Bliss

Sunscreen Shout-Out! Bliss Block Star

June 1st, 2022 by Karen 9 Comments

I discovered Bliss Block Star Sunscreen last year around this time, and it’s been a go-to ever since!

“Hey, now! You’re a block star. Get your game on, go play.
Hey, now! You’re a block star. Get the show on, get paid.
And all that glitters is gold;
Only shooting stars break the mold.”

SORRY, GIRL, but I had to do it. 🙂 This song burrows its way into my brain whenever I pick up Block Star, which, by the way, is the newest item to join the Bliss permanent lineup. It’s a physical sunscreen, and, like all of the items in Bliss’s skin care collection, this tinted mineral sunscreen is cruelty-free.

I wore it on my mug the other day when El Hub hugged me, and he said, “You smell really good.”

Good sign!

It smells like lavender, and it lingers for about 15 minutes or so. I like it, and apparently so do the peeps in my circle!

The tan tint is a surprise. It appears lighter and peachier than the CeraVe tinted mineral sunscreen, so I assumed it wouldn’t work for someone like myself with tan skin, but it completely disappears after you rub it in.

There’s a slight cast at first…but after it sets (about 10 minutes), it disappears, and all that’s left is a smooth, matte finish.

This lotion feels silky, and I don’t feel like I have to jump through any hoops to get my skin to absorb it, likely due to the inclusion of dimethicone. If you’re a fan of that distinctively smooth, silicone-style slip, you’ll probably like how this feels on your skin.

I also like how it doesn’t burn or sting my eyes, and that I can layer it throughout the day. It’s an extremely easy sunscreen to touch up and reapply with, and I think it’s even easier to use than the CeraVe.

If you’re debating between the CeraVe and Block Star, I’d say go for Block Star if you like lavender and like the feeling of a “silicone slip,” and opt for CeraVe if moisture is your top priority. Both are solid choices, IMO, and you can’t go wrong with either.

A 1.4-oz. tube is $19.99 at Target. Definitely going to keep this in the rotation.

Building those happiness muscles, day 11

Keeping it simple today. The two things that I’m grateful for: 1) sunny days that aren’t too hot, and for 2) smooth pens that don’t skip when you write. LOL!

Hope things on your end are great! Happy Wednesday.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Empties! Skin Care and Hair From CeraVe, Pattern, Hawaiian Tropic and More

August 3rd, 2021 by Karen 9 Comments

empties august 2021 — Stuff I’ve finished!

I’ve used up quite a few beauty items over the last month! Mostly, skin care (I’m obsessed, apparently), but a smattering of hair care products, too. Consequently, here are my two cents on what’s worth your time…

Pattern Leave-In Conditioner

One of the BEST leave-ins I’ve ever tried — ever! — so I’m totally buying another bottle. For reference, my hair is wavy, on the drier side, and it needs a lot of hydration. If your curls/waves desire major moisture as well, just squeeze a dollop into your palms (it smells faintly of honeysuckle), and then work it through your strands for smooth, hydrated hair with plenty of volume.

FYI, it’s silicone-free! $25 for a 9.9-ounce tube.

CeraVe Healing Ointment

This thick, rich petrolatum-based moisturizer has become a staple at our house because it does a bit of of everything. I use it on all of the dry parts that frequently require extra TLC, like my lips, cuticles, heels and hands, and when I overdo it a little on the chemical exfoliators or retinol and it hurts to smile 😬 (you know the feeling), I dab a little at the corners of my mouth and around the base of my nostrils, and all is well with the world…

It’s also a minor miracle worker on the scrapes, scratches and bug bites Connor seems to get daily from playing hard on the playground. It seems to speed up the recovery process, too. I love this enough to get it in a large size.

$10.99 for a 3-ounce tube.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser and CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Why do all of my favorite skin care things run out at the same time? LOL! I’ve been steadily using the CeraVe SA Renewing Cleanser in the morning and the Hydrating Facial Cleanser at night for several months, and I’m quite happy with the results. They’re gentle and don’t strip my combination dry and oily skin, and they don’t aggravate my acne either. Good stuff.

I love trying new face washes, so I’ll probably get some fresh blood into the mix, but I also plan to keep these guys on standby for when I need something familiar and comforting. An 8-ounce bottle of the Renewing SA Cleanser is $13.99, and a big 16-ounce bottle of the Hydrating Facial Cleanser is $16.99.

Trader Joe’s Hydrating Hyaluronic Body Gel Cream

Grab this quick-absorbing gel cream if you see it at TJ’s, and be sure to use it before fall, because it’s lightweight but yet hella moisturizing — perfect for the dog days of summer. $6.99 for a 12-ounce bottle with a pump.

Hawaiian Tropic AntiOxidant Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

I found this on one of those “best of” lists, and although I like 1) how well it shields my skin from the sun, and 2) how it doesn’t stain my white shirts, the scent bothers me… It smells like plastic and artificial coconuts, and it churns my tummy. I won’t be rebuying it because of that, but if you can get past the smell, it’s a decent and affordable sunscreen. $13.99 for a 6-ounce bottle.

Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen SPF 30

My love for this mineral tinted sunscreen knows no bounds! Totally buying this again. If I find it on sale, OF COURSE I will let you know, girl. $24.49 for a 1.4-ounces tube.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion 50+

This sunscreen was a staple of mine years ago, and I forgot about it for a bit. All I have to say about it now is that we’re reunited, and it feels so good! I still really love it. Yes, it’s pricey, but if your skin is combo and/or dry like mine, you’ll probably love it as well. It’s not drying, doesn’t leave a cast, and it isn’t sticky on skin. It’s also extremely waterproof, so if you’re sweating up a storm like I’ve been lately, trust that it will not run off your face. It smells like a fresh lemon drink and vacation, too. I’ve gone through countless bottles and predict yet another one in my immediate future. $49 for a 5.07-ounce bottle.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2%

I love the price of this hydrating serum. It’s super affordable. I’ve been layering it underneath face cream for a moisturizing boost, but I can’t tell if it’s actually doing any heavy lifting… I probably won’t buy it again, but it might be worth trying if you’re curious and have dry skin. $6.80 for 1-ounce bottle with a dropper.

Have you finished anything lately?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

The Magic That Is the Samnyte Hair Finishing Stick, and a Friday Face of the Day With Bliss Block Star Sunscreen

May 14th, 2021 by Karen 11 Comments

First of all, I took these pics in the garden of the place we’re staying at in Sonoma just as a bunch of dudes in man buns walked by…so if I’m looking slightly amused, that’s why. 🙂

Second, what sorcery IS this? Meet the best dang product ever to tame your cray-cray flyaways — the Samnyte Finishing Stick.

I’ve always struggled to tame those tiny baby hairs around my face. I’ve clipped ’em down, coated them with flexible paste, and sprayed the living sh*t outta them with hairspray, but all of those would-be solutions left me wanting; my hair still always ended up sticking up and out every which way. Plus, adding more product usually made my bangs and roots look greasier, heavier or flakier…

NOT A CUTE LOOK!

The Samnyte Finishing stick is a magic wand! It’s a clear, quick drying, extra strong hair gel in a tube with a curved mascara wand. Just a few quick strokes through my baby hairs, and each and every wayward flyaway lines up neatly in place.

samnyte finishing stick before — The before shot, with some stray hairs shooting through

samnyte hair stick review — Put a bit on the bangs…

samntye finishing stick after — And here is the after. So smooth!

Here’s the kicker: even though those baby hairs still get tossed around by wind and the occasional Legally Blonde bend and snap, they’ll eventually, more or less, fall back into place. I just pat them down with my finger or a little more of the gel if I have it around (since it’s shaped like a mascara wand, it’s portable).

The gel also dries to a matte finish, so your hair doesn’t end up looking all shiny and crunchy like those ‘80s hair bears. Added bonus? Two tubes are just $8 on Amazon. Me and my baby hairs are forever changed.

While we’re at it, I actually put on makeup!

Item #12 on the list of “All the Ga-Jillion Ways the Pandemic Changed Me” is that days (weeks?) would pass without me putting on any makeup. One unexpected bonus, though, to not wearing as much face paint was that I got so much better about wearing sunscreen.

In these pics I’m wearing two layers of Bliss Block Star, a tinted physical mineral sunscreen as my base! I used the “two finger rule,” which is when you squeeze two strips of sunscreen from the tip to the base of the index and middle fingers, to apply the first layer to my face and neck, waited 15 minutes for it to set, then applied a second layer, again using the two finger rule.

Once the second layer set (I waited about 5 minutes), I applied eyeshadow, liner, blush, sheer under-eye concealer, brow pencil and liquid lipstick.

I haven’t worn this much makeup regularly in a while, and even though I know it wasn’t a lot compared to what I used to wear back in the day (like, 2019, HAHAHA), it still felt like a lot. Craziness.

BTW, I’m falling more and more in love with Bliss Block Star every day. If you’re looking for a super sheer base that leaves your skin smooth and matte, I think you’ll love it. All kinds of makeup seems to layer well on top of it, too — powder, gel, cream, liquid, you name it.

Like foundation or tinted moisturizer, though, you have to be careful about it getting on your clothes because it does have a tint. If I reapply it during the day (usually at lunch, and then again in the late afternoon), I use a different sunscreen on my neck and chest.

Right now my go-to of choice is Sun Bum SPF 70 Sunscreen Spray because it’s clear, so it doesn’t stain my shirts, and it feels light on my skin.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF!!! 🙂

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 3: Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen SPF30, Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50 for Face, Coppertone Water Babies Fragrance Free SPF 50

May 12th, 2021 by Karen 9 Comments

I’ve been trying quite a few new sunscreens lately, and this is a new series reviewing the hits and misses!

For more, check out:

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 1: Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+, CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint and Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 2: La Roche-Posay Broad Spectrum Anthelios 60 SPF 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk and Sunscreen Lotion Spray, and the Sun Bum Broad Spectrum SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion and Spray

Hi, friend! Happy hump day to ya. 🙂

These are the last of the sunscreens I’ve been testing and trying. How long that statement is true remains to be seen, because I’m always on the lookout for more.

I’ve got some good ones for you (hello, Bliss Block Star), but before we get to that…do you remember the old sunscreen song by Baz Luhrmann?

SPF 1000, what the what?!

I remember the first time I heard it… I was driving across the Bay Bridge at an obscene hour in the morning after a long night of dancing in San Francisco. I was listening to Live 105 on full blast to stay awake, and I liked the song so much that, the next day, I went to (wait for it) A CD STORE — remember those! — to track it down.

I haven’t heard the song in forever, and I gotta say, it resonates differently at 45 than it did at 24. OMG! Anyway, give it a listen…

Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen SPF30

“Hey, now! You’re a block star. Get your game on, go play.
Hey, now! You’re a block star. Get the show on, get paid.
And all that glitters is gold;
Only shooting stars break the mold.”

I wore it on my mug the other day when El Hub hugged me, and he said, “You smell really good.”

Good sign!

It smells like lavender, and it lingers for about 15 minutes or so. I like it, and apparently so do the peeps in my circle!

There’s a slight cast at first…but after it sets (about 10 minutes), it disappears, and all that’s left is a smooth, matte finish.

A 1.4-oz. tube is $19.99 at Target. Definitely going to keep this in the rotation.

Coppertone Water Babies Fragrance Free SPF 50

As far as affordable sunscreen options, this one costs less than 10 bucks, and you get 6 ounces, woot! This fragrance-free chemical sunscreen is pretty darn good. I’ve used this for face and body, and it doesn’t irritate my peepers. Connor has also used it and agrees.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendlier option to La-Roche Posay Melt In Milk, this might be a good alternative, because like the Melt In Milk, it’s moisturizing, as far as sunscreens go, and it actually lasts throughout the day, but I don’t think the formula is as “elegant,” meaning that it takes much longer to rub in and absorb, and it feels thicker and stickier than Melt In Milk…

You also might want to patch test this first if you plan on wearing it on your face. I haphazardly put a layer on my mug one day when I was rushing to get Connor to a playdate, and I broke out shortly afterwards, boo!

A 6-oz bottle is $8.99 at Target. I’ll definitely buy this again because I like it as a body sunscreen, especially for the price, but I would exercise caution as a face sunscreen if your skin tends to break out.

Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ WetForce

I saw a sh*t-ton of these clear, chemical sunscreens sticks at the cash wrap at The Rack a couple weeks ago and picked one up on a whim, and now I get why — it looks like it’s being discontinued.

My feelings are totally mixed about this product… On one hand, I love the convenience of it. The shape and size make it perfect for sticking in a pocket or a purse, so that makes it really easy to reapply during the day. I just unscrew the top, run the stick directly across my skin (it leaves behind a thin, non-sticky film), then rub it in more with my hands.

It’s clear, so there’s no white cast or stain, and the light, lemony scent is delightful but not overwhelming. I also like the matte finish.

Problem is…it just doesn’t stay on all that well! The film never truly sinks into my skin and just sits on top, so it ends up rubbing off on whatever I come into contact with. I’ve worn it on my arms, hands and feet, and it doesn’t seem to do really all that much when it comes to actual, ya know…sun protection.

A 0.52-oz. stick is $28 at Nordstrom Rack, and online at shiseido.com (for now). I’m not going to buy this again, and I don’t even think I’m going to finish it, either, TBH. 🙁

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50 for Face

Gotta love how affordable this physical sunscreen is for face. A 2-oz. tube is less than $10! Those who prefer their face sunscreen without a whiff of tropical fruit notes may also enjoy how its faint sunscreen-y scent fades quickly.

Unfortunately for this latte-colored lady, the white cast is pretty visible on tan skin. When I wear the recommended amount, my face and neck turn into the most interesting a purplish gray… Very Addams Family! It also feels heavy and slightly greasy when it’s sitting on my skin.

A 2-oz. tube is $9.97 at Target, and although the price is SO RIGHT, I really can’t see myself finishing this tube or buying it again. It’s not bad…but it’s not great either.

Take care of your skin, ya hear?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

bliss Got a Makeover! (Yes, the Iconic ’90s Skin Care and Spa Brand)

May 16th, 2018 by Karen 17 Comments

Remember how hot bliss spa was back in the day? Flashback to 1999… There I was, stomp-walking down the windy streets of downtown SF, where I worked as a legal assistant. Wherever I went, I left a trail of spicy white pepper and blood orange in my wake, thanks to bliss, and the brand just got a makeover. The products, some of which are classics that stuck around, and some of which are newbies, are now available at Target with new packaging, new formulas and lower prices. They’re also cruelty-free and sans parabens, phthalates, SLS and SLES.

Here are some of them I’ve been testing lately…

Poetic Waxing Hair Removal Kit ($24 for a 5.3-oz. cup of wax, a few spatulas and a bottle of pre/post-wax oil)

This is THE BEST at-home waxing kit I’ve ever tried (and I’ve tried quite a few). It isn’t messy, it’s relatively painless to use, it removes even the babiest baby hairs, and you can get it done quickly.

Like, this morning I stuck the cup of wax into the microwave on high for three minutes (30-sec intervals; it’s all in the instructions), smeared it on my fuzzy bits, let it cool, then riiiiiipped that sucka off. Now, no more ‘stash! 🙂 It’s totally GONE.

And this works just as well on brows and the bikini area. It comes with a detailed how-to, which pretty much nails all of the insider tips you need to know for a quick, relatively painless wax. It’s REALLY helpful, too, so read it.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 5 out of 5 hearts.

Did you know? I consider this a pro tip: I usually take two Advil about an hour before waxing (to take the edge off)…

Lemon & Sage Refreshing Body Wipes ($8 for a pack of 30 wipes)

These disposable body wipes whisk away sweat, dirt and oil to leave you with a non-sticky neck (also great for the inside of your elbow and the back of your knees), and they smell like a lemon drop. 🙂

As an HSP (hella sweaty person), I find these useful and refreshing, but I’d like them even more if they were individually wrapped (like the ones by Sweat Cosmetics).

❤️❤️❤️❤️ 4 out of 5 hearts.

Did you know? According to bliss, these wipes contain a mild plant-based deodorant that relies on enzymes to reduce odor.

Makeup Melt Wipes ($7 for 30 wipes)

Pros: ? These wipes really do lift everything, including waterproof mascara. ? Plus, no oily residue. ? Also plus, they don’t make my sensitive eyes water, even when they touch my water line.

Cons: ? You have to put your back into it when you use them (translation: you have to rub your lashes quite a lot) to remove waterproof stuff. ? Also, the wipes feel kinda dry.

❤️❤️❤️ 3 out of 5 hearts.

Did you know? These Makeup Melt Wipes are oil-free and made for all skin types.

Blood Orange & White Pepper Body Butter ($12 for a 6.7-oz. tube)

This is pretty much the same as the old-school version, only much less expensive. It’s moderately moisturizing and smells like a peppery orange soda. The old one was $4.11 per ounce, and now it’s $1.79 per ounce. Love!

I’m a lizard person and use it twice per day, once in the morning and once at night.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 5 out of 5 hearts.

Did you know? This body butter, like all of the items in the line now, is cruelty-free and doesn’t contain parabens, phthalates or SLS.

Your Situation Hair-softening Oil & Bump Minimizer ($22 for a 2-oz. glass bottle with a dropper)

Does one need a lightweight, quick-absorbing oil for one’s lady parts? No…but it’s kinda nice having fuzz that doesn’t feel like crispy ramen noodles, and the explosion of red bikini line bumps I got from shaving with a cheap razor has subsided considerably.

❤️❤️❤️ 3 out of 5 hearts.

Did you know? You can also use this under your arms and on your chest, and dudes can use it on their beards.

Bump Attendant Ingrown Eliminating Pads ($22 for a jar with 25 pads)

I’m happy to see that bliss kept these around. I used one pad — ONE! — on a slew of red, angry ingrown hairs that cropped up along my bikini line, and they were gone within 24 hours. As much as I like how effective these are, though, I’m a little irked that they increased in price. Now they’re 88 cents per pad instead of 76. Booooo.

❤️❤️❤️ 3 out of 5 hearts.

Did you know? These pads contain both glycolic and salicylic acid exfoliators.

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Ulta Adventures: Bliss Fuzz Off Hair Remover

May 21st, 2015 by Karen 13 Comments

This cat.

He works at a rival kitty modeling agency. His name is Jim, and he’s my cat employer’s current number one arch enemy. According to Tabs, “Mrow! Fft! Fft!” (“Don’t trust Jim!”)

Jim is currently featured on the promotional material for the new Fuzz Off Body Hair Removal Spray Foam by Bliss ($32).

Don’t tell Tabs this, because the last thing I need right now is him questioning my allegiance, but I’m super interested in this foam. I’ll try anything that promises to improve the Sasquatch situation, you know?

There are also Fuzz Offs for the bikini area and the facial area, too, but they’re creams instead of foams.

I walked out of Ulta last week with a tube of the Bliss Fuzz Off Precision Hair Removal Cream ($24), but I haven’t tried it yet.

Soon… Soon… I’ll let you know how well it works.

Watch out, Tom Selleck’s mustache! I’m gunning for you…

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

March Instagram Skin Care Faves From Bliss and GlamGlow

March 27th, 2014 by Karen 12 Comments

Have you gotten into Instagram yet (here’s me)? GOLD MINE for cat pics and videos, among other things.

A couple Friday nights ago I was being a homebody with some new skin care products from Bliss and GlamGlow and shared a pic…

Back to Instagram, I think I like it so much because there’s no pressure, camera-wise, because you take the pictures with your phone. There’s no elaborate setups or having to mess with manual modes or checking your f-stops or ISO levels, and you have this one creative space that you can fill with anything you like.

It’s great for inspiration, like with makeup and hair, because you can follow artists and other people you like and see their work, even if they’re doing looks you could never imagine yourself wearing. It’s just a really easy way to get lots of visual food for your brain in one space.

Anywho, I first heard about GlamGlow, ironically, at a Bliss Spa, where the spa technician who gave me a facial was like, “This is the next big thing. You’re gonna love this mask. All of your girlfriends will be talking about it,” and she was so right. I definitely feel like when I use a GlamGlow mask, something is happening.

In this video I talk about a few of the Bliss and GlamGlow skin care products I’ve been using and loving. 🙂

Products mentioned…

Have you found any change-your-life skin care products lately? How about Bliss and GlamGlow? Do you have any faves?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

The New $33 Bliss Suds + Butter Set Comes Bearing Grapefruit and Wishes for a Happy Aloe Days

November 27th, 2013 by Karen 18 Comments

Bliss Happy Aloe Days Set — The new $33 Bliss Happy Aloe Days Holiday Set

Whoever invented citrus-scented body products…BLESS YOU. 🙂

I’ve been cruising the halls at Tabs the Cat Industries, LLC, HQ this week with a spring in my step and the scent of grapefruit on my skin from the new $33 Bliss Holiday Suds + Butter Set in Happy Aloe Days.

Yup…nothin’ like a little citrus and a gift set with a clever name to perk ya right up (Happy aloe days?? Like happy holidays? Get it? I’m easily amused…).

This limited edition three-piece set’s been my main shower squeeze since last week. It comes with a full-size 6.7-ounce bottle of Bliss Grapefruit + Aloe Body Butter, a full-size 16-ounce bottle of Grapefruit + Aloe Soapy Suds Body Wash and a matching pink bath poof.

(Pink bath poof… Good luck saying that one five times fast!)

I usually think of wearing light, refreshing grapefruit scents like this one more in spring and summer, but forget that! The colder months are when I actually need the reminder of warmer weather.

To my nose, Grapefruit + Aloe has a fresh, light grapefruit scent perfectly balanced between tart and sweet. I have very dry skin this time of year, particularly on my legs, and it usually gets progressively worse as the temperature drops, but this body wash and body butter are doing a great job keeping everything moisturized.

Lately, I’ve been sudsing off in the shower after my morning workout with the body wash, which gets all the sweat off without stripping my skin. I follow that up with the body butter, which sinks in quickly and moisturizes like whoa!

I suppose you could get this for a friend (the packaging’s super cute and ready to gift), but I vote for keeping this one for yourself. 🙂

Oh, and Bliss also offers two other “flavors” of the Suds + Butter sets if grapefruit isn’t your thing — Wishing You the Zest is scented with refreshing lemon and sage, and A Citrus Carol is an invigorating blood orange and white pepper.

You can find all three sets now for a limited time at Sephora, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus stores and online.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen