Friday, February 28, 2014

Review: Mineral Fusion Natural Brands NEW Lasting Color Shampoo and Conditioner

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

Mineral Fusion Lasting Color Shampoo and Conditioner.jpeg
Mineral Fusion Lasting Color Shampoo and Conditioner

Coloring your hair requires extra care when shopping for shampoos and conditioners.  Therefore, you need the gentlest formulas possible to safeguard the color for the longest time. When I was asked if I wanted to review these new Mineral Fusion Natural Brands Lasting Color Shampoo and Conditioner, I looked forward to testing them since my own color comes out of a box.

With plenty of moisturizing botanicals such as argan oil, jojoba seed oil and sunflower oils to keep hair healthy and touchable and minerals for sun protection, strengthening, and control, this rich foaming shampoo and conditioner were a pampering experience for my strands with the bouncy, shiny hair that later followed.  Due to the moringa seed and mongongo kernel, I noticed how much more my color maintained its vibrancy as well. Something else that I liked was it made my hair softer, but easy enough to manage without being limp.

If you want to keep your freshly colored hair intact, I think you should give this new duo a try.  Both the Lasting Color Shampoo and Conditioner retail for $9.99 each.  They are available in 8.5 oz. tubes, which are hygienically sealed.  Visit Mineral Fusion Natural Brands or buy at Whole Foods.

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

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Review: DS Laboratories Oligo. DX Cellulite Reducing Gel

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

DS Laboratories Oligo. DX Cellulite Reducing Gel.jpeg
DS Laboratories Oligo. DX Cellulite Reducing Gel.


Though it feels like winter will never end, warm weather will arrive before you know it, which means time to take out the swimsuits and shorts. I hate to admit this, but working all day on the computer hasn’t been exactly kind to my backside. The way I saw it was that I had two choices, I either looked for a way to get rid of this extra cellulite or give up on wearing shorts and swimsuits this year.

When DS Laboratories approached about reviewing some of their products, I noticed they had a cellulite product that sounded promising called Oligo.DX Cellulite Reducing Gel. To begin with, it did not require much time to do and worked differently than other cellulite products that I used in the past.


This one was designed with ingredients to deeply penetrate the tissues and dissolve that trapped dimpled fat and dispose of it through darker urine. As I understand it, the reason for this capability is because of a highly effective delivery system that uses very tiny burrowing nanosomes to get the job done.

Unlike other cellulite solutions, this product did not require any dry brushing or massaging first. All that was necessary was to rub some of the cream on. The idea that I didn’t have to waste a lot of timing preparing first before using the product worked for me, especially since my guy jokes that I am almost connected to the computer like a part of the Borg Collective of Star Trek.

The company claims this product will most likely show results in two weeks of daily use. It also clearly stated over time cellulite would come back once discontinuing use of the product.  Nonetheless, it is only a fair assumption as your body forms new cellulite.

I used the cream once a day after my shower. I didn’t notice anything for the first few times I rubbed some of this cream on. I felt disappointed, but knew I was expecting too much, too soon. Therefore, I kept on rubbing. No joke, I did start seeing some changes on my eleventh day. 

Two lumpy areas, one on my upper thigh and the other, on the back of my other thigh, looked smoother.  You can imagine my excitement because I distinctly remembered those humps were bigger! Feeling a wonderful rush, I kept rubbing and am still rubbing. 

I am seeing less cellulite than before I started. However, the cellulite is not all gone–but it has improved.  In fact, I consider my body still a work in progress. I will continue with Oligo.DX and am hopeful about what may be possible by the end of this tube.

Are you ready for summer? If not, then do learn more about Oligo.DX Cellulite Reducing Gel from DS Laboratories. It can give you more confidence in time for swimsuit season!

*Disclaimer:  Free products were provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.*

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

A Great Way to Infuse Skin With Moisture--Crabtree & Evelyn's NEW English Honey & Peach Blossom Collection Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy and Body Butter (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.**


Crabtree & Evelyn's English Honey & Peach Blossom Body butter.jpeg
Crabtree & Evelyn's English Honey & Peach Blossom Body Butter


No wonder honey has held such high esteem throughout the ages with its healing and beautifying properties.  Crabtree & Evelyn's new line harnesses that skin transforming power into their English Honey & Peach Blossom Collection.  I was fortunate to experience two of these fabulous hydrating products with their Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy and Body Butter for this review. 

