My Chunky Butt

Ok, no I am not talking about my own personal butt here! I'm posting about Chunky Butt Candles and their bath/body products..so don't get any ideas buster!

Mandy Garcia, owner of Chunky Butt, asked me to give some of her stuff a go. She sent me a nice variety of her bath & body products.

First off, the Sugar Scrub in Cactus & Sea Salt fragrance. The fragrance on this is very nice. I almost expected some sort of Margarita scent but this is very subtle and nice on the nose. The scrub has a fine grain of sugar which I like and it was good and thick in the jar. Good & thick to me means that I'm not going to watch a bunch of it hit the shower floor before I get it on me. Exfoliation was very good and I would say post scrub moisturizing is moderate. $6.25 for a 4 ounce jar but they are buy one get on FREE during May.

The Body Frosting is a good lotion. It's on par with alot of lotions and creams that are out there as far as moisturizing goes. What really impressed me was how long the fragrance lasted. I had Pink Sugar, which is a favorite of mine, and I could still smell it a few hours after application. I don't think I've had a lotion whose fragrance lasted quite that long. $5.50 for 4 ounces.

Finally, Chunky Butt perfume. I asked for the Bubble Butt fragrance..and not it is not because I have a Bubble Butt. The description says Pink Strawberry Cotton Candy with a hint of Bubblegum. And, that is what it is...although I would say there's a bit more of the bubblegum than just a hint. This is a really cute fragrance that really makes you feel kind of nostalgic. I really like it and of course the name is just great. The perfume is $3.80 for a 10ml roll on.

All in all,Chunky Butt's bath and body line is good. I would like to see some continued tweaking and experimentation to keep improving the products. The Indie bath and body market is getting really competitive as more and more stores seem to come alive. And, although I did not try her melts this go around..I have to post the picture for you..these are adorable.Enjoy!

Baubles in my Bathroom

I love finding new etailers through my sampler boxes. It's even better when they give you an awesome coupon! Bauble Bath is one of those etailers. I got some samples in one of my samplers with an incredible 35% off coupon. Well, I didn't hesitate and bought some bath baubles and some Miss Mary Mint Body Scrub (not pictured but this is a picture of their Mango scrub).

I really like this body scrub. And, if you love Wrigeley's Spearmint gum, you will love the scent of this scrub. There's rosemary, spearmint and peppermint oils in this scrub so it feels all cool and minty. There's also the sugar, some salt and finely ground apricot seeds. It did not leave my tub all slippery and gooey. I didn't lose any to the shower floor either. It's thick yet easy to use and rinses off nice and clean. It comes in a nice wide mouth jar so it's easy to scoop out. With the shea and cocoa butter added, it also leaves the skin feeling smooth and refreshed.

Bauble Bath also had a fantastic Black Friday sale with a coupon for either 50% off or buy one get one free (essentially the same thing). So I bought like, 4 more scrubs...some more Miss Mary Mint, Candy Cane, Blushing Pink and Gingerbread. All of them smell fantastic!

The price for a 10 ounce jar of Bauble's body scrub is only $9.25. That is very reasonable. It's a very good scrub and a very good price. There is also a great selection of bath bombs (called Bath Baubles), melts, bubble bars and moisturizers. Start the New Year off right by taking good care of yourself!

All Sugarelled Up

Recently I helped out a fellow Switchboarder and was rewarded with some sugar scrub and scrubby bar samples. Di, from Sugarelle, sent me 3 samples of her duo sugar scrubs and 2 of her scrubby bars.



Now, I have not been a fan of scrubby bars. They usually don't have enough exfoliant for me..sorry I am a scrub diva and I must have large amounts of the ruff stuff :-). But, the Sugarelle scrubby bars are more than what I've come across. These definitely have extra exfoliants in them. The scrubbed me well, didn't fall apart and really felt like a true "scrubby bar." I was very impressed. The full size version costs $7.


The duo whipped sugar scrubs were really cool. I've had whipped sugar scrubs before but they, again, didn't have enough exfoliant in them. Di sent me three samples..Crimson Queen & Licorice Dreams, Parlor Tricks & Cinnamon Sticks and last but not least..Vanilla Pearls & Tango Swirls. All very very nice scents..not too strong but not too weak either..just right I say. They are whipped together in a perfect swirl so you can see the two colors of the scrubs when you open the jar. The consistency is like whipped cream but I have to say even lighter than that. But, if you rub it between your fingers...you really can feel the nice gritty texture beneath the whip. A full 8 oz jar will run you about $17..but I think it's worth it.


