Okay guys – are you reading this? Your lady does not want flowers, cheesy cards, boring chocolates or stuffed animals for Valentine’s Day. She wants something that shows you really “get” her. Something that shows you put some thought into a Valentine’s Day gift – not just stopped at a drugstore on the way home from work and picked up something from the sale bin.

Women are so confusing, right? Well, I’m going to make it easy on you. If you’re thinking about getting her expensive jewelry, you should probably still do that. Or she’ll get mad at me. But, also consider a bottle of perfume oil from Opus Oils. These luxury perfume oils are not going to break the bank, but they are sexy and UNIQUE. Like she is. You know it.

Island Girl Collection

So, is your lady fond of the beach? Is her idea of a dream vacation a trip to Jamaica complete with warm nights, spiced rum and coconuts? Then try the Island Girl Collection. Key Notes include scents like lime, coconut, vanilla, pomegranate, black currant, orange flower and jasmine.

Roller Girl

Is your girl tough and sexy? Does she prefer fishnets and spiked heels to nude stockings and sensible pumps? Try Roller Girl, with notes of licorice, black cherry, vanilla and vetivert.

Jitterbug Collection

Would your lady have fit right in during the roaring ’20s? Try Jitterbug, reminiscent of a vintage French perfume, it has key notes of four different kinds of Jasmine!  Also with Sweet Honeysuckle, Sparkling Lemon Essence, Luscious Orange Blossom, “Beach Found” Ambergris, Blond Tobacco & Sultry Sandalwood.

Wild Child

Is your special gal more of a free spirit? Flowing dresses, kale chips, patchouli and feather earrings? Well, you should definitely try all-natural, Wild Child. This is my personal favorite. I’m not exactly a hippie chick, but I do love patchouli – especially when it’s tempered with softer scents. Key Notes: Aged Dark Patchouli, Saffron, Honey, Milk, Peach, Tuberose, Black Currant, Dark Amber, Ambergris, Sandalwood and Vanilla.

Divine Collection

Is she your goddess? Try the Divine Collection with names like Eros, Pan, Isis and Venus. Sultry and sexy scents that tell her you worship her every step.

Afraid of the Dark Collection

If you know your lady is an adventurous one, you can even check out Opus Oils’ Afraid of the Dark, Fetish and Burlesque collections. Not for the faint of heart!

Dirty Sexy Wilde

And ladies, get your man a bottle of Dirty Sexy Wilde – this is like catnip for me. I keep spraying it on my man when he’s not looking. It’s so sexy! Key Notes include Galbanum, Red Mandarin, Violet, Rose, Night Jasmine, Blond Tobacco, Oakmoss, Coumarin, Musk, Civet & Ambergris. 

About Opus Oils:

Opus Oils is a Perfume Atelier located in the heart of glamorous Hollywood, CA with a European Division/Workshop in Paris, France. Opus Oils is one of the few niche perfumers involved in the quickly growing field known as ”Natural Perfumery.” All products are manufactured in the USA (unless specifically stated otherwise). The company’s goal is to create high quality, unique couture perfumes in the traditional methods of the artisan perfumers of centuries past, with an emphasis on natural ingredients.

Opus Oils’ specialty lines of boutique fragrances are hand blended, “aged” and poured in small batches to insure the highest quality and freshness. They use an extremely high concentration of essences in all scents. All fragrances are in a base of fractionated coconut oil, so there is never the harsh infusion of alcohol commonly found in so many commercial fragrances. Fractionated coconut oil is a light textured oil, which is odorless and tasteless. It is moisturizing and absorbs well, leaving your skin silky smooth without any greasy feeling. It does not stain sheets or clothing. Not all products are vegan, but Opus Oils has a strict policy of  NO animal testing!

You can purchase Opus Oils perfumes, lotions and bath products online or visit their Hollywood, CA shop. You can also contact opusoils@msn.com or call: (323) 667-3376 with any questions.

Jen

When I was recently given the opportunity to sample a few Auravedic products, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they’re made in India–wow! I love sampling exotic products created in other countries: this means I get to learn more about another culture’s beauty tips and secrets, and this is even better when they reference cruelty-free business practices.

The first treat I sampled–and loved–was the fresh rose version of the Hand and Nail Treatment. It smelled beautiful and left my hands feeling very soft, but never greasy. They key ingredients are all wonder oils, as far as I’m concerned: wheatgerm is a good source of vitamin E; jojoba is a naturally healthy moisturizer; and olive. I saved the best for last, because olive oil not moisturizes, it also cleanses the skin and fortifies nails. Each of these benefits, along with a terrific aroma (bonus: my friends enjoyed the fragrance as much as I did), put the lotion on my skin–never mind worrying about silly hoses again!

Next item on my list: the Coconut Milk Deep Cleanser also featured the strong perfume of fresh roses–more so than the hand and nail treatment–and was a pleasant alternative to the usual lathering/foaming options .  I liked how it cleansed my face, and how soft my skin felt after bathing; however, those who are overwhelmed by potent fragrances might want to avoid this product or, if not, use sparingly.  I have a very sensitive nose and found the scent to be almost too much to bear, but after rinsing thoroughly I was able to enjoy everything again (only a hint of “romance” seemed to be left behind). I’d definitely want to give this cleanser another try–perhaps before going on a date?

