Tag Archives: b&bw

Jan13

Bath & Body Works Men’s Line Haul

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Bath & Body Works Men’s Line Haul

Hello! During my holiday break, I treated myself to some online shopping. As my Christmas gift, I ordered the completed set of the graphic novel series, Preacher, as well as shopped the Semi Annual Sale at Bath & Body Works. I scored big at B&BW and spent seventy dollars for twenty-one full size products. Talk about a steal! During the Semi Annual Sale, I always like to get some shower gel from the men’s line for Johnny. While he doesn’t mind using my fruity fragrances, he still appreciates some variety! Like most men’s bath and body care, all of these shower gels feature “whiskey” or “bourbon” in the title lol. So let’s review and see if these shower gels will leave you smelling amazing or like you just left the bar:

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Gingham Legend: Gingham is one of my all time favorite scent collections from B&BW and I had no idea that Gingham Legend for men even existed. So, into the cart it went! Gingham Legend offers notes of “bergamot, rich oak, and sandalwood reserve” and I really, really like it. It’s kind of foresty and fresh and I can tell that it was definitely inspired by Old Spice. This is one that would go over well if you are gifting it because it’s such a classic men’s fragrance – almost anyone will like it!

Single Barrel Bourbon: Okay, onto the boozy stuff! Single Barrel Bourbon features notes of “spiced citrus, smooth tonka, and aged oak”. I’ll be perfectly honest with you, I think it smells exactly like Gingham Legend. This is a classic B&BW move to slightly change up previous scents and the only real difference is the spiced citrus. Single Barrel Bourbon is very rich and the most pungent one of the bunch so just be wary of that because it might be overpowering to sensitive noses.

Whiskey Reserve: To continue with our booze crawl, we have Whiskey Reserve. With notes of “crisp apple, single malt whiskey, and white oak”, Whiskey Reserve is my favorite because I love all things apple. This scent is nice and light and has all of the vibes of a brisk fall day. While I can pick up on the hints of whiskey, it is not the main focal point of the fragrance. Whiskey Reserve is, easily, the most dimensional of the four and is a refreshing take on a men’s product.

Sweet Whiskey: Finally, before last call, let’s discuss Sweet Whiskey. The name is spot on because this fragrance is incredibly sweet and quite feminine. No fragrance notes were listed on the bottle, but it smells like straight up vanilla with a dollop of caramel to me. I like it, of course, because I am a fan of anything vanilla. However, if you are purchasing for a real “man’s man” this probably isn’t the best way to go. I would actually be happy to use this shower gel and would consider it to be more gender neutral.

Johnny was most excited about his shower gel surprise and I was too! We really don’t have a lot of “men’s line” products in our home so it was fun to do an ol’ sniff test and review. 😀

What is your favorite men’s scent? What is your signature fragrance? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan11

Bath & Body Works Semi Annual Sale Haul

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Bath & Body Works Semi Annual Sale Haul

Hello!! Every summer and winter, I look forward to the Semi Annual Sale at Bath & Body Works. I simply refuse to pay full price for anything from there, so it is my time of the year to stock up on my favorite products for a song. Rather than visit the store over my holiday break, I shopped online and was adding items to my cart like a mad woman. And why not? I got twenty-one products for seventy dollars!! I think Johnny and I will be A-okay in the bath and body care department for a long while with this haul:

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When shopping the Semi Annual Sale at B&BW, I like to get a little bit of everything. This includes shower gels, lotion, hand soap, and hand sanitizers. Even if it seems like a lot, these are products that I know will be used and I’d rather buy them on the cheap now than on the expensive later lol. Typically, a shower gel at B&BW runs for close to sixteen dollars (Ridiculous!) and my cost per item ended up being three dollars and thirty-three cents. When you run the numbers like that, it makes sense to load up the shopping cart like your life depends on it!

