Love and Tears: Surrender By Kilian

This Eau de Parfume is sweet and a bit peachy in the beginning, but quickly mellows into jasmine.

According to the By Kilian site the notes are:
Mediterranean Notes: Italian Bergamot, Paraguayan Petitgrain, French Lavendin Orpur, and Galbanum.

Jasmine Notes: Indian Jasmine, Egyptian Jasmine Orpur, Jasmine Headspace, Solar Jasmine, and Winter Jasmine.

Floral Notes: Comorian Ylang-ylang Orpur, Daffodil, Orange Blossom, and Lily of the Valley.

Sensual Notes: Oakmoss, Cedar, and Styrax.

I smell the daffodil and Lily of the Valley, which I initially confused for iris. I smell the jasmines and the orange blossom. I'm getting a bit more of the Lavendin which smooths things out.

This fragrance is sweet, but mellow and a bit clean. It reminds me of White Camella, as far as being sweet and innocent. I like it, but its a bit chilling to me. The 50ml bottle costs 175 euro, which is about $220 US.

I give this fragrance a 7 out of 10.

Review: Indonesian Bali Blue Moon Coffee

I recently got a coffee roaster as a gift. Which I love. So here is the first coffee review I will be doing.

Indonesian Balinese Krishna Blue Moon
Origin: Bali
Where can you find it: http://www.burmancoffee.com
Price per pound: $6.75

Here's what Burman said about this coffee:
"A very rich, clean, and smooth cup with a nice sweet orange chocolaty finish. Medium to full bodied with low acidity, a nice daily cup. Hints of a slight smoky tones can be found, especially in a darker roast. The orange citrus tone is what makes this cup exceptional, this is the only coffee we have had with that great flavor!"

I roasted this coffee to a medium dark roast, so about 25 min. A full dark roast is 30 min. This coffee is quite clean tasting, but also quite acidic. There are muted smoky tones, but the fruity-ness is stronger. I wouldn't add sugar to this brew as it's sweet already. The texture is smooth with a slight bite. I can't distinguish the orange tone, but I understand how is could be perceived as citrus. Overall, this coffee is bright with a smooth finish.

8 out of 10

Sasa.com Lucky Bag of Gorgeousness

Hey everyone, sorry I've been MIA so long! I started school and I'm now happily in the Vet Tech Program!!! I'm taking 17 credits this semester, so yeah... I've been busy! Midterms are coming up in a couple of weeks so it might be some time before you hear from me again! But that's not what this blog is about! This blog is about the lucky bag I recently bought at Sasa.com. I got the bag of Gorgeousness... hoping for makeup, but I'm very happy with what I was sent.

So here it is... "Unboxing"/ first impression of Sasa's Lucky Bag of Gorgeousness.

A lucky bag, for those who haven't heard the term, is a bag that you order and you have no idea what's in it. You basically get several products to try, generally sample sizes, and you do get to choose them, but its still kinda fun to see what your going to get. I bought this for 29$. So here's what I got...

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief: 

"Light, comfortable cream/gel plumps skin with hydration for a full 24 hours. Fine lines, flakiness and tightness are washed away. In their place—a sense of supple, firm, vibrant well-being, even through shifts in humidity. One ‘drink’ and skin looks and feels happier, healthier. Oil-free." ~ Quoted from Clinique.com.

I have the 15ml jar, which is the second smallest jar Sasa offers... which I'm glad, because its large enough to try without being stuck with extra if I dislike it. This jar is 9 dollars at Sasa and 25$ at the original price. Clinique doesn't offer a container this small on their website.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel:
This is the yellow bottle in the picture. I received the 30ml tube, which isn't listed on either the Clinique or the Sasa site. So I can't give you an price for it. However... a 50ml tube of this product was 20$ on Sasa and 13$ on the Clinique site... so thats weird that Clinique is cheaper, but it proves a point about shopping around!

"The oil-free moisture “drink” developed by Clinique’s dermatologists to maintain optimal moisture balance for skins comfortable in the cheeks but oily in the T-zone or oily all over. Oil-free formula softens, smooths, improves. 1.7 fl. oz."~ Quoted from Clinique.

Clinique Rinse-off Foaming Cleanser:
This is the pink/lilac tube in the picture. I got the 30ml tube, which, again, isn't listed on either site. A 50ml tube at Sasa costs $7.10 and the only size Clinique offers is $19.50, but it doesn't say how much the tube contains.

