz: $9.50 (+ $3.75 S&H)

There are a wide array of scents, primarily scrumptious food ones. I received Strawberries & Champagne. When Victoria's Secret came out with that scent in their body spray I dubbed it "SEX." So.... SEX is a great scent. It is light and sweet. It is more strawberry than champagne-y. When you put it on it feels a bit greasy but when you work it into your skin it has this really nice soft texture going. You really have to spread it out, so a little goes a long way. I took a tiny dab from the cap and was able to do the top part of my arm from my wrist to my elbow. WOW! After you put it on the scent lingers slightly. It is really nice. Especially if you want your skin feeling soft but also wanna put on perfume and don't want scents mixing. This is a great solution.

The only negative about this balm is the way it goes on. It is a lot of work to work it into your skin. This may be a plus to some people. Maybe it says this is a super thick lotion and you're getting a great coverage... it is body frosting this may be true. I don't know. I'm just not a super big fan of the consistency, however I cannot deny how moisturizing this lotion is.

Overall, this is a pretty great lotion. I would recommend the samples over the big container because you get more of a variety with scents and I bet you could mix a few to come up with something yummy!

Rating: 3.5 outta 5

Blue Monday Soap Tinted Lip Slicker

2008-07-04T13:32:00.002-04:00

Blue Monday Soap Tinted Lip Slicker

$2.50 (+ $1.40 S&H)
From Etsy

[beeswax, castor oil, fragrance, alkanet root]

I have never heard of alkanet root, and I was really intrigued. It apparently is this cute little flower that has these deep red roots that make a great dye.

I ordered Pumpkin Spice as my scent and it smells wonderful. It reminds me of the Freak-O-Latern, a Spot Coffee Halloween beverage.... so just image a really awesome pumpkin spice latte. DELICIOUS! I wish it tasted as intense as it smells. When you lick your lips there is a slight hint of pumpkin and cinnamon.

When you put it on, it doesn't just nicely glide on, yet it isn't terrible. It is this odd gooey feeling. It is not super soft, it's solid, but it's mushy in its solid state. It is an interesting texture. Once you put it on your lips it evens out and smooths into your lips. It provides a nice moderate sheen and a nice reddish/coral tint.

This balm lasts about an hour. The shine quickly goes away and the color fades. Yet re-applying is an easy task.

This balm has a low heat resistance, and I do not recommend putting it in your pocket unless you will be spending most of your time in an air conditioned area.

Overall, this is a really nice and naturally colored lip tint. It's texture is something that is a new experience, but it is not terrible. I wish it did last longer. The color is really nice and would make a wonderful lip stain/cheek stain color.

Rating: 3.5 outta 5

SDavisOriginal

2008-07-03T14:08:00.003-04:00

SDavisOriginal Lip Balm pots
$6.00 for 2 (+ $1.85 S&H)

[shea butter, beeswax, aloe, vitamin e, soy oil, sweet almond oil, essential oils]

I ordered Lilac and Eucalyptus/Lavender as my flavors

The Lilac lip balm smells just like a fresh cut from the bush in my back yard. It doesn't taste awesome, but it smells great! I have found that this works as a great solid perfume. It is very powerful but not overwhelming.

The Eucalyptus/Lavender is a wonderfully calming scent. It tastes like lavender but I don't recommend licking it.

Both go on nicely. It is a pot so you have to use your fingers and the opening is small, so if you have big fingers, be warned. You can really feel a lot of shea butter in this lip balm. It is very soothing and thick. If you do not like thick lip balm I do not recommend this balm. It begins to melt into your lips and feels divine, yet it is thick when you first put it on.

These balms last for about two to three hours and your lips feel lush and silky smooth. I cannot attest to their ability to withstand heat, but from the contents of these balms and the texture, I think it would stand up pretty well. The pot makes it too hard to carry it around in your pocket, but these would go well in any purse.

Overall, these balms are a slight step above your average lip balm. The Shea butter makes it have a wonderful texture which truly nourishes your lips.

Rating: 3.5 outta 5

Vixen and Venus Kiss This! Lip Conditioner

2008-07-02T16:25:00.004-04:00

Vixen and Venus Kiss This! Lip Conditioner
$2.75 (+ $1 S&H)

in Green Apple ( other flavors available)

[Almond oil, coconut oil, beeswax (VEGAN SOY WAX ALSO OFFERED), Olive oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, vitamin e, and flavor]

I received this balm as a nice added bonus from a purchase I made, and will review at a later date. I was really excited because I did not realize this shop sold lip balm too, I thought it was soap, hair, and just skin care (scrubs and such). What a wonderful surprise!

First, this lip balm is one of the nicest greens I have ever seen. It does not come off on your lips or anything, but just to look at...it's soothing.

This lip conditioner also smells lovely. It is just a slightly tart apple scent. It is not over powering, if anything it's faint, but I have found with Green Apple, it is often an overdone scent which turns into into Sour Green Apple quickly. This lip conditioner does a wonderful job finding the right balance where it is there, the real deal, and not overpowering. When you put it on, the apple flavor stands out more. Consider it like the aftertaste of the green apple JollyRancher. Fresh and apple-y. It is very pleasing.

This balm goes on nice and smooth. At first it felt a bit greasy but I noticed that my lips did get a bit of a shine going, so I think that greasy feeling that lingers for about a minute after you put it on is just the oils trying to absorb. It is not uncomfortable or anything. As this conditioner sinks into your skin it feels very refreshing. It wears for about 2 hours, and it lip licking goodness, so you may find yourself applying it frequently because you just love the taste too much.

The only negative about this balm is that it is a low heat resistant balm. It does not hold up in your pocket, or even being out on my desk during the day. It gets very soft and if you try to apply it, the nice firm application pressure you'd normally use will send it smudging all around your lips with chunks everywhere. Unattractive and terribly uncomfortable.

Overall, this is a really great balm. A nice subtle scent with a great flavor and a cool color that wont transfer to your lips. This is a great product for a person with a sweet tooth or a small child who has chapped lips and refuses to take care of them. This label design is even male friendly. I don't think my guy friends would mind carrying this tube around, as compared to maybe the Lip Ganache Tube or Pussy Pucker Pots container. The other nice thing about this lip conditioner is that, UPON REQUEST, it can be made Vegan with soy wax. How awesome is that?!

Rating: 4 outta 5

Help out Eco Lips... please!

2008-07-02T07:47:00.002-04:00

I was recently informed that Eco Lips was greatly affected by the flooding in the Mid West. Thank God they were able to prepare and move a large amount of their products so they are not at a total loss, but they need your help. They are not asking for donations or anything, just to help sell the products they saved. See the message below from their Myspace....

Cedar Rapids, Iowa based Eco Lips Organic Lip Balm was located in the heart of the flood which plundered the Midwest. The water current of the Cedar River was literally running through the company headquarters which contained its sales, production and fulfillment.

Thankfully, before the mandatory evacuation in the days preceding the flood the employees worked diligently to move much of the product and manufacturing equipment to dry land.

However, Eco Lips experienced a substantial business interruption during this time in addition to losing the remaining items in the building. The good news is Eco Lips is up and running in a new space and striving to make up for its losses. "When the dust settles from this disaster, our company and our city will be stronger for it!" said Steve Shriver, Founder of Eco Lips.

Eco Lips was eager to continue providing "the best lip balm for the world" and began shipping orders out this week.

Please help out with Eco Lips recovery by placing an order online www. ecolips. com
Receive a free Eco Lips Organic Gold Lip Balm ($3.49 value) with any order over $10.00, and free shipping to the U.S. for orders over $15.

00 with coupon code: FLOOD

Coupon Code: FLOOD
Expires August 31st, 2008.

Urbody Lip Balms... VEGAN!

2008-07-01T16:08:00.004-04:00

Urbody Lip Balm
Vegan Natural lip balm in Gin & Tonic
Vegan lip balm in Persian Dessert

$2 per tube ($1.50 S&H)

[hemp seed oil, virgin coconut oil, candelilla wax, flavor oils/essential oils, agave syrup, vitamin e]

I wanted to try the lip balm entitled Persian Dessert. It is a blend of rose, lime and cardamom flavors. It sounded really intriguing, and I'm glad I got it. It is a strong and sweet floral scent. It tastes like roses with a twist of lime. Plus this is a Vegan lip balm!

The Gin and Tonic is the answer to my search for a fantastic lime flavored balm. The bonus is that there is no alcohol in it. This is a great lime flavor and the scent is really invigorating. The Gin and Tonic I received did not have a vegan label, however I was informed that this is indeed vegan as well!!!!

Both balms go on very well. It is a nice and smooth transfer and there is this great feeling of coverage. They feel very rich, like most of the hemp balms I've reviewed. They last a little longer than your average lip balm, about 3 to 3 and a half hours. They do not stand up against drinking or eating.

The gin and tonic seems to hold up better in the heat than the Persian dessert.

I have also found that together, these balm have a great scent and flavor. I put one on my top lip and then the other on the bottom. They are a dynamic duo!

Overall, these balms are really great. I am so glad that I was able to the Gin & Tonic, the lime is fantastic! Not to mention the price is just right!

Rating: 4 outta 5

Pink Quartz Mineral Custom Slim Stick Lip Balm

2008-06-27T18:04:00.002-04:00

Pink Quartz Mineral Slim Stick Lip Balm
$4.50 (+ $2.25 S&H)

[castor oil, palm kernel oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, aloe extract, carnuba wax, candelilla wax, minerals, stevia, flavor]

These slim sticks (pots are available, and reviewed on a while ago) are 100% customizable, up to the flavor, sweetening, and color. Perfect for that someone that knows EXACTLY what they want but can't seem to find it.

I purchased four and here is the run down... (note, all of mine are sweetened)

Flavor: Mango Pomegranate
Color: Rose Ice

This has a super sweet and candy-like scent. The color is a nice shimmery rose. It goes on nicely but because it is highly pigmented, it feels grainy. At first this is was awkward, but then you get used to it. The color of this balm is flattering with metallics and pink make up.

Flavor: Coffee Brownie
Color: Bamboo

Yes... I went a bit over the top with this flavor... I wanted it all! The cool thing is, it smells like Spot Coffee's Cincoshake. YUMMMY!! The color is similar to the neutral lip glass in MAC's Heatherette collection. It is less grainy than the first balm, and the color is intense. I don't recommend this color on super pale skin unless you are going for that look.

Flavor: Peach Fruit Punch
Color: Golden Green

This flavor sounded like a great combination....sadly it is not. It smells like super sweet perfume and tastes like soap. Very icky. However, the color is great. It is like Spring Bean by MAC. It is grainy, like the first balm, and the flavor really is blah. It lingers and just wont go away. Bad call on my part....learn from this mistake.

Flavor: Marshmallow
Color: Chameleon

It doesn't smell like a marshmallow but when you put it on it does taste like a nice burnt marshmallow, with a nutty kick to it. I enjoy the taste. The color is a nice neutral shimmer. It is a slight bronze/brown but the shimmer in picks up greens and blues. This is a lib balm I have enjoyed wearing with my neon green and blue eye shadow. It compliments bright colors if you want to high light your eyes and not your lips. It is about the same grainy composition as the first as well.

These balms all last about 2 hours, if you don't lick your lips. Yet the hint of color will stay longer, which I find nice.

A major bonus of these balms is that they VEGAN!!! This is a great thing. Especially if you are a super picky vegan.

The slim stick is also convenient, however the price is a bit much. If you are super picky and you like what you see here, then the price may be right.

Overall: 3.8 outta 5

The Scented Blossom Tinted Lip Balm

2008-06-26T15:09:00.008-04:00

The Scented Blossom tinted Lip Balm
$1.50 - $1.75 (+ $1.50 S&H)
From The Scented Blossom's Ebay

[may contain: sweet jasmine, rice bran oil, cocoa butter, coffee butter, beeswax, mica, Japanese Camellia oil, aloe extract oil]

I was looking through Ebay for some natural lip balm, and these came up. I'm into Wei East right now, so I was really excited to see these Asian inspired lip tints.

I'm going to run down these by color, because they all go on a little different.

Beach Bronze Lip Balm

This smells like a fancy schmancy lip stick. It goes on with a nice glide and the sparkles are not gritty. They blend in smoothly and your lips feel nice and glossy. The color is a summer bronze. It is somewhat sheer, but as you can tell in the photo, the color is just enough to warm up your lips. It doesn't taste like anything in particular, but it is a peculiar flavor. It is not displeasing, just different. It is a warm flavor, possibly from the camellia oil. It wears for about 2 hours.

Rating: 4 outta 5

Coral Rose Lip Balm

Although this photo is somewhat blurry, this Coral Rose is a perfect light pink. It looks great on pale skin. It is warm and compliments the natural hue of the lips. It smells like the older Chanel lip stick my grandmother used to wear. It's a bit intense, but when you put it on, it fades. This glides on nicely, yet it is a bit harder than both of the other balms. This lip balm really made my lips feel nourished and silky smooth. I would not recommend licking your lips, it is does not have a pleasing taste. This balm lasts for about 3 hours, and does not stand up to eating or drinking.

Rating: 4.5 outta 5

Mocha Latte Lip Balm

This balm has the least amount of pigment. It is a sheer warm gold/brown that makes your lips glow in a way. It is the best smelling lip balm, reminiscent of a big, dark cup o' coffee. This balm goes on a bit waxy, but if you rub your lips together it smooths out to this wonderfully silky feeling. This, like the Coral Rose offers a quenching sensation on your lips, but it does not last that long, maybe a half hour. The wears for about 2 hours.

Rating: 4 outta 5

Overall, these balms are a great alternative for lipstick. It is a nice sheer color and shimmer, so even for a little girl, these are radtastic.

Overall Rating: 4 outta 5
(there are a lot of other flavors and colors available as well as some other natural bath, body and skin products!)

