Sunday, March 31, 2013

Inspired by Van Gogh (Vase with Roses, 1890)


          Welcome to the latest installation of Inspired by Art! Lately, as you may have noticed, I've been thinking Green; after all, Emerald green is Pantone's 2013 color of the year! More importantly though, I've been noticing the first green shoots and buds of spring emerging in windy Chicago, even as the intermittent splinters of winter frost keep our windows shut and our scarves wrapped tight. There is an uncertainty in this year's spring renewal, as if the anxious roots are wondering whether it's safe to peek above the ground.

         It was during this time of year in 1890 that Van Gogh was painting his final works in the Saint-Paul asylum at Saint-Rémy. Though his year-long stay at the hospital was often troubled by poor living conditions and crippling bouts of illness, Van Gogh produced about 150 paintings, among them some of his best-loved works, including the world-renowned Starry Night. Near the end of his stay, Van Gogh painted several still-lifes of flowers to convey his cautious optimism toward his impending release. He wrote to his mother:

 "But for one's health, as you say, it is very necessary to work in the garden and see the flowers growing." 


             Among these final still-lifes was a beautiful painting, titled Vase with Roses. It features beautiful white blooms (originally pink, but faded to a soft white through the years) amongst a wash of exuberant greens. Naturally, I was inspired to feature an interplay among the various greens. Rather than using greens as monotones, I've layered them to add intrigue and depth, just like one would find in natural foliage. Light or medium greens like Bobbi Brown Mint eyeshadow or NARS Misfit eyeshadow duo (reviewed here) are a good base. Deeper greens like MAC Plush eyeshadow and MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Shadow #8E (reviewed here) add depth.



           The color palette in Van Gogh's Roses provides clues as to what would pair well with our green eyeshadows. I love the blue outlines and shadows on the roses. MAC Parisian Skies (reviewed here) is a great soft blue that could play a similar role in my Van Gogh inspired look. Of course, we can't forget about the aged white of the roses themselves. Illamasqua Sex eyeshadow is a white that would contrast beautifully with the greens above. The large earthen vase in Roses is a great neutral that grounds the rest of the colors. Likewise, I would suggest colors like MAC Moleskin eyeshadow (reviewed here) and Bobbi Brown Cement eyeshadow for use in blending or adding a little depth to the eye crease in this look!



           Nail colors are another great way to incorporate the similar verdant greens and complementary colors into a cohesive look. SpaRitual Peace & Harmony (reviewed here) is the color of blousey white roses. Sephora by OPI Havana Dreams mimics the petals' shadows. Sephora by OPI Going Nude Eh? and OPI Did You 'Ear About Van Gogh? (reviewed here) are the color of an earthen flask. Some of my favorite green nail polishes include: Revlon Minted, SpaRitual Introspective (reviewed here), Essie Going Incognito, and China Glaze Exotic Encounters (reviewed here)


           Finally, a flower-inspired look wouldn't be complete without a scent to match! Since my last installation of Inspired by Art, I've been incorporating perfume to quite literally add another 'layer' to the experience! Rather than take roses literally, I think the perfumes that would best reflect Van Gogh's Roses would fall into to one of two categories : green florals or big white blooms. Two green scents I've been loving lately include Prada Infusion d'Iris and Cartier Baiser Volé. Two big white bouquet scents suggested by my mom include Estée Lauder Beautiful (a classic) and Estée Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia.

           It is thought that Van Gogh saw the springtime blooming of the hospital garden as a renewal --- a reaffirmation of the strength and beauty of life. Perhaps seeking a similar renewal in himself, he painted these beautiful pale-pink blooms floating in a sea of springtime green. Unfortunately, his optimism was ultimately conquered by his illness, and he took his own life not three months after his release from Saint Paul. Although Van Gogh succumbed to the ravages of his winter, the seeds he planted have since bloomed, making the world a more beautiful place --- something we can take to heart as the timid green buds peek out through the frosty ground this spring!

       Thanks for reading! What are your favorite Van Gogh paintings? What green items have you been loving lately?

Love, Dovey.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Makeup Bag Remix Tour Chicago : will you be there?

          Next weekend, I'll be getting my makeup bag 'remixed' when the MAKE UP FOR EVER Remix Tour comes to Chicago! A group of MAKE UP FOR EVER Professional Artists have been traveling across the U.S. teaching beauty lovers new ways to use what they already own. All you have to do is bring in a bag of your own makeup (it can be any brand) and sign up for a complementary 30 minute session with a Pro Artist!

          The MAKE UP FOR EVER Remix Tour will be in the Chicago-land area from April 6-7, 2013. Originally, the event had been planned in downtown Chicago, however I recently got word that it has been moved to Westfield Old Orchard Mall in Skokie. You can reserve your session through  MAKE UP FOR EVER's facebook page. Thanks for reading! Have you signed up or attended the MAKE UP FOR EVER Remix Tour in your city? Let me know if you're planning on attending the tour in Chicago!

