This is something I've actually ive actually been doing for a few years now, and I'm surprised I haven't blogged about it once! Possibly the easiest, and cheapest facial scrub you could do yourself, this wonderful scrub only uses 2 ingredients which you (should) already have at home!
Things you'll need:
- your every day face wash.
- baking soda.
(Yes, that's all!)
So, what I like to do is simply wet my face with warm water. I like to use a wet wash cloth and let it sit on my face for a minute to open my pores and soften the skin a bit, making it easier to slough off those dead skin cells!
Then I take a little bit of baking soda, maybe a teaspoon or so. (Start off with a little in case you have sensitive skin, add more if needed.) to that, add your face wash. I use a basic cleanser for this..nothing too strong or anything with a ton of acne fighting ingredients or anything. Also add a little bit of water. Mix it all up right in the palm of your hand.
Now, simply apply it to your face all over and gently scrub in circular motions around your face. Careful not to rub too hard, the small gritty texture of the baking soda does a great job at exfoliating without the need to really scrub. You can let it sit for a few minutes if you want, but I like to wash it off right away. (Baking soda is a chemical, and for some people it could dry out your skin, so try it in a small spot first if you're worried.) you'll notice as you're rinsing it might feel like you're not able to wash all of the baking soda off. It that bothers you just add a drop of cleanser to help get the little residue off. ;)
Your face will look and feel amazingly polished, smooth, and soft afterwards! I always follow up with a good moisturizer after. And my skin feels amazing all week! My skin can totally handle this once a week, but those of you with sensitive skin might want to do it less often.
What is your favorite facial scrub? Do you like to make your own or is store bought more your style? Let me know! I'm always looking to try new scrubs! ;)
Have a beautiful day!
Stay humble & kind.
<3
Showing posts with label skin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skin. Show all posts
Monday, February 6, 2017
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Top 3 week. Day 5: Moisturizers
Hi stunner,
Today is the conclusion of my week of Top 3's. I invite you to follow my blog so you can stay in tune for all of my upcoming posts! These are my own unbiased opinions based on my personal preference and experience. As always leave me your top 3 down in the comments! Todays top 3 is my
Top 3 Moisturizers
This is another set that was really hard for me to chose the order of. I love all of these products for different reasons, and it wasnt easy for me to say which was better than another. Some of you who have been here a while may know that I have pretty problematic skin. I deal with breakouts and oily skin as well as dry patches in weird spots. Its always been hard for me to find moisturizers that dont leave my face feeling goopy and oily. Its actually really amazing that I have three and that it was even hard for me to pick an order for them! Without further ado, my top three..
3. My third pick for this set is the Lumene Bright Now Visible Repair Night Cream. Lumene is a brand that you can find at drug stores, Target, Ulta, and many places online. I think this product is around $30 for 1.7 oz, which is pretty much on par with some other top brands you might find at ulta, but definitely more expensive than a lot of the stuff youll see at your drug stores. I know this is a night cream, but I use it in the morning as well. It hydrates my dry spots really well, without leaving the rest of my skin feeling oily and gross. It goes on smooth and feels pretty nice. It also smells decent, which is never a bad thing. This product is also supposed to help with wrinkles, which I dont have yet because Im only 24, but it should help prevent them too! Which is always a plus!
2. The second spot goes to Garnier Skin Active Clearly Brighter Sunscreen and Daily Moisturizer. This moisturizer says that it is a sunscreen, and has SPF 15. (which really isnt that high for a facial sunscreen, id prefer something a bit higher if its supposed to last me all day!) I love how smooth this product goes on. It absorbs really well and doesnt leave my skin greasy at all, which is so important to me! I can put it on under my makeup and it protects my skin from the sun while leaving it smooth and hydrated! This is the cheapest product on my list, around $15 for 2.5 oz. so its affordable for most people! I enjoy the scent of this product, it smells clean and fresh, which matches perfectly how it makes my skin feel when I use it!
1. My final number one pick goes to Malibu C Vital Creme. Malibu C is probably my current favorite skin care brand, and this moisturizer is simply amazing! Malibu C is a company that aims to solve your problems using nature inspired technologies. Their products are 100% vegan, cruelty free, and formulated without gluten, parabens, sulfates, preservatives, fragrences, and all of the nasty things we dont want on our skin! Their products are also made in the US. This is what sets them above the rest for me. This moisturizer is the silkiest and smoothest of the group, and it leaves my skin feeling so soo nice. It will cost you about $40 for 3.4 oz. which I think is completely fair! In the winter the backs of my hands get really dry, so I often find myself using this for that purpose too, and it works amazingly! After just a day or two my dryness is solved and my skin feels soft and smooth again! I love this brand and really suggest that you all go check out their products. They have amazing things for your skin. And soon I plan on checking out their hair products too!
I really hope you enjoyed this Top 3 series and look forward to another in the future! Feel free to leave any suggestions in the comments below for future Top 3 series!
XOXO
Always stay humble & kind.
Always stay humble & kind.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Top 3 week. Day 1: Makeup Removing Wipes
Hello beautiful,
This week I decided to give you a run down of my top 3's. I have 5 different categories Im going to cover, from skin care products to hair and makeup. Ill tell you why I love these products and give a sort of mini review. If you want a full in depth review on anything please let me know! Remember, these are my own unbiased opinions based on my personal preference and experience. As always feel free to let me know your top 3 down in the comments! And please follow this blog to stay on top of all of my posts! Todays top 3 is my
Top 3 Makeup Removing Wipes
Ive actually taken a break from doing my makeup daily to kind of improve my skin and let it breathe, so this isnt something I use every single day. But when I do wear makeup, by the end of the day it feels so good to take it all off and relax. Ive always found that if I dont remove my makeup before washing my face, just washing alone doesnt get my skin as clean as Id like. Theres always something left behind. So I like to use a wipe (creams and oils dont work well for me, so my go-to is always going to be the wipes!) to remove my makeup before continuing with washing with a cleanser.
3. My third choice in wipes is the Dickinson's Witch Hazel Cleansing Cloths. These are relatively new, Ive only been using them for a few months. Theyre technically not "makeup removing wipes," but a lot of the time they are just called cleansing cloths anyway..on the package it does say it removes makeup. I love these wipes because they are super soft and gentle on my skin. They do smell a bit strong, but thats witch hazel for you. They come in at number 3 because they dont remove makeup as well as the others. But they are in my top because they are really nice on my skin! They are affordable but might be a little more difficult to find for some of you, but I do know they are available at Walgreens nationwide!
2. My pick for number two is the Simple Cleansing Facial Wipe. These wipes are really nice and it was realllly hard for me to decide between 1 and 2..so I ended up choosing these ones as my second. These are also gentle on my skin, theyre made with no harsh chemicals, perfumes, or dyes. Which is really important to me! No one needs that stuff on their skin. Simple is a brand that focuses on using skin loving ingredients that are kind to your skin and great for those with sensitive skin! These remove makeup better than the Dickinson's and on par with my number 1. Their products are affordable and available everywhere! Pretty much every grocery store, drug store, or Walmart/Target. They have some really great products that are great on your skin, so I definitely suggest checking them out!
1. And finally.. My number one favorite wipe is Pacifica Natural Skincare Essential Makeup Removing Wipe. These wipes are realllly great, theyre made with jasmine and coconut water, theyre gentle on the skin and are 100% vegan and cruelty free! They are made without the nasty stuff like sulfates, sls, parabens, etc. They smell fantastic and remove my makeup very well. Pacifica is another brand that focuses on using all of the good stuff and none of the bad. They also support Clean Water, which is so important to me!! It also doesnt hurt that they have some of the cutest packaging I have ever seen! These made my number one spot because: they are natural, vegan, cruelty free. Portion of proceeds go to support clean water. The products work really well on my skin, and the packaging sets them apart from the rest. These wipes are also pretty affordable, although maybe a dollar or so more than the other brands, I think. And theyre not as easy to find as the Simple brand, but they are available at Target and Ulta and can be purchased online too! They also have lots of other skin care and beauty products you should all check out!
Always stay humble & kind.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
#SunshineVoxBox
I have been an Influenster member for a few years now, and every once in a while I'll get a VoxBox that I absolutely love! And my current campaign, the Sunshine Vox Box, is one of those boxes!
The sunshine box came packed with great products, including:
Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Refreshingly Clean Cleansing Cloths - $6.99 - I had pretty good expectations for these cleaning cloths. Witch hazel is super beneficial to your skin in many ways. And the description of this product sounded great for sensitive skin. So I gave them a try right away! If youre at all familiar with witch hazel, you know it doesnt have a very pleasant smell..but that is easy enough to get past. I always wash my face after using a wipe to remove my makeup anyway.. The cloths are super soft, but I dont think theyre much bigger than any standard wipe Ive used in the past. The nice thing, though, was they are very gentle on the skin. They didnt sting or irritate my skin at all.. However, they didnt remove the makeup as well as I would have liked. Especially mascara. But all in all I liked these wipes and will be trying them, as well as some other Dickinsons Witch Hazel products, again in the future.
