Coming Up Roses

There's nothing more timeless and elegant that a bouquet of fresh cut roses. Aside from the beautiful smell, roses also posses many beauty-enhancing benefits. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, they contain soothing and nourishing qualities that help moisturize dry skin. They've also been known to stimulate collagen production to help fight aging. It's no wonder I began to notice that many of my standout beauty favorites have incorporated Roses.

Here's a roundup of my favorite rose products that will instantly transport you to the garden:

Fresh Rose Hydrating Eye Gel Cream

This is a gel-based eye cream that provides an instant burst of hydration. It is described as being able to provide up to 30 hours of continuous moisture. I use this as my day eye cream as it has a very light texture that absorbs quickly. It's one of those products that is just a joy to apply. It smells so good and my skin feels refreshed and awake after applying.

Rosebud Salve

This lip balm has a cult following and I can see why. It's a simple, moisturizing balm that isn't too thin or too thick. It provides a burst of moisture and a light shine to the lips that stays with you for hours. I use this every morning as the first step in my makeup routine and then again at night before I go to bed. It is very affordable at only $6 per tin and of course, it has a lovely light rose scent.

Mario Badescu Facial Spray

This facial spray is formulated with aloe, herbs and rosewater. It's described as a pick me up for dehydrated, tight and uncomfortable skin. I use this in two ways: as my toner after washing my face and also here and there throughout the day to add some moisture back into my skin and wake it up. I wouldn't call it a setting spray as I don't think it extends the wear of my makeup, but it does leave a beautiful finish and takes down the powdery appearance making my skin look healthy.

Lush Rose Queen Bath Bomb 

You haven't experienced a great bath until you've tried a Lush Bath Bomb. Once you drop into the tub, sit back and relax as it bubbles and fizzes dispersing rose blossoms, petals and a beautiful rose fragrance throughout the tub, leaving you skin oh so soft. An added benefit, it turns your bathwater pink! Enjoy with a glass of Rosé and embrace the Lisa Vanderpump in you.

Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne

After enjoying the rose scents in a lot of my beauty products, I thought why not get a rose scented perfume? This one from Jo Malone is a clean and simple scent that truly smells like a soft bouquet of roses through all the notes. It is also very long-lasting compared to some of the other Jo Malone colognes I've tried. It's a very feminine and timeless scent.

Seems like everything's coming up roses in the beauty world these days. Have you been gravitating towards a specific scent lately?


Shop this Post:

Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne
Fresh Rose Hydrating Eye Gel Cream
Rosebud Salve
Mario Badescu Facial Spray
Lush Rose Queen Bath Bomb

Burn Notice: Holiday Candle Favorites

While I love candles in the fall, my absolute favorite time of year to burn them is during the Holidays. They add that special finishing touch of ambiance to a room that really gets me in the Holiday Spirit. Here's a roundup of my seasonal favorites:

Bath & Body Works Holly Jolly Christmas - B&BW describes this scent as "a festive blend of bright mandarin, red pomegranate and fresh balsam." Its a woodsy scent, like a men's cologne mixed with pine trees. The citrus notes lighten it up and soften the fragrance making smell perfect for the Holidays. The packaging couldn't get any cuter either.

Bath & Body Works Pumpkin Gingerbread - If you're like me and aren't ready to say goodbye to all things Pumpkin once December rolls around, this candle is for you. Hey, they are still serving the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks so I figure, its ok! B&BW describes the scent as "just-baked gingerbread, golden vanilla and fresh creamy pumpkin." Its very savory smelling. The strongest notes are gingerbread and molasses but there is a background hint of pumpkin spice which mellows it out a bit and makes it unique.

Bath & Body Works Fresh Balsam - As the name suggests, this is a fresh pine scented candle. It smells just like a Christmas Tree, like if you somehow stuffed an entire tree into a tiny jar. With that being said, it's the perfect amount of pine scent that isn't too overwhelming. We have a natural tree that smells amazing but this just gives it an extra kick. I haven't had one of the mason jar candles before and this is just so cute. The one wick doesn't burn down as evenly as B&BW's three wick candles but I've been burning it a lot this month and its only about a quarter of the way down, so it's a slow burn. This is one I can see myself repurchasing year after year.

Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie - Yankee describes this candle as "buttery rich, vanilla scented, holiday sugar cookies." This is an oldie but a goodie. I've bought this candle again and again. Its one of those quintessential holiday scents that really get me in the Holiday spirit. As the name intents, it smells like fresh baked cookies. Its a warm and sweet scent that wafts throughout the house, just like fresh baked cookies. This one can get dangerous because it just makes me crave Holiday sweets and I end up baking. I blame the candle!

Bath & Body Works Marshmallow Fireside - This one is actually part of B&BW's fall line but I like burning it during the holidays. The scent is pretty unique, its a mixture of sweet marshmallows, smokey campfire and a slight hint of woodsy cologne. Its one of those truly calming scents. I love to burn this in the evening after getting home from work to wind down.


