I’m currently sipping on a cup of Vanilla Spice Energy Tea on this gorgeous weekend afternoon and thought sharing a haul on a few treats that I’ve picked up at various stores would be the perfect Sunday post.
I have one purchase and one freebie from Sephora that have made it into my collection recently. The purchase is the LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant in Fresh Vanilla Lemon. This product comes with a reason and a story. The reason for purchase is that I have read that most deodorants/antiperspirants contain certain chemicals, including Aluminum, which applied consistently under your arm for long periods of time can cause cancer and other diseases. I do want to point out that the “link” between these chemicals and diseases is controversial and many experts deny it. Regardless, I wanted to give this “all natural” deodorant a try. The LAVANILA deodorant is aluminum-free, paraben-free, mineral-oil free, sulfate-free, 100% natural, and hypoallergenic. Plus it is vegan and animal cruelty-free. Now, I’m not going to sit here and pretend that I only use products that meet all of these requirements, but if there is a natural product that is meant to work just as well as a chemical-filled product, I would like to at least try it. After giving all of the scents a sniff I ended up selecting one that wouldn’t have been the one I would have picked had I purchased it online. I ended up going with the Fresh Vanilla Lemon scent. I don’t normally like lemon in skincare products, but somehow mixed with the vanilla this product smells delicious. The lemon makes it smell fresh and clean, but the vanilla softens it, turning it into a gorgeous scent that I can see myself using daily.
The story I mentioned is that as I was checking out, I was informed by the Sephora employee that this deodorant takes a month to start working. Say what? A month!? She said it takes that long to start to “learn” your bodies chemistry and that she would recommend layering it with your normal deodorant for a few weeks before using it on its own. This makes me nervous. I don’t want to have to use two; that defeats the purpose. So I will let you know what I think of this product as I try it. I also scored a freebie with my Beauty Insider points, the Korres Greek Yoghurt Sleeping Facial. This is marketed as a “facial in a jar”, and is great for dry skin (AKA, mine). I’m excited to try this.
Three bath and body products made it into my collection this week, 2 old favorites and a new one. You guys know I’m in an ongoing relationship with the Victoria’s Secret Pure Seduction body wash and lotion. I can’t get enough of this scent. I am obsessed. I enjoy it every time I use it and when I have used it up and switch to a new product I miss it. I actually ended up purchasing 4 of the body washes and 2 of the lotions but felt it would look ridiculous and repetitive to photograph them all so these two are representing the pack. I also picked up the Bliss Blood Orange and White Pepper Body Butter, which smells as amazing as its name suggests. It smells like fresh orange peel, and is incredibly moisturizing. I can’t really smell the “white pepper” but it adds a little something interesting to the overall name so I’ll let that slide.
I picked up two products at Ulta last week. The first was based on a recommendation from a hair stylist at a shoot I was at a couple of weeks ago, the Redken Water Wax 03. She used the smallest amount to smooth down my little “banana hairs” and the flyaways around the top of my head. I have always stayed away from products like these for fear of them making my hair greasy, but this product worked well with no greasy residue. I don’t think I’ll be using it every day, but for certain styles (or certain “banana hair heavy” days) this will be nice to have in my cabinet. The second product became mine in the checkout line. You know how they always have those little “travel sized” bargains right at checkout to tempt you? I had never heard of this brand, and the line was a bit long causing me to give it a bored sniff… and I fell in love. This Tree Hut Shea Sugar Body Scrub in Coconut Lime smells like a vacation in a little pot, and it was a bargain for only $5. I ended up loving it so much that I bought two – one for me, and one for a friend as a little surprise.
I also got persuaded (by myself) to pick up two Butter London colors, Trout Pout and Poole. The reason I was at Ulta in the first place was to pick up top and base coats, which caused me to spend quite a lot of time being distracted by all of the pretty nail colors. These two had a little invisible bubbles hanging over them saying “Take us home! We are pretty!” I’m not the hugest of nail polish lovers, so when I do buy a color it’s because I really, truly love it. And these two little darlings are going to be my new nail favorites.
Have you purchased any new beauty products recently? What did you get?
Have you purchased any new beauty products recently? What did you get?
Amazing Post!
ReplyDeletehey Elle,
ReplyDeleteAll makeup products have parabens in them even though they say "paraben free" on the lable. The reason for this is there is a specific list of parabens that are not allowed to be inside of consumer products,however there is a wide variety of Parabens that are not on that list that entitle the companies to use them within their products and still label their product "paraben free".