Every Semi Annual Sale, I make a point to get several different shower gels for Johnny from the men’s line. He happily uses my fruity fragrances but is never opposed to switching things up with a scent that almost certainly as “bourbon” or “whiskey” in the title! The rest of the haul is, honestly, whatever struck my fancy. It can be tricky to shop for something like bath and body care online because, obviously, you can’t smell it lol. So, I went with tried and true favorites as well as a few new to me fragrances too. Whether they are a hit or miss, we’ll find out together in my upcoming reviews so keep it posted. 😀

There is nothing better to me than a full bath and body care stockpile. I can’t wait to replenish my skin care at TJMaxx next with my Christmas gift cards!!

Which stores run the best sales? Did you shop the B&BW Semi Annual Sale? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec28

December 2024 Finishes

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December 2024 Finishes

Howdy and holy WOW!! I am here today to discuss the last batch of Beauty Finishes for 2024. It seems hard to believe but I know it to be fact every time I look at the calendar in a state of shock lol. I used up a few new to me products and some old favorites this past month and, as you can imagine, I am SO excited to do my annual post-holiday skin care restock with my TJMaxx gift cards from Christmas. So out with the old in this post and in with the new! Let’s get to it:

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Would I Use Again?

Evoluderm Micellar Water: YES

Bath & Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel Lotion: YES

Vital Beauty Cooling Eye Gel: YES

SheaMoisture Deo Cream: NO

Purifect CEO Of H20 Serum: YES

Why/Why Not?

Vital Beauty Eye Gel: The Cooling Eye Gel by Vital Beauty is one of my go to products. It is one of those things that check all of my boxes when it comes to skin care – longevity and effectiveness. It took me two and a half months of twice daily use to finish the jar and I always notice a nice difference in my skin when using this product. My designer bags significantly reduce in color and puffiness for the wide awake look on a permanently sleepy girl!

SheaMoisture Deo Cream: I got the whole body deo cream by SheaMoisture as a freebie from Target. For my personal preference, I would not use this product again and was eager to go back to my tried and true Ban deodorant. That’s not to say that I don’t see the good in it, though, and I think it would be great for those who need full body coverage. I was very surprised that this travel size bottle took me over a month of once daily use to finish it so you will be getting a bang for your buck.

Purifect Serum: I really, REALLY liked the CEO Of H20 serum by Purifect and its namesake delivered. With every use, my skin felt so hydrated and soft and looked radiant. You can read my full review in the link above, but my one qualm with the serum was that I did use it up quickly. By three weeks of twice daily use, I had to hit up my stockpile for a new serum. I would definitely still use it again, though, and now I know to buy a few extra if I see it again at TJMaxx!

And, with that, the 2024 Finishes are complete and ended on a strong note. Now, get me to TJMaxx to go skin care crazy ASAP!

Which products did you use up this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above products if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov30

November 2024 Finishes

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November 2024 Finishes

Hello everyone!!! November is wrapping up and, goodness me, did it go by quick!! Another month is officially in the books, which means that it’s time to discuss my beauty finishes. Were there many? Not really. Are they worth blogging about? Absolutely! There has been a game changer to one of my least favorite Bath & Body Works products and I am SO there for it!! Take a look and let’s get to it:

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Would I Use Again?

Evoluderm Micellar Water: YES

Bath & Body Works Poppy Body Cream: YES

Provence Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Serum: NO

Bath & Body Works Hand Creams: YES!

Why/Why Not?

Provence Beauty Serum: The Hyaluronic Acid Serum by Provence Beauty was nothing to write home about. In fact, I like it even less now after falling in love with another hyaluronic acid serum (Which you read about in yesterday’s post). After twice daily use of the Provence Beauty serum for a month any improvements were unnoticeable. This is in stark comparison to the results I saw in one use of the CEO Of H20 serum! The Provence Beauty one is definitely a product you can skip on.

B&BW Hand Cream: I often get coupons for a free hand cream from Bath & Body Works and, although they aren’t my favorite, free is free! I wouldn’t say the hand creams by B&BW are bad, but they’re just not as good as the traditional lotion or body cream. However, after using my most recent freebies of Platinum and Vanilla Romance, I feel much differently. B&BW must have changed the formula because the hand cream was WAY better than it was before. It was rich, creamy, thicker in texture and my hands/upper body were smooth as silk after each use. I finished both tubes within a week and even if they don’t last very long, I will be happy when I get another freebie coupon in the mail. This was a stellar improvement and they would make great stocking stuffers!