Love, Dovey.
Disclaimer : Some of the products in the above photo were sent for consideration, others are from my personal collection. The MAKE UP FOR EVER link in this post is not an affiliate link; it's present for your convenience.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

SpaRitual Meditate nail lacquer collection review + comparison swatches (Spring 2013)

          For Spring 2013, SpaRitual has released some new pastel nail colors! The SpaRitual Meditate nail lacquer collection is a group of six pretty pastel polishes that are perfect for any spring beauty wardrobe. I've been a fan of SpaRitual for quite some time now; they're so good at incorporating their theme of slow beauty and a spa-like feel into their creative line of nail colors. Following in that tradition, the SpaRitual Meditate nail collection is a refined set of pastels, with a variety of hues and finishes. I had the good fortune to sample the collection recently, and am excited to share colorful review for you to 'meditate' on today!



          SpaRitual Peace and Harmony is a pristine white polish with a matte finish. The shimmer in the bottle becomes more of a sheen on the nail. I love the pristine, clean effect of this white! SpaRitual Transcend is a pale cream yellow with a matte finish. As with Peace and Harmony, Transcend turns from shimmer to sheen upon application. SpaRitual Quietness is a light peachy nude nail polish with a creme finish.


          SpaRitual Calm and Clear is a light, muted rose pink creme.  SpaRitual Introspective is a light jade green nail polish with a hint of shimmer. The shimmer is barely noticeable when worn. SpaRitual Energy is a robin's egg blue with a hint of green. The polish is every so slightly muted to keep it feeling zen.

          All six colors in the SpaRitual Meditate collection are pastels, which can be tricky to formulate. I found that the polishes were a tad more watery than SpaRitual's typically impeccable formulation, however they were still smooth and easy to use. Two thicker coats or three thinner coats do the trick. The colors dry down evenly and I don't find any streakiness in the finish.


          Pastels shades can be hard to judge, so I felt a color-wheel comparison was necessary for the SpaRitual Meditate collection! Both SpaRitual Peace & Harmony and SpaRitual Marble (reviewed here) are white shimmer nail polishes, however the former has a more matte finish, while the latter has a glossy finish. Peace & Harmony has a lighter, clean look that works well for spring. SpaRitual Transcend is an unusual pale yellow cream; you can see that it's much lighter and less gold than a gold nail polish like NARS Versailles (reviewed here). SpaRitual Quietness is more peach than your typical nude nail polish; you can see that Sephora by OPI Going Nude Eh? is a little more beige. SpaRitual Calm & Clear is a rosy pink nail polish. It has a similar lightness to NARS Vestale (reviewed here), but is slightly cooler. SpaRitual Calm & Clear is much darker than Sephora by OPI Dear Diary. SpaRitual Introspective is a more intense green than Revlon Minted. SpaRitual Energy has the same color intensity as OPI What's With the Cattitude?, however you can see it has more green tones. It's also greener and darker than Essie Mint Candy Apple.


          The pretty pastels in the SpaRitual Meditate collection are perfect for spring. (I've been wearing the colors non-stop since I got them!) SpaRitual does such a good job of tweaking hues to achieve a relaxing (or perhaps 'meditative') finish --- even when it comes to unusual colors! The two matte nail polishes, Peace & Harmony and Transcend, were cool and unexpected. Quietness and Calm & Clear are easy to wear additions to any collection. Introspective and Energy are great takes on less traditional colors. Overall, they make a well balanced and unique collection! SpaRitual can be found at Sephora and other beauty retailers.

          Thanks for reading! Which of the SpaRitual Meditate collection colors do you like best? What SpaRitual polishes have you tried? What pastel polishes have you been enjoying recently?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. Be sure to check out my reviews of the SpaRitual Rock (reviewed here) and Metal (reviewed here) collections!
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

Friday, March 29, 2013

Win It! Nude Skincare ProGenius Treatment Oil and Cellular Renewal Moisturiser ($170 value) Giveaway!


            I have a really exciting giveaway to share with you today! I'm giving away $170 worth of Nude Skincare to one lucky Cute and Mundane reader, courtesy of Nude Skincare. Nude Skincare is a premium skincare line exclusive to Sephora. Their philosophy focuses on the use of plant-based oils rich in omega -3, -6, -7, and -9, along with their n-probiotic cell nutrient to nourish skin. You can find more about Nude Skincare from their twitter feed and facebook page.

         Earlier today I wrote a review on Nude Skincare Pro Genius Treatment Oil and Nude Skincare Cellular Renewal Moisturiser (review here). If you enjoyed that review, you're in luck, because I have the same set to give away today! One lucky Cute and Mundane reader will win the following Nude Skincare products (total value $170):

Nude Skincare ProGenius Treatment Oil ($78)
Nude Skincare Cellular Renewal Moisturiser ($92)

         This giveaway is open to Cute and Mundane readers with U.S. addresses only, as per the sponsor's wishes. Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. You can use a nickname if you like on the entry form, however I will ask for your full name for mailing purposes should you be a winner. Email addresses are not visible to the public and I will only use them for the purpose of contacting the winner. Good luck!

Love, Dovey.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway rules and information:  I will notify the winner via email. Each winner will have 72 hours to respond to my email with their mailing address; if there is no response, I will select a new winner. I will forward the address to the sponsor (Neutrogena), who will be responsible for mailing the prize. I reserve the right to disqualify any entries. Reasons include (but are not limited to) false or ambiguous entries (a.k.a. not completing the task you said you did), multiple accounts for one person, and accounts suspected to be used solely for the purpose of 'giveaway hunting'. Significant alterations in the composition of the tweet entry may result in disqualification of that entry. Giveaway rules are subject to change without notice; however, if any changes are made, they will be updated in the blog post and widget.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Nude Skincare Pro Genius Treatment Oil and Cellular Renewal Moisturiser review + photos


            Recently you may have noticed Nude Skincare populating the shelves at Sephora, both in-store and online. So, what is this brand all about? Nude Skincare's philosophy revolves around plant oils rich in omega fatty acids and n-probiotic cell nutrient, a nutrient cocktail that has been shown to stimulate cell production of anti-aging products in vitro. Nude skincare is vegan and does not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, or synthetic colors and fragrances. I was sent a sample of Nude Skincare ProGenius Treatment Oil and Cellular Renewal Moisturiser and have my review and thoughts to share with you today!