"Foamy cream-mousse cleanser removes long-wearing makeup and sunscreens quickly, gently, efficiently. Comforts with soothing botanicals. Leaves skin feeling moist, clean, fresh. A great value, too: concentrated formula is long-lasting. Ophthalmologist Tested." ~ Quoted from Clinique.

Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-off Formula:
This is the green tube in the picture. This is $5.80 at Sasa and $18.50 for an untold amount at Clinique.

"Nudges away roughness, flakiness to refine skin. Helps lessen the appearance of fine lines. Clears the way for moisture. Suitable for all skin types. " ~ Quoted from Clinique.

Clinique Moisture Surge Extra Refreshing Eye Gel:
This is the small pink tube in the picture. This is 7ml and while neither Sasa or Clinique offer a container this small on the website, but a 15ml container is $26.10 on Sasa, and Clinique doesn't seem to carry this product anymore, at least, not on their site.

Clinique Vitamin C Lip Smoothie:

This is the color Mango-thon, its a very red mango, but looks really natural on the lips and is a really pretty color. Currently, this is the only color Sasa offers, but I'm sure they'll get more soon. This is $4.50 at Sasa, but $17.50 at Clinique. Clinique describes this color as "a soft burnt orange with golden shimmer" and I have to agree. I dislike the screw-bottom, brush tip type of containers for lipgloss/liquid lipstick, but I must say that this one works pretty well. Though I did have to twist it about twenty times before it would produce any product! x.x... But the product itself is really good. I love the color, the consistency is pleasant; not very sticky and pretty smooth, it leaves lips soft looking and feeling, the glitter is very small and I can't feel it on my lips, and I think that for $4.50 this is definitely worth buying!


So I haven't tried all of these products, just the lip color, but I'll post singular reviews on these products later.

Arpege by Lavin

(Woman's) (Sweet amber-ish) This Eau de Parfume is a bit difficult to describe. I love it for its complexity.

According to fragrancenet.com, this fragrance includes: honeysuckle, jasmine, vanilla, orange blossom, rose, and sandalwood, and was first produced in 1927!  I can definitely smell the honeysuckle, which is why I bought this perfume! I really glad about that because it's a true honeysuckle, not a chemical fake.   I smell the sandalwood, the jasmine, a bit of the rose, and the vanilla... all scents I love. In fact as this dries down, I'm also getting the orange blossom! I love when all of the notes can be accounted for while harmonizing so well together. I also get an amber note... which easily smooths everything out.

This is definitely a old fashioned perfume, but I really like that! No cotton candy or pink sugar! Its elegant, but more wearable during the day than the night. Its a beautiful scent and I really enjoy the complexity. 10 out of 10!

Jaclyn Smith's California by Dana

(Woman's) (Old Fashioned Amber Musk) I like this, it takes me back to the 80's. (Keep in mind I was born in the early 90's, but I have a feeling you get what I'm saying!) This fragrance does remind me of California, but more towards the LA area. California came out in 1989, so I guess the 80's essence makes sense.

   
  

According to fragrancenet.com, this perfume includes: floral aldehydes, exotic woods, and low notes of vanilla, musk and oakmoss. I love oakmoss, its why I bought this fragrance... plus the vanilla and the musk. I get the sweetness of vanilla, I definitely get the musk, I get the aldehydes, but not the woods or the oakmoss. I also smell amber and maybe a little light incense. I think that's what reminds me so much of the 80's, as these scents used to be more popular.

Overall, it nice and nostalgic, and it does remind me of hot California nights. So I like it, it's pleasant. 7 out of 10.

Aveeno Clear Complexions Foaming Cleanser

I think this is my fifth bottle... I have no idea why I haven't reviewed this before. Lets see I started using this when I was about 14. I really like this for the gentle cleansing action it provides. Now I WILL NOT call this a foaming cleanser, while the dispenser does dispense the cleanser as a foam, the foam doesn't  last. AT ALL. The foam may last a couple of seconds at most.

This product contains the BHA known as salicylic acid. There's also; Butylene glycol, citric acid, cocamidopropyl betaine, disodium EDTA, disodium lauroamphodiacetate, fragrance, glycerine, glycine soja (soybean protein), PEG-16 soy streol, PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, polysorbate 20, sodium benzoate, sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate, sorbitol, water, xanthan gum.

Its strange that this product claims to be 'soap-free', but still contains glycerin, which is a form of soap.

This cleanser is Oil-free, Noncomedogenic, Soap-free, and Hypoallergenic.