Fresh N' Fruity Lip Balm

2008-06-25T11:45:00.002-04:00

Sun Chief's Soaps Fresh N' Fruity Lip Balm
$1.50 (+ $1.50 S&H) from Etsy

[shea butter, beeswax, kumquat and melon essential oils]

This is a super great lip balm deal. Really cheap. I couldn't pass it up.

This lip balm smells really yummy. You can really smell the melon and then the slight kumquatty sweetness. When you put it on it tastes sweet, not overly fruity thought.

I applies nicely. A very smooth transfer, however it does feel a bit heavy on the lips. It is not waxy just very thick. It also does not absorb evenly. I was rubbing my lips together to see if I could melt it faster and now there are patches on my lips that feel slick and others that still feel thick with the balm.

Aside from this unevenness, it does last a little longer than your normal lip balm. I would say about 4 hours of wear. It doesn't make it past eating, but I was able to drink and still have some left, yet do not use this and drink milk. Very bad combination.

Overall, this is an alright lip balm. It's different because of its use of kumquat, but that is about all that stands out with this balm.

rating: 3 outta 5

Frost Fish Cove Tangerine Dream Whipped Shea Butter

2008-06-24T11:52:00.003-04:00

Frost Fish Cove Tangerine Dream Whipped Shea Butter
Available through Etsy

4 oz. for $6.00 (+ $2 S&H)

[Shea Butter whipped with Grapeseed Oil, a touch of non-GMO, organic corn starch, Vitamin E and Jojoba Oi]

I received this small sample with the lip balm order I previously blogged about.

First, this smells yummy, but it does not smell like "Tangerine Dream." I would assume this scent is meant to be citrusy with a hint of vanilla. Rather this smells like the frosting you put on top of cinnamon rolls with a hint of cinnamon. And that is okay.

This cinnamon bun frosting whipped shea butter is really thick. A little goes a long way and I have been putting it on dry spots. For example, this morning I put some on my elbows and right now, 5 hours later, I can still feel it nourishing my skin. My elbows feel silky smooth and look fantastic. When you put this whip on, it feels greasy, not so much on your skin, but on your fingers as you put it on and swirl it around. It's a weird sensation, but I think it is because it is something I am not used to.

So, as I mentioned, this whip lasts a LONG time, which is awesome. And it still smells like yummy frosting, but it is not as strong and sweet. It is just enough to go about my day smelling light and scrumptious.

The one negative about this whip is when I dropped a bit on my shirt, it left a mark. I was able to wash it out, but if you were on the go and this happened... you may be a little pissed and or inconvenienced. And although this is not a vegan product, there are organic ingredients.

Overall, this is a really nice whip. My skin feels lush! In the small 5 gram jar I got, there is a lot packed in there, for the 4 oz container has to be a great value!

Rating: 4.7 outta 5

GudonyaToo Bath & Body Set

2008-06-24T08:32:00.004-04:00

GudonyaToo set
Etsy Store

I asked for a custom listing. This is what I requested and the price of each through their Etsy.

Salty Dawg shampoo in Fusion Spa: $6.50
Intense Hair Conditioner in Tahitian Vanilla: $5.50
Trial Deoderant in Fusion Spa: $3.50
Shealo Body Butter in Yuzu: $6.50

(= S&H which is reasonable... $1- $1.50 then about $1 per extra item)

First, the SheaLO Butter is not available right now, due to the summer weather and it's low temp make up. However, when this stuff comes back into season, I highly recommend it. Yuzu is a great citrusy scent with a light floral background. This Body Butter just melts into your skin. At first it feels a bit greasy, but then it begins to absorb and it's heaven. I have even found that this body butter lubricates your skin so well, it doubles as a Blister Block double. Put this on your feet where shoes may rub and bother you, and you just wont get blisters because this butter acts as a lubricant and barrier. It's awesome. And it is great after a hot shower because the it melts even faster and gives your legs this nice sheen. I believe this product is Vegan as well.

The Salty Dawg Shampoo was a gamble for me, heck this all was! The concept behind it sounded simple and I liked that. I have a very dry scalp so it's a pain in the butt finding a nice shampoo that will clarify my hair and not dry out my scalp. This Salty Dawg works great. My scalp is retaining more moisture than ever, and your hair feels and smells soooooo clean. The Fusion Spa scent is glorious. It is fresh and invigorating, a great wake up in the morning. My only issue with this shampoo is that the 6 oz I get, is just not enough!! They need to make bigger containers! Added Bonus.... VEGAN PRODUCT!

The Intense Hair Conditioner was something I was interested in because my mother uses this leave in conditioner that actually causes the ends of my hair to curl up....and this is no good. So this conditioner feels like silky lotion when you squeeze it out of its container. I put it on the ends of my hair or will massage it into my entire scalp on the days where I may feel dry scalp coming back to ruin my head of hair. I have found it also works as a nice leave in conditioner. It does soften and help de-tangle hair, but you can hardly smell the Vanilla, which was a little upsetting.

The Stinky No More Deodorant smells just like the shampoo. They should...being the same scent, I know. The best aspect of this deodorant is that you don't have to worry about white stains in your clothes. HOWEVER, I recommend putting this on maybe a half hour after you shave. Because of the salt that is in this, if you have a nick anywhere under your arm, no matter how small it is.... so help you god. It burns like crazy. Aside from that is offers a great scent a long lasting protection against stench as you work throughout your day. Another VEGAN product as well!

Overall, this is a nice set from GudonyaToo. For someone who is just going into the realm of natural and vegan body care. I am unsure if the conditioner is Vegan, but I'm sure if it wasn't, you could ask and they would accommodate you. They are an awesome group of people to do business with. All together, I smell great when I use these products. They really are healthy and improve your hair and skin. My only complaint is that I wish bigger sizes were offered, because if you wash your hair every day, the shampoo does not last long, nor does the SheaLO Body Butter.

Rating: 4.5 outta 5

Frost Fish Cove Vegan Lip Duo

2008-06-21T21:31:00.004-04:00

Frost Fish Cove Vegan Lip Balms
$4.50 for two (+ $1.48 S&H)
From Etsy

[Babassu Oil, Safflower Oil, Castor Oil, Golden Jojoba Oil, Candelilla Wax, Cocoa Butter, Mowrah Butter, Hemp Butter, Aloe Vera Extract, Vitamin E, Natural Vanilla Oil and Essential & Flavor Oils]

I have been debating about getting this lip balms for a while. First, the price (that sounds silly, I know but they just look bland and unappealing in the ad photo) and secondly.... fish. Fish and I do not get a long (unless it's crab and in sushi...and crab isn't really a fish anyways). I sucked it up and was like, I might as well try it. Their feed back was solid.

I selected Mango Passion and Cranberry Lime as my poisons.
The Mango Passion has a biting scent. It is sweet but it has that sharp and crisp edge like a citrus fruit. Not very mango-ish.

The Cranberry Lime smelled very berry is, but again, has a crisp and biting scent. I can't really describe it better than that. I did not like smelling these balms from the tube. Once you put them on, the scent became very splendid and mild. Yet they do not taste like anything but lip balm. I think lip balm flavor is a nutty butter taste, but that is just my interpretation.

When you apply them, they go on softly. They don't feel greasy, but slightly waxy on your lips. This feeling dissipates if you rub your lips together for a few passes. This balm does a great job quenching dry lips. My allergies have been on the fritz with this bi-polar weather, and breathing through your mouth is a one way ticket to chapped lips and this balm has been a great night time application ritual. It really has helped keep my lips soft and moisturized while I sleep. However, I did find out if you have chapped lips and there is a crack (or just a cut on your lip) it burns when you put it over that wound.

They last about the same as your average lip balm would. About two to three hours. They don't last past drinking or eating.

One big plus of this balm is the fact that it's vegan. One major negative is that this balm is so low heat, I can't even put it in my pocket. This is an exclusive purse only lip balm, which is often uncool. Who wants to search for their lip balm? (If you are a true lip balmer, you have a special compartment but backups in every little zipper space....don't act like I'm exaggerating)

Rating: 3.5 outta 5

Kisse Girl Lotion

2008-06-21T17:14:00.003-04:00

Kisse Girl Lotion
1 oz. in Spoiled Rotten Scent
$1.75 (+ S&H) from site or Etsy

[Water,Isopropyl Myristate,Glyceryl Sterate,Cetearyl Alcolol,Steric Acid,Polysorbate-60,Stearyl Alcohol,Allantoin,Propylene Glycol Diazolidinyl Urea,Metholparaben,Propylpababen,Sunflower Oil,BHT Triethanolamine,Benzophenone-4,Fragarance]

I got this lotion with an order of lip balm. (To read my thoughts on that lip balm, click click.)

This lotion smells sweet and yummy. It is like a strawberry daiquiri with a hint of cupcake. When you put it on the scent fads to this nice and subtle sweet fruity scent. It is not super strong, so you would be able to wear perfume and not be afraid of scents mixing and becoming yucky.

There is a light sparkle in the lotion and it is nice and thick. It goes on smoothly and absorbs at an average to quick rate, depending on how thick you put it on. Some people do not like the thickness of some lotions, but I think that the feel of a lotion like this really covers better. It gives your skin a supple feeling and it really quenches dry patches. This lotion really gives your skin a luxurious and lush feeling. I love it! There is no feeling of greasiness, dryness, or a chalky after-feeling.

This moisturizing goodness lasts for a while. I would say that for several hours this great and soft feeling lasted. Even when I washed my hands, they still felt super smooth and great.

According the Kisse Girl's blog, this stuff is meant for girls 8 and up to realize their inner beauty and let it radiate out. It's wonderful! She also gives this blog a shout out, so thanks a lot! And keep on making awesome products!

Overall, this is a great value and it fits nicely in any small to large sized purse. (I can fit it into my Harajuku Lover's catwalk purse so you should be able to fit it in most anything!!!) It smells delightful and adds a nice sheen to your skin which makes it look healthy and fabulous!

Rating: 5 outta 5

Midohana Lychee soap

2008-06-18T14:52:00.003-04:00

Midohana Lychee Soap

I received a sample of just pink lychee soap, but now there is Lycheetini scent in the Sushi soap bar. A mini Bento box of these soaps are $8.25 (+ S&H)

[Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Castor Oil, Safflower Oil, Glycerin, Aqua, Sodium Hydroxide, Sorbitol, Sorbitan Oleate, Soybean Protein, Titanium Dioxide, Parfum, Iron Oxides]

This soap smells DIVINE! So good I could eat it. I wished the sample I got was bigger because within a week it was gone, and man, do I miss it.

It lathers okay. It is not super foamy, but it gets good a coverage lather. It works best with warm water.

It leaves a wonderfully soft and clean feeling afterwards. It is splendid. It even makes your skin tingle a little. It is really nice.

The after smell is just as real as the lychee fruit. It is sweet, but subtle, and it pairs well with Juicy Couture's fragrance.

This is something that you could wash with and go out on a date and blow that guys mind with your sweetness.

Did I mention it comes in the sushi form? Even better.

The price is a bit much, but for the novelty, I think it is worth it.

Overall, any sushi lover needs this. Any lychee lover needs this. I think you need it.

Rating: 5 outta 5

Xiane WAKE UP! Coffee Lip Biss

2008-06-08T19:17:00.005-04:00

Three Ravens by Xiane
Coffee Lip Bliss
$4 (+ $1.50 S&H)

[sweet almond oil, vitamin e, beeswax, coffee extract, red iron oxide, violet mica]

This balm is a nice sophisticated tin and when you uncap it, sheer Arabica harmony.

It is a light looking, warm taupe. On your lips its a neutral sheer with a slight shimmer of gloss. It goes on smoothly, a little slick, but not greasy. It absorbs nicely and your lips feel naturally moistened. It is a great feeling.

In the heat this balm is a bit soft. I recommend leaving it out of the sun or maybe in the fridge. I'm becoming a fan of saving lip balm in the fridge. I bet it makes it last longer too.

This balm has an average longevity. The gloss and "wet" feeling goes away in about an hour, but you can feel the lasting affects for about another two hours. It does not last past eating or drinking.

This balm tastes as great as a it smells. It is slightly sweet, but still has a great strong bite of coffee. There is no

Overall, I'm so glad USPS didn't lose this lip balm again!!! It is splendid. Not the best balm to keep in your pocket in this summer heat but essential for your purse for almost any occasion involving temps below 89 degrees.

Rating: 4.3 outta 5

Karmic Klutter Castile (olive) Soap

2008-06-08T12:25:00.003-04:00

Karmic Klutter natural and organic Castile Soap
From Karmic Klutter site

$3.75 - $7.98 (+ S&H this depends on your order)

[Saponified oil (extra virgin olive oil, palm, and coconut), castor oil, safflower oil, glycerin, purified water, sorbitol (a humectant derived from berries), sorbitan oleate (an emulsifier derived from sorbitol, see above), soy bean protein, vanilla bean specks, titanium dioxide (a natural mineral whitener), natural mica colorant, and fragrance]

This soap review must start off with the awesome factoid... natural and organic! Yeah!

The first bar I tried was the slate colored one, Blackberry Cybilla. It's scent is sophisticated but lacking on the berry front. As you can sort of tell from that photo, it is a great gray slate color which would match most bathroom decor and or kitchen areas. The lather is also commendable. In both hot and cold water, the lather is quick, foamy, and full. It provides nice coverage also. Afterwards it has that dry sticky clean feeling. Its not bad. Your skin does feel cleansed but a bit stiff. It goes away within 30 seconds or so, and then you skin feels soft and moist.You skin, afterwards boasts a mildly subdue fresh scent. The blackberry is still not overpowering, really it is barely there.

The next bar was CocoMango. This is a fun mango colored bar, with a nice mild mango scent before washing. It has the same nice lather as the Blackberry Cybilla. It also gives that same sticky clean feeling. However when you use it, the lather is very coco-ish. Your skin smells like a lighty naturally fruit. It has hints of mango, but there is an undertone of something citrusy that blends in nicely.

