Tuesday, April 30, 2013

How to Better Communicate With Your Stylist for the Results You Love Instead of Hate!


How many times has this happened to you?  You have an image of the hairstyle you wanted in your head.  In fact, the picture you see is so clear that you think there can be no misunderstanding of how you wanted the cut once you finally sit in the stylist's chair. 

With an assuring nod, the stylist tells you how beautiful that cut is going to look as he drapes that plastic cape over and proceeds to wash your hair first.  You can't wait for him to start once he is about to begin.  

Once those scissors go up and hair starts to fall from the back, you peer down in horror what is now on the floor.  Instead of an inch of length, he lopped off at least three inches.   The next thing you know, you end up with a completely different hairstyle than even what you had remotely in mind.

To best prepare for a new cut, go to the salon wearing your hair naturally.  Avoid pulling it into a ponytail.  

Do cut out a few pictures from magazines and bring them along to demonstrate what you had in mind. 

Now is the time to talk to your stylist. Do you use a flat iron and normally sport a straight look or let your curls rule? The same goes with straight hair.  Do you use a curling iron for a style with lots of tempting curls or prefer a straight, blunt look?  

When your stylist sees you on a typical day and examines your hair, he can get a better feeling for what new style may work or not with your texture, any potential curl, and condition for your head.

Another consideration is  how much time do you like to devote to styling your hair every morning?  If you're constantly in a rush and want the least amount of work, you need to convey that information to your stylist before he picks up his scissors.  Explaining how much time you want to spend on your hair in the morning is a good indication how complicated a style would please you. 

By discussing these questions, you can save yourself frustration from a disappointing cut that may not have made you happy or was even possible for your hair.

Monday, April 29, 2013

One Compact I Can't Live Without! IT Cosmetics Live, Love, Laugh Anti-Aging Vitality Face Disc Review (Photos + 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.**
IT Cosmetics Live, Love, Laugh Anti-Aging Vitality Face Disc.jpeg
IT Cosmetics Live, Love, Laugh Anti-Aging Vitality Face Disc


Defining your bone structure effortlessly is what you can expect from IT Cosmetics Live, Love, Laugh Anti-Aging Vitality Face Disc.  This is a huge whooper of a compact with bronzer, blush, and highlighter that will do more for your face combining those different hues for spectacular radiance and dimension than imaginable!


The sleek black compact is made out of a rubberized type of plastic that snaps shut and comes equipped with a large mirror.  Half of this giant compact contains bronzer, a gorgeous soft tan shade that is matte and void of any garish orange tone along with a blush and highlighter.  

The powder is finely milled with beneficial anti-aging ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen, acai, green tea, and vitamins A, C, and E that also treat your skin unlike some others I have used for a velvety effect.  This waterproof and sweat-proof formula goes on beautifully without being overly powdery or chalky and has wonderful staying power worn over the coarse of an average day.  It also is very pigmented so you need to use a light hand when applying or you will need to wipe some off.

The blush included is universally flattering in my opinion for anyone despite their coloring.  I would describe the shade as a medium natural pink with gold gleam throughout for warmth.  The result for cheeks is a look of healthy vitality with a bit of the sun shining with a delicate shimmer.  

The highlighting powder is a becoming pearly white champagne color.  The magic behind it is how subtly it illuminates to cast a soft sheen to my cheekbones.  No big specks of glitter will pop out only a beam of light.

In the photo going from left to right is the highlight, blush, and bronzer by my wrist.


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Here is where I swatched the Vitality Face Disc for you.

Together the three products in this awesome one compact will save you time and money.  You won't need to ever fumble through your stash for individual products again with everything you need in one compact.  Another thing to think about is the money you'll save buying one product over several.  The costs of individual bronzer, blush, and highlighters usually exceed the price of $38 for this Live, Love, Laugh Anti-Aging Vitality Face Disc compact. 

Honestly, this is a great compact worth your attention.  Do check it at IT Cosmetics, QVC and QVC.com and theshoppingchannel.com in Canada--and glow like the star you are!

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Soothe Your Skin With Jurlique's Calendula 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.**
Jurlique's Calendula Cream.jpeg
Jurlique's Calendula Cream


Our skin can tend to betray us when we least anticipate a problem.  The countless ingredients in products can cause an allergic reaction, too much sun exposure can be painful to our skin, or going overboard with treatments such as exfoliation or strong products to fight acne are just some ways our complexions can suffer.  

When you find yourself in this fix, you want relief fast to get your skin back to normal.  The next time this may happen to you, I think you'll be interested to hear my thoughts on Jurlique's Calendula Cream because this is as gentle as can be.

My skin has been gaining a beautiful smoothness that is practically void of pores until something caused it suddenly to get irritated.   What happened was my face got red and blotchy.  Honestly, I was not sure what I was going to put on my hurting skin without making matters worse.  