This cleanser is the first of two that I use in my regime and it cleans pretty well, especially when mixed with pearl powder. I'm okay with the scent and it doesn't bother my super sensitive skin. I believe it does prevent breakouts, but you have to leave it on for about five min, as it is a chemical exfoliant. It's a bit drying, so I recommend using a moisturizer after washing your face, which you should do anyway. After cleansing, my face does feel a bit tight, but again moisturizing will help. I don't support the claim that this evens skin tone. Overall, I give this 7 out of 10.

Mentholatum Hand Veil Spf 15

I bought this from Sasa.com a couple of months ago. I was worried that it contained mentholatum, but it doesn't.

Ingredient List:

• Urea (An organic ingredient found in Teeth whitening products, skin creams, ect. mainly used in dermatology to rehydrate the skin.)
• Sodium Hyaluronate (also used in hydration)
•  Daucus carota (Wild Carrot.)
• Sativia(There are many variations of this species of plant, but I assume they mean A. sativia which is Oats. )
• Aloe Barbadensis (Common Aloe, for hydration and cell restoration.)
• Olea europaea (Olive Oil)
•  Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Jojoba Oil)
•  Hydrolyzed Keratin (Similar to Lanolin)
• Prunus armeniaca (Apricot, could be apricot seed oil, which is great for hydrating the skin.)
• Butylene Glycol (Skin conditioner. Type of organic alcohol.)
• Phenyl dimethicone (Silicone derivative.)
• Glycine (Buffering agent.)
• Propylene glycol (Emulsifier)
• Ricinoleate (Ricinoleic Acid. Unsaturated Omega 9 fatty Acid. Comes from Castor plant.)
• Cellulose gum (derived from cellulose. Thickens and stabilizes mixtures.)
• Magnesium sulfate (compound in Epsom salts. Used for Hydrating the skin.)
• Algin (Comes from Brown Algae and is used to hydrate the skin.)
• Menthol (Synthetic or derived from Peppermint, in this, used as a fragrance enhancer.)
• BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene. Used as an antioxidant.)
• Alcohol (Solvent)
• Paraben (preservative.)
• Fragrance
• Olefin (Alkene. Used in toiletries, but not sure what its for. Olefin Sulfate, however, is a detergent.)
• Polyglyceryl Pentaoleate (Skin conditioner and emollient.)
• PEG-1 Distearate (Thickener.)
• Mulberry Bark Extract.
• Arbutin

NOTE: I'm not sure how complete this list is. Please double check if you have any concerns. If you happen to find anything please let me know! Thanks.

I really like this hand cream. It contains Spf 15 which is nice, especially since it's a whitening hand cream. Contains Arbutin and Mulberry, which both lighten freckles and scars. Since I've been using this cream, I've noticed significant results in the look of the backs of my hands. My freckles have lightened and the tone is more even.

This cream absorbs really quickly and hasn't caused any irritation. It makes my hands super soft and smooth. As far as I've noticed, it doesn't leave a greasy residue, but it does have a mild residue which is mostly noticed when my hands get wet. Its not terribly annoying, but I could see some people having issues with it.

The fragrance isn't terrible, in scent or in power. Its a very mild, sweet scent, and once this cream absorbs it's completely unnoticeable.  

Price wise, this is very affordable! I bought this at Sasa.com for $2.50.


Overall, this is one of my favorite products so far. So 10 out of 10.

Numi Jasmine Green Tea

(Green/herbal) As this is green tea, it has a moderate amount of caffeine. This tea is certified Kosher, certified Halal, USDA Organic, and is Fair Trade. I've always really liked Jasmine tea, this one is particularly good. When you open the package (they come in individual packs), the scent is purely Spring. You can thank the Jasmine flowers for that!

This tea brews up to be a transparent grass green color. Pretty typical of green tea. The Jasmine scents the tea itself; the scent doesn't go away after it's brewed. To brew this tea, Numi recommends that this tea should be a first boil tea. You boil the water first and then let it cool a bit before pouring it over the teabag. Then steep for 2-3 min. I disregard that last note, but I prefer my tea stronger than most. If you do steep for longer, be aware that the astringency will increase the longer you steep. You can also make this into an iced tea, but I have yet to do that, as it takes longer and I have a patience problem.

The flavor is very astringent, that's the squeaky feeling you get in your mouth after drinking green tea or eating a Pomegranate.  But it's a clean taste with a astringent aftertaste. I really like this tea and recommend it. 9 out of 10

Ingredients: Fair Trade Certified Organic Green Tea and Organic Jasmine flowers. 