Blue Diamond Siracha Almonds - $1.59 - I'm really not a fan of spicy, at all! So I cant give an honest opinion on these, so I'll be giving them to my sister or her bf to try out!
barkTHINS - $4.99 - The box came with a coupon to get a free bag of these, and I have yet to use it..but Im super excited to, because these things look delicious!
Infusium 23 Moisture Replenisher Leave-In Smoothing Creme Enhanced with Avocado and Olive Oil - $6.99 - I'd heard a lot of things about Infusium 23 but havent tried any of their products until I got this in the box. And I absolutely love it! Right now my hair is super dry and dead and in desperate need of a cut. And this stuff makes it manageable and soft! This will probably be a new must have of mine!
SinfulColors Nail Polish - $1.99 - Ive tried this polish before in the past, and I wasnt impressed. I think I found it at the dollar store..and it took ages to dry. So when I saw this in the box I was like ehh its a pretty color but Ill never use it if its anything like the other ones Ive used.. But I gave it a try anyway, and Im glad I did. It went on beautifully and dried really fast. The shade is called Beverly Hills and its a beautiful light lilac color that would be perfect for spring. 3 coats covered great, but you could probably even get away with 2.
Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Spray Moisturizer - $6.49 - This is my favorite product in this box. Im not a fan of putting lotion on my body. I usually just put some moisturizer on my face and leave the rest of my body alone. But since its summer and my legs are exposed more often than not, its really nice to be able to keep them moisturized and looking nice. So this product has been a life saver for me. Most lotions and moisturizers are thick and gloopy and feel like they take decades to fully absorb into my skin. But this spray absorbs instantly and doesnt leave my hands or skin feeling greasy and gross. So I am absolutely sold on this product!
To find out more about Influenster and their VoxBoxes click here!
* All products mentioned were provided complimentary from Influenster.
The sunshine box came packed with great products, including:
Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Refreshingly Clean Cleansing Cloths - $6.99 - I had pretty good expectations for these cleaning cloths. Witch hazel is super beneficial to your skin in many ways. And the description of this product sounded great for sensitive skin. So I gave them a try right away! If youre at all familiar with witch hazel, you know it doesnt have a very pleasant smell..but that is easy enough to get past. I always wash my face after using a wipe to remove my makeup anyway.. The cloths are super soft, but I dont think theyre much bigger than any standard wipe Ive used in the past. The nice thing, though, was they are very gentle on the skin. They didnt sting or irritate my skin at all.. However, they didnt remove the makeup as well as I would have liked. Especially mascara. But all in all I liked these wipes and will be trying them, as well as some other Dickinsons Witch Hazel products, again in the future.
Blue Diamond Siracha Almonds - $1.59 - I'm really not a fan of spicy, at all! So I cant give an honest opinion on these, so I'll be giving them to my sister or her bf to try out!
barkTHINS - $4.99 - The box came with a coupon to get a free bag of these, and I have yet to use it..but Im super excited to, because these things look delicious!
Infusium 23 Moisture Replenisher Leave-In Smoothing Creme Enhanced with Avocado and Olive Oil - $6.99 - I'd heard a lot of things about Infusium 23 but havent tried any of their products until I got this in the box. And I absolutely love it! Right now my hair is super dry and dead and in desperate need of a cut. And this stuff makes it manageable and soft! This will probably be a new must have of mine!
SinfulColors Nail Polish - $1.99 - Ive tried this polish before in the past, and I wasnt impressed. I think I found it at the dollar store..and it took ages to dry. So when I saw this in the box I was like ehh its a pretty color but Ill never use it if its anything like the other ones Ive used.. But I gave it a try anyway, and Im glad I did. It went on beautifully and dried really fast. The shade is called Beverly Hills and its a beautiful light lilac color that would be perfect for spring. 3 coats covered great, but you could probably even get away with 2.
Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Spray Moisturizer - $6.49 - This is my favorite product in this box. Im not a fan of putting lotion on my body. I usually just put some moisturizer on my face and leave the rest of my body alone. But since its summer and my legs are exposed more often than not, its really nice to be able to keep them moisturized and looking nice. So this product has been a life saver for me. Most lotions and moisturizers are thick and gloopy and feel like they take decades to fully absorb into my skin. But this spray absorbs instantly and doesnt leave my hands or skin feeling greasy and gross. So I am absolutely sold on this product!
To find out more about Influenster and their VoxBoxes click here!
* All products mentioned were provided complimentary from Influenster.
Friday, April 24, 2015
DIY Beauty: Brown Sugar Lip Scrub
It's been quite some time since I've done any DIY Beauty posts on here..so today I decided to share with you one of my all time favorite DIY products. A Brown Sugar Lip Scrub.
I found this lip scrub recipe on Pinterest a few years ago, fell in love, and have been using it ever since. There are literally only 3 ingredients and it's the easiest thing to make. You can even double this recipe and make some for gifts for your friends!
What you'll need:
The first thing you want to do is make sure your coconut oil is not too hard and not too runny. If it is too hard place (closed) in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes just until it has softened up. If its too runny pop it in your fridge or freezer for a few minutes until it hardens up a bit.
The benefits of using coconut oil for the skin are almost endless, I found this really cool site that breaks it all down for you, you can check it out here!
Once youve got your oil to the right consistency you're gonna scoop out a tablespoon of the 'solid' in the coconut oil jar, dont be shy..you want a nice big rounded tablespoon.. and put it into your mixing bowl. To that you're going to add a tablespoon of honey.
Honey also has many amazing benefits, so I found a page that explains more about that too!
Take a spoon or even a tiny whisk if you have one and stir until the two are combined and homogenous. You want to make sure you dont have any chunks or clumps of the coconut oil. Once they are mixed thoroughly add 2 teaspoons of packed brown sugar, light or dark it doesnt really matter, and mix that trough. I like the use of brown sugar in this recipe because it not only tastes amazing, but it has a fine texture that isnt too harsh on your skin, unlike a lot of sugar scrubs that use coarse sugar which can be very harsh.
Lastly you want to add one teaspoon of just the oil from your coconut oil jar and stir that into your mixture. You should be left with a smooth mixture you can then transfer into your jar or sealed container.
This scrub tastes great, so you dont have to be worried about it getting in your mouth. It has the perfect texture for the delicate skin on your lips. And it is all natural and organic (if youre sure to use all natural and organic ingredients, which I highly recommend!) and you know exactly what is going into it. The recipe said it can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, but I think it should last quite a bit longer than that..all 3 ingredients last months or even years alone, so I dont see why mixing them together would make any of them spoil quickly.. Just be sure to check it before you use it to make sure it doesnt have any weird smells or mold growing in it..but if youre like me youll use it all up before it would ever even have the chance to spoil!
When you use the scrub its a good idea to leave it at room temperature for a few minutes to soften up a bit before using it. And you just use it the same way you would any lip scrub, scrub it gently in circular motions on your lips for a minute or two and rinse with warm water. Follow up with your favorite DIY lip balm for extra moisturizing power! ;) Enjoy!
Have a beautiful day.
Believe. Dream. Explore. & Be nice to people.
I found this lip scrub recipe on Pinterest a few years ago, fell in love, and have been using it ever since. There are literally only 3 ingredients and it's the easiest thing to make. You can even double this recipe and make some for gifts for your friends!
What you'll need:
- Pure Coconut Oil
- Honey
- Brown Sugar
- Measuring Spoons
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Clean Empty Jar
The first thing you want to do is make sure your coconut oil is not too hard and not too runny. If it is too hard place (closed) in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes just until it has softened up. If its too runny pop it in your fridge or freezer for a few minutes until it hardens up a bit.
The benefits of using coconut oil for the skin are almost endless, I found this really cool site that breaks it all down for you, you can check it out here!
Once youve got your oil to the right consistency you're gonna scoop out a tablespoon of the 'solid' in the coconut oil jar, dont be shy..you want a nice big rounded tablespoon.. and put it into your mixing bowl. To that you're going to add a tablespoon of honey.
Honey also has many amazing benefits, so I found a page that explains more about that too!
Take a spoon or even a tiny whisk if you have one and stir until the two are combined and homogenous. You want to make sure you dont have any chunks or clumps of the coconut oil. Once they are mixed thoroughly add 2 teaspoons of packed brown sugar, light or dark it doesnt really matter, and mix that trough. I like the use of brown sugar in this recipe because it not only tastes amazing, but it has a fine texture that isnt too harsh on your skin, unlike a lot of sugar scrubs that use coarse sugar which can be very harsh.
Lastly you want to add one teaspoon of just the oil from your coconut oil jar and stir that into your mixture. You should be left with a smooth mixture you can then transfer into your jar or sealed container.
This scrub tastes great, so you dont have to be worried about it getting in your mouth. It has the perfect texture for the delicate skin on your lips. And it is all natural and organic (if youre sure to use all natural and organic ingredients, which I highly recommend!) and you know exactly what is going into it. The recipe said it can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, but I think it should last quite a bit longer than that..all 3 ingredients last months or even years alone, so I dont see why mixing them together would make any of them spoil quickly.. Just be sure to check it before you use it to make sure it doesnt have any weird smells or mold growing in it..but if youre like me youll use it all up before it would ever even have the chance to spoil!
