Spa Ritual Howl~ Review

SpaRitual's Howl polish from the fall Wilde collection was the only shade I felt I needed in my life. All the blogger photos were gorgeous, it looks stunning in the bottle. A dark brown with copper shimmer throughout. However, on the nail is just seems to fall flat. Even in bright sunshine you can barely see the shimmer at times, and the dark brown base looks black in most lighting. Plus, if you want any hope of seeing the shimmer you need a super shiny top coat. I tried it first with an older topcoat I had hanging around and it pretty much killed the uniqueness of the polish. 

I tried very hard to show the shimmer in these pics, they were all in direct sunlight but as you can see there isn't very much. This makes me sad because the polish in the bottle looks so gorgeous! Or when I'm in the process of removing it and the base removes a little before the shimmer so you can see it more.
The formula itself was pretty good. It went on easily in two coats and wear was about average for me (which is 2-3 days before major tip wear and chips).

Overall, I'm kind of disappointed. I was really hoping for a more unique and glowy sort of polish but mostly it just looks black or black-brown. Sparitual is vegan though so that's a plus, and I love the bottle, not only is it shaped nicely the rubber cap rocks.

Sprite Rating: 5/10, lost points for the potential it had but didn't live up to and the need for a super shiny top coat.

Would I Buy it Again? No, I wouldn't. I liked the idea of it and other bloggers seem to be able to coax out it's hidden wonders but on me it just looks black most of the time. *sigh* And I had such high hopes.

Haus of Gloi Autumn 2011 Order

L-R: Olde Cider Haus, Saft Ernte, White Raspberry

As many of you know I recently made a Haus of Gloi order when their Fall collection came out. (If you're interested in seeing all the descriptions of the Autumn products you can check out my Post Here.) 

I've had some time to test out the scents now so I wanted to give you my views on the scents. My order came quickly and was well packaged with a cute little thank-you card and skull linen bag. So I was really pleased about that, plus shipping was extremely reasonable. The customer service was very good too, I asked if I could have Pumpkin Eater as my freebie since I knew one came with every order, and it was originally going to be one of the samples I was going to buy. Not only did they send me Pumpkin Eater,which in samples was only available in the sampler packs, but they sent me Imp free of charge too. You seriously can't ask for better service, and friendly speedy response to your e-mail. 

L-R: Pumpkin Queen, Samhain, Hex, Saft Ernte, Imp, Red Roan,  Pumpkin Eater

As for the scents themselves? The ones I thought I was going to like the most (the large vials) I'm not too sure about.  Here are the scents I got and what I think about them:

• Olde Cider Haus: I'm on the fence about this one at the moment. It's quite sweet, but it doesn't quite pass the line into too sweet. I do get some wood smell to it which I like but it isn't quite what I expected either. Other people have said they smell the apple right away but I can't smell any apple at all. I do like it and I will wear it just not all the time.
• Pumpkin Eater: I really love the underlying spices in this one and it has a sweet warmth to it as well. Haven't gotten a chance to wear it for a full day yet but so far I'm tentatively giving it my fall stamp of approval. Makes me think of thanksgiving and my grandmother's pumpkin pie.
• White Raspberry: Sadly this doesn't smell like raspberries. Instead I get sweet almonds, medicinal-almost children's cough syrup, and a dab of cream. It smells way better on than in the bottle, but I was hoping for something fresher-fruitier if that makes sense. (Not part of the Fall release)
• Hex: You can almost taste the liquor from the description when you smell Hex. It's got the fruit too for sure but the alcoholic top note is quite strong. I think I'll warm up to this scent the more I'm exposed to it. The one caveat I have about it though is when I put it on my elbows my skin didn't react well to it. It turned red and stung a little. I'm not sure if I was just extra sensitive that day or what but I think I'm going to have to patch test it and see what happens from there.
• Saft Ernte: This one is just too sweet for me. I don't smell the peaches to it unfortunately, instead I get a strong ambiguous sweet smell with some underlying hazelnut smell. I really wanted to like it but I just can't. I thought if I wore it the smell might fade a bit and change with my body but I had to wash it off before I got to that point.
• Imp: (Not part of the Autumn release) They included this as a free sample and I am so glad they did. I smelled this and instantly fell in love. It's so fruity and almost bright. Actually my favourite out of all the scents I received, I'll eventually be picking this one up from their core line for sure.
• Red Roan: This little number took me by surprise. I can remember upon ordering the sample pack I was like huh they've included Red Roan, okay that's cool. It wasn't on my 'must get' list. I actually really like it though. It is most certainly porridge-like with quite a bit of maple syrup in there and a very slight sharp note (for the cognac- which I was surprised that it really balanced it out so well). I really like the feeling it gives me. Reminds me of warm wooly sweaters and country cottages. Can't really smell the strawberries to this at all though. I may pick up a full-size of this one.
• Samhain: This one is something I don't think would ever have entered the realm of my imagination as a scent to wear. It's very herbal and you definitely get this cold crisp wind sharpness to it at the end. You can certainly smell a bit of wet soil under the herbs too. Really unique. Not something I'd wear very often, but I do like it. 
• Pumpkin Queen: Much like Saft Ernte this one is too sweet for my tastes and I can't smell the peaches, which makes me sad. Pumpkin Queen I found to be less sweet than Saft Ernte though. You do get soft-hay in it at times too which I think is what makes it more bearable. I've kind of hummed and hawed about whether or not I actually like the scent, but in the end it's just too much. 

