Fifty-cent Head

Black Phoenix Trading Post gives me my one true love...

I am completely enamored of Black Phoenix Alchemy Labs and all related companies and products. I'm besotted and will tell anyone and everyone! And I thought I had found my One True Love before: Morocco. And I still love it! Then I thought I found my One True Love again: O. And that is a damn good scent. In fact, I love both of those oils so much I get stressed when they're running low. But now I need to add to the list. I have a new One True Love: TKO.

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TKO comes in an oil, available at BPAL, in the Pancea Collection. I can't wait to hit up the rest of that collection, man! But since we're focusing on Black Phoenix Trading Company products today, I thought I'd review TKO Pancea Massage Oil.

Sigh...

I don't even really know how to begin, because this is such a lovely blend I doubt I can do it justice (I faced the same problem launching my reviews of Morocco and O.

Basically, I haven't used this as a massage oil, as designed, instead putting it on generously before bed. It is, after all, called "TKO". The implication is that it's good for those headed to Dreamland. In fact, here is the Lab's description of the scent (note that there are no notes annotated):

Many things -- such as loving, going to sleep, or behaving unaffectedly -- are done worst when we try hardest to do them.

And it is true that this helps me sleep. And it helps me stay nice and calm. And I want a vat of it, and another of the perfume oil.

What does it smell like? A gigantic lavender marshmallow, actually. That's the best I can do. It's sweet and it's sugary and it's got a hint of lavender (really, only a hint - I don't love lavender, so I promise it's not much). It's not so foody that it makes me hungry, and not so sweet it makes me sick. It's perfect, actually, and it does exactly what I want it to do, while smelling good at the same time. (sometimes aromatherapy blends or "functional" scents tend to work, but aren't able to pull off a satisfying fragrance while doing it - not so at BPAL)

So, I guess what it boils down to is that I have Three True Loves and a bunch of slightly lesser loves queuing up just behind. Let's just say, I'm eagerly awaiting my next box of preciouses from BPAL, BPTP, or TAL (TAL is my next spree!).

[Editor's Note: I am not affiliated with Black Phoenix Alchemy Labs in any way. They have sent me items to test in the past, but I have also spent a good amount of money there, too. I just talk about them so much because I really do love them that much- not because someone's paying me to. The icons on my blog that lead you to BPAL are also my idea and are not a paid advertisement. I don't even know if anyone at the lab knows they're there, in fact.]"

Black Phoenix Trading Post: ATMOSPHERE (or why does a Drag Queen like the smell of a Cathouse?)

Black Phoenix Alchemy Labs Day here at FCH continues with this offering, technically from Black Phoenix Trading Post.

The first item I'm going to review from the Trading Post is one of the Atmosphere Room and Linen Sprays: Cathouse.

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No, not that kind of cat house. More like:

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What does a cathouse smell like? And why does one want to make a room or a linen smell like one? These are questions I asked myself when I unwrapped the package of Cathouse, but I trust Beth (creator and genius at BPAL) completely, so I decided to give it a chance.

(Note: I will give anything Beth sends a chance - if she sent me a baby diaper in a box and told me to try a sniff, I'd probably do it. That's how much I admire her mad fragrancing skills. This is not a far-off proposition, as she's expecting a baby probably this summer)

Apparently, a Cathouse smells delicious. Who knew!?  Here's the official scent description:

A nineteenth century Southern bordello: magnolia, jasmine, honey musk, tobacco, vanilla bean, bourbon vanilla, and Spanish moss.

I suppose that you have realized now that this is pure genius? OF COURSE a Cathouse smells of magnolia, jasmine, honey musk, tobacco, vanilla bean, bourbon vanilla, and Spanish moss. And if you're wondering what that smells like, it smells like Heaven. Who knew a Cathouse smelled like Heaven? BPAL did, naturally.

I actually spray my linens with this every night (lightly) before going to bed, and that paired with another Black Phoenix Trading Post item (to be reviewed later) has given me the best sleep I've had in ages.

Now, if you're wondering what the other part of this post's title means ("Why does a Drag Queen like the smell of a Cathouse?"), I can't really answer the question, but I can give you an explanation of why the question exists in the first place. I have taken to popping my bottle of Cathouse in my work bag, and spritzing my office with it from time to time. Every single time I do this, a gentleman I work with (who happens to spend some of his off-time as a very lovely Drag Queen) pops his head in and enthuses about the scent. Every single time. This tickles me to no end, because I figure the last person who should be interested in the smell of a Cathouse is a boy who likes to kiss other boys, though I guess since he likes to dress like a lady it all balances out in the end.

At any rate, check out Cathouse and the other Atmosphere Sprays at Black Phoenix Trading Post. You won't be disappointed!

PS: Atmosphere Sprays seem pricey, at $40 a bottle, but trust me: you'll get your money's worth!

Today is Black Phoenix Day at FCH!

Take a look around this place and you'll see that here at FCH, we love us some BPAL (that's Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab in case you're new here). And I recently got some goodies from their affiliated site, Black Phoenix Trading Post, a great place to get non-perfume oil BPAL goodness. I want to tell you about them today, but I'll do so in separate posts. And I will probably get so in-the-mood for BPAL that I'll also post a review or two on some of my favorite oils.

So buckle yourself in, 'cause today is BLACK PHOENIX DAY here at Fifty-Cent Head!

Mother's Day Idea: Plant Love

What are you getting your mom for Mother's Day? There are so many choices, but sometimes simplest is best! One thing that would touch me, as a mom, would be a thoughtful beauty gift - and what's more thoughtful than this?

Everyone who knows me, knows I'm a beauty fanatic. I fully admit to it - geez, I write a beauty blog and go to work every day as a makeup artist. Does that mean I can't appreciate a well-done product? OF COURSE NOT! Who could appreciate it more than I!? I enjoy my plants (note to husband: I do not have a black thumb - I'm just a forgetful water-er!) and am trying to be more green each day. AND I'm a proud, proud mommy.

I can totally get behind a lipstick that's eco-friendly. Cargo's Plant Love products are a) fantastically smooth and come in a gorgeous array of shades; b) packaged in biodegradable PLA (corn-based plastic) boxes embedded with wildflower seeds; c) contain no mineral oils or petroleum, instead featuring jojoba, shea butter and botannicals; d) charitable, because $2 USD from the purchase of each tube goes to St. Jude's Childrens' Research Hospital; and e) some of the shades were designed by celebrity moms Kim Raver, Denise Richards, Angie Harmon and the colors were named after their kids.

I got to sample Cherry Bliss, a brilliant neutral red. It's so silky and lovely on the lips (that's gotta be the shea and jojoba, both of which I love and are so good for the skin!). It lasts well, and the color (described as "sheer cherry") makes me want to sport red lips. That hasn't happened since MAC's Queen's Sin last holiday season. Definitely makes me want to go try the rest of line.

These lipsticks are $20 USD, and can be found at Sephora.com.

Tweeze for the environment...

That's right, you heard me sistah. Tweeze for the environment. I'll explain in a moment...

I may be the only makeup artist in the world who does not own a Tweezerman tweezer. In fact, most have more than one (two for on set, and another for home). I hope to rectify this situation shortly, and plan to start with this great tweezer offering from the legendary company:

This is the Go Green Mini-Slant tweezer, a smaller version of the very popular Slant Tweezer. The Slant Tweezer has won plenty of kudos, including being an InStyle Best Buy and consistently being mentioned in Allure's Editor's Choice Awards. This mini has all of the features of the grown-up sized version: quality craftsmanship, precision plucking, hand-filed tips, free repair/replacement of damaged equipment, free sharpening, and repair of items you may have broken (for a nominal fee).

The bonus, though, my friends, is that Tweezerman will donate $1 of the purchase of any Go Green Mini-Slants to the National Arbor Day Foundation. Doesn't sound like much, but that translates to one tree being planted per purchase, which is stellar!

Oh, and by the by, Tweezerman has packaged these Go Greens in 100% recyclable paper, printed in soy ink.

Go Green Mini-Slant tweezers are available at Tweezerman retailers and online at drugstore.com.

Earth Week: GORGEOUSITY

I do not buy cosmetic products just to keep them and look at them. I do not. I can't afford it, nor do I think it's practical. However, if I won the lottery today (even a fairly small one), I'd buy these next two products in a heartbeat and never touch them: just display them somehow. They're so pretty I'm not shrinking these images for this post. Take a look:

Maybe it's the Pisces in me, but I love the imagery on these. Don't you!?

Chantecaille has made these gloriously delicious compacts for the upscale line that focuses on using healthy, natural and organic ingredients. In the words of the founder, Sylvie Chantecaille, "If you're going to have a luxury makeup line, the least you can do is to make it do something good for you."

5% of the proceeds go to the Pew Institute for Ocean Science - so you can have this gorgeous makeup and help support marine conservation efforts! (For those who really want the details: the money specifically goes to "five $150,000 awards to ocean experts around the world each year to develop solutions to critical ocean challenges." Who can't get behind that!?)

Both compacts are made with incredibly finely milled pigments supported with silk proteins and silicones that help it feel extra silky and sit nicely on the skin.

The green compact is for the eyes. The green you see is actually an overspray - the shadow is gray underneath. Chantecaille suggests using the Aqua fish to line the eyes and the coral one, Rose Gold, to highlight.

The pink compact is for the face. The main color is Pink Sand, perfect for lending a gentle and brightening glow. The small fish is Sunrise, and great for highlighting the cheeks, while the bigger fish is Coral, a lovely cheek color.

Each compact is $90 USD and can be purchased through Bliss or Neiman Marcus (the Chantecaille website is, as of this writing, not live, but may offer the products later-- who can tell?)

Don't have the desire to own these compacts? Or maybe the pricetag is more hefty than you can swing? Donate to the Pew Institute directly, here.

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Take a look at these amazing tips I found on the Pew Institute site. Learn how you can better take care of those glorious oceans we know so little about:

                  

Modern industrial fishing practices and other significant human activities are destroying ocean ecosystems at an alarming rate, depleting our fish populations and devastating coral reefs. Consumers can take several steps to help protect the marine environment, conserve ocean biodiversity, and give threatened fish species a better chance of long-term survival. Here are a few to consider:
               

1. Purchase a Protected Paradise compact from Chantecaille Beaute. Five percent of the proceeds from the sale of each eye and face makeup compact will be donated to support the Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation program. The mission of the program, administered by the Pew Institute for Ocean Science, is to advance protections for the ocean environment by providing fellowships to outstanding individuals across the globe who are working to identify and implement solutions to critical challenges facing marine waters, wildlife, and habitats.
   
                                            
2. When eating out or purchasing fish, send a text message to FishPhone at 30644 with the message “fish” and the name of the fish you are ordering (i.e., fish sword). Within seconds, you will receive a reply affirming the sustainability of your choice or an alternate suggestion. The text message will let you know of any human health advisories against consuming the fish, and the extent of environmental concerns over the fish’s harvesting.
   
                                            
3. Support the creation of a network of marine reserves by writing to the Secretary General of the United Nations and demanding that 40 percent (and no less than 20 percent) of the high seas be designated as marine reserves in each ocean. These reserves are vital to ensure the preservation of our seas for generations to come.
   
                                            
4. Reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change and coral reef destruction by considering alternative transportation options, such as public transportation, bicycling, and walking. You can also maximize the fuel-efficiency of your automobiles by keeping your tires inflated, which improves gas mileage.

I am SO putting that FishPhone number in my phone and using it when I'm ordering fish. And I'm telling everyone I know to do the same! What will you commit to doing to conserve our marine resources!?

                  

Earth Week is coming... Earth Week is coming...

While we're on the subject of Bond No. 9, I thought I'd mention that the company is helping save the world one used perfume bottle at a time. Sweet! Grab your empty perfume containers and mosey on over to a Bond No. 9 location or a Bond No. 9 counter at Saks and hand 'em over. Bond No. 9 will recycle them for you and give you a refillable pocket spray for your trouble. And no, it's not exclusively Bond No. 9 bottles they're taking back - go ahead and get rid of that Britney Spears Curious bottle that you've been holding onto because you just love its blue charm. Don't be shy - it's good for the earth!

Make sure Mother's Day is Lush-ious.

 

Soothing care for MUM's hardworking hands Make your loving, nurturing MUM feel extra special with this fragrant duo. Lily Savon soap gently lathers away gardening dirt while Lemony Flutter cuticle butter helps repair roughed up hands leaving them smooth and fresh. Perfect gift for a MUM with a green thumb (or who works with her hands). $18.95 USD

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and

Calming head to toe indulgence for your SuperMUM Thank your MUM for being your personal taxi service, chef, confidant and domestic engineer with this thoughtful bath and body gift. Convince her to take a load off and soak in the tub with The Comforter bubble bar and Sakura bath bomb, lather with fragrant Lily Savon handmade soap, relax with an Each Peach massage bar and moisturize with Dream Cream body lotion. The gift tag is made with recycled paper containing wildflower seeds that you can plant together for a fun, family bonding experience. Also available with yellow wrapping. $47.95 USD

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And be sure to pick up a few of these, so you and Mom can make the earth a bit greener...

Bag the plastic and choose to be greener Be eco-chic with this roomy, custom-made LUSH bag printed with the environmentally friendly message: What's Your Carbon Footprint? Ideal for all your shopping and toting needs, this cotton eco-bag is manufactured by a women's cooperative in India. Inside it has a large pocket and a smaller pocket great for a cell phone or other small object. It's 12" high by 12" wide and 5" deep (30cm x 30cm x 13cm).   $8.95 US

CARGO - pure genius!

Not only does CARGO have their new and amazingly genius Plant Love lipsticks, they have a lot of other really novel concepts. Remember those nifty holiday cards with lipgloss samples on them? If you liked those, you should also check out their clever little Daily Gloss packets and their sweet little ColorCards.

DailyGloss is a blister pack sheet of lipgloss (reminds me of Benedryl or something!) so you can break off a tiny bit and easily apply it whenever you want. There are three shades in each set, and two sets are available (check 'em out on the right). $12 USD.

And then this is really neat: ColorCards!  Portability is key with this product, which entails slim little cards with single-application eyeshadows that slip  easily into the pocket or wherever you need them. The set comes with a tin (how green it is to reuse things!) that holds 28 cards of shadow (the colors are Aegean, Mojave, Bermuda, Corsica, Green Bay and Yukon). $24 USD.

                                                                                                                                             

Imagine the tiny little bags you can carry when you pare  down your makeup to these products!

Earth Day is coming! Mark your calendars: April 22nd 2008

We're working on a great series for Earth Day...

Are there any particular earth-friendly tips you want to share?
          ...any green products you want to tell us about?
                    ...any companies that really stand-out in your mind as being eco-sensitive
                        (or -gasp! - the  opposite!)?            
                              ... any questions you may have about green beauty?

Share in the comments!