Was this the best month for Beauty Empties? Nope! But Bath & Body Works made my freebie treats even better and that is a GREAT SUCCESS!

Which products did you use up this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above products if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov17

Bath & Body Works Holiday Hand Soap Haul

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Bath & Body Works Holiday Hand Soap Haul

Hello!! This past week was nice because I had a little extra wiggle room to run errands and get housework done. One thing that was a must was stopping into Bath & Body Works because we needed a restock of our beloved foaming hand soaps. Armed with coupons in hand, I went to check out the new winter holiday fragrances and walked away with a great haul. Thanks to a twenty-five percent off and FREE full size product coupon, it was only twenty bucks for all of this. Score! Let’s discuss these scents:

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Cookie Butter Truffle: I live for fruity fragrances in the spring and summer. When it gets colder, however, my tastes turn more decadent. I LOVE holiday dessert scents and if you do too, then Cookie Butter Truffle is a must. With fragrance notes of “cookie butter, whipped cream, and vanilla extract” your hands are going to smell good enough to eat! Please don’t, but you get the point. This scent smells exactly like fresh baked cookies with an ooey gooey caramel center. Yum!

Pomegranate Citrus Fizz: Of course, a fruity scent during the winter is okay too! Pomegranate Citrus Fizz is a bubbly delight. Offering notes of “fresh pomegranate, juicy orange, and topped with bubbles” this scent is bright, crisp and one of my favorites from the haul. As I write this, I literally can’t stop smelling it and it gives all the vibes of cracking open a bottle of sparkling cider during a holiday get together.

To All A Goodnight: I am not a fan whatsoever of winter fragrances like pine, balsam, cinnamon, etc. I wasn’t really sure what To All A Goodnight was going to smell like and I was expecting it to be a no go. I ended up liking it a lot, though! This scent’s notes include “a cool winter breeze, sweet lavender dreams, and nestled in a cozy blanket”. I honestly can’t speak for any of that lol but To All A Goodnight smells clean and sweet like freshly laundered clothes. It’s not the most holiday scent, but is neutral enough that I think anyone would like it.

Iced Cinnamon Rolls: If you have ever smelled cinnamon rolls, then you will know what this scent smells like! And I know I just said I don’t like cinnamon, but it’s different in roll form!! 😀

Crushed Candy Cane: If you have ever smelled a peppermint, then you will know what this scent smells like! Lol, I love me a mint scented anything and there are no surprises with Crushed Candy Cane. Just brisk, refreshing minty goodness.

Vanilla Bean Noel: I chose a lotion in Vanilla Bean Noel as my free product because it is one of my all time favorite holiday scents. Like mint, I love anything vanilla scented. Vanilla Bean Noel is such a soft and creamy fragrance and it smells just like opening up a new carton of French Vanilla ice cream. Whether it was in hand soap, lotion, or shower gel form, I just had to snag it!

All of the scents from my haul were extremely straight forward and safe bets for gifting options. My Halloween home decor doesn’t reflect the season at all, but I’ll be damned if my hand soap doesn’t!

What is your favorite B&BW fragrance? What is your favorite holiday scent? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct27

October 2024 Finishes

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October 2024 Finishes

Howdy!! Just like that, October is about to draw to a close and that means it’s time to discuss my beauty finishes for the month. This is going to be a short and sweet post as there really isn’t too much to chat about. I used up several long term products last month and am still working away at their replacements. I did, however, try one new thing that I fell in love with so take a look and let’s get to it:

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Would I Use Again?

Bath & Body Works Calypso Clementine Body Cream: YES

Provence Beauty Collagen + Retinol Serum: NO

Jergens Ultra Healing Lotion: YES

Bath & Body Works Lavender & Iris Body Butter: YES!!!

Why/Why Not?

