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Spotted: new bath and body products

When I was at Target yesterday, I spotted some new bath and body products so I thought I'd share. Take a peek!

New St. Ives Revitalizing Pear & Soy Body Wash

I love pear-scented anything, so this one actually came home with me. I will definitely review it soon.

Keep reading to see what else I spotted...

The Return of Mr. G! His review of the new Suave Styling Paste and Pomade for Men

I often get asked if Mr. G will return to this blog (he's reviewed various men's products in the past with often comical results). For the past few weeks, he's been working furiously on this review of some of the new hair products for men that were recently sent to me from Suave. (In fact, I haven't seen him work this hard on something since he wrote his thesis for grad school. I'm kidding of course, but he did spend a lot of time on this!)

Today I'd like to proudly announce that Mr. G is back, and if you liked his past reviews, I don't think he'll disappoint you this time around!

For those of you new to the reviews of Mr. G, he's my longtime boyfriend and in addition to being my guinea pig for various men's grooming products, he's also a college professor. For the purposes of this review, let me tell you a little bit about his hair: he is caucasian and his hair is fine in texture but it's of medium thickness. His hair is short (which you'll soon read about) and it has a tendency to get oily within a day of washing it. It's not color-treated and he NEVER uses heat styling.

Take it away, Mr. G!

Last minute Father's Day gifts, Part Two (awesomely affordable fragrances)

It's really getting down to the wire now, lovelies! If you haven't picked up a gift for Dad yet, I'd like to give you three options that you can find right at your local drugstore!

I was recently sent some affordable men's fragrances for review, and I found the following three fragrances to be perfect for three different "types" of guys. So let's begin!

Note: this week, most drugstores are running great sales on men's fragrances, including the fragrances featured in this post (BOGO1/2OFF, etc.).

For the rugged or outdoorsy guy:

McGraw by Tim McGraw eau de toilette

(retail: around $28, 1.7 oz)

Top notes of bergamot and freshly grated nutmeg blend into a woody aromatic heart of moss and lavender. Base notes are sensual notes of amber, patchouli and sandalwood blended with a touch of aged whisky.

 I have to be perfectly honest with you. I wasn't expecting to fall absolutely in LOVE with this one when I first sniffed it. But there's something about it (perhaps it's the nutmeg--I adore nutmeg) that makes this scent rugged, yet very slightly sweet and comforting at the same time. I can't quite pinpoint it, but MAN it blew me away. I get just a tiny drop of whisky in this fragrance, but I also detect a slight leather note too. Whatever's going on here has me saying "More, please!" I think that if you like Obsession for Men, you might like McGraw as well. They're not identical, but I think they're in the same general ballpark.

For the classic suit-and-tie guy:

David Beckham Instinct eau de toilette

(retail: around $25, 1.0 oz)

Contemporary top notes of bergamot, grapefruit and mandarin leaf. A fragrant heart warmed with pimento, vibrant star anise, spiced with cardamom. A primal, sensual base of Haitian vetiver, patchouli and classic white amber.

I used to work with a very sophisticated, proper gentleman who wore a beautifully-tailored suit every day, and he smelled just like this. David Beckham Instinct is exactly how a sophisticated fragrance should be; it's not a "Hey, check me out!" kind of scent--it stays very close to the skin. It's the kind of delicious fragrance that makes you want to get closer to a man, so that you can smell more of it. The white amber gives this fragrance almost a powdery note, which I absolutely adore. It cuts the sharpness of the citrus and gives it such an elegant feel. Plus, the cool magnetic cap has me mesmerized.

For the open-minded, I'll-wear-anything-you-want-me-to-wear guy:

 Jovan Musk for Men

(retail: around $15, 1.0 oz)

Top notes: lime, pepper, carnation and lemon. Middle notes: Amber, lavender, spearmint and exotic spices. Base notes: woods and musk.

Hear me out on this one, OK? There's a reason why Jovan Musk for Men has been in production since 1973. Sure, the packaging isn't quite modern, but I think that's what gives it its appeal! If the man in your life will basically wear whatever fragrance you want him to wear, I'm begging you to have him try this (beware: you yourself might want to wear it too, and that's totally OK!).  This is the kind of fragrance that may scare you off at first. Out of the bottle, it comes across as sharp, strong and in-your-face. But give it about 30 minutes and ooooh la la! The dry-down of Jovan Musk for Men is worth the way! To my nose, it's pure heaven. Soft musk and wood--like a comfy sweater on a clean-shaven man. To me, the longer this fragrance sits on the skin, the more delicious it becomes. A long-time favorite of mine.

I hope this post helps those of you who are stumped on what to give the dad in your life on Father's Day. You can't go wrong with a nice bottle of fragrance!

A sample of this product was given to Nouveau Cheap for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on NouveauCheap.blogspot.com are the honest opinion of its author and editorial samples do not, in any way, affect the outcome of product reviews.

Last minute Father's Day Gifts: Part One

It's getting down to the wire now, lovelies! You've only got a few more days to get the perfect gifts for the dads in your life, and I wanted to share a few ideas with you.

For Part One of this series, I'd like to show you some splurge-worthy men's grooming products that I've recently had my "official male testers" (aka my dad and boyfriend) try out. As you all know, I don't normally review higher-end products on this blog, but if there's one holiday when splurging is totally justified, it's Father's Day!

Disclosure: I received these products from the brand for review, HOWEVER, for many years now I have purchased L'Occitane's men's products as gifts for the men in my life. I can tell you first-hand that the men in my life love L'Occitane men's grooming products, so I'm hoping the men in your life will love them too.

L'Occitane Verdon Collection

Instant Energy Eye Gel Roll-On (retail: $26, .33 oz)

Outdoor Moisturizer SPF30 (retail: $32, 1.7 oz)

Energy Moisturizer (retail: $28, 1.7 oz)

If the men in your life are anything like the men in mine, they do not splurge on grooming products. But if they're given nice products, they always seem to love them (they're so funny like that, aren't they?).

