Thursday, September 15, 2011

6 Candles By Victoria Scents

Hi everyone-

The school year is in full swing- with projects, tons of reading, homework, work etc, meaning I'm super busy. I finished my "Thursday goal" list early tonight so I decided to enter the monthly "Blog For CBV" contest by talking about the last six scents from Candles By Victoria I've burned (or in my case warmed in my tart warmer).

So let's get this started!

The first two I'll be reviewing are from her Black Label line. This means they are higher quality fragrance oils and only available in the Black Label line candle. I was chosen as a September reviewer (YAY!) so I received all the new September scents to review. Top Shelf Black Label candles are available on candle page 19.

Manhattan is described as "An enticing combination of orchids and fresh carnation are blended with a touch of cumin and bergamot. The soothing quality of jasmine and fennel flourish in the heart. Sweet scents of the Madagascar vanilla bean mingle among the earthy feel of patchouli, amber and musk to complete this exotic blend".

On cold throw I smell a beautiful flower combination. This is not a "bam" in your face, I'll cause you to get a headache in 5 minutes floral though. It's soft, sophisticated, and just pretty.

On warm throw, I would say the same things. Florals are particularly challenging for me to describe and the complexity of all the Black Label line makes it even harder.

Would I recommend it? If you like floral scents even slightly yes! If floral scents aren't your thing I'm not sure if I would recommend you spending $18.50 on it. But this is one is one I really like :)

Mojito is described as "Fantastically fresh green notes and citrus splashes of grapefruit are mixed with sweet fruity scents of loganberries. A subtle detection of cassias and vanilla are the perfect finishing touches for this pleasurable fragrance".

On cold throw I get a green note and a very sweet note. Jeez, these complex fragrances are truly hard to describe!

On warm throw, the green notes are just noticeable. The sweet notes take the top notes (what you smell first) for sure!

Would I recommend it? I know a lot of people would really like this one. I would purchase it? Well it's not quite my thing but it is quite nice.

The rest of these are from her regular line. You can order all size candles and scent shots (tarts) in these.

Autumn Leaves is described as "Smell this one with your eyes shut and you'll be reminded of a cool, sunny fall afternoon. Note that this is not a burning leaves fragrance. This one is green and musky with heavy notes of bergamot and is simply a must have for the fall season" and is listed under the earthy category.

On cold throw, I smell a heavy green note. And if leaves had a smell, that note would be in here. Something lightens it up- and I think it's the bergamot (which I love).

On warm throw, my opinion of it totally changes. To be honest, I'm not really a fan of earthy or green scents. But warm, oh my goodness, I love it! The leaf-y scents is toned down and it smells so amazing! Like fall in a candle! If you are wanting a fall scent but not wanting spice or pumpkin order this right now!

Would I recommend it? Absolutely! It's amazing warm!

Barbados is described as "Papaya W/Hints Of Mulberry & Coconut" and is listed under tropical scents.

On cold throw, I get coconut and other fruity notes that I couldn't really distinguish until I read the description. I can tell why papaya is listed under the description for sure.

On warm throw, it smells about the same. It makes me want to be on a beach :)

Would I recommend this? For anyone who likes tropical, fruity scents, yes!

Pomegranate & Mango is described just like the name says and is listed under fruity scents.

On cold throw, it smells like... well fruity. I'm not sure if I would be able to pick up the two scents because the pomegranate overpowers the mango and I'm not exactly sure what pomegranate smells like (although it tastes amazing!)

On warm throw, it smells awesome! Fruity amazingness! Someone came to my room when this one I commented on how good my room smelled.

So I would recommend this? Yes! It's even better on warm throw which is always fantastic.

And the last one I'll be reviewing is Poisoned Apple. Poisoned Apple is described as "This wickedly delicious scent is a fusion of tart green apples, brown sugar and bergamot, laced with licorice and vanilla bourbon". And just the name tells you it would be perfect for Halloween time :)

On cold throw, I get a non-sour apple scent (which is why I'm not saying green apple, but it's not Macintosh Apple either) with something extra. I don't get licorice so don't let that turn you off.

