For the longest time I wasn't a big fan of using bar soaps - liquid soaps were always my preference. This was mostly because the bar soaps I'd used in the past have always left a mess of soap mush wherever the rest, and they always left my skin feeling stripped of moisture.

This was before I dug in and learned a lot more about artisan soap companies and what goes in to their soaps. As much as I dye my hair, I do try to limit the amount of chemicals I use, particularly with my skincare. After learning more about artisan soaps, I decided to buy some bar soap containers and give them a try.

It's inspiring to watch other creatives and entrepreneurs chase wholeheartedly after their dreams. Over the past couple years, I've been following the journey of a woman named Heather. She runs an empowering blog (Hiya, Tootsie!), writes words that sing, and has launched her own perfume line. All along the way, she's been sharing peeks behind the scenes with such passion and eloquent vulnerability that makes you unable to do anything except cheer along with her!

I am a shoe in when it comes to beautiful packaging and Luxe Apothecary has that aspect of their business down to perfection! I can't be the only one, however, who has gone to the store, fallen in love with a product that has beautiful packaging, and brought it home only to be disappointed by the quality of the item inside. It's the worst, am I right?

Setting powders are something I generally avoid. I have combination skin and I've found that setting powders - or powders in general - tend to cling to the drier areas of my skin. I don't know about you, but that's not a look I personally enjoy. I've tried a few - Coty Airspun powder and Wet N Wild's contouring palette in Dulce de Leche have been the most successful - but never been thrilled. Especially not enough to splurge on a high end setting powder.