Hey elle! happy Sunday. I took your advice that you suggested in your Tea Party Tuesday Blog. I took a chance and started a blog! I don't really know what I am hoping for yet.. http://blisswith.blogspot.com/ Wish me luck!
ReplyDeleteNeed to try out that banana hairs product asap!
ReplyDeleteI've been looking for a more natural deodorant, thanks for the recommendation! But a month to start working?! Seems a little strange, but I'm definitely going to check it out!
ReplyDeleteNikki
Glitter and Grease
http://nikkidee14.blogspot.com/
I loveee those two nail colors from Butter London! have been contemplating on getting trout pout and I think after this, I'm going to take one home with me too! I recently got the Estee Lauder eyeshadow duo in Raisins and I want to take home with me the Jouer Blush palette which looks incredible - too bad it's sold out online :(
ReplyDeleteBethni
http://www.youtube.com/bethni
I have been using the Tree Hut scrub for a little over a month and love it! Use if before shaving and it makes your shave last longer!!
ReplyDeleteAWESOME POST! I love your blog so much! It is a great opportunity for you and your posts are so lovely to read! Is the facial in a jar good for summer or too heavy?
ReplyDeletexx
daniella
simplybeautifulelegant.blogspot.com
omg Pure Seduction is absolutely amazing! I love it so much, too!
ReplyDeleteXx
lucy
http://luceindia.blogspot.com.au
My night is made! I love your blog posts so much and I just feel so happy reading them! Never stop! I <3 you!!!! xoxox
ReplyDeleteLooks like amazing products!
ReplyDeleteCarina xx
http://www.carstina.com/
I have been eyeing up Trout Pout on the butter LONDON website. Your post makes me want it all the more. EEK EEL!
ReplyDelete-Rachel
http://www.RachelEngasser.com
There is no evidence that aluminium gives u cancer and even if u stop using deoderants that contain it they still use it to make cans for food. And taking a month to start working because it has to "learn ur body chemistry"? U have to know that's bull lol.
ReplyDeleteI'm in love with the Pure Seduction line from VS, smells wonderful. I'm also going to have to go buy those Butter polishes now ;) Thanks..
ReplyDeleteMia-
www.makemeupmia.com
Like the nail polish picks. Their the type of colors I pick especially for the summer.
ReplyDeletewww.browneyedbeautie.com
hi elle! You're blog was the reason I started mine! its beautyenthralled.blogspot.com
ReplyDeletethank you for being my inspiration i love you!
I'm obsessed with the Butter polishes. I love teddy girl color. Such a classic pale pink.
ReplyDeleteooh I love that one too!! Great pick :)
DeleteI convinced my friend to buy the gift set of Pure Seduction at Victoria Secret because she had never smelled it before and she fell in love! Money well spent!
ReplyDeletedealingwithjennifer.blogspot.com
I recently got Duri Rejuvacote Nail Growth System since my nails are AWFUL and I also just returned to my Pantene Shampoo and Conditioner after learning that Kyle Richards (RHOBH) SWEARS by it. Her hair is amazing! I have Butter London Trout Pout and I LOVE it...it's one of my favorites; so perfect for summer!
ReplyDeleteI made the switch over to aluminum free deodorant about 8 months ago. It's not that it takes the LaVanilla deodorant a month to start working, it's that it takes your body a month to purge the aluminum in your system. So I wouldn't recommend layering this with another normal deodorant, but just give it a few weeks to see results. Once you're past the purging stage, you won't miss the aluminum formulas! Just give it a fair chance :)
ReplyDeleteAddictedtoOPI
what software do you use to edit your pictures to add font and such? They are so cute!
ReplyDeletexo, Silvia
www.aboutprettythings.com
www.aboutprettythings.etsy.com
trout pout is one of my all time favorite nail polishes! I was going to buy the la vanilla deodorant to try, but I think I'll wait to hear your thoughts first!
ReplyDeletewww.livelovemakeup14.blogspot.com
I am definitely going to watch out for aluminium deodourant products :S
ReplyDeleteThose products are amazing!!
ReplyDeletebeneaththeeyeshadow.blogspot.com
I've never tried any Butter London products! I've heard great things though. Any recommendations?
