Daisies and Dukes Bath & Body Products

 About Daisies and Dukes: Our story is simple. Most things that are truly country, are simple. This is the life story of a mother and daughter team that guide their days with prayer, country music, love of family and friends, strong roots and lots of laughter... what else do you really need?!

Daisies and Dukes was born from the need of combining all these things into everyday necessities, and sharing them with you! Soft and sassy attitude is thrown into everything that we offer, because it’s not just a product line... it’s a lifestyle!

Bubbly Sugar Scrub

Product Description: Softer than the day you were born, that’s what you’ll be! Will your skin suffer from using this super soapy scrub every day? Hogwash!! Extra-fine sugar and emollients is the perfect recipe for looking better in your skivvies.

My Take: This Bubbly Sugar Scrub foams up to such a nice lather, I honestly can't get enough. For $14 you get a whopping 8oz! It is exactly what you would imagine, a richly-lathered foaming body wash with sugar for that wonderful exfoliation our body needs. My favorite scrub so far, it is non-abrasive and the scent Skinny Dippin' is fresh and clean smelling!

Fine Salt Scrub

Product Description: We’re fixin’ to show you how to get skin so fresh, it’ll make you blush! We’re talkin’ back roads, barefootin’, swingin’ from the fencepost kind of skin!! Shea butter and extra-fine salt do all the work…you just sit there and look sweet!

My Take: The Strawberry Fine Salt Scrub smells like fresh strawberries were made in this salt scrub, so good enough to eat *but obviously do not eat it! It is a much deeper exfoliation than the Bubbly Sugar Scrub so for those that need that scrub extra-dry/rough skin this product is made for you. There is no lather- it's a bath and body treatment that I would recommend only doing every week or so. For $19 you get a huge jar with a clamped-lid for 12 ounces of product!

Body Butter

Product Description: When it comes to butters, this one is the cream of the crop. Chock full of shea, soy and cocoa butters, jojoba oil and Vitamins A & E, it’s nature’s way of softening what your mama gave ya!

My Take: This Blackberry Body Butter smells like yummy yogurt with berries, smells so good (again, do not eat it). I have used this product on Poppy a few times after I bath-time and it makes her skin so soft, but above all else it smells delicious (just like every Daisies and Dukes product I've tried). It is $25 for 12 ounces. Rich, yet blends into the skin and provides a lightweight hydration.

 Body Spray/Truck Spray

Product Description: You’ll LOVE our sprays y’all! Super moisturizing, and alcohol free. You’ll be tickled to use these sprays everywhere you want... aww heck, we’re tickled for ya!

My Take: The Body Spray in Country Sunshine is just that, a burst of citrus mixed with sweet-smelling yummy goodness. Not only have I used this over my entire body, I have also used it throughout my entire house and received compliments. It smells DELICIOUS, juicy with a hint of sweet-candy-like notes. It costs $12 for 4 ounces, and I need to get more products in this scent- I am addicted to it!

Body Wash

Product Description: Well praise the Lord and pass the shower pouf! Real girls know what separates one shower gel from the rest, and ours will be the one that you reach for first... pinkie swear.

My Take: The Farmer's Daughter Body Wash foams up to a lovely lather and smells sweet, creamy and juicy. Another big-winning scent by Daisies and Dukes. I can't get enough of their products! It's pure vanilla cream scent is sweet yet the creamy notes make it a likable smell for all.

PR Samples were scent for consideration

Sunday Riley Cosmetics Review & Swatches

This is my first Sunday Riley review and I feel so fortunate to have received these products to show you guys this amazing range of cosmetics. Surprisingly Sunday Riley, known for their skin care, isn't as recognizable as they should be in my opinion. The products are high quality, pigmented and practical. This is a brand that I can wear daily, they have signature staples for your everyday cosmetic routine.

Sunday Riley packaging is a classy, yet simple black and gold design with clear print.

I must note, The Influencer mascara works best for me as a "top-coat" to thicken and lengthen my lashes after I apply my everyday mascara. On it's own it is a thin formula that took more coats to thicken my lashes than other mascara's I have used. I never have been one to layer mascaras but I love the look because it thickens without too much clumping. It definitely is a more natural mascara, great for those who want to stay far away from the "spider-lashes."

