Update and Summer Loves

I need to be better about announcing when I am taking a break.  My humblest apologies!

I did receive the Urban Decay Naked Palette before I left on my protracted vacation, and I used it every single day while I was away.  There are a number of reviews out there on it, so I don't think I need to do one (see Temptalia, MusingsofaMuse, MakeupGeek, VampyVarnish, etc.).  I will say that I agree wholeheartedly with their assessments of the palette, and I think that if you are all interested then you should pick it up when it comes back in stock.  I had never used Urban Decay before, and I am very impressed with the brand.  The eyeshadows are exquisite in texture and pigmentation, and considering that you get 12 full-sized shadows with this palette, the value is exceptional.  I'm so glad I tried this palette!

Over the past couple of weeks my skin has gotten back to normal after my Pangea Organics disaster.  I discovered Angel Face Botanicals after Tali from The Gloss Goss mentioned the company at the bottom of this post, and I ordered a sample of the Ambrosia Cleansing Grains.  The sample arrived yesterday, along with a sample of the Oil-free Lavender Hydrating Serum, and I am pleased so far.  I am even happy with the serum, which I am grateful that Jessica included.  We will see in a couple of weeks; I am hopeful about this one.

I seem to have misplaced the cord that allows me to download pictures from my camera to my laptop; when I find it, I will have some pictures for you!

In the meantime, here are some other things I have been loving this summer:

• Korres Guava Body Butter
• The beach
• Honey
• Spending time with my husband
• Anthropologie Secret Treasures dress
• Relaxing and renewing my spirit
• Caprese salads

Review: Pangea Organics Egyptian Calendula and Blood Orange Cleanser

I'm glad that project is over ... I literally stopped working only to sleep.  Back to the blogs!






For the past couple of weeks, I have been testing Pangea Organics Egyptian Calendula and Blood Orange Facial Cleanser, which I purchased during a 25% off sale they had on their website.  It's a milky cleanser with a bit of a strange scent that is hard to describe, but does smell natural nonetheless.  It left my skin smooth and refreshed, and was cleansing but did not strip my skin.  My face fest smooth and supple after washing with this cleanser, and I quite liked the results I was getting.  My skin was clear and clean, and I was actually able to use less moisturizer because of this cleanser.   I used it morning and night for almost two weeks, and stopped using it a few days ago when I suddenly broke out in two massive cysts on my chin.

I would love to give this cleanser a glowing review, and up until a few days ago I would have, but given the pain the lower part of my face is in right now, I will not be using this cleanser again and would not recommend it for anyone who has sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Looks like for now I will be going back to my Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Cleanser.  It's doesn't meet all my criteria, but so far it's the only thing that I have found to work on a consistent basis.