Then I remembered the next box of Jurlique skin care waiting yet to be reviewed.  I vaguely recalled a product that may be able to help, if my memory served me correctly.

Sure enough, Jurlique's Calendula Cream was designed for comforting, irritated skin while moisturizing--and I sighed in relief.  

After I washed my face in tepid water, I patted dry but not completely.  I squeezed a small amount of the Calendula Cream on my fingers.  According to the directions, you rub this cream to warm it first.  This helps transform that thick greasiness into a creamy consistency that my skin drank up quickly.  This product felt soothing and made my skin more comfortable.

I used this mornings and nights following the same ritual.  Luckily by Sunday, there was no more redness.  My skin was responding well with a dewy freshness to those botanical extracts when I examined it closely that night.  

The formula  includes witch hazel and spilanthes for their astringent qualities along with soothing calendula in addition to aloe vera extract, evening primrose, macadamia, avocado and safflower oils for their moisturizing benefits.

This really is good stuff that you will appreciate dearly when you have an issue.  In the future, I am going to keep a tube of Jurlique Calendula Cream on hand when I run out because you never know what tomorrow can bring.  Anyway, I think this will be a keeper for my dry skin for extreme cold weather as well.

The 4.3 fl. oz. tube retails for $37.  Visit Jurlique and check this Calendula Cream out because it gives sore skin that tender loving care it desperately needs.  

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  A free product was provided solely to facilitate this review.*

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Discover Glipho for More Social Media Connections (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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Glipho

Have you heard about Glipho yet?  This is an exciting new social blogging community that connects Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram to drive traffic and influence from all social networks for the content you're passionate about and need to share with others.  

You can create posts or "Gliphs" directly on the site or download posts from your existing blog and gain additional exposure for whatever you write.

Posts are organized by like topics in linking the same interest seeking users together for maximum effectiveness of your post, otherwise known as the "Gliph."

Once you become an official Glipher, you can put your creativity to further use by dragging and dropping images and video from YouTube, Instagram, Picasa, and Flickr accounts directly into your "Gliphs."

Besides sharing articles, you can use Glipho's discussion tools and discuss "Gliphs."  You can also "like"  fellow Gliphers' content or even compete to be among the trending writers.  

The possibilities of what you can bring to life and throw out there are endless with this platform.

Check out the Glipho website and I will see you there as well.  Look for my Nuts 4 Stuff "Gliphs" coming soon to you!

Disclaimer:  I did not receive any financial incentives or other benefit from Glipho to share what I found with you through my honest take on this website.  

Friday, April 26, 2013

Glow Like You Were Meant to! Rimmel London's Natural Bronzers & Sun Shimmer Shimmering Maxi Bronzer Review (Photos + 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.**
Rimmel London logo.jpeg
Rimmel London


Bronzers can be a tricky product to pick out when you go shopping.  I have my mistakenly returned home with overly brown or orange shades that look great in store lightning but later change into what looks more like muddy streaks or a garish deep orange when applied.  

Then again, you think a gleam would be becoming until you dust what looks more like chunks of glitter that landed randomly across your nose and forehead when it was meant for your cheeks.  I could keep rattling on, but you know what I am talking about.  

However, I may take some of the guesswork out of it for you. Let me begin with the three Rimmel London Natural Bronzers that I received to review.  These are light mineral bronzers that go on skin smoothly, easy to build upon, have a wonderful texture to the powder, and give a natural-looking type of glow. 

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Going clockwise from the top where my thumb is:  #022 Sun Bronze, #021 Sun Light, and #025 Sun Glow.

The palest among them is #021 Sun Light.  This leaves  a beautiful golden-brown matte glow that would best suit the fairest of complexions perfectly.   On my light beige skin, this shade could have been slightly darker but it was still wearable after building it up.

Next in the group is #022 Sun Bronze, which was a richer brown of a color for my complexion.  This one comes up a healthy dose of time in the sun from the slight sheen that surfaces.  I think anyone with light to medium skin would be happy with the look you can get with this choice.

The last Natural Bronzer is #025 Sun Glow.  This gave me a soft, burnished peach glow that had a matte finish.  Of the three compacts, this one had the most red and peach along with brown to set it off.   I also considered this one the darkest.

The only fault about these bronzers is that the plastic compact could have been sturdier.  They also lack a brush or sponge.  Then again, those companies that still do include a tool usually provides one that you can't rely on anyway.  

Also, there is SPF 8 protection, but I would have appreciated more.  Nonetheless, you can solve the sun protection problem easily enough by adding a stronger SPF product or cosmetic first.  

In regard to lasting power, my application held up for about four hours.  However, I think depending on the heat and humidity or if you're an oily complexion, this might change and require touch ups.  Regardless, these Rimmel London Natural Bronzers  do a great job of warming your complexion with a touch of summer.