Angel La Rose by Thierry Mugler

"Discover a Wonderful Garden of Stars
emerging in Angel's wake...
Queen among flowers and eternal symbol(s)
of love, the passionate and voluptuous Rose
captures Angel's heart.
Timeless and Feminine..."
~Quoted form box.

(Woman's)(Floral Vanilla Candy) Initially it smells like bug spray... but as it wears for a few seconds the bug spray-y-ness goes away. The notes list on fragrancenet.com doesn't include vanilla, but I swear I smell it in there. I don't smell rose, which is included on the list of notes. But I would say that this is more of an 'impression of rose' fragrance. This perfume is very much Angel... so this is Angel's impression of a rose. I get the oriental notes and the floral notes included on the list, but not the cactus or the patchouli. There's almost a white muck in the mix, but I can't be sure of that.

The longevity of this perfume is roughly 2-4 hours on my skin. I like this fragrance, I think it's great for spring and summer, but its a little too sweet for me.  7 out of 10

Feerie by Van Cleef & Arpels

(Woman's)(Sweet Florals) This Eau de Parfume is one of my new favorites. The scent is distinctly feminine, soft florals tinged with fruit. I personally hate fruity florals, but this one leans more on the floral side than fruit. There's just the barest hint of fruit in this fragrance. This perfume was released in 2008 and has a beautiful bottle. Its notes include some of my favorite fragrance notes ever!!! Violet, Jasmine, Rose, Iris, Musk, but also includes Vetiver and orange. You can find a nice sized, 1.7 oz bottle for $49.19 at fragrancenet.com. I give this fragrance a 10 out of 10.

Review: Blinc Kiss Me Mascara

I have this in Black, and in a 2.8 g sample tube. This was included in the Sephora Favorites Lashstash Mascara Deluxe Sampler. I love this mascara! Its defiantly the BEST mascara I've ever tried... it even beat out Lash Stiletto! This mascara is soooooo black its perfect!!! This mascara is water resistant, but by no means waterproof, which is why I like it. Its a thin formula and the wand is a regular spoolie. Its the formula that makes this such a great product.

A full sized tube is $25.00 shipping included. I'm not sure if I'd pay that price, but I do love this product. Its not very flaky unless you've pulled at your eyelashes, but just rubbing them a bit doesn't smear or crumble the mascara.

According to blincinc.com, "Formerly known as Kiss Me, blinc is the original mascara invented to form tiny water-resistant "tubes" around your lashes rather than painting them like conventional mascaras. Once applied, these beauty tubes bind to your lashes and cannot run, smudge, clump, or flake, even if you cry or rub your eyes." This statement is very true! The tubes slide off of my lashes with very little force. "Blinc is better than waterproof mascaras. All it takes is the combination of lots of warm water and gentle pressure, from your fingertips, a washcloth or water pressure (i.e. shower) and the tubes will slide off your lashes effortlessly. Upon removal you will actually see the tiny beauty tubes in your hand!"

I give this mascara 10 out of 10.

Tarte MultiplEYE Clinically - Proven Lash Enhancing Mascara and Eyelash Curler

I have this in Black. I only have the sample tube, 3ml, and I'm very glad for that! This is the DRIEST mascara I've ever tried. The first application was the worst. The formula is very thick and its very hard to remove. I was really anxious to try this mascara a full bottle of this mascara is $24.00. I bought this as part of the Sephora Favorites Lashstash Mascara Deluxe Sampler package.

The wand isn't bad, but the formula just isn't for me. Tarte has this to say about their mascara, "Fortify lashes by naturally increasing lash volume by 638% while increasing the appearance of lash length and growth." This is all well and good, but if your have to struggle to get this OFF your lashes its not going to improve the look of them... Basically, because your pulling your eyelashes out...

I have to mention that the Tarte eyelash curler provided in this package is probably the best I've tried! This eyelash curler is available in a set with the Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara for $15.00.

The Mascara I'll give a 4 out of 10. The Eyelash curler I'll give a 9 out of 10!

Jimmy Choo Parfumes

(Woman's) (Vanilla Florals) The first scent I get is Vanilla. Then soft white florals billow in, but the vanilla remains to smooth out the sweetness of the florals. I don't get Tiger Orchid, nor do I get Patchouli. I just smell sweet white florals with a bit of greenery, and vanilla. Its nice though, comforting, but in a cool way. I would defiantly call this a spring/summer fragrance.

Vov Daily Fresh Wash Off Pack: Berry and Berry

This pack works really well! I just wish it smelled like berries! This pack was so inexpensive! $1.40 for the package, and you can get two-five uses from it. To use this product you apply it to a freshly exfoliated face (for better absorption), and allow 15-20 minutes before washing it off. Vov is a Korean brand, so the instructions and ingredient list is in Korean. But this pack is supposed to be lifting and tightening for the skin. After washing it off, my skin was softer, smoother, more supple, and more translucent.

