lululemonexpert, Author at lululemon expert

The Body Shop’s NEW Wild Argan BodyCare Collection

Hey y’all!

I’m super excited to tell y’all about a couple of new things I got the opportunity to try recently. First, I think you know how much I love The Body Shop’s products, as I have discussed their products in past posts. In the new year I decided I wanted to develop a steady skin care routine, and I’ve been a fan of The Body Shop and in particular their Tea Tree Oil line (it has acne prevention/ treatment properties!) for a long time. I’ve branched out and tried other products by them and I guess they noticed that I’m a fan, so they sent me some brand new stuff to review!

Both things they sent me are from their new Wild Argan Oil line. It will be released on their website on Monday, July 28, 2014. Here’s the information that came in my package:

Inside you can see it's a 3-step skin care system. — Inside you can see it’s a 3-step skin care system.

The Wild Argan Oil Information's back page tells us about the fair trade practices The Body Shop engages in with the Targanine Cooperative — The Wild Argan Oil Information’s back page tells us about the fair trade practices The Body Shop engages in with the Targanine Cooperative. To learn more, watch their YouTube Video about this!

The Body Shop sent me the travel sized Wild Argan Oil Body Butter, and it comes in a package like this:

And it looks like this on the inside:

Review on the Body Shop’s Wild Argan Oil Body Butter:

I wanted to give y’all a good, solid full review, so I tried this stuff out for a week, to make sure I like it and to let you know how it affects my skin.

Let’s start with first impressions: First off, the packaging is typical, if you’re familiar with the way The Body Shop packages their travel sized Body Butters, it’s the same exact packaging, twist off cap. Once the cap was off, the smell hits you. It’s absolutely divine. I can’t tell you how wonderful this stuff smells, but I honestly wanted to eat it. Thankfully, there’s a little disclaimer on the package that says “unfit for consumption.” I’m glad that was there, otherwise I would have tried to taste it. (Just kidding, but it seriously smells delicious.)

The texture seems a little thicker than my normal Body Butter, Satsuma (Orange)- but like all Body Butters, a little bit goes a long way. I used a dollop about the size of two quarters on both of my lower legs each time I used this. It’s very moisturizing initially and holds well. I used it over night each time and when I woke up in the morning it was apparent that I had used a moisturizing product the night before and had not 100% rubbed off on my sheets like many other moisturizers. Although, that is typical of the Body Butters, as they tend to have more staying powder, than let’s say a Body Milk, of which I had been working through two before being sent these products to try.

Since my favorite videos on YouTube are actually “Empties” videos where the girls post videos reviewing products they’ve used up and say whether or not they will be repurchasing them, I’ll be posting reviews on products that I’ve used up in future posts- they will include one or two Body Milks, and I hope to do a better job of describing the difference.

So, so far it smells amazing, is nice & thick and long lasting. I’ve noticed that my skin is so much softer throughout the day- this is for sure on my “repurchase” list. However, I still have some other Body Butters I want to finish up first, so it may have to wait until I finish a few of them… Not that I’ve run out of this one yet- either, not at all. It’s only been a week 🙂 If you’re curious, I’m a little over a third the way through my sample.

As shown above in the product information, this IS a 3-step system. Since I’m 100% out of my last Body Scrub- which I loved and plan to do a review on in my post about “Empties,”- I will be buying the “Rough Scrub” from this Argan Oil line. It costs $5 less than the one I’m currently using; I hope it smells like the Body Butter.

The second thing The Body Shop sent me was the Wild Argan Oil Radiant Oil for Body and Hair. I’ve mostly been testing this out on my hair as a replacement for the oil I’ve been using normally. So far, I have found that I like the smell, but it’s very faint, so if you prefer products that have a light scent, you may prefer this to a more heavily scented hair oil. I flip flop- sometimes I like things to be heavily fragranced, sometimes I don’t. It sometimes changes with my mood, but usually depends on the type of product. For example, I prefer that my night cream be lightly fragranced, if it smells like anything at all. Meanwhile, I love a heavily fragranced body lotion.

Here is what they sent me:

The consistency is exactly what you might expect. It’s simply the consistency of a natural, nut oil. It’s also quite light, and not nearly as thick as other hair oils I’ve tried. This worked great on my ends, it kept the frizzies at bay and I was able to obtain really pretty curls, which was a surprise, since my hair is typically unmanageable. I wouldn’t say it’s a miracle treatment, but my hair looked MUCH healthier than normal and I was able to wear it naturally without using heat products each time I used this product. You know, in public and everything. The only thing I don’t love about this product is the dispensing mechanism. Most of my other oils have flip caps, making it easy to get a lot of product (I have a lot of hair!) and this one is a spray. I think I’ll be removing the cap, to ease application for next time. However unique the spray mechanism, I can’t deny the results. And they are impressive- at least for me. I can’t get over how I can actually wear my hair down without heat styling after using this product and I was able to do it with a little dry shampoo on second day hair as well.

This line will be released on Monday July 28, 2014

I just want to provide a list, with links of all the products offered within this new Wild Argan Oil line, along with prices

What I tried and reviewed here:
Mini Wild Argan Oil Body Butter, $6
Wild Argan Oil Body Butter, $20 (same as above, only full sized)
Wild Argan Oil The Radiant Oil for Body & Hair, $25

Wild Argan Oil Bath Lily, $3
Wild Argan Oil Body Lotion, $12
Wild Argan Oil Massage Soap, $6
Wild Argan Oil Rough Scrub, $20
Wild Argan Oil Shower Gel, $8
Wild Argan Oil Solid Oil Lips, $8
Wild Argan Oil Miracle Solid Oil for Body & Hair, $14
Wild Argan Oil Bubbling Bath, $12

Anyways, I hope this review helped you. If you have any questions about something I didn’t cover here, please leave them in the comments below! If you too have tried this tell me what you think about my review! Do you agree/ disagree? I’d love to know!

#QueenOfOils

UPDATE!!! Oh my goodness, well, it’s been a month (July 21, 2014) and here I am again. It’s August 22 for the record. I REALLY couldn’t wait to try that scrub, but I waited until there was a sale anyways 🙂 and bought it. I’ve used it at least 3 or 4 times now and I really love it. I’m so glad I bought it. I was hoping that it would smell like the body butter and it does. It’s gorgeous in that regard. I love the exfoliation that I get from this product but I want to let you know that this isn’t your typical sugar scrub. There are shells in this and they can be abrasive. Personally, I love it, but I don’t think that anyone who has sensitive skin would like it. Of course, you can always take a chance and return if you’re not loving it- or give it to someone who might like it. The Body Shop seems to have a decent return policy, although I have zero experience with it- I usually love the stuff I buy from there 😉

Anyways, it smells exactly like the body butter- so you shan’t be disappointed. It works well as an exfoliant and the best part is that the argan oil leaves your skin feeling hydrated afterwards.

I just really love it. I even like it better than the last scrub I had and that’s saying a lot because I LOVED that one. This is definitely on my “repurchase” list!

If you liked the Body Butter, I would definitely give this a try.

Lululemon Outfit Of The Day

Time for another instalment of Lululemon Outfit of the Day! It’s a little chilly today, so I thought I’d throw on some Rulu!

Layered over a Paris Perfection CRB, I’m wearing a Base Runner 1/2 Zip in mini check pique Raspberry. Paired with Parallel Stripe Wunder Under crops. The Shoes are New Balance camo.

We Made Too Much Goodies!

This week’s We Made Too Much, or “Loot” for you long-time-die-hards, was a lot better than last week’s. I just wanted to give honorable mentions to some things I was happy to see there.

This is really pretty, size 10 only available, but I was surprised to see it in WMTM at all. I didn’t get one, of course, everyone knows my favorite fitted jacket is the Define. This item is marked down from retail $108 to $89

Get It On Blouse in black/burlap texture black dune.

This top looks nice on her and is still available in all sizes. It has been marked down from $98 to $79. Seems a little pricey to me, but it has perfect reviews, so far. Here is the product information:

lightweight fabric has a UPF of 50+ to help guard against strong rays
7/8-length sleeves cover sun-exposed shoulders and arms
easy-to-pack layer helps you be ready for anything on impromptu getaways

This is so gorgeous! It’s marked down from $58 to $44 and is only available in a size 6. I’ll be surprised if this survives ’til morning.

A BUNCH of Ta Ta Toppers went on sale. Most colors are available all sizes too! The following colorways have gone to markdown: cool breeze:wee stripe bruised berry, black, black/pretty palm black angel wing, sheer lemon/zest, and aquamarine. I think this one is the prettiest, but I’m also digging the sheer lemon one. They are all marked down from $58 to $44.

Ta Ta Topper in cool breeze:wee stripe bruised berry

Swiftly Racerback in Heathered Angel Blue

This Swiftly Racerback is Available in ALL sizes! Marked down from $48 to $39.

Rollin' With My Omies Pant in flowabunga mini multi:bleached coral — Rollin’ With My Omies Pant in flowabunga mini multi:bleached coral

ALL Rollin’ With My Omies Pants are on sale available in almost all sizes. I have to be honest, I’m not super surprised. These have been marked down to $79 from $98.

Run A Marathon Crop in pretty palm cadet greyvy:cadet blue

ALL Run A Marathon Crops in all sizes are marked down from $88 to $64. These have an average rating of 3 stars which is unusual for Lululemon products. I don’t think I would buy online without having tried in-store first. Apparently the quality is quite good and they are not sheer, but the low rise seems to be an issue for many of the reviewers.

File this under: I REALLY REALLY wish I needed a new bag right now, but I just don’t. Plus I can’t think of anything this would go with, apart from bruised berry items. I just have too many bags already… *as I slowly try to convince myself that I don’t want/ need this* I love it, and I think it’s so pretty. This Festival Bag has been marked down from $68 to $48.

Festival Bag in spray dye cool breeze bruised berry/black

SORRY if any of the articles above are sold out by the time you go shopping! I would recommend checking in-store for them. Not to mention that the in-store markdowns are always better in my opinion. The reason I’m doing these posts is for future reference. You’d be surprised how often someone asks “Has XYZ ever gone to markdown?” Or “What was the markdown price of XYZ?” Did you guys snag any of these deals? Let me know in the comments below!

UPLOAD: Week of July 14th, 2014

Like I’ve said in previous posts, I do intend to cover uploads more often- and this is one of them. I know there’s going to be a lot of excitement surrounding the re-release of the Stride Jacket. I think I will continue to cover the upload in the way that I have been. That is: I post the first post and continually update it as I discover new items or pretty “IRL” (In Real Life) photos of recently released or newly uploaded garments. I am hoping that by making a singular post per upload weekly, I can make it easier for people to search for things.

So far, I’ve seen one photo of the Stride jackets. Here she is:

Three of the new 2014 Stride Jackets. I see plain black, Heathered Medium Grey and Heathered Mohave Tan.

The Noir line looks very flattering on this girl! I am loving the pants. High-waisted things don't typically look amazing on me, but she pulls them off beautifully. — The Noir line looks very flattering on this girl! I am loving the pants. High-waisted things don’t typically look amazing on me, but she pulls them off beautifully.

The Stride Jacket

And the gorgeous new Cool Racerback in Wee Are From Space Jeweled Magenta

When I Went On Vacation, I brought…

Hello again!

First things first: I have been on vacation! I wanted to show you the three outfits I brought, in addition to the airplane/ travel clothes I wore on travel days, that are comfy, comfy, but not something I took pictures of.

Bruised Berry Spacedye outfit. Bruised berry 105 F Singlet, Bruised Berry Spacedye Inspire Crops and Flow Y bra

Ziggy Wee October Angel Wing Cool Racerback and matching Bang Buster, Heathered Fossil Dhanarasana Crop.

Special Edition USA Scuba Hoodie, See Me Run Slipless Headband, In the Flow dress in Heathered Medium Grey, Heathered Fossil Vinyasa Scarf

Second: I did not cover this weeks upload, I won’t be covering them all, but also: It was so boring. There were a few tops released, but that was about it. Lululemon said that the new Savasana wraps would be coming out in July- let’s hope they arrive next week. Even “We Made Too Much” was boring this week, with only re-stocks of things that were already on markdown. I went to my local store, bored from the disappointing upload and left with a Wamo Camo CRB on markdown. Have y’all purchased anything recently? I’m loving Bruised Berry, but I pretty much have everything I want from that colorway as of right now- although I am tempted by the heathered Swiftlies.

Swiftly Scoop Neck Short Sleeve in Heathered Bruised Berry

Swiftly Racerback in Heathered Bruised Berry

UPDATE: I see that the Stride Jackets are coming back this week, and I think that’s a lot of excitement for many Lulu addicts. I would prefer them to be released in more colorful patterns, but I think they’ll be gorgeous anyways.

Lululemon Runsie: Fit Review

I’ve been seeing a lot of reviews lately, and some of the scathing variety regarding this romper. I was ultra curious, so even though my “local” store is fairly far away, I decided to take the time to go out there and try this thing on. In my Upload post, I wrote that this looked comfortable, so that encouraged me even more. I love comfy work out clothes!

My first impression was when it was on the hanger- they had them facing forward. They’re unimpressive, but at least you get to see the shape. They’re a little boxy looking. Also: when it was still on the hanger and I touched it, I could tell that the fabric wasn’t going to be for me- I mean, yes, it was going to be light and airy, but I was also concerned that it might ride up.

But I tried it on anyways, of course. I tried one in black and one in the Flowabunga print, and I think this outfit looks better in general if it’s a little looser. My hips filled out the bottom, but it hung lifelessly around my chest, – honestly, this thing didn’t do anything for my feminine shape. First, the waistline is too low- there’s a drawstring, and it sits at the hip bones, so, it doesn’t really accentuate anything. I was one, long rectangle from head to toe. It was rather unfortunate looking on me.

I was also worried about the straps- they’re adjustable, but they seemed to get twisted easily, plus I had some difficulty adjusting them. The only “design” part I liked was the open back. That was pleasant.

Final assessment:

Pros: Flowy, light, open back, feels comfortable, comes in black.

Cons: May ride up, straps finicky, waistline set too low, drawstring draws nothing in, boxy-rectangular shape, comes in Flowabunga.

I guess this one is not for me- but I’ve seen tons of pictures where it looks nice on other people, so I guess it works in some cases.

I’m a little on the fence on this one, because of all the great pics I’ve seen of other people wearing it. What do y’all think? I’d love to hear some opinions on this one.

PS: I’ll be surprised if this doesn’t go to markdown. So, if you’re on the fence- and you can wait- I might chance it 🙂

UPDATE:

I went in-store & found both colours on mark down in a couple of sizes. The Runsie DID sell out online after all, and I suspect that it was partially due to all the media attention it received for being different. Runner’s World did such a cute video on it and I think that might have helped also.

Here it was, at my local store, marked down from $98 to $79.

UPLOAD!! Week of Monday June 30, 2014

This wasn’t my favorite upload ever, but there were some goodies and some new items I’d like to share.

I like the front of this tank, but I’d prefer a more simplistic back, with fewer straps.

Rollin With My Om'ies tank in flowabunga mini multi — Rollin With My Om’ies tank in flowabunga mini multi

Rollin' With My Om'ies Tank, Flow Y Bra, and Luxtreme Wunder Under Crop in Savasana Camo Fatigue Green — Rollin’ With My Om’ies tank in black paired with Camo Wunder Under Crops

I liked this photo because it has the new Rollin’ With My Om’ies tank in black, over the new Twist Bra Long Line in Raspberry, as well as the bra on its own. It also features the Bruised Berry Cool Racerback and Hotty Hot Shorts in Sweet Spot Angel Wing/Angel Wing. Honourable mentions go the Camo Wunder Under pants.

I like the look of this tank in the pics, but I can envision myself adjusting a lot, so it seems a little high maintenance for my taste.

I really like the look of this bra, especially in the Deep Zinfandel. I might get it if/ when it goes to mark down.

Finally, I’ll share this photo:

Rollin’ With Their Om’ies!

Like I said, not my favorite upload, but I might reconsider on the Bruised Berry CRB. Nothing for me yet. What did you guys get this upload?

Update: Even more from the upload!

Twist Bra Long Line in Deep Zinfandel, Yoga Over Skirt, Rollin' with my Om'ies tank in flowabunga mini multi — Twist Bra Long Line in Deep Zinfandel, Yoga Over Skirt, Rollin’ with my Om’ies tank in flowabunga mini multi

When I saw the Twist Bra paired with the Yoga Over skirt, I thought “Wow! What a cute idea for an outfit!” I don’t own a Yoga Over skirt, but if I did, I’d definitely try something like this. Gorgeous. I found another, similar pic. I’ll post below:

Twist Bra Long line in Raspberry with Yoga Over Skirt in Heathered Slate/ Black

Again, so fun, so functional. Love it!

The next photo features a weakness of mine: Cool Racerbacks. I really love the Bruised Berry one and am still trying to decide whether I need it or not. This picture is pretty convincing.

Bruised Berry Cool Racerback with Hotty Hot Shorts

The last thing I’ll say is OMG, her hair is amazing. *love it!*

More of the latest:

All Day Asana Bag in Deep Coal with Rollin' With my Om'ies tank in Mini Multi Flowabunga and OK Hi Shorts in black — All Day Asana Bag in Deep Coal with Rollin’ With my Om’ies tank in Mini Multi Flowabunga and OK Hi Shorts in black

Palm Play Multi Wunder Under Crops and the new Twist Bra in Raspberry

The picture of these people doing yoga is a fantastic photo- This looks so fun!

And below: “I’m ready for my close up!”

I thought that this was a good photo for anyone who wonders what this print looks like close up.

I thought this was a good example of Heathered Bruised Berry close up.

Lululemon Outfit of the Day

In honor of my recent post, “All About Savasana Wraps,” I have decided to wear mine today!

I hope you like it!

This is the Savasana Wrap in Razzmatazz Ombre. I’ve paired it with my Wunder Under Crops in Vintage Pink/ Cadet Blue Space Dye. And, when I’m not rocking the toe shoes (Vibrams), I’m wearing my trusty Toms.

Thanks for visiting!

UPDATE!

Browsing the groups, specifically, Lululemon A to Z, which is amazing for color recognition, I have updated the color to reflect the collective knowledge of the ladies in A to Z. Here’s a link to the best group to find out what you have- if you’re unsure about item name or color: https://www.facebook.com/groups/203830626427843/

All About The Savasana Wrap!

So, I have a small confession, I only own one of these amazing things. But this post is going to be ALL ABOUT The Savasana Wrap.

I absolutely love the Savasana wrap. It’s perfect for fall, and coming out again in July! I’m so excited!

Here’s the product information about the wrap:

1. This long, loose-fit style is great for layering on the way

to the studio and ideal as a blanket during savasana!

2. Our own blend of breathable cotton French terry

with stretch so it won’t bag out!

3. Use one, two, three or all the snaps to customize fit

4. Cozy side pockets to keep your hands warm

5. Preshrunk so that there are no surprises when washed!

Fit: The Savasana wrap is a very forgiving item, with regards to fit. The main metric I would consider when purchasing one is the sleeves. If the sleeves are too tight, it’s probably not going to be very comfortable, and if they’re too loose it might look frumpy. I wear my regular size in the Savasana wrap, so I would say that they’re true to size. But I’ve heard that some people size down. I would also be a great maternity piece, as there’s a lot of room in the front.

There are a few different ways to wear the Savasana wrap. You can wear it with all the snaps done up.

All the Buttons done up, with the collar turned down.

You can wear it with some of the buttons done up. And Lululemon often makes the liner adorable! Some cute examples:

Savasana Wrap with Pencil Sketch Interior

As you can see, if you wear it with some of the buttons done up, and the liner exposed, it actually looks even cuter than with all the buttons done up, in my opinion. The final option is to leave it completely open. You’ll find some examples below:

Heathered Wren / Coal Strata Stripe Savasana Wrap worn open

Savasana Wrap, worn open. Not 100% sure on the color. This was featured on "Hey Lululemon.com" during the contest, and I've never seen it before. My best guess is that this is one of the colours that will be available in July. — Savasana Wrap, worn open. Not 100% sure on the color. This was featured on “Hey Lululemon.com” during the contest, and I’ve never seen it before. My best guess is that this is one of the colours that will be available in July.

As mentioned in the product information, these Savasana wraps are designed to be used as a blanket during Savasana. When laid out, they are square. Here’s an example.

I have another post called “All about Scuba Hoodies,” if you enjoyed this one.

I also want to mention that last time these were released they retailed for $118, I hope Lululemon sticks with that price point.

Anyways, I really can’t wait to get my hands on these. I really hope to see some creative designs and the good old fashioned quality that was typical of these in prior releases. What are your thoughts on the Savasana wrap? Adorable? Fashionable? Frumpy? Let me know in the comments below!

UPDATE: July 29th, 2014

Today’s the day that Lululemon uploaded the NEW 2014 Savasana wraps! I’m happy to report that they DID stick with the $118 retail price.

Savasana Wrap in Black with Cadet Blue liner

Savasana Wrap in Heathered Dune, Bruised Berry liner

As far as the liner colours- I’ll be honest, I’m guessing. Both are now sold out/ out of stock. I have yet to purchase one. The reason being that I am still waiting for the Dune/ Jewelled Magenta one that I believe will be the next colour released. It’s just a guess, but honestly, I’ve never seen the colour pictured above. Have any of you? If you know what it is, please let me know. Maybe I’m just engaging in wishful thinking, but I really hope there’s one with a Jewelled Magenta liner. *nudge, nudge, Lulu*

UPDATE:

So, it looks like Canada sold out in the Dune colour in 5 minutes and they’re getting Black next week. I’m still hopeful that we’ll get another color, but I’m starting to doubt it. I wonder if it will be available in the fall, perhaps? Or Christmas? I was really hoping that we’d get something more stain resistant than Dune and more exciting than black. (Or, if it has to be dune, that pretty Jewelled Magenta (?) liner will do nicely… I just won’t wear it around my little ones.) I have a black Gratitude Wrap and I just don’t need a Black Savasana Wrap.

As for the colours of the liners: I found a photo:

So, I was right about the Cadet Blue, but wrong about the Bruised Berry, as we can see from the photo it is Deep Zinfandel.

If we do get another colour, or if I hear anything- I’ll update here 🙂

UPDATE: July 31, 2014

From what I’m reading on Hey Lululemon.com, I don’t believe that we will be getting another colour SOON. However, I am still curious as to whether we’ll be getting one in the Fall, or November, right before the Christmas season. The comments made by Lululemon’s representatives said that they’d be releasing all the inventory at once, though there was a problem with the Dune on the Canadian side, so that will be released next week. I am still curious about the one I posted above and again, if any of you have seen the ‘what looks to be Jewelled Magenta lined Dune’ please let me know. If I see a re-stock, trust me, I’ll let you know, but somehow I imagine that eBay and the Facebook auction boards will see these first.

I guess that’s all for now-

Thanks for reading!

UPDATE: HeyLululemon.com has been retired by Lululemon as of May 16, 2016

Lululemon Outfit Of The Day

Hey y’all! Like I said, I really think it would be fun to do Outfits of the Day on this blog. I don’t know how many I’ll end up doing, or if I’ll do them every day or every few days, but here’s the second instalment of my OOTD!

Here I’m wearing a Heathered Paris Perfection Long Sleeve Swiftly, layered over a Paris Perfection Cool Racerback, paired with Plum Speed Tights.