Etsy Pick of the Week, Baltimore Edition, Volume 4

Hello Sweet Readers!

For my fourth and final Baltimore Etsy Pick of the Week (maybe final) I would like to introduce you to For Goodness Grape!

Image: etsy.com

The woman behind the curtain at For Goodness Grape is named Lisa. She has a passion for the indie artisan lifestyle, and is dedicated to only using the finest all natural ingredients in every product she makes. In addition to entrepreneur, you can also find Certified Medical Assistant listed on Lisa's resume. The knowledge this certification brings comes in handy during the creation process. Lisa applies the same safety policies and procedures she learned to use in the medical industry while formulating her products. Therefore, she is able to guarantee to her customers that every product they purchase from her store is not only fresh, but free from contaminates, and 100% safe for use.

For Goodness Grape recently held the *Grand Opening* of their online store! This online store is an extension of the Etsy store but with way more informational content. While browsing the awesome new site, I started reading up on Lisa's philosophies. I learned that this lady loves all things fun and flirty, and incorporates it into everything she does. From the adorably clever name of the brand, to the confections she scents and flavors her products with, to the quirky font she uses, Lisa manages to sprinkle a dash of playfulness everywhere. 

A quote from Lisa's Etsy Bio:

"I believe that looking and feeling beautiful shouldn't be a chore, it should be FUN and For Goodness Grape brings you some of the finest all natural handmade products that you can count on having fun with and feeling flirty while wearing them."

I could not agree more. For me, if a beauty treatment isn't something that I find enjoyable and I am not left feeling pampered, I don't do it. 

You can stalk For Goodness Grape in so many ways! I highly recommend browsing around the dizzying array of delectable goodies and entertaining content at either online store. Make sure to spend some time reading Lisa's blog, and keep up to date with all things For Goodness Grape by following on Twitter and "like" the Facebook page!

Also, don't miss out by not signing up to receive The Grapevine. This newsletter will give you exclusive access to For Goodness Grape's news and notifications of sales and events!

Visit the Etsy store.

Visit For Goodness Grape's BRAND NEW WEBSITE!

Follow For Goodness Grape on Twitter.

Like For Goodness Grape on Facebook.

Check out Lisa's blog!
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The Interview:

1. What inspired you to start making your own beauty products?

I've always been an entrepreneur at heart and I’ve always loved making things. I decided I wanted to make excellent products with premium ingredients, offer them at reasonable prices and share the thought that feeling beautiful should be fun. I think I've accomplished this. I've been told by many customers that I have the best lip balms on Etsy. Some say the best on Earth! That’s pretty huge considering that on any given day there are over 9,000 lip related items offered on Etsy. I love the indie artisan way of life and the creativity it allows me. I am passionate about natural ingredients and have found a way to utilize nature to bring beauty to others. Being absorbed in natural and handmade products really opens your eyes and you end up knowing that natural and handmade are what’s best for your body and for our world. As an indie business, For Goodness Grape is very earth friendly and I try to give back to my community to share the rewards of this wonderful life.

2. What is your favorite For Goodness Grape product, and why?

Oh my gosh...I have so many favorites but here are my current favs and I do use all of these everyday:

1. Snowflake Shimmer Lip Tint
2. Pink Champagne Shimmer Lip Tint
3. Innocent Shimmer Lip Tint
4. Blueberry Lemonade Lip Balm
5. Earl Grey Lip Balm

3. What do you love about living in Baltimore?

I love being so close to the beach and it's also very convenient to get to so many places.

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The Swag:

The For Goodness Grape Etsy store is a lip balm addict's dream world. The variety of flavors, colors, and textures is amazing. As a self-proclaimed lip balm abuser I browsed the store in a frenzy, furiously clicking on products, devouring their descriptions, and drooling over their pictures. My must have list grew to epic proportions. 

The store doesn't just offer lip balms though. For Goodness Grape offers the most decadent lip scrubs I have ever seen, roll-on perfume oils, solid perfume sticks, and tinted balms and glosses. And gentleman, there is something for you too! For Goodness Grape has a whole collection of lip balms that come in masculine flavors and have the added bonus of SPF.

Lisa generously sent me three products to try. Keep reading to find out what I thought and I promise I will make getting through to the end well worth your time!! Yes, I'm bribing you.

