Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Understanding Your Body’s Alkaline and Acidic Levels Can Mean the Difference Between Prettier Skin and Health


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Learn how to properly balance the right combination of the foods you eat to beautify the skin and heal the body.


Our bodies are complex machines that need the best fuel just like the cars we drive for top performance. Making sure that the foods we eat don’t upset that chemical balance of our body chemistry is important because too many acidic or alkaline foods can cause our skin and health unwanted problems. 

For example, a high acidic pH can trigger such skin conditions as rosacea, acne, and even eczema just by eating too many acid-producing foods like beef, dairy and wheat, which may cause inflammation whether to the skin or the rest of you.  Other symptoms can be fatigue and a compromised immune system.

On the other hand, if you tend to eat more leafy dark greens such as spinach, kale, broccoli, cucumber, avocado, celery, and bell peppers, then you could have a higher alkaline pH.  As a result, you might experience confusion, muscle spasms, numbness, etc.

The best advice is  learning to maintain this delicate balance between acidic and alkaline foods to avoid trouble.   There are many food charts online to show the relationship of acidic versus alkaline foods.  Here is one great chart from rense.com.

However, if you’re still experiencing some of these problems even after adjusting your diet, then find out your pH level.  Your optimal blood pH level should be 7.35 to 7.46. You can buy a home pH testing kit and learn your level or visit your doctor for an evaluation.  

Monday, June 29, 2015

Review: SexyBox Lingerie Subscription for June 2015 to Fire Up the Heat in Your Love Life!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
SexyBox June 2015 lingerie gown.jpeg
This is what SexyBox selected for me.  It also has a daring, low back.


Ladies, if you want to channel your inner sex goddess, I know exactly how you can do it regardless of how big a size or small of one that you wear.  All you need is a SexyBox and the rest comes naturally! 

If you never heard of this lingerie subscription then let me explain.  Each month a discreet black box arrives to surprise you with a specially selected lingerie outfit based on your preferences after answering their quiz.  



SexyBox June 2015 thongs.jpeg
I received this pair of thongs from SexyBox to wear with that lingerie.


The cost is $34.95 a month with your first box being just $19.95 that is if you select the VIP Membership. Your other choice is the Pay As You Go option where you buy one box at full price without any further commitment.  Both subscription options can be changed at anytime.  

Furthermore, both options include free shipping within the USA and exchanges.  However, there is a $10 charge involved for shipping outside of the USA to Canada.

I was delighted after I unwrapped that red tissue paper and discovered the sexy, little number inside.  The short gown composed of nylon, spandex and lace that I got was enticing and fit me quite well.  See how deliciously naughty it is in black with lace trim and lacy sheer bra with underwire support and matching sheer black thong. 

Anyone desiring to feel a bit more sexy and crank up their love life, I think would be very happy with SexyBox.  After all, showing a bit of skin never hurts to inspire the imagination, now does it?  Do check them out!

You can also connect with SexyBox on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

*Disclaimer: Free product was provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.* 

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Why You May Want to Reconsider Using Your Finger to Blend Your Under Eye Concealer!


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Don't hide behind sunglasses for dark under eye circles.  Instead, discover how to better cover them for ideal coverage! 


Of course, you can apply your under eye concealer with a finger.  I have often done that.  It is quick and always saves you from cleaning an extra makeup brush.  However, I stopped once I understood why I kept needing to change one formula of under eye concealer for the next. 

What I learned is that the oils in our fingers warm as we blend that concealer, causing the formula to thin out instead of give more substantial coverage as intended. I found that relying on a concealer brush really made the concealer cover more thoroughly.  

Excited by this finding, I decided to test this theory on a few other liquid under eye concealers that I was about to toss that were still in my makeup bag.  Believe it or not, a concealer brush will help improve the quality of that darkness coverage most of the time. I cannot say all of those under eye concealers passed the test to my satisfaction because some formulas were still less than perfect, but there was a definite difference.

