Monday, July 30, 2012

Rimmel London's Kate Moss Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipsticks and Fall 2012 Collection + 1000 Kisses Stay-On Lip Liners Review--Photos!

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

Rimmel London's Kate Moss Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipsticks.jpeg
Here are Rimmel's Kate Moss Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipsticks  from left to right are #15, #9, #6, #10, and #11.  


You will definitely get attention once you walk into a room wearing Rimmel London's Kate Moss Fall 2012 Collection of Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipsticks.  These are bold and dramatic shades that are steeping in color while quenching your lips in vitamin-enriched moisture and antioxidant protection to keep them luscious.

Attention-grabbing shades include #15 (a dark pewter shimmer) that has a smoldering lilac-silver undercurrent tinged with icy pale pink; #09 (an intense berry), vivid undertones of magenta  mixed with a juicy grape; #10 (the perfect warm red) is very deep crimson meant for impact; #11 (strong brick red), a dark cherry that will make your lips temptingly delicious; and #06 (a deep coral), bright red-pink overcast with orange.

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Here I am wearing #15 in this photo.

In this photo below, I have on #10.

modeling #10 lipstick.jpeg
In this photo below, I have on #10.

modeling #09 lipstick.jpeg
Next I am wearing #09.

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Here I am wearing #11.

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The last photo is me wearing #06.


Several other colors that I want to show you were also provided for this review.  


four more Rimmel Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipsticks.jpeg
In my photo from left is #8 (a dusty rose), one of my favorites nude pinks; #12 (a candy coral), a vivacious bright orange-pink; #14 (a blushed nude), a beige nude; and #4 (a royal purple), daring and definitely edgy.

If you find the bold intensity is too much for your everyday look, you can simply tone it down a bit.  Grab a tissue and blot.  This will turn the color into a stain.  Add a coat of clear gloss and you can give it more sheerness.  This is also a very pretty effect or a great way to ease into gradually going deeper. 

I also was sent five of the 1000 Kisses Stay-On Lip Liners.  These are wonderful liners that really can help shape your mouth when working with lipsticks and glosses, especially vital when dealing with these very intense shades.  The five I received spread well and are in a beautiful range of color.

1000 Kisses Stay-On Lip Liners.jpeg
1000 Kisses Stay-On Lip Liners

From my photo is Cherry Kiss on the left, Wild Clover (deep mauve), Cafe au Lait (warm sienna), Red Dynamite (true blue red), and Spice (warm neutral).

Another great use I want to show you is how to change the color of your lipstick simply by changing your lip liner.  Look at my first photo of #15 and then compare it to the one below using the Spice Lip Liner.  Notice how the color seems to appear completely different.  Instead of that metallic silver-lilac, my lips seem to take on a pink-brown glimmering cast.

modeling #15 lipstick and Spice Lip Liner.jpeg
Here I'm wearing #15 and the Spice Lip Liner.

Then again, I took #15 and switched the Lip Liner to Cherry Kiss.  Look at the next photo and see how I gained another look out of this one very versatile lipstick.  


modeling #15 lipstick and Cherry Kiss Lip Liner.jpeg
In this one, I am wearing #15 lipstick and the Cherry Kiss Lip Liner.

You can do this little trick with your lipsticks for an endless number of possibilities.  However, I have found you have the best results are with colors that have a shimmer.  What do you think?

Rimmel London has you covered with whatever shade of lip color that you're comfortable within these Kate Moss Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipsticks and their 1000 Kisses Stay-On Lip Liners.  Look for these products to get fashion ready this fall with attitude like they did for me!  


Sunday, July 29, 2012

Recipe: Watch Smiles Grow Once My Chocolate Zucchini Cake Appears!


Zucchini and any member of the squash family are big favorites of mine.  After all, they are easy to grow if you are lucky to be free of various furry garden raiders and are good producers.  Then again, you can still get a good deal on these vegetables at your farmer's market at this time of year to do so much with like making this easy recipe of mine that will spoil you with double chocolate decadence!

My chocolate zucchini cake is moist and uses unsweetened cocoa and chocolate chips for that extra bit of chocolate indulgence spiked with some ground cinnamon to truly boost that chocolate flavor to its peak.  This cake is so tasty just as it is that frosting it would be a waste.

I prefer to make this cake like the recipe I gave you yesterday in two loaf pans.  Instead of being tempted by eating too much at once, you can put one in the freezer and prevent hating yourself later.  Like the zucchini-pineapple cake, you can also make this in a bundt or tube cake pan. 