Overall, these sample bars are splendid. I wish I had more of them! They are .5 oz which is really a great size for a quest bathroom, or for traveling with. I wish the scents were a bit stronger thought. Yet another positive is the fact you can customize you bars scent and color. Neato!

Rating: 4 outta 5

The Plaid Mushroom Lip Balm

2008-06-06T16:38:00.003-04:00

The Plaid Mushroom Lip Balm
Pink Frosting and Tingly lip balm

$3.00 (+ $2 S&H)

Pink Frosting: [Coconut oil, almond oil, candelilla wax, avocado oil, vitamin e, stevia, flavor oil]

Tingly: [Emu oil, beeswax, coconut oil, almond oil, vitamin e, peppermint essential oil, tea tree essential oil]

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PINK FROSTING IS VEGAN!!!!!! THE TINGLY IS NOT!

I've been looking at the Plaid Mushroom on Etsy for a bit. One, I love plaid. Who doesn't? Yet the mushroom... should I equate that with some trippy dippy hippie? I try not to be stereotypical and noticed the lack of patchouli and felt reassured.

I am so glad I did.

I ordered the Tingly lip balm and because of a promotion got the Pink Frosting. (The Pink Frosting was a gamble, it sounded different.)

The tingly balm has emu oil in it. I've been looking for a balm that uses emu oil because it has the most amazing moisturizing elements. It's amazing old women have realized this and aren't taking the emu to the level of extinction. NOT that I think or suggest you do that. Please don't. Emus are people too. Anyways.... this balm is pepperminty but not overly done. It is just the right scent and flavor and it makes your lips feel luscious with its tingle.

The Pink Frosting was the most pleasant surprise. It is like a vanilla cupcake with that pink frosting on top. It's not strawberry, it's not butter cream, but damn is it good. That is the exact smell and flavor of this lip balm. AND it is vegan. This must be heaven.

I have found that the tingly balm lasts longer than the pink frosting, and not just because of the lip licking difference. I did not find myself licking my lips at all with either balm. I think you grow out of that. The tingly just seemed to hold on better to the skin of my lips, but that could be the emu oil since it is know for its deep penetration. The pink frosting held strong for a good 2 hours. That is valiant showing for such an amazingly yummy vegan balm.

The glides are smooth and silky. Both are hard, but not waxy and not greasy. They apply easily and can tolerate this summer heat (B-lo @ 75... What?!)

Overall this lip balm rocks. It really does. I bet the other flavors are just as great. The sweetness is just right and they do wonders for your chapped lips...and if your lips aren't chapped...they make them soft anyways!!!

Rating: 5 outta 5

[You're so rad, if you were a fabric you'd be plaid! Cuz everyone knows plaid is so rad!...thanks Bouncing Souls!}

Daisy Cakes Soap Lychee Lip Balm

2008-06-06T16:37:00.000-04:00

Daisy Cakes Soap Lip Balm in Lychee Fruit
Available through Etsy
$2.75 (+ $1.95 S&H)

[cocoa butter, candelilla wax, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, vitamin e, flavor oil]

As you know I have a fondness for all things Asian. Lychee fruit is something one can find in Florida as well as on the West Coast, but not often where I live. I love the smell of Midohana's Lychee soap so I really wanted to invest in some solid Lychee lip love.

This balm comes in a very plain and simple tube. Not too bad, but it is rather lack luster.

When you first take off the cap you get this super sweet scent of lychee. Lychee is sweet, but this is overpowering. I hoped that when applied the scent dispersed. The scent mingled with the cocoa butter creating this extremely unpleasant smell and even more, a terrible taste occurred.

The glide of this balm is very nice. It is solid at room temperature (up to about 68) but anything else it seems to get soft. I left it out on my desk, next to a window. The light coming in from my window and I guess the combination of the heat as I went to put this balm on prior to my review, it smooshed all over my lips. Uncool and super soft.

However, in normal lip balm conditions, this holds up well. The glide is lovely. Solid, but not wax-hard. It does not create an uncomfortable coating on your lips, rather leaves a nice smooth glistening sheen, that really feels like it is moisturizing.

It lasts about two to three hours. It does not stay on while eating or drinking, yet after eating a few pretzel rods, my lips still felt supplely soft.

Overall, this is not a great high heat balm, meaning it is not meant for the summer. Secondly, this is a dismal flavor. DISMAL. The scent is far to sweet to be accurate to the real deal and then the cocoa mixes poorly with the flavor. When will people understand it is easier to mix mango or shea butter with fruit flavors than it is to do so with cocoa butter?? The sad thing is that this could be a great vegan lip balm.... but only so in the winter, early spring or late fall. Add some carnuba!!!!

Rating: 1 outta 5

(Should have gotten a different flavor during a different season)

{Stock photo of lip balm}

Explosm.net FUNNY

2008-06-03T20:58:00.003-04:00

Explosm.net it always makes me smile.

Kisse Girl Lip Balm

2008-06-01T12:50:00.006-04:00

Kisse Girl Lip Balm
on sale via Etsy 2 for $3 (+ $.75 S&H)

[beeswax, castor oil, vitamin e, flavor oil]

These simple lip balms are rather rad. The list of flavors are fun and any gal would love 'em!

This company aims to give girls (8 and up) insight to their inner beauty. They want girls to feel great, look great, and know that greatness radiates from inside, so have some products that match that radiance!

I choose the flavors Cherrylicious (I'm not a cherry person but it was brought to my attention I have no reviews on cherry, one of the most popular balm flavors) and Grape. As a bonus I received Tango Mango (Yes, I was pumped about that!)

Cherrylicious smells like a bowl full of wonderful cherries floating a glorious Cherry Kool-Aid.
Grape smells just like a ripe grape, with the skin peeled off! (Any grape lover would know this smell and taste!)
Tango Mango is a succulent and sweet mango-licious flavor. Very realistic of a ripe and juicy mango.

They flavors are all sweet but I was not constantly licking my lips.
The blend of this balm is on the harder side of those that I normally try. The only carrier oil is castor, and I have never used anything with just that. I enjoyed it though. It was not waxy, but it did leave a coating on your lips. This coating is not unpleasant, it is just a heavier gloss. This blend is also wonderful because it is high heat. I (once again) left the Tango Mango in my car outside the other day (temp reached 72) and it was as good as solid. Good show I say.

These Kisse Girl balms wear a little longer than an average lip balm. I would guesstimate it at 3 to 3 1/2 hours worth of wear. It did not hold up against eating, yet it lasted pretty well through drinking.

The design on these balms is super cute as well! It is girlish, lavish, and just plain fun. I like how the large diamond motif carries out through the entire Kisse Girl like. I enjoy continuity.

The only unpleasant thing I have found with this balm is the label seems to attract lint. I kept the Grape in my pocket for a full day of work and now on the outside edge of the label its dark blue from being in jeans. Yes, this is minor and superficial, but that should speak highly of the balm.

Overall, this is a great balm for the forgetful, who would leave it in their car, and for those who push super hard when applying lip balm. Sweet and divine for any woman.

Rating: 4.5 outta 5

[I would love to see Kisse Girl come out with an entire cupcake line. I think it would be chic, trendy, and extremely delish!!!]

Tattoo Balms: Ink Schmear & Hemp Tat Balm

2008-06-01T12:01:00.003-04:00

This entry was originally going to be comparison blog, Ink Schmear Vs. Hemp Balm. However, through the use of both I have found they are two different products that cannot be held against one another, rather they should be used together for AMAZING results.

Ink Schmear by Disquieting Designs
$5.25 (+ $4.60 S&H)
[shea butter, coconut oil, soybean oil, jojoba oil, lavender and rosemary essential oils, beeswax]

This balm can be used on a new tattoo to help healing or on an old one to improve/help the color stay and to keep it moisturized. Although I am not a tattoo artist, I would not recommend you use this with a new tattoo, use only the recommended bactin or other antibacterial cream. However, in regards to an older and healed tattoo, this is a great product. It has a nice smell, rosemary, and is very soft. I have found that if I leave it in my room next to my other lotions, an oil seeps out of it. Not good. I have begun to put it in the fridge. It stays nice and cool, yet remains soft so application is easy. I use my fingers to apply it. It absorbs quickly and adds a nice sheen to my tattoo. Over time (the past month) I have noticed a change in my tattoo. I do not know if I would out right say that is it getting brighter, but I feel it is looking better in the sense the skin looks supple with moisture. I also noticed that I was beginning to get ridges where there was outlining and since I've used this Ink Schmear these ridges have disappeared. The only negatives here are as follows: first, the price. The $5.25 is not terrible, but you do not really get a whole lot and the shipping makes this balm almost $10. It is an awesome tat balm IF you have the money to spend. Second, it is gritty. I do not know if this is intended but it is a little annoying. The grit seems to rub into your tattoo but it does feel awkward.

Overall, this balm is pretty rad if you're willing to pay the price for it.

Merry Hempsters Hemp Tattoo Balm
$3.99 (online or from your local Merry Hempsters retailer)

[7.5% Octyl Methoxycinnamate, 3.5% Benzophenone-3 Other Ingredients: Certified Organic Canadian Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Candelilla Wax, (Certified Organic Lavender, Certified Organic Calendula, and Myrrh Infused in Certified Organic Sunflower, Certified Organic Olive, or Certified Organic Canola Oil, (Essential Oils: of Certified Organic Orange, Lavender, and Carrot Seed), Vitamin E, Rosemary Extract.]

Please note this balm is SPF 18. Often times people forget that they should be super protective of their tattoos in the sun. The UV rays can age your tattoo faster and dry out the color. Not good. This balm helps protect that and bonus.... it moisturizes!! This balm comes in an easy roll up tube and smells like good ol' sunblock. It does feel a bit waxy when you put it on and it does last a lot longer than the Ink Schmear on the surface. It seals in the moisture and your tattoo/skin area does actually feel refreshed. The fact that is stays on your skin for a while can be annoying. Sometimes I find my shirt sticking to it or worse, at the beach my tattoo (on my upper back) ends up covered with sand I have to wash off.

Overall, this balm is great for outdoor use, especially if you are not covering your tattoo with clothing, and it's vegan!

Now, together, these balms make the ultimate tattoo care package. I have found that I can use the Ink Schmear when I wear t-shirt and things that cover my back with no worried of them sticking to it or it leaving oil marks on my clothing. When I know I will be going outside in a tank top or something, I use the Hemp balm, and better yet, I use the Ink Schmear first, let it soak in and then apply the SPF balm. Great!!! And you can even apply the SPF first and then put on the Ink Schmear and it helps take away from that long lasting waxy/stickiness.

Together, these tattoo care items are essential for anyone who loves their tats enough to wanna make um last a lifetime and still look bitchin'.

Ratings:
Ink Schmear: 4 outta 5
Merry Hempsters SPF 18: 4.5 outta 5 (vegan!)

As a combination: 5 outta 5

4th Ave. Soap Co. Pomegranate Lip Lustre in Sheer Merlot

2008-05-30T11:39:00.005-04:00

4th Ave. Soap Co.
Pomegranate Lip Lustre in Sheer Merlot
$4.50 (+ $2 S&H)

[Persea americana (Avocado) Oil, Ricinus communis (Palm Christi) Oil, Apis mellifera (Beeswax), Butyrospermun parkii (Shea) Butter, Limmnanthes alba (Meadowfoam) Oil, Ovis aries (Lanolin anhydrous), Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Butyrospermun parkii (Shea) Oil, Euphorbia anisyphilitica (Candelilla) Wax, Persea americana (Avocado) Butter, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Oleoresin, Azadirachta indica (Neem) Oil, Lip Safe Cosmetic Grade Mica (mica, iron oxide).]

**Note: I obtained an "oops" product. The top cooled unevenly, and therefore bumps occurred. You're Lustre will have a wonderfully smooth top.**

This lip balm is actually a lip tint. It does have a wonderful color, and I have found if you use a lip stain as a base, this color stays longer and looks stunning. It is sheer if you put it on lightly. Yet if you put three or more layers on, it gives your this classic pin up, sultry dark red lip.

To put it on, I first used my finger, then realized that was silly because it stained my finger. So I recommend you do not use your finger. I now have been using my lip brush to put it on, but if you are not a fan of those, Q-tips work just as well. Another warning though.... this does stain your clothes.

This balm does not go on waxy or slimy at all. When I first looked at it I thought, crap... this is going to be some slick glossy color that doesn't actually stay. Oh boy, was I wrong. This lip tint goes on like the best balm I could imagine. It is smooth and really coats your lips in a great way. It is a nice texture, one I would compare to a luxurious M.A.C. lip stick yet more breathable for your lips. Another great aspect of this tint is that your lips do not dry out. The Eco Lips Tint seemed to absorb moisture form your lips rather than seal it in, and this Lustre does a great job keeping your kisser soft and supple. I mean, look at this great color!

And before I wrap this up, let us not forget the scent!
It is this great pomegranate flavor and scent.
It is sweet and fresh, like cutting into a ripe
pomegranate. It is deeeee-lish!!!

This lip luster lasts a while. Again, if you put it over a lip stain, it seems to last longer. It does hold up well against drinking and eating if you let it sit for about ten minutes for your start gobbling and such.

Overall, this has got to be one of the best natural lip tints I have come across on Etsy. My only complaint is that I feel with how cute of designs 4th Ave. Soap Co. has on their business cards, an equally cute and sophisticated label could appear on this balm. That would be the only suggestion for improvement I could offer.

Rating: 4.5 outta 5

[The Adios Qee is from my new Tokidoki for Le Sportsac purse. They will no longer exist so get them now while you can! Great investment!!!! Plus the Tokidoki bags will be pricier and possibly not as great as the established Le Sportsac quality]

Om Shanti Handcrafts' Lip Balm

2008-05-29T22:39:00.004-04:00

Om Shanti Handcrafts Lip Balm Trio
$10 (+$4 S&H)
( this is for three 1 oz. tins!!!! Great deal!)

