Saturday, August 17, 2013

Eva Reviews: Yankee Candle Summer Wish

Hey everyone! Eva here, begging you to please excuse our lack of activity. Things have been a bit wacky on the home front for both Lindsay and me, with us both working two jobs (ack). But hey, a new car isn't going to buy itself. However, that doesn't mean we don't have time to enjoy some good home fragrance at the end of the day!

Today's review is on Yankee Candle's Summer Wish!

So yes - regrettably - it's still technically summer, so I haven't been able to bring myself to burn many fall candles yet. When I first started working at Yankee, Summer Wish was one of the new summer fragrances that were featured. And here's a quick description from the Yankee Candle website: 

"Remember those sweet summer days of childhood innocence when the backyard was big enough to hold all your adventures? This nostalgic fragrance, with its warm breeze of soft flowers and fresh green fields will bring you back to those happy days. The fresh, green notes call to mind the outdoors and remind you slow and appreciate life's little moments. This scent, with its sweet, young floral essence, is anything but old-fashioned despite its nostalgic tendencies."

Smashing!

Now if you've been paying attention, you will know that florals and I generally do not get along. This one, however, is incredibly non-offensive. It is very, very light, which may not get on well with some folks who like a stronger candle. But whenever I'm working, I can't hang around out Floral hutch because True Rose and Sunflower try to assault me with the inherent floral-ness. Summer Wish likes to hang out in the Fresh section, near another of my favorite fragrances, Midsummer's Night. So maybe I'm not the only one who thinks this isn't as funerary as Midnight Jasmine or Tahitian Tiare Flower.

When I've sampled people in the store with this one, a common reaction was "I can't smell it". The store itself has a very overwhelming fragrance but if you work there for long enough or even if you're just a fragrance lover who comes in on the regular, you don't really smell the store anymore. Does that make sense? Either way, I tried Summer Wish in a tart wax melt at first and loved it because of it's light, not-in-your-face-ness, so I grabbed it in a large Housewarmer jar and have been burning it habitually. Some people may not like the fact that it is so light, and to you folks I say that you may like Meadow Showers because it is along the same lines as Summer Wish, though not as sweet, and is a fair bit stronger but still not overwhelming.

I give Summer Wish a solid 8/10. This one will get a break when fall rolls around (Hello Apple Pumpkin and Autumn Wreath! Swoon!) but I will surely break it back out when Spring comes back.

Summer Wish was part of the Summer 2013 new releases but has made it's way into the permanent lineup for now and is available in stores and online right here.

And as always, I'll tell you again - I do work for Yankee Candle as a part time retail associate and I do get a generous discount, but that does not affect my reviews in any way as I strive to be as honest as possible with all of you.

Have a great weekend everyone,

Eva

Sunday, August 4, 2013

The Sunday Haul: Fall Edition

Hey all! Lindsay and I did some shopping during the Pumpkin Preview event at Bath and Body Works this week and thought we'd share our picks.

Lindsay

As a lover of all thing pumpkin and fall, I got quite a few of the wallflower bulbs, which were on sale 4/$20 or 6/$24: one in Blackberry Spice, two in Pumpkin Apple, one in Pumpkin Caramel Latte, and two in Pumpkin Cupcake.

I also picked up some hand soaps which were 4/$15 or 6/$20: one in each Pumpkin Apple (which isn't online yet), Pumpkin Caramel LattePumpkin Cupcake, and Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin.

Eva

I was a pretty good girl at Bath and Body Works, but I did pick up three candles even though they were full price. I had a $10 off survey coupon, so I justified it that way. I held off because I heard the candles are going to be on sale 2/$22 soon... but I couldn't hold off on getting Leaves (which I've never had before but is one of Lindsay's favorites!), Cider Donut and Pumpkin Cupcake ("Twinsies!!" Also, if you're a girl - or a guy, even - watch this video, especially at 0:50).

My behavior at Yankee Candle, however, may have been a bit out of hand. But thank god for a certain $20 off a purchase of $45 or more coupon that was valid for the Halloween Preview event. I got three candles: Apple CiderCandied Apple, and Witches' Brew, which is only around for a limited time. If you like Patchouli, you should definitely go check out Witches' Brew. I also got WB in five Tarts wax melts too.

For accessories at Yankee Candle, I got a few items from the Halloween line: this beautiful black cat crackle candle shadethis Jack O Lantern tart warmerthis Boney Bunch Top Hat jar candle shadethis Boney Bunch Illuma-lid, and the splurge piece of the day - this Bone White and the Seven Dwarves jar holder (because Snow White is and always has been my favorite Disney Princess). I have this out with my Summer Wish large Housewarmer jar burning right now. It clashes with the season but I really do not care because I am so in love with it.

Did you guys shop the BBW Pumpkin Preview event or the YC Halloween Preview event? I didn't get to work the YC Party this year, but I did go because I made my apple brownies and my mother's favorite fragrance is Witches' Brew so as you can imagine, she stockpiled up enough to last her for a while.

Do you have a fragrance that is/was limited edition and that you have multiples of? I don't personally, because I have so many individual scents to go through. But I would be devastated if Midsummer's Night was ever discontinued. But I'm sure that the entire YC Community would be up in arms if it ever was, because it's a fragrance that's been around since I was a kid, probably longer!

Have a great week everyone! I will be in NJ on vacation visiting Lindsay and family, so I'm sure some hauls and posts will be coming your way...

