Botanics Tinted Lip Balm

My free full size sample came of Botanic s Tinted Lip Balm in Sheer Guava.  It has a smooth consistency which glides over your lips.  Staying power isn't too long, but a nice lip quencher.

Power of Love

I received a free full sized sample of Pacifica's Power of Love Natural Lipstick in the shade of Tender Heart.  This is a VEGAN product.  I don't really care for the smell or texture of the lipstick, as it isn't smooth and creamy but rather has a mud consistency.  It smells like old cooking oil.  Maybe my sample is old.

The product does have a good cause - for every one purchased, one goes to women in need.

I tried this Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment and my hair was shiny and had less frizz

I decided to see if this really worked.  I washed my hair, used conditioner then poured this mixture over my hair and let soak in while I finished showering.

I used a slightly different recipe than below and did use conditioner first.  I used a 2-2 ratio: 2 ounces of tap water to 2 ounces of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of lavender.

My hair usually resembles the model's photo below on the left after blow drying. After treatment and a swipe with the flat iron, my hair was shiny and less frizzy, but not as shiny as the model below on the right. However, definitely worth trying before investing in expensive products and treatments.

Ingredients:

2 cups of boiling water

2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

Herbs of choice - Lavender and lemon add fragrance and cut down on the vinegar smell.

Preparation:

First boil the water and then add the herbs and vinegar. Allow it to cool down for 30 minutes. After that, refrigerate the mixture for later. You can use the mixture after you have finished with rinsing the shampoo. Just pour the mixture and massage the scalp, and then rinse with fresh water, or you can leave it in and towel dry for extra conditioning benefits.

Here is a list of all the health benefits using the apple cider vinegar:

Improves porosity * Conditions naturally * Treats hair loss

Clarifies the scalp * Removes the dandruff * Reduces frizz

Balances the pH of the scalp * Prevents split ends * Treats itchy and dry scalps

My stylist started carrying DAVINES hair care products in her salon.  I used the OI Shampoo and Conditioner for the first time yesterday.  Day two and my hair is still amazing - I mean amazing!  I complain about the texture of my hair all the time, but have to say I am hooked on only one use. I want to try their other products...

Burt's Bee Facial Cleansing Oil is a GREAT product for only $16 (less at Walmart).  One pump massaged into face literally removes all makeup.  It leaves your skin clean and moisturized.  I've been using for two weeks and my complexion is looking good and acne is greatly reduced!

Juvesa ProSkin

Last week my friend and co-partner in this blog sends me an invite to her niece’s skin care party.  I don’t really read the flyer, but immediately respond, “Girl’s Night Out - of course I’ll go!”  As the day arrived I start thinking – what have I gotten myself into?  I know she was studying to be an esthetician or something in that field, but I’m not sure if she’s graduated or her current skill level.  Do I really want to be a guinea pig for some type of dermabrasion treatment???

We arrive at their friend’s salon – still not knowing really what we’ve agreed to – and enjoy meeting old friends and new acquaintances.   After some small talk, we’ve figured out that we would receive some type of a facial.  As I had washed my face per the request prior to arrival, I volunteered to be the first ‘victim’. 

I have a ‘before’ photo taken and then lay on the table while a very nice lady who I think is training the niece prepares my face.  We make small talk as she applies different serums and creams and begins a very pleasant type of dermabrasion that does not use the gritty granules as I’ve used in the past.  More concoctions, different tools with lights and currents, basically focusing on one side of my face.

Half way through my procedure the niece hands me a mirror.  Honestly expecting to have to lie and say, “Oh yeah, I see a difference,” I looked at my image.  OMG – the right side of my face was lifted what looked like an entire inch higher than the left.  I looked like I had just had half of my face pulled back to what it was 15 years ago.  I anxiously said, “Do the other side!”

They explained that as time passed, I would see more improvements.  For best results you should have 3-6+ treatments, about 3 weeks apart and then only maintenance is required.  We received the ‘Red Carpet’ treatment which is what the stars have prior to big events. 

When I woke this morning, my skin felt soft, smooth, the indents around my mouth where no longer so prominent and my eye area is lifted.  The acne I had yesterday is gone.  One very skeptical person is sold on this machine and I can’t wait for my next treatment!!! 

Juvesa ProSkin

 

 Tuesday Night Before                                                                                             Wednesday Morning

TOO Faced Lipsticks

Apparently I like the different color options offered by TOO-FACED LA CRÈME

Color Drenched Lipstick, as I have several in my collection.  Although it does hydrate your lips very nicely, the staying power is minimal.  After an hour and a half of my morning shake, fruit and water it’s time to re-apply.  In addition to their online shop, it is also sold at both Ulta and Sephora for $22.

PERFECT LIPS liner is fantastic.  Goes on smooth and creamy and sold for $17.

Also good for the purse is their Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick.  It does last longer but is a bit drying.  Also available in a lot of colors for $21. 

I can't get this stuff off!