On warm throw (it's been on since about 6 hours now), I get the same apple with something special scent that I got before.

Would I recommend this? Yes, the name makes it perfect for fall plus it's a great apple scent!

Everything reviewed is available on the Candles By Victoria website.

Thanks for reading!

Love,
Allison

Saturday, July 30, 2011

My July 2011 Favorites :)


Hi everyone-

Sorry for the lack of posts (which is what all of my posts are saying). Today I wanted to share with you my July Favorites.

First I'll talk about my random favorites.

I've been really like SnackWell's Cookies Fudge Drizzled Chocolate Chip 100 Calories packs. They taste like real chocolate chip cookies and the chocolate drizzle gives it something extra. Plus, the packaging is so cute! Green and brown zebra stripes- I mean really how fun!

It's not pictured with the makeup but Diet Dr. Pepper. It's a new favorite but I really wanted to add this to my favorites. Last weekend I went to my boyfriend's family reunion. We stayed at a hotel and both his mom and his aunt were drinking Diet Dr. Pepper there. His aunt talked about how she has been stopping at McDonald's everyday to get one. I haven't tried one for years. When I stopped for lunch on the way back to my house from his (he lives a little under 2 hours away) I decided to get Diet Dr. Pepper. Now I'm getting it quite often. In my opinion Dr. Pepper has more of a syrup-y soda taste to it and I like Diet Dr. Pepper must more!

I have also been obsessed with listening to old Shania Twain songs. In fact, I'm listing to Party for Two right now. That Don't Impress Me Much, Any Man of Mine, Up, Honey I'm Home, and Who's Bed Have Your Boots Been Under are just a few of the songs in my recently played playlist.

Super Bass by Nicki Minaj is also a favorite. I have my boyfriend's sister to blame for this. Earlier this summer before it was on the radio I heard it in her car and downloaded it when I got home. Last weekend when we were driving to the reunion we listened to this song non-stop. She rapped for us while my boyfriend danced.

Right Here by Nicole Scherzinger has also been one I dance in the car to :)

As for country music (which I love,) I've loved Dirt Road Anthem by Jason Aldean, Honey Bee and God Gave Me You by Blake Shelton, Barefoot Blue Jean Night by Jake Owen, and Remind Me by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood.

I have also done a lot of reading. I babysit five days a week from 9-3. The kids are older so while they play video games I like to read. The Sookie Stackhouse books and Escape by Barbara Delinksky are some that I have enjoyed.

Now for my makeup favorites!

This month I have been going pretty natural (and of course it's not because I don't feel like waking up to do it....).

I've been using Bare Minerals foundation in Medium Beige since November when I was able to go the Ulta that had just opened. I'm still loving how natural, yet flawless, it makes my skin appear. The only downfall I see with it is that it does wear off before the end of the day. However, I am able to get over that because of how my skin looks after using it.

Benefit's Boi-ing concealer is great- it gives a nice coverage. I use it for my under eye circles but it's also great to cover up blemishes. I bought the duo with Eye Bright and I like that as well. It only comes in 3 colors which could be a downfall but the medium is great for me.

Ever since I got the Naked palette by Urban Decay for Christmas I have loved using it. This month I have used it mostly for simple looks with Half Baked, Toasted, Virgin, or Sin alone on the lid. I also have been using the Zero side of the eyeliner that came with it quite often. I just love how creamy the 24/7 liners are.

If I haven't been using Zero, I have been using the Physician's Formula gel liner for Brown Eyes. I love how it looks and how easy it is to use with the brush that comes with it.

See that cute snow cone in the picture? It's a bath bomb from Fortune Cookie Soap and I have been loving how soft my skin feels after using one. I have previously reviewed them on my blog so you can check those out if you want more information.

That's all for now :)

Hope you are having a great day! I can't believe July is almost over. I move back to school for RA training a week from Wednesday! Ahhhh it's crazy!

Love,
Allison

Thursday, July 21, 2011

My Candles By Victoria Wishlist


Hi everyone-

Sorry it's been such a long time since I've blogged. I'm still painting my nails frequently but unless I take a pictures right away I won't because it chips the next day. I think it's just my nails because I've tried all sorts of top coats that make other people's manicures last a week and they don't for me(and I don't think about it). I'm planning on creating a splatter manicure tonight so maybe I'll blog about that.

Today's blog post is my Candles By Victoria wishlist. Victoria is having a blogger contest- by creating a post about CBV you can be entered to win a $50 giftcard. You know from last post that I love them but I am broke with a long wishlist and simply cannot afford to order.

So here is my wishlist and let me know yours!

I'd love to have some sort of Create A Scent called Alice Cullen which is a mix of Raspberry Violet and Fizzy Pop. Several ladies on the message board have made this and loved it. I've created it using scent shots (tarts) in my warmer and loved it!

Scent Shots in:

Champagne Pomegranate
Pomegranate Mango
Chasin’ Fireflies
Fuzzy Navel
Mango Tangerine
Lavender Apple
St. Barts
Barbados
Vanilla Bean Noel
Fizzy Pop
Bikini Bottoms
Mango Macadamia Nut
Raspberry Banana Guava
Strawberry Kiwi
Bergamot and Herbal Mint
Pink Cupcake
Bergamot Mandarin
Calypso Island
Blueberry Patch
Jimmy Buffett
Honeydew Melon
Vanilla After Dark

I've had a few of the scents before and am wanting others because of the hype. Sabrina, LazyLillypad on Youtube and the message board loves Bergamot and Herbal Mint and I know others do too. Anne loves Fuzzy Navel and I used to love Fuzzy Navel flavored snow cones. Bikini Bottom is also becoming popular and it has such a cute name!

And I'd love a Sweet Treat candle too!

Any other scents I NEED? Leave a comment letting me know and leave your wishlist if you have one :)

Love,
Allison

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Splatter Manicure Nail Of the Day


Hi everyone,

Today's NOTD was based off of a post from ThePolishAholic that you can find here. It uses straws to create the splatter effect.



Jen had a tutorial on how to do this and I knew I wanted to try it right away. I had a little trouble at first, but I commented on her post that I couldn't figure it out and she helped me. Instead of placing a few drops of polish on a paper plate and dipping the straw in that, I dipped my straw in the bottle itself.




I also used drugstore polishes making it very affordable and there are tons of color options that would make it look awesome.

I started with a base of the plain white polish by Wet N Wild (Wild Shine in 449C). Next I splattered the green- Happy Ending by Sinful Colors, then the purple- Rock Bottom by Sally Hansen Hard As Nails, and finally the pink- Boom Boom by Sinful Colors.



I think this manicure is really fun and unique. No nail is the same so it's nice not worrying about making it perfect.



What do you think of this manicure? Are you going to try it?

Love,
Allison

(P.S. seeing comments makes me smile!)

Thursday, June 16, 2011

FCS' Dragon Fruit Shaved Ice Review



Hi everyone-

When I wrote my last Fortune Cookie Soap review I was waiting on an order. In that order was the amazing bath bomb that I'll be reviewing today.

The Dragon Fruit Shaved Ice was released a few weeks ago. As soon as I saw this featured in one of Fortune Cookie Soap's Youtube videos I knew I had to try it.



I had no idea what a dragon fruit smelled like but from their description of the Dragon Fruit whipped cream ("it is a tropical blend of juicy peaches, papaya, pineapple, and just a hint of nutty almond"), I knew I wanted to try it. I think it smells amazing! If you like tropical or fruity scents, you'll love this scent!



