Solid Perfume Made From EOS! Two Methods!

With Valentine's Day right around the corner (I still can't believe it's February), I thought a DIY was in order. And this one is super special to me--the first time I was published in a magazine was for the original version of this DIY.

I wanted to update the solid perfume DIY a bit and thought I'd use EOS containers, since I have a dozen of these that I normally store in a vase. If you have 5 minutes to spare you can make these! They make great gifts or just a treat for yourself.

Version #1 (no color)

You'll Need:

• EOS container (I've tried similar versions, like REVO and they worked too)
• unscented lip balm--1 tube
• body-safe essential oil(s)
• glass bowl
• microwave or double boiler
• pot holder
• spoon or toothpick to stir
• knife
• freezer

Take the cap off your EOS. Use a knife to carefully pop the middle section (where the lip balm is) from the bottom, as pictured.

Scrape out the EOS contents. Since EOS is scented, we will use an unscented lip balm as the base for the solid perfume.

Add the lip balm to a glass bowl and melt. This takes about a minute in the microwave.

Once melted, add a couple of drops of essential oil to your melted lip balm and mix. Carefully pour the mix into the cap of the EOS. Freeze for about 5 minutes. I do around 15 just to make sure.

Pop the middle section (I call it the grate) back into the bottom of the EOS. Take the cap out of the freezer after 5-10 minutes and carefully remove the solid perfume from the cap. It might pop out or you may have to use a knife to carefully cut around it. Place back onto the grate (middle section that looks like a pie piece) and that's it!

Version #2 (with color)
You'll Need:

• Same ingredients as before, but you will need a colorant. You can use a bit of a tinted lip balm, eye shadow, or shavings from a non-toxic crayon*. You need just the tiniest bit because we aren't creating a tinted lip product that will tint lips, but a solid perfume, so we want no transfer of color.

Follow the same steps as in method 1. But this time, cut the solid perfume in half (pictured). Pop the grate back on (pictured) and twist it in. And then melt more lip balm and your colorant. Add essential oil(s). Mix. Pour over the grate so the product is now in the cap. Freeze 10 minutes. Carefully twist the grate away from the cap. You should now have your half color/half non-tinted solid perfume. Carefully pop the solid perfume (it should be attached to the grate) back into the bottom of the EOS.

And that's it! Apply the solid perfume to your wrists whenever you'd like a bit of fragrance. These keep for about 2 years and should not be used on lips (because they're perfume!) or on broken skin. 

Let me know what scents are your favorite!

Q&A

• Do I have to use lip balm? You don't have to use EOS. You can use any unscented lip balm. You can certainly make your own, but this is the easiest way I've found. If you would like directions of possible ideas to make your own lip balm base, email me.
• Can I use EOS lip balm? EOS is usually scented, so unless you are going to mix an essential that is scented like your EOS, I like using an unscented lip balm. Also, EOS was recently sued for causing a reaction to a girl's face. This case was dropped. While no single product will work for everyone, and after studying the ingredients, I feel safe using EOS.
• Can I use food coloring? No. That's water-based. It won't mix. Same for any colorant that is water-based, like cold press soap colorants. Try a powder pigment or a tinted lip balm.
• *Crayons? I heard there's lead in them! That study was from 1994 and from crayons found in other countries. I've used natural beeswax crayons I found online or shavings from a Crayola crayon. 
• Because I'm crazy thorough, I conducted my own lead detection test and found none. 
• I contacted a corporate Environmental Health & Safety director for more information. Via the MSDS on Crayola, it was determined they were nontoxic. Am I going to ingest these? No. Am I going to use them as body paint? No. They are art products. But since the amount I used was so small, it was considered harmless. I gave a few options in the directions for other alternatives. 
• I even tried natural colorants, but in the end I the point of this diy is something cute, easy, and quick, which is my blog's motto, so customize this however you'd like.

Luxury Beauty Haul

Now, normally I'm a drugstore makeup kinda girl (HUGE haul on Monday) but sometimes you need to treat yo'self, and I certainly did at Christmas. Here's a quick haul of high-end makeup:

https://youtu.be/lk1XcGMOrxI

From Beautylish.com:

• Bloody Gorgeous collection from Kevyn Aucoin (sold out) featuring 6 items, including a few of the infamous Bloodroses shade. Included are a lipstick, lipgloss, lip pencil, mascara, eyeshadow, and cheek glow.
• Watch the video to see the gorgeous packaging that came with this!

