LAB 002: Heaven Scent
Date: 5/20/2013
Lab Partners: Jo Malone London
Introduction: Jo Malone is a bespoke fragrance house for perfumerias (if this is not found in Merriam Webster it should be) like myself. The brand offers a wide array of notes (spicy happens to be mine) that can be combined and layered with one another to create your own personal fragrance. It's easy to spend hours at the counter while you explore the vast amounts of goodies. And I dare not forget to mention their impeccable customer service and packaging. I always leave feeling like royalty.
Materials: My signature scent, Vanilla & Anise combined with Blue Agave & Cacao
Procedure: While I don't use the body wash, I do finish this intimate encounter with one of my two favorite fragrances' bath oil on damp skin and follow up with the body creme. We usually meet twice a day, which leaves my bed smelling like the night before ;-). In the morning I do however splash on one (or sometimes both) of the two scents and voila....I'm ready to take on the world!
Data: Besides shoes and bags, perfume has to be one thing that I will sacrifice an entire paycheck for. Well, maybe not the entire check, but let's just say that tuna sandwiches and Ramen noodles are on heavy rotation for those 2 weeks. I mean these things are investments right? Exactly!!!!! So, a fragrance set that will set you back a few hundred is just what a lady needs to complete the package. Presentation is key and how you smell is essential to a complete package. So while I have MANY in my arsenal (and I mean MANY) Jo Malone has to be one of my most coveted brands when it comes to perfumes. When you are stopped by men, women, and children asking what you are wearing you know you're making a statement.
Results: Let's just Vanilla & Anise combined with Blue Agave & Cacao is my milkshake that brings all the boys to the yard. The scent is not overpowering AT ALL, which makes it perfect for those who are sensitive to perfume.
Conclusion: Hands down....the best brand to begin your love affair with luxury fragrances. My olfactory system does a happy dance every time we meet. They offer a myriad of scents and I guarantee, YOU WILL find that one that will make you swoon!
References: Don't believe me, click here to check them out for yourself. Don't be fooled my the names....they will surprise you at how yummy they actually smell on! Let me know if you are familiar and if so, what is your signature scent.
LAB 001: Male BB Cream
Date: 5/15/2013
Lab Partners: Lab Series/Skincare for Men
Purpose: Would you buy for your man friend? Would your man friend "appreciate" such a product? How do you sell such product?
Introduction: So I am interested in finding out how my male friends would receive such product. Oddly enough, I have come across some baffling information while trying to organize an "all male" event. What I have found is that my metro men and "girlfriends" are open to the term grooming, while their rough around the edges counterparts have a problem with the term. I mean what is so wrong with this word? All of the men surveyed were/are interested in their appearance and hearing about the "in the now" services and products, yet the term grooming conveyed different messages amongst some of them. So I say all of this to ask, "How do you market a BB Cream to a man"?
Materials: BB Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 35. Here is how Lab Series describes said product: Multi-functional corrective and reparative treatment that perfects the skin instantly and maintains it with superior long-term technology. Universal shade adjusts to any skin tone. With continued use, skin is even in tone and texture, pores are refined and lines/wrinkles and sagging skin are diminished. SPF35 provides daily protection against harmful UVA/UVB which cause premature aging.Procedure: What else is a girl to do, but take the questions and product to the streets and see what the men have to say.
Data: With only knowing the product was a moisturizer with a much needed SPF of 35, the general consensus was it was light weight with a nice smell; Fresh and clean scent. They would purchase, but wouldn't necessarily go into the store to look for it.
Results: After informing the men of the exact product name, there was about a 30% favoring of the product. Immediately the product denoted a negative reaction. They felt as if they were using their girlfriend or sister's product.
Conclusion: Aren't men uuummmm.....different? LOL...I mean seriously, you liked the texture and scent, but now it's a feminine product because it is considered a Beauty Balm? All in all, I'm not sure how easy this product is to sell without the help of a GREAT sales person. I'm interested in heading to the counter to get some feedback.
References: My state side boos
The Pore Purifying Black Strips are said to instantly absorb dirt and oil which clogs pores. Due to the active charcoal in the strips it also reduces the appearance of blackheads thus clarifying the skin and leaving you with a healthy glow. What I love the most about this over other OTC dupes is all of the wonderful, natural yummies in it to treat oilier skin.
While this reduces the appearance of blackheads and congestion from around the nose, it is equally important to make exfoliation a part of your weekly routine. Blackheads can form anywhere on your body where there is oil and dirt build up. So where to find you ask? Boscia Pore Purifying Black strips can be found exclusively in Sephora as well as their company site www.bosciaskincare.com. Keep in mind these strips carry a heavier price tag than you local drug store dupes, however I think the reviews on Sephora.com speak for itself!
Below is a list of a few of the ingredients that pack a powerful punch:
- Charcoal which draws out impurities and aids in detoxification
- Silica which helps control excess oil
- Witch Hazel Extract which is a natural astringent
- Jojoba which is an antioxidant
- Willowherb which calms skin inflammation, reduces redness and irritation
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| photo courtesy of saveur.com |
Since Valentine's is that one occasion where it's "acceptable" to indulge in the delectable treat, I thought I would share it's benefits for glowing skin. Who would have thought, right? We have been brainwashed with the idea that chocolate causes breakout, but that is not entirely true. Just remember too much of anything is never good for you. So, Watch and listen up!