The new Verdon Collection from L'Occitane (named for the Verdon valley in Provence) contains lots of great skincare and shaving products that are packed full of nourishing ingredients and have a wonderful, light, minty, aquatic scent to them. My boyfriend, Mr. G, loves the fragrance of these products, and his favorites are the Verdon Outdoor Moisturizer SPF30 (pictured above) and the Verdon Pure Face Wash (pictured below). He found both products extremely easy to use, and he loved the fact that the moisturizer had a built-in SPF30. He said it felt great on his skin, as well (not too heavy, not too thin). He also liked the way the face wash cleansed his skin without drying or stripping it.

I had my dad try out the Verdon Instant Energy Eye Gel Roll-On (pictured above) and he loved it. He said it has a great cooling effect and it helped to de-puff his eyes in the morning. This is totally one of those products that lots of guys wouldn't purchase for themselves, but they'd sure appreciate having!

L'Occitane Verdon Collection

Pure Face Wash - travel size (retail: $7, 1.7 oz)

Invigorating Shave Gel (retail: $15, 3.4 oz)

To see all of the products in the Verdon Collection, click here.

And one final note: I wanted to point out, for those of you who may be unaware, that L'Occitane is one of the few beauty brands to feature braille on their packaging. I think this is a wonderful thing, so I wanted to call it to your attention:

To purchase L'Occitane products, visit your local L'Occitane boutique (click here for a list of locations) or order online.

I hope this post helps those of you who may still be in search of the "perfect" gift for the dad in your life!

A sample of this product was given to Nouveau Cheap for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on NouveauCheap.blogspot.com are the honest opinion of its author and editorial samples do not, in any way, affect the outcome of product reviews.

Contest Closed: Father's Day fragrance giveaway from Dana Classics!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ENTER.

With Father's Day just around the corner, I've partnered with Dana Classics, makers of such iconic fragrances as Love's Baby Soft and Tabu, to bring you an opportunity to score one of their classic men's fragrances for the dad in your life!

THREE lucky winners will each get to choose one (1) of the fragrances pictured above!

Here are your choices:

Canoe eau de toilette splash

retail value: $23.50

4 oz

Splash it like you mean it. Ready to launch the day's adventure? Canoe is always on board to give the sporting man the ultimate scent of confidence and seduction. The power to sail the seven seas.

The spirited blend of Lavender, geranium, clove, musk and Italian lemon gives Canoe its crisp, clean, citrus fragrance.

California cologne splash

retail value: $16.50

1.7 oz

Fresh as the Pacific breeze, California for Men brings you straight to the beach. California cologne splash is the result of the nature that describes California; the sun, the sand, and the surf of California.

Navy for Men spray cologne

retail value: $26.50

3.1 oz

Set life at full speed ahead, powered by Navy for Men. Perfect for the man who knows that sending off the right scent is half the battle.

Navy for Men is a is a woody aromatic fragrance with a masculine blend of spices and flowers including: water lily, tangerine, juniper, sage, lavender, geranium, nutmeg, musk, and leather.

TO ENTER, PLEASE READ ALL OF THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Giveaway open to residents of US only, 18 and over. Void where prohibited.

2) You may earn up to two (2) entries per person:

To enter: leave a comment on this post and answer the following question: On Father's Day, how do you like to honor the special men in your life?

To earn a second entry: "like" the Dana Classics Canoe Facebook page (be sure to let me know you "liked" them).

Please leave ONE comment on this post, which includes all details regarding your entries.

3) You do NOT need to leave you email address in your comment, BUT, when I announce the winner on this blog on Monday, June 13th, you MUST email me and/or respond in the comments on my post within 24 hours of the announcement or I will select another winner. Sorry, but absolutely no exceptions.

4) This giveaway begins today and ends Sunday, June 12th, 2011 at 11:59PM Pacific. I will select three winners via random.org and announce the winners HERE on this blog on June 13th. The winners will have 24 hours to respond by email and/or in the comments on the announcement post. If a winner does not reply within 24 hours, he or she will forfeit the prizes and another winner will be selected.

Best of luck to everyone!

NouveauCheap.blogspot.com has not received any form of compensation, financially or otherwise, from Dana Classics for hosting this giveaway.

New affordable fragrance line debuts at Target

I'm a sucker for inexpensive body mists, so if you are too, I wanted to let you know about the new line that's debuting at Target right now:

image source: inkyny.com

 Tattooed By Inky! Body Fragrance in A Mi Amor
(retail: $5.99)

(from happi.com)

Tattooed By Inky!, a new fragrance collection, just launched at Target stores for the price of $5.99 each. According to the company, the “high quality” body sprays are inspired by the cult of self-expressive body art and spins this phenomenon into a modern collection that celebrates individuality and personal style.

Targeted to a young, hip, trendy audience, lightly fragranced body sprays have become a popular everyday beauty/grooming essential for both sexes. Used after showering or as a pick-me-up during the day, these body sprays refresh and revive the senses, with just the right amount of scent. The Tattooed By Inky collection offers five distinctive scents: two men’s, two women’s and one unisex:

·Monkey Business (male) - for the smart, funny, no-nonsense guy with a lovable bad boy streak. Has a bold blend of leather, lavender, pepper and sandalwood.

·Drako (male) - for the strong, enigmatic and fiery guy with an elemental blend of spices, musk and precious woods.

·A Mi Amor (female) - vividly captures all your loving feelings of passion and romance with a complex blend of white florals, vanilla and amber.

·Sudden Freedom (female) – for the confident, vibrant and independent woman who reaches for the stars and inspires others to do the same. A fresh and feminine bouquet of aquatic florals, pink jasmine and warm rosewood, this scent innately captures your charismatic spirit and style.

·Koi (unisex) – for the easy going, colorful personality and affectionate nature who also has a resilient strength and courage of convictions. An intricate blend of radiant citrus, ginger and the warmth of patchouli, Koi shows off your many sides.

Apra International LLC. manufactures “Tattooed by Inky”, a fragrance company known for creating affordably priced celebrity/designer fragrances and the maker of the Jordin Sparks scent “Because of You.”  

As you can see, the packaging of this new line is definitely inspired by Sailor Jerry, much like Hard Candy and Ed Hardy (trivia: Ed Hardy was actually a protege of Sailor Jerry). If the fragrances are wonderful, I really don't care what the bottle looks like, so now I'm just curious to try and find them at my local Target!

Have you heard of Tattooed by Inky! fragrances? Are you curious to try them when you spot them at Target?