When you use the scrub its a good idea to leave it at room temperature for a few minutes to soften up a bit before using it. And you just use it the same way you would any lip scrub, scrub it gently in circular motions on your lips for a minute or two and rinse with warm water. Follow up with your favorite DIY lip balm for extra moisturizing power! ;) Enjoy!
Have a beautiful day.
Believe. Dream. Explore. & Be nice to people.
Friday, January 16, 2015
Current Skincare Routine.
Like most things in my life, I like to change up my skin care routine
every once in a while. I feel like your skin kind of becomes used to the
way things are when you do the same thing for too long. (Kind of like
exercising, your body gets used to your routine and it stops being
effective) And I recently received some new products to test out, so I
thought what better time to switch things up and let you guys know how
its going for my (very picky) skin.
As Ive mentioned about a hundred times before in previous posts, my skin is pretty oily and prone to breakouts and blemishes. Not many products Ive tried actually help keep my skin clear and oil free.. So I like to try out a lot of different combinations of products to see what helps and what doesnt.
For the past month or so Ive been using these new products I had never really heard of before from a company called Malibu C. Their products are all 100% vegan and preservative-free. Which for me is huge! I love all natural cruelty free and vegan products, and I try to use them as often as I possibly can. Ive been a vegetarian for 7 years and an animal lover all my life, so vegan products will always be my first choice when possible!
"These products also contain the most innovative, free-radical-fighting, crystalized vitamin-technologies imaginable and effectively remove damaging environmental impurities, specifically those hidden in our water. These impurities diminish the vitality of both hair and skin but through Malibu C's powerful patented vitamin complex, we are able to gently remove damaging toxins and unwanted residue. As a result, hair becomes shinier and full of life while skin appears smoother, softer and more luminous."
When I first opened the box, all of the products had little plastic sleeves on them. Which
I thought was so cool! You wouldnt believe how many products Ive received in the mail that had leaked all over the box. So this kind of helps keep all of the stuff from oozing all over everything. They also all had those sticker things on the opening under the lid to keep them from leaking. But, as usual with my luck, the cleanser had a crack along the seam where the lid is, so that one still leaked a bunch. And I have to rest it against something upside down so it doesnt fall over and leak all of the product out. Which really sucks!!
The cleanser is the Malibu C Purifi Facial Cleanser. This cleanser is free of sulfates and is packed with antioxidants. It effectively removes makeup, even waterproof mascara, and cleans your skin leaving you with a clean and clear complexion!
As for the product itself, I really like the cleanser. It does a relatively good job at keeping my skin clean and clear, I also noticed it does control the oil pretty well throughout the day. Its by no means a miracle product. But Ive accepted the fact that I will never have perfect skin, and just finding products that control the breakouts and oil is basically what I have to do. And I think this is a pretty good product to do that for me! It might be a little pricey for some people in comparison to other products..but its almost on par with other higher end products. Actually a little cheaper than the Murad cleaner I often use. It will run you around $15 bucks for a 3.4 oz. squeeze bottle or $40 for the 16 oz. bottle with pump.
I also got to check out the Exfoliant Facial Scrub. Which btw, I love facial scrubs! They are one of my favorite facial products. I love how smooth and soft your face feels after a nice exfoliating scrub. So, this scrub actually uses finely crushed almond meal to exfoliate. So its a much finer texture than a lot of other scrubs, which Im not sure if that makes it work better or worse. Ive honestly only used the scrub probably twice since Ive got it, and thats really only because Ive been trying to use up another scrub I have. I did really like the way my skin felt after using it though. This one is a bit more expensive than the cleanser, however. Its $20 for the 3.4 oz. and $60 for 16 oz. A bit more than Im comfortable spending on a scrub, especially when Ive used an all natural product for less than half that price that I felt exfoliated better.. But thats just my preference!
After cleansing my face I like to use a serum on any break outs I have. And the serum Im now using is the Acne C Wellness Serum. Ive been using a serum from Murad for years, and I never really saw amazing effects. But this one I saw my breakouts clearing up the very next day! They obviously werent completely gone, but they were noticeably smaller. This serum is unlike any Ive used before. It actually comes in 2 parts, the serum bottle and a tube of activating crystals. When youre ready to use it you just pour the crystals into the bottle and shake it up. It says optimum results when used within 30 days of activation when stored at room temp, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 12 months. And I think that is so cool and very convenient because I only use a little bit at a time, and often dont use a whole tube or bottle in one month. It costs about $40 for a 30 mL bottle. (which according to my/google's calculations is just over 1 oz.) And its around $16 for .5 oz. of the Murad spot treatment I used before this, so for me its worth the money because it works much better!
And lastly, of course, I finish off my routine with a moisturizer. Like I said I have pretty oily skin, and most moisturizers just make my skin produce a crap ton of oil. But I also get dry spots around my mouth/chin and eyes, especially in the winter. (That often means I have to use 2 different products in different areas of my face) So Im trying out the Vital-Creme from Malibu C, which is for problematic sensitive skin. It is light weight , oil free and moisturizing. And that is often hard to find all in one product! Honestly, my only complaint -that isnt even really a complaint- with this moisturizer is the cap is a screw off cap rather than a pop top, as I call them, which really isnt a big deal at all its just odd to me that all of the other products (including the body lotion) are pop tops, but the face moisturizers are screw off. Other than that I really like it. It does bring out the oil a little quicker than when I use no moisturizers, but not too much that its shiny, slick and unbearable. And its worth it to have moisturized, healthy skin if you ask me! However, that of course comes at a price! It is $40 for 3.4 oz or a whopping $110 for the 16 oz. So, needless to say, I will probably not be buying this again..
All together I really enjoyed all of the Malibu C products that I received and I would love to make them my new go-to brand, but theyre just a little over my price range for all of the products. I could definitely see myself repurchasing the cleanser and the serum, but the other products I could really do without.
To check out these and all other Malibu C products go to MalibuC.com. And feel free to like them on facebook and follow them on twitter.
Thanks so much for reading, please click HERE to follow my blog if you havent already, and remember to smile!
Stay beautiful.
xoxo
As Ive mentioned about a hundred times before in previous posts, my skin is pretty oily and prone to breakouts and blemishes. Not many products Ive tried actually help keep my skin clear and oil free.. So I like to try out a lot of different combinations of products to see what helps and what doesnt.
"These products also contain the most innovative, free-radical-fighting, crystalized vitamin-technologies imaginable and effectively remove damaging environmental impurities, specifically those hidden in our water. These impurities diminish the vitality of both hair and skin but through Malibu C's powerful patented vitamin complex, we are able to gently remove damaging toxins and unwanted residue. As a result, hair becomes shinier and full of life while skin appears smoother, softer and more luminous."
When I first opened the box, all of the products had little plastic sleeves on them. Which
I thought was so cool! You wouldnt believe how many products Ive received in the mail that had leaked all over the box. So this kind of helps keep all of the stuff from oozing all over everything. They also all had those sticker things on the opening under the lid to keep them from leaking. But, as usual with my luck, the cleanser had a crack along the seam where the lid is, so that one still leaked a bunch. And I have to rest it against something upside down so it doesnt fall over and leak all of the product out. Which really sucks!!
The cleanser is the Malibu C Purifi Facial Cleanser. This cleanser is free of sulfates and is packed with antioxidants. It effectively removes makeup, even waterproof mascara, and cleans your skin leaving you with a clean and clear complexion!
As for the product itself, I really like the cleanser. It does a relatively good job at keeping my skin clean and clear, I also noticed it does control the oil pretty well throughout the day. Its by no means a miracle product. But Ive accepted the fact that I will never have perfect skin, and just finding products that control the breakouts and oil is basically what I have to do. And I think this is a pretty good product to do that for me! It might be a little pricey for some people in comparison to other products..but its almost on par with other higher end products. Actually a little cheaper than the Murad cleaner I often use. It will run you around $15 bucks for a 3.4 oz. squeeze bottle or $40 for the 16 oz. bottle with pump.
I also got to check out the Exfoliant Facial Scrub. Which btw, I love facial scrubs! They are one of my favorite facial products. I love how smooth and soft your face feels after a nice exfoliating scrub. So, this scrub actually uses finely crushed almond meal to exfoliate. So its a much finer texture than a lot of other scrubs, which Im not sure if that makes it work better or worse. Ive honestly only used the scrub probably twice since Ive got it, and thats really only because Ive been trying to use up another scrub I have. I did really like the way my skin felt after using it though. This one is a bit more expensive than the cleanser, however. Its $20 for the 3.4 oz. and $60 for 16 oz. A bit more than Im comfortable spending on a scrub, especially when Ive used an all natural product for less than half that price that I felt exfoliated better.. But thats just my preference!
After cleansing my face I like to use a serum on any break outs I have. And the serum Im now using is the Acne C Wellness Serum. Ive been using a serum from Murad for years, and I never really saw amazing effects. But this one I saw my breakouts clearing up the very next day! They obviously werent completely gone, but they were noticeably smaller. This serum is unlike any Ive used before. It actually comes in 2 parts, the serum bottle and a tube of activating crystals. When youre ready to use it you just pour the crystals into the bottle and shake it up. It says optimum results when used within 30 days of activation when stored at room temp, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 12 months. And I think that is so cool and very convenient because I only use a little bit at a time, and often dont use a whole tube or bottle in one month. It costs about $40 for a 30 mL bottle. (which according to my/google's calculations is just over 1 oz.) And its around $16 for .5 oz. of the Murad spot treatment I used before this, so for me its worth the money because it works much better!
