Showing posts with label recommended. Show all posts

7/16/2026

All Sales Are Fin...Hold On!

To me, how a company treats its customers when something goes wrong says Just as much about the brand as the products it creates.

Many moons ago, I placed an order with an indie beauty brand. (My thoughts on indie beauty brands as a whole to come.)

Two weeks after placing my order, I reached out because it hadn’t arrived. I was told there had been an issue with shipping labels that affected multiple orders and that I should continue to wait.

When I asked for the correct tracking information, I was told to contact USPS. Since my purchase was with the merchant, not USPS, I believed it was the merchant’s responsibility to investigate the shipment, communicate with the carrier, and provide accurate tracking information, rather than expecting the customer to resolve an issue that originated during the fulfillment process.

A few days later, I contacted the brand again looking for an update. I was then told they had contacted USPS and that I would need to wait 30–45 days before the package could officially be considered lost.

So, I waited.

Once that time frame had passed, I reached out again. After several days without a response, I followed up once more. I was eventually informed that they had filed a lost package claim with USPS.

At that point, I simply asked to cancel my order and receive a refund.

Instead, I was told that because of their “all sales are final” policy, my only options were to have the order reshipped or accept store credit.

For me, neither option was appropriate.

The merchant acknowledged that my order was never delivered because of a fulfillment issue on their end. I paid for merchandise that I never received, and I don’t believe store credit is an appropriate substitute for a refund on an order that was never completed. I also don’t do store credit because it’s too easy to forget about over time, and I don’t believe a company should retain my money for merchandise that was never delivered.

Additionally, I purchased the optional shipping protection offered at checkout. Since the merchant had already filed a claim regarding the lost package, I believed the appropriate resolution was simply to conclude the transaction by refunding the customer for merchandise that was never received.

What I Learned

If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, know that you may have more options than you realize. These are the steps I took:

1. Contact your bank as soon as possible.

One of the first things I did was contact my bank to understand my options and the time limits for disputing the transaction. If you’re dealing with a purchase issue, don’t wait too long. Many banks and credit card issuers have deadlines for filing disputes, and once those deadlines pass, your options may become much more limited.

2. Consider using PayPal instead of Buy Now, Pay Later services (such as Afterpay).

Going forward, I’ll be using PayPal whenever it’s available. In my experience, Afterpay did not assist with resolving my dispute because it acts as a payment facilitator rather than handling disputes between customers and merchants. While no payment method is perfect, I personally found PayPal’s Buyer Protection to offer an additional layer of protection and greater peace of mind.

3. Know the consumer resources available to you.

After exhausting my options with the merchant, I filed complaints with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division in the state where the business is located, as well as with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Every situation is different, and no outcome is guaranteed, but these organizations exist to help consumers and businesses resolve disputes.

The biggest lesson I learned is to know your rights as a consumer and understand the options available to you before assuming there’s nothing more you can do.

When we make a purchase, we’re entering into an agreement. The customer agrees to pay for the product, and the business agrees to provide the merchandise that was purchased. Both parties have responsibilities in that transaction.

Businesses have the right to establish reasonable policies, including return policies. At the same time, consumers have rights and reasonable expectations. If the agreed-upon product is never delivered, it’s important to understand the protections available to you and the options you may have for resolving the situation.

No one will protect your money better than you. Protect your purchases, know your consumer rights, and don’t be afraid to use the consumer protection resources available to you when necessary.

This entire experience has made me rethink how I spend my money.

Going forward, I won’t be purchasing directly from this brand again. More broadly, I don’t think I’ll purchase directly from beauty brands that have an “all sales are final” policy. If I can buy their products through a retailer that offers stronger customer protections, I’ll choose that option instead.

Customer service matters to me just as much as the products themselves, if not more.

How do you feel about beauty brands that have an “all sales are final” policy? Does that policy affect your decision to purchase from them, or is it something you don’t think about until there’s a problem?

I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts and experiences. I really want to peel back the layers of this proverbial “all sales are final” onion. Is the policy simply the cost of supporting smaller brands, or should it have limits when an order is never delivered? Where do you think the line should be?

For the record, I did eventually receive my refund. That doesn’t change the experience or the questions it raised about customer service and “all sales are final” policies.

7/07/2026

Star-Spangled Blueberry...Yankee Candle

Native to North America, blueberries have been enjoyed on the continent for thousands of years. Long before commercial cultivation began, wild blueberries were gathered for food, medicine, and preservation. Today, the fruit is widely associated with American summers, appearing in everything from pies and cobblers to pancakes and muffins, and remains one of the country's most beloved berries, as well as one of my own favorites.