The last thing I was sent was their huge stronger plastic compact of Sun Shimmer Shimmering Maxi Bronzer in #002 Sun Love.  The shade had more of brownish cast to it like a sandy orange with just a trace of gold.  Upon application, you see more of an instant tan with just a trace of gleam for a soft glow.  One quick swipe is enough to do my face for a beautiful kiss of sun, but you will need your own brush.


Rimmel's Shimmering Maxi Bronzer.jpeg
Rimmel's Shimmering Maxi Bronzer in #002 Sun Love

Swatches of Rimmel bronzers.jpeg
Starting nearest my wrist and working down my arm is #022 Sun Bronze, #025 Sun Glow, #021 Sun Light and ending with #002 Sun Love.

For a realistic summer glow at a very affordable price, any of the four of these Rimmel London bronzers is what you want.  Just remember to apply bronzers in a well-lit area and any of these colors from the two varieties will make you happy that you picked them up! 

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Defend the Look of Your Eyes! Melvita Fresh Eye Contour Gel 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 Fresh Eye Contour Gel.jpeg
Melvita Fresh Eye Contour Gel 



You're never too young to start defending that delicate eye area.  After all, eyes are what people gravitate to first. Therefore, you need them to look fresh.  Today, I want to acquaint you with a fabulous way to solve that problem with French organic beauty brand, Melvita's Fresh Eye Contour Gel.

Since I have had such beautiful results with a few of their other rose collection products, I was looking forward to seeing how this eye gel worked when it arrived for my review.  

You should know that this product even exceeded my expectations with how it helped reduce my usual morning puffiness with its formula of mountain roses, cornflower water, red seaweed extract, polysaccharides and vitamins A and B12 for draining and improving blood flow around the eyes while moisturizing.  

When using mornings and nights, be sure after you apply the eye gel to use the pads of your fingers to tenderly pat the product in and avoid hurrying with a few swipes to stretch and tug on that fragile skin.  Patting in this manner for all the facial products you use helps preserve the integrity of your skin and best aid in getting it thoroughly absorbed.

Another plus to its sweet floral smell is that this gave me a wonderful soft feel to that skin and was not any pore-clogging, thick gel that left a greasy trail along the path of your eyes.

This product is also said to reduce the blue undertones of dark circles. I still needed to reach for my concealer but the area did look slightly lighter.  Nonetheless, that puffiness issue was greatly improved and overall my eyes looked renewed.

The 15ml size retails for $35.  I do recommend picking Melvita's Fresh Eye Contour Gel and especially anything else in their rose line because they are tops in my book!

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  A free product was provided to facilitate this review.*

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

The Ultimate Secret to Save Your Hair and Skin From Dullness That You May Be Skipping!



Are you doing everything possible to keep your hair and skin from dulling?  If so, think again because you could be shortchanging yourself if you don't occasionally use chelating products to remove mineral deposits of what your tap water may leave behind.

Hard water can leave heavy metals like lead and mercury as well as nonmetals like chlorine building up over time, not to mention all the styling products you use daily.  What results to hair can be drabness, dryness, unruliness, and discoloration if nothing is done to address the issue along with attaching to skin and keeping your products from working as they should.   
 
Chelating agents in products are able to bind to those deposit molecules and break them down better.  Using such a stripping shampoo at least once or twice a month can help bring back more luster and manageability to hair if your water is the cause. 

Consequently, these heavy duty hair products can also take out hair color and chemical treatments  so check with you stylist first for a recommendation to safe chelating agents for your needs.

Therefore, if you are wondering why is it that your hair and skin have not been looking as beautiful lately despite all the expensive brands you keep changing, consider what your water may be doing to you.  A home kit to test your water for the amount of those heavy metals is also something to think about.



Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Give Your Heart This Mother's Day With Lisa Hoffman Beauty's Swarovski ELEMENTS Pearl Bracelet! (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.**
Swarovski ELEMENTS Pearl Bracelet.jpeg
Swarovski ELEMENTS Pearl Bracelet


I was delighted to hear that Lisa Hoffman Beauty expanded their scented jewelry with the new Swarovski ELEMENTS Pearl Collection to house her exquisite fragrances.  When asked if I cared to review one of those dazzling bracelets the reason I was thrilled was because the heart-shaped filigree charm dangling from those lustrous seven inches of pearly beads are not only gorgeous to dress up your wrist, but able to hold more of her captivating fragrance beads!

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This is the bracelet opened.
Deciding on one of the five available fragrance choices was difficult since I do adore them all.  Nonetheless, I went with Tunisian Neroli, a bubbling fruity-floral with gardenia and fresh neroli warmed elegantly with golden amber, buchu leaf, and orange nectar.  This scent embodies everything feminine and romantic with style and sophistication. 

Wearing scented jewelry is another beautiful expression of how you present yourself to the world.  After all, women can never have enough jewelry.  