Eva.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Fall Updates!

Hey everyone! Just wanted to pop on and throw a little update out there.

As you may or may not have heard, the Pumpkin Preview that was supposed to happen yesterday got pushed back to today. The Pumpkin Preview is also happening online so you can go check that out here. I have a complete list of what's happening with that in my original post on it which you can go see here.

Also, I updated our Fall Home Fragrance master post, so make sure to give that a look over.

And if you are a lover of accessories, I have a post on those that I will continue to update right here.

I will be going back to NJ for a week and seeing Lindsay and we have a trip planned to the Paramus mall, which has a BBW test store! YAY! We may also take a trip to one of our fine Garden State's many outlet malls, so definitely be on the lookout for some haul posts!

I'll be going to check out the Pumpkin Preview at one of my local BBW stores before work tonight and possibly picking up a few candles, so I'll maybe do a first impressions post later tonight.

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Eva.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Lindsay Reviews: Sugar Berry Smash

Hey guys Lindsay here. I'm really sorry I don't write as much as I should, I'm going to try to fix that. As for today I wanted to do a review on Sugar Berry Smash, released in the summer twist collection. Out of the collection, this was the only scent I liked. If you read my Sweet on Paris review, you that this has been compared to SOP. To me, it smells like SOP mixed with VDB, which I have just reviewed last week (see my reviews for SOP and VDB for more details).

It is a very fruity and very sweet scent, just like SOP, but it has a dark, musky tone underneath. Eva has compared it to a less musky version of Be Enchanted, which I could see. The niotes include the following:

Top Notes: Blackberry, Red Currant, Clementine

Mid Notes: Pink Jasmine, Creamy Iris, Sugary Nutmeg

Dry Notes: Cashmere Woods, Whipped Vanilla, Soft Musk

So straight from the bottle I smell Blackberry, Nutmeg, Cashmere Woods, and Whipped Vanilla. When it dries on my skin the Clementine comes out a little bit, which isn't unpleasant considering I hate citrus, and also maybe a little bit of jasmine and musk?

I only purchased one of each of the body lotion, fine fragrance mist and shower gel. Believe it or not, I am trying to behave. I am not going to make any promises though once all of their fall collections are released. I would give it an 8/10. It's not something I wear on a daily basis, but I do really like it and I hope you do too!
Until next time,

Lindsay

Monday, July 22, 2013

Home Fragrance Monday: Yankee Candle Macintosh

Hey everyone! Happy Monday! Or rather, Happy End-of-Monday here on the east coast. How was your day? Mine was busy. I just recently landed a real 9-5 job and have been exhausted getting used to being an actual adult! And that's on top of my job at Yankee Candle! Which by the way, is the source of the following fragrance I'm going to do a (very quick) review on!

Today's scent is Macintosh.


So we have been extremely clear on this blog before. I am ALL about anything remotely apple related. Love, love, love apples. Hence why I am so thrilled about the multiple releases from both Yankee Candle and Bath & Body Works in the apple-related-home-fragrancing department. Macintosh is an absolute staple to the Yankee Candle line and has been around for ages.

Yankee Candle describes this scent as "so vividly real, you can almost taste the unmistakable crunch". I think the point that Yankee is trying to convey is that this scent is straight up apples, and there's no if, ands, or but's about it. Which is true. This scent is absolutely apple, and is very authentic. I really love this fragrance - it is clean, fresh and very true-to-life. I own this in a two-wick tumbler jar, and have previously had it in many, many tarts. I give this a solid 10/10. I have no complaints about this product, and it is perfect for any time of the year.

Have you tried Macintosh or any other Yankee fragrances? Let me know in the comments.

Eva.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

The Sunday Haul

Hey everyone, Eva here. Lindsay didn't buy anything this week but I think I went a little crazy at Victoria's Secret this week. I made a couple of stops before work and did a little bit of damage each time that just kept adding up. This is the only Victoria's Secret store I like shopping at out of the three I can get to easily because the associate are so freaking friendly and wonderful.

I live in upstate NY but and a NJ native. I often go back to visit and I have had more than a few experiences with snotty associates back home, hence why I probably stayed away from trying VS products. It's unfortunate, but it's true. But this once store, every single time I go in, no matter who is working, they are always so nice and helpful. I'm not a regular at that store, but you can bet I will be.

Also, in a few weeks, I'll be headed back to NJ for a short vacation to see my family and Lindsay! You can most definitely expect for good hauls from us because we are self-proclaimed shopaholics.

Anyway, on to this week's haul!

Eva

I went to Victoria's Secret and did some massive damage.

All of the Fantasies were on sale for 3/$25 or 5/$30, as they almost always are. I got the scent Sparkling Sun (lemon chiffon and sun kissed orchid) from the Beach Dreams Collection in fragrance mist and lotion, as well as Ocean Bloom (ocean breeze and apple blossom) in fragrance mist and lotion. From the Brights collection, I got Love Rush (wild currant and bright lily) in lotionshower gel, and fragrance mist, as well as Lemon Escape in the eau de toilette and body scrub (I LOVE this scent so much). In the scent Pure Seduction, I got a shower gel and fragrance mist. Then in Love Spell, I got a fragrance mistlotionshower gel and scrub.

From the PINK line, I got Sweet & Flirty fragrance mist, Ready To Party fragrance mist, and Wild At Heart body scrub / body wash.

