Accessories

Preserving Handmade and Luxury Soaps with the DareYou Soap Holders with Drain Trio

May 15, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Fine soap is an affordable luxury. Whether a luxury soap for the guest bath, a handmade soap with nourishing creams and essential oils, or a high-end beauty or body bar of soap, it is important to keep the bar dry. The common plastic raft “savers” or wire mesh holder often looks bad in a guest bath and is too small for larger bars, and the prettier soap dishes tend to retain water, quickly turning your precious soap into a soap soup of a mushy soap bar sitting in water, slowly wasting into unusable, unattractive soap mush. DareYou Soap Holders with Drain is an ingenious idea of creating a soap dish that drains off the excess water, keeping your high-end soaps in their best condition.

DareYou Soap Dishes with Drain keep beauty, luxury and handmade soaps dry so they last longer.

WHAT MAKES DAREYOU SOAP HOLDERS SPECIAL

Since many fine milled soaps, handmade soaps and luxury facial soaps are so dense, they tend to stay wet longer if they are not properly cared for. DareYou soap holders are both raised and angled to allow air to circulate around the entire bar sides, top and bottom, so that the bar dries quickly and retains shape. Keeping the bar dry helps not only save the bar but keep it free of moisture based bacteria.

Slanted raised bars create an angle for even oversized bars, quickly draining away moisture

Angled with drain to keep soap away from moisture

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THIS SET

Each set of DareYou Soap Dishes contains three dishes: one in rose pink, one in pale blue and one in a pale celadon green.

These colors are suitable for many bath decors. This set allows for one in the guest bath, one in the shower, and one in your personal bath for a beauty soap.

Fine soaps look more attractive when displayed nicely instead of just sitting on a plastic saver or tray.

DareYou Soap Holder in celadon green

DareYou Soap Holder in rose pink

DareYou Soap Holder in blue

DESIGN

The soap holder itself is 4.3″ by 3.1″ by 0.9 inches and accommodates larger bars. The soap holder slats support even larger oversized bars such as is typical with fine milled or handmade soap bars, even unusual shaped bars. The holder also works with sponges and smaller loofahs. The slats are angled so that moisture drains down and out into the sink, shower, or basin, away from the bar.

Angled design to draw away moisture

Accommodates even larger or unusual shaped soaps

FEATURES

EASY TO CLEAN: The soap dish stays clean as very little soap is wasted to leave any residual or film, and all moisture drips away from the bar and out.
NON-TOXIC NATURAL MATERIALS. The holder is non-toxic, made from natural wheat straw that adds durability to the plastic, and gives it a nice marbleized look. It is biodegradable.
DURABLE: The soap holder is quite durable, far more than a typical plastic holder. Even if it is dropped it will not crack or break and it comes with a one year warranty.

PUTTING THE DAREYOU SOAP HOLDER TO THE TEST

I washed my hands with a handmade soap that contains a great deal of Shea Butter and essential oils. This particular handmade soap bar tends to get mushy with use and takes a long time to dry.

Using the DareYou Soap Holder after using my handmade Shea Butter and essential oil soap bar. The bar is wet and dripping after use.

The water quickly rolled off the bar and down to the drain. The bar dried out quickly on the top, sides, and bottom while retaining its’ original shape and not becoming soft or mushy.

I prefer the DareYou soap holder to the soap trays and savers I typically use. The soap savers with the plastic pegs also tend to leave marks on the soap, whereas the DareYou design did not leave an imprint on the soap. This is an especially nice feature for beauty bath soaps with nubs, decorative features, or guest bath soaps, as they all retain their original molded shape.

Drying quickly…

Water exits out the drain into the sink or basin and away from the soap to keep the soap bar dry.

With three in a boxed set, you can even keep one in your suitcase to keep your specialty beauty soaps dry in the shower when traveling.

Keep beauty bars, fine milled soaps, guest soaps and treatment soap bars in optimal condition, dry and bacteria free in a durable, attractive, non-toxic DareYou Soap Dish Holder.

DareYou Soap Holder with drain is pretty enough to display yet protect your most decadent luxury, handmade, and guest soaps

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the DareYou Soap Holder Trio Set at https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B075W6MQHF/keywords=soap+dish+drain

DareYou Soap Holders combine a modern, classic look with a new idea to keep soap dry

Style Chicks received the DareYou Soap Holder Trio Set in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

Personalized Gifts for Moms, bridesmaids & grads: Kisspat 14K Gold Tone Initial Necklace Hammered Pendant

May 13, 2018 · Leave a Comment

It’s the time of year for gift giving: graduations, wedding, and other celebrations are opportunities to give a unique gift to a special female in your life. Initial Pendants are really in style this season, and we absolutely love the KISSPAT 14K Gold Tone Initial Necklace Hammered Tiny Alphabet Pendant.

Single initial pendant shown at 16" length

The single initial pendant is shown here at 16″ length. Note how the artisan hammered design gives it some texture and visual interest

ABOUT THE KISSPAT 14K Gold Tone Initial Necklaces

This handmade, delicate 14K Gold Plated Brass Pendant comes in a lovely gifting box that keeps it safe.

Double Gift Boxed

It’s the perfect weight for Summer and will match any outfit, day or night.

The lobster claw clasp is sturdy and easy to use.

Easy to use, sturdy lobster clasp

Lobster clasp set on the middle ring of the extender for the 17-inch chain length option

DESIGN AESTHETIC

The initial charm pendant itself measures 12mm or about one half inch high. The individual letters have a bit of a whimsical font, which sets them apart from other necklaces like it.

Hammered initial sits in a box with velvet lining to keep it safe and secure while in storage

The hammered design gives the necklaces a subtle texture that makes them appear less “blingy” than some initial necklaces, while the bold lettering is still clear and easy to read.

Artisan-style hand hammered design

Something else I like about this design that is unique is that it has the letter on the front and a heart on the back. I like that if the necklace inadvertently flips over while wearing, that it still has style!

The back side of the pendant has a heart design

The initial appears on the front side, and a heart appears on the back side of the pendant.

Heart on back

HOW TO STYLE THE VERSATILE EXTENSION CHAIN FOR ADJUSTABLE LENGTH

The necklaces can be worn as one initial necklace alone, or multiples together.

The Kisspat chain is sixteen inches long and has a 2″ extension chain adjuster, so you can adjust the chain to three different lengths or wear the necklaces in two different ways.

Lobster clasp with three rings for 16, 17 and 18-inch length options

The first way the necklace can be worn is as a single initial at a 16 to 18-inch length.

This Kisspat necklace extender feature also allows for the length to be adjusted to accommodate wearing multiples necklace layers together at once, like a customized layer chain. Wear your own initials, like a monogram, or the initials of loved ones.

Three Kisspat initial pendants shown at staggered lengths using the extender chain

GREAT GIFT IDEA

This necklace makes a perfect gift for a Mom because she can layer the necklaces to wear the initials of her children. This makes a modern take on the traditional birthstone concept but makes it more personalized and unique to an individual Mom.

Multiple initial necklace pairings is also a great gift for to give to a grandmother, a Mom-to-be, or even your aunt! Single initial necklaces make a great gift for a friend, bridesmaids, upcoming graduate, niece or daughter.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the KISSPAT 14K Gold Tone Initial Necklace Hammered Tiny Alphabet Pendant in any or all letter combinations at https://www.amazon.com/KISSPAT-Initial-Necklace-Hammered-Alphabet/dp/B07BGWYG67

Find your initial – or initials – among the Kisspat Initial pendant collection

Style Chicks received the KISSPAT 14K Gold Tone Initial Necklace Hammered Tiny Alphabet Pendant in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

TINY BUT FIERCE: Handmade Bella Mini Travel Makeup Brush Set with Mirror Travel Case

April 12, 2018 · 5 Comments

What would we do without our makeup brushes, they turn us into beauty ninjas. But lugging around full-size brushes requires a full-size makeup bag on vacation, at the gym and for touchups before after-work dinner or drink plans. That is cumbersome and impractical. While there are always the applicators that come with the makeup, these are generally of poor quality. We recently tried Bella Mini Travel Makeup Brush Set with Mirror Travel Case. Unlike mass production brush kits, these brushes are hand-made in the USA and meet our on the go beauty needs with a face blender, cream shadow, eyeshadow and fine eyeliner brush in a mirrored case.

The handy Belle mini brush set is about the size of a cell phone case and holds four quality brushes and mirror

WHAT THIS SET CONTAINS

THE CASE: The shiny metallic case is roughly the size of a phone. It has a sturdy zipper and contains the four brushes. The brushes each come with plastic cap sleeves to keep them nice and protect the bristles when not in use. The inside of the case holds a mirror for on-the-go touchups.

This Bella Mini Travel Makeup Brush Set has four brushes in a mirrored case:

Face blender brush
Powder/Dry eye shadow brush
Cream shadow brush
Ultra-fine eye liner brush

The Bella case zips open to reveal four brushes that can be used to apply or blend all your on the go makeup

MATERIAL QUALITY & CONSTRUCTION

We find many mini brush sets, even those from higher-end boutique beauty stores, to be rather cheaply made. We use them a few times and they break or the bristles fall out. They also aren’t all that effective in applying or blending product. This set, however, is constructed with quality materials including durable brass ferrules, the finest hair for bristles that do not shed in use or during washing. I found they withstood powder, cream, BB Primer, Foundation, shadow, gel liner, and concealer.

Bristles that do not fall out, are soft, high quality and durable

MY EXPERIENCE USING THE BELLA MINI COSMETIC BRUSH SET BRUSHES

DRY/POWDER EYESHADOW BRUSH: Many of my favorite eyeshadow palettes, such as the Urban Decay Naked series, come with quality brushes that enable a smooth application, so for touchups or post-gym shadow re-dos, I want to use a quality brush as well. I find the eyeshadow brush comparable to the UD brushes I use both in the soft feel of the bristle, the stiffness that picks up the shadow, the lack of fallout upon application, and ease of use.

Bella dry eyeshadow brush loads color well without fallout. Shown here with Urban Decay Walk of Shame Eyeshadow, my go-to work day neutral eye base shade.

At just shy of four inches, (9.8 cm) this eye shadow brush is an especially nice size for the UD Basics/UD Basics 2/UD and UD Naked Petite Heat, the five shadow compacts that are perfect for pocket or purse but don’t come with a brush.

The ideal size for purse size mini palettes or palettes that do not come with a worthy shadow brush

This brush is just the right size and function, with a thicker base that thins out for better blending. It applies shadow exceptionally smoothly, I like it just as well as my full-size $30 brand name boutique eyeshadow brush.

Blends smoothly and evenly with no fallout

CREAM EYESHADOW BRUSH: For use with cream shadows, I also find this useful for re-applying a base or blending my YSL Eclat or re-applying liquid or cream concealer for mid-day touchups. I use cream eyeshadows less, but find that cream shadow brushes tend to not pick up product evenly, or that there ends up being a fair amount of waste. This brush deposits product without streaks, I like the smoother application, I can get a nice thin coat of shadow.

In a pinch, I find it useful for precise creamy/liquid highlighter, such as MAC Strobe highlighter on the cheekbones. It is not as thicker a diameter as the dry eyeshadow brush, the bristles are straight.

Cream Eye Shadow brush is thinner in diameter for precise application without streaks

EYELINER BRUSH: This brush has a cap when closed, so it can transport some product on the brush is you choose to “pre-load it” with liner product when you are at home such as mineral powder, gel or cream liner from a pot, such as Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wearing Eyeliner Gel or Maybelline’s cream liner, then you have it for touchups without having to carry the liner product. The cap fits onto the end of the brush to make a long handle which makes it easier to create a thin line or cat-eye liner. The cap stays put, and it is steady enough for doing a thicker cat-eye or heavy liquid liner on the go for a transition from a work look to after dinner eye makeup look.

The liner brush tip is not too hard, not too soft. It doesn’t drag or skip on the application. Angle it for a thin or thick line.

I also find it useful to wet the brush either with water or a drop of Visine to create a liner out of dry eyeshadow, I especially like lining my eyes with a few of the UD Basics, such as the black shade, or if I am doing a particularly heavy lash look, a thin line of the taupe eyeshadow applied with the thick end of the brush gives some definition without giving too dark of a look around the lower lashline.

Ideal for wet shadow liner application or shadowing over liquid or cream liner

Lastly, this is a nice size for pressing a bit of eyeshadow over the top liner to powder it down into place, make the line more even, intense and long-lasting.

FACE BLENDER BRUSH: The bristles on this are exceptionally soft and fluffy, but it still blends contour, foundation, powder, and blush very well. The versatile cream, liquid and powder use of this brush makes it a nice go-to item for your bag. It blends makeup well without streaking.

The versatile Bella Face Blender Brush works with both creamy foundations and powder makeup

It is soft to the touch but stiff enough to apply powder in an even thin layer.

The face blender brush is SO FLUFFY yet is stiff enough to blend smoothly

I particularly like this brush for blush touchups during the day, and it works well after a gym workout or while traveling to use it for BB Primer or foundation. By pinching down on each side of the head, it becomes an excellent fan brush travel dupe.

CONCLUSION

This Bella Mini Travel Makeup Brush Set with Mirror Travel Case features four easy to grip, ergonomic handles, soft bristles, portable, attractive, sturdy storage. The set is highly versatile, attractive, durable, fits in even the smallest of makeup bags, and contains brushes that are ergonomic, easy to use, sturdy, and offer an exceptionally smooth application. The set comes with a no-hassle money-back guarantee and one-year return window. A great gift for yourself, a friend, a constant traveler, or anyone who would appreciate quality craftsmanship in a portable and practical brush set.

Style Chicks received the Bella Mini Travel Makeup Brush Set with Mirror Travel Case in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

Choosing a Blue Engagement Ring: Gem Stone King Blue Mystic Topaz and Diamonds Engagement Ring

March 18, 2018 · 15 Comments

The sapphire and diamond engagement ring worn by the late Princess Diana and now Kate Middleton is perhaps amongst the most well-known examples of an engagement ring that does not feature a diamond as the focal stone. Colored engagement rings have become increasingly popular to show individuality and to own a distinctive piece of jewelry. The Gem Stone King Blue Mystic Topaz Diamond Halo with 10K White Gold engagement ring retains a traditional engagement ring look while still having a unique and modern vibe.

Gem Stone King Blue Mystic Topaz and Diamond Engagement Ring

CHOOSING A NON-DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

We tend to think primarily of diamonds for engagement rings, but this concept only became popular around 1900 as part of a jewelry company’s clever marketing campaign. While the sparkle of a diamond cannot be denied, other stones can be just as timeless and beautiful. Many gemstones even have more vibrant reflective properties than diamonds, catching the light in a way that makes for lovely rainbow-like reflections.

WHY CHOOSE GEM STONE KING FOR YOUR NON-DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

You may wish for an engagement ring that is a bit different and special, but at the same time be cautious not to choose something so modern that its’ a trend that will quickly look outdated. Gem Stone King specializes in blending tradition with modern styling, resulting in an elegant timeless look that is still appealing to a younger, sleeker woman.

The Gem Stone King family has been in the diamond business for over 100 years. The president is a fourth generation diamond merchant. Based in New York, New York, and their jewelry is mainly manufactured in the United States. Gem Stone King oversees local production to keep costs low while employing old world methods with modern technology. The result is jewelry that is sleek enough for modern, young tastes while retaining a traditional design that is timeless.

Gem Stone King Mystic Topaz Engagement Ring

Gem Stone King Blue Mystic Topaz and Diamond Engagement Ring

CHOOSING THE GEM STONE KING BLUE MYSTIC TOPAZ FOR A NON-DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

Blue sapphires, like Princess Diana’s engagement ring, are an elegant and versatile choice. One consideration about sapphires is that they can be such a deep hue of blue that they appear almost black or even opaque in some lightings, meaning there is less sparkle than may be desirable for an engagement ring.

GEM STONE KING BLUE MYSTIC TOPAZ AND DIAMOND HALO RING DETAILS

This Blue Mystic Topaz gemstone has the intensity of a sapphire without the darkness, rather it has a beautiful ocean blue clarity that many people seek in a blue gemstone ring.

Blue Mystic Topaz has a deep blue color but retains the depth and brilliance of a traditional engagement ring kind of sparkle

THE FOCAL STONE

The focal gemstone of a Blue Mystic Topaz of this Gem Stone King ring is called Tanzanite Blue, which is not quite as dark as a natural sapphire. A Mystic Topaz is brighter than a sapphire, but not an unnatural looking bright such as the royal blue shade that often occurs in created sapphires. Mystic Topaz often cast small rainbow hues within the depth of the stone. Its’ depth, sparkle, reflection, and the cut are more evident to the naked eye that is often seen in a natural sapphire.

Vibrant Blue Mystic Topaz has vibrant depth, brilliance, sparkle,Â and light

Oval stones allow for a round cut for maximum sparkle

It is a 1.30 Carat natural stone with an oval cut held in a traditional four-prong setting. The oval cut allows for the cut style, brilliance, and sparkle seen on a round diamond but with a unique and flattering look.

Side view of four prong setting

THE SIDE STONES

The twenty-eight side stones are natural diamonds that surround the focal stone in a halo. They are a combined total weight of 0.092 carats. The round cut maximizes the sparkle of each 0.05-carat diamond encircling the focal Topaz. These side stones catch a surprising amount of light and look particularly brilliant and sparkly when hands are in motion.

All Gem Stone King diamonds are conflict-free from authorized sources with a Kimberley certificate.

Twenty-eight natural round cut conflict-free diamonds

THE BAND

The 17mm band is 10K White Gold that has a high shine and luster. 10K White Gold is highly durable which makes it ideal for a band that will be worn daily for years to come.

The appearance is smooth and shiny, sleek and modern but it also has a traditional engagement ring look and feel. The white gold also enhances the cool blue tones of the gemstones.

While this ring can be given for any special occasion or worn as a statement piece ring, it makes a lovely choice for a non-diamond engagement ring because it nods to tradition while still showing the personal unique style of the wearer. Also, the inclusion of diamonds as side stones still incorporates the traditional diamond into the ring.

10KT White Gold band has a shiny, smooth finish that is durable

GIFT PRESENTATION PACKAGING

The ring comes in a double box gift presentation. The outer box is a white gift box with a gold Gem Stone King logo on the top. The inner box is a gold logo on a blue hinged ring box with velvet lining inside. The ring comes in a small bag to keep it free of lint or damage while in storage or before the presentation of the ring.

The ring comes in a Gem Stone King white outer box and blue inner box

Gem Stone King Ring box

FULLY INSURED

While buying jewelry online offers lower prices than brick and mortar stores, there is always some risk of the item getting lost or damaged in the mail. This Gem Stone King ring comes fully insured at no additional cost. This insurance protects you from any risk of damage or the loss of your item while in transit.

CONCLUSION

If you’re considering a blue gemstone engagement ring but want a naturally bright stone with more sparkle, this Gem Stone King ring featuring a 1.30-carat Blue Mystic Topaz makes an excellent choice. It is not an overly dark stone yet also doesn’t appear too bright like the intense royal blue hue of a created sapphire. The halo of twenty-eight diamonds add sparkle and lend an elegant, traditional look. The diamonds are conflict-free. The 10K white gold band is durable and shiny. A modern yet timeless look durable enough to wear for years to come.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the Gem Stone King 10K White Gold Diamond Halo Engagement Ring set with 1.30 Ct Oval Blue Mystic Topaz at
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y95BQK2

Style Chicks received the Gem Stone King 10K White Gold Diamond Halo Engagement Ring set with 1.30 Ct Oval Blue Mystic Topaz in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

WEARING TIMELESS MODERN CLASSICS: Gem Stone King Bermuda Blue Swarovski Crystal Pendant

February 12, 2018 · 16 Comments

Need a timeless gift? This gift-boxed Gem Stone King has a focal piece of a 1/2 inch Bermuda Blue Swarovski crystal on an 18-inch chain. The look is modern but it has decidedly classic overtones, channeling your inner Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn while still being versatile enough a piece to suit an “Au Courant” wardrobe ranging from casual to formal outfits.

