Sunday, August 31, 2014

Recipe: Today's the Perfect Day to Treat Yourself to My Sinfully Delicious Pecan Pie Bars!


I was going through my recipe boxes when I remembered this recipe for my Sinfully Delicious Pecan Pie Bars that I wanted to share.  Imagine that scrumptious flavor of pecan pie only in bar form where you can better control your portion size compared to a slice of that pie.  

Trust me, but this recipe is so incredibly good that I keep it in the back on my box to resist the urge to make it too often!  

I do hope you give a try because I am confident that you will also love it.


Sinfully Delicious Pecan Pie Bars


For the base:

1-1/3 cups of flour
½ cup of firmly packaged brown sugar (light or dark)
1/3 cup of melted butter or margarine (not spread)

For the pecan filling:

1 cup of chopped pecans
3/4 cup of dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons molasses
1/4 cup of flour
2 large eggs
1-1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon of salt


To make the base:

Mix the 1-1/3 cups of flour, ½ cup of brown sugar and melted butter in a bowl together to combine before pressing into a well greased 9 x 13-inch pan.

To make the filling:

In another mixing bowl, add the pecans, corn syrup, remaining flour and brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, molasses, and salt and beat until well combined.

Pour over your base and bake in a 350-degree oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick or slender knife comes out clean when tested.

Let cool in the pan for about five minutes before cutting into bars.

ENJOY!

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Memebox Superbox #41 My Cute Wishlist Review--HURRY Last Day for August Beauty & BACK to SCHOOL DEALS!

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

Memebox Superbox #41 My Cute Wishlist.jpeg
Memebox Superbox #41 My Cute Wishlist

My latest Memebox shipment brought an adorable grouping of beauty products that will make you smile when go through this Superbox #41 My Cute Wishlist.  

With cupcake jars full of skin care to others in the form of hearts to hand cream in an egg-shaped container with a penguin face to a candy cane of lip gloss or a painted tin of Snow White with eyeliner pencils, you also would have gotten a charge out of this box–that is, if you had ordered it while it was still available at $23.00 plus $6.99 shipping.  Are you ready to see this sweet assortment?  


Superbox #41 My Cute Wishlist:


1.  Pure Smile Neco Point Pad Hibiscus & Lemon Grass--FULL SIZE (17ml x 2ea)--$2.00

2.  a;t fox Moisturizing Gel Cream Gyoolpy Tea--FULL SIZE (10ml)--$6.00

3.  Beauty People Snow White Special Edition Season 2--FULL SIZE--(5 pencils)--$54.00

4.  Etude Missing U Hand Cream--FULL SIZE (30ml)--$5.00

5.  Pure Smile Muddy Girl--FULL SIZE (15g)--$1.00

6.  Etude Sweet Recipe Candy Stick--FULL SIZE (2g)--$5.00

7.  a;t fox Whitening Capsule Cream Jasoyup Herb Tea--FULL SIZE (10ml)--$6.00

8.  a;t fox Lifting Cream Black Tea--FULL SIZE (10ml)--$6.00

9.  Kocostar Split End Therapy--FULL SIZE (8ml)--$6.00


Total Value: $91.00

I got two packages of concentrated skin care for problem dry spots that looked like paws in Pure Smile's Point Pads in Hisbiscus & Lemon.  I suggest trying this on your elbows and feet because you'll really like how this stuff pampers them. My feet and elbows certainly look smoother.

The a;t fox Moisturizing Gel Cream Gyoolpy Tea came inside one of those cute little cupcakes as a gel-cream moisturizer with high concentrates of vitamin C for intense hydration.  I didn't try this yet because I testing another skin care product.  But I do know how well other vitamin C serums can boost moisture on the face so this should please my dry skin.

Beauty People Snow White Special Edition Season 2 is the sweetest painted tin with five eyeliner pencils.  These are colors with a glimmer (black, brown, bronze, gold, and beige) that last exceptionally long.  You might want to use a waterproof eye maker to take them because they can be stubborn to remove.