        Both the Nude Skincare ProGenius Treatment Oil and Cellular Renewal Moisturiser are packaged in dark purple glass packaging with lavender writing. (You might notice that the coloring is reversed for some of their other products, reviewed previously). Both products were made in France.
Nude Skincare Cellular Renewal Moisturizer Ingredients : Water, Sweet Almond Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Jojoba Esters Pentylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides, Glycerin, Cetearyl Wheat Straw Glycosides, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Diglycerin, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Sclerotium Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Candelilla Cera (Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax), Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Jasmine Flower Extract, Algae Extract, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Rhodiola Crenulata Root Extract, Fragrance, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Citrate, Hydrolyzed Soy Flour, Yeast Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Ethylhexylglycerin.
          Nude Skincare Cellular Renewal Moisturiser is an anti-aging facial moisturizer for all skin types. Its features Nude Skincare's n-probiotic and cellular renewal technology, along with omega-6 and -9 to nourish and hydrate. The cream moisturizes well and has a sweet, almost fruity floral character. You can really smell the jasmine!

           Nude Skincare ProGenius Treatment Oil is a plant-oil based serum that restores radiance to normal or dry skin. You can see from the ingredient list below that the treatment oil contains quite a variety of plant-based oils that are rich in omega-3, -6, -7, and -9. To use it, warm two to three drops of oil on your palms and press it into your skin. It soaks in nicely and has a natural seed / oil - like smell. It's also worth noting that the dropper has an unusual design. Instead of your typical rubber squeeze dropper, it has a hard push button on top that performs the same function. It's aesthetically pleasing and effective.

Nude Skincare Pro Genius Treatment Oil Ingredients : Apricot Kernel Oil, Camelina Sativa Seed Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Corn Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Oil, Nigella Sativa Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Commiphora Mukul resin Extract, Glycine Soybean Oil, Tocopherol, Vanillin, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Rapeseed Glycerides, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Alcohol, BHT, Cl 75120 (Annatto).
           Nude Skincare ProGenius Treatment Oil ($78 for 1oz.) and Cellular Renewal Moisturiser ($92 for 1.7oz.) are two products that pair well with each other for a skincare routine. I find that Nude Skincare is more suitable for dry-skinned individuals since the products are oil based. (It could work on other skin types as well, but I'd recommend testing first, if possible). I tried the treatment oil and moisturizer on my dry-skinned better half--- and they worked nicely to add luminance to skin upon application. Nude Skincare is exclusive to Sephora. If you're looking for a nourishing vegan skincare routine, Nude Skincare may be worth a try! Thanks for reading! Have you tried Nude Skincare?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. For more Nude Skincare, check out my review of Nude Skincare Perfect Cleansing Oil, Purify Cleansing Wash, and Miracle Mask here!
P.S.S. If you're intrigued by Nude Skincare Pro Genius Treatment Oil and Cellular Renewal Moisturizer check back soon ---- I just might have a Nude Skincare giveaway in the works!
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Gucci Première Eau de Parfum review


          Gold is a quintessential icon of glamour and opulence. With the gold-themed Gucci Première Eau de Parfum, Gucci bottles the essence of a Hollywood 'Golden Girl'.  This is a new niche for the brand --- a sidestep away from their sensationalistic perfumes like 'Guilty' (reviewed here) and 'Envy Me'. In their pursuit of classical virtue over modern vice, Gucci created an elegant golden bottle and classy campaign for their new perfume. The ad campaign features an actress in a long golden gown dripping with sparkling sequins. Wait a second... have we seen this before?

          The Gucci Première campaign draws a number of parallels with the iconic Dior J'Adore campaign. In fact, I'd say the resemblance isn't a coincidence; Gucci is probably looking to take a bite out of Dior's market share! Given the striking  similarities however, it's interesting to enumerate the differences in imagery between the two campaigns. Dior J'Adore channels old world imagery (think Golden Fleece, not golden startlet) with its Greek style flacon and sepia-aged august aesthetic. Gucci Première's silvered skyline, on the other hand, conveys the vintage Hollywood glamour of the silver screen. The choice of models reflects this as well. Blake Lively is certainly younger and more 'new Hollywood' than veteran actress Charlize Theron, who has already been immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. All these points suggest that Dior J'Adore intends to evoke the 'old-world', while Gucci Première simply seeks out Hollywood's 'old-school'.