[herbs, olive oil, beeswax, Vitamin E oil]

There a bunch of flavor options. They are fun and some are sophisticated. Om Shanti has something for everyone with this flavor list.

I picked out: Wintry Mix, Everything Citrus Ever, Cilantro Lime.

These balms all have really neato labels. They are something that you can stick in your purse and proud to take out at a fancy restaurant. They all have this great texture. A nice balance between wax and oils. The only one that seemed to be softer than the rest was the Wintry mix. Please note that this one also provided the most gloss effect than any of the other balms. This is not a bad thing....unless you want to wear a balm in a Wintry mix that doesn't shine.

The Wintry mix reminds me of a Jingle cookie. It is a nice reminder of the time of year that I dislike the most....but oh the food.

Everything Citrus Ever is just that. It is like biting into every refreshing citrus fruit you could think of that comes from Florida AND California.

Cilantro Lime is not as lime-y as I thought it would be. As avid readers would know, I am sort of in the search for a great Lime balm. This balm is a bit heavy on the cilantro when you smell it but when you put it on the lime does come out, and it is sweet. This is the most sophisticated flavor out of the three. If you are in the fiesta mood, I highly recommend this one.

These balms glide on and make your lips feel like silk. They are not greasy, however they do feel a bit slick, but this goes away as it nicely and evenly (this is something I noticed right away and was taken aback by. Since when does lip balm do anything evenly?) absorb into your lips. There is a slight sheen, but as previously mentioned, only the Wintry Balm would be labeled gloss-like.

These balms do seem to wear for the average amount of time. The Cilantro Lime seems to hold up the best when eating and drinking. My only warning is that the Everything Citrus Ever is lip licking gold, so keep that in mind. It's great but doesn't last as long if you are a lip-licker.

The fab gal behind Om Shanti has her own blog. You can keep up to date with her latest creations and what's on her mind. I recommend you browse on over to it.

Overall, these balms are a great gift; to your mom, your best friend, or better yet.... yourself. The sophistication is there but the great flavors are things even little kids can enjoy (like the Everything Citrus Ever! Very kid friendly).

Rating: 5 outta 5

Pooka. Machine Pooka Gloss

2008-05-29T20:12:00.004-04:00

Pooka. Machine
Pooka Gloss in High Gloss Vanilla & Sweet Orange
$1.50 (+ $2.00)

[Vanilla: candelilla wax, mango butter, avocado oil, vit. e, vanilla infused oil]

[Orange: Candelilla wax, sweet almond oil, shea butter, organic sweet orange oil & coloring]

Due to a bad cool down time with the vanilla, I've been putting this review off, and this it makes me really sad. The wonder woman behind Pooka. Machine is an artist and lip balm enthusiast. She recently obtained a full time job which means she currently is unable to make lip balm anymore (or until further notice). Before this review begins, and this spoiler is valid, go to her Etsy and buy whatever balm she has left. You will not be disappointed.

But on with this review....

First, please note, these are hot pink mini tubes. Small but powerful. I've found that these little containers fit anywhere!!! My super small Gucci purse, your super tight girly pants, and I would go as far as saying if you're at the Black Out Party in Downtown B-lo, these would stay nice and secure in your bra.

These little balms smell divine!!! The sweet orange smells like a great orange tea with sugar. The vanilla is also intoxicating. It almost smells like a vanilla cupcake. Super yummy!!! And the weird thing about these balms is that I didn't lick my lips at all. I mean, for the initial taste, yes they are wonderful, but this balm lasted forever. Much longer than I anticipated because I thought I'd be lip-licking and I wasn't. I'm not to sure why or how, but Pooka has this balm down to a science I think. It has almost every amazing aspect of a great balm you could imagine.

The only negative that I found was that the vanilla, if left in your pocket and while you are outside, gets kinda melty. Not soft, but super wet.

Please note the vanilla is also a high gloss. A very high gloss. I would compare it to the gloss extreme of M.A.C.'s lip glass, the clear one.

Overall, this balm is rocking! And you all need to go buy it while it is still available. Portable, cute, practical, and super yummy for your lips!

Did I mention.... THESE ARE VEGAN!!!?? Major kudos, because I have not found a great vegan balm as of late.

Rating: 5 outta 5

Disquieting Design Toasted Marshmallow solid lotion

2008-05-27T17:16:00.002-04:00

Disquieting Designs
Solid Lotion Bar in Toasted Marshmallow

Full size .75 oz- $7 (+ $1.50 S&H)

[beeswax, shea butter, safflower oil, fragrance]

As you recall, this company had a terrible run with their lip balms. Their Ink Schmear seems to be holding up well, but I won't post a review of that until a few more weeks. (Why you may ask. I feel that because this is meant to brighten my tattoo, I should give it about a months worth of time and applications to see its true potential and ability.) This is a sample lotion bar I received. Its scent is Toasted Marshmallow and how could I go wrong!?

This lotion bar smells good enough to eat. It does smell like a sweet gooey marshmallow, but there is also a hint of nuts in the scent. Don't worry about it being over powering. It isn't. Once you put it on your body the smell disperses and its just a splendid hint of sweetness.

It is easy to put on, just glide it over your skin. At firs their is a little resistance but by the second swipe you're skin is lubed enough to take more of this body balm.

I've tried other body balms/solid lotions before. Ones from stores such as involving the name "body," sephora and ulta. Now the solid lotions I have tried from said establishments contained not so nicely natural ingredients and left my skin oily, waxy, or both. (Yes, that is possible) This solid lotion does none of that. After you put it on, within minutes it is evenly absorbing into your skin, leaving it feel soft and supple. I just put some on my hand as part of the glide test and as i run my fingers over that spot it feels so soft.

I can't really describe how long this wears. It absorbs quickly (within 5 minutes) and at the end of the day I can tell exactly where I applied it, because the skin there is so soft and still smells great.

I have found putting this on my dry elbows to be great. Sometimes when I'm out or in a rush and my elbows feel icky, this is a great thing to keep in my purse. Its small, portable, and I can put it on without my hands getting slimy. Super rad is what I say!!!

Overall, this sample of the Toasted Marshmallow solid lotion is rocking. It isn't vegan, but it is a must have in a busy girl's purse. The price is a bit much, but this simple blend does wonders to your skin. And no, I do not recommend you use this as a lip balm. Even though the ingredients are similar and this works better than their actual lip balm, it's not really the same. Don't try it.

Rating: 4 outta 5

Savvii Whipped Body Creme

2008-05-22T18:07:00.007-04:00

Savvi Whipped Body Creme Samples
(Formally known as Blackberry Bath Works on Etsy)

$5 for three .75 oz jars of your scents of choice (+ $2 S&H)

(I think I paid $5 for the five .4 oz jars)

Some great scents to choose from too!

[Deionized water, Cetearyl Alcohol & Cetearth-10, Glyceryl Monostearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Aloe Vera, Triethanolamine, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, Fragrance]

These little jars have gone a long way. For samples they are a great value and great way for a buyer to smell and try new scents. The following are what I chose and tried.

Lettuce: When you first smell it in the jar it does not smell all that crisp and refreshing but when you apply it, there is this wonderful fresh and lightly floral scent. It is succulent and clean. Very impressive. I found this a great and relaxing balm to put on when I got out of the shower and was going to bed.

Mango Sorbet: Of course I would pick the mango scent. It is very very sweet and mango-y. I loved it, but it was not an every day lotion because of how strong the scent was. When I was going out to the art gallery I found that this lotion complimented my Gwen Stefani L.A.M.B perfume very well. It is mouth watering though. YUM!

White Tea & Ginger: I thought this would be an interesting Asian inspired scent. It has the bite of the ginger when you smell it in the jar but when you put it on, it mellows out nicely to high light the scent of the tea. It is a very earthy scent. Something that could be used for everyday wear without using perfume.

Bamboo: Here I go again with the Asian love. It is a crisp scent, light but sweet. It seems to have some wood undertones and when you apply it, there is a warm and sweet scent. I wore this a lot. It was the first I finished because the scent just went so great with my everyday life.

The final scent I got was Cherry Blossom (yes more Asian inspired smells). I passed this one on to JB for her comments and concern. She has quite the tale to tell about this whipped body creme.

The Cherry Blossom is a great lotion and a great...lip balm, if you'll humor me. I discovered this when I was given the product to test. The conversation went something like this:

Miss Beauty Fiend: Here, I got this to review for the blog...
Me: Mmmm, lip stuff! Hey, it looks like lotion! (applies to lips)
MBF: Umm...it's not for your lips, but ok.

You do have to admit that these little pots look like there could be lip balm in them. My over-eagerness led to the discovery that applying this lotion to your lips makes them ridiculously soft and smooth. And it works right away, unlike most lip balms, which you have to rub in and allow time to soak into your lips. I wouldn't put it on right before eating or lick it too much though, because it tastes like...well, you know. Lotion.

The scent is also fan.tas.tic. Very sweet and fresh and clean-smelling, like it has a yummy cherry ice cream sort of smell (does ice cream have a scent?), but it's floral at the same time. I found myself opening the jar just to smell it.

As a lotion, I found that the scent lasts about three hours. It's strong enough that it could definitely be used as a perfume on it's own. It's a sweet smell, but also sophisticated enough that you could wear it to a wedding or something. It works great on softening your skin. I have really dry hands in the morning, so I put it on then, and it was wonderful.

These whipped body cremes, or in other words, lighter lotions, are great. They are non-greasy and absorb quickly. Their lotions are sophisticated and can be worn alone with the scent acting as a perfume. Looking at the new packaging, you get more which is awesome and the labels are brighter than the ones in the picture above. The only negative thing is the fact that there are parabens in these. Some people may not be all that excited about that, but these are VEGAN!! So there are some bonus points. Its a personal choice, but I think these whipped body cremes and a must try. The scents alone are just phenomenal.

I did not experience any redness or sensitivity to these cremes. I have uber-sensitive skin and often times fragrances are a source of irritation for me. However, these lotions left my skin feeling soft, quenched and fresh. No irritation at all.

Overall, these whipped lotions are a great buy. Inexpensive and they go a long way, and I'm sure they'd last longer now being in the container almost twice the size of when I ordered mine.

Rating: 4.5 outta 5

Fresh Lime Lip Balm

2008-05-22T15:20:00.002-04:00

Fresh Lime Lip Balm
by Rachel323
$2 (+ $1 S&H) from Rachel323's Etsy

[soy wax, cocoa butter, avocado oil, vit e, lime essential oil]

***Yes this photo shows Key Lime, there was a labeling error, I received the Fresh Lime flavor***

After the first dance with a lime lip balm, I was cautious but still yearning for the refreshing lime that I sought.

This lip balm is pretty simple. The composition and the labeling. It's not overly appealing but let's roll with it.

This balm smells super lime-y to a point where it's intense. When you put it on, that intense smell does not transfer. Thank goodness. It doesn't taste like anything. It is mildly sweet, but there is no lime flavor. And yes, I realize that is silly, because an essential oil was used, and because of it, there shouldn't be a flavor, but lime EO does taste lime-like.

Moving on... the glide of this balm is nice. It is not greasy but it is slick. I think this is due to the soy wax. For some reason soy wax seems to be slicker than most other waxes when oil is added. This balm does a great job creating a nice, cool, and smooth coat on your lips. You can really feel the benefit from the cocoa butter. It is really luscious .

It wears pretty well. It does not hold up while eating and drinking, but you can still feel it on your lips about 2 hours after you put it on.

The neato part of this balm is the vegan factor. It's been a while since I've looked at a nice vegan balm. This, for being a vegan balm, is nice and shows a great quality for the low price.

Overall, this balm is a good deal for the price. It doesn't stand out, but it isn't terrible. I have found that it is a really nice base balm for lipstick and glosses.

Rating: 3.5 outta 5

Desert Essence Lip Rescue balm

2008-05-20T18:37:00.002-04:00

Desert Essence Lip Rescue Balm
with Eco-Harvest Tea Tree Oil

$1.99 - $3 (Varies by Co-op and Grocery store. Available at Lexington Co-op and Wegman's)

[Soybean oil, beeswax, candelilla wax, carnuaba wax, aloe extract, jojoba seed oil, vit e, propyl gallate, tea tree oil]

*note: the Propyl Gallate scared me after I had been wearing this for a while. It is an ester used to keep cosmetics from oxidation*

This is one of three in a trio of Desert Essence Lip balms intended to heal, protect, and nourish your lips. And please note, they advertise as Vegan but make sure you CHECK the ingredients before purchase. They do utilize beeswax in some products.

When you first unwrap this baby from its safety seal you're blown away a bit by the intense scent. If you haven't taken a whiff of tea tree oil, well you may not enjoy this. It smells very much like tea tree oil. I find it invigorating. However, do not enjoy the taste. You will not be licking your lips with this stuff on it. I don't guarantee you, I warn you.

This balm glides on nicely. I have found though the lower down in the tube I get, there is some granulation. This is not too pleasing, but it is sparse. I'm not to sure where it originates, but it is there. It makes your lips tingle to a point of almost a burn. It is more intense than the sensation cause by menthe crystals. It's not bad, it is just odd.

This balm wears alright. The longer you have it on the weirder it begins to smell and taste. I'm not sure how to explain that either. The smell goes flat. That's the best I can do. It stays on for a solid 2 hours. I did re-apply after eating and drinking.

A nice aspect of this balm is that it is readily available at grocery stores (mainly Wegman's) and can handle heat. It pasted the "in the pocket" test pretty well. I have yet to leave it in my car, however I think it would hold up fine.