A lit candle is that perfect homey finishing touch to a room during the holidays. There's nothing like lighting a candle, turning off the lights and settling down to watch a Christmas movie. Do you burn candles during the holidays? What are your favorite scents?

Burn Notice: My Favorite Fall Candles

I love all things decorating and home decor. While I like things to look put together and pretty, I also want our home to be cozy. That's why I always look to candles to add the perfect finishing touch to a room. The season that I find myself burning candles the most is in the fall. Here's a roundup of my seasonal favorites:

Yankee Candle Spiced Pumpkin - Yankee describes this scent as "pumpkins baked in simmering spices of clove, nutmeg and sweetened with cinnamon and brown sugar". To me this scent is heavy on the spice, light on the pumpkin. The spicy notes makes this a nice transitional candle as we approach the holidays. It really makes me think of Thanksgiving and Pumpkin Pie, which might be why I really love burning this in the kitchen. It has a great throw that permeates throughout the whole house.

Beanpod Chai Tea - As fall rolls around I start to crave Tea and Chai Tea is my absolute favorite. So when I saw this candle I knew I had to take it home. It has a nutty scent with notes of Ginger and a twist of citrus and vanilla, a lovely mild scent.

Bath & Body Works Leaves - It was this candle that started my love affair with Bath & Body Works candles. I grew up using their soaps and lotions but really hadn't been into the store in a few years. I had no idea they even sold candles. I had heard rave reviews on this candle so I finally went into the store to check it out. I was astonished with all the amazing candles they had to offer and I've been a convert ever since! B&BW describes this scent as a blend of golden nectar, red apple and spiced berries. It is the most classic fall scent that reminds me of an apple pie. As with all the B&BW candles, the burn is flawless. It burns evenly all the way down to the last drop.

Bath & Body Works Autumn - B&BW describes this candle as blending the scents of dark pomegranate, red delicious apple and juicy fig. It reminds me of a less spicy version of the Leaves candle, it is a more pure apple scent. This one has the prettiest packing of the bunch with the embossed gold leaves. The lid is topped with two decorative leaves that make it extra special.

Bath & Body Works Sweater Weather - B&BW describes this candle as a blend of eucalyptus, juniper berry and fresh sage. This is the strongest scent of the bunch. I'll admit that it took some getting used to but now I love it. The scent is hard to describe. The word that comes to mind is crisp. It is a very cozy scent that freshens the whole house. Theres almost has a hint of musk in there, like a nice nice men's cologne. This has the best throw out of the five. It makes the whole house smell like a crisp autumn breeze. If you aren't into the pumpkin and apple fall scents, this ones for you.

Have you indulged in any seasonal candles this fall?

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black & White Review

Nirvana is the signature fragrance release from Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen's fashion line, Elizabeth and James, available exclusively at Sephora. Growing up in the 90's I loved everything Olsen-related, from full house to those straight to VHS mystery videos, who remembers those?! They've come a long way since child stardom and have now established themselves as full-fledged fashion designers.

The Nirvana fragrance is split into two different blends, Black and White. A few months back I received a sample of the White Perfume and fell so much in love that I purchased the full size. Last week I picked up Nirvana Black as a 100 point Beauty Insider perk at Sephora and was equally impressed.  Here are my thoughts on the two fragrances:

Nirvana White

Sephora describes this fragrance as: 

"a captivating blend of delicate peony, chic muguet, and tender musk for a feminine scent with dark sophistication."

You had me at peony! I love the scent of peonies, although I will admit that scent alone can be a bit overpowering. I like that they added in a musk to add a masculine element. Its so light and fresh and its quickly becoming my new signature summer scent.

My only problem with this fragrance is the staying power.  If I put it on in the morning I can't smell it by lunchtime. This isn't necessarily a deal breaker for me but definitely a downside. I'm not the type to carry around perfume in my purse to touch up throughout the day.  

Nirvana Black

Sephora describes this fragrance as:

"an addictive blend of alluring violet, sensual sandalwood, and rich vanilla that strike the perfect balance between masculine and feminine"

This is not the type of perfume I usually gravitate towards but I've been wearing it for the past week and I have to say, I'm diggin it. It is really different from any other perfume I own. It is masculine but also sweet with a touch floral. It is elegant and sensual, definitely more of a nighttime scent.

Again, there are problems with the staying power. This one has a bit better staying power than Nirvana White, but not much.  

Final Thoughts

I really love both of these fragrances. They're not the typical gimmicky "celebuscents" you see on a sale rack at Marshalls. Both scents are elegant and lovely in their own right. I also love the bottle design, very unique and edgy.

Have you tried either of the Nirvana fragrances? Is your Nirvana Black or White?