Notes: Bergamot, Orange Blossom, White Flowers, Musk, Leather, Wood
           Gucci Première Eau de Parfum is a citrus-y champagne floral with a leather and wood base. The fragrance opens with a burst of champagne, effervescing as if a bottle has just been uncorked. Bergamot adds a considerable zing, like the tingling of champagne bubbles.' (Somehow I feel as if there are some tea elements tied to the bergamot as well, but I digress). The orange blossom is present concurrently and adds to the sweet fruitiness of the champagne. After your glass of champagne 'runneth over', a white floral becomes apparent.The floral component is more like white petals, not whole blooms; it's definitely not as pervasive as white flowers can often be. The white petals provide a light, lucid perfume that almost becomes creamy; however, they're anchored by a plank of dry wood before getting that far. A leather grain (not suede) joins the mix and gets a little spicy as it matures. At the final dry down, everything becomes much lighter, and you can detect almost all the elements, including the citrus, floral, leather, and wood.

           Just like Blake Lively seems to be an 'down-to-earth' startlet, Gucci Première Eau de Parfum is a very approachable scent. The perfume has a lightness and lightheartedness that speaks more to everyday glamour than to a literal red carpet premiere. The lightness may be a downside for some; I've read complaints that the scent disappears too quickly. However, on my skin, I can detect the the dry down for at least a few hours. The wear time likely depends on the warmth or chemistry of your skin, as well as the sensitivity of your nose. While Gucci Première is not for those who wish to flaunt their perfumes, its lightness is not necessarily a bad thing. It's nice for those who want a scent that can be worn day or night without having to resort to something super-fresh or girly.


          Gucci Première Eau de Parfum channels the Hollywood 'Golden Girl' with a beautiful golden bottle and a startlet in a sequined dress.  It's a good scent, however, it falls short of the glamour and opulence portrayed by the iconic fragrance Dior J'Adore. J'Adore simply evokes more richness and visceral power. That said, it's tough for any perfume, Gucci Première included, to live up to a legend --- I mention it only because the presentation of Première simply begs the comparison.

          On its own, Gucci Première is a worthwhile sniff. The effervescent citrus-y champage with white florals is an everyday glamour type of scent that should garner a bevy of fans. The leather and wood base is light and adds the hint of edge suggested by Blake's Janus-like portrait above. Gucci Première is a wearable scent that can work during the day or night. It's typical Gucci, really: a splashy, flashy campaign on the outside with a pleasant and wearable fragrance inside.

          Thanks for reading! Have you tried Gucci Première? What was the last Gucci perfume you tried? Do you have a favorite 'golden' scent?

Love, Dovey.

Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate review + DonorsChoose.org!



            One of the cool things about Kiehl's is that they make it a point to support charitable causes. This month, Kiehl's is at it again, raising money for DonorsChoice.org. Through DonorsChoice.org, public school teachers can post requests for classroom needs, which can range from books and art suppplies to tablet computers and telescopes! Donors can visit the website and fund projects that inspire them. Kiehl's is supporting the charity through sales of a jumbo 3.4 oz. size of Kiehl's Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate (retail price $100). Everyone who purchases a bottle will get a $50 voucher to 'spend' on a DonorsChoice.org project of his or her choice.

          In case you haven't tried Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line Reducing Concentrate, I have a quick review for you today! The concentrate contains a high concentration of Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid). Vitamin C is thought to decrease lines and wrinkles, as well as improve the texture and tone of skin. I've had good experiences with Vitamin C products in the past, and have been enjoying a sample of the Powerful-Strength Line Reducing Concentrate courtesy of Kiehl's. The concentrate has a slight citrus scent and a warm, velvety feel that's easy to work into skin. It can be incorporated into skincare routines underneath your everyday moisturizer.

Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Lauroyl Lysine, Acrylates Copolymer, Adenosine Fmla 685275/21 Code F.I.L: D39705/1.


           To recap, Kiehl's is raising money for science classrooms by donating $50,000 to DonorsChoice.org. Those who purchase a 3.4 oz Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate from March 11- April 15 will receive a $50 voucher to donate to the classroom project of their choice. It's a great way to support science education, while pampering skin at the same time! Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing concentrate is available at stores, counters, and www.Kiehls.com.

        Thanks for reading! Have you tried Kiehl's Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate? Do you use Vitamin C-supplemented skincare? What Kiehl's products have you tried lately?

Love, Dovey.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. The Kiehl's link in this post is not an affiliate link; it is present for your convenience.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Mai Couture Blush Papier in Prettyful review + swatches


           I have something whimsical to share with you today : Mai Couture Blush Papiers in Prettyful! You've probably heard of blotting paper, but how about blushing paper? Mai Couture's Blush Papiers are small sheets of paper with lightly applied powdered blush. All you have to do to achieve a glowing blushed look is to rub a sheet to both cheeks --- no blush or brush required! They're great to slip into a wallet or purse for beauty on-the-go.

          I had wanted to try Mai Couture for some time, but missed out when samples were available at Nordstrom. However, recently, a coworker gifted me a generous bag of samples which included Mai Couture Blush Papiers in Prettyful! The sample packet came with two sheets of blush papers (see below). I think the sample size papers are a bit smaller than the full size papers.

Ingredients : Nadelholz bleached kraft pulp, hemp pulp, kaolin, mica, iron oxides.
          The  Mai Couture Blush Papiers in Prettyful have color applied on one side only, so you won't get it on your hands while applying. Each sheet is good for one use. The powder applied goes on sheer (after all, you wouldn't want a visible stripe on your face from too much pigment) to create a nice brightening flush.