B&BW Body Cream: You already know the Calypso Clementine from Bath & Body Works is a forever use again product. Anyone who is a fan of citrus scents like me will love it! It took me two and a half weeks of once daily use to finish the bottle.

Provence Beauty Serum: It took me one month of twice daily use to finish the Collagen + Retinol serum by Provence Beauty and it was just okay for me. I have used several serums by Provence Beauty and they tend to be hit or miss so this wasn’t too much of a shock. I didn’t notice any difference to my skin one way or the other and will be skipping on it if I ever see it again at TJMaxx.

Jergens Lotion: A really cool thing about one of the Targets in my area is that there is always a basket of free travel size products at customer service. My mom snagged the Jergens lotion for me during her last visit and I was delighted because you can’t go wrong with that brand! My skin was smooth and hydrated as can be with each use and I can’t get enough of the rich, creamy scent.

B&BW Body Butter: While I enjoy lotions and creams, body butter always reigns supreme. The body butter from The Body Shop was my favorite thing to treat myself with and, unfortunately, their products are no longer available in the US. I never bothered with another brand of body butter but decided to try B&BW’s during their Semi-Annual Sale. I’m so glad I did because the Calm Haven Lavender & Iris was divine.

Normally, I am not a lavender girl whatsoever but this body butter really didn’t smell like traditional lavender. The scent was soft, light, and soothing rather than overpowering. The texture of the product was whipped, applied easily, absorbed quickly, and I woke up to puppy fur soft skin every morning. It took me two and a half weeks of once daily use to finish the jar and I would happily use it again!

Even though there wasn’t too much to my October Finishes, my skin was ultra soft from the products that I did use up and that is a huge win during cold weather. I’ll take it!

Which products did you finish up this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above products if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct6

Bath & Body Works October Freebie

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Bath & Body Works October Freebie

Hello!! I received a freebie coupon for a hand cream at Bath & Body Works and was able to stop in after my nail appointment on Tuesday to snag it. I was on cloud nine – a fresh fill, a little treat, and I still made it to work with ample time to spare. Everything was coming up Lil Red! Better yet, I was in and out of B&BW in literally two minutes without having to explain to an employee that I was only there for the freebie lol. What can I say, I keep my bath and body care well stocked! As I had no desire to linger, I grabbed the first hand cream I saw without giving it the old sniff test. So, let’s find out what Platinum smells like together…

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The consensus? Platinum smells… fine lol. According to B&BW’s website, their description for what it smells like is “a mesmerizing vibe you can’t help but be drawn to” and offers notes of “sparkling bergamot, silver blooms, and patchouli musk”. I wouldn’t go as far as to call it a mesmerizing vibe because I feel like it doesn’t smell like anything! I get a whiff of a slightly floral fragrance but that’s about it. Honestly, that’s fine too because this scent had the potential to be overly pungent which is something I can’t stand for. I will say that the packaging is cute AF and Platinum would be a safe bet if you’re purchasing for someone else as there wasn’t much to like or dislike.

PS: If you are already in holiday mode, B&BW is previewing their seasonal collections in store and online. In fact, I hardly saw any Halloween scents in store and it feels like I just had my spooky roundup yesterday. My, how time flies in the retail world!

Would I go out of my way to get Platinum again? Hard no, but free is free!

What is your favorite seasonal scent? Where do you get your bath and body care from? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep30

September 2024 Finishes

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September 2024 Finishes

Howdy!! Just like that, September draws to a close which means it’s time to discuss my beauty empties for the month. This was a particularly good product roundup as I used up a lot of long term skin and bath and body care, allowing me to try something new afterwards. I always look forward to browsing in my beauty department as soon as a product is complete! Let’s take a gander at my September Finishes and chat a bit more:

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Would I Use Again?

Harlowe’s Shop Goat Milk & Honey Body Cream: YES

Bath & Body Works Sun-Washed Citrus Shower Gel: YES

Ellen Tracy Toner: NO

Clinical Works Toner: NO

Evoluderm Micellar Water: YES

Skin Assistant Collagen + Hyaluronic Acid Day Cream: YES!!!!!!!!!!