Winter can be hard for any skin.  However, it can be merciless if you happen to already have dry skin, which I do.  Therefore, I was thrilled about seeing how this pair would work on my suffering skin. 

Following my shower, the first product that I tried was the English Honey & Peach Blossom Body Butter.  The scent is warm and enticing, oozing with the soft sweetness of honey and luscious peach even before you dive into it.  Once you do, I found the texture was a rich blend that got easily absorbed and replaced my dryness with velvet-like softness.  The formula also has other wonderful lubricating ingredients to that honey and peach blossom extract with moringa oil and shea butter.

Regardless of how often I apply hand lotions and creams, I always seem to be fighting chapping.  What the English Honey & Peach Blossom Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy formula is said to do is to make hands feel softer with each application while moisturizing with other skin soothing ingredients like shea butter, peach blossom extract and macadamia nut oil.  Myrrh is also added for what it can do to condition the cuticles and nails.  


Crabtree & Evelyn's English Honey & Peach Blossom Hand Therapy.jpeg
English Honey & Peach Blossom Hand Therapy

The increased softness claim sounded almost too good to be true, but this hand cream does exactly that and more without feeling greasy or sticky.  In fact, this product managed to heal the redness much sooner and left a petal like softness in its wake the more I reached for that tube.   I can't tell how much it helped my cuticles or nails, but this is an excellent hand cream for hurting hands in need of tender loving care. 

Crabtree & Evelyn's new collection of English Honey & Peach Blossom is one of my favorite new finds for skin.   If your dry skin cries out for help, I recommend you to visit Crabtree & Evelyn and look into these products!  Other products in this collection include Body Wash, Body Lotion, Glistening Face Serum, Lip Salve, All Purpose Balm, and a Moisturizing Cream.

*Disclaimer:  Free products were provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.*

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Start Spring Fresh With Juicy Tones of Orange to Play Up Lips: Red Apple Lipstick Style (Plush Pop, Firefly, Sunkissed, Fuzzy Navel) 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.**

Red Apple Lipsticks and gloss.jpeg
Going from left to right is Red Apple Lipsticks:  Fuzzy Navel,  Plush Pop, Firefly, and ending with Sunkissed on the right.


You know that warm weather is approaching when bright, fruity shades of color appear in cosmetic displays.  When Red Apple Lipstick reached out and asked if I would like to review four of their orange lippies, I was more than happy to see what new exciting shades they developed next, especially since I love their safer formulated lipsticks and glosses.  After all, it gives me peace of mind knowing that I need not worry about what toxic chemical I may be ingesting every time I take a sip of coffee or eat anything just for beauty.

The first one that I want to share with you is their Mint 2 Be Gloss in Fuzzy Navel.  I really liked that burst of mint-like moisture that keeps your lips so comfortable in this line's formula almost as much as that peach-pink color, which is delicate and fresh, almost like Spring itself.  This gloss stays intact and within your lip lines for hours.

Red Apple Lipsticks Mint to be gloss.jpeg
Here I'm wearing Fuzzy Navel.
Plush Pop is a more demure form of orange.  This lipstick has a cool metallic gleam to it with touches of pink and brown.  Of the three lipsticks, this was my favorite and the best way to get comfortable with this particular color.


Red Apple Lipstick Plush Pop swatch.jpeg
Isn't Plush Pop that I'm modeling pretty?
The next lipstick I sampled was Firefly.  This is the brightest pop of orange that will wet your lips like a juicy popsicle with traces of gold shimmer showing through.  Though lovely, I think this color would look best on a blonde with different coloring than mine.


Red Apple Lipstick Firefly swatch.jpeg
This is Firefly that I am showing you here.

Last, I tried on Sunkissed, which looked quite nice on me with my dark hair and light coloring.  This was the darkest of these orange lipsticks that had some red to it.  The shade can wake up a face with sizzling color.  Against a tan, I can only imagine how pretty that lively color would look.
Red Apple Lipstick Sunkissed swatch.jpeg
Take a look at Sunkissed.
My feeling is experiment with orange.  If you give that hue a chance and let its warm radiance shine through on your own lips, then you might be surprised on what it can do for your face and sunny outlook in general. 

All three of these lipsticks retail for $23.50 on Red Apple Lipstick and the Mint 2 Be Gloss sells for $18.50.  Do check these orange lippies out.


*Disclaimer:  Free products were provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.*

Monday, February 24, 2014

Review+ Swatches: Sally Hansen's Salon Manicure Base Coat, Top Coat, Dry & Go, Mudslide, And Pink Pong Polishes

**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's Salon Manicure Base Coat, Top Coat, Dry & Go, Mudslide, And Pink Pong Polishes.jpeg
Sally Hansen's Salon Manicure Base Coat, Top Coat, Dry & Go, Mudslide, And Pink Pong Polishes


All through college, I painted my nails regularly.  I never bothered with using a base coat because the surface of my nails was smooth enough to accept the lacquer for a nice finish.  I thought why should I bother?  However, that was then.  Now I have ridges and weaker nails, which changes everything.  If I intend to sport pretty nails, then I had to branch out with new manicure products.  Today I want to tell you about my experience with Sally Hansen's Salon Manicure system of products that I was sent to test.

I started with the Sally Hansen Salon Manicure Smooth & Strong Base Coat.  On my index finger, I brushed on as I would normally do the polish.  In doing so, I didn't fill in all the ridges as you will notice from the photo.  Therefore, I gave my other fingers a heavier coat. This was what my nails really needed for how the product smoothed and built that weak nail up.


modeling Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure 240 Ping Pong with base coat.jpeg
Here I'm modeling Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure 240 Ping Pong with base coat.

Just to show you the difference, I painted my thumb with Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure 250 Mudslide Polish without that base coat.  This is more a nude shade of peach-brown.  You will notice my ridges show through the nail enamel.  Also, the color isn't as glossy as the ones that I primed first with the base before painting. 


modeling Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure 250 Mudslide.jpeg
Notice the difference of my thumb without the Base Coat and just Mudslide.  The other nails have both.  Incredible smoothness, don't you agree?    
I also received 240 Pink Pong, which I would describe as a nude pink-brown.  Both colors are wonderful basic neutrals.  I loved how easy this polish was with that brush for painting.  

When I primed first with that base coat, I got a deeper shade with one coat of the 250 Mudslide and extreme shine.  Seriously, I never realized what a beautiful difference this base coat could make for overall appearance and strengthening.  Usually, I am constantly filing my nails because of how quickly they snag or break.  This didn't happen to me once now with this biotin and spirulina reinforced formula.

Next, I followed the base coat and polish with the Sally Hansen Salon Manicure Ultra-Wear Top Coat in Clear.  This was extra protection to that gorgeous color like a clear coat of nail armor. 

With my allergies, the fumes of polish can irritate me more than others.  But, I must admit these products weren't that bad to inhale as many others that I have tried.  To best safeguard myself, I thought the Complete Salon Manicure Dry & Go Drops was something I had to try to speed up the drying process.  All you need to wait is 60 seconds after putting on that top coat, then add a drop or two per nail.  I just needed a drop per each.

I wanted to see how Sally Hansen's Strengthening Nail Polish Remover might be kinder on my weak, thin nails.  This formula is fortified with vitamins and wheat protein to strengthen as it removes the lacquer.  I only used it on my thumb that had just the nail polish because I needed to match it up with my other primed nails.  This rubbed that polish with just one loaded cotton ball.

I think Sally Hansen's Salon Manicure system of products works exceptionally well.  Anyone with weak nails or a problem with ridges definitely should look into buying the Base Coat, Top Coat, as well as the Salon Manicure polishes for strengthening them and being able to wear beautiful color again without chipping or snagging your nails for quite a while.  Even those that have perfect nails should consider buying the complete system because using these products together, your nails will look even more professionally done.  The Dry & Go is fantastic as well. 

*Disclaimer:  Free products were provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.*

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Have You Tried Facial Toner for Your Nails Yet?

Before you do your next manicure, you may want to try this tip before you are about to polish.  Take a cotton ball that you have moistened with a bit of your facial toner and wipe your lacquer-free, clean nails with it first. 

This extra step removes those natural oils and any residue left from your hand cream that may be lingering around your nails so that you get a cleaner surface before you reach for that base coat or polish. 