Another thing I want to share with you concerns measuring your baking soda and baking powder.  When I first started baking,  I used to use any teaspoon or tablespoon that I grabbed out of my spoon drawer to measure, which is a bad idea.  Use your measuring spoons for level measurements since too much or too little of either can ruin what you're making.  Therefore, if your baked goods weren't trying out as you had expected and you are at a loss to figure the cause, the way you measure could be the reason.

I hope the next time you get some extra zucchini and need a sweet fix that you will make my recipe.  Take care and I think you will enjoy it!

My Easy Chocolate Zucchini Cake

3 cups of flour
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa
3 large eggs
2 cups of sugar
1 cup of canola oil
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
2 cups of zucchini, peeled and shredded
1 cup of chocolate chips

Sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa, salt,  and cinnamon together and set aside in a large mixing bowl. 

In another large mixing bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly.  Add the oil, sugar and vanilla.  Beat those ingredients together until creamy.

Stir in the zucchini. 

Add the rest of the dry ingredients.  Stir thoroughly in with the creamed mixture using your wooden spoon until moistened.

Next, add your chocolate chips.

Place into two greased loaf pans and bake in a 350-degree oven for about 50 minutes. 

Use a toothpick or a slender knife to see if anything sticks for testing if it is done.  Different ovens and pan sizes can vary the time it takes for your cake to bake so check.

Let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before attempting to remove it from the pan.  This little wait helps to keep your cake from falling apart.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Time to Splurge and Make My Easy Zucchini Pineapple Cake!


Today, I have another delicious way to use that crop of zucchini you might still be lucky to harvest from your garden.  I used to make this recipe quite often when I grew lots of zucchini.  Unfortunately, I gave up on growing most vegetables this year except for a few tomatoes and herbs due to all the wildlife in my backyard. 

Yesterday, I had a small army of wild turkeys checking out what was good eating to snack on.  I always heard their distinctive gobbling sounds, but I never saw those in the backyard until yesterday night.  My goodness, my guys were taller than the other varieties I have seen frequenting the area and quite huge, but slender.  Furthermore, these things are bold and unafraid of the human voice when you shoo them from above.  Oh well, I am getting off track when I want to share this excellent recipe to take advantage of zucchini.

My recipe makes an extra moist cake due to the crushed pineapple that is so yummy even without any icing.  More important, you will love how simple this recipe is to whip up when the urge for a goodie strikes.

I like to make this particular cake in two loaves pans and freeze one for another time.  However, you could also make it in a bundt cake or tube pan and pop it out or whatever works for you. 

Now I need to resort to store-bought zucchini for this recipe, but I still make it quite often because it is so very good.  I hope you get a chance to try my cake because I know you'll enjoy it.

My Easy Zucchini Pineapple Cake

3 large eggs
2 cups of sugar
2 tablespoons of vanilla
1 cup of canola oil
2 cups of zucchini (peeled, grated, and drained)
3 cups of flour
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 cup of raisins
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of baking soda
3/4 cup of chopped nuts
1 cup of crushed pineapple (drained)
1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Sift flour, soda, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon together in a mixing bowl. 

Beat the eggs until fluffy in another large mixing bowl. 

Combine the sifted ingredients slowly to the eggs and then stir in the vanilla, oil, zucchini, pineapple, raisins, and nuts.  Mix thoroughly.

Then turn out the batter into two greased loaf pans. 

Bake approximately one hour in a 325-degree oven or until a toothpick or slender knife inserted comes out clean.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Melvita's Orange Blossom Floral Water and Rose Extraordinary Floral Water 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.**

Melvita's Orange Blossom Floral Water.jpeg
Melvita's Orange Blossom Floral Water


I have always been a fan of floral water for its amazing beneficial properties when it comes to awakening and renewing a complexion.  Up until this review, I had strictly devoted my attentions to rose floral water, which I regularly use.  However, when I had the chance to review Melvita's Orange Blossom Floral Water and their new Rose Extraordinary Water, I looked forward to finding out how they compared.

Since I had spent a bit  too long in the sun the other day, my face needed more tender loving care than normal.  Therefore, I decided upon the Orange Blossom Floral Water first after cleansing to help soothe it.   This specific vitamin-enriched formula with citrus flowers is geared for those with irritated, blotchy skin to help renew it.   

What I experienced with the Melvita Orange Blossom Floral Water was a refreshing way to cool my skin's sensitivity while taking off the last traces of grime when I checked my cotton ball after applying it.  This nice smelling product was also a great way to prepare my skin for day or later night cream. 

Misting with this floral water over makeup does help to set it.   However, what I really liked was misting throughout the day whenever my irritated face needed soothing.