Finally (though not a part of the Autumn release) was my small tub of Depravity Body Emulsion. This is quite nice, it really has the lovely Depravity scent to it, and isn't so thin it's runny nor is it too thick that it feels like overkill. I've found that it leaves my legs quite soft when I apply it and the scent does stick around for a bit. I can't say this has done miracles for me, but it is a good quality body moisturizer. (Plus, the gypsy woman on the packaging is adorable).

Have you ordered from Haus of Gloi? Looked into their Autumn collection? What are your thoughts?

Haus of Gloi Soft Bubbling Scrub~ Review

Recently, I won a giveaway from the wonderful Product Pixie blog. Kathrine the blogger also sent along two Haus of Gloi sample size items. I've since fallen in love with the brand. This is one of the two items she sent me Soft Bubbling Scrub in Apothecary.

I'm going to do this in two sections, the first about the formula of the scrub itself and the second about the scent Apothecary. The amazing thing about Haus of Gloi is that there scents are universal across their product lines so you can get simply the perfume oils or have the scent incorporated in things like their scrubs. 

Apothecary image on label

The packaging firstly is fantastic. The attention to detail on the Soft Bubbling Scrub is wonderful. Each has the scent name and product type clearly written along with a old 1700s style picture that matches the scent. The amount of product, scent description, and ingredients are all clearly listed as well. Honestly for an indie brand Haus of Gloi branding and design blows me away. 

The little tub itself is recyclable (yay) plastic that easily opens or screws tightly shut. The label also shows no signs of coming off yet despite multiple uses in the shower, which is a great bonus. 

Close-up of Soft Bubbling Scrub

Close-up of Soft Bubbling Scrub

When I first read the name and description from Haus of Gloi about their Soft Bubbling Scrubs I thought that the product itself would feel much more, well soft. Or creamy. Don't be fooled, it isn't soft- at first. When you go to scoop some out it is an extremely stiff sugar FILLED mixture. Once on your fingers you don't need hardly anything at all before you rub it into wet skin. All the sugar makes for a wonderful effective scrub. When it meets water it almost turns to a creamy-suds with a prominent scent. 

It goes on really well and washes off well too. No stinging or pain from the scrub being too harsh on my sensitive skin, or from shaving nicks. Plus you don't feel greasy or oily afterwards but it does leave the scent behind and the faint feeling of slight moisturization. Oh and lets not forget wonderfully smooth skin.

Now lets talk about the scent. I'd like to first start off with the fact that before this I've never had the scent from a scrub actually stick around! This actually continues to give off a subtle scent even after I've toweled myself off.

