[Review] Voluspa Santagio Huckleberry Gift Set

October 10, 2011 By 1 Comment

Voluspa Santagio Huckleberry Gift Set [Review] Voluspa Santagio Huckleberry Gift Set

 

Fueled by a love for art, fragrance and elegant illumination, Troy and Traci Arntsen created their first scented candle in their kitchen in 1999- the beginning point for Voluspa. Combining Traci’s expert nose, and knowledge of botany with Troy’s engineering technical background, the duo is credited with developing clean burning, fragrant candles that have created a whirlwind of interest within the industry. Voluspa’s creamy coconut wax blend enhances fragrance dispersion, burns ultra clean, and delights consumers world wide.

Voluspa created their own niche in the candle and home fragrance market with their striking packaging and extraordinary scents. Their home fragrance products  have become a staple in the homes of Hollywood’s elite such as Demi Moore, Victoria Beckham, and Steven Spielberg. Regularly featured in editorial articles written for beauty, fashion and home magazines, Voluspa has become a household name.

This Santiago Huckleberry Gift Set includes: a fragrant oil diffuser (3.3 oz), travel candle (4.5 oz), and room spray (3.5 oz). Knowing what a treat I had coming in the mail, I sat anxiously awaiting the knock of the FedEx delivery man. When he delivered my package I was surprised at how large it was. I was so excited that I yelled “YAY!” when I opened the door, at which the man just looked confusedly at me. Feeling no embarrassment, I quickly shut the door and ran to my kitchen to grab a knife and unveil my new beautiful Voluspa home fragrance Set.   Voluspa’s Santiago Huckleberry is a combination scent of rare Huckleberry mixed with vanilla pods and sweet sugar cane for a  delicious and inviting scent.

I opened up the box and waved away the popcorn stuffing to see the most gorgeous, luxurious packaging of any home decor item I have ever owned. I was amazed at the intricate detail of the embossed black and lavender lace pattern across the box. In metallic silver lettering read:

“Designed By

VOLUSPA

Handmade Fragrant Indulgences for Home & Body“

I opened the box which safely housed a fragrant oil diffuser made of glass with the same beautiful embossed pattern as the packaging it was contained in.  The box also beautifully displayed the matching candle, and large aromatic room mist. Of course, the first thing I did was open up the candle and inhale the heavenly scent of Huckleberry.  Ahhh… It was everything I imagined it would be– and more!

 After catching a whiff of candle, I was reassured (and happy) knowing that this would be a scent my husband would love as well. I uncorked the oil diffuser and made it the centerpiece on my dining room table;the main attraction of the room. Lastly, I took my room spray and finely misted the furniture and carpets. The scent filled my house and added that extra luxe to my everyday living.

Every time I have friends or family over I am showered with compliments, not only on the intoxicating scent filling the rooms, but the lovely design of my newest table center piece. Even when the oil has run out, the glass jar is something that I will continue to keep as a decoration.   At such an affordable price of just $48 and free shipping, I would highly suggest this to anyone looking to add a touch of luxurious beauty, or anyone looking for a universally acceptable (and did I mention, wonderful) scent that everyone in the household will love.

Product: Voluspa Santiago Huckleberry

Price: $48.00

Purchase: Available in store and online at BeautyCollection.com

 

 

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[Review] Cucina Hand Care Duo – Lime Zest & Cypress

August 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

1790092 lg [Review] Cucina Hand Care Duo Lime Zest & Cypress

Bugs, germs, bacteria, nasties…..whatever you call them, I am an absolute FREAK about their overpopulation on my hands. After all, we know that the spread of common diseases and illnesses are most often transmitted via hand contact. As a mom and student, I’m constantly exposed to all kinds of germs – which means I find myself washing my hands frequently throughout the day to ensure both myself and my family are healthy. However, the cleanliness comes with a price – dry, cracked and stinging hands.

It’s those side effects that have led me to the Cucina Hand Care Duo in Lime Zest & Cypress, a quick fix with lasting results for my damaged hands.  Cucina is one of our best sellers in home decor – an elegant collection of products there are specifically designed with a chef in mind.  Their popular Hand Care Duo is a must-have in every kitchen, available in a number of irresistible aromas that work with [and not against] the scents of cooking.  Using natural ingredients that are extracted from the best of the Mediterranean’s gardens and groves, Cucina is simply tantalizing.

REVIEW

Included in the duo is both the Purifying Hand Wash and Regenerating Hand Cream.  The pair sits in a beautiful ceramic base – a beautiful addition to any kitchen.  Once you use up one or both of the bottles, the ceramic container remains a perfect fit for a refill.  Another great thing about the beautiful ceramic holder is that it fits in most average sized sinks.  I moved it around from the kitchen to each bathroom, and found that it was a perfect fit. The complimenting aromas of Lime Zest and Cypress really work lovely together, and are such a wonderful reminder of summer.

The purifying hand wash is silky smooth and the regenerating hand cream is like a satiny, soft butter for your hands. The olive extracts in these two products are the primary reason why my hands don’t dry out after several washings: cold pressed olive extracts prevent drying out, and the olive leaf extracts tone and protect my hands.

After using the duo for just the first few days, I noticed a DRAMATIC difference in the softness and look of my hands. Out with the cracks and dry patches, and in with the supple, soft hands that I’ve always dreamed about!!  I waited it out another 2 weeks, finding that my hands both look and feel like I’m treating myself to a daily manicure. Even my friends and family notice a difference, and wondering what my secret weapon is:

IMG 3799 300x282 [Review] Cucina Hand Care Duo Lime Zest & Cypress

If you’re looking for a gorgeous and highly functional hand care system, look no further than the Cucina Hand Care Duo which can be found in 4 AMAZING scents: Coriander & Olive Tree, Lime Zest & Cypress, Zucchini Flower & Truffle and Sanguinelli Orange & Fennel. At only $33 for a massive 6.7 oz each, this is a deal you simply can’t pass up.

PURCHASE INFO:

Product: Cucina Hand Care Duo – Lime Zest & Cypress

Price: $33.00

Purchase: All Beauty Collection locations as well as BeautyCollection.com 

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Beyonce Inspired ‘Run the World [Girls]‘ Makeup Tutorial

May 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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[DIY] The Beauty of Natural Honey

May 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment

honey [DIY] The Beauty of Natural Honey

Egypt, the ‘land of milk and honey,’ was home to one of the most beautiful women in ancient history – Cleopatra.  The ruler and companion of Julius Ceasar took advantage of her natural resources; implementing milk and honey into her daily skin routine.  Using just a few ingredients found in your pantry, you can bottle the beauty of Cleopatra at home.

In it’s natural state, honey works wonders in the treatment of acne, as well as combating the signs of aging.  With it’s ability to retain and absorb moisture into the skin, honey leaves your skin smooth, radiant and glowing.  While absorbing the moisture, honey works overtime by also absorbing the impurities in your pores, clearing them out and shrinking them at the same time.  The natural anti-oxidants and anti-microbial properties in honey work together to shield your skin from the environment – which is especially important during these hot summer months.

Honey Yogurt Face Scrub

  • 2 tsp almonds or oatmeal, pulsed to a fine meal
  • 2 tsp organic, plain yogurt
  • 1 tsp honey

Combine all of the above ingredients and mix together well.  Using liberal amounts, massage the mix gently into your skin in a circular motion.  If you are prone to oil, concentrate on those areas before moving on to the rest of your face.  Be careful not to over-scrub, as this might cause irritation to sensitive areas on your face.  Leave on your face for 10-15 minutes before washing off.

TIP: For dry skin, use full-fat yogurt; for oil-prone skin opt for skim.

Honey Olive Deep Conditioner

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 3 tbsp olive oil

Combine both ingredients and mix well, making sure that none of the oil remains separated from the honey.  Massage into your hair [dry or wet and unwashed] and cover with a shower cap.  Let sit for 30-40 minutes before shampooing and conditioning as usual.

 

 

 

[DIY] The Beauty of Natural Honey
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[DIY] Natural Moisturizer for Curly Divas

April 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

When you have curly hair, the biggest battle you have to face comes in two phases – the dryness….and then the frizz.  We spend hundreds of dollars on products targeted to help the condition of our natural hair, but sometimes, nothing works as good as mother nature herself.  While my regular maintenance routine includes a few products from our store, I never leave the house without my moisturizing touch-up spritz.  This fabulous concoction can be made in under 5 minutes and does wonders to help reshape and soften your curls while you are busy jetsetting.

Ingredients:

  • 3 parts distilled water
  • 1 part vegetable glycerin
  • 1 tablespoon of rose water
  • a few drops of essential oil

Step 1: Fill a standard size spritz bottle with 3 parts of distilled water.  Though it may be tempting, make sure you shy away from tap – the harsh impurities will neutralize the effects.

drinking distilled water 002 [DIY] Natural Moisturizer for Curly Divas

Step 2: Add 1 part vegetable glycerin into the bottle.  The moisturizing compound is made up of three hydroxl groups that will help to keep the moisture in your hair by saturating itself in the fluid.  However, the results only work when the vegetable glycerin is added to water – without the water, the glycerin will dry you out.

glycerin [DIY] Natural Moisturizer for Curly Divas

Step 3: Add 1 tablespoon of rose water into the bottle.  You can make rose water at home by soaking the petals in distilled water or purchase it at your local organic grocery store.  The rose water is what really takes the formula to the next level, helping to repair the porosity of your hair by balancing it’s pH.  If the pores are fixed, the cuticle is smooth, leaving your hair frizz-free.  While the rose water smells amazing,  you could also finish the moisture mix up with a few drops of lavender or rose essential oil.  After you have put all of the products in, shake it up and spray!

rose [DIY] Natural Moisturizer for Curly Divas

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