The Etude Missing U Hand Cream was housed in a Fairy Penguin body.  This product has organic olive oil and shea butter along with other moisture rich ingredients that help soothe dry hands.  It is fast absorbing and leaves you more velvety than sticky or greasy, which was good when you need to be at the computer.

Pure Smile Muddy Girl is a mud pack with clay, mud and charcoal.  This is to soothe, purify, and moisturize that I didn't sample yet.  My friend with oily skin uses a similar type of mask because how it draws out impurities so I might save it for her.

The Etude Sweet Recipe Candy Stick that I got was the yellow stick, 03 Sour Lemon Candy. This, ladies, is a lip tint that is a delicious way to shine and heal dry lips at the same time.

The a;t fox Whitening Capsule Cream Jasoyup Herb Tea is a brightening moisturizer to help whiten dark spots from sight. I didn't get around to experimenting with this product either as of yet.

The a;t fox Lifting Cream Black Tea is a firming eye cream that is fortified with black tea to help with wrinkles and sagging in that area. This sounds intriguing to test once I wrap my current skin care testing.

The Kocostar Split End Therapy is a hair mask that I am also looking forward to using.  This stuff has eight varieties of different amino acid complex to strength and repair damage. Honestly, Kocostar Foot Mask that I already reviewed works like a champ for how it peeled away hard, tough skin on feet and kept doing it with shedding more skin daily for close to a week until nothing but softer feet were left behind.  I loved that product so I have great hopes for this new Kocostar hair mask!


I have some excellent ways to save below--COUPON CODES!

RGTWFD--Will get you $5 off any purchase (one time per customer) until August 30, 2014.


AFFILIATE-4481-PP8X7-CACO-- Get $5 off on orders above $100 now until Aug. 30, 2014

AFFILIATE-2397-PJDM0-EUDU--Get $10 off on orders above $150 now until Aug. 30, 2014

FREE SHIPPING on orders above $70 from MemeshopFREE SHIPPING (expiration date unknown)

Here is more good news--POINTS BACK REFERRAL DEALS!

MEMEBOX SUPERBOX #50 Anti-Aging 3--(Get 5 points back)
MEMEBOX SPECIAL #34 Whole Grain 2--(Get 2 points back)
MEMEBOX SUPERBOX #48 Daily Dose of Beauty--(Get 3 points back)
MEMEBOX SPECIAL #28 All About Eyes--(Get 2 points back)
MEMEBOX SUPERBOX Back to School by Hope Girl--(Get 2 points back)
MEMEBOX SPECIAL #12 Vitamin Care--(Get 3 points back)
MEMEBOX SUPERBOX #34 Dermo Cosmetics 2--(Get 3 points back)

Every Memebox coupon code can only be used once per account with one coupon code per order.  Make sure to combine promo codes with affiliate click-through discounts/ points specials and Memepoints for more beauty savings!

Do check out the current Memeboxes or browse their other products, but  try some Korean beauty because you will be surprised at how truly amazing it is!

*Disclaimer: Free products were provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion even though it contains affiliate links.*
 

Friday, August 29, 2014

IT Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Trio (Pretty In Nudes) + “No-Tug” Heavenly Luxe Dual Eyeshadow 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 Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Trio.jpeg
This is the Pretty in Nude Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Trio by IT Cosmetics


Smoky eyes for Fall 2014 will be softer with more muted tones of gray and beige to the brown to balance the stronger hue of deep, stained berry lips.  A wonderful way to start the season in style to achieve this look is with IT Cosmetics (Pretty in Nude) Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Trio and their "No-Tug" Heavenly Luxe Dual Eyeshadow Brush for blending

The colors are a delicate beige-taupe, a pale peach, and a lighter pink that apply buttery-smooth due to IT Cosmetics revolutionary anti-aging formula with skin-loving ingredients that include vitamins, hydrolyzed collagen, green tea, and acai extracts that treat as well as provide gentle definition. 