As for the Apothecary scent itself here is the Haus of Gloi's description:

I find this scent quite herbal. As I'm allergic to the scent of lavender for the most part I find Apothecary a bit too much to handle. To me this scrub smells strongly of lemongrass and lavender mainly. I find I like the scent in the shower where it diffuses a bit, but I wouldn't probably order it again due to my lavender allergy. However, don't let that stop you! If you like herbal, earthy, scents this one is lovely and unique. 

I took a photo of the little jar by my lens cap so you can see how small it is. It fits nicely in my tiny hands so I hope that gives you a better idea of how small the sample/travel sizes on the Haus of Gloi site are.

The small size is $3.50 USD for 2 oz and the large is $8.00 USD for 6 oz. You can see all the Soft Bubbling Scrubs on the Haus of Gloi website, there really is a scent for everyone in my humble opinion. Or you can get Aether which is their scentless version. As a side note, Haus of Gloi is completely vegan, which is great too!

Overall, I think this is the best scrub I've come across to date. You don't need much to make a huge difference, it doesn't bother my sensitive skin and it's not too expensive. No greasy residue and the scent sticks around too. Couldn't be better!

Sprite Rating: 9/10- the only reason this product didn't get full marks is because my nose doesn't really agree with the scent, and the fact that you do have to order online so you can't smell beforehand in person.

Would I Buy It Again? I'll probably pick up another Soft Bubbling scrub in a different scent as I do adore how well it works. 

Haus Of Gloi Autumn 2011

All images in this post are from the Haus of Gloi website

Today, Haus of Gloi released their Autumn collection at 9:00 PST or 12:00 EST. Having heard such wonderful things about them, most especially their autumn collection I made my first order. I had heard of them off and on in the past but being highly wary of scents (most standard perfumes cause me bad headaches) I decided to pass.

However, I recently won Product Pixie's giveaway and in it she included not only a ton of other awesome prizes but 2 of them were Haus of Gloi and I fell in love. One was a sample of Depravity Perfume oil, a really awesome scent. It starts out berry and smoky and then over time become insense and clove to eventually die down to a sweet powdery smell. Plus no headaches! You can really tell there isn't any alcohol or cheap things in these!

I've really enjoyed it so far, especially at night time. The other was a sample tub of their bubbling scrub in Apocrathy. It's more of an herbal scent, which I like but don't like as much as Depravity. I haven't tried it yet in the shower but when I do I'll let you know. As a major plus the entire company is vegan, even their honey fragrances (they use a synthetic that smells like honey but isn't from animals).

So onto the Autumn release which is Haus of Gloi's most famous seasonal collection. The Sold Out items are the ones that are already sold out (despite this being only 2 hours after the autumn collection was released!)

There are six sections in the Autumn release: Perfume Oils, Candy Bowl, Bubbling Scrubs, Pumpkin Butter, Emulsifying Scrub, and Handmade Soap.

The Perfume Oils include-
3 different Sampler Packs (varying prices $12.50- $9.00)

Ceremony: Dusty beeswax candles, frankincense, myrrh, mastic, spikenard, pale honey, a pinch of tobacco, and faded musk. $17 USD

Hex: You've been bewitched! Brackish amber, aged vanilla bean and three dark fruits, veiled in darkness and otherworldly secrecy. $15 USD

Saft Ernte: A merry drink of harvest and glowing with warmth: Peach juice simmering with sweet spices, pumpkin, silken hazelnut cream, and made completely curious with a drop of orange blossom water. $15 USD

Samhain: Freshly turned earth, wet leaves, and a cool spectre ridden wind! $15 USD

Pumpkin Queen: Gentle hay pillows, pumpkin, ripe peaches dusted with clove and nutmeg, dried summer herbs, and lastly, a lovely crown of amber. $17 USD

Queen Mother (Sold Out): Last years Pumpkin Queen oil with 5 year aged patchouli, jasmine essence, and the blackest vetiver, co-distilled with honeysuckle blossom. $17 USD

Pumpkin Eater: Cream, glowing pumpkin, rich vanilla bean, and the tiniest touch of nutmeg butter.
$15 USD

Olde Cider Haus: Old oak, sweet drying hay fields, crushed apple pulp, and vanilla bean husks.
$15 USD

Ghost Puffs: Buttery popcorn and gooey marshmallow orbs presented on a wooden stick. $15 USD

Hedonic: Black fig, golden honey, saffron threads, and Indian agar musk. $17 USD

Red Roan: Fresh strawberry flecked porridge with maple syrup and adulterated with a splash of white cognac. $15 USD.