Review: new products from Axe

As many of you might already know, sometimes I like to feature affordable men's grooming products on my blog, and I also like to have my boyfriend, "Mr. G", write reviews. I like to give you ideas for affordable drugstore products for the men in your lives, and I REALLY like it when those products can be used by both men and women (more bang for your buck, right?). 

So although Mr. G won't be writing this review today, I did use him as a guinea pig for these products and he gave me his detailed input so that I can give you both my perspective, and his.

I was fortunate enough to receive some new products by Axe for review recently, and after testing out all the goodies, I'd like to give you both a man's perspective and my own, about each product.

First let's talk about the three products with the red, black and white packaging.  These products belong to a new collection called "Music" (see the little guitar pick on the bottles?). In conjunction with this new collection, Axe launched a concert series called Axe Music One Night Only and you can enter to win tickets to these concerts via their website. 

So with a name like Axe Music, you'd think that the scent of these products would be very rock & rollish, right? I've gotta say, the fragrance of the Axe Music Deodorant Bodyspray (retail: $4.99, 4 oz) really does have a "night on the town" type feel to it. I very much like the scent--it's sort of spicy yet clean at the same time, and even though it's not a fragrance I would personally wear, I am liking it on Mr. G.  For me, it's not over-the-top headache-inducing, and Mr. G agrees. You can smell this, but it's not in-your-face.

The Limited Edition Axe Music Daily Clean Shampoo (retail: $4.99, 12 oz) was an instant hit with Mr. G.  The shampoo itself is translucent red in color (to match the packaging) and the fragrance is slightly different than the Music Deodorant Bodyspray. To my nose, it's almost got an underlying coconut note to it, which means I had to steal it from Mr. G and try it for myself! I was pleasantly surprised to find this shampoo gentle, yet effective for cleaning my hair.  I LOVE the way it makes Mr. G's hair smell, and he said it ranks right up with this his Holy Grail shampoo (Suave Daily Clarifying).

The Axe Music Revitalizing Shower Gel (retail: $3.99, 12 oz) is also translucent red in color, and in the bottle is has a slightly different scent than the bodyspray and shampoo. I'd say it's a tad bit cleaner and fresher smelling. But after you use it, the scent lingers on the skin, and both Mr. G and I both found that the scent that lingers on the skin is actually very close to the scent of the bodyspray, which means it would make for excellent layering. Mr. G liked the way this body wash cleansed his skin, yet didn't leave it dry or itchy.

 And finally, we have my favorite product of the bunch (the bright yellow bottle in the above collage): Axe Rise Shower Gel with Himalayan Minerals & Lime Extract (retail: $3.99, 12 oz). Anything with lime extract in it immediately gets my attention, ESPECIALLY when it's in the form of body wash. I LOVE body washes with lime notes to them because they really help wake me up and feel invigorated in the shower.

All I've got to say about Rise Shower Gel is, if you're a lime fan, you might want to try this one. Yes, it's designed for men, but I LOVE it. It's got this clean, green, lime fragrance that instantly perks me up and gets me going for the day. I find it refreshingly unisex and I swear, if you put it in a different bottle, you'd never immediately assume it was for men.  It just smells fresh and tart incredibly clean. Also, it leaves my skin clean and soft and doesn't make it feel tight or dry. I've been calling it "my little unexpected guilty pleasure". Oh, and there is also a bodyspray in this fragrance as well (click here for the details).

I get a kick out of buying fun little inexpensive "beauty" products for Mr. G every once in a while (especially when they're on sale, as Axe products often are). If you like to do this for the men in your life as well,  I hope this review helps you out a bit the next time you're at the drugstore!

A sample of this product was given to Nouveau Cheap for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on NouveauCheap.blogspot.com are the honest opinion of its author and editorial samples do not, in any way, affect the outcome of product reviews.

Review: Axe "Recovery" Body Spray (this might surprise you)

This is usually the type of review I'd ask Mr. R to write for this blog, but I actually really wanted to tell you about this Axe scent myself because, well, I'm kind of digging it. For me. To wear. Yeah, for me.

Back in 2008, I saw some very positive reviews for Axe's Proximity collection over on basenotes.  People were saying that there were very pleasantly surprised with these three single-note fragrances (Amber, Vetiver and Bergamot) and that they were a real departure from the typical tween-ish fragrances that we're accustomed to seeing from a brand like Axe. (Note: I believe the Proximity collection has been discontinued, but you can still find random cans at certain drugstores.)

I purchased Amber after reading that review, and I loved it. It's not what you'd expect from Axe, and it actually reminds me a lot of Bath and Body Works' amber scents, but for about 1/2 the price (or less). 

So the other day I thought it might be fun to take a stroll down the men's deodorant aisle and see if I could find anything new to pick up for Mr. R, who occasionally likes to wear fragrance (I love him in Dolce & Gabbana but it's always fun to sniff a new scent on him every once in a while). 

And that's when I came across this little gem:

 Axe Recovery (retail: around $4.99, 4 oz)

This week Rite Aid has Axe on sale for $3.99 with $1 +UP Reward, which is a pretty good deal, and I also had a $1 Axe printable coupon from Coupons.com (sorry, it's no longer up) which brought my total down to $1.99.

What immediately drew me to Recovery is that, to my nose, it smells exactly like Irish Spring soap. Irish Spring is an iconic soap that is still quite popular (especially for men) and every once in a while I'll bust out a bar and use it in the shower because I loooove the nostalgic scent.  It's just so crisp and refreshing, and it brings back great memories.

So when I took a little whiff of Recovery, I was immediately reminded of Irish Spring and I knew I had to get it. And sure enough, when Mr. R sniffed it he said, "Hey, it's Irish Spring!" 

So if you, or the man in your life, don't want a fancy scent, but just want to smell clean (like soap), you might want to give Recovery a shot.  You never know...it might turn into your go-to fragrance for a while. I'm loving it--especially during this heatwave.

Are you an Axe fan? What scents from Axe do you like?