Then Lindsay sent me some presents via my mother, who was in NJ for a few days, and she gave me another Sweet & Flirty mist, which my mother took off my hands, as well as Fresh & Clean fragrance mist and Wild & Breezy fragrance mist.

I also picked up some stuff from Victoria's Secret that I found on a sale table for 75% off that I picked up for Lindsay - Midnight Dare lotionbody wash, and fragrance mist (which was a good guess because she only has it in the body cream and really wanted it). I do believe Midnight Dare went on sale for Semi-Annual but some stores may have some left over. I'm not sure why it isn't discounted online though. I got each piece for $2.50 or $3.00. I also found a fragrance called Berry Kiss and when I saw the notes were raspberry and praline, I knew that had Lindsay's name all over it so I got her a lotion and fragrance mist. I can't even find that one online, so check your local VS clearance section!

By the way, I know I went a little overboard, but I am justifying it because I am taking a huge BBW Semi Annual Sale bag full of unused body products that have been collecting dust to Vera House tomorrow morning before work. If you haven't heard about Vera House and what they do, you can check them out at http://www.verahouse.org/. But in short, they do amazing work for women and families affected by domestic violence in the Syracuse area. So if you are ever looking to clean out your stash, instead of giving it away to family or friends, keep your local women's charities in mind.

If you are in an abusive or harmful relationship, don't endure it, speak out. Get help and keep reaching out until someone listens - you can always go to the police, to a hospital, to a doctor or anyone in a position of authority. There are people out there who care about your health and safety, I promise you, because I know I do. And please, if you know someone in an abusive relationship, don't stay silent or stand idly by and hope someone else takes action. Say something, speak out. You may just be what saves that person's life.

I'll talk to you all tomorrow,

Eva

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Eva Reviews: PINK Fun & Fearless

Hey everyone! Happy Thursday (night)!

Since Lindsay and I decided that we would include Victoria's Secret fragrances in our cast of reviews (because Bath & Body Works and Victoria's Secret are both brands under the same umbrella company), I thought I'd start out with one of my favorites - Fun & Fearless, from the PINK line.

So the description on the VS website says: "Be fearless in water lily and pink currant".

Short, succinct, to-the-point. I like it.

Just like how I like this fragrance. I love the PINK line from Victoria's Secret because all of the fragrances in this line are more of a perfume-esque fragrance, more adult, yet young and fresh. I would describe them as "cologne for girls" because as opposed to the VS Fantasies line or most of Bath & Body Works' fragrances, you can't straight out smell the different notes in these for the most part. You get a general idea of "Oh, okay, this is floral, this is fresh, this is on the sweeter side, etc" but you can't pick out the individual of what the notes are. (Sidebar: The only exception I've found to this rule is in Sun Kissed, which is coconut and vanilla. But to VS credit, it is very hard to disguise coconut in fragrances, in my opinion).

I know what you're thinking: "Wait, Eva, don't lie to me. You said you don't like lilies. They remind you of funerals and heinous relatives. You've stretched this point to death. Why the heck do you like this fragrance?"

And the answer is simply this: I can't pick up anything remotely floral about this fragrance. At all. End of. This smells like a feminine cologne to me. A little darker than PINK Fresh & Clean or PINK Wild At Heart but not as dark as something like BBW Into The Wild. This isn't nearly a clubbing fragrance. Which is why I wear this to work. I mentioned I work at Yankee Candle and the thing with working there (versus working in a cubicle or makeup counter or clothing store, etc) is that the fragrance you wear cannot interfere with the fragrances of the candles. We shouldn't really wear anything at all, but I find anything from the PINK line (minus Warm & Cozy and Sun Kissed) are very neutral, appropriate fragrances and so they are completely fine.

The only downside to this fragrance is the lasting power. I find I get four hours out of it before it starts to really fade. But then again, VS says their PINK mists have "a subtle hint of scent". Code for: Drench yourself otherwise this will be gone if you don't reapply. And don't even think about sweating.

I would give Fun & Fearless a 6/10. This is a good fragrance, but I don't find myself reaching for it for anything other than work. Fun & Fearless is a permanent PINK fragrance and is available here.

Have you tried Fun & Fearless or any of the other PINK fragrances? Let me know in the comments!

Have a great weekend all,

Eva.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Lindsay Reviews: BBW Venice Dolce Berry

So since our summer favorites series is over, Eva and I have decided to do a review for any fragrance on Tuesdays and Thursdays, even including fragrances from other popular brands like Victoria's Secret or designer perfumes. As for today, I have chosen Venice Dolce Berry. Prior to this, BBW's berry scents were quite boring and unoriginal in my opinion. I was not a fan of Berry Vanilla or Berry Flirt, which is surprising considering I love most anything sweet and fruity. Even Be Enchanted was too musky for my liking.



Venice Dolce Berry is a sweet, fruity fragrance with a dark, but tolerate undertone. The notes include the following:

Top Notes: Pink Plumberry, Apple Blossom, White Iris

Mid Notes: Venetian Raspberry, Red Apricot, Frosted Magnolia

Dry Notes: Blackberry Musk, Sandalwood Sugar, Vanilla Biscotti

Straight from the bottle, the only notes I can distinctly pick up are plumberry, apple blossom and maybe biscotti. It's actually blended very well and none of the notes really over-power the rest. In a way it reminds me of Midnight Dare from Victoria's Secret, which is also very dark and sensual, but still kind of fruity scent.