From MAC:

• Dita Von Teese matte lipstick in Von Teese--this is a gorgeous traditional red. I'm wearing it in this post. In the video you'll see a closeup of the lipstick with Dita's signature

From Sephora:

• YSL MASCARA VOLUME EFFET FAUX CILS--my current fave high-end mascara

From Sephora:

• Marc Jacobs Decadence--Is this not the cutest perfume packaging? I'm in love. In the video, I share the packaging and the notes of the perfume.

Did you treat yourself over Christmas?

Extra Elle:

• I've been working from home all week, and staying in, so not much to report on my end. Hope you're well.

What's In My Mailbox? New August Beauty

I've got another roundup of fun beauty products to share with you! These were sent for consideration, and after thorough reviews, these are the products that passed my tests! I'd love to know your favorites.

Prospurly Box--I've gotten pretty much every box beauty-related, but when this entered my mailbox, my interest was piqued. It's a monthly box full of bath and body products (there's also food too).

Why You Need It: Prospurly features artisan-crafted, organic, fair-trade goods. This is the Summer Box and includes bath salts, bubble bar, candle, body scrub, beachy waves spray, and seasoned salt (for food). I loved everything in my box--now how often does that happen?
http://www.prospurly.com $49.95--awesome gift idea

Sally Hershberger 24K Line--A new line of superb, professional-quality products from infamous celeb hairstylist, Sally Hershberger.

Why You Need It: There is something for nearly everyone. Pictured above are the Supreme Body Volumizing Mousse (this was nice when I tested it in fine hair), Supreme Stylist Voluminous Dry Shampoo (finally a dry shampoo that extends style and gives LOTS of volume), and Root Envy (this works best with a blow dry and it feels weightless).

There's also the Superiority Complex Texturizing Paste (awesome in short hair but I love it in my beachy waves for a piece-y look) and Golden Touch Nourishing Dry Oil (I use this as a leave-in treatment or before blow drying to tame the frizz).
Sephora.com $32-$40

Mirabella Borrowed from the Boys Collection--EXCLUSIVE! This will be released in September. The brand's premiere brow collection includes the Brow Shaper (all-in-one brow groomer) and the Brow Pencil (3 colors)

Why You Need It: Mirabella is a fave brand of mine--a quick search will prove it--and this didn't disappoint. If you want well-manicured, full, natural-looking brows, try this line. The microfine tip creates those hair-like strokes with high-quality, smooth and soft formulas. Need more convincing? Waterproof and smudge-proof! mirabellabeauty.com $21-$25

Travalo Excel Refillable Perfume Spray--One of my must-have travel essentials. I have several of these and have over a dozen uses for them! Forget bringing that perfume when you travel--just fill up a Travalo instead.

Why You Need It: 5ml, TSA-approved, and holds 65 sprays of your favorite perfume. Simply place the bottom atop of your perfume and pump until it's as full as you'd like. There's a window to show you how much product is left. It doesn't have glass and doesn't leak. And I have dropped mine and flown with it and had no problems. ulta.com, several styles, models, and colors $19.99+

Boot No7 Gel Polish--It wouldn't be an Elle Sees post if I didn't have polish, now would it? This is another EXCLUSIVE--these just launched! I'll be picking up more shades.

Why You Need It: The look and shine of a gel mani but just in one product. The swatches above are one coat, with no top coat, and look how shiny and pigmented they are! There's also a UV filter that protects against fading and yellowing of the nail. The polishes dried quickly and lasted longer than I usually get from polishes. Available in 16 vibrant shades.

$8.99--Select Walgreens and Duane Reade locations, Walgreens.com, Drugstore.com, Beauty.com, and US.Boots.com

Which ones did you like the best?

Extra Elle:

• I finished True Detective season 2. It was just...meh. But, I also watched the Netflix documentary, TIG, and it was very good.
• As if I don't have enough to do (don't we all?) I decided to make throw pillows for my bedroom. I'll keep you updated on when that happens.

April Must- Try Beauty Buys

I've got A LOT to share with you today, so I'll keep the intro short and sweet. Let's get into some of my must-try beauty buys for April. By the way, I can't believe April is almost over...I think I say that every month. I'm doing quick reviews, since y'all like them, but I go into more detail in the video down below.