Image: etsy.com

First up is the Kiss Me Coral Red Mineral Lip Gloss. ($7.50) People. It is rare that I can stamp a beauty product with the "Perfect" label, but it really applies here. Inside the clear tube is a non-sticky, oh so hydrating gloss. Really! I promise you it IS non-sticky! I know a lot of glosses claim that they are different than other glosses on the market. That their gloss will not make you feel like you coated your lips in pancake syrup.

But I always find myself cursing these lip glosses when the light breeze I generate while walking tosses my hair onto my lips and shellacks itself onto my face. I feel as though I have been tricked when my lips stick to my paper coffee cup after taking a sip. Or disappointed when I go to kiss my Husband and he backs slowly away from me, shaking his head, with a look of terror on his face. Like I have the plague.

But this gloss my friends is the real deal! For realzies!

Kiss Me Coral Red Mineral Gloss swatched.

The red/coral color is saturated yet totally sheer. And for fun, Lisa threw in some teeny metallic blue sparkles, and scented the gloss with blueberry! Totally unexpected right? Cherry, sure. Red Velvet Cupcake, why not? But blueberry? 

 I love it!

As you can see my tube has been well loved.

The wand has a plush sponge applicator and all of the packaging is eco-friendly. Kiss Me Gloss is formulated using lip loving oils and comes in eleven different colors and fragrances. (Including Coral Red.)

You guys, this next lip treatment is so indulgent, so effective, and so delicious that after trying it I am addicted. I will not be able to live my life without this in my possession. At all times. You know that show "Intervention" on A&E? It is entirely possible that my friends and family will send in a nomination on my behalf due to my compulsive use of this product. It became clear to me how serious my problem was during the moment I freaked out like a toddler throwing a temper tantrum when I eventually lost it in a horrible way. 

So are you dying to know what my new drug is?? For Goodness Grape's Vanilla Cake Batter Sugary Lip Scrub! ($7.75)

Image: etsy.com

I mean just look at it! Do you die??  

I have to admit this was my very first lip scrub experience. I always thought lip scrubs were unnecessary and probably really messy, so I never had them on my radar. The Sugary Lip Scrub is basically a lip balm that smells and tastes like vanilla cake batter. However, this basic (but luxiourious) lip balm is laced with organic raw sugar, and topped with sprinkles! RAINBOW SPRINKLES GUYS! Totally adorbs right?!  The sugar sweetly sloughs off dead skin, and the balm hydrates and conditions your pout. All of that in a neat little tube. No messes will be made while using this lip scrub!

After opening my new obsession. Also after eating (yes eating) some sprinkles. Don't judge me.

I love this lip scrub for countless reasons, but the fact that it is so easy to apply tops the list. I used it just like I would any other tube of lip balm. The only difference is that I would swipe it over my lips a little longer than other balms. Just to ensure a thorough scrub. Or because I am a compulsive weirdo with a problem. Whatever. After running circles on my lips over and over again, (and gaining an audience of people who are shooting me "she's a nut" looks) I would lick all of the sugar from my lips to remove the gritty feeling. That's right! I have been eating my lip scrub. It's so tasty! Seriously!! 

Don't squinch your eyebrows at me! You will for sure do the same thing with this scrub. Trust.

Quickly, I want to share with you the story of how I "lost" my beloved lip scrub. Yeah, yeah I know. I can't ever explain anything quickly. Stay with me though.

I was in the habit of taking this tube with me everywhere. Under no circumstances would I consider leaving the house without it. I would be in the car pulling out of the driveway, realize that I forgot it, then park and run back inside to get it.

One morning I was running late for work, and I was running around the house, rushing.  I hustled out my house so fast that I left my Sugary Lip Scrub on my dining room table and didn't realize it until I was in the office, stationed at my desk. No biggie, I thought to myself. At least I know where it is.

After work I came home, set my purse and mail down on the table and scanned the table for my tube. It wasn't there. After scouring the floor, my eyes landed on one of my dog's beds. Really it's my husband's dog, mine through marriage. I don't know why I feel like I need to explain that to everyone. Wait, yes I do. Because I think he's a jerk who is out to get me and I do not want to be associated with his salty behavior. He's old and grouchy. He opens my panrty door and eats whole loafs of bread! He has eaten and then thrown up my thongs, and he steals food right out of my daughters hands! So what I am dealing with is a geriatric jerk who also happens to be a dog. But not my dog.