For a collection celebrating America's 250th anniversary, blueberries feel like a fitting source of inspiration. While many people might have expected something centered around apple pie, I appreciate that Yankee Candle chose blueberries instead, as they are equally tied to American traditions and summers.

Star-Spangled Blueberry is classified by Yankee Candle as a Fruity fragrance inspired by blueberry pie, a staple of summer picnics and neighborhood gatherings. Combining notes of juicy blueberries, creamy butter, and baked vanilla, the fragrance is designed to capture the comforting appeal of this classic American dessert.

Top: Juicy Blueberries, Ripe Strawberry, Grape, Orange Zest

Mid: Dash of Cinnamon, Crisp Apple, Sheer Cyclamen, Creamed Butter

Base: Baked Vanilla, Sweet Musk

A single wick in blue colored premium plant wax.

As someone who loves blueberries, I was always going to be biased toward this candle. Blueberries are one of those things that immediately get my attention. If I see something blueberry-themed, I'm definitely going to be interested and most definitely going to buy it.

When I first removed the lid, I was greeted by a sweet blueberry aroma that immediately reminded me of blueberry cotton candy. There is no mistaking that this is a decidedly sweet fragrance.

While Yankee Candle's description centers around blueberry pie, that's not really what I get. To my nose, it smells more like blueberry syrup drizzled over a snow cone with a generous splash of vanilla mixed in. At other times, it reminds me of a sweet blueberry jam or blueberry pie filling, again with vanilla swirled in. What I don't get much, if any, is a bakery note. Despite the listed notes of creamed butter and baked vanilla, I'm not picking up a pie crust or flaky baked pastry accord.

As for the individual fragrance notes, all I really smell is blueberry and vanilla. The cinnamon, apple, strawberry, grape, and most of the other listed notes largely escape me. There is a hint of warmth in the fragrance, but that could just as easily be coming from the vanilla. It may be the butter note, but if it is, it's very subtle. Blueberry and vanilla unquestionably dominate the fragrance.

Whatever the exact interpretation, I think it's beautiful. Juicy, sweet, and unmistakably summery. There are many different ways to interpret blueberry in fragrance, and this is simply another one that I enjoy.

While it may not smell like blueberry pie to me, it absolutely succeeds as a delicious blueberry fragrance, and I love it.

The wick arrived a little wonky, but it didn't affect the burn in any way.

Now that I've had the opportunity to experience all four candles in the Happy Birthday America Collection, I discovered that three of the fragrances are actually repackaged versions of previous Yankee Candle releases. Heritage Oak is Vanilla Oak, Liberty Bloom is True Rose, and Star-Spangled Blueberry is Blueberry Scone. Denim Dreams, however, appears to be the only original fragrance createdspecifically for this collection.

I never owned any of these fragrances in their original releases, so I can't compare them firsthand. However, after checking Yankee Candle's website, I don't see the original versions currently available. If you're a fan of any of these scents, this collection may be a good opportunity to stock up while they're still around.

7/06/2026

Red, White, and Blue Jean...Yankee Candle Denim Dreams

Originally designed as durable workwear for miners, ranchers, and laborers in the late 19th century, denim eventually transcended its utilitarian roots to become a symbol of individuality, freedom, and self-expression. More than a century later, what began as practical work clothing evolved into a fixture in wardrobes around the world, cementing denim's place as one of the country's most recognizable fashion and cultural exports.

Yankee Candle describes Denim Dreams as a Fresh & Clean fragrance that combines notes of white florals, fresh air, and ambery musk. Inspired by the comfort of a favorite pair of jeans and the carefree spirit of summer, the fragrance is designed to evoke the simple pleasure of relaxation.

Top: Fresh Air, Crisp Cotton, Red Berries

Mid: Orris, Jasmine, Lily of the Valley

Base: Ambery Musk, Cypress Wood

Denim Dreams may end up being the easiest candle in the collection for me to describe because, rather than focusing on individual fragrance notes, my mind immediately went somewhere else entirely.

To me, Denim Dreams smells like an ex-boyfriend. Seriously, it smells exactly like an ex-boyfriend of mine.

It's the first thing that came to mind when I smelled this candle. While I can pick up on the clean, crisp characteristics described by Yankee Candle, what I get is a fresh, masculine cologne scent. It's been eons since I've smelled Paco Rabanne, but Denim Dreams immediately transported me back there. In fact, if you handed me a bottle of Paco Rabanne and this candle and asked me to smell both, I'd say they smell exactly the same. To my nose (and memory), this is essentially Paco Rabanne in candle form.

A single wick, in white premium plant wax.

My overall impression of Denim Dreams is that it's a crisp, clean, fresh, sexy, masculine scent that I find incredibly appealing.

Needless to say, I love it. In fact, this was one of the candles in the collection that made me want to purchase a backup almost immediately...and I did.

7/05/2026

Sweet Land of Liberty Bloom...Yankee Candle

Long before Ronald Reagan officially designated the rose as America's national flower in 1986, it had already become one of the country's most enduring symbols. Often associated with love, honor, remembrance, and sacrifice, the flower has appeared in American gardens for centuries, including those at Mount Vernon, where George Washington was known to grow roses. For a collection commemorating America's 250th anniversary, I feel the rose is a thoughtful and intentional choice, showing the considerable thought and care that went into this collection's overall concept.

By the way, I should mention that I purchased all four candles from Yankee's Happy Birthday America Collection without reading their scent descriptions. As someone who loves a good theme, an occasion, or a celebration, if you will, and, yes, as a patriot, I bought them purely because of the concept.

According to Yankee Candle, Liberty Bloom is a floral fragrance inspired by America's national flower, the rose. Blending lush floral notes with grounding woods, the fragrance is designed to celebrate the spirit of possibility.

Top: Rose, Watery Green Ozonic Notes
Mid: Plum Blossom, Honeysuckle, Muguet
Base: Velvet Woods, Clove, Guaiac Wood

When I took the lid off Liberty Bloom, I instantly smelled the rose, and being someone who steers clear of roses, I was immediately a little apprehensive.

On cold and while burning, Liberty Bloom remained consistent. The rose is unquestionably the star of the fragrance, but it never comes across as overly perfumey, powdery, heady, or matronly. Instead, it's fresh, velvety, and perhaps even a little romantic. Accompanying it is a distinct watery green quality that gives the fragrance a dewy character, while the additional floral notes add depth and softness. Beneath it all, the woody base notes provide a gentle foundation that keeps the fragrance grounded.

One note I couldn't identify at all was the clove. Despite being listed in the fragrance notes, I never picked up any noticeable spice.

This candle succeeds for me because of how well everything around the rose supports and complements it. The watery green notes, soft florals, and woody base act like a supporting cast, each contributing to the overall composition. The result is a beautiful rose scent that reinforces my newfound appreciation for rose fragrances.

A single wick, red colored premium plant wax.

I think I'm having a bit of a scent identity crisis, or maybe some sort of fragrance evolution, because I'm finding myself increasingly more receptive to rose fragrances, when I used to shriek away from them. I blame True Love from Homeworx.

As for performance, I would classify the throw as medium, and I'm perfectly content with that. Given that Liberty Bloom is primarily a rose-forward floral fragrance, I'm not sure I would want it to be any stronger. Thankfully, the villainous heat and humidity that are synonymous with Tokyo summers hasn't gotten the memo yet. But when they do eventually arrive-and they will-this is about as strong as I'd want a fragrance like this to be for the season.

7/05/2026

One Nation Under Oak...Yankee Candle Heritage Oak

Before the American Revolution, there was a famous elm tree in Boston known as the Liberty Tree. Beginning in 1765, colonists gathered beneath the towering elm to protest the Stamp Act, one of the most controversial British taxes imposed on the colonies. Those gatherings helped plant the seeds of what would eventually become the American independence movement. The tree became such a powerful symbol that British soldiers cut it down in 1775.

Another candle company commemorating America's 250th anniversary is Yankee Candle. The brand has joined in the festivities with its limited-edition Happy Birthday America Collection, a quartet of patriotic fragrances inspired by various aspects of Americana, from iconic symbols and traditions to classic summertime comforts.

First up is Heritage Oak, the most woodsy fragrance in the collection.

While Heritage Oak isn't inspired by the Liberty Tree specifically, the connection immediately came to mind when I learned this candle was designed to evoke relaxing beneath America's national tree while waiting for fireworks.

Heritage Oak is built around a layered woody-aromatic structure:

Top: Lavandin, Sage, Anise
Mid: Ozonic Notes, Geranium, Jasmine
Base: Woody Oak, Musk, Vanilla

On cold, what stands out most is the interplay between all the scents. The earthy sage and oak, a gentle herbal brightness from the lavandin, a soft sweetness from the vanilla, and a cologne fragrance that I believe comes from the ozonic notes all meld into something more grounded and atmospheric.

What I experienced on cold largely carries over into the burn. The oak, sage, vanilla, and other supporting notes are so well balanced and blended that no single element dominates the fragrance. Nothing feels sharp or abrasive. Instead, the scent unfolds with a gentle, mellow quality that makes it incredibly easy to enjoy. The soft sweetness of the vanilla, the earthiness of the sage and lavandin, and the warmth of the woods work harmoniously together creating a fragrance that feels both calming and inviting.

A single wick, beige colored premium plant wax.

As for performance, I was pleasantly surprised. Yankee Candle's Original Large Jar candles can be somewhat hit-or-miss in my experience. Some have performed beautifully, while others have struggled to throw much scent at all. Fortunately, that wasn't the case here.

In fact, all four candles in the Happy Birthday America Collection performed remarkably well. Heritage Oak had no trouble filling my main living space, and I could even catch traces of the fragrance drifting into both bedrooms. While I live in Japan and my home may not be directly comparable to a typical American house, my apartment is quite spacious by local standards, making the candle's performance all the more impressive.

The burn itself was equally trouble-free. Burning the candle for three to four hours at a time, I experienced no tunneling or other performance issues. I should note that I always use a lid topper with my Yankee Candle jars, which can help promote a more even burn. Even so, the candle performed beautifully, pooling out nicely and maintaining a consistent fragrance throughout each burn.

7/04/2026

A Declaration of Independence... From This Candle

I've always wanted to see the Declaration of Independence in person, and one day, I hopefully will. Back in grade school, I was surprised to learn just how big the document actually is. Looking at it in textbooks, I had always pictured something much smaller, but the original parchment measures approximately 24¼ by 29¾ inches. Nearly 250 years after its adoption, the Declaration remains one
of the most enduring symbols of American history.

To celebrate the nation's upcoming semiquincentennial, Colonial Candle has released its USA 250th Anniversary candle.

According to Colonial Candle, the USA 250th Anniversary candle is meant to celebrate 250 years of tradition and resilience with a blend of fresh air, weathered driftwood, lavender, soft vanilla, earthy vetiver, warm amber, and sea moss. The fragrance is designed to evoke the spirit of an American summer, from backyard gatherings and fireworks to quieter moments of reflection.

On cold, my first impression was generally positive. Alongside the lavender, driftwood, and soft vanilla, I picked up a masculine aquatic-cologne note. However, there was something, an underlying scent in the blend, that immediately concerned me that it might become migraine-inducing once lit.

Unfortunately, that concern proved justified once the candle was burning. The note that had caught my attention on cold became much more prominent, eventually overwhelming the fresh and woody elements that had initially appealed to me. If I had to guess, the culprit may be the fougère note, although I can't say for certain. Whatever it is, it's a scent characteristic I've noticed in a few Colonial Candle fragrances over the years. In those candles, it's usually subtle enough that I can overlook it, but here it takes center stage, making the fragrance difficult for me to enjoy.

3-wick Soy blend white wax

As the candle continued to burn, I found myself focusing less on the driftwood, lavender, and sea moss and more on that unidentified note, which almost immediately eclipsed everything else. It was so oppressive and suffocating that I extinguished the candle less than 30 minutes into its burn. Rather than inviting me to keep smelling it, the fragrance made me want to put as much distance between myself and it as possible.

To the candle's credit, performance wasn't the issue. The fragrance projected well and had no problem making its presence known. Unfortunately, that very note that bothered me on cold became even more abrasive while burning, ultimately working against it in my case.

Because of that, this ended up being a one-burn-and-done candle for me. While I like the concept behind the fragrance, and there may very well be an audience for it, it simply wasn't a scent that worked for me. After a single burn, I've decided not to revisit it and will likely pass it along to someone who may appreciate it more than I did because I surely don't.

11/01/2025

No Crease, No Chaos, Just Melt...Melt-It Liquid Eyeshadow & Base

There's something quietly transformative about blending out a liquid eyeshadow and having it settle onto your lids in a soft-focus, dinmensional, blurred finish that looks as if you'd spent more time and brushes on your look than you did. Those are the exact results I get with Melt Cosmetics' Melt-It Liquid Eyeshadow & Base.

The gradient color of the exterior packaging and the quality of the paper stock show that extra care and attention to detail I’ve come to love from the brand.

The product features a paddle-shaped applicator-ideal for controlled placement and blending.

Melt Cosmetics’ Melt-It Liquid Eyeshadow & Base is a light, creamy liquid that melts (pun inadvertently intended) onto the lids in either a semi-matte or semi-pearl finish.

I own all six shades (because restraint is for other people), and ever since they were released, I’ve been obsessed.

From left to right: Ultra white, Vanilla, Fresh, Nudist, Double Shot, Nightswim.

Ultra White – A semi-matte crisp white.

Vanilla – A semi-pearl peachy nude.

Fresh – A semi-pearl rich apricot beige.

Nudist – A semi-matte ambered warm brown.

Double Shot – A semi-matte cool-toned espresso brown.

Nightswim – A semi-matte moody black.

As the name suggests, Melt-It is equal parts eyeshadow and eyeshadow base, which means you can wear it solo for an effortless yet defined wash of color, or layer it under powder shadows to amp things up.

I’ve worn these liquid shadows on their own, as a primer, to highlight, and to define-and each shade behaves the same: smooth application with plenty of playtime before it sets, leaving a blurred, flattering dry-down that doesn’t crease, flake, or fade even after extended wear.

A little truly goes a long way. My main go-to method is to wipe the excess off the spatula applicator on the lip of the tube, apply a small amount at the base of my lashes, and blend out with the pads of my pinky finger-repeating several times until I get the desired opacity-then finishing off with my ring finger or a brush for a final blend above the crease.

I’ve had the Melt-It Liquid Eyeshadow & Base for well over a year now, and they’ve become a true mainstay product for me. They were the only eyeshadows I took with me when I visited the States for six weeks this past summer-which should tell you everything. When I want a quick, minimal-effort application, or when I'm going for a more lip-focused look but don’t want to neglect my eyes, I reach for them.

Reliable, Seamless, and Simplistically transformative, the Melt-It Liquid Eyeshadow & Base doesn't require an entire cosmetic strategy to look intentional.

10/31/2025

And I Can't Help But Love You So...Zoya Spencer Nail Lacquer

Do you ever wonder whom or what Zoya's nail polishes are named after? I, for one, have always been curious.

For instance, the nail polish I’m featuring and wore two days ago is Spencer. Some of the first names that come to mind are the Spencer Davis Group, Spencer Tracy, and the late Princess Diana’s surname, Spencer. There are so many possibilities.

Now, onto the polish itself. Spencer is a neutral camel cream with just a touch of warmth-a gorgeous, toasty, almost mannequin-nail shade that’s just a bit deeper than my skin tone. I especially love wearing it in autumn, when the slightly warmer hue feels cozy and perfectly seasonal.

As for the formula, Zoya doesn’t disappoint. It glides on smoothly without any streaking and gives full coverage in just two coats.

For those who love a polish that’s both subtle and sophisticated, Spencer definitely delivers.

10/30/2025

Creepy Critters...Goose Creek Candle

Among my entire candle collection, my Halloween candles are the most sacred. I adore their thematic labels and dark, sometimes evocative scents. Every year, I struggle with how to treat them—do I keep them pristine and untouched, just to admire on the shelf? Do I burn them sparingly, trying to make them last forever? Or do I let them burn all the way through, accepting their timely demise?

Although their coloring is different, the figure on the right of the label above, wearing an oversized wolf mask, always reminds me of a character from the Killing the Dance segment of the horror anthology 10/31. If you’ve seen it, you’ll know who I mean.

I picked up Goose Creek’s Creepy Critters back in 2021. Not exactly a standout, it has its own character. The scent notes—bonfire embers, fluffy marshmallows, sugared cream, and woods. During the season, I’ll give it a burn (or two) when I’m in a “gather around the campfire with tasty treats” kind of mood. When burning, it gives off a smoky, woodsy scent with a warm marshmallow note. Not only could I smell it in my living room, I could detect it as I walked into the other rooms of my apartment as well.

As it was getting dark, I took a photo of the candle to better showcase the giant cratered moon, the stretched-out barren tree branches, and the bats in spended midair against the jar’s glowing luminary effect.

I’m obsessed with my Halloween candles, but my collection is so massive—and continues to grow—that I’ve decided it’s finally time to go through more of them. I’ll likely begin with the ones that aren’t my favorites, or the ones I have backups of, just to make a little room. One way I’ve found to still keep them feeling like a part of my collection, to memorialize them even after they’re gone, is to catalog them here on the blog and on Instagram. That way, I can look back and remember each one—their Halloween-themed labels and scents.

10/29/2025

You'll Join Us Someday...Garden Path Lacquers

Over the Garden Wall is a must-watch every October. With candle-lit evenings filling the room with autumnal fragrances-an amuse-bouche for the spooky season before I delve into darker fare.