When my face returned to normal, I switched to the Rose Extraordinary Water.  Unlike my former brand of rose water, this was not to mist.  Instead, Melvita's product has a thicker, gel-like consistency due to the hyaluronic acid and organic glycerine along with rose essential water for increased moisture besides having firming capabilities from marsh clover.

Melvita's Orange Rose Extraordinary Floral Water.jpeg
Melvita's  Rose Extraordinary Floral Water Review
Dabbing some of this fragrant gel on was a pleasant way to start or end a day, especially once you saw how beautifully taken my face was with this formula.  The skin itself had a glow about it and a few lines seemed to partially seal up in the process after about a week.  

I kept to my practice of applying this Rose Extraordinary Water after cleansing before my moisturizing routine and found this worked even better than my old mist. 

Anyone wanting to substantially drench or soothe their complexions with beneficial organics would also find either of these floral waters from certified organic French Beauty brand, Melvita, just as wonderful. 


Thursday, July 26, 2012

Shine by Heidi Klum Perfume 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.**

Shine by Heidi Klum Perfume promotional ad.jpeg
Shine by Heidi Klum Perfume


When stunning supermodel and television star, Heidi Klum envisioned her first fragrance for Coty, she insisted to perfumers, Aurelien Guichard, Jean Guichard, and Oliver Pescheux that it be a luxurious blend of femininity and sensuality wrapped in an expensive-smelling formula.  Thus, the result was Shine, an oriental-floral, which launched in 2011 and since received the Fragrance Foundation FIFI Award for Fragrance of the Year--Broad Appeal Women category.

The scent opens with a fresh rush of mandarin and pink pepper until the pear mellows it to a creamy, fruity sweetness like a delicious cool dessert you want to keep enjoying.  

Nonetheless, once the floral heart develops with notes of mimosa absolut, lily of the valley and sunflower, this romantic fragrance cozies up with warmth. 

The base is where Shine matures with its oriental influence once the tonka beans, Cosmone musk, and vanilla come into play to give it a heavier and somewhat spicy, musky sweetness that gracefully leaves velvety, fruity softness.  Just be aware, but you may be nibbled upon!

To fully appreciate this fragrance, use it sparingly because oriental blends are typically stronger than other  floral or fruity-floral scents.  Too much of it can be overpowering, but if you keep that in mind, Shine, is an interesting blend that will pleasantly surprise you.



Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield Hand Cream 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.**

Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield Hand Cream.jpeg
Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield Hand Cream


Since I do a lot of cooking and baking from scratch, I accumulate a lot of dirty dishes as well.   Thus, my hands get a lot of abuse, especially when I'm making batches of homemade bread.  Dough loves to stick to the crevices of fingers and settle in the nails, which requires many washing attempts before hands come clean.  The result  of such frequent hand washing often dries and chaps them until I sport red lobster hands. 

Therefore,  I think that I'm a good candidate to test Sally Hansen's new Ultimate Shield Hand Cream since I always am slathering on hand creams and lotions.  

This cream wasn't greasy like some that I have used.  What interested me about this product was its claim to form a lasting defensive shield of hand protection due to their Cationic conditioning technology and a natural moisturization factor.  

So I tried some of this new hand cream on bread baking day to see how my hands would survive by the end of the day.  Believe it or not, I wasn't red as usual.  However, I did reapply some more later in the day but not nearly as often as I do with a more fluid type of lotion.

I do recommend Sally Hansen's Ultimate Shield Hand Cream because it does seem to work better for my problem--and I think it can do the same for you!


Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Melvita's Bio-Excellence Extraordinary Day Cream 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.**

Melvita's Bio-Excellence Extraordinary Day Cream.jpeg
Melvita's Bio-Excellence Extraordinary Day Cream


I love pampering my skin.    Every opportunity available you will find me slathering on some luxurious concoction to moisturize, peel, or reduce the signs of aging.  Recently, I have been testing Melvita's Bio-Excellence Extraordinary Day Cream.

This is an ultra-rich formula from the certified organic French Beauty brand that provides intensive moisture through a combination of mango, cocoa butters, and olive squalane that keeps the complexion nicely hydrated.  Another thing I liked was its brightening power due to the anti-oxidizing action of pomegranate and manganese.  

My skin is dry even in the summer.  However, I found this formula that comes in a pump dispenser went into the skin quickly and kept me comfortable all day without making me to feel greasy.  Those with sensitive or very dry complexions would appreciate how gentle this product feels probably due to the soothing ingredients of aloe vera and linden water.

I have only used this cream for about two weeks now.   Though I can't say miracles have happened, I must admit my face feels soft and wonderful.  I also have noticed more luminosity to my complexion overall, which seems to gradually improve daily.

You can also feel good about the fact certified organic natural ingredients are going into your skin instead of a ton of chemicals in similar products.  Do check out Melvita's Bio-Excellence Extraordinary Day Cream or other fine products because I'm confident you will be pleased as much as I am with this product.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received was a free product to facilitate this review.*

Monday, July 23, 2012

Kenra Professional Shampoos and Conditioners Review--Part Two

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

Kenra Professional Shampoos and Conditioner.jpeg
Kenra Professional Shampoos and Conditioners


Although I do have an abundance of thick hair, it is more of a medium texture.  However, my mother happens to have a head of thick, wiry hair with the texture of a fresh scouring pad.  Therefore, I thought that I would put Kenra Professional and their Platinum Color Care Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Thick/Coarse Hair and Reconstructor/Conditioner for Thick/Coarse Hair to the ultimate test on her head to see if the pair could, indeed, live up to the challenge.  

I must tell you that upon using these two products, she gained considerable manageability instead of being frizzy as she often experiences.  The coarse texture of her hair felt so much softer with a nice gloss to it as well probably helped from the shea butter in the formula.

She has tried lots of different brands and varieties, but this is the best I have ever witnessed.  Furthermore, she is thrilled to have finally found the "one" that does magically do the trick!  In fact, she already marked the names down for a few of her friends after they complimented her on how beautiful her hair looked.   They wanted to know if she changed stylists.  Though secretly smiling inside, my mother doesn't believe in keeping something as wonderful as Kenra Professional to herself and before long shared the story of her hair happiness with those friends, which I am happy to report.  

I also thought it would be interesting to see how Kenra Professional's Platinum Color Care Dry Shampoo worked.  I must be honest.  Nothing feels better on your scalp than running water and regular shampoo for that sensation of clean.  Nonetheless, there are times when normal shampooing may not be possible such as due to illness or time.  

Then again, hair that has been freshly colored lasts longer the less times it is washed the conventional way with water and shampoo.  If thrown into your normal routine, rotating with a dry shampoo could help keep hair color more vibrant and prevent fading for a greater period of time, which is another consideration on why I wanted to try this type of product. 

With that said, I left my hair alone for a few days before I put this dry shampoo to the test.  This yummy fruity melon smelling formula has a rice starch to absorb the oil and dirt along with UV protection and panthenol to give hair back that plumping volume.

My hair felt cleaner with that delicious scent as I touched and brushed without being sticky.  At the same time, I did notice a slight residue and worried if that would cause a problem.  On the contrary, I quickly found out that bit of leftover substance seemed to aid in restyling my hair like magic!

I can't begin to tell you the difference the right hair products like Kenra Professional has to offer that can  change your appearance--as well as brighten your attitude from the change in your personal style.  I highly recommend trying them.


Sunday, July 22, 2012

Work Magic With the Right Shades of Smoky Metallic Eye Shadows for You!

You see those gorgeous smoky metallic eye shadows that are so enticing in the store.  And yet, you later find at home that those shades just don't compliment your eyes in the way you had hoped.  If this keeps happening to you, there is a trick that could help figure out the best metallic eye shadow shades for you.

Those with fair to medium skin can basically pull off any metallic shade without running into any trouble.  However, is your skin is dark, you should head for golden or bronze colors and steer clear of silver shades.  Having a darker complexion can make silver shades look ashy against your skin.

To really make smoky metallic eye shadows their most stunning try sweeping the shadow over the entire lid, blending upward as you work.  Next add some color under the lower lashlines for intensity.  Finish with dark eyeliner against the lashlines and several coats of black mascara.  This technique will create a dramatic smoky metallic eye like a pro.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

My Zucchini Pasta Recipe Is Quick, Light And So Delicious!

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You can make a lot of different recipes with zucchini like my pasta dish. 



This is the season to enjoy zucchini!   I love zucchini and any form of squash in general because of all the tasty things you can make from main dishes, pies, cakes, muffins, breads or simply eating just as they are as a vegetable.

This recipe that I have for you today is one of the easiest main dishes you can create that is so full of fresh summer goodness of grated, unpeeled zucchini, scallions, garlic lightly browned in some olive oil and later seasoned with basil before tossing together with your cooked pasta.  The seasonings are kept to a minimum so not to overshadow the wonderful flavors of those mingling fresh vegetables just waiting to be savored.  Top with some grated Parmesan cheese and this dish is the perfect light summer meal. 

If you are lucky enough to grow zucchini and have a bumper crop, this is a recipe that you'll definitely want to keep handy because it is truly wonderful!

My Favorite Zucchini Pasta

1/2 cup of olive oil, canola oil, or margarine (not spread)
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of scallions, chopped
2-1/2 cups grated, unpeeled zucchini
1 pound of spaghetti or your favorite pasta, cooked and drained
1 tablespoon of fresh basil or 1 teaspoon of dried basil
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes

Heat your oil or melt the margarine in a large skillet.  Add the garlic and scallions and saute them until tender.  Add the zucchini, basil, salt, and red pepper flakes and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes. 

Cook your pasta and drain. 

Add your sauteed vegetables and toss with pasta.  Sprinkle with cheese and serve.

ENJOY!

Friday, July 20, 2012

Beyoncé Pulse Perfume 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.**

Beyoncé Pulse Perfume.jpeg
Beyoncé Pulse Perfume


Pulse by Beyoncé was released in September 2011 in conjunction with Coty.  Working with Bruno Jovanovic, the sexy superstar wanted her favorite flower, the orchid incorporated in the fragrance to reflect her dynamic energy and sizzling sensuality.  The result was a daring citrus-floral-gourmand that is electrified with a beautiful life of its own. 

The scent opens boldly with top notes of frozen bergamot and pear blooms for a brisk blast of citrus before the accord of Blue Curacao emerges for juicy sweetness.   Once the floral heart unfolds with the Bluebird orchid, peony, and midnight blooming jasmine, the fragrance becomes irresistibly romantic as the true star it is, shining with a radiance that can't be ignored.  

As the fragrance further develops and warms in the base, the more it seduces with a precious mix of woods, Madagascar vanilla, and musk to make its message clear.  Pulse issues a powdery soft invitation is an expression of all that it is to be a desirable woman.

This is hardly a young, syrupy gourmand but an evocative and sophisticated fragrance calling no stops!   As you guess, I really loved the wonderful combination of notes and the way it seemed to whisper against the skin, like a gentle kiss, grazing it. 

If my description sounds like your type of fragrance, then I definitely recommend picking up Beyonce Parfums Pulse Eau de Parfum Spray because it is incredible!


Thursday, July 19, 2012

Sally Hansen Pedicure Collection: New Cracked Heel Repair Creme 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.**

Sally Hansen Cracked Heel Repair Creme.jpeg
Sally Hansen Cracked Heel Repair Creme


I adore open-toed shoes and sandals for summer.  However, my feet aren't exactly as pretty as they should be.  I have some rough skin and currently the aftermath of a cracked heel on my left foot in my attempt to break in a new pair of shoes.  Fortunately, I had been using the new Sally Hansen Cracked Heel Repair Creme on my problem.

Unlike other foot creams, this latest addition to the Sally Hansen Pedicure Collection seemed to penetrate deeper with aloe while providing a long lasting protective barrier with dimethicone.  This invisible barrier found in this pleasantly scented cream is advertised to stay on for 24-hours.  I don't know if that claim is entirely 100% true because I do bath and shower every day.  Nonetheless, this stuff does seem to moisturize that tough skin enough to see improvement in the time it stays on with each application.   At the same time, I found that nearly healed skin on my heel is settling back to normal quicker than with anything else that I had used when this type of thing happened. 

This Cracked Heel Repair Creme is what I have been using for about two weeks now.  I must admit that I like it and have even started rubbing some on a corn that I have.  After all, if it can soften heels, then I am fairly certain that this foot cream can help soften that corn somewhat as well. 

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received was a free product to facilitate this review.*

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

French Clary Sage Perfume by Lisa Hoffman Beauty 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.**

Lisa Hoffman Beauty French Clary Sage Perfume.jpeg
Lisa Hoffman Beauty's French Clary Sage Eau de Parfum


I recently had the pleasure of working with Lisa Hoffman Beauty with this review of her French Clary Sage perfume.  This is one of the five in her line which also includes Japanese Agarwood, Tunisian Neroli, Tuscan Fig, and Madagascar Orchid to compose an exquisite collection capturing beauty from around the world to fit the modern woman.

Anyone searching for a light floral fragrance with a clean type of freshness would fall in love with this gorgeous perfume.  With yellow freesia and sparkling water notes to complement the French clary sage, you instantly feel your heart soaring with inner joy from the light sweetness of this floral.  This weightless feeling of total bliss carries you above the tranquil rippling water along the lush green of the French countryside where clary sage is growing to add a subtle freshness for a delicate, calming balance.  And yet, this fragrant journey takes you even further when the cotton and linen accords develop to lend an incredible soft clean, powdery essence to polish and ground you in this very feminine romantic scent.

Simply stated, I loved it!  If this sounds like your kind of fragrance, then I highly recommend getting a bottle of French Clary Sage Eau de Parfum Spray by Lisa Hoffman Beauty--and prepare for a joyous flight of your senses! 


Monday, July 16, 2012

Sally Hansen's Moisture Twist 2-in-1 Primer + Color Lip Glosses 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.**

Sally Hansen logo.jpeg
Sally Hansen

Get your best lips yet with one product instead of four!  I'm talking about Sally Hansen's new line of Moisture Twist 2-in-1 Primer + Color Lip Glosses that I was sent to review.  These tubes can do amazing things from acting as primer, moisturizer, plumper, and a deliverer of really shiny color.

This line is available in ten shades.   Fortunately, I got to try five of them.  If you look at my photo below, the colors displayed from top to bottom are:  Mixed Up Mauve, (a light nude pink); Cherry Twist, (a warm red with riveting traces of gold shimmer); Spun Sugar, (an angelic nude);  Fuschia Passion, (an electrified hot pink); in addition to Berry Blend (raspberry-pink infused with gold radiance).  

Sally Hansen's Moisture Twist  2-in-1 Primer + Color Lip Glosses.jpeg
Sally Hansen's Moisture Twist  2-in-1 Primer + Color Lip Glosses

I liked the sheerness of how each color seemed to beam with light and some in several tones as it treated my lips in the process.  In my opinion, the shape of the applicator sponge was an added plus and made it easier to stay within the outline of your mouth.   Another thing I want to mention was comfortable this gloss felt for a plumping product that often can sting  too much to keep on.  The pleasant taste without any tacky stickiness was also worthy of praise.

If you love the look of gloss instead of lipstick and want an intensive treatment, Moisture Twist 2-in-1 Primer + Color Lip Glosses should be on your shopping list!  I know I intend to restock.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received were free products to facilitate this review.*

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Ecstasy Is My Strawberry Pretzel Salad Supreme!

This is a special dessert that goes nicely with the hot weather.  My strawberry pretzel salad combines two tastes of sweet and salty for a cold dessert that is creamy and decadent with cream cheese, marshmallows, Cool Whip Topping over a baked pretzel crust and layered with strawberries swimming in strawberry gelatin!

I warn you, however, this is a very hard temptation to resist.  The unexpected mix of velvety sweet and salty can practically drive you over the edge with pleasure with every scrumptious bite.  Therefore, I advise you to proceed with caution because this can quickly become an addictive dessert!

My Strawberry Pretzel Salad Supreme

3 tablespoons of granulated sugar
1/2 cup of confectioners sugar
2 cups of crushed pretzels (not too fine)
3/4 cup of melted margarine (not spread)
1 container (9-oz. size) of Cool Whip Topping
1 package of cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese (8 oz. size)
2 cups of mini marshmallows
1 package (6-oz. size) of strawberry gelatin
2-1/2 cups of boiling water
1 package of frozen strawberries  (10 oz. size)


Combine the crushed pretzels, granulated sugar, and margarine in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. 

Bake this mixture at 350 degrees for about 12-15 minutes to firm this up.

Cool this shell and set aside while you prepare the filling.

Cream the softened cheese and add the confectioners sugar to thoroughly combine. 

Fold in the Cool Whip, mini marshmallows and spread over the baked layer.

Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water.  Stir in the berries next and chill until it thickens.  When it is thick enough, you will spread over the cream cheese layer and chill.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Survive the Heat With My Decadent Frozen Peanut Butter Pie!

With this heat wave we've been experiencing all over the country, I thought this would be the perfect time to share a very easy pie recipe that you can pull out of your freezer and serve.  This frozen peanut butter pie has a heavenly, creamy texture thanks to cream cheese and Cool Whip that pumps up its awesomeness for the perfect cool weekend indulgence!

This is one of the rare times that I resort to a graham cracker pie crust over my absolute favorite oil pie crust.  The flavor of those graham crackers mingling with this pie just heightens the flavor in a way that is hard to describe.  Once you make this recipe and taste, you will understand why I think the graham cracker crust is so important here.

My Decadent Frozen Peanut Butter Pie

4 oz. of softened cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese
1 cup of sifted confectioners sugar
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup of milk
9-oz. container of Cool Whip Dessert Topping
1 graham cracker crust (9-inch size), baked and cooled
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/4 cup finely chopped peanuts (optional)

Whip the softened cheese with your electric mixer until fluffy. 
Beat in the sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. 
Slowly add the milk, blending thoroughly as you go into the mixture. 
Fold the Cool Whip topping into this.
Pour the mixture into your baked pie crust.
If desired, top with the finely chopped peanuts and freeze until firm and ready to serve.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Melvita's Capiforce Split Ends Serum 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.**


Melvita's Capiforce Split Ends Serum.jpeg
Melvita's Capiforce Split Ends Serum 


We put our hair through the ringer every day without realizing the daily damage we do to it.  In our hurried attempts to get out of the house with hair styled as we like, that high-wattage blow dryer, curling or flat iron can be betraying us.  While we twist, curl, or straighten, we often fry those fragile strands until our hair revolts with dryness like hay and weakness from split ends.  If this sounds like the normal torture that you also inflict on your own head, then you need to hear about Melvita, the ECOCERT-organic skin and hair care experts and leading French Beauty brand, and their Capiforce Split Ends Serum that I have been testing.

This serum is a lightweight formula that has can help revitalize with smoothing olive, Argan,  jojoba and sunflower oils, apricot and sea beet to seal split ends and moisturize while it returns strength to suffering hair. 

You can use this corrective treatment on damp or dry hair as needed.  I found that a drop applied to my damp ends after daily shampooing and another drop through the rest of my hair was enough to soon notice a difference.  My hair had lots more shine, manageability with a great improvement in trading that crispy feel for one of softness. 

Depending on the length and severity of your problem, the amount of Capiforce Split Ends Serum will vary from person to person.  You need to test the amount that works best for you.  On the same note, I must admit this hair serum is a fantastic fix to get your undamaged hair back.

Now that I have my hair in a far superior state than I started, I now am using this serum on a semiweekly basis for maintenance because it still looks just as nice and more treatments would be overkill!  Nonetheless, I will be keeping more of this on hand once I finish with this bottle because it is a beautiful and quick hair fix, which I recommend to anyone plagued by the same problem. 


Thursday, July 12, 2012

Mirabella Beauty Lip Colour (Fleur) and Colour Sheer (Chasharella) Lipsticks Review + Swatches!

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

Mirabella Beauty Lip Colour (Fleur) and Colour Sheer (Chasharella) Lipsticks.jpeg
Mirabella Beauty Lip Colour (Fleur) and Colour Sheer (Chasharella) Lipsticks


Several months ago it was my privilege to work with Mirabella Beauty on a review of an assortment of their products.  As a result, I had made some wonderful new beauty discoveries.  This time I was curious what their lipsticks would be like and was sent two to work with.

Mirabella has two types that include the traditional fuller pigmented variety in the Lip Colour Lipstick line of eighteen.  The other variety is their Colour Sheer Lipstick, which looks much darker in the tube than once applied. Both types are lead and paraben free to keep your lips healthy while beautiful.

The Lip Colour Lipstick in Fleur was a medium pink infused with a touch of gleaming raspberry color that I really thought was pretty.  This felt so incredibly moisturizing on the lips as well and lasted for about five hours without bleeding or fading.  

modeling Mirabella Beauty Lip Colour (Fleur) lipstick.jpeg
Below is yours truly wearing Fleur in this photo.
Buying the right shade of red can often be a challenge.  After all, there are orange-reds, blue-reds, brown-reds, and then clown reds, those garish bright reds that look like you belong in the circus.  For those like myself that have more tubes of red than we care to admit, I am pleased to tell you that you would definitely like Mirabella's Colour Sheer Lipstick in Chasharella.  This is a sexy, but very easy shade of soft red to wear that also drenches your lips in soothing moisture thanks to the mango butter in this formula.  Though slightly less lasting than the Lip Colour Lipstick, this wears well also. 

modeling Mirabella Beauty Lip Colour Colour Sheer (Chasharella) Lipstick.jpeg
Here I'm modeling Mirabella Beauty Lip Colour Colour Sheer (Chasharella) Lipstick

Looking good is easy if you have the right products--and both varieties of these lipsticks are a perfect place to start!  Do visit Mirabella Beauty and check these out because I know you would love them as well.


Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Sally Hansen Natural Beauty by Carmindy Cosmetics 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.**

Sally Hansen Natural Beauty by Carmindy Cosmetics assortment.jpeg
Sally Hansen Natural Beauty by Carmindy Cosmetics assortment

Talented makeup artist Carmindy brought her expertise and wonderful use of color to the Sally Hansen Natural Beauty by Carmindy line.  I had never tried anything from this particular branch of Sally Hansen until I was sent some items to review.  Let me share my thoughts with you on some exciting products that could be just right for you!

The Instant Definition Eye Shadow Palettes are incredible.  Besides their beautiful neutral color schemes taken from the earth, these eye shadows adhere to your lids like a velvet with ginko-biloba extract and skin-retexturizing dog rose extract. 