Must Try Beauty Buys: March

Hey you! We made it to Friday! Do you have any amazing plans? Things are kind of up in the air around here, with recent events, so I am looking for any signs of normalcy. And as silly as it sounds, one thing that makes me happy is playing with and organizing  my makeup. So today I'm sharing some of my favorite products of the month.I hope you'll find some new-to-you faves to try.

NEW! Beauty Products for Valentine's Day

Hey you and happy weekend to us! I thought it would be fun to share some new beauty products that make me think of Valentine's Day. They're super cute and I hope you enjoy them, too! And I've got swatches of everything!

*c/o

Covergirl Colorlicious Lipsticks--These come in a wide assortment of shades, meaning there's something for everyone. These are just a few of the 36 colors available!

The colors are pretty much the same as in the bullet. There are nudes, plums, reds, and pinks. $6.99+-

*c/o

SinfulColors Flirt With Hearts Collection--There are 8 shades in this collection, including classic pinks and reds as well as trendy teal, and a brand new, limited-edition heart-shaped glitter polish!

I've got 4 of these swatched for you. The glitter top coats have 2 coats and the others have 1 coat. $1.99 at Walgreens

Daredevil--a pop of neon pink. It has a slight blue-based shimmer with a satin finish.

Decadent--Dazzling red with metallic flakes. Love this over white, black, pink, and red.

Dream On--A brilliantly induced boysenberry with a satin finish.

Love Sprinkles--Bubblegum pink with a splash of sparkle. See the heart-shaped glitter in there? Love this over white and pinks.

Rimmel Provocalips 16 Hour Kiss-Proof Lip Color--The second I saw these at Christmas, I instantly grabbed them because they made me think of Valentine's Day. How cute is that packaging?

Here are the swatches. I can get a long wearing time out of these. I was wearing the one on the far left in a recent tutorial on kiss-proof lips. Check drugstores and ULTA for these.

Covergirl Lip Lava--If you want a super sparkly lip, you will love these. I seriously want more colors. Bolder than a balm, glassier than a gloss, more lustrous than a lipstick. The hybrid formula of new Colorlicious Lip Lava combines highly pigmented shades with iridescent pearls for saturated lip color with the high shine of lacquer. 

These have a brush applicator, which I don't like, but the color payoff makes up for it. It doesn't feel gritty on your lips. These look really great in pics, too. They are prettier in person than I can capture here.

Viktor & Rolf BonBon--This was released last fall but I had to share it in this roundup. How cute is the packaging? If you love really sweet scents, then visit Saks and give this a sniff. Here are the scent notes: -Top: Tangerine, Blackcurrant, Orange -Middle: Orange Blossom, Jasmine, Peach -Base: Guaiac Wood, Cedarwood, Caramel

Holika Holika Heartful Silky Lipstick--Ok, y'all, this isn't a new product but I HAD to share it. I mean is this not the cutest lipstick you've ever seen?? It's heart-shaped. If that isn't Valentine's Day then what is? I'm way too excited about it, as you can tell.

You can order these from Asian beauty stores online (like I did) but they are now being sold at UrbanOutfitters.com. Pick up a couple like I did, because it will obviously lose the shape once you start using it.

Extra Elle

• For my #JALS challenge (read here to catch up) I am going caffeine-free twice a week. I am telling you this as I sip from my coffee, so the challenge is going super well. ;)
• Had a power outage last night so this post is up super late since I'm writing it right now! I just gave up and went to sleep with the battery on my alarm system beeping...and beeping. So I gave up sleeping. Once the power came back on I was freezing--and the temp had only dropped a few degrees. Ha! I am such a wimp. A few hours without power? C'mon! Now I'm off to take a shower since I couldn't take one last night. You better believe I took off my makeup in the dark though! I used these wipes.

Loving Lately--Fall Edition

Hey you! How was your weekend? I'm sharing mine below, along with a bunch of other goodies I've been loving lately. Enjoy!

My Birthday--Saturday was my birthday! Woo hoo! I was sick all weekend with a horrible stomach virus and migraine, so I didn't really do a lot, but felt the love online. Thanks Amy and Kerry for my presents--I love the blogger community. I rallied, ate some cake (my most memorable one ever--click to see it) and saw Gone Girl. Again, thanks for all the sweet birthday wishes.