Overall, if you can get past the intense smell and disgusting taste of this balm, it does its job. My lips do feel must better after wearing this. I have found that when I come in from the sun and my lips are a bit rosy, putting this on makes them feel amazing. Yet, this balm is not very impressive in much of anything else. It's rather average at an average drug store lip balm price.

Rating: 2.6 outta 5

No Sweat Soap Organic Beeswax lip balm

2008-05-20T18:23:00.002-04:00

No Sweat Soap Factory
Organic Beeswax Lip Balm

$2 (Depends...read further for details)

I can't tell you much about the make-up of this balm, but I do know it is 100% pure organic beeswax. I think sunflower oil is used, however it may be sweet almond.

One of my first posts was about the No Sweat Soap Factory's Scottish Lye Soap. I swear by. And last summer when I purchased my yearly supply, the wonderful woman who runs this operation was selling her brother's organic lip balm. He maintains his own hives and harvests humanely. It's pretty dandy.

This lip balm is beyond simple. I think it have only two ingredients.

You have to swipe your finger around a bit to get it softened up for application but it glides on nicely. The heat from your lips then makes it feel really soothing. Surprisingly there is no waxy feeling.

It doesn't have a taste, but it smells like beeswax candles. The old ones your gramma may or may not have hand rolled. It has just a light, crisp hint of honey. It's delightful.

If you are looking for fancy and frills, this isn't the balm for you. If you are simple, or are a parent looking for something that will protect your kids lips this is it. You don't have to worry about them licking it off, and it isn't messy. It's in a nice compact tin and can go anywhere. I have found that you can even dip Q-tips in warm water to help apply this. (Note, this was done because I had a terrible dry patch on my cheek and I applied this and it helped a lot!)

There is no flavor and sometimes the lid is a bit tricky to pull off, but this back to basic-basics is a great complimentary balm for the amazing No Sweat Lye Soap.

And don't worry, this Scottish product DOES NOT contain lye.

Overall, this balm is a great buy. Cheap, handmade, and organic.
Not Vegan, but this lady could possibly turn you bee-free people to the humanely treated bee side.

Rating: 4 outta 5

Ana Aya & Co. Vegan Lip Balm

2008-05-16T12:32:00.003-04:00

Ana Aya & Co. Vegan Lip Balm in Manic Mango
$3.50 (Free shipping)

[Cocoa butter, candelilla wax, coconut oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin E; stevia flavor oils]

Ana Aya & Co. is a nifty little company (found em on Etsy) that specializes in natural mineral makeup.

This lip balm seemed dreamy and I was pumped about it. It's Vegan!

Well... it smells divinely mango-licious.

When you put it on... not so divine. Cocoa butter is one of the toughest lip balm ingredients to use because you have to be so exact with melting and cooling. The times and temps and critical. This balm has some parts that are smooth but has some serious crystallization of the cocoa butter. When I first went to put it on I actually cut my lip. Uncool. I pushed the balm up and cut off the top to try and get down to where the balm might be less harsh. To little avail, I have managed to put it on a few times without bleeding or hurting my lips.

When I have been able to put it on, it is greasy. And when I went outside it melted off my lips. That is not good.

It tastes a lot like Cocoa butter too. The mango is there and it is not as disgusting as that Lucias Lip Love, yet it is not super.

When I got this lip balm I also got some rad make up samples. While this lip balm is not great, the mineral eye shadow I received was AMAZING! I have never worn an eyeshadow (mineral or not) that lasts as long (without a base) as Ana Aya & Co.'s eyeshadow! Don't get this lip balm, but you NEED to get the eyeshadow. I recommend Swanky.

Overall, this balm is not amazing. It's not even great. It may have been a bad batch, but you can visually see the crystallization as soon as you take the cap off.

Rating: 0 outta 5

Moon's Harvest Lip Therapy Honey-Pots

2008-05-11T18:07:00.003-04:00

Moon's Harvest Lip Therapy Honey-Pots
$12.50 for 3 (+ $1.50 S&H)
form Moon's Harvest's Etsy

[Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Mango Butter, Castor Oil, Honey, Vitamin E Oil, Aloe Vera Gel, Flavor Oil, Mica Powder]

Although the price you see above may make you gasp and say, "Gees....is this Sephora?" I wanted to try these out. They looked promising.

Sadly, I got them during a warm week and they were pretty badly melted. To try and salvage them, I put them in the fridge to harden up.

There are a lot of options as far as flavors go. I opted for Black Cherry, Pomegranate, and Fuzzy Peach. They sounded fantastic.

Once they solidified, the still smelled great. The Black Cherry smells just like Cherry Pepsi. The Pomegranate smells like a super sweet bubble gum and the Fuzzy Peach smells just like that!
However when you put these on...it is a different story. They taste tart and bitter. This is a great way to prevent someone from licking their lips. It smells great on, but to wear it....not so fantastic. I thought with the honey that it would be sweet, which it is, but there is no hint of honey. Just overpowering ickyness. It becomes like you are wearing perfume on your lips. You know when you walk into a perfume mist? That taste? This is what these taste like.

The worst tasting one is the Black Cherry. Completely yuck. The Fuzzy Peach is not too bad, but certainly hard to wear. The only one I have been able to stomach through for a bit (15 minutes max) has been the Pomegranate.

It is a shame because these balms are nicely tinted, especially the Black Cherry.

The glide of these is somewhat pleasant. It is a soft and silky glide, yet when wiped off, it leaves your lips feeling dry.

Overall, this balm is dismal. I do not know if it is because it melted, but I asked a friend who makes bath & body stuff for a living and she said that it should not be the reason. Great colors and scents but majorly lacking in every other important area. It was not worth my money.

Rating: .5 outta 5
(I have to give it up for the pomegranate)

epli Asian inspired lipbalm

2008-05-08T15:58:00.005-04:00

epli lip balm
Chopstick lip balm in Sudachi and Kabosu
$3 per balm or $5 for "Pair of Chopsticks" (+ $2.50 S&H)

[soy wax, cocoa butter, beeswax, palm stearic, fractionated coconut oil, candelilla wax, rice bran oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, evening primrose oil, citrus]

and
Pout Premium Lip Balm in Yuzu
$5 (+$2.50 S&H)

[soy wax, rice bran oil, camellia oil, macadamia oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, apricot kernel oil, cocoa butter, illippe butter, mowrah butter, sal butter, menthol, yuzu citrus oil]

I am in love with Asian inspired everything. I stumbled across these on Etsy. I had no idea what a Sudachi or a kadosu was. Well, I found out (thanks wikipedia!!!) that they are these delightful citrus fruits from Japan. The Pout is a bit pricey but these balms rock!!

The glide of these balms is heavenly. It is smooth, yet firm, and you can feel the great mix of butters and oils settling nicely onto your lips and absorbing. I cannot express how fantastic this balm feels on. It has a nice cooling sensation and such a sweet, light, citrusy aroma it's intoxicating.

These Chopsticks have wonderful tastes/scents. True citrus bliss. The Kabosu is a flatter combination of grapefruit and lime. It is not overly acidic. The Sudachi is a more broad blend of flavors. It reminds me of lime, grapefruit, clementines, and a hint of lychee. This has a more acid scent to it, clearly denoting its citrus roots.

The Pout in Yuzu is a great representation of the yuzu fruit. A nice grapefruit like flavor. The menthol crystals in it gives your lips a nice tingle. It is very refreshing.

These balms also wear for a long time. A few hours, and depending on what you're eating, it lasts through your meals and drinking.

The only negative thing I have to say about this balm pertains to the Pout primarily. It softens rather fast. I have been using these as my primary balms because I love them so much, and I cannot keep the Yuzu in my pocket. It gets very mushy within an hour from your body heat.

Overall, this balm is worth every penny. I plan on purchasing more of this and keeping it stocked. It is a great "adult" balm with an exotic flavor that is surprisingly pleasing for people who are not big fans of change or risks. Oh and I almost forgot. These are VEGAN!!!!

Rating: 5 outta 5

Disquieting Designs Lip Balm

2008-05-06T10:18:00.002-04:00

Disquieting Designs Lip Balm
$3 (+ $1.50 S&H)
{I got two free during a promo}

[refined shea butter, unbleached beeswax, sweet almond oil, flavor oil]

(Note: This is a stock photo from DD's Etsy add)

I came across this Etsy store while looking for tattoo lotion. I noticed that there were some sassy looking lip balms, and if you make a purchase during that week, you got two free lip balms. How can I say no to free lip balms?

I should have though.

This package came covered in goop. Sadly, the USPS has no regard to "FRAGILE" packages and busted up my Ink Schmear container so bad that is cracked it in numerous places and due to the high 70's temps my area was seeing, it melted out of the containing and into the entire package. (Side note, Megan the girl who runs it, was wonderful and sent me a brand new Ink Schmear at no charge. I will review it soon, but let me tell you how fantastic it is!) I'm not too sure if it was the heat that maybe altered this balms or they just came this way.

I received the Cherry-Raspberry and Grape. I was extremely excited about the grape. I went to put it on and nothing happened. The balm wouldn't transfer to my lips. It was literally pulling at my lip though. These balms are nothing but solid beeswax colored purple. I tried leaving them in my car in the sun, in my window sill, and nothing got these balms to soften up. NOTHING! The Cherry-Raspberry is a smidgen softer, but I have to use my finger to try and get some to my lips. It is not worth the effort.

These balms don't even smell appealing. They smell like beeswax. And not honey beeswax you may find at the market, no, just like dried out beeswax. Icky.

It's a shame too. These balms are a great and vibrant purple color.

Clearly, these lip balms fail beyond belief, just out of the sheer fact I can't put them on so I can't compare or complain about their durability (or lack there of) or flavor or glide. I can go out on a limb and say their glide is excessively waxy though. Yet I don't want to talk down Disquieting Designs. I feel that this up and coming DIY bath and beauty company has a great deal of potential. It is good enough to be backed by the Pittsburgh Craft Mafia, and the Ink Schmear kicks ass, as does the sample lotion bar I received.

Overall, the makeup of these lip balms needs to seriously be reconsidered just so that they can even begin to serve their purpose.

Yet check out the other awesome body products (especially the lotions!) offered by Disquieting Designs! And I forgot to mention it's an eco-friendly company that recycles a lot of their stuff!!!

Rating: 0 outta 5

Soapbox Soaps Natural Lip Balm

2008-05-06T09:58:00.005-04:00

Soapbox Soaps Natural Lip Balm
$2.50 (+ $1 S&H)

Comes in a variety of flavors

[bees wax, sweet almond oil, mango butter, vitamin E oil, sunflower oil, flavor oil]

Flavors purchase: Green Tea Freeze and Pomegranate

The adorable little Alice inspired girl standing atop, what other than a soap box, is a cute and clever little business logo. I love it! Not to mention that these balms are in tins, such novelty! And look at that price! It's a deal! But let's break down if this balm is super rad.

I would consider this balm a high heat balm. Which has many pluses and one major minus. The major minus is the fact you have to swirl your finger around several times before you get a good coat of balm for a transfer to your lips. However, the pluses are, it doesn't melt easily in your pocket. You don't have to worry about it leaking out into your purse and staining things, and it doesn't leave the grease like stains most balms leave if they touch something other than skin.

Once you get this balm warmed to your touch, it glides on nicely. Its a firm glide, due to the beeswax, but it is not waxy. It glides on like a balm stick would, however you don't have one. Its an interesting concept and really this is the first tinned balm I've come across with this effect. I like it.

These balms wear for an average amount of time, about 2 hours. They do not hold up against eating and drinking.

The Green Tea Freeze is a very interesting flavor. I thought it would be a light tea flavor, but it actually has a heavier vanilla background. I equate it to an iced chai from Spot. As much as Chai dislikes me, this flavor is addictive! It's fabulous!

The Pomegranate is sweet and succulent. It is a bit sweeter than the actual fruit, but is super yummy! I'd consider it a candied pomegranate.
It is a lighter scent and flavor than the Green Tea Freeze, but both are sophisticated yet sweet enough for a kid to enjoy!

Overall, these balms are pretty awesome. They are simple, not overly filled with crap, and come in a great selection of flavors. Presented well, and boasting appeal for a vast demographic, the only real downside is that they don't wear as long as I wish they did.

Rating: 4 outta 5

Pretty Monsters Vampire Kisses & Vampyra Kisses

2008-05-04T09:38:00.004-04:00

Pretty Monsters Vampire Kisses (round tin)
$4.50 - $8 (+ $2 S&H)
[organic shea butter, mango butter, sweet almond oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, beeswax, EO ruby red grapefruit and sweet orange, vitamin 4]

Pretty Monsters Vampyra Kisses (rectangle tin)
$3.50 (+ $1 S&H)
[Organic coconut oil (unrefined), candellia wax,mango butter, avocado oil,boysenberry flavor oil, and vitamin E]
(There are three flavors to this Vampyra Kisses balm. 2 are vegan, the peppermint is not vegan)

By the fantastic and creative naming of these products, I had to have them. I feel that being an excessive Buffy fan compelled me to purchase these vampyric lip products.

These are organic products from Pretty Monsters. The maker of these balms buys from a certified organic dealer in Oregon. And as I mentioned, some of these products are vegan!

Let's start with the Vampire Kisses balm. Now this can be used as a lip balm or as an all over balm. I have found that it does work nicely as a balm, but it is also a fantastic cuticle balm.
The scent is light and sweet. The scent absorbs quickly into your skin, but on your lips it does linger, which is lovely. It tastes sweet like a ripe orange with a hint of the tartness from the grapefruit. I want to call this balm blood orange, because that is really what I smell. Plus it sounds neato. The balm is a nice consistency. It is thicker so it does make for a nice everywhere balm. I've found that it doesn't run or get greasy because it absorbs so quickly.
Another super cool feature for this balm is it's container. It is not in one of the pop off lid tins, instead you have to unscrew the tin. This rocks beyond belief because I don't have to worry about cutting myself or have the lid fly three feet away from me.

