SCENT-SATIONAL!

I remember my mom being really into makeup!  Perfumes, nail polish, eyeshadow, lipstick, so on, and so on.  I also remember getting yelled at for foraging through her stash...and what a stash it was!  I blame her for having her own personal cosmetics counter on her dresser.

Of all her products, I think I loved the perfume the most.  She had the set of Ciara which included a shimmering lotion and dusting powder.  It is fair to say that she is the reason why I'm quite obsessed with scent.

I remember going to the mall; not to hang out, but to collect perfume samples from Macys' and Emporium Capwell.  That was when they gave you actual product and not those spray cards!

For my 16th birthday my mom gave me this vintage set of Liz Claiborne, except then it wasn't vintage!

At 19, she gave me my very
first bottle of Chanel no. 19.  I know that no. 5 is the most popular perfume in the world, but for me then and now it's all about 19!

                                                                                               

Although I would consider
No. 19 my signature scent, I'm really into Wings by Giorgio Armani.  Being the bargainista that I am, I was thrilled when I found a full bottle in the clearance bin at TJ Maxx in Alameda last winter.  I paid just ten dollars, and I'm still patting myself on he back.  Of course the packaging had been ripped and taped sloppily back together, but it didn't interfere with the smell!

What's your signature scent?

Cancer, Anyone?

So, the last time we were together I was somewhat looking forward to rooting for my team the Oakland Raiders.  As usual they started off with a touchdown, but after what seemed like a million penalties, lost the game!  Pryor clearly wasn't at his best, and I was really ready to give up on them....again.  I say that after every loss, but by Wednesday hope returns.  Well at least my business plan is coming along, and I'm learning a lot about the beauty industry through good market research.  Did you know that beauty as a whole generated over two-trillion dollars around the globe last year, with the United States accounting for 844 million in the skincare segment?  According to my research, the beauty industry is the most consistent.  Let's be honest, is there a woman you know between the ages of 12 -70 who doesn't spend money on personal care?

With the population embracing a healthier lifestyle, it was only a matter of time before personal care brands began adding "natural" and "organic" products to their product lines.  Of course most of us assume that if a product claims to be organic, then it must be....right?

According to the UK Daily Mail, skincare companies like Nivea, Boots, and Organix have been fooling consumers by labeling their products as organic, when they contain toxic ingredients like METHylosothiyazolinone; an ingredients found in anti-freeze, window, and floor cleaner. This highly toxic chemical is known to cause cancer, and has been linked to nerve damage.  Companies like Nivea has known that in general consumers can barely read or pronounce the names of these ingredients, and can't be bothered to Google them, obviously.  There are no legal restrictions on the labeling of organic. Skincare products.  Not until someone is diagnosed with skin cancer.

Apparently, not even the babies are safe as Johnson and Johnson baby products were also found  to have cancer causing chemicals.  Of course it took 3 years of pressure, but they plan to reformulate the childrens skincare products by the end of this year.  If you use Neutrogena, Aveeno, or Lubriderm ( subsidiaries of J&J), you'll just have to wait until 2015.  Until then you can still by your cancer at your local supermarket, or drugstore.  Hey Johnson & Johnson...why don't you just recall that crap and get it off the shelf?

Roses, Butterflies, and Business Plans

I won't lie; trying to get Lillies In June jump started is terribly exhausting.  Carving a place for myself in a billion dollar a year industry takes hardwork,  determination, and a lightning fast connection. Tne redundancy of posting links to my Facebook page, uploading photos to Instagram, listing items in my online store, dealing with PayPal, and working on writing a great business plan can really be tiresome.  However, you realize that it's worth it when someone shares your page, asks about your products, or actually buys one of your body butters!

So aside from all of this I still make time to attempt to eat better, hit the gym every other day, celebrate birthdays with family, and make my granddaughter, Mya Rose a one of a kind silver necklace in honor of her 2nd year!  Tomorrow is Sunday, and that means Raiders Football!  Although I will be in front of the television rooting for my favorite team, I'll also be putting in time on social media.  Have a great evening!

Rave Review

Lol, I got this message on Facebook from a satisfied customer.  She ordered a cotton candy body butter.  So glad she loved it!