And lastly, of course, I finish off my routine with a moisturizer. Like I said I have pretty oily skin, and most moisturizers just make my skin produce a crap ton of oil. But I also get dry spots around my mouth/chin and eyes, especially in the winter. (That often means I have to use 2 different products in different areas of my face) So Im trying out the Vital-Creme from Malibu C, which is for problematic sensitive skin. It is light weight , oil free and moisturizing. And that is often hard to find all in one product! Honestly, my only complaint -that isnt even really a complaint- with this moisturizer is the cap is a screw off cap rather than a pop top, as I call them, which really isnt a big deal at all its just odd to me that all of the other products (including the body lotion) are pop tops, but the face moisturizers are screw off. Other than that I really like it. It does bring out the oil a little quicker than when I use no moisturizers, but not too much that its shiny, slick and unbearable. And its worth it to have moisturized, healthy skin if you ask me! However, that of course comes at a price! It is $40 for 3.4 oz or a whopping $110 for the 16 oz. So, needless to say, I will probably not be buying this again..
All together I really enjoyed all of the Malibu C products that I received and I would love to make them my new go-to brand, but theyre just a little over my price range for all of the products. I could definitely see myself repurchasing the cleanser and the serum, but the other products I could really do without.
To check out these and all other Malibu C products go to MalibuC.com. And feel free to like them on facebook and follow them on twitter.
Thanks so much for reading, please click HERE to follow my blog if you havent already, and remember to smile!
Stay beautiful.
xoxo
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Pamper Day!
SNOW DAY! We got about 14 inches of snow yesterday, so what better excuse to stay inside and pamper myself today!
For my pamper days I do treatments for my hair, skin and nails. I deep condition my hair. Exfoliate my skin, do my favorite facial mask, and use a deep moisturizer. And give myself a little mani/pedi. Candles are essential for setting a relaxing mood, as well as filling the room with my favorite scents.
I start out with a relaxing bath or foot soak. I love to use bath bombs and/or bath salts. You dont have to go to places like Lush to find decent bath products, you can find some pretty good ones at your drug store, or even walmart or target.
While Im in the bath or soaking my feet, I like to do a deep conditioner or mask on my hair, while using a nice exfoliating mask on my face. After cleansing and exfoliating, I use my favorite eye cream, and intense recovery treatment. Im using my Evologie cleanser, Splurge scrub, Merlot mask, Dermalogica eye cream, and RevaleSkin moisturizer. As well as my favorite Fekkai conditioning hair mask.
After soaking my feet, I give them a good scrubbing with a pumice stone to remove any dead skin. Then once theyre soft and dry, I give myself a little massage while rubbing on some foot cream. The one Im using today is by Udderly Smooth.
Then, I move onto the nails. I clip, file and smooth out my nails before applying a few coats of my favorite nail treatments and polishes.
I like to finish off my relaxing day by lounging in bed with my favorite scented candles burning, and a good book to read!
What are your favorite ways to relax on pamper days? What are your favorite pamper products?
This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Skin Again Review pt. 1
I will have my full review on all of the skin again products soon, I just wanted to do a quick post about one of my favorite Skin Again products, Relief.
Relief, also know as Neutone, is a non-prescription alternative to harsh topicals for irritation, inflammation, itchiness and redness due to skin conditions, rashes and insect bites.
Relief can be used for relief of irritated, itchy, red and inflamed skin due to skin conditions, rashes and insect bites.
The first time I used it, was about a day after I received it in the mail, I took my dogs for a walk and got completely eaten alive by mosquitos. I got home and was itchy allllll over my legs and feet. So I applied this to my itchy spots, and literally immediately felt relief! I admit, it did wear off after a little while and I felt itchy again, but I just applied a little more when I needed to.
My dog has severe allergies to fleas, just one flea on him and he will literally scratch himself until he bleeds. He always has very dry skin already, especially in the summer, and this summer fleas are really bad! We treated the lawn twice for fleas, have bombed the house, and given the dogs numerous flea baths, as well as Frontline every month. But my poor little Rascal is still suffering from itchy skin due to flea bites.
I tweeted @SkinAgainTweets asking if it was safe to use on pets, because my poor little guy needed relief! They tweeted me back and said that it hasnt been tested for pets, but they have used it on their dog for hot spots. It is fragrance-free, paraben-free and gluten-free, so it is safe for even the most sensitive skin. So I figured it shouldnt be bad for dogs? So I applied it to my little guys skin where he seemed to be itching the most. Immediately he stopped biting and scratching!
Since it hasnt been tested on animals yet, I suggest consulting your vet before applying it to your dog, and I am not telling you go ahead and use this on your pets because it hasnt been tested! Im just sharing with you my experience. But I know my dogs skin can handle this and havent seen any negative side effects of using it. So I will continue to use it on my dogs itchy skin!
I absolutely love this cream, it is like a miracle product for me and my little guy, we have tried so many products on him to relieve his itchy skin. This product has helped him so much, and every time I have skeeter bites it is the first thing I reach for! I definitely will be using this for a longgg time to come!
There are 3 other Skin Again creams for other skin problems, which I will be posting about very soon! So if you are interested be sure to click follow (to the right of this post ->) so you will be notified when I post in the future!
Each tube is 4.2 fl oz. and costs around $50.
You can find out more about Skin Again and their awesome products at SkinAgain.com
Disclaimer: These products were sent to me for free from SkinAgain in exchange for a review. This does not change my views or opinions on the products. I really do absolutely love them, and will be purchasing them again in the future! No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for this review!
Relief, also know as Neutone, is a non-prescription alternative to harsh topicals for irritation, inflammation, itchiness and redness due to skin conditions, rashes and insect bites.
Relief can be used for relief of irritated, itchy, red and inflamed skin due to skin conditions, rashes and insect bites.
The first time I used it, was about a day after I received it in the mail, I took my dogs for a walk and got completely eaten alive by mosquitos. I got home and was itchy allllll over my legs and feet. So I applied this to my itchy spots, and literally immediately felt relief! I admit, it did wear off after a little while and I felt itchy again, but I just applied a little more when I needed to.
My dog has severe allergies to fleas, just one flea on him and he will literally scratch himself until he bleeds. He always has very dry skin already, especially in the summer, and this summer fleas are really bad! We treated the lawn twice for fleas, have bombed the house, and given the dogs numerous flea baths, as well as Frontline every month. But my poor little Rascal is still suffering from itchy skin due to flea bites.
I tweeted @SkinAgainTweets asking if it was safe to use on pets, because my poor little guy needed relief! They tweeted me back and said that it hasnt been tested for pets, but they have used it on their dog for hot spots. It is fragrance-free, paraben-free and gluten-free, so it is safe for even the most sensitive skin. So I figured it shouldnt be bad for dogs? So I applied it to my little guys skin where he seemed to be itching the most. Immediately he stopped biting and scratching!
Since it hasnt been tested on animals yet, I suggest consulting your vet before applying it to your dog, and I am not telling you go ahead and use this on your pets because it hasnt been tested! Im just sharing with you my experience. But I know my dogs skin can handle this and havent seen any negative side effects of using it. So I will continue to use it on my dogs itchy skin!
I absolutely love this cream, it is like a miracle product for me and my little guy, we have tried so many products on him to relieve his itchy skin. This product has helped him so much, and every time I have skeeter bites it is the first thing I reach for! I definitely will be using this for a longgg time to come!
There are 3 other Skin Again creams for other skin problems, which I will be posting about very soon! So if you are interested be sure to click follow (to the right of this post ->) so you will be notified when I post in the future!
Each tube is 4.2 fl oz. and costs around $50.
You can find out more about Skin Again and their awesome products at SkinAgain.com
Disclaimer: These products were sent to me for free from SkinAgain in exchange for a review. This does not change my views or opinions on the products. I really do absolutely love them, and will be purchasing them again in the future! No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for this review!
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Baby Quasar: Baby Blue Review Pt. 2
In my first half of my review, I talked about how I like the product, but my post got a little too long, and I decided to put the details into a separate blog. So here is where you will find out how to use it, where to buy it, etc!
To read my first half of the review go here!
The Baby Blue light works by killing acne-causing bacteria. The bacteria releases small molecules called porphyrins. When porphyrins are exposed to the Baby Blue's wavelengths of natural light, they produce free radicals that kill the bacteria.
The Baby Blue is 100% natural and requires no harsh chemicals or medication. It is safe, effective, painless, noninvasive and requires no downtime. It can be used on all skin types and skin tones including sensitive and irritated skin.
So, now we know how it works..but how do we actually use it?
First, you want to make sure you have clean, dry skin. You can use your regular every day facial cleanser, no need to buy a special cleanser. There isnt any specific cleanser you have to use for the Baby Blue to work. You also dont have to apply any kind of cream or gel or anything to your skin for the light to work. So before you do anything else, spot treatments or moisturizers, etc..before any of that is when you need to use the light!