Once again, I’ve saved the best for last! I have to admit, I was immediately hooked by the Rejuvenating Under Eye Therapy.  I felt like I was at a spa: the soothing fragrance had a wonderful, calming effect–and my eyes even have something to show for it!  After using twice a day, I noticed how much smoother the skin is in/around that delicate area; to top it off, this product seems to keep the puffy-eyed raccoon at bay.

Overall, I recommend trying  Auravedic natural beauty oils if you want to enjoy cruelty-free bath and body care with natural fragrances.  For more information, e-mail info@auravedic.com or visit auravedic.com.

Auravedic natural oils

 Lara

Editor’s note: press samples were provided for the purpose of testing/reviewing.

Interview with Dr. Cristine Thorpe, founder of www.Crissimone.com.

Describe what your site is about.

Cris Simone is an online beauty and health resource targeting busy women of color. We want to inspire women to enjoy the best of health, wellness and beauty in their lives each day.  We interview experts and feature women who share insight on how they are living life to the fullest.  We also keep our readers in-the-know by highlighting some effective products and services.

How is beauty and health important to you?

Beauty and health is extremely important because I believe that the two go hand in hand.  If we are not taking care of ourselves, it comes out in our appearance and in our behavior.  Beauty is just a reflection of what is going on within. If you love your life, your smile is brighter and your walk exudes confidence.  If you eat properly, your skin has a glow and your hair is radiant. If you have an active lifestyle, you body rewards you with a great figure and tons of energy.  With so many health issues disproportionately affecting women of color, I believe it is important that we become a voice of encouragement for each other to live a life of self-care and self-love.

Cris Simone beauty and health recommendation: Aromandina aromatherapy oils for their healing properties, and meditate for 5 minutes daily to center your hearts and minds.

Aromandina Aromatherapy Seven Solutions

]]> http://www.mybeautybunny.com/2010/women_of_color_crissimone/feed/ 7 http://www.mybeautybunny.com/2010/carabella-soap-and-scrubs/ http://www.mybeautybunny.com/2010/carabella-soap-and-scrubs/#comments Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:16:13 +0000 chiefbunny http://www.mybeautybunny.com/?p=4468

Carabella Soap

Every girl can appreciate a beautifully wrapped, organic goat’s milk soap or a luxurious jar of pumpkin exfoliating body scrub. Carabella Cosmetics & Skin Care is a salon in Chatsworth, CA, and they also make natural skin care products and cosmetics that you can buy online. They sent me some products to try out and review, and I was pleased with the quality of the products.

The soaps are made with cruelty-free goat’s milk (not for vegans) and smell great. I especially loved the Frankincense & Myrrh scent. You can also try lavender, lemongrass bamboo, peppermint vanilla and pumpkin spice. The soaps make a nice lather and moisturize without being too oily.

Carabella Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub

The Pumpkin Enzyme scrub smells wonderful (try not to eat it) and I love that it is scented with essential oils – not perfumes. This is a very oily scrub – best for dry skin. The vegetable glycerin and whipped shea butter assure that you won’t need moisturizer after your shower. Great for elbows and toes – just be sure not to slip in the tub! The scrub also comes in coconut vanilla, cucumber & watermelon, lemon verbena and peppermint vanilla. Yum!

Nurture My Body – Cleansing Milk or Cream Cleanser

The gentle Cleansing Milk facial cleanser has seaweed extract and aloe vera gel to soothe sensitive skin. It leaves your face feeling smooth and moisturized. It’s made for normal to oily skin, but personally I think it’s better for normal to dry skin. It has a high level of moisturizing ingredients and it also has organic herbal extracts and essential oils to dissolve dirt and kill bacteria.

For extra dry skin, try the Cream Cleanser with avocado, coconut and safflower oils, as well as organic extract and essential oils like comfrey, chamomile and rose. Both cleansers have an EWG rating of zero – the best you can get!

Komenuka Bijin – Facial Moisture Cream and Skin Care Cream

Japanese company, Komenuka Bijin has a great Facial Moisture Cream for normal to dry skin. It is thick but not at all greasy and has a simple, but effective list of ingredients including rice bran, rice oil, aloe, squalene and Vitamin E.

It also contains collagen for its moisture and anti-aging properties. Collage is made from gelatin, so please note that the product is not vegan (but, it has not been tested on animals!).

Patyka – Huile Absolue Organic Serum

Patyka makes a luxurious oil that can be used on face, cuticles, hair or body. It’s made with squalene, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, rosewood oil, olive oil and many other skin-nourishing ingredients.

You can use it on your face as a night treatment, but it actually absorbs very well, so you can even use it during the day or as a makeup primer. You can use it on your cuticles or to tame frizzy hair. It also smells wonderful!

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