Bubbling Scrubs cost $4.50 for small and $10 for large; include-

Pixie Sorcerer: They look cute but beware! Deceptive pomegranate candy floss, beneath a spiteful blend of coffee co2, vetiver and myrrh.

Pumpkin Queen: Same as Pumpkin Queen scent above
Saft Ernte: Same as Saft Ernte above
Samhain: Same as Samhain above

Pumpkin Butters (thick moisturizers) cost $4.50 for small and $10 for large; include the scents-

Ghost Puffs: Same as above
Olde Cider Haus: Same as above
Pixie Sorcerer: Same as above
Pumpkin Eater: Same as above
Samhain: Same as above
Pumpkin Queen: Same as above
Saft Ernte: Same as above

Emulsifying Scrubs (Sugar Exfoliants), cost $11; Include the scents-

Pixie Sorcerer: Same as above
Pumpkin Queen: Same as above
Saft Ernte: Same as above
Samhain: Same as above


Handmade Soaps cost $6.75; include the scents-

Olde Cider Haus- Same scent as Olde Cider Haus scent above

Pumpkin Queen- Same scent as Pumpkin Queen above (but isn't the soap awesome and totally something you'd associate with a pumpkin queen?)

Samhain- Same scent as Samhain above. (Also love the design and dried leaf bits for Samhain soap too!)

Candy Bowl (Perfume Oils) include (@ $12 USD each)-

Banana Taffy: Yellow taffy with a mildly artificial banana flavor.

Blood Orange Marshmallow (Sold Out): Rich blood orange and fluffy white marshmallows.

Candy Corn: Simple but irresistibly sweet and delicious candy corn.

Caramel Apple Pop (Sold Out): Sweet warm caramel and tart apple.

Coconut Bon Bon: White Chocolate with coconut flakes.

Lemon Drops: Bright Californian Lemon and pure cane sugar. Yum!

Licorice Chew: A warm caramel flavored with anise seed.

Peaches & Cream Gumball: Peaches and Cream. (I really should have ordered this, I love peaches!)

Pumpkin Cake Pops (Sold Out): Just that, lightly spiced pumpkin cake with frosting!

Salty Caramel: Caramel flecked with coarse sea salt. (I almost ordered this! Yum!)

Vanilla Taffy: Simple taffy, vanilla flavored!

And I bought (blowing my budget to smithereens):
- Full Size Saft Ernte Perfume Oil
- Perfume Oil Sampler Pack 1 (Includes Red Roan, Hex, Samhain, Pumpkin Queen, and Saft Ernte sample vials)
- Full Size Olde Cider Haus Perfume Oil
- Depravity Body Emulsion sample size (light moisturizer)
- Full Size White Raspberry Perfume Oil
- Sample size Imp Perfume Oil

Way more than I planned to spend but I'm so excited! I can't wait till I receive my order! (Full review then!) You can view the Haus of Gloi website here!

Urban Decay Vegan Palette~ Swatches

I finally saw the Vegan palette at my local Sephora so I thought I'd shoot some quick pictures and take some swatches of it for you! Isn't it adorable? I love the packaging on this palette so much!

The shades in the palette from Left to Right, Top row then bottom row are: Minx, Urb, Gunmetal, Twice Baked, Smog, and Half Baked. Not shown is the Sin (shimmery champagne) primer potion that comes with the palette.

Minx had quite a bit of fall-out due to the chunky silver glitter but all the others were really nice. I love Urban Decay;s formulation of eyeshadows (excluding their glitters). They're always really pigmented and rich. I actually really liked Smog in this palette, one I've never been interested in before now.

What do you think? Yay or Nay?

P.S. Please take the time to vote on the poll in the side bar to the right! I'd really appreciate your opinion!

NOTD: Color Club Fashion Addict

Yet another awesome colour (and my last that I purchased) from Color Club polishes that I picked up over the holidays, and most certainly a spring one! I ADORE this, named Fashion Addict it is unbelieveable. Two coats, though almost opaque in one this applied wonderfully like the other Color Club shades I purchased and has worn well to boot. Take a look!

Rainbow wonderfulness!

Direct Sunlight

In direct sunlight this is so pretty I can't stop looking at it! It takes my breath away!

Overall Rating: 10/10 - Seriously amazing, can't believe how inexpensive and high quality this is, plus it's vegan too!
Would I buy it again? YES!

NOTD: Color Club Snakeskin

Please ignore the messed up thumb, look at the beauty of the polish in the bottle instead :P

It's been awhile since I've shown a nail polish post so I thought I'd upload my current favourite! This little is by Color Club (which means they don't cost much and they are vegan as well!) and called Snakeskin (Number 901). And honestly this colour is stunning! Metallic silvered green with gold and silver micro-shimmer. To me it honestly has the feel of some sort of reptile in a swamp, which is great as I'm taking a Herpetology class this semester! (Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians :D) I think this color is really unique, I love the fact that it has some variation to it because of the gold and silver shimmer so it looks really reptilian! 

This polish not only looks really cool but the formula is awesome! Just as good as Revvvolution (Shown in this post!) you really can pull off only one coat with both of these two Color Club polishes I've tried. Though I did two coats in the photos, Snakeskin applies smoothly and without brushstrokes. (Quite a few of my nails are messed up in this manicure, but it's not due to the polish, rather the Top Coat I used. I'm on the last dregs of my favourite China Glaze Fast Forward Top Coat and it has gone thick. In combination with not enough on my brush most times I destroyed most of the nails. *pout*)

Close-up to see the awesome shimmer!

Overall Rating: 10/10 This polish is amazing in my opinion. Great formula, Unique colour, Vegan and Cruelty-free brand and costs under $5 a bottle. Fantastic!

Would I buy this again? YES! Yes, yes yes! There is honestly nothing I dislike about this polish!

NOTD: Nubar Gem

Nubar Gem from the Prisms Collection

After seeing numerous swatches of this online I caved one day and ordered a bottle online from ebay. This polish is the most fantastic and unique one I own. With true holographic glitter (that usually appears green or silver) and a taupe base I was a little warey of ordering it, afraid I'd not like it in real life. However, this is not the case and its as fantastical as it is online. As I said the base colour is taupe which makes it neutral enough to wear to work or school, but the neat thing about this is the duochrome effects. In some light it appears silver, others, mauve, lilac, violet and dark brown, all with a subtle fine glitter through out to add interest. Below are some pictures in different lighting to try and capture some of the effects.

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I like the formula of the nubar, which only needed two coats to be opaque but was quite thin/runny with the first coat which is a little intimidating due to my past experience being with mainly thick formulas. I do however, like the formula, I just needed a little self adjustment time :D. In other blogs I was told that the glitter is quite rough, but I haven't found this, yes you can feel there is glitter but it's not huge chunks, nor is it that rough when dry. I fixed any texture feel with a top coat which completely eliminated the problem. I've also found it has lasted quite well with very limited tip wear (3 days- great for me since I'm hard on my nails!) 

See! Greenish glitter! So neat!

Overall, I'm adoring this nail polish, I'm eager to check out more colours by the brand as they see to strive for unique polishes as well as being Big Three Free and vegan. 

Rating: 9/10-> Lost one point for slight texture and very thin formula.

Urban Decay Vegan Palette

Urban Decay is coming out with an all vegan eyeshadow palette for the first time ever! I've no idea on the release date yet but the shades include: Gunmetal, Smog, Twice Baked, Half Baked, Urb and Mildew. All in all a gorgeous set of earthy colours. Plus I love the packaging on it! From what you can see in the pictures, it looks like the palette is also going to come with a mini primer potion in Sin and a black 24/7 eyeliner pencil in Zero. What do you think about the palette?


Pictures from Beauty and Fitness Addict Blog