            Mai Couture Prettyful is a light and bright pink with an iridescent cool pink sheen. As I mentioned above, it is sheer, so I compared it to two Tarte blushes that I swatched more lightly than I usually would. Tarte Amazon Clay Blush in Adored is a significantly cooler pink. Tarte Glisten (reviewed here) is similar, but has a slightly pinker base. A major difference is that Glisten glows gold, while Prettyful has a cool pink shine. Something that can't be appreciated well from the photo below is how much sheen Mai Couture Prettyful has when seen in real life.


         I was surprised by how *pretty* Mai Couture Blush Papier in Prettyful was. The wearable pink base with the cool pink sheen is just the kind of color I like. I also had more fun rubbing and blending the color in with the paper than I expected! It is a convenient option to get a little color if you're often on the run. That being said, $17.50 for 50 sheets is quite steep if you consider how many uses can be had from a typical blush pan! Thanks for reading! Have you tried Mai Couture? What do you think of paper-application blushes?

Love, Dovey.

Win It! Neutrogena Sun Kit Giveaway ($60 value x 33 winners!)


         Whether you're hoping to hit Miami beach this summer, or just catch some rays shore side on Lake Michigan, it's never too early to start planning for sun protection. At the recent Neutrogena Sun Summit, a panel of scientists and dermatologists gathered to discuss climate change and the impact of the sun on our skincare needs. The weather is changing in more ways than we think. UV exposure increases 33% for every 20% ozone loss. 33% more UV means a 33% greater chance of getting skin cancer. To stay protected, it's important to wear the right sunscreen, tailored to your age, lifestyle, and activity. To spread awareness of the importance of sun protection and the 33% statistic above, Neutrogena has provided 33 Neutrogena Sun Kits to give away to Cute and Mundane readers! Each Neutrogena Sun Kit ($60+ value) contains the following six items:

Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 70 ($10.49)
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 100+ ($11.49)
Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF55+ ($9.49)
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Lotion Broad  Spectrum SPF 60+ ($10.49)
Neutrogena Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF60+ ($10.49)
Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF45+ ($10.49)

          This giveaway is open to Cute and Mundane readers with U.S. addresses only, as per the sponsor's wishes. Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. You can use a nickname if you like on the entry form, however I will ask for your full name for mailing purposes should you be a winner. Email addresses are not visible to the public and I will only use them for the purpose of contacting the 33 winners. Good Luck!

Love, Dovey.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway rules and information:  I will notify the winner via email. Each winner will have 72 hours to respond to my email with their mailing address; if there is no response, I will select a new winner. I will forward the address to the sponsor (Neutrogena), who will be responsible for mailing the prize. I reserve the right to disqualify any entries. Reasons include (but are not limited to) false or ambiguous entries (a.k.a. not completing the task you said you did), multiple accounts for one person, and accounts suspected to be used solely for the purpose of 'giveaway hunting'. Significant alterations in the composition of the tweet entry may result in disqualification of that entry. Giveaway rules are subject to change without notice; however, if any changes are made, they will be updated in the blog post and widget.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

I'm a 2013 Neutrogena Blogger Ambassador!


        Skincare is a topic I really enjoy and have come to feature quite often on Cute and Mundane. After all, great skin is the key to any beauty routine! (I like to think of it as the foundation for applying foundation). As a skincare enthusiast, I'm excited to announce that I've been invited to be a Neutrogena Blogger Ambassador in 2013! Neutrogena is the #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand, and among the most recognizable skincare brands in the U.S. (I bet most of us, including myself, have had Neutrogena skincare on our shelves at some point). As a 2013 Neutrogena Blogger Ambassador, I'll have the opportunity to test new products in their affordable and effective skincare line, and share those that I think would be of interest to readers. There's something in it for readers too; I have a major Neutrogena giveaway in the works, so check back soon!

        As usual, the opinions I share, both positive and negative, are completely my own, and always will be! Thanks for reading! I'm looking forward to this journey and I hope you are too! What Neutrogena items do you have in your skincare stash?

Love, Dovey.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

LUSH 'Hoppy Easter' review + photos


            This Easter, the LUSH Hoppy Easter knot wrap is back again, filled with fragrant surprises! One of these bunnies hopped into my hands, thanks to the folks at LUSH, so I have a too cute review to share with you today!


         LUSH knot wraps are re-useable kerchiefs fold into cute shapes to store your LUSH goodies or other items. When you unwrap this particular bunny, you'll find a carrot and an egg within!


           LUSH Fluffy Egg bath bomb is a perennial favorite at LUSH. The bright pink bubblegum scented bath bomb will color your bath pink and has the same scent as their holiday Snow Fairy shower gel. (They're also sold as singles, so you can pick up a dozen extras if you need your Snow Fairy fix).


          LUSH Carrot bubble bar is a best 'smelling' Easter veggie! This generously sized lemon and buchu scented bubble bar is meant to be re-used up to seven times. (Carrot is also sold as a single item). My favorite way to use the more solid (i.e. non crumbly) bubble bars is to hold them under a stream of water as the tub fills --- bubbles are more readily made this way. The green tuft comes in handy for both holding Carrot under water, and as a way to hang-dry the bar when you're not using it.