Mr. Recessionista Strikes Again: Woody's Pomade Review

It's time once again to bring you "a man's perspective" with another product review from my boyfriend, the wonderful "Mr. R.". I know that many of you enjoyed his last review (click here if you missed it) and you told me that you'd like to see more reviews from him in the future. So every time I receive men's grooming products for consideration, he'll be the one testing them and writing the reviews. I may add some notes to his reviews (which will be in italics) but other than that, these reviews are 110% Mr. R's words and opinions. So...enjoy!

R. approached me with a proposition. She proposed that I could have a new pomade from Woody’s Grooming if and only if I would write a review about it. I needed some anyway, and it seemed like Woody's was interested in producing quality, subtle products, so I decided to take the job. Considering I’m still using the Meat and Potatoes Soap [see Mr. R's hilarious review of this soap here--R.], I figured I’d give Woody’s Pomade a try.

Woody's Pomade (retail: around $15, 4 oz.)

Woody’s pulled it off once again. Not only am I still using their Meat and Potatoes Soap (yah, I’m still using the same bar from February!), but they really turned me into a devoted customer with their pomade, and that’s saying a lot. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t give a crap about some fancy men’s pomade. Most of them are so loathsome, with their “super-charged with bone-breaking hold” tag-lines that make one question the very foundations of contemporary manhood. But, Woody’s is straight-up. No flashy gimmicks and no neon colored pomade with flecks of what looks like “pop-rocks” in it, like other pomades or gels. It’s clear and simple [yes, it's clear, but it's got a very subtle light green tint, as you can see in these photos. --R.], but with a hold you’d not expect.

Clear pomades usually are greasy and disappear in a couple hours, as they quickly melt away as soon as you step into the sun, consequently becoming one with your sweat and condensing on – rather, into – your brows and ears. Woody’s doesn’t do this because it’s better quality and, most importantly, you need less of it. Other pomades require a fairly large amount in order for them to hold--approximately one tablespoon. But with Woody’s you need much less, about one rabbit’s turd worth [I begged Mr. R. to come up with a better analogy but he insisted on this one because he said is was the exact size of the amount of product he uses for his hair. Ugh. --R.]. So, while it does dissipate slowly over time (it is water-soluble after all), it holds much better than others and you need less of it, which translates into cost savings.

Also, my hair is not short but not long, just above the ears. I’ve been told I look like Keith Urban [by my dad and also by perfect strangers who stop him on the street. It's hilarious. --R.], partly because of my hair type, but it’s not quite that long and I don’t have highlights, especially not one thousand dollars worth of them. But I digress (can you tell I don’t like the comparison?). My hair type is straight, not too thin and not too thick, and prone to oiliness. I apply the rabbit turd size amount by rubbing it between my hands and smoothing it through my semi-damp hair for texture when it dries. It goes a very long way, and at first, I can’t really tell that I’ve put anything into my hair. But when it slowly dries, it remains pliable and silky. When it fully dries, I can’t tell that there’s product in my hair, but the style holds. So, after all is said and done, it doesn’t look like I’ve slathered my hair with petroleum jelly and it doesn’t have that crispy “just glued” look. It looks very natural, but you can slightly tell that something has been added. As the day continues on, the ability to see product completely fades (as everything in the known universe does, following the entropic principle of existence), but the styling remains. In fact, it makes my hair even more manageable. I imagine that, with shorter hair, it would work even better. Also, the fragrance is very, very mild.

In short, my experience with Woody’s Pomade is a positive one. It’s very nice to get back to basics with a product that works. Also, it’s nice to use a product that’s not developed by a company detached from their customers’ needs, packed full weird of chemicals, and questionably over-marketed. Woody’s Pomade is an honest product for men, REAL men, who like to look nice once in awhile and don’t want to break-the-bank doing it, and it shows.

I hope you enjoyed Mr. R's review! I just want to add that he really has been using this product every single day since I gave it to him, and even during a recent trip to the Midwest, he made sure he packed it in his suitcase. If the man in your life has similar hair to Mr. R's, and he's having trouble finding a styling product that works for him, he may want to consider giving Woody's Pomade a shot.

Woody's Grooming products can be found at various online beauty supply retailers, Amazon, and also in-store at beauty supplies around the nation.

A sample of this product was given to Nouveau Cheap for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on NouveauCheap.blogspot.com are the honest opinion of its author and editorial samples do not, in any way, affect the outcome of product reviews.

Mr. Recessionista Strikes Again (well...kinda)

My sweetheart of a boyfriend was so overwhelmed by the positive response of his first and only review here on Nouveau Cheap (click here to see his Woody's Meat and Potatoes Soap review) that he felt compelled to write a message to all of you who enjoyed what he had to say. So please read on if you'd like to hear his response (it's pretty funny, if I do say so myself!):

Thank all of you for your kind comments on my Woody’s review. I was reluctant to get involved with my girlfriend’s blog, but after hearing that you enjoyed my review, I don’t feel so reluctant now. That doesn’t mean, however, that I will be doing another one soon. It really depends on what I’m reviewing.

Obviously, I REALLY have to like something to bother writing about it. Since there are not that many products out there for men that are worthwhile [his opinion, not mine. -R], it’s really difficult to get excited about a particular product. Yes, men also experience disappointment in this regard, perhaps more so than women, statistically speaking. This is an essential reason for why men don’t care so much. We simply find a way to function without them (products) because, in a very real sense, it doesn’t really matter to us.

We think about other things like “what’s the shortest way to get to work” or “how to blow up a snowman with a cannonball.” And since saving gas in our vehicles is practical and experiencing the sudden beheading of an inanimate object by a cannonball is AWESOME, our thinking about products – beyond the very barest of essentials – takes the back seat of a very large bus. BUT, if we come across a product that is practical, helpful, and enhances our experience, we’ll pay attention for about a minute or so. That minute is VERY CRUCIAL because that is how we decide things (it’s also why we mess things up so frequently). A minute is the maximum temporal extent of our decision-making process concerning certain things. And products are some of those things. But if we really take our time thinking about something, it means that we care deeply and what we are thinking about is important to us.

So, I will write a review sometime in the future, but it will have to be something that’s worth thinking about for more than a minute. This is why the Woody’s review was particularly important and why I really appreciate all your comments, you made it worthwhile.

Mr. Recessionista

So the next time you see a review on Nouveau Cheap that was written by Mr. Recessionista, you can be darn well sure that he had some very strong opinions on it! :) Thanks again for making his first review experience a great one, and hopefully we'll see another review from him in the very near future.