There is a subtle gleam to the taupe and peach, but the pink only has a trace of this radiance that is very becoming in how this shadow can light up your eyes.

What else I love about IT Cosmetics shadows are they can wear for hours without creasing or fading.  In fact, I never felt the need to prime.

IT Cosmetics“No-Tug” Heavenly Luxe Dual Eyeshadow Brush.jpeg
IT Cosmetics“No-Tug” Heavenly Luxe Dual Eyeshadow Brush

I do strongly encourage you to let IT Cosmetics help you shine this Fall with their Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow (Pretty in Nudes) Trio and No-Tug Heavenly Luxe Dual Eye Shadow Brush to pull it off.  Both retail for $24 each.  Find them online at IT Cosmetics, QVC, or Ulta. 
*Disclaimer: Free products were provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.*

Thursday, August 28, 2014

One Drugstore Beauty BB Cream You Got to Try–New York Color’s Smooth Skin BB 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.**

New York Color’s Smooth Skin BB Cremes.jpeg
NYC New York Color's Smooth Skin BB Creme with Medium on the left and Light on the right.


When looking for an exceptional BB cream you may think only the high-end brands can suffice to blur out flaws, hydrate and brighten your complexion.  However, I say give NYC New York Color's Smooth Skin BB Creme a shot because this product is definitely worth trying.

Since I heard that the Light (01) shade was practically white-beige, I wanted to sample both choices to see which was more appropriate for my fair to light beige complexion. Light (01) was an ideal match.  The Medium (02) is a slightly darker beige and closer to a light-medium than a true medium.


Medium (02) is on the left with Light (01) on the right.

Some might assume a $3.99 price for this product could hardly make it capable of delivering the kind of glowing, dewy coverage that you need.  Yet, this BB Cream may surprise you in how well its thicker formula masks little imperfections with medium coverage as it evens out and brightens your complexion in the process.

My face looked fresher as well without appearing like I had on makeup.  In fact, this great natural coverage didn't settle in lines to amplify them during the hours I wore it, which also impressed me.  Furthermore, when I took this product off, my face felt somewhat softer to the touch as well.

The only fault that I can find regarding this product is that unlike the more expensive formulations that it does not possess any SPF protection.  Still, you can remedy that problem easily enough by adding your sunscreen separately or through your SPF daily moisturizer.

If you're looking to experiment with a new and very reasonable BB Cream that delivers, I highly recommend trying NYC New York Color's Smooth Skin BB Creme!  

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


Wednesday, August 27, 2014

My Hair LOVES Maple Holistics Argan Special Formula Shampoo! (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.**


Maple Holistics Argan Special Formula Shampoo.jpeg
Maple Holistics Argan Special Formula Shampoo


I'll be honest with you.  I never heard of Maple Holistics until a rep from this company reached out to see if I would be interested in trying any of their products.  Being curious, I went to their website and did some research before settling on their Argan Special Formula Shampoo to review.


Their 100% natural, homeopathic solution for dry, damaged hair uses Moroccan argan oil, jojoba, peach kernel, almond, camellia seed, and avocado plus botanical keratin to drive it into one of the BEST shampoos that I have ever used for the incredible amount of blinding shine and softness with unbelievable manageability that later followed. 

Another reason to love it is this delectable honey-scented shampoo has almost a creamy, lotion-like consistency instead of pouring out a thin liquid. Still, there is more to appreciate such as how only a little of this thick shampoo worked to produce rich, foaming lather. 

I recommend squeezing out a small amount in one palm before rubbing your hands together to apply to your wet head.  Trust me, you also will save money and still have beautiful hair since an eight-oz. bottle will definitely last you longer than most.

You can buy Maple Holistics Argan Special Formula Shampoo on Amazon.com.  The price originally was $29.99, but it is on SALE for $10.77!  You might guess who is going to get some.  If I were you, I would hurry over before the company depletes their supply.


Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Review: COUI Skincare Super C Serum

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


COUI Skincare Super C Serum.jpeg
COUI Skincare Super C Serum


Finding anti-aging products that work for you can be a feat. However, I have been using a wonderful new serum formulated by renowned biochemist, Dr. Hanna Siva for COUI Skincare called Super C Serum that just may be what you're looking for to do your complexion justice.

Harnessing the power, Siva uses epidermal growth factor to help take aging skin to the next level along with vitamin C, marine kelp, collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid to repair and hydrate. 

I kept Super C Serum refrigerated as recommended for prolonging its shelf life.  Keeping the product does make the serum cloudy and thick, more like a lotion consistency when dispersed from its dropper, but it does not affect the performance.  

After using this serum twice a day for several weeks now, I am pleased to report that using two drops of this gentle formula that has slight citrus-like scent provided enough coverage for my entire face. This is not an oily serum, but one that after a minute or two on your skin and it absorbs in. I did follow with a moisturizer.  

The change I noticed to my complexion was a bit more brightening with velvety softness, improvement to my fine lines, and a more refined skin texture and clarity, which was lovely to discover.  My two deeper wrinkles at the sides of my cheeks near the mouth still are here with me, though they also seem to be gradually filling as time goes on.

This product is advertised to be beneficial also for those with damaged skin such as acne, rosacea, sun damages, and age spots due to its healing properties.  Since I do not personally suffer from those conditions, I am hardly fit to attest to the accuracy of that claim. 

COUI Skincare is also confident that you will love their Super C Serum that they giving Nuts 4 Stuff readers 30% off on the purchase price now until 9/30/2014 when you enter coupon code 8UWV5UGK at checkout! 

What I can tell you that is I thought it was a wonderful anti-aging product that does multitask to rejuvenate your skin.  Do try COUI Skincare's Super C Serum for yourself and see if this is the formula that also works for you!



Monday, August 25, 2014

Korres Jasmine Body Butter Review + ($29) Giveaway!–Ends September 11, 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.**


Korres Jasmine Body Butter.jpeg
Korres Jasmine Body Butter


Nothing is more enticing than fragrant, petal-soft skin.  A smart way to lose yourself in lush, fragrant moisture to accomplish that goal is through a healthier alternative of skin care.  A purer 92.8% natural formula that you need to be aware of without all the chemicals comes from Greek brand, Korres, with their Jasmine Body Butter that I have been sampling.
  
This is a delicate white floral packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, quince extract, sunflower, almond and avocado oils that I adored after showering.  This silky cream felt luxuriously rich and didn’t sit on top of my damp skin or feel greasy.  It smoothed and scented with just enough appealing jasmine without overpowering the senses to make me irresistibly soft and fragrant through my day.

I am now longing to try a few of the other scents to indulge in like Japanese Rose and Guava.   Needless to say, I am also so tempted by Apple Blossom, Vanilla-Guava, and Fig and the rest, if the truth is known.

Anyone looking for a very effective natural body butter to keep skin hydrated and subtly perfumed should check out Korres Body Butter ($29), especially this lovely Jasmine.   I just am confident that you will be pleased on how well it works.

Thanks to Korres, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States wins a 7.95 oz. tube of Korres Jasmine Body Butter ($29 value)!


Mandatory to Enter: 

You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count. INCLUDE your ***EMAIL*** with NAME in a comment even if you already follow! 


Extra Entries:

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


Tweet! #Win JasmineBodyButter @KorresUSA ($29) #Giveaway @Nuts4Stuff http://bit.ly/VNZTsU Ends 09/11 (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.

Go to Korres and tell me what other product would you love to try in another comment--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

"Like" Korres on Facebook--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Follow KorresUSA on Twitter--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

"Like" Nuts 4 Stuff on Facebook--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments)

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--3 extra entries to leave in three separate comments

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Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--3 extra entries (Orange button in my sidebar) to leave in three separate comments

Follow Nuts 4 Stuff on Bloglovin'--10 extra entries to leave in ten separate comments

Boost on Blog Nation--5 extra entries to leave in five separate comments with proof in one.