Simple Soothing Eye Balm: MAYBE

Malie Body Cream: NO

Why/Why Not?

Harlowe’s Shop Body Cream: I am a HUGE fan of the Cherry Almond lotion by Jergen’s and if you are too, then you will absolutely love the Goat Milk & Honey body cream by Harlowe’s Shop. My mom gave this to me as a hand me down so I only got one week of use out of the bottle. In that time, however, I woke up to insanely soft skin every single morning. The scent was a bit softer than Jergen’s but highly reminiscent of it and I would happily use this body cream again. It would be so perfect for combating dry skin during the wintertime!

Toners: I purchased the toners by Ellen Tracy and Clinical Works when TJMaxx had none of my beloved Evoluderm micellar water available. It took me about three weeks to finish each bottle and I was not impressed by either of them in the slightest. It really did just feel like splashing my face with water and I definitely wouldn’t spend money for that sensation again lol. These toners are something you can skip on and I promise you, you won’t be missing anything.

Skin Assistant Moisturizer: Now, this moisturizer – I loved. In fact, it is one of the best ones that I have used in recent memory. This jar took me almost THREE MONTHS to finish with day and night use, which is an amazing value. During that expansive tenure, I enjoyed every single use. This moisturizer left my skin feeling so soft and it looked and felt so much brighter and refreshed. A little went an incredibly long way, it fully absorbed within minutes, and sat well under makeup. I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed that TJMaxx will have it again because I plan on buying the lot. Yeah, it’s that good!

Simple Eye Balm: Like the aforementioned moisturizer, the Simple Soothing Eye Balm also took me about two and a half months to finish with twice daily use. Unlike the last Simple eye cream I used, this one was just okay for me. I did feel like under eye puffiness and bags were reduced, but the results certainly didn’t blow me away. If this was the only option available for eye cream, I suppose I would buy it again. It’s nothing to write home about, though.

Malie Body Cream: Normally, I wouldn’t take the time to do a review on a random travel size product BUT this is one I need to talk about lol. The Malie Body Cream was another hand me down from my mom and it really confused me. I, of course, think of lotion when I see body cream on packaging. But, whatever this was felt SO much like a shower gel that I genuinely don’t know what to think – it even bubbled on slightly damp skin! It did make my skin feel softer, but I just can’t get behind the texture of it!

Despite a few duds in the mix, I got to use so many new to me products and I love being able to do that. It’s also always going to be a GREAT SUCCESS when I find a moisturizer that I, without a doubt, would use again!

Which products did you use up this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above products if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug31

August 2024 Finishes

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August 2024 Finishes

Howdy and holy smokes! It’s the end of August already?! This month literally flew by. In fact, the whole summer flew by but a second wind is nigh. Unfortunately, we have reached the dreaded point in Ohio better known as “second summer”. It’s been hot as all living F here and I am dying. Plz send help! I am stepping into September manifesting breezy temps and all of the cardigans. But first, it’s time to discuss my beauty finishes for the month. Let’s get to it:

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Would I Use Again?

CleanBeauty Vitamin C Niacinamide Serum: YES

Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser: MAYBE

BrightsideOrganics Magical Brew Body Butter: MAYBE

Bath & Body Works Pink Chiffon Lotion: NO

Bath & Body Works Poppy Lotion: YES

Neutrogena Face Serum: NO

Why/Why Not?

CleanBeauty Serum: I absolutely LOVED this serum. It promised an “all day glow” and, I must say, CleanBeauty held good on it. This serum was an instant radiance boost every morning and I didn’t think a glow like that was achievable at 3:30 AM. It was nice and light which made it perfect for summertime use and a little bit went such a long way. It took me over one month of twice daily use to finish the bottle and I would happily purchase a few more if I see it again at TJMaxx.