Mr. Recessionista gives you HIS Valentine's Day gift idea!

My dear boyfriend (aka: Mr. Recessionista) has grown tired over the years of my constant "Did you try that new soap in the shower?" and "What did you think of that shampoo?" questions. Believe me, this started way before I began blogging, and I'm afraid it's just probably never going to end because, let's face it, we love to buy beauty products for our significant others, right? And we REALLY love it when THEY love something we bought for them!

So when I received a bar of men's soap recently for review, it took me all of about two seconds to yell, "Honey! Honey! Come try this cool bar of soap!" and at first he gave off the usual response, "OK, OK, please just leave it in the shower and I'll try it the next time I'm in there."

But then something happened. He tried the soap and he came out of the shower a changed man. Well, not really changed, but he came out of the shower more excited than I have EVER seen him about any beauty product I have ever lovingly forced upon him.

So instead of just having him tell me about his experience with this soap, I asked if he would write down his thoughts. He agreed (what???) and he said that he wanted to write the following review not for YOU, but for the man in your life. He actually said, "I want your readers' boyfriends, husbands, dads, brothers, friends and significant others to read this."

So let me start by showing you some pics of the soap-in-question.

Woody's Quality Grooming Meat and Potatoes Soap (retail: around $10, 12 oz)

How CUTE is this soap? It actually comes wrapped like meat from the butcher, which I think makes it an adorable gift for the meat & potatoes person in your life (and I promise, it doesn't smell ANYTHING like meat or potatoes--in fact, it's loaded with tea tree oil, hemp oil, essential fatty acids and anti-oxidants).

And just to give you an idea of how BIG this bar of soap is, here's a pic of it next to a normal bar of bath soap:

So....without further ado, here's Mr. Recessionista's message to your hubby, boyfriend, dad, brother, significant other or friend. I hope you enjoy it--I personally find it hilarious, entertaining and actually quite helpful (and I promise I'm not saying that just because I love him!). And for the record, I have not edited or changed a word of his review but I did add one note, which you will see in a minute:

OK, I’m sure by now that you are sick and tired of your wife, girlfriend, significant other, or friend endlessly asking you questions about what soap or shampoo you like to shower with. I have a suggestion for you and I’m going to tell it to you for two reasons: so you can have an answer to end those persistent questions and because it’s simply a really good all-around soap, seriously. The soap is called “Woody’s Quality Grooming Meat and Potatoes Soap for Hair and Body.”

First, this thing is a brick, a heavy brick. It looks like it will last about 2 months, maybe 3, and it takes two hands to pick up after its wet. I’ll say this, if you drop it, make sure your feet are out of the way. (Yes, these are positive attributes. ) [Sorry, I asked him to add that last line because I wanted it to be clear that he wasn't complaining because, in fact, he loves the size of this soap. -R.]

Second, the smell isn’t over-powering and it doesn’t have that “lilacs in a field on a sunny ‘fabric softener’ afternoon” or “vanilla cake with melted butter, topped with sugar and cinnamon” kind of smell. It’s slightly musky, with a cedar and citrus mixture of scents (I’m not sure cedar is in it but so what, it smells like it does. Or, at least it does to me).

Third, it actually washes off! I couldn’t believe it. When I first looked at it, it looked a bit like those other funky, greasy glycerin soaps – you know, those weird homemade clear soaps that leave a waxy film on your skin like you had a bath in melted saran wrap – but it’s not. You can actually see the soap’s thick lather wash off and your skin is left feeling like it has been lightly moisturized. The lather takes awhile to form, but when it does, it’s like a barber’s shave cream.

Forth, and this is my most favorite part, you can use it everywhere… literally, everywhere. It’s an “all-in-one” kind of thing and you can use it on your hair, your beard, banana and coconuts, whatever. If only we could brush our teeth with it, it would take care of everything! I currently have a beard and this soap didn’t leave it feeling like it was dry pile of straw and kindling that could start a campfire all by itself. It also didn’t leave it feeling like I had a thin coating of bees wax delicately smoothed onto every single hair. I also used it on my scalp and hair. I lathered my hands with the bar and gently smoothed the lather on. I then used my fingertips to massage my scalp and it lathered as mentioned. My hair was clean and it felt like it was conditioned, but not in the way where it feels like I had waterproof skin lotion stuck in it.

Fifth, the price is right. (It’s seems like a lot, but when you look at it and break it down, I think you actually save some money.)

All in all, this is a really good soap. I strongly suggest it to men (and women) who like to wash themselves all at once without having to use 5 products to do it. I also suggest it just so you can surprise your significant other with an answer to those persistent questions, once and for all.

So there you have it! I hope you enjoyed Mr. Recessionista's message as much as I did, and I hope that you find this helpful if you're scrambling to find a good, inexpensive Valentine's Day gift for the special person in your life. If you want to get something beauty-related for a special man and you want him to actually use and love it, I would definitely consider getting him a bar of Woody's Meat and Potatoes Soap. You can find Woody's products online at Amazon and other various beauty supply sites throughout the web. You can also visit their website here.

A sample of this product was given to Nouveau Cheap for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on NouveauCheap.blogspot.com are the honest opinion of its author and editorial samples do not, in any way, affect the outcome of product reviews.

What are the hot flavors and fragrances for 2010?

I always take prediction lists with a grain of salt, but this one caught my eye because it was compiled by Bell Flavors & Fragrances, which is a privately-held company that's been around since 1912 and "develops products for the food, beverage, cosmetic, personal care, and household care companies throughout the world." In other words, I'm willing to bet that A LOT of the cosmetics, foods, and household goods we use on a daily basis have their fragrances and/or flavors created and supplied by Bell.

So when Bell makes a list of the top ten notes/accords that they think will be huge in 2010, I listen. So let's consider this our first-look at the big fragrance and flavor trends of the year!

