What do you get delivered to your door when you cross captivating pumpkins, spice, dark fruits and Christmas cookies with much-needed self-care practices (and a bit of an obsession)? Why the largest indie haul to date (and box on my breezeway) from MoonaLisa: A Supernatural Clean of course! Here is my trove of Halloween/Yule 2021 and my thoughts (buckle up buttercups, this one is a long overdue one!). -Can we just stop and marvel at the incredible themed artwork that accompanies this indie shop's creations and the time and attention that goes into each parcel. It's like unboxing an exquisite layered cake every time I order. Spray-in Hair Detangler I'll open this rambling long-overdue review by first commenting on MoonaLisa's Hair Detangler formula which is something my vanity table will never be seen without. It's not only a compulsion anymore but an absolute necessity to stock up with as many bottles of these hair-loving elixirs as I can afford every season and then hoard them away to treat myself to a unique blend every morning and night. With my past waist-length mane, I run through a generous sized bottle about every odd month and a half and I truly receive my full money's worth with these products (my hair has never looked or felt this healthy and I can't stop touching my soft manageable hair now). The longevity of the fragrances varies between each blend, however, I have discovered citrus and spice based bottles can last days in my hair. I know I keep saying this every post when it comes to MoonaLisa but it's the truth: Where has this product been all my life? S'mores & Hot Cocoa (Classic marshmallow, buttery graham crackers and rich chocolate paired with steaming hot cocoa) I had to treat my locks to the holy grail of hot cocoa fragrances I have found in the indie realm and just as with the perfume (and dusting powder and bath brew) it's magnificent with a warm rich depth of realistic chocolate, buttery graham crackers and fluffy marshmallows that become melted lumps of nostalgia and pure bliss with every gust of cold wind. Absolutely a recommendation for those of us with an incurable sweet tooth and anyone desiring to revisit to happier days of your youth. Where's My Pie (Scented over the top with everything by the kitchen sink! Buttery flaky pie crust, cinnamon, pumpkin, carrot, caramel, clove, nutmeg, whipped cream and pecan to just name a few) As an avid baker, I can attest this smells like a spread of several mouth-watering prepared pies and nutty delicacies with even a crusty buttery bread pudding rolled on the side. It may all sound tooth-achingly sweet but it's a brilliantly balanced blend and is a comforting mashup of autumnal, winter and even early spring pastries with a slice of cream cheese topped carrot cake peeking out. When it comes to a comparison between the perfume oil versus the hair detangler, more butter and caramel are pronounced on my skin whilst spice and whipped cream are wonderfully entangled in my curls. Another instant favourite and repurchase. Whole (Sweet Orange, Neroli (Orange Blossom) & Petitgrain. Warming, soothing and refreshing to the spirit. This is a very special blend using every part of the orange tree: the leaves, fruit, rind and twig, helping you feel whole again.) 99% of this order were repurchases or doubling up on the detanglers or dusting powders from the perfume samples I had the amazing opportunity to try. Whole blew me away in 2019 and I had to get more of this citrus spiced meditative fragrance as I found it helped me calm down after particularly harsh nights and at the same time channelled 18th-Century French Nobility and I felt a centred diamond at my vanity brushing this scent into my curls. It's still magic, lasts days in my hair and I'm very particular about citrus scents so for Whole to be a repurchase speaks volumes in my book. Winter Porridge with Apple Strudel (Hot buttery oats with a slightly spiced baked apple strudel with a heart of warming goodness.) Another note I'm a bit finicky about is apple and this bottle was a last minute addition to my basket as I found purchasing the detanglers is the ideal way for me to try out unfamiliar blends for myself (even if the scents aren't perfect matches for my nose, they are used up to the last drop). Winter Porridge with Apple Strudel was a lovely surprise and I fell quite hard for the realistic aroma of oats swirled/spiced apples accompanying me through my work shifts during fall into winter. Very comforting and homey and I want Apple Brown Betty now to compare. Mother's Milk (Warming and comforting Almond milk with a touch of honey and oats) Sweet and creamy but not a favourite oddly. It's a cold day when I'm not making embarrassing noises when I spray my hair and brush out my mane with a detangler from Moona and this one was decent but wasn't for me (I think my hair just overbalanced the almond to the other delicious notes). I still used up every drop and found a perfect match instead with Dicken's Faire when it came to almonds. Jingle Jelly Donuts (The irresistible scent of sugary fried dough, sweet vanilla and gobs of oozing strawberry jam) For the life of me, I can't recall what came first the research about doughnuts and scents men find attractive and addictive OR the "Behind the Gates" opportunity to sample the perfume oil format of this bottle first? Well in any case this one is delectable with homemade strawberry jam inside a shell of dough and drizzled in warm vanilla glaze with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. No guilt, no calories just an addictive series of ingredients that is hard to stop spritzing and slathering. The vanilla glaze is more prominent in my curls with the dark strawberry jam and a hint of pine boughs whilst in the perfume my skin amps the powdered sugared dough with the photo-realistic jam as a middle note. No matter where I huff, I'm in love. I shall report back if that study about scents men are attracted to is just hyped bogus or not (or should I say, "dough"not, haha). Dicken's Faire (A reformulation of Moona's favourite place in the world to be this time of the year! The mouth-watering scent of sugared roasting almonds, vanilla and spice you can smell throughout the entire grounds!) After the miss with Mother's Milk, I admit I was a bit gun shy to open Dicken's Faire then, of course, it only took one spritz and I was immediately regretting not using it earlier or donning it for special events that would have been perfect to match the delicious atmosphere and mood Dicken's Faire supplies. It's a divine balance of creamy buttery spice, roasted almonds, vanilla and honey that lasts days in my hair and the following year I went back for seconds and thirds are on the list in the form of the perfume bottle joining my collection in 2022. If you are a fellow little spice whore, Dicken's Faire is a must to try! Cinnamon Blackberry Crunch (A delicious blend of cinnamon sugared blackberries topping an irresistible confectionery crunch!) This was one of the first blends I ever tried from this enchanting indie shop and years later it's still sublime! It's buttery, toothsome fruit with spice sprinkled on top and even has realistic crunchy crumbles and a squeeze of lemon to top it off. Exactly as it says on the tin and you can only imagine the embarrassing noises I make when my locks lift and trap the intoxicating spice and dark fruit from this bottle, haha. Iced Gingerbread (Realistic Gingerbread blend with mild nostalgic Yuletide spice and white icing) Speaking of making awkward loud noises of happiness, we have arrived to another holy grail and repurchase for life for me. In whatever format, THIS is the gingerbread fragrance of my dreams and is the ideal gingerbread scent sealed in a bottle along with a whiff of iced animal crackers. In my hair, the heavenly spice and vanilla intertwine my senses and I could flop back and huff my locks whilst tapping my red kitten heels to the tune of "Santa Baby" that plays in the background of my brain when I spritz or slather this spiced confection. I can't recommend Iced Gingerbread enough. Nonna's Christmas Cookies (A tribute to KC's (Mooman) Sicilian Great-Grandmother. Made just like KC's Nonna would make her special cookies every year! A little of this and a little of that). To round out this scrumptious cookie jar collection of scents for my crown I doubled up on Nonna's Christmas Cookies which to my nose is fresh oatmeal cookies from the oven drizzled in white chocolate, a hint of warm spice and realistic milky creaminess that amplifies in my hair. Absolutely magnificent in every way and goes on to delight and entice those around me for 2 days before fading completely. Dusting Powders I said it once and I'll say it again, one of my true guilty pleasures in life is dusting powders and happily rolling around like a chinchilla in a fragrant dust bath of gourmands and florals. It's one of the ultimate self-pampering gifts one can buy for oneself and MoonaLisa's formula still reigns as the best I have found and tried for myself. The formula never cakes or clumps and the aromas last well into the next day and I love how they peek out of my clothes in a little delectable wafts when I need them the most. Cinnamon Blackberry Crunch (A delicious blend of cinnamon sugared blackberries topping an irresistible confectionery crunch!) *see above, no difference between the hair detangler, argan oil, perfume and dusting powder formats. All toothsome and addictive. The Rumpkin! (Delicious pumpkin goodies with a twist of fresh sweet lavender essential oil) My darling, my love, my perfect marriage of spiced pumpkin and lavender; you are home! Now curiously on my skin with the perfume, bath brew and dusting powder the hidden apples, smoke and white chocolate are noticeable versus in the detangler and argan oil which is more creamy spiced pumpkin and lavender with the slightest hint of sweet bonfire smoke. The Rumpkin! still holds so many bewitching secrets and surprises and I can't ramble about this scent potion enough. Snow Ice (Fond memories Moona has when a child at camp during the Nevada snows making natural "ice cream" from ice cold snow, condensed milk, sugar and vanilla extract. This scent is reminiscent of that: sweet crystallized vanilla sugar and cream) Whether on my skin or in my hair this one is a true masterpiece of a gourmand as it's dreamy but never childish or cloying. Snow Ice finishes off any look for the night and I love I leave the tiniest bit of a crystallized vanilla trail in my wake with this lovely realistic creamy vanilla blend. In the dusting powder, this one is pure bliss when it reacts with my heated skin and I can smell it through a thick fuzzy sweater. It's akin to a sweet hug. Eclipse (A full on powdery musky amber. Full bodied, earthy, sweet and sensuous. Represents sensuality) Eclipse was a new olfactory experiment for myself and remains a bit of a mystery. I know I smell jasmine, rose and patchouli and of course amber musk but there is something else in this esoteric love potion of a scent that catches my attention at different times of wear. It really does make you feel like dancing out in the moonlight to a Fleetwood Mac or Lana Del Rey song. My canister is nearly empty after others caught a whiff and demanded I share, haha. I guess I need to repurchase in 2022. Nonna's Christmas Cookies (A tribute to KC's (Mooman) Sicilian Great-Grandmother. Made just like KC's Nonna would make her special cookies every year! A little of this and a little of that). *see above, no difference between the hair detangler, hair conditioner, perfume and dusting powder formats. All tempt just one bite or lick. Argan Oil Hair Rescue I can't have or praise the detangler without mentioning the argan oil formula MoonaLisa offers because they are a match made in hair heaven and these products have worked absolute magic on my tresses (I'm still getting used to all the compliments I receive and being told I have "fairytale hair" *blushes*). I have never had such shiny healthy-looking hair. The argan oil I use after I have brushed out my mane with the aid of the detangler then I add a dime-size amount of argan oil in different scents to the ends of my hair. If I have any excess left I place that in the back of my head. I run thru a bottle about every 3 months and they are worth every penny. Cinnamon Blackberry Crunch (A delicious blend of cinnamon sugared blackberries topping an irresistible confectionery crunch!) *see above, no difference between the hair detangler, argan oil, perfume and dusting powder formats. All toothsome and addictive. Hair Conditioner Short and sweet- a fabulous formula that tackles my thick hair with hardly an end tangle and only gifts me with softness, shine and a bonus of added scent to my locks. The bottle that keeps on giving, haha! Iced Gingerbread (Realistic Gingerbread blend with mild nostalgic Yuletide spice and white icing) This was my first bottle of the hair conditioner but certainly not my last as I found it was another fantastic way to try out fragrances in the seasonal listing for a lower price and now I have a long pretty row of bottles for every mood and craving. For those curious, the Hair Conditioner formula is thick and creamy and serves well for a deep conditioning treatment and the scents last out of the tub. One more lifelong repurchase option for myself to ramble about. Extras/Gifts Cranberry Spiced Shortbread Hair Detangler (Juicy ripe Cranberries ready to burst with a subtle touch of Christmas spices topping warm and buttery shortbread cookies.) A fellow avid gourmand collector's miss became my treasure as I was gifted Cranberry Spiced Shortbread (thank you so much again, Samantha!) and I ended up adoring it so much I went back for my own cobalt blue bottle in 2021. Now oddly the perfume version of Cranberry Spiced Shortbread morphed unexpectedly on me and even though I enjoyed the realistic sogginess of the almost bubbly cranberry and buttery shortbread, the detangler is all crackle and realistic fizz of a cranberry drink with more creamy woody spice that lasts a full 3 days in my hair. An instant uplifting and giggle-worthy fragrance. Hygge Potion Lotion (The Danish word, pronounced "hoo-ga", is usually translated into English as "coziness". Picture sitting by a fireplace wearing your softest cozy slipper-socks, surrounded by the warm glow of candles, soft music playing, drinking mulled wine and hot coffees while eating hot Danish pastries! That is Hygge! Notes include: Gentely spiced wine and coffees, wafting of warm Beeswax with subtle smokiness with a background of Danish pastry!) Another rare miss for another that turned in a new jewel for my morning sleep routine. The lotion is all lovely vanilla cheese danish one me with a backing of equally realistic beeswax candles and the perfume version is a whole storybook scene of warmth, peace and security with familiar black coffee opening then gently giving way to the under notes. The scent of the lotion lingers for 10 hours and sees me out the door for the night after a long cold day's sleep hibernated under a mountain of fuzzy blankets. Hygge just completes the scene. Spread The Love Massage Bar in Chocolate Espresso Torte *free self-pampering treat with purchase Mmmm, can I eat this?! It's soap you say? Well, you could have fooled me as it smells like the most decadent dessert with layers of dark chocolate and expensive coffee. If I can restrain myself long enough to not lick the bar or my skin I notice the buttery richness of the little heart-shaped bar (nice touch) and how my skin especially along my neck loves the feeling of the little nubs. I would purchase a full-sized bar in a heartbeat and I have Chocolate Espresso Torte on my wishlist to grab in some bath product in 2022. MoonaLisa: A Supernatural Clean Comments are closed.
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In accordance with FTC Guidelines, I disclose how I obtained every title for review at As The Final Page Turns (whether that be by ARC, purchased (on nook, kindle or specially ordered hardbacks) Audible version or simply borrowed at my local library). Please note: titles reviewed that are ARCS (Advanced Reader Copies) are free review copies of books that are given by publishers (these ARCS can be found at NetGalley or Edelweiss). Categories
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28th of January 2023) NOTES/COMBINATIONS and Stones CURRENTLY ON THE HUNT FOR: Naughty Licorice/Star Anise Cardamom Cardamom Cake with Roses Smoky Honey & Leather Leather and Florals Pomegranate Colder Tuberose scents Smoked Florals with Cinnamon and Honey Graham Cracker and Incense Double strand of Rose Quartz or Moonstones or Black Tourmaline Chainmaille Jewellery Houses of Fragrance and Interest on the Horizon (shops that contain such temptations): LurkerAndStrange Good Spirit Wolf Rapt In Maille ToadStoolSoaps DSH Perfume Baphomet&Co Harvest Moon Haven Granny Hootenanny's Shop
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