This collection comes in either Crystal Creamrose with Gold-Plating or Crystal White with Oxidized Silver-Plating.  I chose the gold.  Packed inside is a small pot with fragrance beads to keep that magic alive.

This bracelet is stunning, shimmering with that line of 8mm Swarovski ELEMENTS Pearls, on your wrist.  I loved how the scent moved with me and circulated, especially with my habit of talking with my hands.  

You don't have to worry that you'll be overpowering because the fragrance gracefully floats with you.  In fact, you can layer with the matching eau de parfum, if desired, to reinforce this fresh bouquet or wear alone.

What woman wouldn't be happy receiving such a gift?  Find these Swarovski ELEMENTS Pearl bracelets for $85 on Lisa Hoffman Beauty or watch for its launch on HSN on April 29 at 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  and April 30 at 3:00 a.m. and 10:00 am.

My suggestion is to go make Mom or your wife smile this Mother's Day!  Take it from yours truly, she will.

Monday, April 22, 2013

My Cheeks Are In Love With An Excited Sheer Flush! IT Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flush Powder Blush Stain & French Boutique Luxe Blush Brush (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.**
IT Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flush Powder Blush Stain & French Boutique Luxe Blush Brush.jpeg
IT Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flush Powder Blush Stain & French Boutique Luxe Blush Brush

The Vitality Cheek Flush Powder Blush Stain from IT Cosmetics takes blushes to a new level with this powder stain enriched with anti-aging and a bounty of nourishing ingredients to do so much more overall than simply color, but also hydrate, defend, condition, and treat skin in the process.  

With amino acids, plum oil, cherry oil, hyaluronic acid, pomegranate, jojoba, aloe, seaweed extract, grapeseed, acai, green tea, white tea, Vitamins A, C, and E, cheeks are enhanced so naturally as if that formula awakened the sheer healthy color, which emerges to the surface more like an excited flush from a kiss.

I got to try the new shade of Matte Sweet Apple.  This is a ravishing deep pink warmed to perfection with a bit of coral.   Pretty in Peony, Magical in Mauve, and Radiant in Rose are the three other shades available in this line with shimmer.

This is a micro-milled powder that needs to be used with a light hand because of its wonderful pigmentation.  A little of this stain can deliver spectacular results especially with the perfect tool like the ultra-luxurious French Boutique Luxe Blush Brush that I also received.   With soft plush bristles the powder adhered well to the brush and made for flawless application.

You would think such breathtaking beauty would be shortly lived, but this cutting-edge powder can last practically all day without letting you down.  The realistic color clung without looking powdery, fading or compromising itself in any way either.  The formula is even waterproof, which I can't wait to see with the summer approaching--at least I hope.

Another thing to admire about IT Cosmetics is they manufacture their cosmetics in the United States, which gives me more peace of mind about high quality.  More to the company's credit, this product is also paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic to suit even the most sensitive individuals.

Vitality Cheek Flush Powder Blush Stain is a stunning way to bring out your inner beauty without looking artificial.  I am a fan and intend to pick up a few of the other shades.  They retail for $24 and the brush sells for $34.50.

Have you tried IT Cosmetics and these two products yet?  Find them at IT Cosmetics, QVC.com, QVC, beauty.com and the shoppingchannel.com

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  Free products were provided to facilitate this review.*

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Meet a Skin Healing Wonder! NuGlow's Revitaleze Repair Cream Review--I Love Its Awesome Power!

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


When I was approached to review one of NuGlow's skin care products, I had a tempting selection to consider.  However, I was immediately intrigued by the description of their Revitaleze Repair Cream.  With a special blend of restorative herbs and mineral ingredients in addition to pure replenishing oils, this formula was made to help problem skin from excess dryness, burns, damage, or irritation and I had the perfect subject for testing this product.

A family member has a circulation problem that involves his lower leg.  Consequently, his calve is dark with rough patches of dry skin in a big spot toward the ankle.  Naturally, he habitually lubes that area with the same heavy duty creams those with diabetes also would be applying.  The products he tried in the past helped moisturize that scaly area so the skin could not break.  However, it never lightened the darkness until he began using NuGlow's Revitaleze Repair Cream nightly after showering.

This product has a slightly medicinal smell, but it is natural considering this is not on the same level as some fragrant body lotion or face cream.  This is serious healing power at work with ingredients backed by science to help with cell regeneration, anti-inflammation, scar reduction with antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties while also delivering maximum hydration as it repairs.  

I watched the condition of his leg change.  The area really responded beautifully to this cream because within a week, the dry patches smoothed into nicer skin considerably instead  of looking scaly and cracked.  

As unbelievable as this may sound, the discoloring in his problem area even lightened slightly after the second week of use.  

This is the best I remember seeing that bad spot on his leg look in a long time.  He is definitely going to keep using this product because it does really work to repair skin like the company claims.  