I do have to say that just one little sample jar or sample scrubby bar was enough for a full body scrub. So the larger versions should last you fairly long time. Christmas is almost here...there's still time to shop..so check out the scrubs at Sugarelle.

Bara Naos Sugar Scrub: Treat Your Body Like a "Temple"

Bara Naos. Translated, it means "created temple." How did I get so smart you might ask? Because I read stuff on the websites whose products I try.

Bara Naos is also a line of bath and body products at TC and Company. I was privileged enough to receive and use their Shea Butter and Soy Sugar Scrub. The "C" of TC and Company is Cassandra Stanley and she wanted me to try their scrub and review it. I love sugar scrubs, so of course I agreed.

She sent me a full size jar in Brown Sugared Figs fragrance, and it smells exactly like the Bath & Body Works version. Right on the money.

It's a thick, creamy scrub that is loaded with good stuff. In addition to the sugar you get aloe vera, soy oil, shea butter, olive oil, avacado oil, jojoba, primrose oil, seaweed, green tea and more. I always like it when my scrubs have unique, natural ingredients. The sugar is a very very fine grain and even though you hardly notice it, it exfoliates really well.

And, because it's got all that great stuff in addition to the sugar, soy and shea butter...you get a real jolt of moisturization. It's always nice when you don't have to take the time to slather on that lotion because your scrub did it for you.

For an 8 ounce jar, it'll cost you $12.99. The jar and packaging are really top notch and what's inside the jar is even better.

Relaxation Works: Cranberry Cocktail Body Sorbet Scrub

Relaxation Works is one of the two Etailers that tied for Third Place in my Best of Sugar Scrubs contest. And now I'm going to give you my review on the wonderful scrub I received.

Kris, the owner of Relaxation Works, presented my with her Cranberry Cocktail Body Sorbet scrub. The package arrived in great condition with no leaks! Everything was packaged in white, white jar (opaque) with a white cap and white labels. Even the scrub itself is white but it's offset by the red of the cranberry seeds that are mixed in. This scrub does have oil in it and has a soft, almost spongey feel to it.

When you open the jar you're welcomed by the most delightful scent, almost like a cranberry soda or cocktail. The scent was very refreshing and it lasted about an hour on the skin after rinsing.

When I started scrubbing I noticed that it felt both gritty and creamy to the touch. It provided excellent exfoliation, just right in my opinion. It really stuck to the skin and got the job done. Although, I did find that the cranberry seeds did get a little messy in the shower and it was hard to get them all down the drain.

The scrub did rinse off the skin easily but as I mentioned I had some trouble with those cranberry seeds. My skin was very soft and smooth and the moisturization felt just right. It wasn't too heavy or light but after towel drying it lasted probably about an hour on my skin...so, eventually I did need some lotion but not right away.

All in all, the Relaxation Works Cranberry Cocktail Body Sorbet scrub was a very good scrub. It exfoliated like a good scrub should and it moisturized the skin. It has a wonderful fragrance that to me was like a refreshing cocktail. Go ahead and try it for yourself and you tell me what you think.

Sugar Lips: Pink Sugar Sugar Scrub

Today's review belongs to my solitary Second Place winner...Sugar Lips. Sugar Lips is a wonderful store on Etsy and is owned/operated by Hilary. I love Etsy, you can find so many good things there

Just to recap my judging categories so you can follow along. I judged all the scrubs on four areas. Appearance: packaging, how the product looks in and out of the jar, any leaks, coloring etc. Scent: how strong or weak is the fragrance, does the fragrance smell as it should and how long does the scent last after rinsing.

Exfoliation: How did the scrub feel between the fingers, how did it feel during scrubbing, does it stick well to the skin and does it do its job? Moisturization: did it rinse easily, how did the skin feel after rinsing and after towel drying, how long did the moisture last, etc.

Hilary presented me with her Sugar Scrub in Pink Sugar. It arrived in good condition with no leaks. I love her style on the jar. I really like seeing how each individual's style comes out in their labels and packaging. The labels were simple but had a unique style and were of course: waterproof. The scrub had oil on top but the oil mixed in very well with the scrub and there was no separation after I mixed it (it stayed mixed overnight!). The scrub stuck together really well coming out of the jar.

The scent had a good moderate strenght to it and was a really good "pink sugar" fragrance. The scent lasted about a half an hour on the skin after rinsing.

I really liked the texture of this scrub, it was almost creamy. Even though there had been oil on top, it didn't have an "oily" feel to it at all. During scrubbing it felt good and gritty, just the way a sugar scrub should feel. It did a great exfoliation job and the sugar melted away the more I scrubbed. That made for a good and easy rinsing!

After I was done rinsing, my skin had a very silky and very smooth feeling to it. There was no greasy or oily residue or anything on my skin. Even after towel drying, I still felt moisturized. The moisture lasted over half an hour after drying. All in all, excellent moisturization.

I know I've mentioned before that this was a tough competition. There's only 2 points separating first from second and 2 points again separating second from third place. Sugar Lips' scrub is a wonderful product. I'm glad that Hilary was a part of my contest and I hope to see more of her products in my house in the future.

Bidwell Botanicals: Spun Sugar Sugar Scrub

Now I'd like to start reviewing my sugar scrub winners so you know why I felt they were the best.

I had four areas that I looked at when trying the scrubs and judging the scrubs. First is appearance. That includes packaging, labels, jars etc. Appearance was worth 10 points.
Second is Scent. Was the scent exactly what is said it should be? How long did it last after rinsing? Scent was worth another 10 points.Third was exfoliation. I was looking to see if the scrub did it's job and how it felt during use. Exfoliation was worth 50 points. Finally comes Moisturization. I looked to see how easily the scrub rinsed off, how my skin felt afterwards and how long the moisture lasted. Moisturization was worth 30 points.



Jill Jones, the owner of Bidwell Botanicals, sent me a sample of her Spun Sugar Sugar Scrub. It arrived in great condition with no leaks at all. The presentation of her product was lovely, settled in it's own box. All of the ingredients were listed and the labels were easy to read. She also used an inside seal on her jar which is really a must for sugar scrubs. Sugar was the first ingredient and there were plenty of moisturizing oils in the mix. When I opened the jar the scrub looked like pink shaved ice. It really stayed together well and had a good consistent color.


The fragrance reminded me almost like Pink Sugar meets cheesecake. It was very pleasant and was just right...not too strong and not too light. It was right on the money. The scent lasted on my skin for well over an hour after rinsing.


The sugar she uses is a fine grain sugar, which seems to work the best in any sugar scrub (and it is the primary type used in most of the scrubs I tried). It was thick, silky and good n gritty! The scrub really stuck to the skin and I did not lose much of it to the shower floor. It was an excellent exfoliant and rinsed very easily.


After I rinsed it off, my skin felt smooth and silky all over. The scrub gave my skin a silky finish and it did not feel greasy or oily. Even after towel drying, the moisturization lasted and continued to last all day. I did not need to use any lotion on my body after using this scrub, even after towel drying.


Bidwell Botanicals' Spun Sugar Sugar Scrub hit a home run on everything I was looking for. It was packaged in an excellent manner, the fragrance was just right, it provided fantastic exfoliation and more than excellent moisturization.


Now, I know everyone has their own opinion about things. Please remember that I was the judge and jury for this contest. I'm sure some people reading this may think someone else's scrub is the best and I respect everyone's opinion. If you think someone has a better scrub, let me know. Next up is Somethin Special...

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE BEST OF SUGAR SCRUBS CONTEST!

The scrubbing is done and the judging is finished. It has been a very very tough decision. I want to express my deepest admiration to all the ladies who have worked so hard to create these scrubs and their other products. Running your own business isn't easy but all of these ladies deserve praise and respect!

Now for the big announcement!!!!!!

There is a TIE for First Place! I went over and over all of my notes and both of these scrubs came out on top together no matter what. So The Best Sugar Scrubs are:

Bidwell Botanicals: Spun Sugar Sugar Scrub

and

Somethin Special: Sugar Scrub in Pink Sugar

Tomorrow I will post on each of these to let you know why they are the best sugar scrubs around!!!!

Second Place goes to....

Sugar Lips: Pink Sugar Sugar Scrub

Thursday I will give you all the review on Sugar Lips' scrub and why that one took second place.

Third Place also has a tie....

Relaxation Works: Cranberry Cocktail Body Sorbet Scrub

and

Klean Bath and Body: The Devil Made Me Do It Chocolate Body Polish


Friday you will be able to read the review on both of these wonderful scrubs.

I do want to give some Honorable Mentions to the other top scrubs:

Sublime Dragonfly: Shea Sugar Scrub in Almond Oatmeal
Heavenly Bubbles: Cranberry Lime Sugar Scrub
Skin & Tonic: Sugar Scrub in Pink Grapefruit
Auntie Rhubarb: Sugar Frosting in Lemon Cake

So Congratulations to all of the winners!!! You all make a fantastic sugar scrub and should be proud of what you have accomplished!!!! And, to all you consumers out there, be sure to visit their sites and try the scrubs for yourselfs. Decide for yourself or just get yourself a darn good product!!!!

Thank you to all the entrants!

Stay tuned, my next contest will be coming in August!