Caldrea

Caldrea sent me samples of their hand soap for review roughly a month ago. I received a small packet in each of their scents, as photographed below. Not shown are Sea Salt Neroli and Ginger Pomelo, as I had started using those two scents.

Having tried 2 of the scents, here are my thoughts:

The scents are very strong and linger on my hands for about half an hour after I use the soap.
The soap is slightly drying. I do need to to put on lotion after. Of course I'm comparing it to the Jergen's Cherry Almond Hand Wash that I've been using for the past 3 years, which is like a glove in a bottle.

About the scents:
Ginger Pomelo--It does smell like pomelo, but at the same time smells surprisingly like green tea. In real life I never associate those 2 scents with each other. It is slightly spicy, which I imagine is the ginger. Not a fan of the scent myself, but if you happen to be a fan of pomelo or green tea, this may be your thing.

Sea Salt Neroli--That's just say I LOVE LOVE LOVE the scent. It's supposed to remind you of a summery beach, and it does. It smells almost slightly salty, which is such an unique thing. I looked up Neroli on the internet and found out that it is an orange flower blossom. There is also a strong lemon zest scent. I loved the sample so much that I purchased the hand balm and a room & linen spray in this scent. Can't wait until they come. Did not purchase the hand soap because I found it drying like I mentioned before.

If you are interested in trying Caldrea, please contact their customer service for samples at customer-service@caldrea.com. . They are very nice, responds promptly, and will send out samples if they are available.

Caldrea products are available for purchase at caldrea.com, drugstore.com (free shipping for orders over $25), and amazon.com (free shipping for orders over $25 or with amazon prime membership). Caldrea is definitely a high-end product and is priced that way. You may be able to find discounted products on Amazon.

'til next time, GD.

FTC Disclaimer: The samples were sent to me for free. This blog post is not sponsored and I did not receive any compensation. All opinions are my own.

sunset in long island city

beautiful. happy sunday everyone. GD

Sephora Skincare IQ Event

This weekend Sephora hosted their Skincare IQ event at many stores throughout the country. Based on the online description, the event includes:

• An one-on-one Skincare iQ consultation with our in-store experts.
• Receive a FREE limited-edition makeup bag filled with
deluxe skincare samples.**
• Enjoy a complimentary mask or peel.
• Finish with an express makeup application. 

The website  states that walk-ins are welcome, but from past experience, reservations are always necessary because Sephora events are almost always book full with a long wait list.

So I got to the store at Madison and 42nd for my 10am appointment.  (I made the appointment early so I knew there wouldn't be a crowd waiting and I would not be rushed.) When I got to the store, a staff member led me to a touchscreen and told me that that was the Skincare IQ System. That was it...a computer...I couldn't hide my disappointment. The salesgirl walked through the computer system with me, and picked out some products for me based what the computer recommended. She did make me a VERY generous sample of $98 Clarins eye cream, and so was so nice that I cannot complain. But still...no mask or peel and no makeup application.

To save the day, I did receive the promised limited edition makeup bag, shown below:

'til next time, GD.

FTC Disclaimer: The products shown are given to  me by Sephora for free. This blog entry was not sponsored. No other form of compensation was given. All opinions are my own. 

Birchbox Sample Stop

This blog was a long time coming.

I was invited by Birchbox to visit their Sample Stop Pop-up during the New York City fashion week. Birchbox is probably one of the first and most established of the many "discovery retail" services out there. Founded just 2 years ago, they send out 4-5 generously sized samples to subscribers for $10 a month. I love Birchbox and knew this event would be right up my alley!

So I went! I was worried that there would be a line that I actually got there 15 minutes early. The ladies at the door were kind enough to let me in right away. Here is what the inside looks like:

An entire wall full of samples and candy to drool over.

Also set up inside the sample stop were make over stations my Youngblood Cosmetics and a Brow Bar by Benefit. Lunch was provided by 'wichcraft. I got my makeup done by the lovely Aliana Moss.

Finally, I picked out my own Birchbox.

What's inside?
Beautyblender
Perfekt skin perfection gel in luminous,
theBalm Mary Lou-manizer
Stila in the light palette
Color Club nail polish in Put a Pin in It (a rose gold, birchbox exclusive)

If you would like your own birchbox, follow the link to subscribe. (Referral link provided. If you do not wish to use the referral link, just go to birchbox.com.)

'til next time, GD

FTC disclaimer: the Birchbox Sample Stop was a free event and the products and services mentioned were provided to be for free by Birchbox and related brands. I received no other compensation. This entry was not sponsored by Birchbox. I pay for my monthly Birchbox subscription on my own.