Now that your face is clean, and youre ready to use your light, youre going to split your face into 6 sections, as pictured to the left. Turn your light on. And, starting in section A, press your light against your skin, and move over your skin in little circular motions. Do each section for four minutes each. The whole process should take 24 min.
Using the light daily may seem like its very time consuming. But it really takes much less time than if you were to go to a doctors office to get the same treatment done. Plus, you can use the light while sitting on the couch or laying in bed watching tv!
I use my light after I wash my face every night, once I get into bed. You dont need to look in a mirror or anything. The only time you might need a mirror is if youre doing spot treatments, and you need to see where the blemish is. But if youre doing it all over your face theres no need for a mirror.
Then, once youre done with the light, you can apply your moisturizer and whatever else is in your normal routine. Its important to use a moisturizer, because the light can cause your skin to dry out a little, especially if you have more dry skin already.
I have very oily skin, and using the light has really helped me control the oil, so it doesnt dry my skin out very much, but just to prevent any dryness, I make sure to use a good moisturizer.
You want to make sure to clean your light after each use, using a wet towel or alcohol wipe. Keeping it clean will ensure that it continues to work properly with each use!
I mentioned in pt. 1 that the Baby Quasar is a bit on the pricey side. Although, if you put it into perspective, its actually very affordable. The electronic components are made to have a 10 year life expectancy. And the Baby Quasar starts with a full five year unconditional, unlimited warranty. If your Baby Blue stops working for any reason, other than physical abuse, they will fix or replace it free of charge!
So, a 10 year life expectancy..that means if it does last 10 years youre only paying $35 a year, which is a fraction of what you would be paying in just one year of getting the same treatment done in a doctors office!
So yes, the Baby Blue costs $350. That comes with the light, power cord, lens cap, and travel case. But if youre already spending $30+ every month on "top of the line" acne products that arent working, maybe this is the product youve been searching for. I know it is for me! Plus, if you dont like it, there is a 60 day money back guarantee!
So, for me..using the Baby Blue with my normal every day skin care routine, it really has helped to clear my skin and control the oil. It has worked when nothing else seemed to. So this product is here to stay for me!
You can buy your Baby Blue, or other Baby Quasar products such as the red light treatment, replacement lens caps or power cords, etc. by visiting BabyQuasar.com.
Disclaimer: Yes, the Baby Blue was sent to me in exchange for my review. But I absolutely LOVE the product, and would have paid the full $350 to purchase the product. After trying it for 60 days if I didnt like it I would have returned it. But this product has really been a miracle product for me and I have been 100% honest in this review! No monetary exchange occurred. All opinions are completely unbiased and 100% my own!
To read my first half of the review go here!
The Baby Blue light works by killing acne-causing bacteria. The bacteria releases small molecules called porphyrins. When porphyrins are exposed to the Baby Blue's wavelengths of natural light, they produce free radicals that kill the bacteria.
The Baby Blue is 100% natural and requires no harsh chemicals or medication. It is safe, effective, painless, noninvasive and requires no downtime. It can be used on all skin types and skin tones including sensitive and irritated skin.
First, you want to make sure you have clean, dry skin. You can use your regular every day facial cleanser, no need to buy a special cleanser. There isnt any specific cleanser you have to use for the Baby Blue to work. You also dont have to apply any kind of cream or gel or anything to your skin for the light to work. So before you do anything else, spot treatments or moisturizers, etc..before any of that is when you need to use the light!
Now that your face is clean, and youre ready to use your light, youre going to split your face into 6 sections, as pictured to the left. Turn your light on. And, starting in section A, press your light against your skin, and move over your skin in little circular motions. Do each section for four minutes each. The whole process should take 24 min.Using the light daily may seem like its very time consuming. But it really takes much less time than if you were to go to a doctors office to get the same treatment done. Plus, you can use the light while sitting on the couch or laying in bed watching tv!
I use my light after I wash my face every night, once I get into bed. You dont need to look in a mirror or anything. The only time you might need a mirror is if youre doing spot treatments, and you need to see where the blemish is. But if youre doing it all over your face theres no need for a mirror.
Then, once youre done with the light, you can apply your moisturizer and whatever else is in your normal routine. Its important to use a moisturizer, because the light can cause your skin to dry out a little, especially if you have more dry skin already.
I have very oily skin, and using the light has really helped me control the oil, so it doesnt dry my skin out very much, but just to prevent any dryness, I make sure to use a good moisturizer.
You want to make sure to clean your light after each use, using a wet towel or alcohol wipe. Keeping it clean will ensure that it continues to work properly with each use!
I mentioned in pt. 1 that the Baby Quasar is a bit on the pricey side. Although, if you put it into perspective, its actually very affordable. The electronic components are made to have a 10 year life expectancy. And the Baby Quasar starts with a full five year unconditional, unlimited warranty. If your Baby Blue stops working for any reason, other than physical abuse, they will fix or replace it free of charge!
So, a 10 year life expectancy..that means if it does last 10 years youre only paying $35 a year, which is a fraction of what you would be paying in just one year of getting the same treatment done in a doctors office!
So yes, the Baby Blue costs $350. That comes with the light, power cord, lens cap, and travel case. But if youre already spending $30+ every month on "top of the line" acne products that arent working, maybe this is the product youve been searching for. I know it is for me! Plus, if you dont like it, there is a 60 day money back guarantee!
So, for me..using the Baby Blue with my normal every day skin care routine, it really has helped to clear my skin and control the oil. It has worked when nothing else seemed to. So this product is here to stay for me!
You can buy your Baby Blue, or other Baby Quasar products such as the red light treatment, replacement lens caps or power cords, etc. by visiting BabyQuasar.com.
Disclaimer: Yes, the Baby Blue was sent to me in exchange for my review. But I absolutely LOVE the product, and would have paid the full $350 to purchase the product. After trying it for 60 days if I didnt like it I would have returned it. But this product has really been a miracle product for me and I have been 100% honest in this review! No monetary exchange occurred. All opinions are completely unbiased and 100% my own!
Monday, July 8, 2013
Baby Quasar: Baby Blue Review
As you probably know if youve been reading my blog for a while, Ive struggled with bad skin and break outs for a long time. Ive tried maaaany different products to try to clear my skin. From ProActive, Murad, Evologie, Merlot, handmade all natural products, and everything in between..finding few products that actually work, I thought it was time to try a different approach.
I remember seeing Blair Fowler (JuicyStar07 on youtube) a while ago using a little gizmo, I cant even remember the name of it, which used heat and light I believe to zap blemishes, she ranted and raved about it for a while..but I havent heard about it in a while and cant seem to find the video anymore. But she seemed to think it really worked. So I started doing some research on blue light therapy.
Blue Light Therapy used to be something only done in doctors offices. The redness and swelling that can occur with acne is caused by a type of bacteria that can be killed by exposing your skin to different types of light. Blue light is the most commonly used wavelength. (Red lights are also sometimes used with blue, but red is more commonly used as an anti-aging treatment)
But recently there have been a few companies that have made it possible to bring that treatment into the comfort of your own home. Making those appointments can be very time consuming and costly. But The Baby Quasar makes it affordable and convenient!
"The Baby Blue light works by killing acne-causing bacteria. The bacteria releases small molecules called porphyrins. When porphyrins are exposed to the Baby Blue's wavelengths of natural light, they produce free radicals that kill the bacteria.
The Baby Blue is 100% natural and requires no harsh chemicals or medication. It is safe, effective, painless, noninvasive and requires no downtime. It can be used on all skin types and skin tones including sensitive and irritated skin."
Before I tried the Baby Blue my skin was freaking out! I was breaking out horribly, and it was making me self conscious..I didnt even want to put makeup on out of fear of another break out! I was trying everything to clear my skin in my break out areas, which was making the rest of my skin extremely dry and irritated.
Here is a picture of my skin before trying the Baby Blue. I break out mainly along my jawline, and have a very oily T-zone. This is right after washing my face. No makeup.
And here is my skin after using the Baby Blue every day for 2 weeks. This obviously is a different angle, and I am wearing makeup..but no concealer, and you can see the bumps and breakouts are pretty much gone and my pores are much smaller!
The Baby Blue is a miracle product for me. It has helped clear my skin when nothing else has worked for me. It also reduces the oil on my skin, which I have very oily skin! But..I must add, that when I stopped using it for a week and a half (I was camping with no electric) my skin did start to break out again. I also want to add that using this device every day did start to dry out my skin a little (especially in spots that arent as oily as the rest) but for me that isnt a big deal and I can manage since my skin is so oily already it actually helps to dry it out a little.
*Added Jan 2015* Ive been using this device off and on for a while now and havent noticed any long term effects or problems. As I already mentioned, when I stop using it my skin does revert back to being oily and prone to break outs, but when I use it regularly it definitely helps keep my skin looking and feeling so much better!!
I know this post is hella long, with a lot of information, so I decided to do a separate post for how to use it! And also where you can find it, how much, etc!
If you are interested in how this device works check out the second half click here!!
I remember seeing Blair Fowler (JuicyStar07 on youtube) a while ago using a little gizmo, I cant even remember the name of it, which used heat and light I believe to zap blemishes, she ranted and raved about it for a while..but I havent heard about it in a while and cant seem to find the video anymore. But she seemed to think it really worked. So I started doing some research on blue light therapy.