Jessica Simpson--A highlight was meeting Jessica Simpson (she was so sweet! click here for a pic) at an in-store event for Dillards and receiving some JS goodies, like her Jessica Simpson fragrance. Whenever I wear this I either hear, "Omg what are you wearing? It smells SO GOOD!" or I hear, "Okay, who smells so good? What is that?" According to the description: "The heart of the fragrance is a romantic floral bouquet of frangipani, night blooming jasmine, orange flower and tiger lily. Warm, satisfying dry notes of white chocolate vanilla bean accord, sandalwood, tonka bean and drift wood round out the natural beauty of this harmonious signature scent." It smells good, y'all. Get it at Dillards.

Shiny Hair--This one is a reader request! I have dry, frizzy hair (and I color my roots), so anytime it looks shiny, it is via products--it's not naturally that way. Thanks to blogging, I get to try all sorts of new things (some good and some never see the light of this space) and I was contacted to try celeb colorist Rita Hazan's new Weekly Remedy. It's quick 2 step process--after shampooing, apply step 1 and rinse, then repeat for step 2. No waiting for it to soak in and no heavy-feeling products--just shiny hair. You can find it at ULTA.

Sole Serum--I've been attending a lot of blogger events this month (it's been a goal for this social anxiety girl) and my feet have been feeling the pain of wearing heels (I wear sneakers or flats at work). I was sent this Sole Serum to try and I love it--they have a purse size for $9.99 and a larger size. Just rub a little into your feet and they'll feel better in a few minutes. To save y'all some money, try the code Fall30 for 30% off.

Autumn Everything--Fall is my FAVE season: cooler weather, all the scarves, and pumpkin everything (I even bought a "pumpkin tree" what?). Seriously, this is the fastest season, and that's my only complaint.

Halloween Stuff--I am not into scary stuff, but I do have a few treats I love:

• First off, I rarely dress up, but I was sent these little earrings and charm from Chamilia by Swarovski Group from their I Love You to Death collection. They're so dainty, and my little sister has already claimed them. They'd be cute for Day of the Dead celebrations, too. 
• I am obsessed with watching any and all Halloween makeup tutorials on YouTube. Cute or gory, I am mesmerized by the talent that is out there, and I secretly love the special fx stuff.
• I also love Halloween nails! I love my nail art, but the new collection (thanks SinfulColors) makes it affordable and easy. Just add a top coat and you're done. These are from the Wicked Color collection by SinfulColors. You can get them for $1.99 each (there are 14 to choose from!) at Walgreens and Target.

Pumpkin Spice, Mystery Moonshine (multi-colored confetti), Glow in the Dark (it is really good), Cauldron Couture (glittery emerald), Splatter Spell (gilded black flecks)

Swatches over white base. The glow shows up in 1 coat!

Charlie's Dogiversary--Saturday was also the date I received Charlie four years ago. Charlie Brown is the sweetest and is my heart. You can read this post from a few years ago to learn more about his "adoption."

PopSugar Must Have Box--This is one of my favorite subscription boxes. In the video below, I quickly share what was in my October box: candles, treats, nail stuff, and more. You'll have to forgive the quality--like I said I am not feeling well. But anyway, this sub service is so fun, and I've got a sweet deal. If you want $10 off a 3 month subscription, use the code OCT10SELECT. It ends 11/2 so hurry! https://musthave.popsugar.com/

http://youtu.be/SLBJebqVSCs

The following disclosure: POPSUGAR provided me with a complimentary POPSUGAR Must Have box. 

The opinions I have shared about the box are my own 

and POPSUGAR did not tell me what to say or how to say it.

The Grits Blog--We all love new blogs to check out, so here's one I've been loving lately: The Grits Blog. I love the variety of content she features and she is a fellow rescue pup mom, like me!

So that's what I've been Loving Lately--what about you?

Linking up with B Loved Boston and Monday Morning Gossip and Still Being Molly

July's Top 5 Beauty Faves

Hey you! I cannot believe it's the end of July--summer is flying by for me! Is it for you? In honor of the end of the month, I thought I'd share my Top 5 Faves--beauty products that I loved in July. Enjoy and let me know your faves, too!

1--Mirabella Cheeky Blush: I received this in my awesome gift bag from the SBS conference I attended. You simply swipe the blush on and blend. It is so easy, is a beautiful color, and is perfect for travel. mirabellabeauty.com

2--Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara: I rarely splurge on mascara, but returned to this past fave when I was in Sephora earlier this month. I love the length it gives. You can see it in yesterday's post.

3--Em Cosmetics Lipstick in Cuddle Up Pink : If I'm not wearing a bright red or coral lip, I've been turning to pink. And this one is so pretty and wearable. I wore it in yesterday's post. emcosmetics.com

4--Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Escape to Panarea (c/o): I know scents are very personal, and therefore I don't share any on here unless I LOVE them. This opens with a "burst of Calabrian Bergamot and Pear, a contrast that blooms alongside the nocturnal Jasmine and Orange blossoms that define the heart notes. Base notes root the fragrance with an accord of Ambergris, Patchouli, Tonka Beans, and Warm Musky accords." It gives me a serious case of wanderlust and doesn't give me a headache. I'll be sharing this again on here soon. This is limited edition, so be sure to look for Escape to Panarea on the bottle. The men's fragrance smells amazing as well. neimanmarcus.com

5--Montagne Jennesse Creamy Coconut Masque: Okay, so the other products are surprisingly not drugstore this month, but this one is! I am in the midst of a nasty cold, and taking decongestants has dried out my skin! When I'm sick, I'm not usually in the mood to whip up my own masques, so I keep a stack of these on the ready. They hydrate, temporarily hide fine lines, are super cheap, and smell like coconuts. Yes, please! Available at drugstores and Walmart.

What are your favorite products this month?

Ipsy June 2014

It's that time of the month...where I share my monthly Ipsy glam bag. For $10, you get a bag full of beauty goodies. And you can sign up here using my affiliate code if you'd like. Let's see what I got:

The theme: Pretty in Paradise
The bag: designed by Rebecca Minkoff
NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee--light and lovely
OFRA Eyebrow Pencil--It's good
Realtree for Her Fragrance--Liked it
Be a Bombshell Masacara--Smelled, but worked fine
Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray--Smells like a pina colada and has a lot of hold to it.
-Overall, I found something positive in everything I received.

For a more detailed review, please watch the video below:

http://youtu.be/DpGCByZ-ESg

To subscribe to Ipsy, click here.

What did you receive in your bag or box?

PS: Are you a fan of Target? Okay, who isn't? Then you need to enter BOTH of my GIVEAWAYS. It takes just a few seconds to enter. You don't have to follow me or anything. Just leave a comment with your email. You can tweet about the giveaways as well for an extra entry. 

• $100 Target giftcard from Sonia Kashuk (also enter here)--ends 6-30 
• $100 Target giftcard from St. Ives--ends 6-30

Spread the Love With loveswept by philosophy

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by philosophy through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about philosophy, all opinions are my own.

I admit, I can be very practical, thinking with my head instead of my heart, debating each decision with utmost scrutiny. But I've learned that some of the best decisions I've ever made happened when I took the advice to follow your heart, like moving to Atlanta, adopting my pup Charlie, and a certain favorite post. And I loved seeing that sentiment when I first observed the new fragrance loveswept by philosophy.

philosophy is a brand that I love, but I've never tried a fragrance from them before, but consider me swept off my feet! I'm glad I have the chance to I can introduce it to you: loveswept is described as being lively and romantic, and I completely agree. It's a soft floral fragrance that sparkles. loveswept smells only better as the day goes on, ending with happiness and love. Normally I shy away from florals, as I can easily get headaches, but I can happily say I had no issues. It's just lovely. The scent story of fresh bergamot and citrus will sweep you right off your feet, and then the soft floral notes of pink jasmine, lotus blossom, purple passion fruit, and final notes of warm musk and creamy amber leave you with a soft embrace.

loveswept makes me smile every time I smell my wrist, because it reminds me to follow your heart--something I need to do more often! I'm all for following my passions, and I love there's a fragrance that captures that. You've to try this fragrance! It would make a sweet treat for Valentine's Day or any time when you want to be swept away. 

Doesn't the image above make you think of being in love and swept off your feet? Speaking of being swept off your feet, loveswept by philosophy is having an AMAZING giveaway. Simply click here to enter and share the love. The grand prize is a getaway for two to PARIS! There are lots of great prizes for the runners up, so be sure to stop by and enter.