So it you wondering why your manicure turns prettier at times than others, it could be something as simple as lingering traces of hand cream! 

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Recipe: Ease Up Your Day With My Savory Slow-Cooker Chicken Dinner!

Though I love creating delicious dishes,  I do not like long, complicated recipes that involve a lot of work.  The recipes that appeal to me the most are basically simple and inexpensive like this easy chicken recipe.  

My Savory Slow-Cooker Chicken Dinner is perfect to start early in the day and during the course of about seven or eight hours on low, you can have a healthy meal ready for the family in time for dinner.

You will be slowly cooking up the most tender chicken in an aromatic seasoned tomato sauce with vegetables that later will be served over a bed of whatever is your favorite form of pasta.  Tasty beyond what I can describe is what awaits you once you sample this great recipe for this incredibly moist chicken.

You will need to brown the chicken first before you put it in your slow crocker.  Here is a wonderful tip to keep it from sticking in your skillet.  Be sure to heat the skillet up first before adding the oil and those chicken pieces.  Starting with a hot skillet will give you better results.

My Savory Slow-Cooker Chicken Dinner

3 tablespoons of olive oil
3 pounds of chicken (pieces or breasts), skin removed
4 cloves minced garlic
2 large onions, chopped
1-1/2 teaspoons of dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary 
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes in puree
8-oz. fresh mushrooms, washed and sliced
1 medium red pepper (cut into long strips)
1-1/2 cups of chicken stock or broth
1 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1/4 cup of cornstarch
1 lb. of cooked rigatoni or spaghetti (whatever form of a pasta that you are most fond of)

Heat your skillet to make it hot before adding the olive oil.

Add the skinned chicken parts and brown, turning to brown it all over.

Take your chopped onions, garlic, spices, sugar, tomatoes, mushrooms,  red pepper, salt, pepper, browned chicken parts, and one cup of your chicken stock and mix everything together before placing in the slow crocker.  Then lock it up with the lid.

Cook on the LOW setting for seven to eight hours when the chicken is nicely cooked and bubbly.

Prepare your pasta and have it ready.

Before serving, you will take the remaining one-half cup of the chicken broth and mix it with the cornstarch until it smooth. 

Add this cornstarch mixture to your slow-cooker and continue to cook on HIGH for about 10 minutes until this tomato sauce thickens.

Serve over your cooked pasta.

ENJOY!

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Review: L'Occitane en Provence's NEW Cèdre & Oranger Eau de Toilette for Men From La Collection de Grasse Has Refreshingly Unique Appeal!

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


L'Occitane's Cèdre & Oranger Eau de Toilette.jpeg
L'Occitane's Cèdre & Oranger Eau de Toilette


Men take note!  L'Occitane en Provence has added an exciting eau de toilette to their La Collection de Grasse that deserves your attention.  Cèdre & Oranger that recently launched late 2013 is what I consider a wonderful citrus aromatic fragrance for those that are adventurous at heart by perfumer, Karine Dubreuil.


The fragrance has a freshness to it with an underlying woodiness from top notes of orange, bergamot and pine needles.  At the same time, there is an aquatic effect coming through due to a lifting of the crisp citrus carrying the pine with it in the breeze, only that pine has traveled far from the forest to the sea.  

As Cèdre & Oranger develops in the heart with notes of spicy cardamom, red berries and Virginian cedar, the fragrance does an exceptional job of stimulating the senses with a mint type of coolness to it that is manly and full of energy.  This is intriguing, but a confident mix, almost daring you to try to ignore it would be a waste of time.   

In the base, Cèdre & Oranger takes on a new depth that is so sexy.  Like a brooding hero, the fragrance begins to taunt, smoldering with sensuality from notes of warming vetiver and musk.  

My guy was hooked immediately on this scent.  He described it as something different with that coolly refreshing twist to the woods and citrus, definitely classy. 

Though I am not a man, I loved my guy wearing Cèdre & Oranger because it was expertly crafted for today's modern man with how vibrant, but refreshing it was with a sensual undercurrent that was very appealing.  

The 2.5 oz. bottle of Cèdre & Oranger Eau de Toilette retails for $75.  The fragrance is also available in After Shave Balm, Soap, and Shower Gel.  Do visit L'Occitane en Provence and check it out.



Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Miraculously Transform Your Face in a Flash!--IT Cosmetics My Sculpted Face Contouring Palette (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 My Sculpted Face Contouring Palette.jpeg
IT Cosmetics My Sculpted Face Contouring Palette


Unless you are fortunate enough to be born a raving beauty with perfect features, then count yourself blessed.  But if you are like the rest of us and have at least one feature that you are not happy with such as too wide cheeks or a nose that may just be a smidgen too long, you need to discover IT Cosmetics My Sculpted Face Contouring Palette.

You probably might have tried your hand at contouring and found it is not the easiest thing to pull off.  However, any bad experience you may have had with trying to hide a bad feature or play up a good one is a thing of the past.  Thanks to the genius of those beauty experts at IT Cosmetics, you can work magic with the My Sculpted Face kit.

The palette has six shades that are perfectly coordinated for realistically camouflaging and bringing out those beautiful bones with four shadows for contouring and two for highlighting to meet any skin coloring.  To simplify everything, the company provides a personal reference chart to explain the best way to tackle your face, which is a wonderful place to start.

IT Cosmetics My Sculpted Face Contouring Palette opened.jpeg
I liked using my IT Cosmetics Dual Airbrush Foundation Concealer Brush with this palette, especially on a small area such as the nose or chin.


I loved the varied degrees of the contouring shades.  This really does make a difference for working with your bone structure I learned when hollowing out my cheeks.  When I topped with the white shimmer shade as I completing my makeup, I was able to draw attention upward and beam soft light just where I wanted.  

Due to another amazing anti-aging formula from IT Cosmetics, these waterproof shadows appear smooth and soft instead of powdery because of ingredients like vitamin E and jojoba oil and wear for hours.   

There is so much you can do with this My Sculpted Face--and in one palette to save yourself from buying several other shades of foundations or powders trying to contour.

Take it from this IT Cosmetics girl, this is one palette that can miraculously transform a face.  Do yourself a favor and get one and zero in on showing only the best of you.

My Sculpted Face retails for $38 at IT Cosmetics.  You can also find it at QVC and QVC.com, Ulta Beauty, the Shopping Channel and shoppingchannel.com.

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

Monday, February 17, 2014

NEW Mineral Fusion Natural Brands Curl Care Beauty Balm 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.**

Mineral Fusion Curl Care Beauty Balm.jpeg
Mineral Fusion Curl Care Beauty Balm


Mineral Fusion Natural Brands recently came out with some new hair styling products. The line includes four beauty balms geared to a specific hair concern.  Each tube does a lot of different tasks in one as it styles and cares for hair with botanicals and minerals to keep it healthy and  manageable.

I was sent the Curl Care formula (for curl enhancing) to review.  However, there is also Hair Repair (to hydrate and correct damage), Vibrant Shine (for adding gloss), and the Volumizing (to build up hair with extra lift) in these beauty balms.

Though you can use this beauty balm in dry hair, I always prefer applying after towel-drying, freshly washed hair.

I do have some natural curl in my hair that appears the more my hair is layered.  Right now, I am wearing my hair smoother with just slight layering.  

After I squeezed out about a nickel-sized amount, I finished styling.  This product safeguards hair color and protects it against heat, which I liked.

The Curl Care Beauty Balm gave my hair extra shine and softness without any frizziness.   I also noticed my hair gained a light hold with a nice bounce to it. 

The line of beauty balms is free of paraben, sulfate, and gluten. 

Mineral Fusion Beauty Balms retail for $12.99 each for the 5 fl. oz. tube.  To learn more visit Mineral Fusion's website or Whole Foods Markets.

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

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Choose the Right Natural Oil for Your Skin Type and Watch Your Complexion Flourish!

Did you know that your skin's best friend could be a natural oil?  Perhaps, you are under the impression that a light coat of oil applied to your clean face will do more to clog your pores than effectively moisturize your skin, especially if you have an oily complexion. On the other hand, many people around the world taking a holistic approach to skin care might disagree with you, knowing the beauty value of using these oils to best seal in moisture.

Another wonderful advantage is that you can use natural oils to take off your makeup.  You don't put them directly to a cotton ball.  Instead, you wet a few cotton pads and add a few drops of one like jojoba oil, which is universal for all and gentle enough to take off even regular eye makeup (not the waterproof).  Afterwards, you finish cleaning the face by rinsing whatever with cool water to close the pores. 

The secret to using natural oil is finding the right one for your skin type.  Once you know the best oils suited to your needs, you will notice your complexion will gradually show a new radiance, the longer you keep nourishing it in this way.  Below I made a list of the ones that can do you the most good.

Best Natural Oils for Dry Skin:

extra virgin olive oil
jojoba oil
almond oil
apricot seed oil
peach kernel oil

Best Natural Oils for Normal to Oily Skin:

jojoba oil
sesame oil
safflower oil
corn oil
sunflower oil

Please do try natural oils and be patient because those results may come faster for some than others, depending on the individual.  Nonetheless, they do come!

Saturday, February 15, 2014

NEW Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear Makeup (Buff) 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.**

Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear makeup.jpeg
Neutrogena's Nourishing Long Wear Makeup in Buff


I was one of the lucky ladies that BzzAgent selected to work on the Neutrogena's Nourishing Long Wear Makeup campaign.  Based on the screen shot, I went with the second lightest shade available, Buff 30. 

This new foundation has antioxidants, soy, vitamins, and light diffusing powders and comes in a range of eight different colors with a broad spectrum SPF sunscreen of 20.  According to the company's claims, this formula is also intended to last 12 hours.

When I opened the package, I was surprised at how dark the color Buff was compared to other lines where I am that same shade.  Also, the color itself has a lot of orange to it, which is more common to the Neutrogena line than some others.  I should have taken that in consideration and gone with the lighter shade, but it totally slipped my mind. 

As to the makeup itself, the Nourishing Long Wear does feel lightweight for how thick the liquid appears when it comes out of the jar against your skin.  Furthermore, it does give you a pretty satin finish with slightly less than medium coverage since it is a bit on the sheer side.  Nonetheless, it was entirely too dark and orange for my light warm complexion.

Unfortunately, I hardly got 12 hours of wear out of this foundation.  The first time I used it was without priming first.  This was regrettable because it began fading in only a few hours.  Next time, I primed and found that this makeup did last a lot longer, but more like seven hours in my case.

The product is fine and relatively inexpensive at $15.99, but does have limitations.  To begin, I would have expected the SPF to be higher instead of a disappointing 20.  Neutrogena colors should also be revamped because they go heavy on the orange.  Besides how thick it is, it does have a stickiness to this formula when you initially apply that does vanish later when it adheres to your skin.  Other than those things, the Nourishing Long Wear Makeup will give you a nice look with sheerer medium coverage, but intend to wear primer if you want to get extended wear.

Have you tried Neutrogena's Nourishing Long Wear Makeup yet?  If so, what is your opinion?


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

Friday, February 14, 2014

Recipe: Wet Your Lover's Appetite for YOU This Valentine's Day With My Luscious Chocolate Cheesecake!


Valentine's Day is a good time to pamper your lover with something wickedly tempting.  My Luscious Chocolate Cheesecake fits the bill to start off a romantic night once this velvety dark sensation is served.  

Your lover's face will fill with untold pleasure, savoring each decadent bite.  As you slowly spoon feed each other one creamy bite of this rich delight at a time, you will see the passion building in those eyes.  Before you know it that chocolate aphrodisiac will make that special someone ravenous, but not for more cheesecake--only YOU this time!

Do indulge your sweetheart with my recipe and prepare for an even sweeter night! 

My Luscious Chocolate Cheesecake

graham cracker crust to fit a 9-inch springform pan
2 packages of cream cheese (8-oz. each), softened
3/4 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
2 cups of frozen, non-dairy whipped topping, thawed or sweetened whipped cream

Make the crust first.

To Make the Graham Cracker Crust:

1-1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup of sugar
1/3 cup of melted margarine

Combine the mixture and press in the bottom and halfway up the sides of your springform pan, which you have lightly greased.

To Prepare the Cheesecake:

Beat the cream cheese, sugar, cocoa, and vanilla thoroughly with your electric mixer before adding the eggs and beating to combine. 

Pour the batter into your prepared crust and bake in a 375-degree oven for about 30 minutes or until you insert a slender knife to see if anything sticks.