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--8 extra entries (leave eight separate comments and tell me where with proof in one of them)

Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link to the post--6 extra entries (leave six separate comments and tell me where with proof in one of them)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--10 extra entries (leave ten separate comments and tell me where you left it with proof in one of them)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for five more extra entries to leave in five separate comments)

Leave a comment on another one of my posts--3 extra entries to leave in three separate comments

Leave another comment on a second post--4 additional extra entries to leave in four separate comments 

Enter another Nuts 4 Stuff giveaway (enter as many as you want, however, only 1 extra entry will count) and tell me which one in a comment--1 extra entry

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.  No PO boxes only USA-based street addresses are eligible.

**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 September 11, 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.  

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Do You Know How to Beautify With Ice?

Ice Cubes.jpeg
Ice is not just for drinks!


Ice is not just for your drinks.  It is also a fantastic beautifier to pump up your hair’s shine!  

All you need to do once you finish styling is to head to your freezer and grab an ice cube. Hurry and rub it down the top layers before it starts melting.  What happens is the ice will help seal the hair’s cuticle, bringing out incredible mirror-like gloss!

Saturday, August 23, 2014

My Homemade Cellulite Coffee Scrub Helps With a Smoother Appearance!

Coffee and coffee beans.jpeg
Coffee is delicious as a beverage but quite helpful when it comes to combating cellulite.


Cellulite is a problem for most women. Our attempt trying to flush out those trapped fat and toxins that make for that uneven, dimpled skin is an ongoing battle for us.  However, if you ever investigated ingredients of some of those high price cellulite creams for this problem, you might come to notice that caffeine shows up in quite a few of them.

The reason caffeine can help smooth out those unsightly humps and bumps is because it has the power to temporarily increase blood flow to the skin’s surface as it tightens skin so it can flush the water in the connective tissue. You might think of caffeine as your body’s own liquid plumber.

My recipe that I want to share with you won’t get rid of your cellulite forever because your body will keep building more. You just need to keep at it with new batches of my scrub, which will at least keep this problem at bay for you.

You don’t have to waste money on using fresh ground coffee for my recipe unless you want to.  I brew a pot to enjoy first before saving my used and cooled coffee grounds for this purpose.
  
You will spread this grainy paste on first, then cover the area with a plastic wrap, leaving on for at 30 minutes before scrubbing with it.

What this scrub does is help increase circulation and tone as it softens the skin in the process.  I do hope you try it and see for yourself what a better appearance you’ll have when you examine yourself in a full-length mirror.

My Homemade Cellulite Coffee Scrub

3 tablespoons of olive oil
3 tablespoons of wheat germ oil
½ cup of coffee grounds

Mix the coffee grounds, olive oil and wheat germ oil together in a bowl to form a thick, grainy paste.

Stand in your tub as you apply this scrub. Keep your plastic wrap handy and then wrap the treated area.  Keep this wrap on for about 30 minutes and then report back to the bathroom for scrubbing with it, using upward, circular motions.  Keep working at those scrubbing motions for about five to ten minutes.

Rinse off with warm water and finish bathing as usual.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Colour Rush Balms 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.**


Starting on the left is #620 Lady Marmalade, #100 Give Me a Cuddle, then #710 Drive Me Nude and ending with #130 I Want Candy on the right.



Lip crayons seem to be the rage these days for all the added benefits they can provide over a traditional lipstick.  Now Rimmel London has entered the arena with their new line of fourteen Lasting Finish Colour Rush Balms to tempt us with. I got to sample four of them for this review: #100 Give Me a Cuddle, #620 Lady Marmalade, #710 Drive Me Nude, and #130 I Want Candy.

These crayons had a bit firmer consistency than some other crayons that I have used that made for beautiful application, especially wonderful for keeping within the outline of the lips. I also noticed how lightweight this yummy vanilla formula felt for something that deposited that much incredible color.  Best of all, these lip balms bathed dry lips in lasting moisture and hung in there for hours even through eating, which turned the color into more of a stain.

I swatched the colors for you in the photo below.  Starting closest to my wrist and working down my arm is #620 Lady Marmalade (lively orange), #130 I Want Candy (cool-toned medium pink), then #710 Drive Me Nude (warm pink-brown) and ending with #100 Give Me a Cuddle (warm medium pink).  

Lasting Finish Colour Rush Balms swatches.jpeg
Lasting Finish Colour Rush Balms swatches

If you take a close look at #710 Drive Me Nude, the shade appears beige-nude in the tube. However, it instantly became this lovely, natural pink-brown nude color.  As to my favorite, I would say that it is a tie between this nude and #100 Give Me a Cuddle for the natural freshness they can bring to your look.

If you haven't tried these new lippies from Rimmel London, I advise a trip to your drug store is in order because they are quite nice to have.  The only problem you will find is deciding among all those gorgeous shades!



Thursday, August 21, 2014

Get Excited, Beauty Lovers--Tomorrow Memebox’s Jack Pot Box Goes Live!

Disclaimer: This post is based on a free product provided by a company along with an affiliate link as a press sample so that I may offer my own opinion, which may be the same or differ from yours. 
Memebox’s Jack Pot Box ad deal.jpeg
Memebox Jack Pot Box


Memebox never fails to put together wonderful products and great deals when it comes to their boxes. However, this Friday (August 22 at 1:00 P.M. PST) has something spectacular in store for beauty lovers as their Jack Pot Box launches.

Imagine a mystery beauty box of the best Korean products worth $1000 from former Memeboxes for just $32.  This is the lucky deal for one Memebox customer, if you take advantage of this special offer tomorrow. Though only one scores this awesome package, there will also be nine first place winners that will get at least $155 of products for $32 if they luck out when ordering their Jack Pot Box.

Ladies, if you never tried any Korean cosmetics, skin care, or hair care, etc. then now is your chance to experience Memebox.  This Jack Pot Box is a true bargain with products that you will love so don’t miss out!  
You can find all the current Memebox August deals and coupon codes in my last review.  Also, you might want to check out all the special offers for August 19-26.  Equally enticing is their August 21-22 sales so be sure to shop.

*Disclaimer: Free products were provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion even though it contains affiliate links.* 

Laqa & Co. Nail Polish Pens (Nookie, BMX Bandit) + Polish Remover Pads Review–Photos and 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.**

Here is Nookie that I am holding and wearing in the top and bottom photos.


Laqa & Co. happens to be one of my favorite nail polish brands for how well they wear. Besides, their colors are trendy and beautiful like the two shades of their Nail Polish Pens (Nookie and BMX Bandit) that I received for this review.

Nookie ($14) is a riveting berry-fuschia color with packaging artwork by James Roper.  

Modeling  Laqa & Co. Nail Polish Pen in Nookie.jpeg
Here I'm wearing Nookie.

BMX Bandit ($13), on the other hand, is a gentle red.  The packaging art was done by FOE.

This one is BMX Bandit.

This was my first experience using a polish pen.  After shaking the pen, I needed to click the colored end about eight times or so before the polish flowed.  Painting was more of a challenge because if you clicked out too much, it made for messy application. If you clicked out a smaller amount, then it was harder to paint the nails evenly. However, I rectified the problem by going over the missed spots when I gave myself a second coat.

Though both shades are striking and handy, especially if you travel, I do prefer the Laqa Nail Polishes more since they are easier to do.  

I also got to try out their Polish Remover Pads ($5.95). These are wonderful for removing all my mistakes quickly while I was getting the hang of this new form of painting with pens.  Do check these out because they do make short work out of dissolving polish and also would be the ideal size for packing when you travel with those polish pens.  


Laqa & Co. Polish Remover Pads.jpeg
Laqa & Co. Polish Remover Pads.


You will find these and more Laqa Nail Polish Pens, Nail Polish and Polish Remover Pads at  Laqa & Co.  