Blue Light Therapy used to be something only done in doctors offices. The redness and swelling that can occur with acne is caused by a type of bacteria that can be killed by exposing your skin to different types of light. Blue light is the most commonly used wavelength. (Red lights are also sometimes used with blue, but red is more commonly used as an anti-aging treatment)But recently there have been a few companies that have made it possible to bring that treatment into the comfort of your own home. Making those appointments can be very time consuming and costly. But The Baby Quasar makes it affordable and convenient!
"The Baby Blue light works by killing acne-causing bacteria. The bacteria releases small molecules called porphyrins. When porphyrins are exposed to the Baby Blue's wavelengths of natural light, they produce free radicals that kill the bacteria.
The Baby Blue is 100% natural and requires no harsh chemicals or medication. It is safe, effective, painless, noninvasive and requires no downtime. It can be used on all skin types and skin tones including sensitive and irritated skin."
Before I tried the Baby Blue my skin was freaking out! I was breaking out horribly, and it was making me self conscious..I didnt even want to put makeup on out of fear of another break out! I was trying everything to clear my skin in my break out areas, which was making the rest of my skin extremely dry and irritated.
Here is a picture of my skin before trying the Baby Blue. I break out mainly along my jawline, and have a very oily T-zone. This is right after washing my face. No makeup.
And here is my skin after using the Baby Blue every day for 2 weeks. This obviously is a different angle, and I am wearing makeup..but no concealer, and you can see the bumps and breakouts are pretty much gone and my pores are much smaller!
*Added Jan 2015* Ive been using this device off and on for a while now and havent noticed any long term effects or problems. As I already mentioned, when I stop using it my skin does revert back to being oily and prone to break outs, but when I use it regularly it definitely helps keep my skin looking and feeling so much better!!
I know this post is hella long, with a lot of information, so I decided to do a separate post for how to use it! And also where you can find it, how much, etc!
If you are interested in how this device works check out the second half click here!!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
La Fresh Wipes Reviews
Recently I got to try out a few products from La Fresh, some of which I am now obsessed with, so I decided to give a full review to each of the products!
The first one is the Oil-Free Face Cleanser. They have two different ones, a scented and an unscented, I got to try both.
They both work the same, the only difference is the fragrance in one! They gently cleanse and detoxify and effectively remove makeup. Theyre great for all skin types! They are made from a blend of aloe, cucumber, papaya, pineapple, marshmallow, jojoba, vitamin C, and vitamin E! The wipes are 100% biodegradable. And they are free of parabens, sulfates, triclosa, dyes, PEGs, artificial fragrances and animal byproducts! (And the scented ones, of course, have a refreshing scent!)
They are available in the following:
30 wipes resealable pouch - $9.99
20 portable sachets - $9.99
10 portable sachets - $4.99
I have them in the portable sachets, which are little individually wrapped packets, that are perfect for travel or to keep in your makeup bag or purse!
I like to use these when Im not wearing a lot of makeup, they remove the makeup and cleanse my face! I also carry one in my purse with me at all times for those emergency moments like if I stay at a friends house and dont get to go home and pack my stuff, I can remove my makeup and cleanse my face and dont have to worry about breaking out from sleeping with makeup on!
You can find these products at lafreshgroup.com!
Next is the Waterproof Makeup Remover.
These wipes are great for eyes and lips, they remove that hard to get makeup like tough lipsticks, waterproof eye liner, and most waterproof mascara. (I say most, because I find it hard to remove all of the mascara using these, but I have yet to find a wipe that really removes all of my mascara!)
They dont leave a residue, some makeup remover wipes leave an oily gross feeling on your face, these dont so much! The wipes are also 100% biodegradable. As well as free of parabens, sulfates, triclosa, dyes, PEGs, artificial fragrances and animal byproducts! They refresh and nourish eyes and lips with a blend of olive, jojoba, sesame, grapeseed, vitamin E and lavender.
They are available in the following:
24 wipes resealable pouch - $9.99
18 portable sachets - $9.99
8 portable sachets - $4.99
I also have these in the portable sachets, again, great for travel or to keep in your makeup bag or purse!
I have yet to find an amazing waterproof makeup remover, even these arent the absolute best, I still find that its hard to get all of my eye makeup off with just one wipe, but these are by far the best Ive found so far. They remove most of the makeup, which makes washing my face much easier and less harsh on my eye area. Maybe I wear too much mascara, but I do still find that I either need a second wipe, or need to use an eye cleanser while washing my face.
You can find these products at lafreshgroup.com!
Next is the Instant Body Smoother.
These silky-sheer wipes revitalize and smooth dry, over worked skin on contact. They are made from ablend of olive, jojoba, sesame, grapeseed, vitamin E and peppermint. They are also biodegradable and free of sulfates, parabens, etc. Theyre great for after workout, day trip, or whenever you feel you need really!
They are available in the following:
24 wipes resealable pouce - $9.99
18 portable sachets - $9.99
8 portable sachets - $4.99
I have these in the portable sachets as well. I keep one in my purse at all times, just in case! These are actually really cool. They smell AMAZING and feel really nice on the skin! They left my skin feeling a little smoother, and left a light sheen making my skin look dewey! However, they didnt feel super moist, Im not sure if they are supposed to, but I felt like mine was drying up a little.
You can find these products at lafreshgroup.com!
And lastly, my favorite, Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover.
These wipes quickly clean and condition all 10 nails with just one pad. They moisturize with aloe, glycerin and vitamin E; and strengthen nails with rosemary and horsetail extract. They are acetone-free, as well as free of parabens, sulfates, etc. They have an amazing scent of Tuscan Orange!
They are available in the following:
20 portable sachets - $9.99
10 portable sachets - $4.99
These wipes are amazing. I think theyre my new favorite product of the year, maybe all time! I hate taking my nail polish off, its always a hassle and smells horrible. I always have to do it in my bedroom because my parents hate the smell, and the scent always seems to stay in my room for hours! But with these pads I can do my nails anywhere without bothering anyone! The smell is amazing, and they leave my nails feeling so smooth and nourished. They effectively remove all polish from all 10 nails using just one pad. I did find removing glitter polish was still difficult though, and it kind of tore the pad, so be cautious of that. I will be buying these for a long time to come! They are individually wrapped so they are perfect for travel! I will most definitely be taking them on trips and vacations this year! I also have one in my purse at all times for those emergency moments!
You can find these products at lafreshgroup.com!
They both work the same, the only difference is the fragrance in one! They gently cleanse and detoxify and effectively remove makeup. Theyre great for all skin types! They are made from a blend of aloe, cucumber, papaya, pineapple, marshmallow, jojoba, vitamin C, and vitamin E! The wipes are 100% biodegradable. And they are free of parabens, sulfates, triclosa, dyes, PEGs, artificial fragrances and animal byproducts! (And the scented ones, of course, have a refreshing scent!)
They are available in the following:
30 wipes resealable pouch - $9.99
20 portable sachets - $9.99
10 portable sachets - $4.99
I have them in the portable sachets, which are little individually wrapped packets, that are perfect for travel or to keep in your makeup bag or purse!
I like to use these when Im not wearing a lot of makeup, they remove the makeup and cleanse my face! I also carry one in my purse with me at all times for those emergency moments like if I stay at a friends house and dont get to go home and pack my stuff, I can remove my makeup and cleanse my face and dont have to worry about breaking out from sleeping with makeup on!
You can find these products at lafreshgroup.com!
Next is the Waterproof Makeup Remover.
These wipes are great for eyes and lips, they remove that hard to get makeup like tough lipsticks, waterproof eye liner, and most waterproof mascara. (I say most, because I find it hard to remove all of the mascara using these, but I have yet to find a wipe that really removes all of my mascara!)
They dont leave a residue, some makeup remover wipes leave an oily gross feeling on your face, these dont so much! The wipes are also 100% biodegradable. As well as free of parabens, sulfates, triclosa, dyes, PEGs, artificial fragrances and animal byproducts! They refresh and nourish eyes and lips with a blend of olive, jojoba, sesame, grapeseed, vitamin E and lavender.
They are available in the following:
24 wipes resealable pouch - $9.99
18 portable sachets - $9.99
8 portable sachets - $4.99
I also have these in the portable sachets, again, great for travel or to keep in your makeup bag or purse!
I have yet to find an amazing waterproof makeup remover, even these arent the absolute best, I still find that its hard to get all of my eye makeup off with just one wipe, but these are by far the best Ive found so far. They remove most of the makeup, which makes washing my face much easier and less harsh on my eye area. Maybe I wear too much mascara, but I do still find that I either need a second wipe, or need to use an eye cleanser while washing my face.
You can find these products at lafreshgroup.com!
Next is the Instant Body Smoother.
These silky-sheer wipes revitalize and smooth dry, over worked skin on contact. They are made from ablend of olive, jojoba, sesame, grapeseed, vitamin E and peppermint. They are also biodegradable and free of sulfates, parabens, etc. Theyre great for after workout, day trip, or whenever you feel you need really!