As for how the product worked, I loved it. It turned my bathwater a pretty blue color. You can see oils on top of the water and it was very moisturizing. I have dry legs and it made them feel very smooth. It also made my bathroom smell great.

If you would like to order this or any other adorable bath product, check out Fortune Cookie Soap!

Love,
Allison

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Nail of the Day: Butter London Lady Muck



Hi everyone,

Today's nail of the day is my first Butter London nail polish in the color Lady Muck.

I've been dying to try Butter London for awhile now but haven't wanted to fork over $14 for a single bottle of polish. Last week I swapped a Candles By Victoria candle and a different polish for this one. And let me tell you, I am glad I did.



It's a light blue with a grey undertone to it. I also just painted on some lines for easy nail art after I smudged that finger.

What do you think of this color? Any must have Butter London polishes?

Love,
Allison

Company I Love: Candles By Victoria


Some of my awesome Candles by Victoria candles :)

Hi everyone,

As you can see, the name of my blog is Allison’s Loves. I made it to talk about the things I love (typically nail of the days because I love nail polish), so I’m surprised it took me this long to talk about Candles By Victoria. Seriously, I love this company.

If you watch beauty videos on Youtube, you have probably heard of this company as gurus such as allthatglitters21, sayanythingbr00ke, and lepooke have all talked about this company. But if you have been hiding under a rock and haven’t heard of Candles By Victoria this post is totally for you!

Candles By Victoria is a company based out of Texas run by Victoria and her family. They sell a wide variety of candles and 2 oz. tarts (called scent shots). Candles are available in a variety of sizes, from 4 oz. minis, 8 oz. jelly jars, 22 oz. tureen candles, glitter candles etc. They also have a wide variety of scents. Currently, they offer more than 650 scents!

As a Candles By Victoria-aholic, my guess would be that I have tried at least 150 scents. Looking at the scent list for the first time can be overwhelming so I’ll give you a few of my favorites from each category. Tropical and fruity scents seem to be my favorite while I shy away from most bakery and earthy scents.

Bakery:
Banana Coconut Pie
Blueberry Cheesecake
Cinnamon Donuts
Lemon Pound Cake

Floral:
Coconut Hibiscus
Cleopatra’s Closet
Sophie Belle
Fruity:
Best Friends
Birds of Paradise
Citrusmoon
Fizzy Pop- You really can smell fizz!
Monkey Juice
Raspberry Banana Guava
Tahitian Passion

House Blends:
Bella Swan
Sexy In Stilettos
Stress Relief
Tiffany D
Tokyo Springs

Tropical:
Indonesian Delight
Jamaican Vacation
Tropic Wind
Treasure Island
White Nectarine and Pink Coral

Christmas: one category I’ve only tried a few but Cookies For Santa and Peppermint Bark are cult favorites

Clean:
Clothesline Fresh
Gain Island Fresh
Fresh Laundry

Earthy:
French Quarter
Mango Sage Tea

Perfume and Cologne:
DKNY Delicious
Mango Sorbett (perhaps my all time favorite because it’s so fruity!)
Pink Sugar
Pink Sugar & Coconut

The Candleman’s Closet:
Bathtime With Pooh
Peace

And if the over 650 scents isn’t enough for you, Candles By Victoria also offers specialty candles like her Sweet Treats Line and Comfort Candles.
The candles and tarts are reasonably priced, burn clean, and are very strong. Just taking off the lid of candle can make your room smell great. The candle throw has taken over a whole floor of my house before. ¼ of a 2 oz. scent shot has scented my floor in my dorm.

Seriously, if you haven’t already check out Candles By Victoria!
Website http://www.candlesbyvictoria.com
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Candles-by-Victoria/150093812057
Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/cbvictoria
Messageboard http://cbvictoria.proboards.com/index.cgi?
She runs promotions and specials and has giveaways constantly so make sure you follow her on Twitter and like her on Facebook.
If you have any questions or scent favorites let me know :)

Love,
Allison