I dare you to try this same experiment before you replace a concealer that hasn’t lived up to your expectations.  You just might find that the cause of that poor under eye coverage isn’t coming from the product itself–-only from the addition of the oils from your fingers as you work it into to your skin to change the integrity of its formula.

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Smart Summer Beauty While Having Fun in the Sun Calls for Dorfman Pacific’s Scala Collezione LC484 Hat! (Review)

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
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Scala Collezione LC484 Hats

Now that Summer is finally here, I love soaking up the sun every chance I get.  In order to save my hair from turning brittle from strong sun, I always like to wear a hat when spending some time outdoors.  

With the Scala Collezione Hat by Dorfman Pacific that arrived, I can look stylish while being protected with not only a flattering 2-1/2 inch brim but built-in UPF 50+ (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) to protect from those damaging rays.  The model that I got was LC484 in natural, a light beige.  It is made of cotton material and comes in 25 colors with a drawstring inside to pull for adjusting to the fit the head, which was a nice feature.  

Something else I liked about this particular hat was that it could survive being stuffed in your tote without looking all wrinkled when you pulled it out again.  This way you can keep it stuffed somewhere in your car, tote, or wherever and have it ready when you plan to be outdoors.

This Scala Collezione Hat LC484 retails for $35.  If you like a slightly larger brim, there is the LC399 that might please you even more. 

If you’re planning on spending time outdoors, don’t take any needless chances with your beauty and health.  Do protect yourself with SPF and check out Pacific Dorfman’s Scala Collezione Hats.  

*Disclaimer: Free product was provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.* 

Friday, June 26, 2015

Do You Know How to Layer Your SPF Products Properly to Safeguard Your Complexion?


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She is smiling because she applied her SPF products correctly and  went a step further with her parasol to safeguard that pretty face from the effects of damaging sun!


We only get one face.  Thus, it is our duty to take care of it the best way that we can.  This means layering our SPF products like moisturizers and cosmetics so they count if we want to preserve the youth and health of our skin. Therefore, it is important to understand how to properly use those various sun protection factor products.

SPF products don’t accumulate in the amount of protection just because you are using several different products with various SPF levels.  For example, if you apply a moisturizer with SPF 15 before your foundation with SPF 18 does not give you SPF 33 protection–-only SPF 18.  

If you are looking for more SPF protection, you need to turn to a product with a higher SPF.  Just remember, an SPF number only indicates how long you can safely stay in the sun.  The number has nothing to do with the strength of protection.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

How to Stay Beautiful While Beating the Heat This Summer!


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Summer beauty doesn't have to be complicated--just altered.


If you intend to stay beautiful through the Summer, then you may want to rethink some of your cosmetics. After all, pigments in many of those makeup products can transform on your face through heat and sweat. With just a few changes to the products that you use, you will save your impeccably made-up face from melting in the sun.

My first suggestion is to start wearing a silicone-based primer over your moisturizer with SPF before applying makeup.  This will absorb excess oils since skin does get more oily though the heat to keep everything intact.  Just remember to wait at least five minutes before other products so the primer has a chance to set. 

Another idea is lightening up on foundation.  Summer months call for lighter water-based formulations of liquids or creams over heavier oil-based ones.  Try to use less or apply with a damp sponge to sheer the foundation out also helps it stay longer on a hot, humid day.

If you want the simple route for both coverage and sun protection, you can turn to a CC or BB Cream or a tinted moisturizer instead.   

A stain for your cheeks or a creme blush may hold up longer over a cream or liquid form of foundation than sweeping on a powder blush.  On the same note, when using powder foundation aim for the powder blush. The rule for ultimate success is stick with similarly formulated products

Switch out your liquid concealer for a dense, creamy one that can hold up better through the heat.  

Strive for lighter, brighter and glimmering shades of eye shadow to keep your look fresh and dazzling as you take advantage of the sun.  Your best bet may be long-wearing waterproof cream shadows, gel or liquid liners, and mascaras.  Eyeliner pencils can pose more problems smearing due to their waxes.

 Also, don’t forget to prime your eyes, especially if you’re intending on wearing powder shadows and liners. This will save you from that embarrassing problem of those products smudging or creasing or even worse, disappearing on you. 

Blotting papers or even tissues are wonderful to keep in your handbag during the day for a quick repair when shine comes through.  Try separating a tissue and dabbing over the offending area before touching up with powder.

Stains for your lips may last the longest, but the texture is too dry.  To solve that issue, just add some lubrication and SPF protection from a lip balm or just go with a tinted lip balm.  

A little forethought can be all you need for looking your best as that barometer climbs.  
  

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Review: Citrus Verbena Eau de Toilette and Shower Gel from L’Occitane en Provence--A Wonderful Feel Good Scent for Summer!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
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Citrus Verbena Eau de Toilette and Shower Gel


Summer is the time you want a lighter fragrance to properly embrace the season.  If you want one fitting for the task, L’Occitane en Provence’s Citrus Verbena Eau de Toilette is as an airy ode to cool freshness that can do it in style. The sheer beauty of this citrus fragrance may be just the ideal blend for you once the barometer climbs.

The fragrance opens with a brisk start with top notes of grapefruit and lemon.  The combination seems to give your senses a crisp jolt of freshness.

As the scent further warms, the lemon verbena note in the heart kicks in.  This makes for a sweet transition to curb the sourness to soon turn the mix into something delectable like a lemon treat to tempt you with.

Once the fragrance begins to dry down, it becomes even more heavenly as the cedar emerges in this base. The cedar adds the ultimate touch giving a soft muskiness to the green and citrus resulting in a delicate fresh herbal clean that is captivating and so easy to wear.

I also got to try the Citrus Verbena Shower Gel, which is delightful with its organic verbena and grapefruit extracts besides lemon oil for starting or ending a warm day.  

Check out the Citrus Verbena Collection at L’Occitane en Provence, including the new Citrus Verbena Eau de Toilette.  If you want a good deal, the Citrus Verbena Summer Fragrance normally retails for $58 but is now on sale for $46 for the 5.1 oz. bottle while the Shower Gel sells for $20 for 8.4 oz.   


*Disclaimer: Free product was provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.* 

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Some Bronzing Tricks to Give Aging Beauty an Extra Edge!

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Get glowing with bronzer to look your best at any age.


Whether you use bronzer just to warm up your complexion when paler faced than you like or wear it year round, there is a lot to love for what this one product can do for your beauty.  It can make a face look healthy, even out a tan, help reduce redness as well as enhancing our features.  

In order to get the most out of bronzer for an aging face, there are some tricks you may want to try to stay on top of your beauty.  Invest in a golden apricot shade of cream highlighter for your cheekbones before applying your bronzer.  This highlighter is what you need to subtly melt the bronze into your skin so it’s natural and seamless.

Try to stick with a bronzing powder that isn’t overly dark from your own skin tone.  Look at your body because you need the parts of your face and neck to match. Otherwise, you can look freaky like Frankenstein with how those parts appear oddly pieced together.

Before you pick up that brush, make sure that your foundation, primer, and moisturizer are thoroughly dry. Practically dry can still cause you to streak and accumulate in spots, only to accent flaws and wrinkles.

Consider using the thickest, full brush such as a powder brush for dusting that bronzer on.  The more hair bristle count, the better the brush will sheer out the color for the most natural and even look.

Look at yourself in the mirror and dust some bronzing powder on your cheekbones and up to your forehead in a C-shape.  This placement will give you the most realistic glow since it is usually where the sun hits against your bone structure.

Don’t forget about evening out the rest of your complexion and neck with the bronzer to balance the look out.

Finish off with that bronzer application by applying a light pink shade of a cream blush high on the cheekbone.  This will give you the softest, most authentic youthful glow yet!

For more tips on bronzing, please read my earlier post.

Monday, June 22, 2015

How to Solve the Problem of Foundation Turning Orange!



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Though orange is a lovely shade, the color is better on the fruit than your face.  However, there are ways around this problem.  


Buying the right color of foundation can be tricky enough.  When you finally find the perfect shade and only have it change to an orange color an hour or so after you apply it, then you may be wondering why it happened.

The reason for this unwanted color change is because the foundation has too much oil for your complexion to handle.  Therefore, the product oxidizes soon after it reacts with your skin’s own oils, causing the unwanted orange.

You have several options that are available.   The first is trying a silicone-based primer to layer underneath the product.   This should keep the formula from oxidizing to keep that original color lasting.

Buying a foundation a shade or two lighter also may reduce your likelihood of experiencing this type of problem.  Thus, you may want to return the product and exchange it for a paler color.   

Another thing that you could also try is adding a little bit of talcum powder to it and shaking the bottle thoroughly.  This trick can often correct the problem.  

You just need to be careful that you don’t add too much talcum powder at once.  This could cause lumps in the foundation as well as overly thicken the product.  If you went overboard and added too much, then a drop or two of glycerin helps bring back a nicer consistency.

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Review: Breathe Right Lavender Scented Nasal Strips–Proceed With Caution If You Have Sensitive Skin or Prone to Allergies!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
Breathe Right Lavender Scented Nasal Strips.jpeg
Breathe Right Lavender Scented Nasal Strips


Breathe Right recently reached out and asked if I would be interested in trying their nasal strips.  Though I do have allergies, I had never tried their products until the package arrived with five boxes of their new Lavender Scented Nasal Strips.

Since I thought it might help me breathe better and rely less on antihistamines, I didn’t waste any time and immediately read the directions before applying one later that same night the package came.  The strips are designed to lift the nasal passages to provide better airflow, which sounded ideal for someone that battles constant stuffiness.

I did not detect any smell of lavender as I attached it in exactly in the proper place judging by their brochure’s  illustration.  Once this strip attached, it held firmly in place.

The next morning I woke up and took a look at myself in the mirror.  My nose was swollen on both sides of that strip, which was still firmly attached to my face.

Immediately, I tried to pull it off.  Wow, that Breath Right Lavender Scented Nasal Strip wouldn’t budge easily.  Instead, I had to rip it painfully off of my face.  Underneath that strip, I got a better view of how ugly I looked this morning with a huge bulge on each side of my nose.

My swollen nose only lasted a day.  However, if you suffer from allergies or have sensitive skin, then I would go with the Breathe Right Sensitive Nasal Strips formula instead since the Lavender Scented strips use a medical grade of adhesive.

What happened to me may not work this way on you.  Nonetheless, I just want to put my experience out there and make you aware of what may occur.

*Disclaimer: Free product was provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.* 

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Recipe: Bake My Pineapple Yum Yum Cake and Let the Happiness Begin!

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This has to be one of the easiest cake recipes that you'll ever find.


Though the name of the snack cake that I want to share with you may sound strange, you should reserve judgment until your first taste.  Once you do, you will understand why we call it Pineapple Yum Yum Cake. However, if you’re expecting a distinct pineapple flavor, then be prepared to experience more of a unique one because you may not find it.

Besides how delicious this cake is with a minimum of ingredients, this recipe also has some other great things going for it.  It is extra easy to throw one together and is cholesterol-free since there is no shortening, butter, margarine or oil involved.  Instead, what keeps this cake moist is the addition of undrained, crushed pineapple.

Furthermore, this cake only requires the simplest topping of grated coconut and brown sugar in place of frosting to complete it.  

I hope you try this cake because I think that you’ll really enjoy it.


Pineapple Yum Yum Cake

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Pineapple Yum Yum Cake 

Cake Batter:

2 large eggs
1 small can of crushed pineapple, undrained
2 cups of flour
2 teaspoons of baking soda, leveled
1 cup of sugar

Topping:

½ cup of brown sugar (large or dark)
1/3 cup of grated coconut


Beat the eggs first with your electric mixer or whisk until creamy.

Add the pineapple and just mix through to combine the ingredients.

Sift the flour with the baking soda.  (This is important if you want to avoid those sour spots).

Pour into a greased 9 x 13" baking pan and sprinkle your brown sugar and coconut topping over the batter.

Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 35-40 minutes, depending on how your oven is regulated.  Test with a toothpick, cake tester or slender knife to see if anything sticks.

ENJOY!

Friday, June 19, 2015

Review: Your Special Guy Will Love This Upbeat, Woody-Citrus Fragrance–Meet L’Occitane en Provence’s New Cedrat Eau de Toilette

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
L’Occitane en Provence’s New Cedrat Eau de Toilette.jpeg
L’Occitane en Provence’s New Cedrat Eau de Toilette

A good way to show that special guy in your life how much you care this Father’s Day is by gifting him with a mood altering fragrance that has the power to a smile on his face.  L’Occitane en Provence’s new Cedrat Eau de Toilette is an upbeat, woody-citrus scent that is fresh and bursting with vitality and yet balanced with warmth, fitting the bill perfectly.

This fragrance opens with an invigorating burst of citrus as the top notes of bergamot and cedrat bark collide.  You can almost feel the energy as those notes blend before the fragrances falls into a happy alignment

As it warms in the heart, spicy notes of nutmeg and blue ginger fascinate and intrigue with a relaxed, but confident masculine appeal.  There is a freshness to the blend that keeps it interesting and comfortable.

By the time the fragrance dries down in the base, its notes of cedar and cashmere wood allow it to seduce with elegance.

Whether your man is young or old, this exceptionally sophisticated scent for the modern male, defies the boundaries of age and will be coveted by one and all.  Do look into giving Cedrat Eau de Toilette for Father’s Day because it will be just the thing to lift his spirits.  It retails for $58 for the 3.4 oz. at L’Occitane en Provence.

*Disclaimer: Free product was provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.* 

Thursday, June 18, 2015

A DIY Complexion Remedy to Help Clear Up Acne and Excess Oil That You’ll Love!


Though my skin is dry now, there was a time when it was on the oily side.  Usually, summer weather only made this skin problem worse, especially when it came to my T-zone and breakouts.  However, I am going to share something that used to work for me in getting rid of excess oil and help normalize my skin–-Milk of Magnesia. 

Don’t worry.  You will not have to swallow any, only use about a teaspoon of the unflavored variety as a facial mask.  This amount should be sufficient for an area, but you can pour on more if you want to cover most of the face.

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She was in a hurry to improve her skin by applying too much and entirely too close to her eyes.  
You’re probably wondering how could a stomach product have anything to do with the skin.  The reason this stomach product works so well on oily skin is because it has an active ingredient, Magnesium Hydroxide, that soaks up stomach acid in the same way to control the shine.

Though as wonderfully as Milk of Magnesium works in correcting excess oil, this DIY solution is not meant for regular use to deal your acne or an oily skin condition.  Since it does have a high PH level, which is not the optimal thing for skin, it is best to only use occasionally when needed.  

Wash and dry your face first.  Then apply with a cotton ball over your complexion, avoiding the eye area, and allow to dry thoroughly.  If you just have a few pimples that you want to target, I used to zap them with a cotton swab that I dipped in the Milk of Magnesia first.  Later, rinse it off with cool water and dry.

Remember, only do this treatment OCCASIONALLY.  Long-term use of any product with a high PH level is not good for the skin.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Why You May Want to Rethink Eyeliner Thickness

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Sometimes, less is more in opening up the eye.  

Eyeliner is indispensable with the way it can magically bring out the eyes.  However, it can also do the opposite to close in the eye,  if you lay down too heavy a bold black line to encircle the entire eye.  Instead, you can better glam up eyes and make them appear bigger by concentrating on thickening the look of eyelashes over ringing them with the product that may be actually swallowing them up. 

What I suggest doing is to keep the broadest section of that line at the outer corner of the eye where you have the longest and most lashes and gradually thin out toward the inner corner where the lashes are the smallest.  Just remember, the goal is to take the line across from one end of your lashes to where they stop, laying down as much liner in the area in proportion to the lashes there.  This is how you should line both the upper and bottom lashes.

Once you find the proper thickness of eyeliner fitting for your own lashes, you should play up your eye shadow more instead.  This will be even easier since you have opened up your eyes in this beautiful way! 

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Learn to Reposition Your Blush and Beautifully Change the Shape of Your Face to Your Advantage!

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Besides give your extraordinary color to liven up your face,  you can also consider a blush as a reshaping tool.


Blush can give your face a healthy glow, but it can also do so much more.  Did you know that it can also help alter your facial shape just by changing where you apply?

For instance, you can elegantly elongate a face simply by placing blush with an upward slant on your cheeks.  

On the other hand, if the face is too long and you want it to appear shorter with more width, you can visually accomplish the effect by applying blush horizontally.

Then again, placing the blush vertically on the face helps to slim and lengthen.

However, you need to be careful.  If your face is aging with some wrinkles, sagging, drooping or less than ideal skin or features, stay away from placing any accentuating iridescence or shine that may be in that blush in those particular spots.  Otherwise, you may accidentally only draw some unwanted attention to them. 

Monday, June 15, 2015

Review: More Than Pleased With Beauty Box 5 June 2015!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
Beauty Box 5 June 2015.jpeg
Beauty Box 5's June 2015 collection of products is quite sweet!


Happy days are here again now that my latest Beauty Box 5 has arrived.  Bon voyage is the theme for June 2105 from the beauty subscription with an assortment of products that are perfect for traveling to keep you dolled up in style.

If you still haven’t heard about Beauty Box 5, then you really are missing out on a fun way to shop because you never know what you’ll find in each green box. On average, you get about four or five full to sample sizes of beauty items per box, which can be had for just $12 with a monthly subscription.  

I like finding products from familiar brands, but it also has led me to discover new ones as well that now have become favorites.  For example, take a look below at this month’s box with me.  




Beauty Box 5 for June 2015

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara (0.04 oz. Sample)----------$5.50

Herbal Essences Body Wash (1.2 oz. Sample)----------$2.50

LOL Rotational Eye Shadow (Full Size)----------$3.00

Nails Inc. Nail Polish (Full Size)----------$9.50

Simple Skincare Micellar Cleansing Water (.17 ml Sample)----------$.05

Beauty Bonus of a $20 Gift card to shop at Gorge Hair (on all order more than $49.95)



Total Value: $20.55


This Urban Decay Perversion Mascara is meant to play up lashes with extra black boldness.  I didn’t try it yet, but will soon.  I was thinking of saving it for vacation.

The Herbal Essences Body Wash is their new Honey, Smell Good scent, which does smell delicious and produces beautiful lather.  

LOL Rotational Eye Shadow palette is 01 Black Betty, perfect for doing a smoky eye. These are varying shimmer shades of gray, black and champagne that go on surprisingly smooth with nice pigment for such an inexpensive product.  

The Nails Inc. Nail Polish is in a lovely, bright medium pink shade called Brook Street that looks gorgeous for wearing now. I never tried this UK brand, but I heard only good things about it.  I will try it soon.

Finally, I got a tiny skin care sample that comes attached to a card with just enough of Simple’s Micellar Cleansing Water.  Just like your rinse-off makeup cleanser, this product is one to remove makeup and grime, only using a cotton ball or pad to swipe it off without involving water.  It worked nicely enough except it didn’t perform very well with my longwearing lip stain.

Overall, I think Beauty Box 5 for June 2015 was a wonderful month.  What do you think?  
Do check this company out and all they have to offer!

*Disclaimer: Free product was provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.* 

Sunday, June 14, 2015

A Home Hair Coloring Trick You’ll Want to Try for Better Coverage of Stubborn Grays!

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A  salon tip that really works for better color delivery.


If you have been having trouble covering some grays when coloring your hair at home, then I have a suggestion that may help.  Have you ever wondered why hair stylists use brushes when they color hair at the salon?  The reason is because a tint brush can drive the color into the strands far better than the nozzle of a bottle with your hair color.  

Therefore, pick up one of those inexpensive brushes (which are less than two dollars) at a beauty supply store before you next hair coloring.

What you do is start jabbing at the roots as you are coloring.  This bit of force is opening up the cuticle layer in the process for better saturation.  

I hope you try this because it is a fantastic solution for a frustrating problem of resistant grays!

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Recipe: For an Easy Meal That Pleases All -- You Can’t Go Wrong My Delicious Cheeseburger Casserole!


Cheeseburger Casserole plate.jpeg
Young and old will love this dish.


If you want to taste something deliciously different that is also so simple to throw together, then you are going to love this dish.  This recipe combines all the goodness of a cheeseburger, only in casserole form with the same tasty burger fixings like onions, tomato, ketchup, mustard, Cheddar cheese along with some unusual extras like chili powder, ground cumin, jalapeno pepper, macaroni, fresh mushrooms and milk  to the ground turkey or beef if you prefer.

Once you taste this, I am fairly confident that it will become a favorite.   I do hope you try it because it is that good!


My Cheeseburger Casserole

1 pound of ground turkey or beef
1 can (15-oz.) diced tomatoes, Italian seasoned or just plain
1 small onion, finely diced
1/4 cup jalapeno pepper or 1 whole jalapeno pepper, chopped fine
1 (8-oz.) package of fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
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You'll want to print this recipe because it is a definite keeper that you will want to enjoy often.
1/3 cup of ketchup
2 teaspoons of mustard
1 tablespoon of sugar
3/4 teaspoon of chili powder
3/4 teaspoon of ground cumin 
1-1/4 teaspoons of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1-1/2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese, (sharp or mild)
½ teaspoon of dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon of dried basil 
2/3 cup of milk
1 pound of elbow macaroni, cooked
3 tablespoons of olive oil to brown the onion

Brown the ground turkey or beef in the oil first, then drain and add the diced onion and continue browning until golden.

Add the rest of the ingredients except for the cooked macaroni and cheese and heat through before stirring in the mac and cheese to melt and blend.

Serve immediately and don’t be surprised if there are no leftovers.  This casserole disappears in a flash!

ENJOY!

Friday, June 12, 2015

Fantastic Hair Tricks for Those With Natural Curl Straight From the Salon!


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You'll rest easy with more control of those curls once you try these wonderful tips!

Recently, I had to find a new stylist since the one that I loved was leaving to move out of state now that her husband was transferred.  As you can imagine, I was heartbroken by the news because she understood the issues that I have with my hair and always cut it beautifully so the style was gorgeous and easy to do at home.  Now, my head was in new hands and sitting in that chair was once again traumatic.

As I explained what I wanted to this new stylist, I kept watching his expression change as he examined my hair style.  “What do you think of letting me add a little more layering to bring out more curls?” he asked.  “I promise it will be good.”

For some strange reason, I trusted him.  Maybe it was the confidence on his face or the woman before they walked away from his chair that prompted me to take a chance and allowed him a free reign to cut as he pleased.

As he started cutting, he asked what type of hair spray I used.  I told him about a variety of hair sprays with firm to flexible hold.  

I saw him nod in the mirror.  “With the curl in your hair, you should try a volumizing spray instead of hair spray to finish the style.  Be sure to gently fluff the curls once you give it a light spray and you’ll get softer, gorgeous curls with more lift and lessen frizz.” 

I also learned about the importance of misting my hair in the middle of the day when it begins to frizz with a foundation (conditioning) spray.  He explained how it helps return some much needed extra moisture to the hair, reviving the curl.  His recommendation was about six or so pumps (depending on thickness and length of your own hair, of course) that you work through the hair to the ends.  

I got so wrapped up to listening that before I knew it, he exchanged the scissors for a blow-dryer.  Once he finished, I was so happy that I went with my feeling and let him have his way with those layers because it released even more amazing, full curls than before.  

I loved it and told him so.  In return, he shared another secret of misting my hair the next day with water.  He said the water was enough to revive the style with the styling products he already had on.  

If you also have curly hair, I hope you try these helpful tips because you will discover a beautiful difference in the behavior of your hair once you do!

Thursday, June 11, 2015

What’s in for Summer 2015 Nail Colors

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Summer 2105 nail colors will play up your tan in style.   


Time to put away those pale pastels and think bright colors that can make tanned fingers and toes magnificently standout whether you’re at the pool or office.  This season you should look for hot pinks, lively orange shades,  fresh lilacs, sea colors of ocean, navy, sky, and teal blues, sea foam greens, sunny corals, and mustard yellows if you’re planning on giving those nails extra impact. 

 If you prefer the more neutral look of nudes, then nothing looks as timelessly chic as a pearlized shade of pink or peachy nude polish against a rich tan to set it off.

With so many stylish choices, it can often be hard to decide between such a rainbow of colors, so have fun!

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

A Quick Beauty Rescue for When You Pile on Too Much Eye Shadow!


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Of course, you're not going to overdo to this extreme--but it never hurts to be prepared with a quick save!


One of my favorite features to work on is doing my eyes, especially when I get new products or see some new looks that I want to try out.  However, there are times when I overdo it and lay down way too much color to create an overly strong look.  Instead of simply taking everything off and starting fresh or trying to swipe the excess without ruining the application, I found a great makeup trick that will transform this undesirable look into something extraordinary.

All that you need is to layer some beige shimmer shadow over the eye and blend well with your brush.  This neutral pale color along with that touch of radiance manages to tone down everything very nicely as it diffuses the mix beautifully.

The next time this happens to you, I suggest trying this little tip because you’ll be pleased  at the difference one extra product can make! 

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

A Better Way to Line Crepey Eye Lids and Give More Shape to Older Eyes!

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Don't run away from the problem.  Instead learn to work with your current issues like with this  great eye lining trick.


My favorite form of eye liner is a pencil because it allows me to smudge and create a softer, more natural line.  Yet, using the same products on crepey eye lids can often become a challenge.  However, I just discovered a fantastic trick that worked wonders when I tried it on my mother’s crepey lids that you got to try.

A friend told me that her mother has been taking a black felt-tip eye liner and using it on the inner rim of the upper lid as well as on the bottom of the lashes to help with that problem.  I listened, but couldn’t understand how using a felt-tip liner, especially in black would work.

Of course, my friend saw that I was skeptical judging from the expression that must have been on my face. Then she explained the most important thing of all–-the procedure.  

What you do is to hold the upper lid firmly and then begin dotting the liner under the lashes.  You do the same thing with the liner at the base of the lashes and then connect that series of tiny dots.   I knew about dotting with liner this way for a more subtle eye, but I never thought to suggest it to my mother. 

Well, we gave that eye liner a shot.  What surprised me was how wearable black done in this fashion by laying down that delicate line managed to better define the shape of her eyes instead of calling attention to that aging problem.  

My friend’s mother thinks doing the bottom lashes helps with bringing the eye out, but I tend to disagree in my mother’s case.  The liner at the base just seemed too much, but this result may be different with your particular issues. 

Nonetheless, if crepey lids are your problem, I hope that you experiment with this wonderful eye lining tip because it works.