ReplyDeletewww.heavenlooksalotlikeamall.blogspot.com
Just posted a Mall Haul if anyone is interested!
I'm ao obsessed with your blog Elle!!! You write so well too, I read every word. I usually just skim through posts of other blogs but I love reading yours ♥
ReplyDeleteHi! I love your blog and channels! Today I found a new product by Maybelline called Fit Me Shine-Free Foundation. It's in a stick form. I have combination skin, and my skin has been oily this summer. :/ So I need to change my foundation. I hope this works.
ReplyDeleteI love Pure Seduction so much, I also love Love Spell as well!
ReplyDeleteSeaside Beauty
xxx
I love Lavanilla for their fragrances! I've never tried the deodorant, but I've always been curious of it. Can't wait to hear your thoughts about it!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I love Pure Seduction! Have you ever tried layering it with Love Spell? It's addicting.
♥ Em from Mascara Warrior
Butter london do THE BEST nailpolishes!
ReplyDeletehttp://talisatalksbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/soap-and-glory-bright-here-bright-now.html
This is such a cute post! I really love the butter London nail polishes, the blue one :O!!!
ReplyDeleteOrlaala.blogspot.com
I love your blog! I have been watching you on youtube for about 4 and a half years! Where do you take photos of your products? I love how theres a white background :) If you have time, check out my blog :) http://cuteandpinklife.blogspot.com.au/
ReplyDeleteLoved all of it! <3333
ReplyDeletedreamingchicandclassy.blogspot.com
'Banana hair heavy days' haha! That made me chuckle!
ReplyDeleteLucy x
Elle, you are doing an amazing job with your blog. It is extremely well done and a joy to read. It's chic and not over the top. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeletexo Lillian parisiantobe.com
Natural deodorants are definitely different than non-natural, I've tried several and haven't really loved any (esp. in NYC Summers), would love to hear your review of this after you've used for a while!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the Tree Hut Shea Sugar Body Scrub in Coconut Lime!!! It's a great scrub and for a great price, you can' go wrong.
ReplyDeleteI recently bought the estee lauder pure color illuminating powder gelee (gosh, that is a long name) in the color tease based on your recommendation and i am so pleased! I know it retailed for 40$ in the us and where i live it cost twice that amount so at a staggering 80 dollars i was a bit nervous that it would look weird on me but it looks amazing! So thank you Elle :)
ReplyDeleteThey are actually on sale right now for 50% off so i might pick up a back up one.
I was a little shocked that they put them on sale because they sold out so quick in america but i guess sweden didn't get the message lol!
i wish we had victoria secret in germany :/
ReplyDeleteoxx, Katrin
http://inbetweenblush.blogspot.de/
Hey Elle! I reallywant to get some Butter London nail varnishes but I don't know if they are worth it, or how good quality they are since I have never tried them! Can you help me out! What do you think? Should I get some? xxx
ReplyDeleteLove the two shades of Butter London nail varnish you purchased. They are gorgeous on their own and I imagine would work really well together in a nail art pattern.
ReplyDeleteElle-
ReplyDeleteI started using deodorants that are aluminum free as well once I heard about the potential link between that and cancer. My grandma passed away from breast cancer in 2005 and I will avoid anything that links to breast cancer. I have been using Toms deodorant and I really like it so far. I've been testing out a few different kinds too and think natural based deodorants are definitely the way to go!
Glad to see you trying it too!
Oh my gosh.....the Tree Hut body scrub is amazing. I have been using that brand of scrubs for the last 2 or 3 years and I Love It!!! If you use it before you shave then your shave last longer and I always use it on my feet and they are always so soft! I really can't say enough good things about it! Also the LaVanilla Deodorant works great! Just give it time like the lady recommended. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteI purchased two Butter nail polishes over Christmas. I really wanted to love them but no matter what I did (base coat, tops coats, etc), they started chipping within a few hours. I don't bash my hands about either, so the chipping was just happening on its own. Am I the only unlucky one when it comes to Butter? Everyone else seems to love it. :(
ReplyDeleteI am loving the quality and professional look of these pictures! good work Elle!
ReplyDeleteI double dog dare you to do an entire post without one affiliate link. We are not stupid, if we are attracted to a product we can find it on our own especially if it's from Sephora. LOL
ReplyDeleteThen by all means, don't click on the links and google it instead :) i appreciate the affiliate links because it's convenient and if I'm going to purchase anything I don't mind supporting Elle or any of my other favorite beauty bloggers. If they don't earn any money, they wouldn't be able to do what they do. Remember that you personally don't lose any money by clicking on an affiliate link, nor does it become more expensive if you buy through one.
