Lush T'eo Deodorant Review

Like many beauty lovers out there, I am a HUGE LUSH fan.  I've been hearing about it for years, but I finally made the trek downtown to the only (current) LUSH store in Pittsburgh in September (I am so excited that they are building a free-standing one in my local mall!).  I left with some amazing products and a much lighter wallet.  I loved everything that I bought and have made many purchases online since then (I went to the store for a second time a few weeks ago).

My wonderful aunt got me a $50 gift card for the LUSH website for Christmas.  I immediately ordered a bunch of new goodies to use.  One of the things I ordered was something I'd been interested in for a while...the T'eo solid deodorant oval.  It looked interesting and is aluminum-free.  I'm always looking for a good aluminum-free deodorant.  I tried Tom's and was disappointed in it because it did not control my sweat.  I actually usually use Old Spice Fresh deodorant.  I know...it's a men's deodorant.  But a) it's not a super manly scent and b) it's aluminum-free (it's alcohol based).  So, I wanted to try T'eo to see if it could replace the Old Spice so I won't look as weird using man deodorant.

The LUSH website claims: It’s widely misunderstood that sweat is stinky. Sweat doesn’t make you smell, it’s the bacteria that causes armpits to go stinky. Wage an offensive against smelly pits with our triple citrus deodorant bar. Packed with perspiration absorbing powders and smell neutralizing essential oils, we’ve created citrusy T’eo to be your reliable companion no matter how far your adventures take you. Juniper berry, tea tree and lemongrass are the hardworking essential oils that help to combat bacteria and microbes and keep you smelling fresh.

This deodorant smells SO good.  It has a great, strong citrus scent.  Unfortunately, that's all it has going for it.  As soon as I opened this deodorant and held it, a good bit of it crumbled off!  

As you can see, a big chunk of the bottom crumbled off.  This deodorant is constantly crumbling.  The way you use it is you grab the blue side and swipe the white side over your clean, dry underarms.  WHAT A MESS!  The deodorant also crumbles when you apply it and gets everywhere...on my undershirt, my pants, the floor.  It sucks.

As soon as I apply this deodorant, it burns my skin.  Really badly.  And it has nothing to do with freshly shaved arm pits, because when I've used this it has not been after shaving.  This was one of the main complaints on the website.  Many said that they don't even have sensitive skin and it burned their skin and gave them a rash.  After two uses, I could feel a rash coming on from using it.

Although this deodorant smells great, the smell only lasts for a couple of hours.  The deodorant also does nothing to absorb perspiration as it claims to.  

As you can tell, this is a huge thumbs down for me.  I would not recommend purchasing this product.  I should have done my research and read further into the reviews. *kicks self*  I am hoping that LUSH has a generous return policy.

New Year's Eve Eye Makeup - Picture Tutorial

I know, I know...I haven't posted in a while.  It is so hard for me to keep up with this while I am working.  I am not working right now, but that is due to some pretty serious health issues.  So that also took priority over beauty blogging.

However, one of my online friends (Vicky) suggested I do a tutorial on this look when I posted in on Instagram on New Year's Eve.  It's a look I would really wear whenever...but I like bold, sparkly looks.  I hope you like it  :)

1.) Prime your lids.  I'm using Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.

2.) Pat a gunmetal/silver color onto your lid.  I used Silver Screen by MAC (which is a pretty crap eyeshadow, but I did spend like $20 on it :| )

3.) Pack a teal color into your crease.  I used Jealousy Wakes by MAC.  This was a limited edition eyeshadow created by Christine from Temptalia.  If you go here or here, you can find dupes/similar shades.

4.) Blend it out!

5.) Pack a black eyeshadow into your outer crease.  I used the black shade in the Inglot 120R Rainbow Eyeshadow Single.  Then blend it out (I didn't take a picture of the blending).

7.) Blend out the edges of the Jealousy Wakes with a matte eyeshadow close to your skin tone to reduce the harshness of it.  I used Brulee by Wet n Wild.