          LUSH Hoppy Easter gift set ($17.95) is a very 'hoppy' gift indeed; it's sure to delight anyone who finds it in their basket come Easter Sunday. As for me, I'm looking forward to some very fragrant baths this coming weekend! Thanks for reading! Are you planning on picking up anything from the LUSH Easter collection? What are your favorite LUSH bath bombs or bubble bars?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. For more cute LUSH knot wraps, be sure to check out my reviews of Mr. Bumble and Mr. & Mrs. Frosty!
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

Friday, March 22, 2013

SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE Part II : Color Contour Face Brush set review + photos


          To celebrate the 2013 Color of the Year, Sephora has partnered with Pantone to create a stunning new Emerald collection! Yesterday, I shared my thoughts on the SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE kabuki brush and eye brush roll (review here). Today, I'll be reviewing the SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE Color Contour Face Brush set!


         The SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE Color Contour Face Brush set is packaged in a sturdy emerald cardboard case.  It can be folded to store or opened as a stand to display your brushes. The outside is decorated with three colorful and iridescent squares.


           The brushes included are the Fan brush, Contour brush, Crease brush, Large eyeshadow brush, Cream eyeshadow brush, Domed smudge brush, Angled liner brush, and Short smudge Brush. The bristles are soft synthetics. The brush handles are cylindrical and have metal exteriors upon which the brush names and SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE are printed.


           The SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE Color sculpting Color Contour Face Brush Set ($68) is a fun way to add a dose of emerald green to my daily routine! I'm glad that Sephora chose soft synthetic brushes; they're cruelty free and can be washed more vigorously than their natural counterparts. Overall, it's a well constructed, color coordinated set. Thanks for reading! Have you picked up anything from the SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE collection? What have you been eyeing? Are you a fan of colorful beauty tools?

Love, Dovey.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE Part I : Color sculpting Kabuki Brush + Spectra Blend Eye Brush Roll review + photos


         If you're a color enthusiast, you've probably heard that the 2013 Pantone Color of the Year is Emerald. Color me excited --- what a gorgeous green! Last year, Sephora partnered with Pantone to create a Color of the Year Collection for Tangerine Tango; it was so successful that a Tangerine Tango product was sold every six seconds during the opening month! It was only fitting that they would partner again and create an Emerald collection for 2013. I've received a few green gems for review, and I'll be sharing the SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE Color sculpting Kabuki Brush and Spectra Blend Eye Brush with you today!


          The SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE Color sculpting Kabuki Brush is a soft, synthetic kabuki brush (my favorite kind!) The handle is an emerald green metallic color. It has 'SEPHORA' printed on one side and 'PANTONE UNIVERSE' on the opposite.  There are single '+' signs on the remaining two sides of the square.


         The SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE Spectra Blend Eye Brush Roll contains essential brushes to take on the go. The carrying case has a colorblocked nylon exterior with a magnetic closure.The brushes included are the Angled blush brush, the Blending brush, and Eye shadow brush. The bristles are soft synthetics. The brush handles are cylindrical with metal exteriors upon which the brush names and "SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE" are printed.


           I'm happy to add SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE Color sculpting Kabuki Brush ($18) and Spectra Blend Eye Brush Roll ($20) to my routine. I'll be getting a lot of use from the former to blend my foundation, while the latter will be perfect for my purse! I'm glad that Sephora chose synthetic brushes; they're cruelty free and can be washed more vigorously. Overall, both products are well made, reasonably priced, and are a fun way to add some emerald to your beauty routine!

        Thanks for reading! Have you picked up anything from the SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE collection? What have you been eyeing? What are your favorite kabuki and/or travel brushes?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. Read about some other emerald items I've been  collecting here.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Chantecaille Magnolia, Jasmine, and Lily Healing Emulsion review + photos


          The Chantecaille Magnolia, Jasmine, and Lily Healing Emulsion is an exciting new addition to Chantecaille's skincare lineup this Spring 2013. It's part of Chantecaille's Aromacologie line, which consists of botanically based formulas that calm, heal, and protect. The healing emulsion contains Magnolia Youth Complex to reduce redness, White Lily Bulb to hydrate dry skin while brightening complexion, and Jasmine to condition the skin and stimulate cell renewal. (Sounds amazing, right?)

         I've been delighting in Chantecaille Magnolia, Jasmine, and Lily Healing Emulsion for the past few weeks, thanks to a press sample. The emulsion is a lightweight lotion that can be used alone or layered with your favorite moisturizers. (For heavier moisturization, try Chantecaille Flower Harmonizing Cream!) Not much product is required per use; 1-2 pumps should be sufficient. The Chantecaille Magnolia, Jasmine, and Lily Healing Emulsion smells absolutely divine (Just like its namesake florals!), and calms my sensitive skin.


        The Chantecaille Magnolia, Jasmine, and Lily Healing Emulsion ($120 for 1.7 oz.) is a soothing lotion with a gorgeous floral fragrance that I'm delighted to include in my skincare routine! Chantecaille skincare is available at fine department stores and Chantecaille online. Thanks for reading! Have you tried Chantecaille's Aromacologie skincare line? What other Chantecaille skincare products have you been enjoying or eyeing?

Love, Dovey.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration for review. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. The Chantecaille link in this post is not an affiliate link; it is present for your convenience.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Flower by Kenzo Eau de Parfum review


          I first sniffed Flower by Kenzo Eau de Parfum a few years ago. To be honest, the scent wasn't for me, but I was entranced by the stunning packaging: an impossibly tall glass vase with a sprightly red flower sealed within. For a long time, I assumed the red flower in Flower by Kenzo was supposed to be representative of the scent, but it turns out that the fragrance's inspiration, the poppy flower, is scentless.