The Vampyra Kisses lip balm, came in three flavors. Boysenberry, Guava, and Peppermint. The first two were vegan which my my choosing easier and of course I went for the Boysenberry. (And I'm sure the guava would have been just as amazing, but since I was already getting the citrusy vampire kisses balm, I wanted something different.) This balm is a bit softer than the Vampire Kisses. Yet the boysenberry scent and taste is deeeelish! It even leaves a little gloss on your lips.

As a bonus in my order, I received a Zombie Kisses lip balm stick in Peppermint. This isn't vegan. Sorry....but it is organic! [Organic castor oil, beeswax, organic shea butter, sweet almond oil, EO peppermint, vitamin e] This sells for $2.50 (+$1.25 S&H) from Pretty Monsters Etsy.
This balm makes your lips tingle and even makes your breathe seem fresher!
How can you go wrong!? It's glide is the same as Vampyra Kisses, a little softer than the other balm, but again, it is not greasy or runny. It is a great blending of wax, oils, and butter.

All of these balms wear for a great while. I have found that the Zombie kisses lasts about an hour longer than the Vampyra Kisses and the Vampire Kisses. I think it may be because it is not fruity...and fruity flavors are lip lickingly good!

Overall, these are great lip balms. They display such novelty that anyone who is a fan of classic horror films or Gothic novels needs to get these! I mean, Zombie kisses?! What Shawn of the Dead fan wouldn't eat brains for these!? (Ugh... bad pun) Even as a Buffy fan, I am drawn to the vampire-lore of these balms. And let's not forget the greatest is not just label deep. These are high quality and ORGANIC products for a very reasonably price.

Rating: 4.5 outta 5
(5 outta 5 if you are a zombie. clearly)

Lippschitts by Lote Tree

2008-05-02T13:10:00.003-04:00

Lippschitts by Lote Tree
$2.34 (+ $1.50 S&H)

From the Lote Tree Etsy Shop

[sweet almond oil, hemp seed oil, beeswax, shea butter, organic honey, flavor oil, vitamin e]

There a lot of great flavors offered by Lote Tree. I first ordered Rooibos Tea and loved it so much I went back and ordered Harvest Apple.

There is some controversy over the use of Hemp oil in the Straight Edge community. I belong to the group that feels that it is not breaking edge by using this natural by product. There is not any THC or mind altering element within hemp seed oil, and really, it is great for your skin.

These balms have a wonderful application feel. They glide on lightly, leaving a moisturizing and silky feel.

The gold tube is also rad. I've never seen a gold colored lip balm tube, but with the classy labels created by Lote Tree, the gold is a great complimentary color.

They adequately represent their scents, respectively. The Rooibos Tea is really fabulous. It is a sophisticated scent with an equally pleasing flavor. The nutty-ness of the hemp seed oil compliments the tea very well. The Harvest Apple has the scent of a sweet and juicy apple, yet the hemp seed flavor over powers the apple flavor.

This balm's blend is superb. It lasts a great while and really works wonders on your lips. It is the right amount of oils and wax and this stuff can take some serious heat. The past week was filled with days in the 70's and this stuff stayed solid in my pocket.

Overall, this balm is amazing. It seems like every hemp oil lip balm I try out, they get better and better than the last. Compared to the previously reviewed balms, this one is better than the Merry Hempster's blend, but comparable to that o EcoLip's.

Rating: 5 outta 5

Madwoman Hot Rod Lip Balm

2008-05-02T12:26:00.003-04:00

Madwoman Hot Rod Lip Balm
in Mango Whammy

$2 (+ $1.97 S$H)

From MadWoman Perfume Lab on Etsy

[bees wax, shea butter, castor oil, olive oil, vitamin e, soybean lipids, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, flavor oil, color]

This oval tubed lip balm is adorned with an adorable vintage image of a little girl on a tricycle...one that reminds me of mine when I was little. I was drawn to the fantastic color and the mango flavor of this balm.

This lip balm is indeed a neon peach color, and it does not tint your lips. It provides a nice, smooth glide, with a slight shimmer. It is not a glittery shimmer, but a moistened shimmer. Very nice. When you apply this balm it is not waxy or slick. However, as it wears, it begins to get waxy. I'm not to sure if it is drying out or just leaving a film. This is unpleasant, but it doesn't occur until a few hours into wearing.

The Mango Whammy flavor, is very pleasing. I would not really call it mango. It takes like a candy necklace. Now, I am not complaining or knocking this flavor. I love it. It's light and sweet scent brings me back to my childhood days. I'm just pointing out that it lacks the mango-esq essential quality I expect when I see "mango" on the label.

This stuff has some awesome durability. Aside from the waxy dry residue that is the eventual outcome of it's use, it wears well through drinking and eating.

Overall, this isn't a bad balm. The flavor is rocking, the tube is cute, the only negative is the waxy residue.

Rating: 3 outta 5

Mad Gab's Moose Smooch Lip Lube

2008-04-12T17:40:00.002-04:00

Mad Gab's Lip Lube
Moose Smooch Blackberry Lip Balm
$3 from Mad Gab's site or $2.99 (+ $1.72 S&H) from this Ebay store

[Olive oil, Beeswax, Vitamin E oil, and Natural flavor]

Can I just say that the fact this is a natural lip balm did not grab my attention. Nor was it the fact it is in a tin. What made me want this lip balm was the fact a moose was wearing purple lipstick. Yes.... This was the motive behind this buy.

Apparently Mad Gab's is this little operations started by a college gal in 1991. It's based in Maine and it has a cool history, the neatest part is that the woman who runs this works with programs that help provide employment for handicapped adults. I think that is awesome.

So...this balm....it has a very nice natural blackberry smell. It is not overpowering and just the right sweetness, to make your mouth water for berry picking. It isn't super sweet to the taste either. It has a hint of blackberry flavor, but the olive oil stands out.

When putting this lip balm on, it is a bit greasy. It's not a terribly slick, greasy feel, but it is not a silky glide. You can rub your lips together and it goes away quickly. Your finger feels a bit oily for a bit though. I guess that would be good if you had calluses.

It lasts a normal lip balm time. About an hour worth of wear. You have to re-apply when you eat or drink.

I've come to find that olive oil in lip balm tends to make it greasy/oily. And yes...I realize that sounds silly, but greasy/oily in a not good way. It makes it feel like my balm is melting and therefore running down my chin. Uncool.

Overall, I think this balm is a solid investment. I think this is a super cute gift for an animal lover, or an outdoorsy person. It is a bit slick, but is all natural. This balm is really going to be about your own opinion of sweetness and oiliness. I think its just okay.

Rating: 2 outta 5

Sassy Scrubs and Such: The best lip balm

2008-04-11T16:35:00.003-04:00

Sassy Scrubs and Such
"The best lip balm"
in Strawberry Shortcake
$3.50 (+ $1.75 S&H)
From Sassy Scrubs and Such Etsy

[beeswax, vitamin e, sweet almond oil, shea butter]

This is one ounce of lip balm. That's a hefty sized tin. Sassy Scrubs and Such claims that this is the best lip balm around. We'll see about that...

This balm smells nice and strawberry-ish. Not fresh strawberries, but strawberry suckers.
It does not taste like strawberry shortcake though. It has a sweet and waxy taste. I'm not a big fan of the waxy flavor.

This balm goes on very waxy. After rubbing my lips together a few times, it does soften up to a nice texture. Although the initial feel is uncomfortable, it begins to wear very well and it is one of the longest lasting balms I've tried.

Overall, this balm does not thrill me. It reminds me how much I don't like strawberry. I give this balm credit for lasting so long, and I would recommend it as a good fair/summer outting lip balm. It is a light flavor, long lasting, and has natural SPF because of the shea butter. Bonus here, this is an organic product!

Rating: 2.5 outta 5

Embrace Bath & Body baked good lip glosses

2008-04-11T11:54:00.004-04:00

Embrace Bath & Body
Brownie Batter Gloss ($3.50)

[Sweet Almond Oil, Beeswax, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Lanolin,Pure Cocoa Powder, Mica, Flavor Oil, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Stevia]

and Cupcake Gloss ($3.25) (+ $1.25 S&H)

[Sweet Almond Oil, Beeswax, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Lanolin, Flavor Oil, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Stevia]

These lip glosses are from a super cute, pro-cupcake Etsy store. I'm leery of baked good flavors, but these glosses have converted me to the dark side. Let's break these balms down individually.
The Brownie Batter Gloss
This is a tinted gloss. It is a very sheer tint but it does warm up your lip color. The downside to this is, due the fact this is in a tin, your finger manages to keep some of that tint so you cant wipe it on your skin or on your pants....unless you want those to be a light, warm brown.

This gloss smells amazing. It is EXACTLY like the brownie mix I remember making with my grandma, and tastes just like licking the spoon!!! And an extra and adorable touch, the cocoa in here leaves little bumps so it is like brownie batter! I love it.

There is lanolin in this gloss, and according to Embrace Bath & Body's Etsy, the lanolin makes the gloss stay on the lips longer. This is very lick-able, but even after licking, it's still there. It absorbs at a nice rate and does not feel waxy or greasy. It is a nice and luxurious texture on your lips.

The Cupcake Gloss
This is meant to be the flavor of a vanilla cupcake with butter cream frosting. It doesn't taste overpoweringly vanilla-ish, but it is a sweet treat for your lips! This gloss is much sweeter than the Brownie Batter, and it does not tint your lips.

It goes on and lasts the same as the Brownie, except you can wipe the excess that is on your finger on your skin or pants, not staining!

Overall, this lip gloss is stellar. The $3.50 price (for the Brownie, $3.25 for the Cupcake) is reasonable. The tin is super cute and the flavors are super chic.

Rating: 4.6 outta 5

Goodegear Lip Balm tin

2008-04-08T17:37:00.003-04:00

Goodegear Lip balm tin
$1.95 (+$1.25 S&H)
from Goodegear Etsy

[beeswax, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, island delight flavor oil]

I was impressed with the price and the simplicity of the this balm, also the cool graphic on the label.
This was really an impulse buy that I thought was a bargain.

When you slide of the tin, the balm is a light pink color. Mica was not listed in the ingredients so I think that the either it is the apricot kernel or the flavor oil adding the tint.

It smells divine. A nice slice of fruity paradise. When you go to swipe your finger over the balm, it is very difficult. The balm is extremely waxy. I have to breathe on the balm or warm it up some how just to get a good amount onto my finger to put on my lips. Once on my lips this balm tastes pretty good, but is really waxy.

The Etsy description for this item says that it stays on for hours, and I will admit that it does. I think that is because your lips are encased in wax.

I ended up poking the lip balm outta the tin and using it like that to apply. And then my fingers get sticky...

Overall, this balm has the potential for greatness if the composition of oils and wax were more balanced. It smells great but is a work out to put on.

Rating: 1.5 outta 5

Space Monkey The Balm

2008-04-08T17:17:00.004-04:00

Space Monkey The Balm (for your lips) Trio
$10 (+$1.50 S&H) from Etsy store

[castor oil, jojoba oil, beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, flavor oil {fda red mica & Lime EO in Straw/limeade}]

I have been looking at this lip balm for a while on Etsy. I don't know if it's the catchy name or the adorable monkey in a space helmet that made me commit to this.

I love the packaging. The cute slider tins and the even cuter labels are great. They are great because they appeal to kids and grown-ups alike.

One of the cool things about this trio is that you can choose the flavors your please. The company has a SPF balm, which I didn't select, but find really neato. I opted for the following flavors:

Pomegranate: You can't really go wrong with this. By far the best scent and taste of the bunch. A ripe, juicy pomegranate...yum!

Strawberry-Limeade: Smells VERY medicinal. I got a little nervous about this but once you put it on your lips its a splash of lime with a hint of strawberry and I love it! The taste is awesome, the scent, not so much.

Dulce de Leche: Basically this is caramel. It smells delightfully caramelly, but on the flavor front...it falls short. It tastes like movie theatre popcorn butter. Not the popcorn, just the butter. Picking this flavor was outside of my comfort zone and sadly... it did not please me.

These balms are easy to apply with your finger and glide right on. They leave a little residual on your finger from the transfer, but no more than the usual tinned lip balm. They leave your lips feeling very silky, with a light slick gloss. I actually have to say of the tinned balms/glosses, I like this one the best. It is just a nice subtle sheen. It doesn't look super wet, but it's not waxy, and your lips feel very refreshed (especially with the pomegranate).

Their durability is okay. They are lip licking good, so it does hurt them unless you have self-control. I don't. I'd say about an hour is the most I noticed this balm staying on, but it does absorb into your lips.

Overall, this balm is adorable but not worth the $4 these typically sell for. Maybe the pomegranate, but they don't last that long and although they leave a gloss that I think is ideal, my lips feel good for about as long as its on. There isn't that much long term greatness. I didn't find my lips getting softer over the course of using these like I have found using other balms. These are really great for kids, just avoid the Dulce de Leche....it's not good.

Rating: 3 outta 5

Nahia Creations Lip Balm

2008-04-06T16:25:00.004-04:00

Nahia Creations Lip Balm
in Yu (Mango)
$3.75 (or $3 on sale now!) (+ $.75 S&H)
From NahiaCreations Etsy

[Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Beeswax, Palm Christi Oil, Cocoa Butter, Jojoba Oil, Meadowfoam Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Avocado Butter, Vitamin E, Rosehip Oil, Aloe Oil, DMAE Bitartrate, Rosemary Oleoresin, Neem Oil, Fragrance Oil, Natural Additive (as sweetener)]

This balm is from another husband and wife team. They run a line a luxury bath and body products. I got this lip balm on sale. It was $3. Apparently they are re-designing the product packaging, hence the sale.