They are available in the following:
24 wipes resealable pouce - $9.99
18 portable sachets - $9.99
8 portable sachets - $4.99
I have these in the portable sachets as well. I keep one in my purse at all times, just in case! These are actually really cool. They smell AMAZING and feel really nice on the skin! They left my skin feeling a little smoother, and left a light sheen making my skin look dewey! However, they didnt feel super moist, Im not sure if they are supposed to, but I felt like mine was drying up a little.
You can find these products at lafreshgroup.com!
And lastly, my favorite, Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover.
These wipes quickly clean and condition all 10 nails with just one pad. They moisturize with aloe, glycerin and vitamin E; and strengthen nails with rosemary and horsetail extract. They are acetone-free, as well as free of parabens, sulfates, etc. They have an amazing scent of Tuscan Orange!
They are available in the following:
20 portable sachets - $9.99
10 portable sachets - $4.99
These wipes are amazing. I think theyre my new favorite product of the year, maybe all time! I hate taking my nail polish off, its always a hassle and smells horrible. I always have to do it in my bedroom because my parents hate the smell, and the scent always seems to stay in my room for hours! But with these pads I can do my nails anywhere without bothering anyone! The smell is amazing, and they leave my nails feeling so smooth and nourished. They effectively remove all polish from all 10 nails using just one pad. I did find removing glitter polish was still difficult though, and it kind of tore the pad, so be cautious of that. I will be buying these for a long time to come! They are individually wrapped so they are perfect for travel! I will most definitely be taking them on trips and vacations this year! I also have one in my purse at all times for those emergency moments!
You can find these products at lafreshgroup.com!
Friday, April 19, 2013
Skin Care Review!
Ive recently been trying a bunch of new skin care products. My skin has been breaking out a lot lately, so Im pretty determined to find something that works for me!
Ive mentioned quite a few times about different skin care products Ive tried, some that worked, some that didnt. You can check out those reviews here!
But there are three products in particular that Ive tried recently that I wanted to talk about.
The first is from Merlot Skincare.
What they say: Reveal smooth skin. This formulas micro beads work to battle blemishes and clean pores gently. Cleans pores, smoothes skin with micro beads, helps prevent breakouts, contains grape seed extract.
What I say: I really liked this cleanser. I liked the way it made my skin feel after. (especially using the toner and moisturizer along with the cleanser) I like that the micro beads sloth off dead skin, leaving my skin feeling smoother. I didnt, however, notice major improvement in the complexion of my skin, I didnt notice any more breakouts, but I also didnt notice any less. It kept my skin from getting oily about the same as most products, if I use it in the morning by 1-2 in the afternoon my skin starts feeling pretty oily. (Ive yet to find a product that helps fight oil all day) The price for this product is pretty fair, its about $14 for 6 oz. I might use this product again, as long as I find the right spot treatment and moisturizer to use along with it to help with my skin problems.
Final thoughts: Decently priced, smoothes skin, not drying, but not super effective at clearing my skin. I would consider repurchasing!
You can find out more about Merlot Skin Care products, and buy them here.
The next products I checked out were the Evologie products.
I tried the entire line of products from Evologie, including the stay clear cleanser, intensive blemish serum, and stay clear cream.
To prevent repeated breakouts it is essntial not only to deliver blemish-fighting agents deep within skin layers, but also to hydrate dry skin in order to heal, strengthen, and safeguard its natural protective barrier.
It was the relentless research and collaboration by Dr. Robert Nagel, Dr. Gary Weinberger, and Chemist, Richard A. Brown, that yielded this revolutionary, patent-pending solution.
What they say: Cleanser - Deep cleansing, non-drying formulation containing antibacterial agents that unclog pores, remove oil, and washes away acne causing bacteria and debris. Serum - Doctor developed, patent-pending, formulation deeply penetrated the skin to quickly clear the blemishes at the source. Cream - Intensifies your skins healing power to prevent breakouts and keep your skin clear and looking great. Reduces the appearance of spots and post acne scars.
What I say: Again, I didnt see a major difference in my skin, I do like the cleanser, the spot treatment wasnt amazing, and the cream made my skin feel kind of dry and..I dont know just weird..almost like it didnt get absorbed, and it left a coating on my skin. I still use the cleanser most days, its not over drying, its not too harsh, and it does seem to do something good for my skin, but not as good results as the site says. (as most companies do, im sure they used the best stories to post on their site) I use the cleanser with my clarisonic, and its not too harsh for my skin, I actually prefer to use it with the clarisonic, sometimes I feel like it doesnt get my face as clean without. The major thing about these products is the price! Cleanser - $32 for 5 oz. Serum - $35 for .5 oz. Cream - $62 for 1 oz. That is pretty expensive when buying all three together! (they do offer an introductory kit for $106, but the serum is less than half the size, so youre not saving much money at all!) I probably wouldnt buy all three products again, if anything I would buy the cleanser, but as for the other products, I probably wouldnt buy again.
Fnial thoughts: Over priced for me, not amazingly effective on my skin, but I do like the cleanser. Again, with the right spot treatment and moisturizer, I could consider repurchasing.
You can find out more about Evologie products, and buy them here.
And the final product I want to talk about is Bare Body Soaps Organics.
First of all, I LOVE handmade, organic products. Ive mentioned a few times recently Ive been trying a lot of new organic products. And I love supporting small businesses! Especially people who make and sell handmade things!
What they say: Luxurious clay draws toxins out of your skin, tightens pores, tones the skin, gently exfoliates, and reduces inflamation from acne. It helps to promote blood flow and increase circulation. This soap is best used on oily skin as it is great at absorbing excess oil.
What I say: I love this soap! Since I only use this on my face, this bar will last me a pretty long time. Ive used it alone, and Ive also tried using my clarisonic with it. I like it both ways! (I rub it on my skin and get a thin layer over my face then run the clarisonic over it, i dont apply it to the clarisonic itself.) I can definitely see a difference in my skin, my blemishes I had cleared up pretty quickly after starting use of this soap. It does leave my skin a little dry after, when using it every day, but thats nothing a little moisturizer cant fix! Its super affordable! Only $6 for a 4 oz. bar. (there is a $6 flat rate shipping fee, but thats not a big deal it you buy a few at once, or try out a few other products they offer) I definitely plan on buying this soap again in the future! and probably get something for my dad too! (he has a skin condition called psoriasis, and there are a lot of natural soaps that are good for that!) BTW they only ship to the US! & to keep soaps longer lasting, let dry after each use! (if you leave it in the wet shower, or in a soap dish, the water will soften the soap, which will make it disappear pretty fast!)
Final thoughts: Great soap, my new favorite! Works really well for my skin, as long as accompanied by a good moisturizer to keep my skin from over-drying. Really affordable, and long lasting. I will definitely be repurchasing this soap!
You can find more about Bare Body Soaps Organics products, and buy them from here.
So to recap them all, I chose the Bare Basics Clay Soap as my new favorite, and best deal! And I would say as for effectiveness, the Merlot and Evologie cleansers are about the same, but the Merlot is a little cheaper! Feel free to check out these products and let me know how they worked for you and if you like them or now!
Remember guys, this is just my experiences and what has and has not worked for my skin! You may have different results! Feel free to share your experiences with me!
The products in this review were provided to me for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly my own opinions. All reviews provided here are the work of myself and remain completely unbiased. Product photos from product websites. I own copyright to all content on this page, unless otherwise stated.
Ive mentioned quite a few times about different skin care products Ive tried, some that worked, some that didnt. You can check out those reviews here!
But there are three products in particular that Ive tried recently that I wanted to talk about.
The first is from Merlot Skincare.
In 2001 Wayne Beckley launched Merlot Skin Care, utilizing the power of the grape seed in each unique formulation. Harnessing natures mote powerful antioxidants, Merlot products work to fight free radicals - molecules caused by smoke, smog, pollution, stress, and UV rays - and protect against the signs of aging. From his first experiments in the garage to today, Beckley has built Merlot into a powerful line. Merlot Skin Care products have been praised for their high quality formulations and tremendous value. But the real secret is in the seed.Ive mentioned a few products from them before. But the product I want to talk about now is the Merlot Exfoliating Scrub.
What I say: I really liked this cleanser. I liked the way it made my skin feel after. (especially using the toner and moisturizer along with the cleanser) I like that the micro beads sloth off dead skin, leaving my skin feeling smoother. I didnt, however, notice major improvement in the complexion of my skin, I didnt notice any more breakouts, but I also didnt notice any less. It kept my skin from getting oily about the same as most products, if I use it in the morning by 1-2 in the afternoon my skin starts feeling pretty oily. (Ive yet to find a product that helps fight oil all day) The price for this product is pretty fair, its about $14 for 6 oz. I might use this product again, as long as I find the right spot treatment and moisturizer to use along with it to help with my skin problems.
Final thoughts: Decently priced, smoothes skin, not drying, but not super effective at clearing my skin. I would consider repurchasing!
You can find out more about Merlot Skin Care products, and buy them here.
The next products I checked out were the Evologie products.
I tried the entire line of products from Evologie, including the stay clear cleanser, intensive blemish serum, and stay clear cream.
YS3 COMPLEX is what makes Evologie Stay Clear pimple treatment products different and makes them more effective and efficient than any skin care products you may have used!YS3 Complex is a revolutionary delivery system that addresses the multiple causes and complications associated with pimples and blemishes.