Youth To The People Cleanser: I received the Kale + Green Tea Superfood Cleanser by Youth To The People as my freebie birthday gift from Sephora. I can’t say I was overly impressed with the other products included in the gift set, but I quite liked this cleanser. It lathered up so nicely and left my skin feeling fresh, clean, and nourished with every use. However, it did smell like you were rubbing your face with a handful of spinach lol. This tiny bottle packed a big punch and it took me over two weeks of daily use to finish it. I wouldn’t go out of my way to buy a full size because I’m sure it’s insanely expensive. However, if it were ever on a freebie promotion again with Sephora I would be all over it!

BrightsideOrganics Body Butter: This lovely jar of body butter from BrightsideOrganics was part of a birthday gift from my blogging bestie. The Magical Brew scent was a bit too woodsy for my liking, but oh my goodness did it moisturize like a dream. I am an avid fan of the body butters by The Body Shop and this was comparable, if not better than them. My skin felt insanely soft and it was fantastic to wake up to after a nighttime application. It took me about two and a half weeks of daily use to finish the jar and I would be very interested in trying a different scent.

B&BW Lotion: Lol, the Bath & Body Works Pink Chiffon lotion was actually given to Johnny by a coworker. She claimed it smelled terrible and he said he’d take it because he knows I don’t care about the scent of lotion as I only wear it at night. What a doll! I have to say, his coworker was right. The Pink Chiffon scent wasn’t the best but it wasn’t the absolute worst. It was quite musky but it was toned down the slightest bit by the red pear in the fragrance notes. I wouldn’t buy it for myself but I would happily use it for free! It took me one month of all over daily use to finish the bottle.

Neutrogena Serum: This travel sized bottle of serum was a freebie from Target. Every once in a while there will be a basket of free product at customer service and I always grab what I can get! It was lucky to have this free bottle because I accidentally broke the serum I was using when I dropped it and it shattered all over the bathroom. It sucked lol. Having said that, I still wouldn’t use this serum again. I liked that it offered a hefty dose of SPF but it was SO heavy and made my pores feel and look clogged. Free is free but this was a definite no go. It took me two weeks of twice daily use to finish the bottle.

Despite a dud or two in the mix, this was a pretty decent beauty roundup for the month of August. I can’t wait to pamper myself with more new to me skin and bath and body care in September!

What products did you finish up this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above products if you have tried them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug30

Bath & Body Works August Freebie

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Bath & Body Works August Freebie

Howdy! Last week I received some Bath & Body Works coupons in the mail which included a percentage off of your purchase and a free hand cream. After a recent hand soap haul and stocking up on other products during the Semi Annual Sale, I really didn’t need anything. This was a great exercise in self control because their Halloween and fall collection this year is just too cute! However, I’m never going to pass up on a freebie so I stopped in during a work break to grab a hand cream. I could take or leave the B&BW hand cream, but free is free! 😀

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I’ve got to admit that as soon as I stepped foot in B&BW, I wanted to leave immediately. As someone who worked retail for a long time, I can always tell when a district manager is in the store. When I stopped in was most definitely one of those days lol. The DM was on the floor and the employees swarmed upon me before I could blink. That day, I was not in a particularly chatty mood and was in a get out and go state of mind. However, with the knowledge of all that a visit from a district manager entails – you know your girl played along. A baller has gotta ball and I wasn’t going to let my pissy mood effect anyone’s day!

After escaping what felt like endless conversation, I made my way to the travel size products and snagged whatever sounded good. Vanilla is always a safe bet for me so I went with Vanilla Romance. This fragrance offers notes of “fresh cardamom, vanilla, and captivating woods”. Whatever the notes were, it all smelled like vanilla to me and that is perfect. I am a huge fan of true vanilla scents and this was easily the best one that B&BW has had recently. No bells and whistles, no captivating woods, just pure vanilla. If you feel the same as me, you will love Vanilla Romance without a doubt. 😀

With my freebie in tow, I couldn’t wait to get out of the store lol. A lot of chit chat is a small price to pay to not pay a dime for a nine dollar tube of hand cream! (Also how ridiculous is that price?!)

What is your favorite fragrance? What is your biggest pet peeve while shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah