Finding the perfect body wash is no easy task.

I don't think I have ever even finished an entire bottle of shower gel or body wash. Not because I do not like one or another, there are just so many wonderful washes on the market each with it's own qualities. Let's face it, a new or different scent is always so welcoming in the shower making the discovery of the ultimate wash so difficult. Yes, I am very wishy-washy when it comes to body washes.

First, to be a good wash, it needs to smell nice. Not overpowering where it will interfere with any body creams or fragrance, but a scent that smells nice when simply worn alone. I like a good lather - the more bubbles the better - but I have found some washes that I really like that have a minimal amount of bubbles, but make up for it with another quality. Finally, I like to feel moisturized from my wash, clean too. Not left with a film or feeling stripped, but feeling and smelling fresh and clean, using it as intended.

Over the past week or two, I have used a number of different washes, ten in fact. One was a scrub, the other just washes. Two of them have made their way to my husband's shower, and one to my son's. The rest I am sharing with my daughter - and she can't even pick out a favorite either.

Olay Calm Release with Violet and Lavender* - This body wash has quite a strong smell, but nice, that suds up quite nicely. It feels very moisturizing and almost slippery, but it contains a large amount of petrolatum (second on the ingredient list after the water) and I think that is why I feel moisturized without really getting moisturized in the end. This is my daughters favorites as she loves the heavy violet scent.

Sephora Coconut Body Wash - When I smelled this in Sephora, I just had to have it. Being that it was probably 20 degrees outside, I think it conjured up thoughts of warm sun as I took it in. It makes me feel the same way when I use it in the shower. The scent and nice sudsing has me looking for it a lot, only to find that my husband sneaks this one out of my shower. When I remember to, I sneak it back in before my shower.

Bath and Body Works Velvet Tuberose* - Though this is not made with the finest of ingredients (I hate that B & B W uses so much mineral oil as fillers in their products), this Signature Shower Gel in the Velvet Tuberose scent makes one think that it is. I sort of think of my grandmother who loved to travel and was a bit mysterious when I open this scent. And just look at the notes in the fragrance: top notes - Modern Citrus, Dewey Magnolia, Juicy Apricot, Ylang Ylang, Green; mid notes - Tuberose Accord, White Freesia, Tender Cyclamen, Diamond Orchid, Heady Gardenia, Indian Jasmine, Succulent Fig; base notes - Addictive Ambers, Sensual Sandalwood, Exotic Spices, Cashmere Accord, Warm Musks. As with all the B & B W washes and gels, there is a lot of soapy lather and I like the way a little goes a long way and the bottles seem to last forever.

Philosophy Soul Mates in Grapefruit - This citrusy scent also makes one think of Summer, or at least a warm sunny winter day. The scent is great, more citrus than actual grapefruit, in my opinion, and a superior wash like all of the Philosophy famous 3-in-1's.

Suave Exhale Calmly Body Wash* - This is a bargain body wash that I really like. Just because it is such a bargain, does not mean it is not bubbly and beautiful feeling on the skin. The Lavender and Vanilla scent, which was so overdone years ago, is a softer version scent in this wash.

Dove Cream Oil Body Wash in Ultra Rich* - Dove is really making a dent in the mass market these days, and I will be honest that this was my first try with a Dove bath product. Ultra rich is right on, as this is a thick wash, almost creamy, yet lathers nicely. It has a nice florally scent, nothing too fancy or overdone. For a first timer, I am pretty impressed.

Lancome Body Delisse Immediate Soft Touch Moisturizing Body Wash - After my Lancome facial a few weekends ago, I have a new found love for the Lancome fragranced products. This wash is no exception. It smells divine and is very moisturizing. It makes a smaller lather, but feels very rich as it cleanses my skin. I just noticed that Salicylic Acid is in the ingredient list, and I think this is why my skin feels extra smooth when I use it.

GapBody Body Scrub in Night Fall* - Initially I wondered if this were a product for men, which probably explains why my son grabbed this one up right away. I used it just once, but liked the gentle scrubbing action of the sugar and sea salt. The Night Fall scent is very dark and woodsy, like I said, making me think it is better to stay with my son in his shower.