8.) Highlight your brow bone and the inner corner of your eye.  I used the pearl Inglot Eyeshadow Single in shade 395.

9.) Use a big fluffy brush to lightly blend your highlight color into the whole look.

10.) Add some sparkle!  I used LORAC 3D Liquid Lustre.  I love these sparkly drops.  They are amazing.  Use the dropper to but a drop on your finger, then pat on your lid.

11.) Line your upper lash line.  You can do your eyeliner however you want, this is just how I prefer to do mine.  I used the Physician's Formula 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner+Serum...my favorite, albeit long-named, liquid liner.

12.) Mascara!  I used Maybelline The Rocket Volume Express in Very Black.

13.) Done!

I do my face makeup last.  I feel like a lot of people don't, but I prefer to.  I didn't take pictures because I only did my eyes tonight, but on New Year's Eve I used:

1.) Urban Decay Naked Foundation

2.) Urban Decay Surreal Skin Creamy Concealer

3.) Makeup Forever HD Microfinishing Powder

4.) Too Faced Amazing Face Powder in Warm Honey (contour)

5.) Physician's Formula Mood Booster Blush (forget the shade, but it's a natural-looking pink)

6.) MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle

7.) Urban Decay Super Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in Naked

8.) LORAC Multiplex 3D Lipgloss in 4D

Hope you enjoyed!

Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin

The final product from my Beauty Blogger Vox Box...Goody Spin Pins!  Also sent complimentary for testing purposes.

I was so excited to receive this product.  I've been wanting to try these for ages, but they always seemed too expensive to buy when I didn't really know how well they'd work.  These things are pretty nifty.  You basically use them to create a quick little up do.  You turn the pins clockwise into the top and bottom of your bun, respectively.  Make sure the pins don't interlock, and voila ~ !  Above is a (crappy) cell phone picture of my side bun I did using the Spin Pins.  It worked out pretty well.  The only thing I don't like is that I feel like two Spin Pins isn't enough...I had to use regular bobby pins to secure pieces of hair that stuck out.  Maybe that's just me and my sucky hair styling, though.

Product Information: http://www.goody.com/

The Spin Pin does the work of 20 bobby pins! Easily achieve chic updo styles; simply twirl your hair up and spin the Spin Pins in for a perfect top knot, undone bun and side bun!

The Goody brand is the most widely-recognized manufacturer of hair accessories and styling tools in the world. Through proprietary brands such as DoubleWear™, QuikStyle™, Simple Styles™, Slide-Proof™ and Ouchless®, Goody has introduced smart innovations like the exclusive Spin Pin and Quik Style Brush. With products inspired by the latest designer trends and innovative solutions, Goody offers an inspiring range of hair accessories and styling tools.

Price: $6-$7, depending where you buy

Where to Buy:  Any drugstore or beauty store

Not Your Mother's Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair Cream

Another Beauty Blogger Vox Box Product!  Also sent complimentary for testing purposes.

I'm one of those people that doesn't use a ton of hair products.  I feel like products that claim to control your frizz don't work, and if they do, they cost an arm and a leg.  And the drugstore versions are usually super waxy and just weigh down your hair.  But this stuff is AMAZING.  Not only is this cream very light weight, but it really controls frizz in your hair and smooths it out.  I love it.  The best part?  It's only $6.00 for the full size (4 fl. oz.)!

Product Information:  Not Your Mother’s offers essential hairstyling products with only the best ingredients and technologies for a truly cool and unique style. Your style might come from the streets, the magazines you read or straight from the Catwalk. Trends fade, but true style never will. Confidence, creativity and class will always be in fashion. Dare to experiment with new styles, get inspired and embrace your own personal fabulousness. Don't follow others, make your own statement. Stand out, be different, and embrace your style with Not Your Mother's.