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


Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Review: Coast to Coast Ultra Soothing Aqua Serum, Lightweight Moisture Lotion and Ultra Soothing White Clay Mask

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

Coast to Coast Ultra Soothing Aqua Serum.jpeg
Coast to Coast Ultra Soothing Aqua Serum


Sun protection may be a prime factor to prevent aging skin. Nonetheless, if you happen to have a sensitive complexion like me you can have problems with some ingredients in sunscreens or moisturizers more than others.  However, I got to sample some three wonderful products from a new brand called Coast to Coast that worked very well for quenching dryness of my delicate skin while providing gentle sun protection without any irritation.

This Australian company with their natural skin care line makes use of marine extracts, botanicals, and vitamins featuring organic ingredients and 100% natural essential oils to keep their formulas pure enough for even those with the most stressed complexions.  You will not find any artificial colors, fragrances, parabens, petrochemicals, propylene glycol, paraffin, phthalates, mineral oil, PABA or DEA.

Their Ultra Soothing Aqua Serum ($39.99) was the first product I tried in the regime. Two drops of this clear skin-boosting serum with Tasmanian sea kelp, sea parsley, vitamin E, and sodium hyaluronate immediately comforted my skin without leaving me greasy before I layered some of their Lightweight Moisturizer Lotion ($29.99). 

For a lightweight formula, this product surprised me with how much hydration I got upon application.  The Lightweight Moisturizer Lotion with sun screen and UV filters has Tasmanian sea kelp, sea parsley, organic aloe and lavender among its beneficial ingredients.
Coast to Coast Lightweight Moisture Lotion.jpeg
Coast to Coast Lightweight Moisture Lotion

Finally, I received their Ultra Soothing White Clay Mask ($24.99). Clay masks usually are too drying for skin like mine, but this felt lightly tingly instead of intensely pulling. I kept this one on for about twelve minutes before rinsing it off.  This mineral-rich mask was nice for energizing my skin, removing impurities, and improving how it glowed.

Coast to Coast Ultra Soothing White Clay Mask.jpeg
Coast to Coast Ultra Soothing White Clay Mask

These products are meant for all skin types.  As I mentioned, I have dry skin that does like to act up at times due to my allergies and these products had enough soothing power for me. Do find Coast to Coast at ULTA Beauty and stop suffering needlessly.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Review: Sweet Beauty Abounds in L’Occitane en Provence’s Fleurs de Cerisier Eau de Toilette and Body Cream

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


Fleurs de Cerisier Eau de Toilette and Body Cream.jpeg
Fleurs de Cerisier Eau de Toilette and Body Cream


Finding the right words to accurately describe how L’Occitane en Provence’s Fleurs de Cerisier Eau de Toilette can set your senses sailing to your happy place may seem hard to believe. However, experiencing this fruity-floral is like finding yourself in the midst of a beautiful fragrant explosion of cherry blossoms that are just coming into their own to enchant you with as it releases its delicate sweet perfume in combination with the dewiness of a Spring morning.

This lavishly feminine fragrance opens with delectable cherry and luscious black currant dripping their sweet fruity juices over notes of freesia.  In time, those top notes mingle with the floral, turning it almost fluid in its exquisite breezy, freshness.  

So gracefully this scent evolves since this amount of unsurpassed beauty cannot be rushed. As it warms in the heart with notes of cherry blossom and lily-of-the valley, this voluptuous floral becomes the embodiment of sheer romance. You cannot help but feel dreamy and blissful.

As it dries down, this light, airy floral fragrance with its notes of precious amber and sexy musk is sure to entice in its sweet seduction.  

Take it from this perfumista, this eau de toilette ($50) is a fragrance that you must experience to appreciate the amount of joy that it will bring to your heart.  

I also highly recommend the matching Fleurs de Cerisier Petal-Soft Cream ($24) and the entire collection to make the rest of you as velvety-smooth to compliment its delicate scent. Do visit L'Occitane en Provence and just wait for that happiness to flood in!


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