Avon Skin So Soft Fusions Body Wash* - A winner from Avon, I love the little micro beads in this creamy body wash. I am not overly crazy about the scent, and it definitely lathers less than most, but the way my skin feels after cleansing, definitely makes up for it. I need to investigate to see if this is available in other scents and it might be one of the more permanent residences in the shower.

Caress Exotic Oil Infusions Moroccan Body Wash* - A creamy wash that foams as it lathers, engulfing the shower with a very exotic scent, as in the title. The scent does not stay with me, but the scent it left in the bathroom made my son grab this one up too. Just as well, as I just don't like dark, musky scents in the shower all that much - unless, it is mixed with a floral, that is.

*Thanks to Total Beauty, I got these new washes in my CEW goodie bag! 

Shower for the Cure is Philosophy's Pink-Ribbon Shower Gel, specially formulated for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

You know the famous creamy all-in-one formula that can be used as a shampoo, bath or shower gel, right? Well, this one is lightly scented with a clean tangerine scent with a touch of millk. Yum! 

100% of the Philosophy proceeds from the Shower for the Cure Pink Ribbon Shower Gel are donated to the Women's Cancer Research Fund.

You can grab this wherever Philosophy is sold. 

I don't write too much about fragrance here, but I had to share my latest love for my daughter's choice of scent - Ralph Rocks.

This is another youth oriented scent, by their own description, it is an exciting and rebellious blend. I think it is perfect for me, even. It smells a bit of sweet citrus with deep coconut - almost creamy. Yum!

The notes:Passion Fruit, Humid Mist, Kiwi, Washed Citrus Accord, Dewey Green Palm Leaves, Freesia, Orange Blossom, Heirloom Hyacinth, White Coconut Milk, Sun Bleached Woods, Amber, Indonesian Sandalwood.

The Ralph Rocks collection includes an EDT Spray in three sizes, a body moisturizer and shower gel.    

I am absolutely amazed at the amount of bath and body collections that are out there. There are so many that thinking about it too hard could make my head spin! Now, don't get me wrong, this is in no way a bad thing. It is just amazing that there are so many creative forces out there that stock our shelves with such wonderful goodies.

I am always happy when I find some beautiful beauties, like this from Bubalina Beauty.

I melted when I saw this set with Orange Blossom products. I so love anything to do with Orange. It is always so sweet and refreshing, so you can understand my excitement. In this lovely collection is an Orange Blossom Body Lotion, Orange Blossom Shower Gel, and a pair of exfoliating gloves to use with the Shower Gel for the ultimate Bubalina experience.

This Collection Gift Bag retails for $38 at Bubalina Beauty.

All of Bubalina's products only contain pure and superior ingredients, infused by natural extracts.

Don't you just love the Bubablina girls on the packaging? Too cute! I am sure any Mom would love these sets, too.

I think my Mother is absolutely amazing. She is probably the least selfish person I know. Always kind. Giving. Thoughtful. And always there to lend support to those that want it. I am truly inspired by her, and still to this day, wish I could keep up with her! She is so full of life, energy, and love. She is simply amazing - one of a kind.

So, what do I give my most Amazing Mom for Mother's Day? Amazing Grace Mother's Day Gift Set from Philosophy.

I love the entire fragrance line of Philosophy, and I recently got Mom hooked on Amazing Grace, so she should be thrilled to get this wonderful set. 

This Amazing Grace Gift Set includes an Amazing Grace spray fragrance, Amazing Grace shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath,  Amazing Grace perfumed body firming emulsion and an Amazing Grace shimmer powder puff with the lightest scent of Amazing Grace with a hint of sparkle.

This set retails for $65 at Philosophy, and there a few variations of it available at Sephora, beauty.com, and QVC as well.

Mother's Day better hurry up and get here or I just might be over come with temptation and open this beauty up for myself. 

I did not get to attend this year, but there is nothing better then the CEW Beauty Awards if you are a beauty enthusiast like me.

“The CEW Beauty Awards are the only product awards voted on by beauty insiders – CEW’s 4,000+ members who live and breathe this industry. Their combined expertise is a powerful recommendation to consumers looking for the best-in-class,” said CEW president Carlotta Jacobson.

The nominations included 621 products in 32 categories. Oh, where to begin!

Congratulations to the winners:

FACIAL SKINCARE:
Acne Treatment $10 and over
MD Skincare by Dr. Dennis Gross All-Over Blemish Solution
Acne Treatment Under $10
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Pads
Anti-Aging $30 and over
Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology Wexler Intensive Night Reversal & Repair Cream
Anti-Aging Under $30
Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer
Cleanser & Scrub $12 and over
Clinique Liquid Facial Soap
Cleanser & Scrub Under $12
Dove Energy Glow Skin Brightening Facial Cleanser
Eye Treatment $20 and over
Avon Anew Clinical Eye Lift
Eye Treatment Under $20
Tweezerman After Tweeze Soothing Cream
Lip Treatment $14 and over
FusionBeauty LipFusion XL
Lip Treatment Under $14
tarte fRxtion Sugar Exfoliator & Lip Balm Duo
Moisturizer $30 and over
Shiseido Cosmetics Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Cream
Moisturizer Under $30
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
Peel and Mask $25 and over
Shiseido Cosmetics Benefiance Pure Retinol Face Mask
Peel & Mask Under $25
Lumene Time Freeze Instant Lift Mask

MEN’S SKINCARE:
Men's Skincare $15 and over TIE
· Kiehl's Eye Alert
· The Art of Shaving Body Scrub with Tangerine and Eucalyptus Essential Oils

MAKEUP:
Eye Product $15 and over
Chanel Inimitable Mascara
Eye Product Under $15
CoverGirl LashExact Mascara
Face Product $18 and over
SK-II AirTouch Foundation
Face Product Under $18
M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Touch-Up Stick
Lip Product $15 and over
Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour
Lip Product Under $15
Bourjois Paris Effet 3D Mobile Cell Phone Charm

HAIR CARE:
Hair Care & Coloring Product $15 and over
Frédéric Fekkai Ageless Damage-Defense Capsules
Hair Care & Coloring Product Under $15
John Frieda Professional Hair Care Luminous Color Glaze

BATH & BODY:
Body Treatment $15 and over
Origins Natural Resources Modern Friction for the Body
Body Treatment Under $15
Dove Energy Glow Shimmering Lotion
Scented Bath & Body $15 and over
C.O. Bigelow Lemon Cream Body Wash
Scented Bath & Body Under $15
Olay Body Wash plus Ribbons

NAILS:
Nail Care & Color Under $12
Avon Instant Manicure

SUN:
Sun Product $15 and over TIE
· Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Eye Contour Care SPF 30
· La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX
Sun Product Under $15
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 55

SCENT:
Women's Scent $35 and over
Prada Eau de Parfum Tendre by Prada
Women's Scent Under $35 TIE
· Grassroots Happily Ever After
· Sonia Kashuk Beauty @Target Sonia’s Solid Perfume Palette
Men's Sent $30 and over
Sean John Fragrances / Estée Lauder Unforgivable by Sean John

INDIE BEAUTY AWARD
This award celebrates innovation in independent companies that have been in existence for less than five years, giving young beauty brands an opportunity to be recognized for their achievements.
skyn ICELAND

Philosophy has created one of their favorite formulas, their 3-in-1 shampoo, bubble bath, and shower gel, in memory of the late and great, Dana Reeve. Dana Reeve was the wife of the late Christopher Reeve. And the title of this product exemplifies who Dana was, in person and in spirit. Inner Grace.

Inner Grace is one of the best smelling, clean, yet fresh and pretty scents, I have ever smelled. It is a softer, less musky version of Amazing Grace. I hope it is added as a regular product, with hopefully lotion and perfume from the company soon. That is how much I adore this scent.

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You should all know by now how much I love, love, love Philosophy and their great products. Besides Purity, the cleanser I swear by and use each and every day, my second favorite is their 3-in-1 Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath. These come in a multitde of scents. Some pretty, some clean, and some quite yummy.

The latest 3-in1's are both very yummy limited edition scents. How do these sound? Butter Cream Frosting & Red Velvet Cake. I am sure you mouth is watering by now. The scents are dead on, and are equally nice when layered, just like the real thing.

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