The Influencer Extra Volume Glossy Mascara retails for $30 at Sephora. 

The Prismasilk Eye Colors are encased in a hard plastic, flip-top container.

The formula is very noteworthy, as they are very pigmented and smooth. The only one that is a little harder in texture is Fool's Gold (this is because of the shimmer particles).

Swatches left to right: Twig, Sable and Fool's Gold

Twig is a muted bronze with shimmer. I like this shade of bronze because it's not too "orangey" as most bronze shades seem to come across. It's a neutral bronze. Sephora's description of this shade is a "metallic khaki brown with olive undertones."

Siberian Sable is more of a dirty-brown taupe. Sephora describes it as a "medium brown with sheen." It's my second favorite and works beautifully in the crease.

Fool's Gold has a dark blackened-brown base with gold shimmer and a micro-glitter. It is not too glittery, but it does pack more of a shimmery-punch than the other two shades. I love using this in my crease and outer-v, also I use it as eyeliner. This is my favorite Sunday Riley eyeshadow so far and I have been wearing it daily.

Sunday Riley Prismasilk eyeshadows are air-milled, long-wearing and retail for $26.

In the photo below I used Twig on my eyelid, Siberian Sable in my crease (and lower lashline) and Fool's Gold in my outer-v. I also used Fool's Gold with a pencil brush to smudge out my eyeliner, creating a slight smoky effect.

I first read about Sunday Riley's Blushing Blush at Beauty Professor. This shade is such a soft, delicate pink with a hint of sheen. It really does give you a beautiful glow. It's an everyday pink shade that doesn't turn peach/orange on me (which many pink blushes tend to do). The formula is soft, smooth and pigmented. It's perfection. Formulated without parabens, this blush retails for $30 at Sephora.

As you can see below it's the perfect amount of pink for my fair/light skintone.

I admit I was originally drawn to this lipstick, Sunday Riley Modern Lip Color in Mona Lisa, after seeing the swatches and review from Beauty Professor. The shade is gorgeous, a peachy version of the typical "Baby Pink" lippie. Shall I call it a Baby Peach? What I like is it isn't too orange, again I am a pink-cool-tone kind of woman and this lives up to my expectations. It has a slight shimmer in the formula that can come off as a frost (again, I am not a frosty-lipstick lover) but this is just fine. The formula is harder in texture, I wouldn't call it "creamy" by any means. I don't mind this because I find it wears longer on the lips. Sephora describes Mona Lisa as a coral nude extended-wear lip color (and claims to deliver true color with one swipe). The left swatch was swiped a few times whereas the swatch on the right was swiped twice. The Modern Lip Colors retail for $32.

The Creme Gloss is beautifully smooth and sheer, not at all sticky or tacky. If you are looking for a gloss with more pigmentation then this isn't the one for you. I usually layer glosses on top of my lipstick so this is just fine in terms of shine and color. I've been on a purple kick lately and Blackberry Crush is a beautiful violet shade to compliment my skintone. Sephora describes this antioxidant and Vitamin C enriched lipgloss as a Boysenberry Shimmer and it retails for $28.

I am in love with the Soft Focus Finishing Powder. I use it on top of my foundation or BB creams. This shade swatches a little darker on me, but the rose-undertone is perfect for my fair/light skin. For reference I am a NW20 in MAC. What I love most about this powder is the light-reflecting particles, it truly brightens up my face and leaves me with a subtle glow. If you prefer a more matte powder then this isn't the one for you. I have shade 125C (a medium with cool/pink undertones). Sephora's description, "Perfect for taking with you on the go, Soft Focus Finishing Pressed Powder is air-milled into a micro-fine texture and blended with perfectly spherical, soft-focus particles to hide pores, diffuse imperfections, and create the silkiest application and feel without settling into fine lines. Hypoallergenic ingredients reduce shine to help the powder stay fresh for matte radiance with fully blendable, skin perfecting coverage. Take this elegant mirrored compact with you anywhere and apply throughout the day for a lightweight finish." Retails for $40.

Sunday Riley cosmetics look.