When it settles on my skin I smell mostly the blackberry, musk and sandalwood. With that said, I personally believe this is more of a nighttime scent and might be too strong for the day time.

Knowing that it was a limited edition scent, I purchased three lotions and two fine fragrance mists. Considering I have enough shower gels to last me for the next five years, I chose not to purchase any  from this line. I wouldn't consider it one of my absolute favorites but would still rate it a decent 7/10.

Venice Dolce Berry was part of the limited edition Italy collection this past spring and went on sale for the Semi-Annual Sale, but there is still some left online here.

Did you try Venice Dolce Berry? And what are your favorite berry scents? Let me know in the comments.

- Lindsay

Monday, July 15, 2013

Home Fragrance Monday: Paris Daydream

Happy Monday everyone! Eva here with your weekly dose of home fragrance review goodness, and today's post is on the scent Paris Daydream from Bath & Body Works.


To start, this fragrance is described by BBW as a "Rendezvous in the City of Love with our "Oh, so French" blend of watery notes, moss and mandarin. Transport your senses to the cobblestone streets of Paris. No Passport required!"

I always love their cute little narratives, don't you?

I own this fragrance in a 3-wick candle and when it first launched, it did not catch my attention. But then I somehow found myself in the mood for a fresh fragrance, so Paris Daydream it was! 

This candle burns wonderfully and the fragrance is light, clean, fresh and not at all overwhelming. When it comes to a "clean" fragrance, I lean towards fragrances like this (or another favorite of mine from BBW - Oceanside!) rather than cotton-y, linen-y type "clean" fragrances. Dn't get me wrong, they're great, but to me they tend to be quite headache-inducing. Paris Daydream is the happy medium for me. It's what I go for when I want a clean fragrance that doesn't smell like I just put away a ton of clean laundry.

The good news for me is that this candle has a very light throw, meaning that it isn't very strong. So for those of you that really like a candle's fragrance to fill a room and be very noticeable, this candle may not be for you. I do very much enjoy this candle though, and give it a solid 8/10.

Paris Daydream is currently on sale for $10 in stores and online here.

Have you tried Paris Daydream? And if you like fresh and clean fragrances, what do you go for? Tell me in the comments!

Eva.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Follow us on Bloglovin!

Hey everyone, still new to this blogging thing but if you use Bloglovin, please follow us on there!

Lindsay & Eva.

The Sunday Haul

Hey y'all! It's been an exciting week round these parts but somehow Lindsay and I both found some time to go shopping ;)

Eva

I ended up taking home this adorable acorn tart warmer from Yankee Candle because they were running a coupon for $20 off a purchase of $45 or more. I also decided to get my mother some cabin themed accessories for her anniversary, including the Lodge Crackle candle shade and the candle plate that matches it. I also couldn't pass up this faux antler jar holder because my stepfather is a hunter and it matches the cabin perfectly.

I also stopped over to Bath & Body Works to pick up some candles that were on sale for $12 (and still are!) and ended up getting another Summertime S'mores because I just finished my other one. I also got  Paris Daydream, which seems very similar to a holiday candle BBW made called Sparkling Icicles, and  Meet Me In Tahiti, which reminds me very much of Yankee Candle's Sun And Sand (which is currently on sale in store buy one get one 50% off, along with Mountain Lodge and Beach Walk).

Disclaimer: I do work for Yankee Candle as a part time sales associate but I do NOT make commission or any kind of compensation for mentioning their products in this post or anywhere on this blog, and would not accept such commission if it were ever offered. My job here is to be completely honest, no matter what.

Lindsay

I went to Bath and Body Works this week and picked up a 2-Pack Wallflower refill of Mint Chocolate, which came out for the Semi-Annual Sale. My store still had some left, so if you want this fragrance, I encourage you to go check your store for any left ASAP. I also grabbed Sugar Berry Smash in the lotion, shower gel and fragrance mist and it is currently on sale for $5 each, so if you're interested, go check it out!

I also went to Victoria's Secret to pick up another set of Love Spell in the fragrance misthydrating body lotion and daily body wash. This fragrance is an absolute classic.

Did you guys get anything this week? If you did, share your haul in the comments!

Eva & Lindsay

Saturday, July 13, 2013

More blogger love...

Hey everyone! Eva here again, with another thank you to LizFashionStory on YouTube for giving us a mention in the downbar of her "BathAndBodyWorks 2013 Fall Candles Overview" video. Check out the video here (and she's feeling a bit under the weather, so wish her well and hope she feels better soon!).

Much love to everyone who's shown us kindness recently! Lindsay and I are eternally grateful for the support!

See you soon.

Eva.

Some fellow blogger love...

So it just came to my attention that we have been added to Cia's (over at seeitbuyitloveitsweethearts.com) "More B&BW Blogs/Info" page and I literally squealed with excitement!

I started out as a reader of her blog and she does so much to get the BBW Fragrance Lover's World all kinds of information (I am seriously jealous she lives near a huge test store!). If you have not gone and checked out her blog, please please PLEASE do so because she is fantastic.

And if by some chance you ended up here because we were linked on her blog, welcome! And thank you for taking the time to check us out! We've only been live for a little under a month and we're loving every second of it. This just made us doing this so much better.

Cia, if you see this, thank you so so much.

Have a happy Saturday everyone!