This balm is packed with a lot of moisturizing elements. It is in a cute .35 oz tin, which sadly mine was spotted with rust, which detracted from the appeal. The balm is a bit textured, because of the shea butter, but it does not transfer from the tin to your lips. It goes on the lips nice and smooth. It is very silky, not greasy at all. The blend of wax, oils, and butter is great, it is a wonderful consistency and achieves a true luxurious balance.

The scent and flavor is Yu, which is a mango scent. It smells great. Just like a ripe and juicy mango. It has a sweet somewhat mango-y taste, but the scent is intoxicating.

One of the messages that this company wants to stress is the diversity of our world. Their products are named by various languages. Some I've never heard of. I think it's a great idea, and a great message and mission for a bath and body company.

This balm wears for a while too. It absorbs and leaves your lips with a really cool wet sensation. Yea.....wet. Your lips feel totally hydrated. It's splendid!!!

Overall, this balm is nice. The taste is a bit of a let down compared to the scent and the lid of the tin is a bit cumbersome. I'd argue that for the price of this balm, it's a bit pricey for the quality.

Rating: 4 outta 5

Check out this family on their blog too!!

Sassy Grace Boutique Bottomless tin lip balm

2008-04-06T09:54:00.003-04:00

Sassy Grace Boutique Bottomless tin Lip Balm
2 oz tin of watermelon flavor
$3.00 (+ $2 S&H)
from Sassy Grace Boutique on Etsy

[organic beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin e, flavor, mica ]

Yet again another lip balm maker does not know what Vegan means. Vegan lip balm does not use beeswax, organic or not. But anyways....

This lip balm is GIGANTIC!!! 2 ounces of amazing, mouth watering watermelon flavor. It smells great! Like the watermelon gum you get at the grocery store...with the duck on it. Bubblicious?

This lip balm smells great and tastes pretty awesome as well. It's not as swell as the smell, but none the less awesome.

When you put it on it can be a bit grainy but I think that is the way the shea butter settled.
It glides on well, it isn't greasy, but it is very slick. It provides a nice gloss on your lips. Through these reviews I've come to find myself not the biggest fan of shea butter in a lip balm. Maybe its the gritty feeling that I've encountered before because of the cooling process.

It wears for an okay amount of time. I'd say and hour or two. It absorbs well, but I bet you'll have to fight the urge to lick it off your lips.

Overall, this lip balm is a great value. $5 for 2 oz of lip balm....a great deal. It's a lot, so you better love watermelon.

Rating: 4 outta 5
(Again with the misleading of the vegan aspect)

C & B Co. Lip Balm

2008-04-06T09:01:00.004-04:00

C & B Co. Lip balm
in Cranberry & Rosemary
$1.50 (+ $.50 S&H)
from C&B Co.'s Etsy
Other flavors available

[beeswax, coconut oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, vitamin e, fragrance]

This .5 oz tin packs a lot of goodness. First, I love the label. It's simple yet has this sophisticated urban feel to it. The type face really sets of this label. Plus, it is in a tin, and although some people find these lip balms unsanitary, sticky, and cumbersome, I love it. I think that tins are a really great way to present and store lip balm. Sometimes my arm gets tired as I am swirling lip balm in a tube over and over and over and over my lips to get the desired amount. Through these reviews I have come to realize I am a bit partial to tinned lip balm.

But moving on....

This balm is from a husband and wife team, calling themselves Cherry Blossom Co. (Hence the C&B Co.) According to their Etsy they make their stuff in small batches to ensure quality and freshness, which is awesome.

This balm is not colored and has a very strong rosemary scent. It is extremely calming. I opted for the cranberry-rosemary because I'm not a bit cranberry person but I wanted to try something new. I'm really glad I did. The cranberry isn't super strong, but blends wonderfully with the rosemary creating this great balance of scent and flavor. I find the aroma of the rosemary to be awesome and beneficial, as I've already mentioned it's very calming. Aromatherapy and great taste... what more could you want!?

This balm also has the right recipe. Meaning... the blend of wax to oil is perfect. The consistency of this balm is just right. Not to soft, not to hard, your finger can glide over it, get a good amount for application and the transfer is flawless. It leaves a light gloss on your lips but is not sticky, so if you have long hair, no worries. It wont stick to your lips.

I couldn't believe this balm was made from beeswax. I could have sworn vegetable wax was used because of the great glide of this balm. Oh well, it's not vegan but it is amazing.

This balm wears for a pretty good length of time. I had to re-apply it whenever I ate or got really tense, but I would say this has a good 3 to 4 hour wear.

Overall, this balm is amazing. Since Pussy Pucker Pots no longer exist really, I think I found it's replacement.... I miss the raunchy names, but this balm really is awesome. It's not vegan, but it's relaxing. I can't really find anything to complain about. The lid got stuck on the container once. But I recovered from that.

And oh! I almost forgot the best part... this lip balm, with shipping, is $2!!!! This is a steal!!!

Rating: 5 outta 5

Eco Lips Pure and Simple

2008-04-02T21:00:00.000-04:00

Eco Lips Pure and Simple
$ 1.99
[Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Organic Cera Alba (Beeswax), Organic Flavor, D-Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E)]

Flavors such as: Grape, Coconut, and Strawberry-Kiwi

I got to try the Grape and Strawberry-Kiwi

These balms have simple ingredients and are really awesome. They represent the Eco Lip line well. The glide is typical and great. Silky smooth and refreshed lips.

They smell wonderful. Each lip balm smells like its scent, respectively. They also taste pretty accurate. They are not super sweet and are lightly but well flavored, and I really appreciate that in a balm.

They last while, but not as long as other Eco Lips balm that I have reviewed. I believe it comes from the fact that they are mouth wateringly great flavors, I may have licked it off. But overall, it still lasts a few hours and stays on through eating most things. I found ice cream does a number of this balm.

I prefer the Grape over the Strawberry-Kiwi, but I am biased. However, the Strawberry-Kiwi was really great. A very refreshing berry taste with a nice tropical twist.

My only issue with these balms is that they have a bit of a gloss to them. Its not a terrible thing but for this balm being pure and simple, I would like less shine and a more natural lip cover.

Overall, this balm is just another product that represents the quality products of Eco Lips.

Rating: 4.9 outta 5

Cozy Moments Shea Butter Lip Balm

2008-04-01T17:33:00.002-04:00

Cozy Moments Shea Butter Lip Balm
in Lime Sugar
$3 (+ $1.55 S&H)

From Cozy Moment's Etsy shop

[Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Avocado Oil, Cocoa Seed Butter, Shea Butter, Flavor Oil]

I was super excited about this lip balm. I am that girl that when I go out to eat I do not just get water... nor water with lemon. Oh no, I go above that. I get a lime and make sure my table has a lot of the pink sugar packets. My friends call what I make "ghetto limeade." But I digress...

Cozy Moments has a nice little collection of home made goodies, from soap to lotions to even this lip balm.

This is a pretty standard looking balm; clean label, basic clear round tube of the .15 oz standard size.

The scent is a bit reminiscent of a medicine I took when I was younger. However, this flavor is growing on me. The scent makes me think medicine, but every time I put it on the flavor begins to seem more like lime. It doesn't taste like my ghetto limeade but its decent. Its a light, not so sweet flavor. If you are looking for a balm that is light and not sweetened, I would highly recommend this.

The application glide is nice. It is a tad greasy, but that actually adds a nice glass effect. I have no complaints on how this goes on.

It wears for a great while. The greasy feeling goes away within a half hour as the balm absorbs. Although the feeling of the gloss dissolves, there is still a linger of shimmer and your lips still feel moisturized.

Overall, this is a sophisticated balm. Not for the kiddies. Great as a stocking stuff for a co-worker or an adult in your life.

Rating: 3 outta 5

Black Mountain Candles Sheer Pink Lip Tint

2008-04-01T16:04:00.003-04:00

Black Mountain Candles Sheer Pink Lip Tint
Grape Flavor
$1.99 (+ $1 S&H)

[Soya & Beeswax, Cocoa Butter, Petrolatum, Vegetable Glycerine, Grape Flavoring, Pink Mica & just a tad of Liquid Sweetener]

First I want to point out this Etsy seller advertises that this is a Vegan lip balm. It is not. And it really irks me when crap like this is done. I was fully aware of the Un-vegan-ness of this item, but I just want to say that in defense of someone who would be new to veganism or someone buying their beloved veg a gift, this is misleading.

But onto the review...

Grape. It's exciting. It smells sweet and tangy, like real smashed graped. Very splendid. The taste is okay. It is very sweet, and not that grape like. The smell is rad, not the flavor.

This balm contains vegetable glycerine, which I have never seen in a balm before....and I can figure out why. This balm is sticky when you go to put it on and when it is applied to your lips it is very waxy and paste-like.

I can't tell you how long it lasts because I hate wearing it.

This is almost as bad as the Buddha Balm.

I guess my dissatisfaction lies in the fact that:
1- this is not vegan, therefore should not be advertised as so
2- vegetable glycerine should be used in soap, not lip products

Overall, this balm smells really great and I guess that's about it.

Rating: 0 outta 5

Badger Balm Cocoa Butter Lip Balm

2008-03-28T12:34:00.003-04:00

Badger Balm Cocoa Butter Lip Balm Trio
Available at Wegman's, local health stores, and here
$9.99 - $13.99

[Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Organic Cocoa Butter, Natural Golden Yellow Beeswax, Castor Bean Oil, Organic Extract of Aloe Vera, and CO2 Extracts of Rose Hip, & Seabuckthorn Berry]

I came across Badger Balm a few years ago when I was in Salem. An herbal and Wiccan store was carrying the line. This was when they only have a few balms out and just began their lip care line. I purchased some and was very pleased. When I went to Williamsburg, VA, I found even more Badger Balm products that rocked my socks!

These balms come as a trio pack. They are each .25 oz or 7 grams of great lip balm. They glide onto your lips. When you first put them on, from my experience, they seem a bit dry and you have to breathe on them to warm the balm up. This only happens with the first time you use them. I'm not too sure why, but all three of these were like that. But now I can just grab one from my purse or pocket and glide it right on. It is a great smooth feeling. This lip balm feels refreshing when you put it on and it keeps on feeling that way for at least two hours.

The only down side is that the warmer it gets, the softer these balms become. I have yet to have one melt, but when they are in your pocket you may need to use a little less force to apply it otherwise it oozes out and leaves your lips icky with chunks of balm.

The flavors...

Cool mint... It tingles and smells amazing. It even makes your breathe smell a tab minty!

Coffee roast... I always shy away from flavors like these. I feel lip balms should be fruity or sweet. I do not know why but that is just my prerogative. However, this balm smells just like fresh ground dark beans. It's so amazing. It doesn't taste as great as it smells, but that's okay. I really enjoy smelling this one. It is invigorating.

Creamy cocoa... it's my least favorite. It does not really have a taste, aside from the cocoa butter. I wish they would have made this vanilla. It would have been the best flavor to compliment this trio.

Overall, these balms are great. They are rich in organic and natural ingredients. They are bigger than your typical lip balm, but they are a bit pricey. A tube, individually is $5, yet I do feel you get your money's worth.

Rating: 4.5 outta 5

Lucia's Lip Love in Mango

2008-03-28T11:06:00.003-04:00

Lucia's Lip Love in Mango
$2 (+ $1 S&H)
From Red Head Designs' Etsy shop

[cocoa butter, sweet almond oil, beeswax, mango flavor]

When I first saw this balm on Etsy, I was really excited with how simple it was. Through this blog I've come to find I enjoy the lip balms with a lot less of the added oils and stuff. Don't get me wrong, there is a time and a place for those awesome and fully loaded balms, but look at my favorite lip balm. Pussy pucker pots are simple ingredients. Your basic wax, oil, and maybe a butter. This balm had it all.

Let's first observe how adorable the label is. This label is created by pixelbypixel and is well done. It's simple, femme, and just plain cute! You could pull this outta your purse, be it a Todds, Marc Jacobs, Harajuku Lovers, or even a cheap bag from Aero, you're gonna make a statement with this tin.

This balm smells like a really really REALLY sweet chocolate. You can tell this is made with cocoa butter. You may like this. I am not a big fan. If I invest in a mango lip balm...I would like to smell some mango.

I would recommend swiping your finger a few times in this balm to get a good coat going. It goes on a little slick, but there is a gloss aspect to this balm. A nice aspect of this balm is in the texture. I was shocked that is was a beeswax balm. It felt much more like a vegan lip balm.

The flavor of this balm is rather yucky. It tastes like dry cocoa powder. It is not sweet, nor is it mango. I think this balm, and maybe it was just the batch I received, did not get the proper proportion of flavor oil.

This balm does seem to wear for a great deal of time. The cocoa butter is very rich and provides amply moisturizing action for your lips.

Overall, this balm is majorly lacking mango and is a bit heavy on the cocoa. It is super cute, but it is more than likely going into my sick balm bag.

Rating: 2.5 outta 5

Eco Lips Lavender

2008-03-26T19:09:00.003-04:00

Eco Lips Lavender
$2.99
from Ecolips.com

[Organic sunflower oil, organic beeswax, organic jojoba oil, organic calendula, essential oil of lavender, Vitamin E, rosemary extract]

This is a crappy photo. I'm sorry but I'm having some digital camera issues.

This is one of Eco Lips's Beta Balm, which means its on a sort of trial basis. So far, as evidence from the customer feedback section on the website, people think this lip balm is amazing. As do I.

This is just another example of Eco Lips greatness. (I'll pretend that they never invented those EcoTints....) The glide is typical of their fantastic beeswax products. (Sorry Vegs...this isn't for you!)

It does not feel waxy or greasy, just silky smooth on your lips. And let me GUSH about the scent...

Lavender has never smelt this great in anything other than the actual herb. WOW. This lavender is so real and so relaxing. It is one of the greatest scents I have ever encountered.
I put this on before I go to bed or whenever I get really stressed.