The following post contains PR sample(s) sent to me for a product review. This in no way affects my opinion or reviews of the brand and/or products that are featured.

Knowing When To Call It A Day - guest article

Knowing When To Call It A Day

Women tend to thrive on friendships. There’s no better cure for all manner of ills than getting

together with a close friend to discuss matters of the heart and head. Women tend to analyse and

discuss their thoughts, feelings and concerns and to support and comfort a close friend at such a

time that she should need it.

Yet, when so much time and energy is invested in female friendships, it can often prove incredibly

difficult to sever ties when a relationship no longer reaps the reciprocal rewards you would come

to expect. It may be that ending a friendship is internalised as a personal failure. Guilt also plays a

big part in a woman’s reluctance to call time on a friendship as does concern that the individual’s

feelings will be hurt.

Worries about the repercussions might also be a reason for stalling when it comes to severing ties. If

there are mutual friendships to be considered, there may be negative consequences or a tendency

to take sides thrown into the mix as well.

While all of these concerns are understandable, they don’t necessarily justify clinging on to a

friendship that is draining and exhausting. After all, friendships are voluntary and not all will be life

long. There are usually a myriad of reasons why someone comes to the conclusion that a friendship

is untenable. It’s not usually due to childish or churlish complaints, messing up a beloved, borrowed

maxi dress, stealing the attentions of a subject of lust or such other playground politics. There will

inevitably have been a history of hurt to come to such a decision.

If there are mutual friendships in the equation it may be wiser to take a step back rather than sever

ties completely. When pressed to get together, tell the person in question that you have your own

ongoing issues to deal with and need the emotional time to do so. It may be appropriate to focus

on yourself rather than transfer the blame for your decision onto her. Avoid getting into lengthy

discussions about specifics and if questioned by your mutual acquaintances, avoid the temptation to

elaborate on the situation in a ‘warts and all’ exposé.

Chances are if your friend is needy and suffocating then the process of separation may not be

straightforward. If she is dependent on you then her tendency to cling will mean you need to be

consistent and clear. Stick to your guns and allow yourself the opportunity to engage in healthier

relationships that don’t take their toll on your happiness.

Elle Cosmetics Makeup Kabuki Brush (Google Affiliate Ad)

NARSskin. Illuminated.

A visionary in the world of makeup artistry and photography, Francois Nars routinely uses light as a tool to transform the complexion. Now, NARS captures the power of light in a unique anti-aging collection that helps skin reflect light as never before, unveiling a world of luminosity. Found in every NARSskin product is the beauty brand's unique Light Reflecting Complex, utilizing pure ingredients that work in synergy to transform the skin and boost its translucency. Light-Active Micro-Prisms are combined with algae extract and Polynesian seawater to optically enhance light reflection, promote natural cellular turnover, and infuse skin with moisture.

When applied on newly smooth, bright skin, makeup lasts longer than ever and simply glows. Uniquely prismatic, youthful and radiant. Skin is illuminated.

Purifying Foam Cleanser $29

Lifts away makeup and impurities, and refreshes the skin while gently soothing skin's surface.

Final Sensory Clinical Results after 1 week with 30 panelists:

100% agree the cleanser helped control excess surface oil after cleansing

97% agree the skin felt purified

97% agree the cleanser gently cleansed pores

90% agree the skin looked brighter and more radiant

Gentle Cream Cleanser $29

Gently removes makeup and impurities while maintaining moisture balance.

Final Sensory Clinical Results after 1 week with 30 panelists:

97% agree the skin feels soft

90% agree the cleanser left the skin feeling conditioned

93% agree the cleanser comforted and soothed the skin

Multi-Action Hydrating Toner $32

Gently exfoliates skin with an alcohol-free formula for a smooth and even appearance.

Final Sensory Clinical Results after 1 week with 30 panelists:

94% agree the product left the skin feeling hydrated

94% agree the product left the skin feeling soft

94% agree the product left the skin feeling instantly toned

90% agree the product smoothed out skin surface

Double Refining Exfoliator $34

Refines skin's surface with mild citrus fruit acids and botanical exfoliating spheres.

