Smith's Rosebud Salve...in a Tube!

I've always seen Smith's Rosebud Salve as I stood in line for the cashier at Sephora. Several times, their cute little metal tins have called out to me as I tried to resist grabbing any more little knick knacks on the way to the register. Those clear containers that you have to line up next to? Pure evil! A guaranteed way to make a girl spend JUST A LITTLE MORE by causing acute shifty-eye-syndrome and chronic just-one-more-thing disease. They sure as heck work on me. :P

Although I've been guilty of indulging in one of those smaller-sized products near the counter, I never bought the Smith's Rosebud Salve. Even though I knew that it had rave reviews and seems to show up on everyone's list of "must-haves," I was always turned off by the little tin. Even though it's vintage-looking and cute (and, in addition to the original Rose-scented balm, also comes in flavors like Minted Rose and Strawberry), every time I opened the sample, the product inside was melted and all over the place, making it look very messy and unhygienic. And so, I would wistfully walk away from a potentially great lip balm because of its packaging.


This all changed when I discovered that they now have the same lip balm in a tube! I picked one up right away and have been using it religiously ever since. This product really is wonderful. It smells of roses, but not in an overbearing way. Just very clean and comforting. Apparently it's a "multitasking miracle balm" that "not only moisturizes and soothes dry lips; it also calms and heals irritation, soothes the sting of minor burns, helps heal cuts, tames mangled cuticles, helps fix ashy elbows and knees, and minimizes diaper rash."


Close up of the tube opening


I haven't tried it on anything but my lips, but I'm sure that it would work great on ragged cuticles and dry spots. The formula feels moisturizing without being sticky. It goes on very easily due to its almost gloss-like consistency. It comes out as a pale peachy pink, but goes on clear. The only gripe I have with this lip balm is that I find it doesn't go well with lipstick if you're planning to wear some on top of it. Because it's so shiny and glossy, lipstick won't go on as well as it would with, say, a drier stick formula like Burt's Bees. That being said, I don't really have any complaints because I'm fine with using this balm on its own. It adds some shine without color, perfect to put on without a mirror and then go on with my day. I wouldn't say it's my pick for favorite lip balm, but it's definitely up there in terms of quality, value ($6 for the tube and $7 for the tin, but I think it will last you a while either way), and cuteness factor.

If you're already a fan, but are tired of the tin leaking melted lip balm all over your purse or having to use your finger, you'll like this new convenient tube format. If you've never tried Rosebud Salve, you should give it a go, especially now that they have a variety of packaging for you to choose from.

If you're doubtful, just give in to that little voice inside your head and pick up a cute tin or tube the next time you're in line at Sephora. ;)

You won't be disappointed.

Josie Maran Argan Oil Lip Treatment + Peach Shortbread

Hello dear readers, how was your weekend? Yesterday was Labor Day here in America, so there was no school or work for most people. That meant a 3 day weekend! :) I didn't do anything this weekend besides hang out with my family and bf. A quiet, relaxing weekend...just what I like!

The past few days, I spent a lot of time cooking. Taking advantage of the extra day off, I tried to make food that I've been wanting to try out but haven't had the time to. Ever since I moved back home, I haven't felt quite free to cook the things I use to love making when I was living on my own. My mom is the one who cooks all the meals in my house, and it's hard to tell your mother that you would rather eat, say, your own pasta carbonara or roast chicken than her homecooked Vietnamese food. I really miss coming home from classes and just making whatever I feel like eating that day! I'm still adjusting to living with my parents again after living on my own for the past 4 years; hopefully I'll find some sort of balance between their lifestyle and mine soon!

Anyway, this weekend I was at the mall with my bf and as a little treat, he got me Josie Maran's Argan Lip Treatment ($20) from Sephora. I was browsing around and saw this cute little lip balm container. I already love Josie Maran's Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick, but it wasn't emollient enough for me to use on my lips. I figured that the lip treatment would be much better at keeping my lips slick and moisturized. It's supposed to be "a naturally age-defying, Argan-infused lip treatment balm that conditions, repairs, and protects dry, fragile lips."

The lip treatment comes in Josie Maran's signature rose-gold packaging.

Organic, paraban-free, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and recyclable to boot! My sister, who is big on using organic, animal/environmentally-friendly products, approves of my love for Josie Maran :)


Close up of the product description and ingredients.


The first thing that caught my eye was the super cute packaging. I love the lid! It's different from a regular flat-topped lid.


The second thing that had me sold was THE SCENT. Ohhhmyyyygosh it smells SO GOOD. It's infused with this natural green apple flavor that is seriously the best green apple scent I've ever smelled. I almost wanted to eat it, haha.

Product-wise, I feel that it does an excellent job at keeping my lips smooth and soft without being sticky or greasy. I keep this on my nightstand, and it makes me feel a little giddy when I put it on before bedtime. Sounds a little crazy right?? The price is a little steep for what it is, but I believe that every woman deserves a little something something every once in a while that makes you feel happy and beautiful, whether it's a cute lip balm or a favorite perfume, lipstick, or nail polish. Wouldn't you say so? :)

Overall, two thumbs up for Josie Maran's Argan Oil Lip Treatment!

--

One of the things I made this past weekend was some peach brown butter shortbread (recipe here). Whenever I bake, my little cousins love to come over and help. This time, I enlisted them with the job of tiling the peaches. I've enjoyed eating fresh, in-season peaches all summer. I had 2 that were a bit past perfectly ripe for eating on their own, but just right for baking!


Finished product. What I loved most about this recipe was that the crust wasn't too sweet. This allowed for the flavor of the peaches, the true star of this dish, to really shine. And look at the beautiful red, yellow, and orange colors of the skin peeking through the crumble on top!


The brown butter also added a nutty undertone that made the bars a little different than regular shortbread. I ate mine at room temperature with a cup of green tea, but I imagine these would also be delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side... ;)