To prevent repeated breakouts it is essntial not only to deliver blemish-fighting agents deep within skin layers, but also to hydrate dry skin in order to heal, strengthen, and safeguard its natural protective barrier.
It was the relentless research and collaboration by Dr. Robert Nagel, Dr. Gary Weinberger, and Chemist, Richard A. Brown, that yielded this revolutionary, patent-pending solution.
What I say: Again, I didnt see a major difference in my skin, I do like the cleanser, the spot treatment wasnt amazing, and the cream made my skin feel kind of dry and..I dont know just weird..almost like it didnt get absorbed, and it left a coating on my skin. I still use the cleanser most days, its not over drying, its not too harsh, and it does seem to do something good for my skin, but not as good results as the site says. (as most companies do, im sure they used the best stories to post on their site) I use the cleanser with my clarisonic, and its not too harsh for my skin, I actually prefer to use it with the clarisonic, sometimes I feel like it doesnt get my face as clean without. The major thing about these products is the price! Cleanser - $32 for 5 oz. Serum - $35 for .5 oz. Cream - $62 for 1 oz. That is pretty expensive when buying all three together! (they do offer an introductory kit for $106, but the serum is less than half the size, so youre not saving much money at all!) I probably wouldnt buy all three products again, if anything I would buy the cleanser, but as for the other products, I probably wouldnt buy again.
Fnial thoughts: Over priced for me, not amazingly effective on my skin, but I do like the cleanser. Again, with the right spot treatment and moisturizer, I could consider repurchasing.
You can find out more about Evologie products, and buy them here.
And the final product I want to talk about is Bare Body Soaps Organics.
At Bare Body Soaps Organics "we care for whats bare." In a quest for a more natural and healthy way of life, the companies founfer, Roseanne Muncy, became conscious of minimizing the toxins her family was exposed to. Inspired by the clean air, the blue skies, and the wide open spaces surrounding her home in rural Wyoming, she began making organiz soap to provide high-quality, non-toxic skin care. Roseanne handcrafts affordable and luxurious soaps with certified organic oils, essential oils, and botanicals to produce vegan and cruelty-free soaps using the cold-process method of soap making. Bare Body Soaps Organics is committed to the envitonment, using sustainable and fair-trade ingredients and eco-friendly packaging made from recycled paper. Nourish your skin with organic soaps and feel the difference.The soap I tried from them is the Organic French Green Clay Soap.
What they say: Luxurious clay draws toxins out of your skin, tightens pores, tones the skin, gently exfoliates, and reduces inflamation from acne. It helps to promote blood flow and increase circulation. This soap is best used on oily skin as it is great at absorbing excess oil.
What I say: I love this soap! Since I only use this on my face, this bar will last me a pretty long time. Ive used it alone, and Ive also tried using my clarisonic with it. I like it both ways! (I rub it on my skin and get a thin layer over my face then run the clarisonic over it, i dont apply it to the clarisonic itself.) I can definitely see a difference in my skin, my blemishes I had cleared up pretty quickly after starting use of this soap. It does leave my skin a little dry after, when using it every day, but thats nothing a little moisturizer cant fix! Its super affordable! Only $6 for a 4 oz. bar. (there is a $6 flat rate shipping fee, but thats not a big deal it you buy a few at once, or try out a few other products they offer) I definitely plan on buying this soap again in the future! and probably get something for my dad too! (he has a skin condition called psoriasis, and there are a lot of natural soaps that are good for that!) BTW they only ship to the US! & to keep soaps longer lasting, let dry after each use! (if you leave it in the wet shower, or in a soap dish, the water will soften the soap, which will make it disappear pretty fast!)
Final thoughts: Great soap, my new favorite! Works really well for my skin, as long as accompanied by a good moisturizer to keep my skin from over-drying. Really affordable, and long lasting. I will definitely be repurchasing this soap!
You can find more about Bare Body Soaps Organics products, and buy them from here.
So to recap them all, I chose the Bare Basics Clay Soap as my new favorite, and best deal! And I would say as for effectiveness, the Merlot and Evologie cleansers are about the same, but the Merlot is a little cheaper! Feel free to check out these products and let me know how they worked for you and if you like them or now!
Remember guys, this is just my experiences and what has and has not worked for my skin! You may have different results! Feel free to share your experiences with me!
The products in this review were provided to me for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly my own opinions. All reviews provided here are the work of myself and remain completely unbiased. Product photos from product websites. I own copyright to all content on this page, unless otherwise stated.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
After Shower Routine!
Its been a while since Ive done one of these, and my routine has changed a little since..so I decided to go ahead and do a new one!
So, since Ive been trying a lot of new products lately my shower routine is never the same, thats why Im skipping the shampoo/conditioner/etc part, and skipping right to my after shower routine.
In the shower, of course, I shampoo and condition my hair. Wash my face, body, etc..
So once I get out of the shower, after drying off, the first thing I do is:
- Tone
The toner Im using right now is the Merlot Skin Care Hydrating Toner.
A lot of people dont do this step after cleansing, and really by skipping this step, youre pretty much only getting half as clean. Toners help clean pores and prep skin for deep moisture. Put your toner on a cotton ball or cotton round and just wipe it over your face. (some toners recommend circular motions, some upward motions, just check your bottle for your recommended directions) Youll see on the cotton all of the gunk thats left on your skin and in your pores after cleansing alone.
If you use a clarisonic or an exfoliating cleanser you might not notice a lot, but its still important to tone. If you dont use a makeup remover before cleansing, youll see a lot of the makeup will show up on the cotton when toning, so for me its a must!
Benefits of this toner:
- Hydrate
The moisturizer I use is actually a body lotion. I use the Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Body Lotion.
I have really..weird..skin. Haha. My skin is typically really oily, but with dry spots usually around my mouth, chin, and eyes. So when I would moisturize the dry spots would be fine, but the rest would get really oily. But if I used one for oily skin I found that it didnt do much for the dry spots, so I could never win!
So recently, Ive been checking out new moisturizers, and the one that I found worked really well for me was the Peter Thomas Roth body lotion.
This lotion is rich with vitamin C, E, and pro vitamin B5. It leaves my skin so soft, smooth, and feels really moisturized, which is something I havent really seen with other moisturizers.
Next I move to my hair. I used to use all Redken Extreme products, but Ive been looking for other cheaper products lately, because I feel like I go through them so fast and theyre a little on the pricey side.
So lately Ive been using a the Redken Glass 01 Smoothing Serum and Hair Rules Hydrating Finishing Creme.
So, since Ive been trying a lot of new products lately my shower routine is never the same, thats why Im skipping the shampoo/conditioner/etc part, and skipping right to my after shower routine.
In the shower, of course, I shampoo and condition my hair. Wash my face, body, etc..
So once I get out of the shower, after drying off, the first thing I do is:
- Tone
The toner Im using right now is the Merlot Skin Care Hydrating Toner.
If you use a clarisonic or an exfoliating cleanser you might not notice a lot, but its still important to tone. If you dont use a makeup remover before cleansing, youll see a lot of the makeup will show up on the cotton when toning, so for me its a must!
Benefits of this toner:
- Refreshes skin.
- Purifies and clarifies skin.
- Alcohol free.
- For all skin types.
- Helps boost skins tone after cleansing.
- Hydrate
The moisturizer I use is actually a body lotion. I use the Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Body Lotion.
So recently, Ive been checking out new moisturizers, and the one that I found worked really well for me was the Peter Thomas Roth body lotion.
This lotion is rich with vitamin C, E, and pro vitamin B5. It leaves my skin so soft, smooth, and feels really moisturized, which is something I havent really seen with other moisturizers.
Next I move to my hair. I used to use all Redken Extreme products, but Ive been looking for other cheaper products lately, because I feel like I go through them so fast and theyre a little on the pricey side.
So lately Ive been using a the Redken Glass 01 Smoothing Serum and Hair Rules Hydrating Finishing Creme.
I know I just said Redken is a little pricey, but I had this in my closet for a while and Ive been trying to use up products I have before I go buy new stuff! So I use a couple of drops of this, spread that throughout my hair then use a small amount of the finishing creme. The finishing creme says to use it on dry hair, but I tried it on wet hair, and I like it. It seems a little to thick to me to use on dry hair. So then I just brush that through and blow it dry using my Sedu Revolution 4000i. (click <- to see my review on that!)
Then once its dry, I apply a small amount of the Bedhead After Party Finishing Cream.
This stuff seriously makes your hair so soft and silky smooth! I love it! So I just finger comb that through my hair, focus mainly on the ends of my hair. Then I straighten it using my Karmin Titanium 1" Flat Iron. (which I could have sworn I had a review on, but I cant find the link right now D: Ill get that up asap!)
And that pretty much all I do after my shower. I know theres probably more I should do, like body lotion and whatever, but I never really feel the need to do that. Maybe a little hand lotion every once in a while, but thats about it!
If you guys have tried any of these products and want to share your thoughts, or if you want to share your after shower routine please feel free to comment below! I love seeing what other people do!
This is not a sponsored post. Some products were given to me to write reviews for, others were purchased by me! All reviews provided here are the work of myself and remain completely unbiased. Product photos are from product websites. I own copyright to all content on this page, unless otherwise stated.
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