I deliberately picked the most ridiculous picture I could find. Dogs may not understand humiliation or revenge, but this human does. That's all that matters. He looks so silly wearing a lei doesn't he?! Did you giggle? Sweet revenge.

There was my delicious scrub. The tube was torn to pieces and the scrubby balm was annihilated by Farkus. (the dog's name) My Sugary Lip Scrub was being digested by his doggie tummy, and was destined to end up as a pile of dog doo in my backyard. Heartbroken is not a strong enough word to describe how I felt. I really need to pick up a new tube. Or maybe I will get all twenty-one flavors. 

The third and final product I tried was the Frosted Cupcake Perfume Oil Roll-On. ($9.50) 

Image: etsy.com

Well, I didn't really try it. I smelled it. More than once. And it smells heavenly. Like the most perfect, fluffy cupcake topped with a heaping mound of sweet buttercream frosting. It's so good you guys! I also am in love with the feminine label and size of the glass bottle. It's about the same size and shape as a lip gloss which makes it super easy to toss into your bag so that you can touch up throughout the day. The perfume oil formula is blended and infused with richly scented perfume grade oils along with essential oils. Then the finished scent is incorporated into coconut and jojoba oils which help the perfume oil absorb into the skin fast. Because really, no one wants oily wrists. 

Since I didn't actually take the perfume oil for a test run I cannot vouch for how long it lasts. In my experience rollerball perfume oils tend to last longer than perfumes packaged in spray bottles because fragrance oils do not contain alcohol. So I would imagine that you will smell like a vanilla cupcake all day long. And if for some reason it didn't have staying power, the fact that it is portable totally makes up for it in my opinion. You can touch up all day long wherever you are!

Are you wondering why I didn't try it on myself? Well, because I was thinking of YOU!

Sweet readers, I am so super excited to announce that you could win the bottle by entering the very first giveaway on Frances Is A Beauty!!

YAY!! ARE YOU PUMPED???!!!

One lucky winner will win a full sized Frosted Vanilla Cupcake Perfume Oil Roll-On! Please keep in mind that I HAVE opened it AND smelled it multiple times. But, I have NEVER used it on my skin. 

I made winning as easy as I possibly could because I am self-absorbed and really just wanted to make all of this easy for me. I was feeling a little anxious about everything going smoothly since this is my first expereince with Rafflecopter and with hosting a giveaway. Promise me please that if you experience any problems entering through the wideget, hit me up via email me so I can figure out how to fix it. You can send questions and concerns to francesisabeauty (at) gmail.com.

PLEASE be sure to read the terms and conditions. I don't want to have to delete entries or disqualify folks for not following the rules. Be patient and wait for the Rafflecopter widget to load below.

Before you start feverishly clicking through the tasks, I have something to say about why I chose two of the tasks....

There are two "Share the Love" tasks that I am asking you to complete. I did not make them mandatory, but know that if you choose to complete these very special tasks it will mean so much to me.

I am lucky enough to have two very talented Beauty Bloggers as dear friends. Their blogs are gorgeous, well written and informative. Because I adore them I am asking you (who I also adore!) to follow their blogs. I promise you will not be disappointed. That is why the tasks are so special. I am sharing the love with two of my favorite ladies!

Claudia, Sam....I love you guys! 

This is going to rock! Good luck to all of you!!

I want to give a BIG THANKS to Lisa of For Goodness Grape. Lisa, your participation and generosity is very much appreciated! Here's to you and For Goodness Grape! I wish you nothing but luck and success in the future!

Etsy Pick of the Week, Baltimore Edition, Volume 3

For this third volume of the Baltimore edition I am going to introduce you to Mineral Love.



Image: etsy.com

After years of thinking about curating her own cosmetics line, Trica found inspiration in an unlikey place. In 2009, she turned a devastating experience into a positive outlet for the grief she felt by paying attention to her desire to create beauty. Driven by her "love of makeup and passion for creating", she made Mineral Love a reality. Tricia makes vegan, mineral makeup in amazing colors. Gorgerous, glittery eyeshadows, perfect face powders, and luscious lip gloss are just a few of the offerings from Mineral Love.



"The Foxy Collection"
Image: etsy.com

Tricia sent me an eye shadow set called "The Foxy Collection" to take for a test drive. 

Everything I received. 