Those especially with diabetes needing to keep their skin well lubricated to prevent a wound from forming would really see a difference in treating their skin once they tried NuGlow's Revitaleze Repair Cream over their typical pharmacist-recommended cream.
    
It is recommended for dealing with skin suffering from trouble such as hormonal shifts, auto-immune and allergic reactions, psoriasis, eczema, rosaceae, blemishes, anti-aging or pigmentation, etc.  I cannot vouch for all of those only what I told you here and seen with my own eyes.  Nonetheless, if this product worked this well for someone with a serious circulation problem, I can only imagine how well it would do to help other skin irritations, dryness, etc.   

All I can say is this an excellent product to heal skin and thoroughly moisturize it.  Trust me, NuGlow's Revitaleze Repair Cream is what you want  to try for a wonderful improvement without wasting your money on the line of bottles and tubes that fall short of your expectations.

It normally retails for $69.95 but a club price of $34.95 for a 1.7 oz. jar is also an option.  I highly recommend buying this  product and check out the savings advantage if your skin is suffering.  You will see how your skin will thank you by healing.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  A free product was provided solely to facilitate this review.*

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Newman's Own Organics Adds New Cookies Varieties to Spoil You! (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.**
Newman's Own Organics Cookie assortment.jpeg
Newman's Own Organics cookies

Although I love to bake, I will admit there are times when homemade is not an option.   On those occasions when you are in need of a cookie fix, I prefer organic baked treats like the delicious variety from Newman's Own Organics which have been known to appear in my shopping cart from time to time.  

My particular favorite is Fig Newman's Low Fat or the Regular variety.  These are always so soft and yet fruity.

Then again, Newman-O's creme filled are also very good that I received for this review when it comes to sandwich cookies.  I sampled the  vanilla creme filled chocolate, the peanut-butter creme filled chocolate ones, the newest addition to this line with the vanilla creme filled vanilla cookies, and creme filled, wheat-free, dairy-free chocolate cookies. 

What I loved about these Newman-O's are the better organic ingredients, less sugar in the formula than their non-organic alternative, and more intense chocolate or vanilla flavor in the wafer cookie itself.  The fillings are creamy and luscious, perhaps, just slightly thinner than the non-organic variety.  Nonetheless, they are scrumptious together when teamed up with a cup of coffee.

The Family Cookie Recipe Double Chocolate Chip cookies are jammed-packed with rich chocolate.  This is especially handy when you're tempted to grab a chocolate bar with the amount of semi-sweet pieces in each cookie.

I also received the new cookie addition to their Family Recipe Cookies with the Spelt Ginger Snaps.   I loved how heightened the spicy ginger flavor in this cookie taste in this crunchy, but not overly sweet treat.

Of course, organic cookies have calories, fats, and sugar just like the other non-organic brands.  However, they do instill more trust with what goes into their baked goods by way of ingredients, how they are grown, and limiting sweetness without denying a consumer a fabulous tasting cookie.

If you haven't tried any cookie from Newman's Own Organics, I think you should give this company a shot.  

Friday, April 19, 2013

Review: Every Beauty's All in One Foot Smoother and 3 in 1 Nail File to Make Your Feet and Hands Happy!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
 Every Beauty's All in One Foot Smoother and 3 in 1 Nail File.jpeg
Every Beauty's All in One Foot Smoother and 3 in 1 Nail File

I am so hyped over these products from Every Beauty that unexpectedly arrived at my door.  You may think big deal over ordinary products to work on your hands and feet for smoothing nails and skin.  However, you have no idea how extraordinarily well they performed.  Once I explain the situation, you will understand and want to buy these also.

My mother is older and has a bent (hammer toe) on one foot from arthritis.  Thick, very hard skin surrounds that toe nail at the bottom and close to the top of the nail across.  This makes it uncomfortable for her to walk in shoes.  We have tried all sorts of soaks, lotions, oils, pedicure tools, and files without much success--that is until we used the All in One Foot Smoother from Every Beauty


Every Beauty's mani-pedi products.jpeg
Every Beauty's mani-pedi products

Unlike a pumice stone, this is a gently curved sponge for easy maneuvering with a coarse and finer side along with useable edges for dermabrasion as well.  You will be able to get any higher spots with rough, thick skin so much better with this tool because of this design but also due to the texture of the sponge itself.

My mother soaked her feet in warm water and suds to soften them the best she before thoroughly drying.  We started with the coarse side and rubbed with steady, but soft pressure over that problem spot.  Before long, we noticed that lump beginning to decrease.  We kept going until the area became tender after a while of filing.  

Nonetheless, the high rough skin near the top of that hammer toe was nearly smooth now and almost flat, which excited us tremendously.  Let me tell you how much easier this made it later when she slipped on her shoes. 

I almost forgot to mention this product helps with corns.  We worked on one on her little toe with the finer side briefly.  In the process, we peeled some skin and smoothed over the corn a bit.  We didn't get rid of it, but this was a good start because it did cut into the corn somewhat.  We will continue using this but gently and gradually to further take it down.

Maintenance of this tool is simple.  Cleaning involves running hot water over it.  Next, I doused it with alcohol over every part to saturate it for killing germs.  I parked it for about ten minutes and then rinsed it with more hot water before allowing it to dry.

I found the Every Beauty 3 in 1 Nail File was also wonderful.  This looks like a mini computer mouse with a stainless steel edge that is straight then curved for filing.  This device does not fray nails like emery boards often can or make all that dust when you file.  

Honestly, I think these products are outstanding and you need to pick them up.  Normally the All in One Foot Smoother and the Every Beauty 3 in 1 Nail File retail for $4.99 each, but they are currently on sale for $3.99 a piece.  Visit Every Beauty and buy these!   You can thank me later.  

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  Free products were provided to facilitate this review.*

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Smell Delectable! Lavanila's Vanilla Coconut Forever Fragrance Oil and The Healthy Vanilla Coconut Deodorant (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.**
Lavanila's Vanilla Coconut Forever Fragrance Oil.jpeg
Lavanila's Vanilla Coconut Forever Fragrance Oil


You just might  unknowingly serve yourself up for dessert when that luscious aroma of Lavanila's Vanilla Coconut Forever Fragrance Oil  radiates from you instead of an oven.  Seeping with exotic Tahitian Tiare flower in the midst of an irresistible blend of creamy coconut and Madagascar vanilla, this tropical fruity-floral gives new meaning to a gourmand with the delicate sweetness it leaves behind.
  
The Vanilla Coconut Forever Fragrance Oil is a long-lasting roll-on made of pure essential oils in a base of hydrating almond oil and I had the pleasure to review it.   What you experience is natural exotic beauty at its best when those select ingredients heat against your skin.  As your body temperature rises, it is what ignites that sexy, yummy appeal and makes it impossible to resist.

I also was sent the matching The Healthy Deodorant.  This is a solid stick of natural protection without any worrisome chemicals like aluminum, parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oils, silicone, or synthetic dyes to possibly subject your body to a health risk. 
The Healthy Vanilla Coconut Deodorant.jpeg
The Healthy Vanilla Coconut Deodorant

With Lavanila Laboratories special beta glucan technology, pure essential oils and use of powerful antioxidants, I discovered this stick was gentle on the pits and worked just as well for me throughout my day as my current brand.  I can't say how it would hold up through a sweltering summer day, but it was a wonderful way to go since the more you seemed to sweat, the more the vanilla coconut emerged. 

This rinses off well unlike some anti-perspirant/deodorants that can be harder to wash off.  However, I really liked it especially if you're trying to avoid aluminum and those suspect chemicals linked to breast cancer.  I will continue using this one. 

The Healthy Deodorant in Vanilla Coconut is sold in two sizes and a value threesome that range from $10 to $44.  Be kind to yourself and look into this Lavanila's safer alternative and that delicious smelling Vanilla Coconut Forever Fragrance Oil, which retails for $25 for the .27 fl. oz. size.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Shake Excitement Into Your Hair! "Rock Your Hair" Hair Care System by Michael Rourke (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.**
 "Rock Your Hair" Hair Care System.jpeg
 "Rock Your Hair" Hair Care System

When a representative from Rock Your Hair by celebrity stylist, Michael Rourke reached out and asked if I would be willing to try their hair care system, I was not familiar with this company or their products.  However, I thought I would give it a shot because there always might be something better out there that out performed my current stash.  

Today, I want to tell especially those ladies with fine hair or lots of layers that I just may have discovered the ultimate help you're looking for because this system of "Rock Your Hair" products went beyond my expectations with what it can do!

The Big Hair Rocks Shampoo was what I started with.  This has a pleasing mild scent while being color-safe and free of sulfates as well as parabens to work gently.   The product produced a wonderful lather that kept me company with delicious smelling bubbles as I shampooed.

Once I rinsed, I followed with the color-safe, sulfate and paraben free Big Hair Rocks Conditioner.  This is a lightweight moisturizing conditioner with a thinner creamy consistency than what I am accustomed to.  Nonetheless, it did what I needed to help untangle hair. 

If you regularly read my posts, you know how dry my hair can get.  Therefore, I was glad the company provided a deeper conditioner in the form of their Miracle Leave-In Conditioner Weightless Detangler.  This is a nourishing spray with soy, wheat and oat proteins to strengthen and repair hair from shaft to ends.  After I towel-dried, I found this stuff took care of any remaining knots.

Several volumizing styling products were sent out.  Since two of them specifically built up hair, I used each on separate days.  The first time I went with the Size Matters Big Volume Root Lift.  This is a humidity protecting and volumizing mousse that I worked a small amount into my layers and ends. 