Sally Hansen Natural Beauty by Carmindy Cosmetics Instant Definition Eye Shadow Palettes.jpeg
Sally Hansen Natural Beauty by Carmindy Cosmetics Instant Definition Eye Shadow Palettes
The Stone Palette that I received was a pale cool brown, a deeper berry shade of plum-brown with a pale gold-yellow highlight shade.  The Amethyst Palette with jewel-like tones in varying degrees of plum, violet, and soft pink is probably the most intense choice of the group.  In the photo below, the Stone Palette is on the left and the Amethyst is on the right.

I also tried the Lift & Define Mascara in Black/Brown.  This conditioning mascara did a nice job of bringing out my lashes without any harshness.  

As to foundation, I received a bottle of Your Skin Makeup Foundation in Ecru Beige.  This is the second lightest shade in this line.  If you have difficulty finding light skin colors and beiges, you need to check this line because you'll probably find a good match.   Nonetheless, you get a more accurate view at the clear glass bottom instead of judging by the frosted glass bottle to see the true shade.  

Sally Hansen Natural Beauty by Carmindy Cosmetics Your Skin Makeup Foundation and The Truly Translucent Loose Powder.jpeg
Your Skin Makeup Foundation and The Truly Translucent Loose Powder


I thought the medium coverage in this bottle that dispensed with a pump was great and perfect for a smooth matte finish without weighing your skin down with a product.  My skin is on the normal to the dry side and this worked wonderfully for me.  Those with oily skin probably would also be interested in trying this with its noncomedogenic ingredients.

The Truly Translucent Loose Powder in Light (Claire) has a fine, silky texture to the touch.  When I dusted this over my foundation, I set my makeup with this beautifully sheer powder without caking or looking greasy throughout the day.  

To throw in your handbag, you would love the Luminous Matte Pressed Powder in Light (Claire) as well.  Both loose or pressed, these powders have natural bamboo to keep your complexion fresh and soft due to pomegranate and papaya throughout the day.

The Natural Powder Blush in Poppy bolstered health without looking artificial with its really fine pigment.  I loved the natural deep pink-peach shade infused with bits of gleaming gold for what it did to rev up my cheeks.  Pomegranate and other beneficial ingredients to nourish the skin such as papaya and natural bamboo up this one in the blusher game.

I also was sent the Natural Highlighter in Pink Luster.  This is very nice way to cast soft pink light over cheekbones to flaunt them except for the sparkles that come with it, which makes this powder better for evening wear.

I was more than happy with these products to achieve the looks you want--and at affordable prices!  I suggest the next time you need some cosmetics, then look for Sally Hansen Natural Beauty by Carmindy that I mentioned in stores and visit their website because these are worth your money!

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received were free products to facilitate this review.*

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

True Reflection Perfume by Kim Kardashian 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.**

True Reflection Perfume by Kim Kardashian ad.jpeg
True Reflection Perfume by Kim Kardashian


Stunning celebrity, Kim Kardashian expresses the many layers of her personality in her fourth perfume that recently launched June 2012.  True Reflection embraces all the femininity, confidence, wisdom and glamour of her personal journey in this haunting oriental fragrance to make every woman feel totally irresistible and desired.  

The opening notes of this romantic fruity-floral are fresh and deliciously sweet with Italian bergamot, ripe plum, and juicy peach to instantly draw admirers into its tempting spell.  

The hold is made even stronger once the rich floral heart emerges to captivate with chocolate orchid, night- blooming gardenia and lotus flowers, giving creamy sweetness when combined with the floral.  Soft and luxurious as draping yourself in mink is how this scent richly dresses you.

However once the base comes into play with the woods, True Reflection warms further as it evolves.  Once the skin musk and patchouli ignite, the scent turns seductive and sultry with an earthy appeal that makes it become totally unforgettable.  Beautifully rich and complex, this elegant scent definitely will leave a lingering impression. 

The opaque and multifaceted glass art deco bottle is just as complex in design as the fragrance to fittingly capture the mood of this intriguing perfume.  

I really thought Kim Kardashian Fragrance's True Reflection Eau de Parfum had it all in capturing the perfect essence of a beautiful woman and fell in love with it immediately.  I highly recommend trying this scent for yourself to truly understand its allure because once you do, you too will be in love with it!

The Eau de Parfum Spray 100 ml sells for $68  and the 50 ml goes for $55.  A portion of the proceeds from the sales of True Reflection benefit the Dress for Success program.


True Reflection Perfume by Kim Kardashian.jpeg
True Reflection Perfume by Kim Kardashian