From Happi.com:

Bell Flavors and Fragrances has once again revealed its top 10 fragrance notes/accords for 2010. They are:

1. Grapefruit Rhubarb Rose
2. Seashore Driftwood
3. White Amber/Patchouli
4. Mahogany Vetiver
5. Absinthe
6. Mandarin/Orange Blossom
7. Mojito
8. Woody Iris
9. Satin Wood
10. Szechwan Pepper

Now keep in mind, Bell creates flavors and fragrances for the food industry, cosmetic industry and household product industry. So don't look at this list and assume we'll start to see Szechwan Pepper lipgloss anytime soon (ouch!). I'm assuming Szechwan Pepper is going to be popular in products like potato chips (I think I've already seen a few brands that carry this flavor). But as for fragrance? I am the MOST excited about Grapefruit Rhubarb Rose. I love any type of citrus when it's blended with rose, and I love, love, love me some rhubard (I'm a sucker for anything tart and tangy). Also, I love the Mint Mojito flavor Orbit Gum, so I'd be happy to see mojito in other products (Suave, Dove, Tone, Soft Soap, St. Ives, could one of you PLEASE make a mojito body wash? Pretty please?).

Are they any trends on this list that you're excited to see more of in the marketplace this year? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

What's Old is New Again: Tabu & English Leather Review and Giveaway

[NOTE: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ENTER. THANKS!]

You've got to honor and respect any fragrance that's been around for longer than you, and maybe even your parents or grandparents, have been roaming this planet. So it is with great pleasure that I am able to write this review (and host a giveaway!) for Tabu and English Leather, both manufactured by Dana Classics.

Tabu was created by the House of Dana as their first fragrance in 1932. Tabu was rumored to have been originally created for "ladies of the evening" but the fragrance soon became a smash hit with "regular" ladies and it still remains incredibly popular today, some seventy years later.

A 1941 magazine ad for Tabu, originally featured in Vogue and Harper's Bazaar

And as with other time-honored classics, the manufacturer of Tabu has recently launched a newer, fresher, and lighter version of Tabu, called Tabu Forbidden. If the original Tabu and all its spice, patchouli and amber goodness is a bit too heavy for you, then Tabu Forbidden might be just the scent you need in your "sexy scents" arsenal. Personally, I think that the original Tabu smells like a combination of amber and root beer (love it!) but I know that it can be a bit heavy for some. On the other hand, Tabu Forbidden contains some lighter, more playful notes to keep it fresher and cleaner (here are the notes from the DanaClassics website: Exotic Mandarin, Lush Black Plum Petals, Black Rose, Black Narcissus, Sheer Black Jasmine, Black Musk, Indian Sandalwood, and Sensual Black Vetiver). Personally, I think that both fragrances, the old and the new, deserve a spot on any fragrance lover's vanity.

Now let's not forget the men in our lives, who also deserve both a classic fragrance and a new updated version! Ask your dad or your grandpa if they've heard of English Leather and I'm willing to bet my entire fragrance collection that they'll respond, "Of course!" English Leather, also manufactured by Dana Classics, is one of those classic men's fragrances that just never goes out of style. From the iconic wooden lid to the logo itself (a leather saddle), English Leather is a classic chypre fragrance that hits you instantly with its woody and citrus notes. When you smell it, you just can't mistake it for anything else. English Leather was first introduced in 1972 and it remains a standard for men all over the world today.

Going back to the theme of this giveaway, "what's old is new again", this definitely applies to English Leather. Dana Classics has launched a newer, more modern update on English Leather, called English Leather Black. Let me put it to you this way: when I recently asked my younger brother and my dad to test out these colognes, my brother instantly preferred English Leather Black, while my dad said, "No way. Give me the original." To my nose, English Leather Black reminds me of other contemporary men's fragrances, while English Leather definitely fits the classic or "retro" mold. If I were a guy, I would want 'em both. Because really, who doesn't want the option of going old school or new school, depending on your mood?

Which brings me to the giveaway! Dana Classics was kind enough to provide me with samples of Tabu, Tabu Forbidden, English Leather and English Leather Black for use in this review, and they are going a step further by offering a full-size bottle of each fragrance to one lucky winner!

So enter today and all four of the following fragrances could be yours:

1 eau de cologne spray of Tabu (retail: $14.50, 1.7 oz)
1 eau de cologne spray of Tabu Forbidden (retail: $18.99, 1.7 oz)
1 cologne spray of English Leather (retail: $12, 1.7 oz)
1 cologne spray of English Leather Black (retail: $12, 1.7 oz)

Combined, this giveaway has a total retail value of $57.49!

Please read all of the following rules before entering:

1) To enter, you must leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite Dana Classics fragrance. If you leave more than one comment on this post, you will be disqualified.

2) You MUST leave me your email address in your comment OR I must be able to clearly identify your email address in your profile. If I cannot contact you directly, you will be disqualified. REMEMBER: Double check your Blogger profile settings to make sure your email address is visible in your profile!

3) This contest is open to residents of the continental US only, ages 18 and over. Void where prohibited.

4) This giveaway begins today, October 24th, and will end Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 11:59PM. I will select a winner via random.org's random number generator and notify the winner on Friday, November 6th. The winner will then have 24 hours to respond. If the winner does not reply within 24 hours, he or she will forfeit the prizes and another winner will be selected. If you are going to be unable to access your email on November 6th, 2009, please do not enter this giveaway.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation, and I wish you all the best of luck! :)

A sample of this product was given to Nouveau Cheap for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on NouveauCheap.blogspot.com are the honest opinion of its author and gratis samples do not, in any way, affect the outcome of product reviews.

Ship Happens

Alright, so if you're a loyal reader of this blog then you know that I have a thing for fragrance. I am a perfume junkie, through and through, but if I purchased every fragrance that my little heart desires, I would be more broke than I already am, and I wouldn't even be able to afford my beloved drugstore makeup (the horror!) and my whole blog would collapse. OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit but have you seen the prices of perfumes lately?

So what does a girl with a fragrance addiction do to satisfy her yearnings? She shops at websites like Scentiments.com, of course. I've been a loyal Scentiments shopper for years and years now, and I've got to say that they're one of the best when it comes to finding both popular and more obscure fragrances at ridiculously low prices.

(And just for the record: my happiness with the products I've ordered over the years is the sole reason I'm writing this post--I am in no way receiving anything in return from Scentiments for this. In fact I don't even have a contact at Scentiments--I have to go through their regular customer service contact form if I ever have a question).

So you wanna know why I'm so freaking excited today? Scentiments.com is offering all customers free shipping with NO minimum purchase right now (no code needed)! This offer is good through October 31st for residents of the US (they do offer international shipping but it's not free) so if you want something for yourself or you want to do some holiday shopping, now is the time to do it!

So here's my quick guide to shopping Scentiments:

1) If you're purchasing for yourself, do not be afraid to buy the "tester" bottles (if available). These bottles contain the exact same fragrance as retail bottles and they're brand new, never-been-used bottles of fragrance. The only difference is that they won't have the pretty cap or box that you're used to seeing. But the benefit of buying a tester? Sometimes you can save an extra 10 or 20 bucks off the already low price! Awesome.

2) Check the Monthly Specials and Clearance pages for ridiculous, they're-practically-giving-it-away deals. Seriously, those are the first two pages I visit whenever I go on Scentiments.com.

3) If you see something you like and you want it, GET IT NOW. If you wait, you could be very disappointed when you go back to the site later to find that it's out of stock. Things sell out quickly on Scentiments due to their low prices, so don't make the mistake I've made in the past and hesitate when you spot a killer deal on your favorite fragrance. Get it while you can.

So those are my tips for shopping Scentiments! And now I'd like to share with you a few of the amazing, how-can-you-pass-these-up deals that I have spotted on Scentiments.com today. I apologize in advance if, by the time you read this, they are out of stock, but I warned you--things go quickly here.

Comptoir Sud Pacifique Vanille Passion 3.3 oz (retail: $70) Scentiments price: $29.99

Pink Sugar 3.4 oz spray TESTER bottle (retail: $50) Scentiments price: $23.99

Blue Sugar 1.7 oz Spray for Men (retail: $35) Scentiments price: $13.99

CLEAN Warm Cotton 2.14 oz EDP spray for women by Dlish (retail: $76) Scentiments price: $34.99

Anna Sui Dolly Girl 2.5 oz tester bottle (retail: $58) Scentiments price: $24.99

Incanto Heaven 3.4 oz edt tester bottle (retail: $79) Scentiments price: $22.99

Vera Wang Sheer Veil 3.4 oz Spray tester bottle (retail: $90) Scentiments price: $39.99

Agent Provocateur Maitresse 3.3 oz spray tester bottle (retail: $115) Scentiments price: $30.99

Covet 3.4 oz spray by Sarah Jessica Parker (retail: $68) Scentiments price: $26.99

Diesel Green Feminine 2.5 oz spray by Diesel (retail: $45) Scentiments price: $17.99

Stella In Two Peony 2.5 oz EDT Spray for Women by Stella McCartney (retail: $72) Scentiments price: $36.99

Daisy 3.4 oz EDT spray TESTER for Women by Marc Jacobs (retail: $72) Scentiments price: $39.99

Happy shopping and please leave a comment here if you end up ordering anything. I'd love to know what you bought!

Review: L'Occitane Shea Butter Extra Gentle Soap

In case you don't know, I'm a total bar-soap addict and have been for many, many years. I know that there are some people who dismiss bar soap in favor of a nice shower gel, but I happen to love both because each form has its benefits. While I appreciate the convenience of shower gel, I deeply respect the time-honored tradition of soap-making, which is a craft that requires a tremendous amount of skill, knowledge and patience to master. A good bar soap produces a lather so rich and so decadent that I've yet to find a shower gel that can compete with its luxuriousness. And this is precisely why I have been a long-time fan of L'Occitane French Soap.

I was so extremely excited to receive a product for review recently, because L'Occitane is a company I have always loved (their perfumes are amazing!), even though the price range is a little beyond what I would normally pay for bath products. I like to think of buying a bar of L'Occitane soap as a "necessary indulgence" that is not only luxurious, but also helps improve the texture of my skin.

L'Occitane soaps are made in France from a 100% pure vegetable base (no "Fight Club" stuff here, thank you very much!) and contain lots of shea butter. I probably don't need to explain to you the wonderful benefits of shea butter for your skin, so let's just say that having shea butter in your soap helps to combat that dry, tight feeling that your skin may be left with after using other bar soaps. But here's the best part: L'Occitane soaps leave you feeling moisturized, yet they also leave you with that wonderful squeaky-clean feeling. There is no icky film or residue left behind; just smooth, moisturized, clean skin. Love it!

L'Occitane Shea Butter Extra Gentle Soap in "Verbena"

I've been using L'Occitane Shea Butter Extra Gentle Soap in the scent "Verbena" for the past two weeks and I've loved every second spent in my shower. My personal method for using bar soap is to run it under the shower for a minute and then rub it into a bath pouf. In my experience, you get such a thick, plentiful lather this way and it's much easier to apply the soap to your skin (as opposed to just rubbing the actual soap on your skin). My boyfriend prefers the direct method (rubbing the soap directly on the skin) which is probably what most men prefer, but he also is able to get a nice, thick lather this way. I should also add that L'Occitane soaps last a loooong time so you definitely get your money's worth from just one bar. The scent "Verbena" is a wonderful, clean citrus scent that is perfect for men and women and is a good choice if you're not sure which scent to purchase.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Extra Gentle Soap retails for $7 (3.5 oz bar) online and in L'Occitane boutiques nationwide.

Are you a fan of L'Occitane Shea Butter products? If so, have you tried their bar soaps? I'd love to know your thoughts.

A sample of this product was given to Nouveau Cheap for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on NouveauCheap.blogspot.com are the honest opinion of its author and gratis samples do not, in any way, affect the outcome of product reviews.

Review: Suave Professionals hair care products

I get so excited when I'm sent products for review that I would purchase on my own anyway. It gives me a chance to test something I've already been wanting to try, which is the case with this assortment of Sauve products. I already adore Suave and have been so pleased with everything I've used in the past, so let me tell you if these products pass the test!

Let's start with Suave Sleek Anti-Frizz Cream, which comes in a cute orange tube and retails for around $3 wherever Suave products are sold.

Since I'm big on anti-frizz creams at the moment (I've been using and loving Sunsilk's De-Frizz Creme for several weeks now) I know exactly what I need from this type of product. Suave's version does not disappoint. For my long hair, I need about 2-3 pea-size drops, which I apply to damp hair, working through from roots to ends. The smell is very subtle (clean and pleasant) and I love the fact that, unlike other anti-frizz creams, it doesn't feel greasy or sticky and it doesn't weigh down my hair at all. I'm left with soft, very manageable hair and it doesn't diminish my natural waves one bit. We've been having very humid weather in my area lately and I am pleased to say that this helps ward off the frizzies. For me, it's a great product--especially for the price!

Next up, Suave Professionals Extra Hold Gel, which also retails for about $3 wherever Suave products are sold.

Now I don't know about you, but for me, gel is something I normally associate with the boyfriend's hair, not my own. I honestly cannot recall the last time I used hair gel (maybe the early '90s?) but lately I've been stepping outside the box and trying new things in an effort to make my curls look the best they can. So when I received this product I was very excited to revisit a type of product I had dismissed many years ago. Um, all I can say is WOW, how times have changed!

This gel is clear and when you put it in the palm of your hand it feels light--not heavy like the gels from yesteryear. I use about 2 pea-size amounts in my palm and when I rub my hands together the texture feels amazing, almost like water! I apply the gel to my damp hair (after I've used Suave Sleek Anti-frizz Cream), and I work it from roots to ends. Honestly, when I first used this I thought, "I can't really even feel this in my hair. Should I use more?" But I decided against it, hoping I had used just the right amount. BINGO! I let my hair air-dry when I use this and I honestly cannot get over the results. This gel turns my curls into big, bouncy, loose, separated waves--the kind of waves you get from using hot rollers. With my other styling products, I am used to getting curls that are a little smaller and little less bouncy. But with Suave Extra Hold Gel, my curls were more separated, loose and BIG. Wow--it's a totally different effect but one I love! I keep looking at myself in the mirror, admiring how different my hair looks.

Who knew that gel could work like this? Oh, and I should also mention that there is no stiffness, no crunch and no flakes with this gel (again, so different from old-school hair gel!). It keeps my curls big and bouncy and separated all day long. Love it!

Lastly, I'd like to share with you my family's thoughts on Suave Professionals Extra Hold Hairspray and Freeze Hold Hairspray (retail around $3 each wherever Suave products are sold).

Since I am not a regular user of hairspray (I occasionally use it when I put my hair in a ponytail), I thought I'd put these hairsprays to the true test and let my parents use them for a few weeks. My folks are old-school, devoted users of Sebastian Shaper Hairspray and they know exactly what they like, and dislike in a hairspray, let me tell you. But they also like to cut costs wherever possible, so they appreciated the chance to use an economical product like Suave to see how it performs.

My mom used Suave Freeze Hold for a few weeks and, to make a long story short, is now completely converted. She loves how it holds her hair, even through the windiest of days. She also loves that, by the end of the day, there are no flakes and she can easily rinse this product out of her hair when she shampoos. But the thing she loves the most is, of course, the cost. :)

My dad, who used to use Consort (anyone remember that?) back in the day, stepped up to Sebastian Shaper many years ago. I think he was excited to try the Suave Extra Hold (the lighter hold of the two) because, let's face it: Even men like a little variety in their hair products! Long story short, my dad ALSO loved Suave! He echoed what my mom said but added, "I like how I can comb through my hair at the end of the day and it's not greasy or flaky, but it still holds my style." Pops. Gotta LOVE him! :)

So there you have it--Suave reviews from my family to yours! If you use any of these products or decide to try them based on these reviews, please leave a comment here--I'd love to know your thoughts!

A sample of this product was given to Nouveau Cheap for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on NouveauCheap.blogspot.com are the honest opinion of its author and gratis samples do not, in any way, affect the outcome of product reviews.

Last-minute Father's Day gifts, anyone?

It's only fitting that I give you a few men's fragrance ideas for Father's Day, seeing as I'm such a huge fragrance junkie myself. I'd like to offer you some alternatives to the more generally-known and loved men's fragrances, based on what the father in your life might already love.

C.O. Bigelow Barber Cologne "Elixir Blue" ($19.50, 2.5 oz), available at Bath & Body Works stores and online.

For Father's Day, this gift is a recessionista's dream-come-true. For under $20, you get a clean, fresh, light fragrance that just about any man would love. There's something about this scent that, when combined with a man's skin, gives him that just-out-of-the-shower fresh scent that just smells comforting. If Dad isn't really a "cologne guy", THIS would be a perfect fragrance for him. It's truly difficult to think of anyone who'd be bothered by this scent in the slightest because to me, it just smells like a nice, clean-shaven man. Don't believe me? Then check out the link (above) to read all of the 5-star ratings on bathandbodyworks.com.

Elixir Blue fragrance blends watery marine notes, lavender and rosemary with hints of clean white musk and woody undertones.

Banana Republic Mini Fragrances (7.5 ml. 1 for $10, 2 for $15), available at Banana Republic stores and online.

Available in fragrances like Slate (citrus), Black Walnut (woody) and Alabaster (musk), these minis are perfect for the indecisive father who might not quite know what scent he likes best. I love that these bottles are exact replicas of their full-size counterparts and well, you just can't beat the price! Banana Republic scents tend to be more on the soft and subtle side, which is also great if Dad is a "special occasions only" type of cologne wearer.

Diesel "Only the Brave" ($52.30 for 1.07 oz and $65 for 2.5 oz), available at Sephora, Macy's and other major department stores.

If you're feeling like splurging on the younger, hip father in your life, this is a great choice. From the edgy bottle, which can be stored in three different positions, to the modern scent, it's definitely a bold statement. To my nose, it smells clean (thanks to the lavender) yet warm and leathery at the same time. This would be a great choice for someone who's a fan of Kenneth Cole Reaction or Hugo Boss Dark Blue.

Only the Brave contains top notes of Lemon Blossom, Mandarin and Coriander leaves; a heart of labdanum, black rose and lavender; a dry-down of amber, tolu wood and ebony wood.

I hope you've found some last-minute inspiration in these suggestions, and please stay tuned because I will be reviewing more men's fragrances in the future (sorry, I can't help myself!).

A sample of this product was given to Nouveau Cheap for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on NouveauCheap.blogspot.com are the honest opinion of its author and gratis samples do not, in any way, affect the outcome of product reviews.