As I mentioned, I do have lots of thick, layered hair with a natural wave to it.  Even so, I regularly use volumizing products more often than curling styling products.   Anyone with layers or if you have a curl to your hair need to try this type of styling product for the wonderful difference they can make.

What awaited me when I finished with blow-drying my hair was tons more fat, shiny curls without any crunchy feel or horrible stickiness.  My curls, which I used my diffuser on had great bounce and body.  To preserve that glorious look I turned to Spray It Hard Big Volume Hairspray to finish it off.

I didn't have to wait long for this spray to dry.  It locked my style in place for hours only with a firm, not flexible hold.  You might compare this hair spray more to a freeze spray with the power of hold it possesses.  Unlike the choking smell of some hair sprays, this one had more of a pleasant fragrance to it.

I went with the last volumizing styling product:  Bombshell Big Hair Powder the next day I played with my hair.  You need to sprinkle this powder sparingly or your hair will feel greasy, which I soon learned when I applied too much.  Though I was disappointed with myself for being overzealous, I attempted my experiment again the following day.  

This time I was careful.  What came next was incredible from how a light dusting of this talc and mica-based powder lifted the layers like magic.  I was especially impressed on  how it worked on my long, layered bangs to change the style around. This rocks for building up the top.

The prices of these girly hot pink bottles with shiny rhinestone hearts are reasonable.  Expect to pay anywhere from $7.20 to around $22 or less for any of this system's products.  Just know Rock Your Hair does shake things up when it comes to giving big, gorgeous hair--so do take a look and rock on! 

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

How to Easily Find the Most Flattering Fit of Jeans!


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The right style of jeans can enhance or distract from your figure.


I love shopping for jeans, but it can be time consuming and not to mention frustrating when you fail to find anything to your liking.  However, you can find an easier way to a flattering fit if you keep a few things in mind for your problem areas. 

Those that have a tummy bulge probably should consider jeans with a wider waistband with either a classic or high rise.  This type of cut would best hide that trouble spot.

On the other hand, if you carry more stuff in your trunk look for jeans without any stitching on the back pockets and a rise that is higher in the back than the front to divert eyes from your rear.  

Then again, if you have a small, flat backside that you want to call attention to, you need to hunt for jeans with lots of detail work on the back pockets.  

Wide hips have more success if you go with boot cut jeans.  They seem to balance that type of figure better on the bottom. 

Look at where the pockets are positioned.  If those pockets are too far apart, this will draw eyes to your hips more than pockets that are somewhat closer together. 

Make sure when you're in the dressing room and are checking the fit that there are no creases across the front crotch and the back pockets should compliment your shape.

Hopefully, these few tips will help improve your next jeans shopping experience and make you feel beautiful as well as comfortable!



Monday, April 15, 2013

An Amazing Find! Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polishes 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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From left to right in the above photo is:  Plums the Word, Commander in Chic, So Much Fawn, and ending with Raisin the Bar on the right.


Along with bright shades, especially perky greens and soft pastel colors or whites, muted grayish tones are also very big for nails this spring.  Some excellent  choices that fit the bill perfectly came from Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure line that arrived for this review.

Commander in Chic is a striking gray set off with a bit of plum.  This is a great neutral you can easily wear to the office.

Plums the Word is a darker gray with a deeper infusion of the plum.

Raisin the Bar is a pink and gray plum shade.

So Much Fawn is more a low-keyed pink brown color.

I really liked the big flat brush this polish had because it definitely made the painting easier.  As I used it, I noticed how that brush grabbed just enough of the polish for coating and was easier to maneuver, especially to keep within the lines instead of any mess to the cuticles.

The first time I didn't apply a base coat.  The colors do turn out more transparent with one coat.   I didn't experience any streaking.  Two coats darken the colors considerably like most other polishes that I had worn with a resulting glossy finish even without a top coat.  

Furthermore, the Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish completely shocked me with the length of time this stuff lasted on my fingernails without chipping.  Most of the time, I would get a day or a few hours before I ruined my paint job.  Yet, this polish stayed in tact for about ten days before it chipped, which was incredible considering all the cooking and baking I do.

Another thing I want to mention is how quickly this polish dries.  Waiting in between for coats to dry always is a pet peeve of mine.  After all, polish fumes are strong and can irritate those more sensitive individuals like myself with allergies, but this variety was excellent in that regard as well.

I must admit Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish was wonderful and delivered a beautiful paint job just like I came out a salon with far superior lasting power than imaginable.  

I definitely recommend checking this award-winning Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish line out because it wouldn't disappoint you!

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  Free products were provided solely to facilitate this review.*

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Thinning Hair Solutions That Work to Make More of Your Hair!


If you have been finding more hairs in your brush and elsewhere, you might start feeling anxious that you're losing your hair.  However, hair fibers do get thinner with age.  In fact, if you are over age forty and a woman, shedding more hair is normal.  Nonetheless, there are some tricks to often solve that thinning hair problem so cheer up.