          This poppy-inspired perfume features rose and violet choices that seem to draw from visual cues.  Roses share the poppy's bright, unapologetic crimson hue, while violets mirror the poppy's delicate petal structure and slim stalk. I'm a fan of florals, so I figured Flower by Kenzo might work for me the second time around. Today's sniff and scribble is devoted to my (re-)examination of Flower by Kenzo Eau de Parfum.

Notes: Parma Violet, Wild Hawthorne, Cassis, Bulgarian Rose, Vanilla, White Musk, Opoponax.
          Flower by Kenzo Eau de Parfum is a sweet and fanciful concoction of powdery violet, rose, and vanilla. The first fragrant act opens with the dense fleshiness and delicate tartness of hawthorne fruit. The choice of fruit is clever--- Hawthorne evokes the familiarity of berries, while adding the unique intrigue of an uncommon fruit. (For the record, candied hawthornes are quite scrumptious!) The fruit is quickly joined by a slowly sashaying skirt of rose, whose fragrance spreads like plumes of mist across the floor. After the hawthorne and rose dance comes to a close, cassis appears to add its dewy sweetness to the mix. Then, in the second act, enter violet! The violet doesn't have much depth, but has a significant presence in the scent. It shares the spotlight with a doughy, powdery vanilla. The combination is simple, sweet, and thick.

           After the over-indulgent opening, there's a slim silence in Flower by Kenzo--- an intermission if you will --- where the scent retracts and I can barely notice the airy whispers of vanilla, violet, and hawthorne behind the curtain. At this point, I'm lost above the clouds on a sugar high, grasping at air in hopes of finding an anchor or base to the scent. However, as with Flower by Kenzo's suspended poppy, I can't find its root. Our theoretical poppy is a clipped stem, floating, no longer connected to earth. For the final act, the doughy vanilla returns, slightly abetting the sugar rush. A white musk (read: a very light musk) is barely present and does little except to smooth things. The saving grace of the Flower by Kenzo is the very late appearance of a light opoponax; its tendrils of dark wood and incense intertwine with vanilla for a more balanced and grounded finish.


           Flower by Kenzo Eau de Parfum smells of powdery, candied violets and rose petals served with a generous drizzle of warm vanilla creme. A light, woody incense tempers the sugar high. It's a dulcet scent with a sense of innocence. That said, Flower does run the risk of coming across as too sweet. It's a bit overwhelming for me; perhaps this perfume would work better on those whose skin chemistry better enhances the opoponax base.

          Though the perfume's moniker may be Flower, it doesn't really celebrate florals. Theoretically I should have enjoyed it since I love violet and rose, but the fragrance lacks both the voluptuous character of the former and the earthiness of the latter. All in all, Flower by Kenzo ironically seems more appropriate for those who enjoy sweet gourmands rather than floral lovers like me. Perhaps this was to be expected; after all, its inspiration, the poppy, is a flower without a scent!

        Thanks for reading! Have you tried Flower by Kenzo? Do you like sweet scents? What perfumes have you been wearing lately?

Love, Dovey.

LUSH Cynthia Sylvia Stout Shampoo review


         In honor of Saint Patrick's day festivities, I'd like to share a beer-inspired favorite from my shampoo collection!  LUSH Cynthia Sylvia Stout shampoo is a stout, cognac, and lemon scented liquid shampoo from LUSH's permanent lineup. It doesn't just smell like beer- it's actually made with organic vegan stout beer from a local brewery! In addition to giving the shampoo an enticing scent, the beer adds protein to give hair weight, smoothness, and gloss. It's good for those who have curly hair or hair that tends to go frizzy in humid environments. I found LUSH Cynthia Sylvia Stout shampoo easy to use. The formula provides a bit less lather than typical LUSH shampoos, thanks to the use of Ammonium Lauryl sulfate instead of the bubblier Sodium Laureth Sulfate. In addition to leaving a heady beer scent, the shampoo adds weight and volume to my hair.


Ingredients :  Stout, Water, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Fine Sea Salt, Lauryl Betaine, Propylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Fresh Organic Lemon Juice, Cognac Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Yeast, Citral, Geraniol, Perfume, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.
          With LUSH Cynthia Sylvia Stout shampoo ($19.95 for 8.4fl.oz.), your pint is always half full! It's a protein-rich shampoo that cleanses and adds weight and shine to hair. The cognac, stout, and lemon scent is a refreshing way to enjoy stout at any time of day (or night)! As you might imagine, this is a very man-friendly shampoo, and Mr. Lovey's already taken to using the bottle already! Thanks for reading! Have you tried LUSH Cynthia Sylvia Stout or other LUSH shampoos? What do you think of a beer shampoo?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. If you're interested in LUSH Shampoos, be sure to check out my reviews of LUSH Seanik, LUSH Jumping Juniper, LUSH Fair Trade Honey, and LUSH Blousey!
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

Friday, March 15, 2013

Friday Five : Perfume Book edition


          Happy Friday! As someone who has been a perennial student, I've become something of a professional textbook reader. Powering through  hundreds of pages of dense, technical text is an all too familiar endeavor. However, devoting so much time to necessary reading has almost made me forget that one can read for pleasure. Like many young bookworms, in grade school almost every night was spent with a flashlight, reading classics from the school library under the covers. I've been thinking about reading for fun again, but haven't really known where to start.

           As you probably know by now, I picked up writing about perfume on Cute and Mundane several months ago at the encouragement of the person who knows me best. I have no extensive background or special knowledge when it comes to fragrance; I just like smells of all sorts, and enjoy following my nose. Perfume reviews are relaxing to write; all I need to do is smell, and a story will unfold itself. (Whether the reviews are relaxing or interesting to read is another story.... so thanks to those who do read them!)  Up until this point, I've been penning my reviews mostly while living in my own simple bubble of sniffing, then scribbling. However, recently, I've grown curious about what else is out there. With that in mind, I added a couple perfume blogs to my diet and ordered a few books to read..... for fun! Typically on Friday Five, I share a few links to online reads I've enjoyed. This Friday, I'm sharing the five paper-print reads that made it onto my bookshelf this week:
  1. Essence & Alchemy : A Natural History of Perfume by Mandy Aftel
  2. Perfume : The Alchemy of Scent by Jean-Claude Ellena
  3. Perfumes : The A-Z Guide by Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez
  4. The Little Book of Perfumes : The Hundred Classics by Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez
  5. The Perfect Scent : A Year Inside the Perfume Industry in Paris and New York by Chandler Burr.
         Thanks for reading! Do you have any perfume book recommendations? What are you reading for fun lately (in any genre)?

Love, Dovey.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

LUSH Angels on Bare Skin and LUSH Dark Angels cleanser review + photos



          When it comes to my skincare routine, cleansing is my favorite step, hands down. It's a refreshing start to the morning and a relaxing end to evenings. I can live with only one moisturizer, but I like to keep a variety of cleansers on hand for different occasions and states of my skin. By this time, my affinity for LUSH should be well-known --- though LUSH is famous for fizzy bath bombs and colorful concoctions, many of my favorite LUSH items are actually basics from their skincare line. The short and largely natural ingredient lists seem to agree well with my finicky skin. I recently finished my tub of LUSH Let the Good Times Roll cleanser (reviewed here), so I decided it was time to try something new. Today, I have a review of my newest acquisitions, two skincare 'angels' : LUSH Angels on Bare Skin cleanser and LUSH Dark Angels cleanser!




        LUSH Angels on Bare Skin cleanser and LUSH Dark Angels cleanser are packaged in LUSH's classic black plastic pots. (By the way, if you return five empty pots to LUSH you get a free fresh facemask!) Both cleansers have a doughy consistency; it might seem odd at first, but they're easy to use. Simply take a pinch of your cleanser, work it into a paste in your wet hands, and then cleanse your face as usual!

LUSH Dark Angels cleanser (left) and LUSH Angels on Bare Skin cleanser (right).
          LUSH Angels on Bare Skin cleanser is LUSH's best selling cleanser for all skin types. It has kaolin clay to cleanse, rose and lavender to sooth and balance, and ground almond to exfoliate. A  couple years ago, I would have been hesitant to try a non-sudsy cleanser with essential oils in it; however, I've since learned that sometimes a gentle cleanser and the right variety of oils can do good!  LUSH Angels on Bare Skin becomes a nice milky paste with a soothing lavender scent. The almond scrub is nice, but on the mild end of exfoliators. The glycerine, lavender oil, and chamomile oil leave a hydrated, comfortable finish. Overall, I found LUSH Angels on Bare skin to be a soothing and balancing wash great for everyday use.

 Ingredients: Ground Almonds, Glycerine, Kaolin, Water, Lavender Oil, Rose Absolute, Chamomile Blue Oil, Tagetes Oil, Lavender Flowers, Limonene, Linalool. (100% natural, preservative free).

LUSH Angels on Bare Skin cleanser
          LUSH Dark Angels cleanser is a lump of (char)coal for incorrigible, naughty skin!  Dark Angels is LUSH's exfoliating cleanser for blemished skin. Rhassoul mud lends antimicrobial properties, cold pressed avocado oil softens and moisturizes, and rose wood and sandalwood soothe. Dark Angels takes exfoliation seriously; it's LUSH's scrubbiest facewash. It can be used daily or as a situational scrub depending on your skin. The exfoliants are small charcoal granules; there are also larger ones (as seen below) encrusted on the outside for decoration, however they aren't present throughout. If the exfoliation is too harsh, you can always dilute with more water for a gentler effect. As a side note, LUSH Dark Angels is a nice alternative to Ocean Salt if you like a scrub without acidity. I, for one, love a good, non-drying scrub, so I'm thrilled to have this in my stash. It makes for a very clean and polished complexion!

Ingredients : Rhassoul Mud, Cold Pressed Organic Avocado Oil, Glycerine, Powdered Charcoal,  Black Sugar, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Perfume, Linalool, Sandalwood Oil, Rosewood Oil.

LUSH Dark Angels cleanser
           Both LUSH Angels on Bare Skin ($10.95 for 3.5 oz.) and LUSH Dark Angels ($28.95 for 8.8 oz.) are two scrubby cleansers that I enjoy for very different reasons. The former is a gentle wash that's perfect for everyday use, while the latter is great for getting a thorough scrub and polish. Two 'angels' for skin, indeed! Thanks for reading! What cleansers or skincare items have you tried from LUSH? Have you tried doughy or non-traditionally textured cleansers?
          
Love, Dovey.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.