Let cool before topping.

Cover and chill.

ENJOY!

Thursday, February 13, 2014

A Must to Wake Up Your Skin Tone--Josie Maran Cosmetics Argan Tinted Moisturizer Light 1 (Review) + SWATCH!

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

Josie Maran Cosmetics Argan Tinted Moisturizer Light 1.jpeg
Josie Maran Cosmetics Argan Tinted Moisturizer Light 1


Why not get a look that you'll feel proud of while jumpstarting your makeup and skin care at the same time?  I got a chance to try Josie Maran Cosmetics Argan Tinted Moisturizer in Light 1 and must tell you that you'll feel confident wearing this one product to perfect your complexion as it acts as an amazing foundation, moisturizer, and sunscreen without harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

I really liked this natural formulation. This was hardly lightweight, sheer coverage that you might expect from a tinted moisturizer.  The product delivered ample medium foundation coverage with a wonderful dewy quality thanks to the moisturizing 100% pure argan oil, pomegranate oil, goji berry, and natural papaya extracts.  My dry skin looked rejuvenated while this tinted moisturizer evened out my skin tone without any irritation.  My complexion stayed lovely and intact for hours without needing any touch ups.

Light 1 is recommended for those with cool tones because it has some pink to it. On the other hand, the Light 2, which was suggested the proper choice for light skin with yellow undertones, looked darker on the screen.  This is why I thought the paler color of the two would probably work the best for me when selecting a shade for this review.


Argan Tinted Moisturizer Light 1 swatch.jpeg
Here is a swatch of the color.

Notice from my above photo that Light 1 has enough yellow to the pink.  I squeezed out a thick wad of it just to demonstrate the full color for you because this shade matches my light skin quite nicely once blended.

I appreciated the fact that this product had a natural broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 to safeguard from harmful rays.  However, I only wish it could be a slightly higher SPF.  Nonetheless, it still does not diminish my love for this tinted moisturizer with the incredible way it performs.  

If you haven't tried this product or a tinted moisturizer because you thought the coverage would be lacking, then I suggest trying Josie Maran's Cosmetics Argan Tinted Moisturizer because it is a great way to go!  It retails for $38 for the 1.7 fl. oz. tube.

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

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Serious Dry Hair Rescue--DS Laboratories Nia Helio Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner (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.**
DS Laboratories Nia Helio Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner.jpeg
Nia Helio Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner


When DS Laboratories reached out and asked if I would be willing to review some of their products, I was immediately intrigued by the premise of how their technically advanced formulas were designed to work and had to say yes.  The products that I wanted to start with were their Nia Helio Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner and test out that next-generation nanosome technology for myself to see how much better they hydrated, repaired, strengthened, and protected dry hair like mine.


This color-safe shampoo and conditioner use rare botanicals including hydrolyzed phyto-proteins and amphoteric amino acids that go deeper into the hair shaft of the strands themselves.  Instead of just coating the outer surface of the hair, their clinically proven formula can penetrate the cortex for real change.

I put my dry, thick hair through a lot by coloring and excessive heat from blow-drying and styling irons in the name of beauty.  Restoring lasting luster and brittleness is a constant battle that I take seriously like the current damaged condition of my hair.  Now was the perfect time to see what this hydrating duo was capable of because I am getting over a bit of a virus that did a real number on my hair to dull and dry it out even more.  

As I lathered up, I noticed the Nia Helio Shampoo has a pleasant, light fragrance, which appealed to me.  It also rinsed out well before I towel-dried and applied about a nickel-sized amount of the conditioner.  The products are meant to be used together for the best results.  

According to the directions, you can leave the conditioner on from one to five minutes.  With the pitiful shape my hair was in, I opted for the full minutes before rinsing.

Wow, what a difference I saw and felt once my hair was dry.  Suddenly what was on my head looked healthy again.  It was shiny and soft against my fingers once I started playing with it.  Yes, yes, yes, Mary B., had pretty hair back--and Nia Helio Hydrating Shampoo and Hydrating Conditioner brought it back!

I was so hyped that I wanted to put the products to the ultimate test--seeing how they handled softening a head of coarse, wiry dry hair.  Therefore, I urged my mother to try the set next.  Since products never seem to transform the condition of her hair to the degree she would like, we kept our fingers crossed.  

I must admit the DS Laboratories duo did do a nice job of giving my mother more manageability and added softness than I have seen in quite a while.  She really liked it as well and has now confiscated the products for herself.

Anyone with a severe dry hair problem needs Nia Helio Hydrating Shampoo and Hydrating Conditioner because it does a remarkable job.  You heard it here from me, Mary B., and seconded by my mother.  For more information, visit DS Laboratories or to learn where to buy here.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

La Curcio Skincare Review + Luminous 1 Day Cream ($135) Giveaway!--Ends February 28, 2014

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

La Curcio Day Cream, Crystal Drops serum, and eye cream.jpeg
Crystal Drops, Luminous 1  Day Cream and Macro Repair Eye Cream


La Curcio Skincare is an exclusive line of luxury anti-aging products based in Los Angeles.  Women now can experience the look of timeless beauty through Jacki Curcio's exciting new system that I want to acquaint you with in this review and giveaway. 

The first product I tried was their Luminous 1 Day Cream.  This is a rich treatment with beneficial hyaluronic acid and jojoba seed oil to moisturize the skin, chamomile for soothing, peptides for help stimulating collagen, and vitamins to nourish are just some of its wonderful ingredients in this pleasantly scented cream.

I used this cream twice a day after applying the Crystal Drops Ultra Firm & Smooth Cocktail.  This is an intensive anti-aging serum that works deeply within the skin to speed results when used together with the Luminous 1 Day Cream

I usually found two or three drops were enough for my face.  The Crystal Drops have an oil-like consistency until the serum sinks into your skin.  That initial slickness is replaced by a slight tightening effect.   Though comfortable, I needed that extra moisture that the Day Cream provided both mornings and nights while the Crystals Drops were working.  Worn together, my complexion felt incredibly soft, nicely hydrated and touchable while I put on my makeup.

The Luminous Macro Repair Eye Cream  was a part of my new beauty ritual mornings and nights.  This gives that delicate eye area the pampering it needs to help brighten and handle fine lines thanks to anti-aging ingredients such as hyaluronic acid among them.  I thought this was a gentle formula that did not irritate my sensitive eyes.  

In fact, this light-feeling cream also served as a great way to prep before putting on my eye makeup, especially concealer.  It was slick just enough to help me spread the concealer and my eye liner without being overly greasy or too dry.  

What I did notice after the four weeks using La Curcio products were improvement in overall brightness and some tightening, especially with the fine creases of the eye area.  

I don't have major wrinkles except two deeper ones near the sides of my mouth and cheeks.  Those two bad boys are still there, but they have firmed up a bit.  This tightening effect could accelerate the more I use the products or decline once I stop using them over the course of time.  I can only wait to see.  However, it is always nice to look in the mirror and take a few years off.  

I think La Curcio Skincare has a lot to offer women in search of younger skin.  Do visit their website and look into Luminous 1 Day Cream, Crystal Drops Ultra Firm & Smooth Cocktail, and the Luminous  Macro Repair Eye Cream because these same products that I have used are the perfect ones to spur your own skin into better condition.

Now is the time to buy  La Curcio Skincare products and see for yourself what these can make!  Save up to 30% OFF your entire purchase for the month of February with use coupon code Love30 at checkout (discounts cannot be combined).

Thanks to La Curcio Skincare, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States or Canada wins a Luminous 1 Day Cream ($135).

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

Mandatory to Enter:

You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then INCLUDE your ***EMAIL*** with name in a comment!

Extra Entries:

(Provide proof once with email when doing each form of entry and number the rest):

Go to La Curcio Skincare and tell me something you learned -2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Tweet #Win #BeautifulSkin @LaCurcioCare #Luminous1DayCream #Giveaway ($135) @Nuts4Stuff http://bit.ly/1ns9AVn  Ends 02/28 (Tweet up to 3 times a day, but at least 3 hours apart for each tweet.)--1 to 3 extra entries to leave in separate comments with proof.

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Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.   This giveaway is only open to residents of the United States and Canada.  

**Any entries that contain a link or website address for redirecting readers to your site to sell your products will be deleted when found.  I am giving you a chance to win, not advertise for free.*** Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification. 


This giveaway ends February 28, 2014 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.