This stuff really is cream of the crop of the Eco Lips lip balm line.

Overall, You should buy this. Use it daily. Feel your lips getting smoother and smoother and feel stress melt away.

Rating: 5 outta 5

Pink Quartz Mineral Sparkle Shimmer Lip Balm

2008-03-23T15:38:00.002-04:00

Pink Quartz Mineral Sparkle Shimmer Lip Balm
(100% Customizable)
From Pink Quartz Mineral Etsy
$3.50 (+ S&H) for 5 gram sample pot
(Bigger sizes are available)

[castor oil, palm kernel oil, avocado oil, cocnut oil, aloe extract, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, minerals, stevia, flavor]

First, these balms are 100% customizable, which is something I love. This make up shop offers dozens of natural, mineral colorings to add to your balm as well as at least a hundred available flavors ranging from alcoholic beverages, fruit, coffee, and food. You can even combine the flavors, have your balm sweetened or left natural. Amazing options from Pink Quartz Minerals!!

I opted for a strange, but pleasantly surprising, combo.... Mango Loganberry. (I call this MangLo) I also got a iridescent coloring added it for more shimmer. It smells DIVINE!!! Just like candy. I can adequately equate it to the scent and taste of one of those unicorn horn candy suckers you'd get at a fair. SUPER YUMMY!!!

The pot is really small, but it is a sample and it is also deep. I'd advise you to use a brush because if you have big fingers it's a bit tricky. As you can tell, my pot was even made especially for me. My name is on the label! Yeah! It easily glides on and your lips feel silky smooth. Right after you put it on there is a bit of stickiness, but I do put a lot on...I just can't help it...the flavor is intoxicating. It absorbs nicely into your lips and you really can tell after just one use that it is effective in moisturizing.

The shimmer is just the perfect amount. This is a true balm, not a gloss, even though there is castor oil. I love how the mineral shimmer reflects the eye make up I am wearing too. This balm would be even better is it were in a tube. It would be any Vegan's first choice compared to a lipstick. I would highly recommend if you are a Veg looking for a nice lip color that isn't chalky and wears for a great while to check out the vast options you have through Pink Quartz.

In the picture above the balm is much yellower than it actually is. The hue of the color changes depending on what surface it is near. I chose my desk because it was the closes thing that showed the real color of the balm.

Oh, and you also get a nice little velvet pouch to carry your balm in. Not that you may use it, but it is a very nice presentational touch, just like the personalized label.

Overall, this balm is the bomb. I am so glad I can across this company. First, their options are endless which gives you almost a creative control of what you are putting on your lips. Second, their colors are fantastic because vegan lip stick is hard to come by. Third, it is just delicious and nutritious for your lips!!

Rating: 4.9 outta 5
(It really needs to be in a tube!)

Karma Creatives: Buddha Balm

2008-03-23T14:42:00.008-04:00

Karma Creatives Buddha Balm
$2.50 - $4.00 (+ S&H)
From Karma Creatives (wholesale and retailers)

Ingredients vary by flavor. I purchased the Honey and also got Mint through an accident. They have similar ingredients.

Honey
[beeswax, carnauba wax, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, sweet almond oil, soybean oil, castor seed oil, vit E, rosemary extract, zinc oxide, flavor, yellow #5 and Karma creatives proprietary herbal blend (I could not find what this was or contained)]

Mint
[beeswax, carnauba wax, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, sweet almond oil, soybean oil, castor seed oil, vit E, rosemary extract, zinc oxide, flavor, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, Blue #1, yellow #5, K.C. herbal blend]

Now, some may remember Buddha Balm from a few years ago. It had a wide variety of flavors (mango, green tea, tangerine, jasmine....etc...) and it was in a round tin. I was very excited when I came across these from someone's Etsy store. I figured they were a take on this retired balm. I did not realize how "loaded" they were until I received them. I've looked at some of my other lip balms that are not natural or home made and they don't contain these color numbers...I was a little shaky on a balm that utilizes a color differentiated by it's number. Nonetheless, I love Buddha stuff so I was pumped.

I ordered Honey but was sent Mint on accident, then had the correct balm mailed to me.

These balms have this really weird told layer to them. I thought it was maybe just the mint but it was the same with the honey. It is like this thick waxy layer of something. I ended up getting a tooth pick and scrapping it off because you couldn't actually get to the lip balm at all through it. After scrapping it off, you aren't left with a whole lotta lip balm. Major bummer.
This is the aftermath of the balm from the scrapping. It looked like a whipped lotion more so than a balm.

This balm has the weirdest texture and consistency that I have ever encountered. I'm saying that the original grainy Balm Shoppe Balm I got was more like a lip balm than this is. This balm, both the honey and mint, are grainy with small sand like particles. It feels extremely uncomfortable on my lips.

The mint smells like mint and tingles a bit, but i wiped it off because of the texture and also the taste is disgusting. I wasn't even licking my lips, just breathing it in through my mouth was icky.

The honey is worse than the mint. It doesn't even smell slightly pleasing.

These balms don't feel waxy or gritty they just feel like a half-ass sugar scrub minus the granulated sugar and with added sand. Ick.

I cannot attest to their durability because I can't go minutes with them on my lips, they are just that bad.

However, I have found a great purpose for them. They do offer great moisturizing products in the make up, so I thought about putting them on dry spots on my body. (ie. elbows and hands). They work pretty good. You skin is a tad shiny (darn you castor oil!) but the gritty helps exfoliates and the mint tingles and cools. The Honey is rather useless, but the Mint can be used as a conditioner for dry patches of skin.

This is cruelty free balm. Cool. It says its "natural" eh. I see some there but it does not smell, taste, or feel natural in any way.

Overall, this lip balm is the pits in the cherry bowl of the balm world. I regret spending $3.75 for this. And sadly I got two... but I guess on the bright side if I were to just get the honey, my elbows would not be feeling this soft. And it is a shame because these are presented so well, and the slidder tins are rad. This is not the original Buddha balm....and as an attempt to possibly equal the original, this balm falls so far beyond short, I don't even think it began to go any distance at all.

Rating: -1 outta 5
(They should have paid me to put this on my lips.)

[at least this photos came out stellar. These are RocketUSA's Pocket Buddhas, available through:
Rotofugi
(I recommend you go there if you are interested in these and other super rad vinyl toys...this is my vinyl shop of choice!)

Pocket Buddha Official Site
(They have cool key chains but they are expensive!! Beware of their exorbitant shipping prices)

Enjoy! and Happy Jesus Loves Bunnies Day!]

Karma~Naturals Natural & Organic balms

2008-03-22T15:50:00.004-04:00

Karmic-Klutter

Lip balms: $1-$1.99 (S&H)
A large variety of flavors

[cocoa butter, shea butter, aloe butter, beeswax, sweet almond oil, candedilla wax, vitamin e, grapefruit seed extract, fragrance, natural mica colorant]

Lotion Bar: $1.25 - $7.98
A great many scents

[Beeswax, shea butter, aloe butter, coconut oil, macadamia oil, sweet almond oil, cocoa butter, mango butter, modified wheat starch, Vitamin E oil, fragrance, and natural mica colorant]

I found this site through Ebay. It was an organic lip sample and I was like, "OHHH skinny cute tube!" I was super pumped to get this balm along with another sample of lip balm and a sample of lotion bar.

I ordered Pink Cotton Candy. I'm a very big fan of sweet flavors. This cotton candy lip balm is very spledidn. It smells a little heavier than actually cotton candy, but it is scrumptious. The flavor however is not as delightful. It is not terribly but it tastes chalky for cotton candy.

The sleek and adorable packaging on this balm is wonderful. The clear label allows you see the naturally colors balm. This is a light pink, it is sheer when you put it on.

It glides right on and absorbs at a moderate pass. Yet it does not feel slick, greasy, or waxy. This balm has the perfect blend and proportions of oil, wax, and butters. It is one of the best made balms, in regards to texture and consistency, that I have come across.

The other sample flavor I received was Pina Colada. I'm not a big fan of the flavor, but it smelled just like one. I was going to give it to Jb to review but it has gone MIA....but when it surfaces, I will surely post her thoughts on it posted.

The lotion bar was also an awesome balm. It was the scent of vanilla, and the idea of a lotion bar excites me! I've been using this balm (in an oval lip balm tube) on my elbows and dry patches of skin. I keep it in my put and application is so easy and wonderful. You don't have to worry about your hands being slippery after applying this or being smelly. Putting the lotion, in a bar form, which I think helps seal in moisture and increase it's effectiveness, is a genius idea!! I plan on getting one of these in the big size because this is a must-have in the purse. I would even recommend this on your hairline. With the changing weather, your scalp often dries out and it can be extremely noticeable around your forehead/hairline. This stuff is a great way to help moisturize that because in the tube you have accuracy and it is not as greasy as a fluid lotion.

Overall, the lip balm is a good product, especially for it's price. However, the star of this review is most certainly the lotion bar...bar none. (Pun-alicious)

Rating of balm: 4 outta 5
Rating of lotion bar: 5 outta 5

Ecolips Hemp 98% Organic

2008-03-21T15:34:00.002-04:00

Ecolips Hemp
Vanilla, 98% organic
$3.49
from Ecolips.com

[Organic jojoba oil, organic beeswax, organic hemp oil, organic calendula, natural vanilla flavor, Vitamin E, rosemary extract]

When I reviewed the Merry Hempsters hemp lip balm, I was told that Ecolips had a way better version. Well... it's time I put this balm to the test then. As you may recall, the Merry Hempsters Lemon-lime lip balm got a 4 outta 5. Let us begin...

This balm is very sophisticated. The tube, label design, everything about it. I would expect, like with the Merry Hempsters, to have some random funny stoner label or something that would make thing of Dead Heads, but Ecolips has stepped up. Although the cannabis leaf is on the label, it is presented well in the contrasting green. As a straight edger, I am not insulted by this label whatsoever.

It smells divine! It smells like vanilla bean gellato. De-lish! And it tastes just as splendid. It is vanilla-ish but it has a hint of chai...just a little dash of it though.

It glides on very well. It is not the slick greasy glide the Merry Hempsters provides. This is representative of a typical Ecolips glide. Smooth but not slick. Silky.

And this stuff wears long, like a typical Ecolips balm. I put it on after I ate, but this stuff wears for hours. And it also begins to absorb right away but even as its absorbing it leaves your lips just feeling so soft and quenched. It's the perfect feeling a lip balm can provide!

The only con to this lip balm, in regards to the Merry Hempsters hemp lip balm, is the lack of SPF. Some people swear by SPF balm so if that is you, I'm sorry. But I'm not too sorry 'cuz that means more for me.

Overall, I find this balm to be superior to that of Merry Hempsters. I'll risk lip-burn for the quality that Ecolips provides in this hemp balm.

Rating: 5 outta 5

[Officially getting the best Hemp Lip Balm Award. If you think this is wrong, let me know and I will try what you think is better.]

Ecotints tinted lip balm in Rose Quartz

2008-03-20T14:15:00.002-04:00

Ecolips Ecotints
Naturally glistening lip moisturizer
Color: Rose Quartz
$3.99 from Ecolips.com

[Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Castor Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Vanilla, Organic Aloe Vera, Tocopherol, Iron Oxides, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Candelilla Wax]

There are three colors to choose from: rose quartz, plush red, and mocha velvet.

I selected the rose quartz. It was the lighter of the colors. When you put it on it is a light shimmery berry pink.

When you put it on it smells like cocoa and coconut. It is pleasant, but it does not taste that great. It does not easily glide on your lips. I'm not to sure if it is the mica or what but this balm feels very dry and almost chalky. It tastes chalky.

I can't really testify for its durability because my lips do not like it. It lasted about an hour before i wiped it off because my lips felt so dry.

The color is nice and simple. This balm is a great alternative to lip stick, for those who want a natural product. This is a 90% organic lip balm.

My major problem with this balm is that it dries my lips out. On the Ecolips web page, they have customer testimonials of people who swear by this balm. It just did not work for me and i have never had any problems with the minerals found in it.

I am a HUGE Ecolips fan, as you can tell from my previous reviews, but this balm falls so short of their amazingness.

Overall, this balm makes a great natural lip color, if you are willing to have dry and chalky feeling lips.

Rating: 1 outta 5
(It smells really good.)

BathLife Candied Apple Lip Balm

2008-03-18T16:36:00.003-04:00

BathLife Lip Balm in Candied Apple
$3.95 (+ $1.50 S&H)
From BathLife Etsy shop

[shea butter, vitamin e, beeswax, castor oil, candy apple flavor, mica]

This simple lip balm is quite the Americana favorite. Who doesn't like a candied apple?? I'll be honest. I never was a fan. I preferred the caramel. I digress...

This balm smells so sweet and scrumptious. It smells like Koolaid though! I don't know about apple Koolaid, but the red Koolaid. I love it!

It tastes more like apple when you put it on. It is easy to apply, and glides over your lips. The castor oil in this balm makes it more of a gloss, which some may be bothered by. For instance, I would not recommend this to most of my guy friends.

It wears very well as a gloss more so than a healing balm. It does appear very pink, almost red, but when you apply it, it provides a sheer cover. I have found that when you really put it on heavily, then you begin to see color...but then your lips feel really greasy and heavy....so I'm not recommending that.

It does not wear that long. More than likely because of the gloss but also because it is pretty tasty. I would recommend this as a fantastic summer lip balm/gloss. It is light and refreshing, fun, and the tin it is in is well presented.

Overall, this is a really cute item to have in your purse if you're going out on a summer date, picnic, or to the fair. It satisfies a sweet tooth, but I do not see a great deal of lip treatment, but that's okay. Not all lip balm needs to be super duper lip healing... this is really a great lip balm to make me realize summer is right around the corner!!

Rating: 3.5 outta 5
(This is an ideal balm for a kid! Its sweet, fun colored, and natural!)