Price:  $6.00

Where to Buy:  http://www.nymbrands.com and most drug and beauty stores

Kiss Ever PRO Lash Starter Kit

I received this false eyelash kit in my Beauty Blogger Vox Box.  Like the other products, this was sent complimentary for testing purposes.

I'm not going to lie..I don't really like false eyelashes.  I can really feel them on my eyes and they are just a pain to me.  But I do wear them for special occasions, such as in the picture above!  I wore these on Halloween.  They were surprisingly easy to put on.  I think I prefer Duo lash adhesive to the one they provided, but it worked well enough.  The 'applicator' were basically just plastic tweezers, but it was helpful to have.  These stayed on me all night and I am also going to be able to use them again.  Thumbs up from me!

Product Information:  Ever tried applying eyelashes but became frustrated when they didn’t position correctly? Only to remove them and start over? Kiss Ever PRO Lash Starter Kit provides everything you need for amazing lashes instantly! Each kit includes 1 pair of Eyelashes, 1 3g Adhesive,and 1 PRO Lash Applicator. The new PRO Lash Applicator allows for a flawless application every time! Kiss lashes come in a variety of styles that are perfect for everything from day wear to a formal evening event. 

Made from highest quality human hair. Use with Kiss adhesive for optimal results. Latex free, odor free, waterproof, flexible formula for 24hr hold, easy applicator.

Price:  About $8

Where to Buy:  Most Drugstores

More Kiss Prodcuts:  http://www.everezlashes.com/home

NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact

I received this NYC (New York Color) IndividualEyes Custom Compact in my Beauty Blogger Vox Box.  This product was sent to me complimentary for testing purposes.

I have used NYC products before.  I have always been a fan of their liquid liner and cream stick blushes (which I believe are discontinued).  I've also used their mascaras.  But, I've never tried out their eyeshadows.  This palette comes with four shadows, a primer, and an 'illuminator.'  The palette actually came to me with one of the shadows broken and the broken pieces stuck in the primer and illuminator - this is one of the downsides.  The fallout from the shadow gets stuck there.  I also was not a fan of either the primer or illuminator.  They were both quite oily and greasy which is not a good match for my already oily lids.  The shadows are pigmented and fairly easy to blend.  This is great for a quick and easy smokey eye.  The shadows do crease and fade even with Urban Decay Primer Potion and Too Faced Shadow Insurance - but that could also be because of my oily lids.

Product Information:  Straight from the city that never sleeps, NYC New York Color offers products with uptown style at down-to-earth prices, from $.99 - $4.99. The energy, style, and color of New York City shines through the wide range of shades, textures and innovative products. NYC always delivers the most on-trend products & shades hot off the runway!

Price: $4.99

Where to Buy:  Most Drugstores and http://www.newyorkcolor.com

Bath & Body Works Fall Mini Candle

As part of the Beauty Blogger Vox Box Program by Influenster, I received this fall mini candle from Bath & Body Works.  This product was sent to me complimentary for testing purposes.

I have always loved these candles.  I've been buying and using them for years.  They usually are on sale at the start of each new season, so the price of them is really good as well.  They smell SO good, and can make any room smell wonderful.  My boyfriend was burning one of these in his room the other day and you could smell it from downstairs!  I was so excited to receive this in my Vox Box so that I could test out a new scent.  This scent was particularly wonderful and great for fall.  It came with a coupon for $10 for 3 wick candles and you could buy up to 5.  I took full advantage!  I love these candles and will continue to buy them.

Product Information:  Highly fragranced candle exclusively developed and tested by our team of Home Fragrance experts, including the world's best master perfumers. Made using the highest concentration of fragrance oils, an exclusive blend of vegetable wax and lead-free wicks for optimal performance

Price:  3 Wick Candles ~ $19.50/2 for $20 on sale

Medium Candles ~ $15-$20

Small Candles ~ $9.50-$10/$4.75 on sale

Mini Candles ~ $3.50/2 for $5 on sale

Where to Buy:  Bath & Body Works Stores or http://www.bathandbodyworks.com