The following was taken from Mineral Love's Etsy page that features the Foxy Collection:


"You know you're a cute little heartbreaker". 
(Foxy)
"You know you're a sweet little lovemaker".
(Foxy)


The Foxy Collection was inspired by the intense, wailing groove of Jimi Hendrix's guitar. 
::swoon::


Do you love how I covered the words in a "Purple Haze"? Get it? Purple Haze? 

Super Sexy Jimi Hendrix
Image: amazon.com

I too swoon when I think of Jimi Hendrix and his guitar so I can totally respect the inspiration behind the collection. As you can see from the picture displaying my Mineral Love swag, I received a generous supply of stuff. Inside the sexy black lace bag was The Foxy Collection ($15.00) which consists of four pots of eye shadow and a bottle of Magic Mixing Medium ($5.00). I will explain what Magic Mixing Medium is used for shortly.


Tricia also stuck in a card with a picture of the completed look on an eye, (same picture of the eye that I featured above) and also gives step by step instructions on how to achieve the look using the shadows. I will not be sharing the steps with you. You will just have to buy the collection to get the tips. *Insert Evil Laugh Here* The last thing in the bag was Mineral Love's business card which had four sample packets of eye shadow attached to the back. I was really excited about that because samples rock. Duh.

The Foxy Collection Eye Shadows

Here are the eye shadows. The bottom three are sparkly while the top, dark color is matte.

Foxy Collection swatched dry.
(left to right)
Delicate, Glitz, Katelyn, Anne

Now here is where the Magic Mixing Medium comes in....

Magic Mixing Medium
Image: etsy.com

The Magic Mixing Medium transforms any of Mineral Love's eye shadows or blushes into rich, dense colors. Perfect for using as eyeliner or if you prefer cream blushes. The blendability (so not a word) of these shadows is so perfect and I would imagine that the same would be true of the blushes.


So what you do is you take some of the powder and tap it out into the cap. Then you squeeze a drop of Magic Mixing Medium on top of your powder mound in the cap.

A drop of Magic Mixing Medium in each cap.

Then simply swirl around to mix everything up and *BAM*, your makeup is transformed!

Swatched after adding Magic Mixing Medium.
(left to right)
Delicate, Glitz, Katelyn, Anne

You can see that the colors intensified after swirling with the Magic Mixing Medium. The texture obviously changes, becomes creamier, but still applies flawlessly. I am a huge fan of using eye shadow as eye liner as opposed to a pencil. It ends up looking less severe on my pale skin, and the color options are much more varied when selecting from my eye shadow collection instead of relying on my boring black/brown eye liner pencil. I absolutely adore using Anne as eye liner and have been doing so daily. It works well dry as a liner for day and at night I can add umph to my signature smoky eye by applying Anne wet as liner and then covering my lid with it dry. Perfection.


You may be asking yourself if I tried to create the "Foxy" look on myself. Where are the pictures?? Well I did try out the look. I succeeded in making my eyes look super Foxy but I refuse to take pictures of the result. 


Here's why....A.K.A. "my whiny excuses" 


March was the worst and presented me with a storm of catastrophes. (that I promise to address in a later post!) Therefore, my eyebrows have not seen a wax strip in at least four weeks. My overgrown eyebrows were ruining my Foxy pictures! I am seriously staring to look like Bert from Sesame Street. Or Martin Scorsce. For reals. So just use your imagination and visualize in your mind a picture of my eyes looking all sultry, smoky, and sparkly thanks to these eye shadows. Maybe it will erase the vision you have of me looking all like this:

Hello Unibrow!
Image: herr_hartman

Yes this is really Mr. Scorsese. I adore this rare, casual shot of him.
Image: Tyler Durdan_

Yup, this is a classic case of BEAUTY BLOGGER FAIL. I need to get it together, have a professional to maintenance my bushy brows, and take some pictures!


I'm getting off track here. Mineral Love!


The sample eye shadows that Tricia gave me were so pretty! Pastel and shimmery, they are so right for spring. 

(Clockwise from top left)
Elise, Emaline, Christina, Bombshell

The packets were harder to work with for obvious reasons. To use with the Magic Mixing Medium, I took a Q-Tip and fluffed a little of the eye shadow out onto a plate. Then I put a drop of the Magic Mixing Medium on top of the fluffed shadow. Below are the swatches....

Dry Swatches
(Left to Right)
Bombshell, Christina, Emaline, Elise

After adding Magic Mixing Medium
(Left to Right)
Bombshell, Christina, Emaline, Elise

Really pretty right?! Just like with the dark and smoky Anne, I love using Bombshell as eye liner. I was really frustrated while taking these pictures because some of the lovely effects didn't show up well. Like Christina has a awesome lilac sheen to it dry and as a creamy shadow. All of the colors have a kiss of shimmer, even Bombshell. 


Using alone, you can create a simple but stunning look for the office or running around town. Or you can whip up a night time look using all of the colors. I promise you won't look like a unicorn. And really, if you ended up looking like a unicorn would it be so bad? No! It would be magical!!  


OMG. Will someone let me know when my "World's Favorite ADHD Blogger" award arrives? I will be in the kitchen dumping out the rest of my third cup of coffee. 


For the longest time I had trouble achieving a smoky eye look on myself. I am sure I have mentioned before how fair my skin is. More often than not, the colors that I selected to work with were too harsh for my porcelain complexion and I would end up looking like someone punched me in the eyes. A hot mess. So when I was just starting out with this look (not that I am an expert now) I used light colors. Once I "mastered" the technique, I was able to play around with darker, but still flattering colors. I would recommend this method of "Smoky Eye 101" to amateurs everywhere. The light, dreamy colors I received in the sample packets would be so perfect for this! Bombshell as liner, Elise on the lid, and Emaline either in the crease or in the upper corner of the lid. Then finish off using Christina as a highlighter, applying to the inner corner of your eye and the brow bone. Easy, enchanting eyes!


After browsing the Mineral Love's Etsy store, I came up with a short list of must have products. Short because I want one of everything from each category! So I just picked some favorites.

Ready Set Go Oil Absorbing Powder
Image: etsy.com

Ready Set Go Oil Absorbing Powder ($14.99) is a light and fluffy finishing powder that was designed to minimize shine and extend the life of your foundation. 

Images: etsy.com

Saturday Full Size Eye Shadow ($9.99) is a taupey, purply, gray that I am always looking for. Perfect for any day, all day. 

Images: etsy.com

Just look at it! Who doesn't need Pink Unicorn Lip Gloss ($6.00) in their life??!!


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I chatted with the beautiful Tricia from Mineral Love about starting her own makeup line, customer compliments, and of course....Baltimore.

Tricia being all gorgeous.
Image: esty.com

Why did you decide to create your own makeup line?

  

I feel like everything I've experienced in my life (both professionally and personally) has led me to my passion. The thought of starting my own line had crossed my mind numerous times, but not until my father was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer did I take action. Watching his sickness and his inevitable degradation made me realize just how fragile and short life is, and I wanted more out of life than I had given myself up until that point. I immediately delved into research and development, which served two purposes: not only was I working towards creating a satisfying life for myself, but it also helped me do something positive with my grief instead of slipping into a chasm of sadness. In a way, my dad's passing actually helped me renew my own life, of which I am eternally grateful.  

Which product are you most proud of and why?

Ooo, this is a tough one! I am extremely proud of every product I create, but if I had to choose just one, I would say my eye shadows. I never get tired of hearing my customers say "I love your shadows so much more than <insert big box cosmetic company's name here.> Yours are all I use!" I am still blown away and humbled by the tremendous outpouring of support from my fans and friends; it inspires me to create even more awesome shades!

I also do custom requested colors, and there is no greater joy than seeing the look on their faces (or reading their elated emails) when I've made The. Perfect. Color. 

What do you love most about living in Baltimore?

There is so much that I love about Baltimore! I was born in another state, but was raised here (my mom is originally from here, and we moved back when I was just a baby.)  I love how connected everyone really is (they don't call it "Small-timore" for nothing!) and I love the indie brick-and-mortar shops in each of our different neighborhoods. I love the Visionary Art Museum. I have fond memories of cutting last period and heading to the Inner Harbor or Fells Point (I mean, uh... I'm a perfect angel... I never cut class...) Most of all, I love all of the amazing people I've met and how diverse our city is. Charm City is where my heart is. ♥

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Mineral Love is so totally worth your time. If you love makeup as much as I do, you will "ooooo" and "ahhh" over the huge variety of products and spectrum of colors. The texture of the eye shadows is amazing and really one of the best I have ever tried. The best part of all? Every product is reasonably priced. Which means my must have list will absolutely get crossed off soon! 


I would like to give a shout out to Tricia. Thank you for your generosity, patience, and participation. I wish you so much success and luck in the future!