DeleteHave a nice day!
I really want to go to VS, but there is none near me...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.a-dash-of-anna.blogspot.co.at/
Enjoyed this blogpost! My recently bought beauty product is St. Tropez self tanning mousse and mitt :)
ReplyDeleteI have used the Tree Hut Shea Sugar Body scrub and I love it. I started with the Coconut lime one and now using the mango one. I use it right before I shave my legs and it gives me an incredible shave!
ReplyDeleteI really love your writing style in this post. I can practically hear you telling me all of this if we were friends or in a YouTube video. Loving this blog!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Elle! I absolutely LOVE those two nail colors! I recently bought the new Maybelline Dream Sun Bronzing Powder. I haven't had a chance to try it out yet but I can't wait to! Have you tried it by chance?
ReplyDelete♥ Samantha
http://www.busysweetlife.com
Girl. Stop single white female-ing Lauren Conrad.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of a paraben, aluminium, cruelty free etc deodorant is so good. Might need to start looking for a more natural alternative, thanks for the post Elle!
ReplyDeleteA beauty, food and life blog by Izzi
In her last video (Morning Routine! Get ready with me!) AprilAthena7 use this deodorant. Maybe she could advise you! :D
ReplyDeletelove the nail polish colours, so pretty (:
ReplyDelete♡
http://laurathroughthelens.blogspot.co.uk/
I'm literally obsessed with the Victoria's Secret Scents, they all smell sooo good!!! Does the shower gel irritate your skin in any way? much love xoxo I'll have a post about my VS beauty haul up tomorrow. Please check it out! You're such an inspiration
ReplyDeletehttp://blondeandfreckles.blogspot.com
Great post Elle (I don't know if a comma should go in between "post" and "Elle;" I am a grammar fanatic). Are Butter London nail polishes worth the price? And I'm surprised to hear you say that you are not a big nail polish lover. But I can understand that you might prefer other types of beauty products to nail polish. Anyways, do you think investing in a high quality camera is necessary to grow a YouTube channel? I have a small digital camera that shoots 720p, but it doesn't have a movable LCD screen, making it difficult to see if the camera is recording, if I am in frame/focus, etc. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteJust thought I would let you know that natural deodorants usually do take at least a month to start working, if not longer! I have tried many natural deodorants, including the Lavanilla one, which is okay. Toms, Burt's bees, Jason, and crystal do nothing for me though. But I have finally found one that actually works! I have to order it online, it's called No-Bo. (I know, it has a ridiculous name LOL).
ReplyDeleteOooh, I love VS scents. I recently got a Sheer Love body scrub and a Secret Crush fragrance spray. This summer's favorite products for sure! I even wrote reviews on them on my blog (:
ReplyDeletexo
Liina
http://missliina.com
pure seduction is one of my fave victoria sceret scents. i love using the body wash in hot bath. it smells soooo good!
ReplyDeleteOMG I love the Victoria Secret pure seduction body spray I have never tried the body wash though so I think I might give it a Shot next time I am at VS I am kind of excited about it !!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePure Seduction is one of the few scents that I never get sick of. I've repurchased it for years!! I really want to try that body scrub from Ulta now!
ReplyDelete- Laura
I love your blog elle, and I love you so much!
ReplyDeleteHey Elle,
ReplyDeleteI really hope you see this.(:
Toms makes a great, kind of generic deodorant with a refreshing, slightly lemony scent. I know for a fact that works right away and is by far the best I have tried. And living in an place that sets new temperature records, I've had a decent amount of experience. It's more affordable and has the same exact qualities, being made from all natural ingredients and no harsh effects, and they have listing all their products and why they use them. Not as glamorous per say as the Lavanilla deodorant, nor does it have the fabulous vanilla scent, but you definitely need to give it a try.
-C.
Im in love with pure seduction too because of you!! thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteJulia
http://borntoblush.blogspot.com/
Hey elle, any update on how the la vanilla deodorant worked out for you?
ReplyDeleteConsider how you might availability the new position from the present house. In many circumstances a display can be developed into a admission to create the new access. However, there may be restrictions as to creating the starting wider than the display position itself. construction companies san francisco
ReplyDelete