Final Sensory Clinical Results after 1 week with 30 panelists:

100% agree the product left the skin feeling soft

97% agree the product was gentle and non irritating

97% agree the product left the skin healthy looking

97% agree the product left the skin feeling conditioned

94% agree the product smoothed out skin surface

90% agree pores appeared less visible after using the product

Optimal Brightening Concentrate $72

Advanced radiance-boosting serum brightens skin and revitalizes the complexion.

Final Sensory Clinical Results after 3 weeks with 60 panelists:

92% agree the skin looked revived after applying the product

98% agree the product sooths and comforts the skin

90% agree the product left the skin feeling soft

Total Replenishing Eye Cream $55

Absorbs quickly to visibly reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and the appearance of dark circles.

Final Sensory Clinical Results after 4 weeks with 60 panelists:

97% agree the product left the eye area feeling moisturized

94% agree the product smoothed out the surface of the skin around the eye area

94% agree the product was absorbed instantly

98% agree it is easy to apply concealer on top of this eye cream

Aqua Gel Luminous Oil-Free Moisturizer $58

Hydrates, revitalizes, and fortifies the skin with a lightweight gel texture.

Final Sensory Clinical Results after 4 weeks with 60 panelists:

97% agree the skin looked more revitalized

97% agree the skin felt supple and more resilient

97% agree the skin felt soft

94% agree the product smoothed out skin surface

92% agree the product gave the skin a more radiant appearance

92% agree the skin felt hydrated all day

97% agree it was easy to apply foundation on top of this product

Luminous Moisture Cream $62

Replenishes skin with 24-hour intense hydration and restores luminosity that naturally diminishes over time.

Final Sensory Clinical Results after 4 weeks with 60 panelists:

92% agree the product soothed the skin

98% agree the skin felt soft

93% agree it was easy to apply foundation on top of the product

Final hydration test results:

Within 1 hour, test proved skin moisture level jumped +88%

Clinically proven to deliver 24 hour hydration

Availability: August 1, 2012 at Saks and on saksfifthavenue.com

MAC Heavenly Creatures Haul

A little late showing you guys my MAC Heavenly Creatures haul. But I guess it's better late than never!

Enjoy!

Mineralize Charged Water Cleanser

"A lightweight cleanser formulated with our ionized Super-Duo-Charged Water technology. Removes all makeup (except waterproof and longwearing) with a wipe- no rinse-off required. Leaves skin nourished, soft, absolutely clean"

Volcanic Ash Exfoliator

"A highly effective, dual-purpose foaming, cleansing and exfoliating scrub blending natural Volcanic Ash with fine sugar crystals. Refines and unclogs the skin, adds instant moisture: leaves skin feeling soft and comfortably clean. Mineral-rich. May be used effectively on any part of face or body. Rinses off with warm water."

Strobe Liquid Lotion

"Blending soft-focus diffusers with iridescent pigments, this ultra-fluid strobe formula produces a soft, radiant light on the skin, reducing the appearance of skin imperfections by providing a natural-looking flow. Refreshing. Spreads on smoothly and absorbs quickly. Leaves the skin looking healthier and more radiant. A lighter-weight addition to the popular Strobe cream."

Pro Longwear Concealer in NW25

"A lightweight fluid concealer that provides medium to full coverage with a comfortable, natural matte finish. Colour-true formula lasts up to 15 hours. Helps conceal and correct the look of under-eye circles, and discolorations."

Mineralize SkinFinish

"A luxurious velvet-soft powder with high-frost metallic finish. Smoothes on: adds buffed-up highlights to cheeks, or an overall ultra-deluve polish to the face"

Light Year Mineralize SkinFinish

Peachy-Pink with Gold Shimmer

Center of the Universe Mineralize SkinFinish

Coral with Gold Shimmer

Star Wonder Mineralize SkinFinish

Plumy Pink with Multi-Dimensional Pearl

Ring of Saturn Mineralize Blush

"Baked minerals refined into a powder formula to provide exceptionally sheer and lightweight application. Colour builds lightly, layer after layer, without heavy coverage. Veils and enhances the cheekbones with a luminous, pearlized shimmer."

Terracotta and Gold Melange.