Lindsay & Eva.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Collection Update: Fall Accessories

Hey everyone! I have some links to new fall home accessories. Right now I only have the soap holders, but I'm keeping my eyes peeled for the candle sleeves and anything else that might be coming soon!

Soap Covers




Geometric Pattern: Deep Cleansing or Foaming


Owl Pattern: Deep Cleansing or Foaming


Leaves Pattern: Deep Cleansing or Foaming


Pumpkin Pattern: Deep Cleansing or Foaming

I will definitely keep you all up to date in this post for the new accessories coming out! Anything catch your eye yet?

Eva.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Eva's Summer Loves: Beautiful Day

Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't done a Summer Loves post in a few weeks; it's been hectic around here with work and I prioritize getting new collection info out over doing my regular posts. Oh well! Either way, I'm going to tell you about my second favorite fragrance from Bath and Body Works - Beautiful Day!




Let's start with the notes, shall we?


  • Top Notes: Sun-kissed Apple, Dewy Pear, Sparkling Cassis
  • Mid Notes: Wild Daisies, Lily of the Valley, Fresh Pink Peony
  • Dry Notes: White Peach, Blonde Woods

Straight from the bottle, I was very excited because I love anything with apple and/or pear, and this fragrance definitely has both of these in excess. And then there it is in the mid notes, that awful "lily of the valley" that always turns me off from a fragrances. Good news for me though, because it is virtually nonexistent. There is a complexity to this fragrance from the other two florals (daisies and peonies) that is very complimentary. I don't get a lot of the woodsy-ness, but there is something slightly musky to this which I will contribute to the woods.

On me, this is absolutely fantastic. I pick up the apple and pear and the floral gets accentuated a bit, making it more of a maturing fragrance on me. But thankfully, not so mature that I should maybe be wearing an Elizabeth Arden fragrance! It is very fresh and the fruit isn't as sweet as it is in the bottle so it isn't at all overwhelming. I always get compliments whenever I wear this fragrance no matter where I go.

I give this fragrance a solid 10/10 and two thumbs way up. I just finished up the shower gel I had in this fragrance, but I still have the lotion, fine fragrance mist and super-fruit body scrub. I fully intend on getting another shower gel when it comes out in the new packaging and definitely in the Eau de Toilette. 

To the best of my knowledge, Beautiful Day is going to be around for a while because of its popularity (hopefully becoming permanent!). Beautiful Day is available in stores and online here!

Hey BBW, can you make this in candle form like you do for Twilight Woods or Japanese Cherry Blossom? 

Sincerely, Eva.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Upcoming Collection Information: Amber Blush

Sup y'all! I have some information about the next single fragrance release that Bath & Body Works will put out. The name is Amber Blush, and here's the fragrance story:

"Against a gorgeous backdrop of beautiful mountains, your cozy lodge is an oasis of luxury. Take a deep breath. The crisp mountain air is warmed by a glowing fire. Amber woods are sweetened with brandied apricot and a hint of rich merlot. Soft suede is touched with smooth silk. Surround yourself with supreme comfort and ultimate luxury with our sumptuous new fragrance, inspired by the perfect autumn getaway where rustic meets refined."

The notes are: 
  • Amber Woods, Brandied Apricot, Rich Merlot, Raspberry Cordial, Gardenia Petals, Magnolia Blossom, Vanilla Suede, Crystallized Amber

Amber Blush will be available in: body lotion, shower gel, fine fragrance mist, triple moisture cream, shimmer mist, golden sugar scrub, golden shimmer body soufflé, eau du toilette and sheer perfume mist.

Amber Blush launches on September 9th!

It sounds like Amber Blush is going to be a very grown up and complex fragrance! I'm excited! Are you? Tell us in the comments.

Eva.

Lindsay's Top Five Summer Fragrances: VS Pure Seduction

So after acquiring permission from Eva, I have decided to include a Victoria's Secret scent into my top five. I used to wear Pure Seduction all the time in high school and have just recently repurchased it. I love it just as much now as I did then.



The only two notes mentioned are red plum and freesia, but honestly I smell mostly the plum with a small musky undertone. I'm glad to say it stays pretty true on my skin.

I find with a lot of scents recently from BBW, they are either prior scents renamed, or very similar to other scents. But with Victoria's Secret, all of their Fantasy line scents are completely unique!

I currently own it in the fragrance mist, hydrating body lotion and the daily shower gels. It also comes in ultra-moisturizing body and hand cream, deep-softening body butter or smoothing body scrub.

I give it a 10/10. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a fruity summer scent, but does not want anything tropical.

Pure Seduction is a permanent item and is available online here. Anything pique your interest?

That concludes my top five summer series, maybe if I get positive feed back, I will do another in the fall!

Until next time,

Lindsay

Collection Update: Fall Home Fragrance!

Hey everyone! I know it's still summer but things in the retail world are already cooling down for fall. I have some more solid release dates on the fall home fragrance lines. To my knowledge, these scents will be available in both candles and wallflower fragrance bulbs, with select fragrances that will be released in car portables and room sprays. Some of these are already available online so I will link to them next to the fragrance if available now, if your little heart so desires. Also click through to the website for full descriptions! If the item has a line through it like this, it means that it has been rumored that the product in question may not be coming out.