My quest might be over.  Again on Pinterest, I found a product called LipSense by Sene Gence Long Lasting Liquid Lip Color.  I applied the gloss like color yesterday afternoon.  Apparently you need to shake before application because it burned my lips like crazy.  This morning at 7:30AM I applied it again (after shaking vigorously) in the three layers as recommended.  It is now 5PM and it's still on my lips.  They look a little pruney and are very dry, but the color is still going.

They offer one of the largest assortment of colors to choose from that I've ever seen and the tube sells for $25. 

Herbal cleanser for troubled skin

Another product from LUSH that I've been trying is Herbalism Cleanser.  The jury is still out and will let you know...

 

Can your pillow help reduce wrinkles?

Another night which sleep eluded me and the convenience of the 'buy on demand remote and flex-pay', I had HSN send me an iluminage CopperOxide Age-Defying Pillowcase.  They claim it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  I’ve been sleeping on it for a week.  You are not to use any kind of laundry softener when cleaning.  Will let you know how it goes…  

Lipstick Heaven

O-M-G was my initial reaction to the recently released 

Christian Louboutin lipstick.  

The packaging is so beautiful you expect beams of stardust to spill from the box.  The gold case looks like a beautiful Christmas ornament with its own sparkling ribbon.  It comes in three different varieties each with a different case.

Admittedly I had a hard time choosing one of the 20 colors offered in the Silky Satin Lip Colour, but I was not disappointed in the lovely shade of Let Me Tell You.  The rich colour lasts for several hours.

Is it worth the $90 price tag?  Is a Ferrari worth the price?  Probably not for most people, but it was for this obsessive compulsive lipstick collector!

Battery Operated Pedicure

I received this MicroPedi as a gift.  WOW does it take off dead skin on your feet.  The roller is fast and strong - be careful around sensitive areas.  I used it on my knees hoping to get rid of the dark spots and quickly rubbed them raw - LOL.

I found a number of online sites which carries it, but only $29.99 at Target.

Foam Shampoo...

I know I have a problem which has been brought clearly to my attention since I started this blog.  Most women while home alone and left to their own devises would opt for a glass of wine and watch chick flicks.  Not me – I watch Home Shopping Network Beauty Report.  Which leads me to my next product. 

I hear – “Prevents frizz,” and my full attention swings to the television.  The special for the evening is Tweak-d Ultra Nourishing Self Cleansing Hair Treatment, Tweak-d Tame-d Bye-Bye Frizz! Flexible Finishing Mist and Moisturizing Crème. - 3 for price of 1.  Thanks to my handy ‘buy on demand’ remote, with a few flicks of buttons everything is on its way to my door.

The Self Cleansing Hair Treatment is sulfate-free and completely different than any shampoo I’ve ever used.  It comes in an aerosol can and has the consistency of shaving cream.  Depending on length of hair, you squirt an ample amount of foam into the palm of your hand and most importantly you apply to DRY HAIR.  Try to evenly distribute throughout hair (do in shower because sometimes the foam gets messy) and then add some water.  Suddenly it becomes silky shampoo.  Wash hair and rinse (be careful, as I’ve noticed the shower floor gets slippery afterwards).  I don’t use a conditioner to follow-up because the Moisturizing Crème states to let soak on head 30 minutes – which I haven’t had time to do.

The smell is amazing which stays with your hair throughout the day.  My hair is soft and shiny after use and the frizz is better.  I got less than 10 uses from the $29/10.58oz. bottle, because I think I was using too much before getting the hang of it. 

If I could purchase the Self Cleansing Hair Treatment on special, I would definitely get this product again.  I haven't really tried the other two products, but again the smell of the Flexible Finishing Mist is also wonderful.

This Product isn't a Lemon!

I have occasionally used L'OCCITANE bath and body products over the years but became hooked on their lemony/citrus fragrance - VERBENA - while taking a river cruise through the Netherlands.  The ship offered VERBENA as toiletry supplies in our stateroom.  

Once I returned stateside I purchased the shower gel (I buy in the refill package and save $10) which I use almost every morning.  The lemony citrus scent wakes me up and makes me happy.  The body salt smells wonderful and really moisturizes your skin.  I use the tube of the Gel Crème for hand lotion and keep in my desk drawer.  I have a packet of Refreshing Towelettes in my car for a quick pick me up throughout the day. 

Both of the deodorant options smell nice, but aren't for people who need a lot of cover-up.  I've noticed they don't really control underarm odor very long.

This product gets a big thumbs up!  

If lemon isn’t your scent, L’OCCITANE offers a wide variety of fragrances and boasts that the Divine Crème is an award winning anti-aging crème.  They always seem happy to hand out samples of their products.

Perfect Razor

I don't know about you, but ever since design of  the old style pink Daisy razor changed, I haven't found a razor that I like and isn't cheaply made or expensive.  My friend swears by the Dollar Shave Club.  Select one of their great blades and they send them right to your door.  She has the $6 a month plan and claims they are better than store bought brands.  For $6 you get four blades, the handle and samples of their other products delivered to you monthly.

She couldn't say enough wonderful things about DR. CARVER’S EASY SHAVE BUTTER.  She received a sample with her monthly razor order and is hooked on this save cream that made her skin feel wonderful.  If you use shave cream on your legs it might be worth the $8 investment.

Another winner

Received my Dolce & Gabbana - Passion Duo Gloss Fusion Lipstick from Sephora the other day.  

I REALLY like it!  Smooth and creamy and it lasted through the morning after drinking my protein shake, eating a banana, some almonds and a couple glasses of water.  A splurge at $37, but I would buy it again in another one of these 26 colors.

Tried of FRIZZ?

I have been using the John Frieda BEYOND SMOOTH hair line for a couple of weeks.  By no means have I found the miracle cure, but this seems to work better than any other product I've tried.  It controls about 90% of frizz in the South Florida heat and humidity.  

Perhaps try the SECRET WEAPON smoothing cream (applied to dry hair) or the Beyond Smooth Frizz Immunity Primer (applied to wet hair) to see if it works before purchasing the other products.  



Although it is a rainy day, as you can see, I still have frizz/fly away hair - this is after shampoo/conditioner, primer, defining gel, blow dry and styler brush.

Best way to dry makeup brushes

This is a great idea to hold brushes so they hang downwards to dry. 

Be sure to wash your brushes at least once a week to prevent acne.

I agree with this post from Pinterest!

Wen isn't everything it's cracked up to be - why you should be wary of wen!

And once you purchase it, WEN will keep mailing

it to you whether you want it or not!  

And continue to charge your credit card 

after you cancel the account!

e.l.f. studio lengthening & volumizing mascara

For only $3 and easily purchased at at e.l.f. online, a local drugstore or discount store, this is a great mascara!

Anti-Ager

Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum ($55; origins.com)

I have been using this about 6 weeks and can say I can see an improvement in my skin tone.
It doesn't cause my skin to peel.

Japan's #1 mascara

Miaray Fiberwig ($19) - While checking out at Ulta, this mascara display promptly caught my attention, as the packaging stated:  #1 Selling Mascara in Japan. After two coats, frankly, I could barely tell I had any mascara on my lashes.  Might be popular in Japan, but not in my house!  This one's going back!

Can't say I agree...

BETTER THAN SEX VOLUPTUOUS VOLUME MASCARA

I really like Too Face products, but I didn’t find this mascara better than sex nor very voluptuous, especially for $23.  I promptly returned it!

Best Long Lasting Lipstick

CHANEL ROUGE DOUBLE INTENSITÉ Ultra Wear Lip Colour - Although a splurge at $36 a tube, it's really the longest lasting lipstick I've ever used.  Swipe on your color and let it dry for 30 seconds to a minute before adding the clear coat.  The darker the color, the longer it seems to last.  There are an array of colors and can be purchased at most department stores or online.  This is my favorite to use for a night out on town when I'm eating and drinking and don't want to worry about reapplying my lipstick!

A very good substitute is Rimmel PROVOCALIPS 16HR KISSPROOF LIP COLOUR.  Used the same way, swipe color, let dry then add the clear coat, it works really well and is a steal for under $10. It can be found at most local drug and discount chain stores and is available in nine colors!

Best acne mask - lifetime supply under $10

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing

I bought this on Amazon for under $10 for a pound of dry clay.  Mix a teaspoon or two of the powdered clay with a teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar and you have enough product for 2-3 facial masks.  I save it in an air tight container.  This will clear up acne in 48 hours.  I've never had any product work as well as this.

Tatcha Facial Cleanser

Really like this Tatcha skin care line. Makeup dissolves in a minute with the cleansing oil and the rice exfoliate is very subtle but effective.  I bought these both from Sephora; the cleansing oil in regular size and the rice exfoliate in travel size to see if I liked it.  Also available on QVC.

LUNA™ for Sensitive-Normal Skin

Can't say the Luna facial cleansing brush was worth the money.  Has been sitting in my drawer.  Maybe I'll try using it again.  I purchased mine on HSN but don't think I paid $199.  I must have gotten it on special.

Heated Styling Brush

Campbell McAuley Heated Styling Brush & Rising Star Spray

I bought this on HSN for under $60.  It arrived the other day and I have to say WOW!  I have thick, yet fine, color treated hair that tends to frizz. It's difficult for me to blow dry without it ending up like a frizz-ball. If you slowly swipe this brush/styler through your hair after blow drying, it does leave it smooth, soft and shiny.  It is VERY easy to use - almost like a brush.  I think the trick is to go SLOW.  Like a curling iron, I can make curls or manipulate my hair in a style.  The Rising Star Spray smells amazing.  This one is worth the $$.

Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting Highlighter

Really like the way this highlights my eyes and face, especially when applied at end of a long day before going out.  Gives your skin a refreshed look.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream

Great eye gel for under $20 at local drugstores or Amazon.

Mally Volumizing Mascara

This Mally Volumizing Mascara would be in my top five favorites.  Well worth the $20 and I found mine on QVC when they were running a 3 for the price of 1 special.

Mally Eye Shadow Stick

 

I really like these Mally eye shadow sticks that last all day without smudging.  I found mine at Ulta, but she also sells them on QVC and other online shops.  Cost is $25 and just as good as the higher department store brands.  Color choices seem to vary at different shops.