First off, consider picking up a thickening shampoo and conditioner.  Read labels for ingredients like panthenol (vitamin B6) and oat protein, which can thicken the strands.   
Equally important is using a hair conditioner even if it usually causes your hair to go limp because one will save further friction to those already damaged strands.   

Something else you may want to try in this situation is to apply your conditioner before your shampoo.  Switching in this way can leave hair less greasy and reduce the chance of going limp.

You also need to be careful when it comes to drying your hair.  Heat, overstyling and tight ponytails will tug and weaken the hair follicles.  The best thing to do is air-dry or set your hair dryer to a low setting and prep with a heat-protective product or styler.  A less constrictive way to pull your hair back is also a thought.

Washing your vulnerable hair too often can result in losing more strands.  You may want to turn to a dry shampoo in between.  Adding some dry shampoo to your roots can help boost the volume and give hair texture.

Hair coloring can definitely help give you the look of more hair.  Since hair color roughs up the hair cuticle, it can thicken it up as well. 

Changing your style is another suggestion.   Your stylist can show you what layering, deep bangs, or even a different part can do to distract the eyes.  Page through magazines for a hairdo that has more disarray to it instead of anything with perfect lines.  A shaggy type of style with layers can be fattened up much easier to hide a thin hair problem.

Another thing to consider is your general health or the drugs you are taking.  For example, steroids are just one family of drugs that can cause hair loss.  Research your prescriptions to learn if losing hair is a side effect.  If so, you might want to ask your doctor if there is any drug substitute. 

Then again, perhaps, you have been ill.  For one, a bacterial infection does cause hair loss.  If you are not getting better, you should make an appointment with your doctor because what's going on internally could be the key.

Eating on the run because you are too busy or skipping meals is another culprit.  You could have a vitamin deficiency that is causing that hair loss.  However, only doctor and a hair analysis can pinpoint what your hair reveals and your body is lacking.
 
Be extremely cautious with your choice of vitamins because this is not an industry that is as regulated as it should be.   Look for quality seals or some sort of acceptable industry testing as a sign because just because something is sold nationwide does not mean it is safe or even labeled as it should be.   

Sometimes though, the problem can be fixed simply once you eat normally again with a balanced diet.

Everything I mentioned could help with a thinning hair problem.  On the other hand, if you are shedding that hair at an alarming rate, you definitely need to visit your doctor and get evaluated.

Friday, April 12, 2013

I'm Wild About IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette--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.**

IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette.jpeg
IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow PaletteAdd caption

Although IT Cosmetics is a relatively new brand for me, I am amazed at how their specially formulated cosmetics, made in conjunction with plastic surgeons, do seem to help making your face appear younger and more beautiful.  An excellent example is the very workable selection of twelve beautiful eye shadows sent along for this review with their Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette

Evidence of how hydrating this formula really is with its hydrolyzed collagen, green tea, acai, and vitamins A, C, and E, is instantly apparent even before application.  Some eye shadows in powder form do not always stick well to the brush and can land up in your eye.  However, this talc and paraben free powder adheres very nicely to the brush as well as your lids without excess powder flying in the process, which is appreciated even more by someone like myself with sensitive, allergy-prone eyes.  I really do credit those ingredients for making that difference.

What is in this palette are gorgeous neutral colors that you can wear every day with a matte or soft shimmer finish along with two bolder shades of plum and blue.  In fact, the choices of shades play up and blend well for endless possibilities in whatever look you might be in the mood for.

The consistency of this anti-aging powder is ultra-fine and glides on like silk without it settling into the creases of your eyes for hours.  I never felt the need for primer since it lasted from my morning until dinner remarkably well for me.    

In the below photo  I swatched the shades for you.  Starting close to my wrist with the lightest colors and working down my arm to the darkest ones are the following in order:

Heavenly--a soft pearl white 

Cashmere--a matte peachy cream

Satin Sunshine--a soft luster pale yellow

Je Ne Said Quoi--a gleaming nude pink-peach 

Earth Angel--a matte beige-brown

Ipanema--a gold-bronze and beige pearl

Romance--a soft luster taupe

Venus Love--a copper pearl

Azure--a matte midnight blue

Plum Passion--a matte violet-purple

Espresso--a warm matte dark brown

Jet Black--a matte black

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Here are the swatches of the Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette.

These shadows are so luxurious and well pigmented.  I loved blending them and changing color combinations without hunting through separate compacts to capture the effect I was after.  You can do it all with just this one palette!

This palette comes in a padded leather-like case that has a magnetic closure.   The size is perfect for slipping into your handbag without taking up much space.  You also get a two-sided brush that you can do a lot with.

The IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette retails for $38.  Buy it at IT Cosmetics, Beauty 360 stores or Beauty.com or QVC.  You can also find it in Canada at The Shopping Channel.

My recommendation is pick one up!  Your eyes will beautifully thank you for it.