Pumpkin Collection (to be released on 7/29 with the Pumpkin Preview)

- Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Available online now

- Pumpkin Caramel Latte Available online now

- Pumpkin Cupcake Available online now

- Blueberry Pumpkin Patch Only available in Wallflower Bulb for now

- Pumpkin Apple Available online now

- Pumpkin Carving Available online now

- Pumpkin Pecan Waffles Available online now

- Roasted Pumpkin Butter

- Pumpkin Carrot Cake

- Pumpkin Hayride

- Creamy Pumpkin (This one may not be coming out as home fragrance but is available as hand soap and anti-bac gel)

Sweater Weather line (out on 8/5)

- Sweater Weather Only available in 3-Wick candle for now

- Applewood Bonfire

- Cider Donut Available in 3-Wick 14.5 oz Candle

- Tailgate

- Harvest Gathering

- Pumpkin Woods

- Leaves Only available in 3-Wick candle for now

- Cider Lane Only available in 3-Wick candle for now

- Autumn Available online now

- Marshmallow Fireside Available online now

- Autumn Day Only available in 3-Wick candle for now

Fresh Picked line (out on 8/19)

- Fresh Picked Lemon Mint Leaf Only available in Wallflower bulb right now

- Fresh Picked Spiced Cider Available online now

- Fresh Picked Apple Ale Available in 14.5 oz 3-Wick Candle

- Fresh Picked Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin There is a large array of SCP available here

- Fresh Picked Farmstand Apple Available online now

- Fresh Picked Heirloom Pear Available online now

- Fresh Picked Blackberry Spice Only available in 3-Wick Candle for now And mason jar candle

- Fresh Picked Harvest Coffee Available online now

White Barn line (out on 9/9)

- Sandalwood Citrus Available online now

- Bergamot Woods

- White Barn #1 Nutmeg and Spice Only available in 3-Wick candle for now

- Cranberry Woods Available online now

- Fresh Balsam Available online now

- Cinnamon and Clove Bud Only available in 2-Pack Wallflower bulbs for now

- Black Pepper Bergamot Available online now

- Flannel

- Cedarwood Trail

- Sage & Cedar

- Pinecone

- Vanilla Vetiver

- Coconut Wood

That's it for now, everyone! See anything you're excited for? I sure do!

Evamarie.

It's Wishlist Wednesday Y'all!

Hey everyone! Happy Wednesday! Lindsay and Eva here, checking in on all the exciting things we're looking forward to or having a lemming for at the moment.

Eva: I am so super excited for all the fall candles and home fragrance from Bath and Body Works! I also saw photos of some candle holders with owls that have my name all over them. Hoping there will be soap covers to match!

Lindsay: I can't wait to smell Amber Blush. I know it's not coming out until September but the notes all seem really nice. 

Anything you're looking forward to? Tell us in the comments!

Lindsay & Eva

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Products We've Used Up!

Hey all! Just thought we'd pop in to let you know about a few products we've finished up over the last few weeks. 

Eva: I finished up one Summertime S'mores 3-wick candle and a Beautiful Day shower gel! Highly recommend either and they're both still available online and in stores.

Lindsay: I used up a Wallflower bulb in Espresso Bar. It was nice but it was far too strong for my small bedroom. Maybe it would work for someone with a bigger room or a wide open space.

Have you finished up any products recently? If so, tell us in the comments.

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Lindsay & Eva

Monday, July 8, 2013

Home Fragrance Monday: Sensual Amber

So I know it's not really the season for it, but I have decided to do my review on the Sensual Amber fragrance bulbs! I currently have this one burning in my room and find it very relaxing.



So the notes are quite different from the signature line and include bergamot, fresh plum, lotus flower, and powdery vanilla. I find it quite ironic that it does not include amber in this list. I can't really smell a difference between the two even though lotus flower is the only note they share.

I have been using the same bulb for two weeks and find that it still fills my room better than most scents I've tried. I don't agree with the  BBW website that the bulbs last up to eight weeks, however. I usually find that they lose their strength after one month.

I would have to give this a 10/10 and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes cozy and warm scents. Sensual Amber is available in two-pack Wallflower bulb refills here.

-Lindsay

Collection Info: Pumpkin Preview July 29th - August 4th

Howdy everyone! I have some information for you about the Pumpkin Preview that's going to be happening at Bath & Body Works for a limited time (July 30th - August 4th). This is going to be just a quick peek at what's to come for fall. Info is credited to here:

- Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin, available in Lotion, Shower Gel and Fine Fragrance Mist

- Home fragrance in Pumpkin Cupcake, Pumpkin Caramel Latte, Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin, Pumpkin Carving, Pumpkin Apple, Pumpkin Pecan Waffles, and Blueberry Pumpkin Patch

- Anti-bacterial soap in Creamy Pumpkin, Pumpkin Caramel Latte, Pumpkin Cupcake, Spice Kissed Pumpkin, Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin and Sweet Orange Pumpkin

- Room sprays in Pumpkin Apple and Pumpkin Cupcake

- Mini candle sampler with six mini candles (fragrances not announced) (In-store only?)

- Wallflower bulb sampler with six Wallflower bulbs (fragrances not announced) (In-Store only?)

- Ceramic Pumpkin Candle holder with a Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin candle which will be $6 with any $20 purchase

Are you all excited? I know I am. I'm a total fall girl so the candles have my name all over them.

Update! The Pumpkin Preview is LIVE and happening now online and in-store! To check it out on the website click through here.

Eva.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Update Y'all!

Hey everyone, sorry we have been a little MIA as of late. Lindsay and I have both been busy with work and I just finished out my last semester of college (for now) but hopefully that should free us up to write for you more often! I'll be posting my Summer Loves review tonight and then it should be back to business as usual.

Eva.

New Offer Added: $9 3-Wick Candles!

Hi all! All 3-wick candles from Bath & Body Works are now on sale for $9. There is no code necessary for in store purchases, but online use the code SHINEON.

Are you picking up any candles? I am!

Eva.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Lindsay's Top Five Summer Frangrances: Lovelovelove

Todays review will be on lovelovelove. This unfortunately only made a short appearance last summer. If you've been following my posts you will know that I don't like floral. However, I think this is the perfect blend of fruit, floral and woods!

  • Top Notes: Succulent Berries, White Plum, Juicy Pear
  • Mid Notes: Peony Petals, Lily of the Valley, Freesia
  • Dry Notes: Blonde Woods, Glittering Vanilla Musk
Straight out of the bottle I smell mostly plum, pear with a little bit of floral and woods. When it dries on my skin I pick up a little more florall. I'm not familiar with floral notes so I can't really say which ones. The musk also comes through, but not in a bad way.

I have heard people compare it to wine or beer, but I think these people need to have their noses checked. I have not come across a single BBW scent yet that has smelt like booze.

I'm still holding on to my hopes that plum lily swirl will be a close match.

Overall, I score it a 10/10. I have absolutely no complaints about it

Until next time,

Lindsay

Monday, July 1, 2013

Home Fragrance Monday: Summertime S'mores!

Howdy! Eva here, with your home fragrance review for the week! Today I'll be talking about my all time favorite candle from Bath & Body Works, Summertime S'mores!

Photo credit: bathandbodyworks.com

So the description on this candle is "A gooey & guilt-free treat! Toasted marshmallows, crackling campfire and creamy, rich vanilla capture all the sweetness of summer's most loved sweet!" 

I think if I were to become a candle, I would be this. This candle is absolutely perfect. It is sweet and smoky and delicious. It doesn't have the artificial smell that some "campfire" or "marshmallow" candles can get. It is incredibly authentic and the fragrance fills a large room very quickly.

Now, you may be wondering; 'Hey, BBW has a candle called Marshmallow Fireside. That sounds pretty similar. Are they the same?'

If I worked for BBW, I would be inclined to say no. But I am an independent consumer, so having owned and burned both candles, I say yes. This is good news for me, because that means this scent is around almost all year (or at least it has been, because it is returning this coming fall as Marshmallow Fireside).

Summertime S'mores gets an 11/10 from me. All time favorite home fragrance ever. Summertime S'mores is available here!

Now go make yourself a gooey marshmallow treat. It's summer!

Eva.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Coupon: $10 off $30!

Happy Saturday y'all! Bath and Body Works has out out a coupon code for $10 off a purchase of $30 or more. The in store code is 9374 and the online code is EXTRA10. This coupon expires on July 7th, the last day of the Semi-Annual Sale!

Just incase you forgot some of the deals for SaS, I'll give you a few below:

- $3 body care of classic fragrances that have returned for a limited time

- select candles $10

- all signature body care is currently but three get three free

- select wallflower 2-packs are on sale for $6

- select Anti-Bac hand soaps are $3

Have you shopped SaS a few times like I have? Did you find anything new in the more recent times you went? Let us know in the comments!

Happy shopping,

Eva.

Friday, June 28, 2013

Free For All Friday Comparison: BBW Signature Lemon Vanilla v.s. VS Lemon Escape

Lindsay here, doing a comparison of the discontinued Lemon Vanilla from BBW, and new Lemon Escape from Victoria's Secret Fantasies collection. I was never really a fan of VS until just recently but I have to say that some of their stuff is really nice.


Photo credit: Bath & Body Works

The notes in Lemon Vanilla are the following:

Top Notes: Burst of Fresh Lemon, Sparkling Citron, Juicy Orange, Iced Bergamot, Zesty Mandarin
Middle Notes: Purple Vanilla Orchid, Freesia, Yellow Jasmine
Base Notes: Pink Cotton Candy Accord, Creamy White Woods, Whipped Vanilla, Sugared Musks

(taken from amazon.com)

From the bottle I smell mostly lemon and a tad bit of vanilla. But after it dries on my skin, it goes musky and loses all of it's fruitiness. When I put it on at home, I was told by my brother that I smelled like a french prostitute! So clearly this scent was not meant for me.


Photo credit: Victoria's Secret

Lemon Escape:

Being that they are known more for their lingerie than their fragrance line, most of their scents are on the simple side. The only two notes mentioned by the company are lemon sugar and coconut. Straight from the bottle it kind of reminds me of fruity pebbles to be honest (in a good way). It's very sweet and very lemony. After it settles, the sugar diminishes and the coconut comes through a little bit.

Personally, I prefer Lemon Escape which I would score a 9/10. I am really let down by how poorly Lemon Vanilla smells on me and I would have to give it a 4/10.

Lemon escape is most definitely a must have summer fragrance and if you haven't tried it, I sincerely encourage you to. It is still available at Victoria's Secret stores and online.

Until next time,
Lindsay


Eva's Summer Loves: Coconut Lime Breeze

Good morning everyone! Eva here, with the second installment to my top five summer series. Today's chosen fragrance is Coconut Lime Breeze.

So I don't know about you, but over here in the northeast it has taken a little while to warm up for summer. I was a bit sad because I felt like I could break this one out until it actually felt like summer. To me, while I am quite liberal with most of the other fragrances I wear, this is definitely summer specific.

To start, let's talk about the notes:

  • Top Notes: Sparkling Tangerine, Lemon Italy Orpur, Neroli, Bergamot Italia Orpur, Zesty Lime Juice
  • Mid Notes: Watery Melon notes, Sheer Muget, Pineapple Juice, Jasmine Petals, Lime Blossom
  • Dry Notes: Sheer Coconut Water, Sandalwood, Musk, Madagascar Vanilla


From the bottle, it's pretty self explanatory. You definitely get a lot of the coconut and most definitely the tangy kick of the lime and the other citrus notes. I don't smell any of the floral either in the bottle or on my skin, but I do smell a faint hint of the vanilla and the bergamot, which gives the fragrance a fullness that I feel Coconut Lime Verbena did not have (but I'll save that discussion for a later time...)

This scent is pretty straightforward on me and smells exactly as you'd expect it to. I pick up a decent amount of the coconut but a lot of the various citrus. I definitely pick up some of the vanilla too, but not so much the spicy kick of the bergamot and none of the floral (and for those of you who forgot, "muguet" is "lily of the valley". Lilies reminds me of funeral homes. Or Lily Potter, but I don't know what she smelled like).

Overall, I really feel this is a staple in my summer fragrance wardrobe. I admit that I don't reach for this as often as I should, but when I do, I feel very beachy! I give this fragrance a 7/10. If you're looking for a new summer fragrance, go give this on a whiff! It is available both online and in stores now.

Have an awesome summer, everyone,

Eva.


Deal Alert: $2.50 Fragrance Bulbs!

Hi all! Happy Friday! Today at Bath and Body Works, you can get wallflower fragrance bulbs for $2.50 each! The in store code is 9370 and there is no code necessary if ordering online.

Also, incase you haven't been in store, all signature body care (excluding the items on clearance or already marked down) is but three, get three free!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Eva.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

First Impressions: Summer Chill Collection

Hey all! I was in Bath and Body Works yet again and spotted the lotion testers of the Summer Chill collection!

Coconut Water Chill is very fresh and not incredibly coconutty. Anyone remember Coconut Lime Verbena? It's pretty close to that as opposed to Coconut Lime Breeze, which is very heavy on the coconut. I think if CLV and White Citrus had a baby, it would be Coconut Water Chill.

Citrus Orchid Chill was suprising. It reminds me a lot of Wild Citrus Sunflower  from the Wild Garden collection.

White Mango Chill was a shocker too! The description on the back said mango, kiwi and strawberry but all I pick up was kiwi and strawberry! Considering I really dislike mango, this pleased me. It might not be enough to make me purchase it but it was definitely a pleasant suprise.

The Summer Chill collection launches on July 8th! Have you smelled any of these scents yet?

Eva.

Sale Alert: 50% off Aromatherapy today only

Hey! Happy Thursday! Today only, everything in the  aromatherapy line at Bath and Body Works is 50% off!

In store code is 9366 and there is no code necessary online.

Happy shopping!

Eva.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Lindsay's Top Five Summer Favorites: Sweet on Paris

So today I'll be posting a review for Sweet on Paris!



This scent came out last year in the Paris collection last summer, but unfortunately did not make a return this year (Boo!). I was actually surprised that I didn't even see it for the semi-annual sale. If you like sweet scents, this one is absolutely perfect. The notes are:

Top Notes: Sparkling Tangerine, Raspberry Kir, Luscious Blackberry, Lemon Meringue

Mid Notes: Jasmine, Macaroon, Apricot, Pink Peony, Juicy Nectarine

Dry Notes: Sugared Musk, Pink Marshmallow, Creamy Sandalwood, Vanilla Infusion

Straight from the bottle I pick up the blackberry, lemon and vanilla, but after it dries I smell macaroon, marshmallow and vanilla!

One of the reviewers at BBW's website said the new Sugar Berry Smash is similar to SOP and I'm hoping they are correct.

This would have to be my favorite scent for spring and summer, but I also think it could be worn all year round due to it's savoriness. I would give it a 10/10!

Until next time,
Lindsay

Wishlist Wednesday!

Hola everyone! Every Wednesday from here on out, we're going to let you in on some products we have our eyes on. It might be stuff that's already out, or coming out in the near future!

Eva:

I've got my eyes on a few PINK body mists from Victoria's Secret (Fresh & Clean, Sweet & Flirty, few others). I did these fragrances are very neutral and clean, and work approriate for my job. I guess for the record I'll tell you I won at my local Yankee Candle, so I can't wear anythig super fruity or in your face. I've been loving PINK Summer Daze for work because it doesn't take away from the fragrance of the products.

I'm also excited for some of the new Victoria's Secret Fantasies scents from the Beach Dreams collection, but that isn't available in store yet. Also, excited to see te new BBW collections that will be coming out July 8th (info on all that here)


Lindsay:
I am excited for the new signature fall scents at BBW. Eva and I compared 
notes in Napa Blackberry and Caramel Aspen Woods to Sparkling 
Blackberry Woods and Dreamy Vanilla Woods, and they seem to be 
pretty similar but we'll see. I'm sincerely hoping not, considering I didn't
like either scent. But I am excited for Vermont Honey Apple and hoping it 
might be Warm Harvest Apple (part of the line two years ago) renamed.