I guess I understand the phrase "Translucent", though in English it doesn't make sense in a positive light. Usually, to have translucent skin means to have anemia. To have very visible veins is a sign of anemia. Once I believed that "transparent skin" meant clear. Like to have clear skin. But now I see that it means supple, bright, and vibrant skin.

I bought this pack at sasa.com

Polo Blue By Rauph Lauren

Type: Masculine. Profile: Sporty. This also has a sort of minty scent but not a minty sensation. Its cold and sweet and that might just be because of the geranium in this fragrance. 8 out of 10

Perry Ellis Night by Perry Ellis

Type: Masculine. Profile: Sporty Mint!? I actually like this, its refreshing! Wood and Spicy like a typical men's fragrance, but it has a unique characteristic and that's this minty scent/sensation. Its strong, but not over powering exactly, but in a sort of sweet way. Its different and I like it! 8 out of 10

Tresor by Lancome

Type: Woman's. Scent Profile: Flowery Familiar. Its an okay scent. It's pleasant and familiar, but I feel as if I've smelled this one too many times. Its basically a sweet vanilla musk, but with flowers. 5 out of 10

Rice Aroma Pu-erh Tea

Type: Black; Pu-erh. I love Pu-erh, while black tea is my favorite, Pu-erh is my favorite black tea. I got this from Ebay, from berylleb, this was another sample they sent me with my purchase. The initial aroma of this tea is very starchy and warm. The tea comes in these compacted little disks, I was honestly afraid to try these at first since they come from a different country without the FDA... Not that I trust the FDA, but it was a very learned fear... Of course I had gotten these right after watching The Human Centipede, so my mind was a bit warped. Hahaha! Anyway, I told myself that this tea would be soaked in boiling water, so I made some and drank it anyway! When water is poured over this tea its very fragrant!!! Its so beautiful and it smells exactly like cooking rice. The color is black-red with gold undertones. This does become a loose leaf tea, so you will need a strainer. I usually drink Pu-erh as milk tea, so the liquid becomes a tan-ish pink. The flavor is very smooth and mellow. It does taste a bit like rice, but not in the way Numi's Toasted Rice Green Tea. This teas is much more subtle, which I like considering that I find the Toasted Rice to be a bit... strong, overpowering.

I definitely recommend this!!! 10 out of 10!

Review: Isla Del Sol Cigar

Cut: Guillotine. Light method: Wooden match. Wrapper: Sumatran infused with coffee. Filler: Nicaraguan. Type: Colorado Claro. Body: Mild to medium. Length: Churchill - 7in long, 20mm wide. Smoke time: 50 - 60 min for me. Draw: Easy. Initial scent: Moist soil. This cigar is one from my favorite brands: Drew Estate. If find I enjoy their infusions better than some other companies. This cigar develops nicely. Very complex, there's a flavor change about once every inch to half inch. I bought this for about $7 at my local Smoker Friendly. I didn't get any/very much coffee flavor with this cigar, but I had a whole range of others. First few draws are very tobacco-y. Lolz. Its a nice introduction to this cigar, because sometimes I find that the actual flavor of tobacco gets lost in cigars... especially infused ones. I also get apples. Very fruity! Mild, sweet, and fruity in an unexpected way. I was expecting a type of fruit, but not the one I got. Second inch in, I get cinnamon. Third inch, I get coconut chai and pear. I also get a note of amaretto.

I like this cigar because it was super surprising!!! It was like a Summer Ale, very light, but complex and fruity. 9 out of 10.

I find it very amusing, as I'm watching the video counterpart of this review, that when I was first starting out on Youtube; I was very uncomfortable talking on camera. Now I feel uncomfortable NOT talking on camera!!!

Organic Taiwan Jin Xuan Milk Dong Ding Oolong Tea

Type: Oolong. I love this tea... probably my favorite green tea so far. I got this as a sample from one of my orders from Ebay. The seller is berylleb. The tea comes in a single serving packet. First off, I think the packaging is beautiful!!! The tea is vacuum packed. The scent of this tea is incredible!! Its milky and sweet smelling. It brews very mellow in color. It a light green, but very transparent. The flavor is fresh and grassy, but not overpowering like Matcha can be. This tea is very mellow, its not at all bitter. Its very soothing to the pallet. Defiantly recommend this one. 10 out of 10!