Visit the Mineral Love shop on Etsy, like Mineral Love on Facebook, and keep up to date on the latest news by following Mineral Love on Twitter.


SO....are you dying to get over to Mineral Love? What is your favorite product? Do you think I can take my little black lace bag that my products arrived in and turn it into a hot thong? Maybe sell it on Etsy? Repurposed thongs anyone? I will name my store "Kit's Knickers". YES!

Etsy Pick of the Week, Baltimore Edition, Volume 2

Happy Sunday Friends!


Are you ready for my Etsy Pick of the Week? Grab a snack, kick back, and relax.


This week, the second Baltimore edition, I would like to introduce you to Becca and Mars.

Image: etsy.com

The brand's philosophy is "Have fun, relax, feel good. Treat yourself or someone you love". 


I can get down with that!


Becca and Mars started a few years ago among friends with similar interests. The group took their love of natural beauty and combined it with their knowledge and passion for aromatherapy, formed a plan, and started handcrafting gifts for friends and family. Their creations were adored by all who were lucky enough to receive them, and eventually the demand for their beauty products became so large that they decided to develop their own line of bath and body products using 100% natural ingredients. Becca and Mars products are made in small batches to ensure freshness and then packaged in recycled materials. The goal of the brand is to make products to help you look and feel your best. Honestly who doesn't want a little help when it comes to that?

Winter Night Collection
Image: etsy.com 

I was sent three products to try. Two from the Winter Night Bath and Body Collection and one from their Mask and Scrub Collection. 

When I read the fragrance description for Winter Night I knew I would fall in love with it. I love warm spicy fragrances and this one was exactly what I was hoping for. Imagine a chilly night, you are sitting near a fire, sipping warm chai tea....No wait! Even better.... it smells like Christmas. Yes. That is what Winter Night smells like. Cozy and toasty with warming spices of clove and ginger blended with winter citruses orange, lemon and bergmont. It is gorgeous and perfect.

Winter Night Bath Oil $13.00/80z

Winter Night Bath Oil
Image: etsy.com

This fragrant oil is formulated with rice bran oil to soften and nourish the skin. The comforting smell of Winter Night surrounds you and soothes your mind and body. I have been using a few capfuls in my toddlers bath at night and it really works well at leaving her skin hydrated after toweling off. The oil has been great for moisturizing my cuticles, and has come in handy when I treat my husband to a back massage. In fact, this was the only oil I have used for massages that he has not complained about the smell. So bonus points there! I love this oil and am really happy that I found so many ways to use it. The only thing I would change about it is the packaging. I love the amber hued bottle but pouring the oil out can get a little messy. Adding a pump would make dispensing much easier. 

Winter Night Hand Candy Sugar Scrub $9.50/8oz

Winter Night Hand Candy Sugar Scrub
Image: etsy.com

Yes you read that price right! $9.50 for a whopping 8oz jar of this delightful scrub! Becca and Mars Hand Candy Sugar Scrub Collection was inspired by the owner's small children. Small children mean germs and grime. And these germ nervous mamas wash their grimy hands (and their children's) frequently. They found themselves wanting a product that would effectively clean their hands without drying out their skin. Enter Hand Candy Sugar Scrub.

This was hands down the most unique scrub I have ever experienced. The exfoliator is obviously sugar and it is part of what makes this scrub different from other sugar scrubs I have used. I have no idea how Becca and Mars make this magic happen, but the texture of the sugar is like the fluffiest, softest snow you have ever touched. The sugar is super fine and totally non-abrasive. The second thing that makes this scrub stand apart from others is the fact that you cannot see or feel any oil at all. But oil is what makes up half of the scrub. Apricot Oil moisturizes and essential oils add the warm Winter Night fragrance. It's amazing to see. I really think that if I turned my jar upside down the tiny particles of sugar would just pour out. The sugar particles don't stick together or harden up like the sugar does in any other scrub I have used. It's mind blowing!

I have been using the scrub on my hands since receiving it and it really has made a difference in how my hands look and feel. I no longer find myself running to find hand lotion after washing my hands, and scrubbing down before a manicure makes the polish look a thousand times better. You can also use this on your body (which I have been doing as well) and the results are the same. Smooth, glowing, hydrated skin without irritation. Also, you don't look like you coated yourself in Crisco. Crisco glow is never a good look.

Winter Night Essential Oil Aromatherapy Blend $15.00

Winter Night Essential Oil Aromatherapy Blend
Image: etsy.com

I should mention while I am talking about the Winter Night Collection that the last product in the trio is the Winter Night Essential Oil Aromatherapy Blend. While I did not try this product I can tell you that it contains the same essential oils as the other products and therefore  smells exactly like the other Winter Night potions.  I am going to guess that this is the essential oil blend that Becca and Mars uses to infuse the Bath Oil and Hand Candy Sugar Scrub with the wonderful Winter Night fragrance. Ginger and clove essential oils are used for warming and anchoring, and the citrus essential oils are uplifting. You cannot apply this undiluted to your skin, but there are plenty of ways you can use it! Add twenty drops to a teaspoon of milk or oil and pour into a steamy hot bath. Or add ten or so drops to your favorite fragrance diffuser. I think I will purchase the Aromatherapy Blend for this reason alone. I use a diffuser every day to fragrance my home and I cannot think of a better "home" smell than Winter Night.

The last product I am going to talk about before I get to the interview is....

Lavender Love Mask And Scrub $10.00/4oz and $18.00/8oz

Lavender Love Mask and Scrub
Image: etsy.com

The Lavender Love Mask and Scrub is a multi-tasking miracle formulated with cornmeal and almond meal to provide gentle exfoliation, and Becca and Mars' pure essential oil blend to revitalize skin and clear your mind. It smells heavenly. The lavender smell is not at all artificial (I really hate artificial lavender smells!) and it is so calming. The scrub is dry and grainy, and by adding the liquid of your choice, the product can be tailored to meet the needs of your skin type.

Combination/Oily/Sensitive Skin should use milk, yogurt or water.

Mature Skin benefits from using honey or carrot juice.

Dry Skin will turn into hydrated skin by using olive oil, cream or honey.

Using Lavender Love is simple and could easily be used either in the shower or at your bathroom sink. I have been pouring about a tablespoon of the grains into my palm and slowly adding water to it to create a creamy paste. Then, I apply it to my slightly dampened skin and massage the scrub around in soft, circular motions. Now here is where you need to make the choice about if you want to continue on to use the scrub as a mask. If the scrub was enough for you then simply rinse your face with warm water. To use as a mask, after scrubbing, allow the paste to dry completely, then rinse it away with warm water. After using this (as both mask and scrub) my complexion looks renewed and rosy. There is a "lit from within" glow that only exfoliation can bring to your skin, and the lavender scent is so relaxing. This is one phenomenal product! I love the fact that it is a multi-use skincare product that can be adjusted to fit your needs. There aren't many (aren't any?) products on the market that allow you to adjust the formula to your skin type. Personally I teeter between combination and oily skin. Plus my cheeks are always dry, no matter what. So knowing that I can change how this works for me by simply changing what I add to it is really awesome!

To dig deeper into the brand, I asked Erica of Becca and Mars a few questions.

Describe Becca and Mars in six words. 

Fresh scents, therapeutic products, all natural.

What product are you most proud of and why?


I would say the Hand Candies. The response from people has been phenomenal. They tell me how delicious they smell and they love how supremely soft their hands feel after washing with it. Our testers are always delighted to get a new scent to try. We even have a couple of people who say they are quite tasty, though we don’t recommend actually eating the Hand Candy.

What do you love about living in Baltimore?


I've lived in Baltimore for 7 ½ years, which in Baltimore terms is about 3 months, but anyway…I really didn’t know what to expect when I arrived. My favorite thing is that the city is so eclectic. There are so many groups and cultures within this small area. I’ve enjoyed learning about the history and traditions of Baltimore and I’ve really loved the arts community here.


I will leave you with some awesome news! Becca and Mars is currently running a sale on their Winter Night Collection! From March 11th through March 20th, all Winter Night products will be 20% off! This is the perfect time to take my advice, and try out these delicious scented bath and body products! I am for sure purchasing the entire Winter Night Collection when I run out of my current jars and bottles. Now that I have tried it and fallen head over heels in love with how they smell, I am not sure I can live without them.

Join me next week for The Etsy Pick of the Week, Baltimore Edition, Volume 3! I am going to be featuring an Etsy seller who creates beautiful mineral makeup! See you next Sunday!!


Becca and Mars can be purchased at their Etsy store on etsy.com. In addition to being purchased individually, Becca and Mars' Winter Night Collection can be purchased as a set for $33.75. And don't forget about the Winter Night Sale!!!!