Gem Stone King Bermuda Blue Swarovski Crystal Pendant has a beautiful sparkle due to the precision cut

WHY CHOOSE THIS GEM STONE KING PENDANT

If you’re looking for a signature necklace for yourself or a tasteful gift, this piece is an excellent choice because it made of quality materials and superior construction. As a New York City-based diamond wholesaler, Gem Stone King oversees local production to keep costs low while employing old world methods with modern technology. They sell jewelry online directly to consumers. Because of this, they offer a much higher quality item that is typically seen for the price point.

The 18-inch chain looks lovely on an open neckline

This particular piece uses a Swarovski Crystal Gemstone with a precision-cut as often seen on diamonds to enhances the sparkle and clarity. It is classic and elegant, yet sleek enough to feel modern.

Gem Stone King Pendant with Swarvoski crystal has brilliant sparkle

The Gem Stone King Pendant Swarovski crystal focal stone and surrounding white stones have brilliant sparkle

THE FOCAL STONE

The gem stone is a rounded square with a cut to maximize the sparkle in the light. The stone itself is transparent without blemishes. The Bermuda Blue color is very versatile, vibrant and even.

Close up view of the focal piece

The center stone is surrounded by a double row of small white crystals that have a great deal of sparkle.

It works with icy pastels, white, deep vibrant blues such as royal and cobalt, as well as neutrals, creams, and linens and even contrasting brights like orange. The clean lines of the necklace look particularly nice with an open neckline.

As seen on an ice blue silk taffeta formal dress

Looks pretty on bright, cheery colors ranging from aqua blues, browns, greens and reds

ABOUT SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL GEMSTONES

The Swarovski brand is renowned for creating crystals that have astounding light and sparkle due to their precise cutting methods. Swarovski uses a patented machine to perfect the look of a hand-cut to make crystals of high brilliance like a diamond available for the price of a crystal. Because Swarovski crystals have such a glamorous sparkle, they are frequently used in costumes, bridal wear, and designer gowns.

18″ inch chain is Rhodium plated for high-shine and durability

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS

The spring-ring clasp is sturdy and the stone setting is secure. The cable necklace chain does not catch on delicate fabrics such as silk or satin.

The clasp is marked and the chain is of particular high-brilliance. The focal piece, clasp, and chain are Rhodium plated for high luster and durability.

Marked clasp is sturdy and easy to use

MAKES AN IDEAL GIFT

The pendant comes gift boxed. It makes an ideal gift item for a milestone event or just because for someone special, such as for a bridesmaid gift, a girlfriend, mother or a friend who has a sleek yet elegant style.

Gift box

FEATURES

Gift Box
No questions asked money back guarantee
Free Return and Refund and Lifetime Warranty

ABOUT GEM STONE KING

Gem Stone King is a leading online jewelry company with over 5 million internet sales. The Gem Stone King family has been in the diamond business for over 100 years. The president is a fourth generation diamond merchant. Based in New York, New York, their jewelry is mainly manufactured in the United States. All Gem Stone King diamonds are conflict-free from authorized sources with a Kimberley certificate.

An elegant piece for a modern Grace Kelly vibe

CONCLUSION

A high-end look at an affordable price point, this Gem Stone King Bermuda Blue Swarovski Crystal Pendant has quality workmanship paired with the brilliance of a classic yet modern focal piece which is cut in the Swarovski tradition for maximum sparkle. In its’ own gift box, it makes an ideal gift for someone who loves elegant, sleek jewelry.

A tasteful gift

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find this gift-boxed Gem Stone King Bermuda Blue Swarovski Crystal Pendant with Rhodium plated chain atÂ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072KL1MH1?th=1

Style Chicks received the Gem Stone King Bermuda Blue Swarovski Crystal Pendant in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.