Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Pur Minerals Liquid Veil 4-in-1 Spray Foundation (Light) 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.**

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Pur Minerals Liquid Veil 4-in-1 Foundation


Who doesn’t love an airbrushed finish?  If you could replicate that look without the need of an entire airbrush kit but with one foundation instead, my guess is that you would be just as eager to try Pur Minerals Liquid Veil 4-in-1 Spray Foundation as I was. 

This non-butane spray-on foundation has a formula that includes the company’s specialized age-defying ceretin complex and moisture-rich liquid crystals.  The Liquid Veil 4-in-1 Spray Foundation also comes in four shades of Light, Medium, Tan, and Dark.  Since I fall between Fair and Light, I went with Light for this review.

Unlike a liquid foundation, this sprays out a thinner mist of liquid.   You do need to work fast or this product will drip.  The easiest way I found was spraying my foundation brush to apply and then blending.   This did the trick for even coverage that did give me a dewy glow and felt lightweight.  You can see more radiance to your complexion as well as smoother skin.  The pores are muted, but still there unless you wear primer, which gives it more of that flawless finish.


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On the left is what Pur Minerals Liquid Veil 4-in-1 Foundation (Light) looks like sprayed.  The right is that foundation rubbed into the skin.

















My only complaint with Pur Minerals Liquid Veil 4-in-1 Spray Foundation is the color.  The shade was entirely too dark and orange for my pale beige type of coloring.  I have no problem with Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Foundation in this same Light color, but this one doesn’t come close.  Please, Pur Minerals, work on a Fair shade for those of us, paler ladies.

Other than that, I thought Pur Minerals Liquid Veil 4-in-1 Spray Foundation ($39) was a wonderful product, especially if you’re looking for a great summer foundation.  Do check it out.

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

Monday, March 30, 2015

Immortelle Precious BB Creme SPF 30 From L’Occitane en Provence (Fair) Review + Swatches--A New Complexion Secret!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
L'Occitane en Provence's Immortelle Precious BB Cream (Fair) product and swatch.jpeg
L'Occitane en Provence's Immortelle Precious BB Creme in 01 Pale-Fair.  If you fall in between Fair and Light, this shade is the perfect way to go. I like that it has enough beige that it worked beautifully with my coloring.  


Now how happy you are with BB creams all depends on the ones you have tried.  Some as we all well know can be on the order of a tinted moisturizer with hardly any true coverage to satisfy any ongoing complexion issues.  On the other hand, there are others that can be real beauty time savers since they can brighten and give just as thorough coverage as any foundation, only while improving the complexion with its skin care ingredients and sun protection.  An exceptionally wonderful one is the new Immortelle Precious BB Creme SPF 30 from L’Occitane en Provence.

The Immortelle Precious BB Creme comes in three shades of Fair (the one that I tried), Light, and Medium. My complexion falls between fair and light, but I do have some yellow undertones.  According to the company’s description, Light would have the yellow tones better suited to my skin. However, I didn’t read that and went with the Fair since I have been finding that choice more accurate lately. 

When I tried this product on, I was totally thrilled with the color for one.  It was a pale beige, only a more neutral one.  I do think I would have regretted the Light for my skin tone since it might have more orange to it.  

As to this BB cream, the consistency flows out of the tube in a thin ribbon of rich cream.  This is not any runny liquid but something substantially thicker that once it touches your face it will immediately blend into your skin and become one with it.  It masks so well that you hardly see any pores while leaving you with beautiful brightness like someone just turned on a switch and lit you up from within.  

The feel is so lightweight and comfortable, yet moisturizing on my dry skin.  At the same time, it wore very well while I had it on throughout the day.  It stayed put without settling into my laugh lines as some foundations can in the same amount of time and helped me look just as fresh.

I honestly love what L’Occitane en Provence has done with the Immortelle Precious Creme SPF 30 ($45). You, too, can witness a prettier complexion with this product.  You got to trust me on this–it happened for me and surely it will do the same for YOU!  Check it out.

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Purex Crystals ScentSplash In-Wash Fragrance Booster 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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Purex Crystals ScentSplash In-Wash Fragrance Booster in Fresh Lavender Blossom


Ever since being introduced to the original Purex Crystals as a Purex Insider project, my laundry is never complete without that product to add alongside my detergent.  The amazing scent is one thing, but I love how this product seems to perk up the look of even old clothes while infusing that scent deeply into the fabric without any harm. When I had the chance to try the latest addition to that line, I had to sign up to test the Purex Crystals ScentSplash in-wash fragrance booster. 

Unlike the dry form of crystal scent beads of the original, this new product has those scent beads in liquid form.  I got the Fresh Lavender Blossom scent, but it also comes in Fresh Spring Waters, and Fresh Mountain Breeze.

You use the Purex Crystals ScentSplash the same way that you do the crystals by adding directly to the washer or the in-wash tray with the detergent.  The recommended amount is a half capful per load or use as much or as little as you want.  For a large load, I went with the suggested amount and used less when I had a small load.  This worked well for me.

I love what this stuff does for lingerie for even more freshness.  That beautiful scent of lavender is released every time I open my lingerie drawer since this test.  

Guess what?  I will be picking up the other two Purex Crystals ScentSplash in-wash fragrance boosters in those other scents soon.  Honestly, give both forms of Purex Crystals a try because they are sensational for laundry to the point where you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.



Saturday, March 28, 2015

Review: L & Z Inc.’s Yorkshire-Mayfair #LuxuryMicrofiberSheetSet, Queen, Assorted Color

Disclaimer: This post is based on a free product provided from Tomoson as a press sample so that I may offer my own opinion, which may be the same or differ from yours.


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L & Z Inc.'s Yorkshire-Mayfair Luxury Microfiber Queen Sheet Set

Buying new bedroom sheets may not be the most exciting items to shop for.  However, you might change your mind if you got a wonderful set at a low price that also felt extra soft to the touch like the set I received at Tomoson to review with L & Z. Inc.’s Yorkshire-Mayfair Luxury Microfiber Queen, Assorted Color Sheet Set.

I had no idea what color that would show up.  What arrived was a complete four-piece queen set in my favorite color no less–a pale green shade with a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases.  

When I took them out of that clear, zippered bag to examine them further, I just loved how soft they felt.  This luxury microfiber fabric was so smooth when gliding your hand over it compared to plain cotton.  It also was thick and appeared quite strong.  

Making the bed with my new set was so easy.  I loved the deep pockets also.  Compared to the typical white sheets that I use, I thought was color was soothing that I was tempted to crawl in and take a nap.

You can tell the quality of these sheets are ones that might last  judging by the heavyweight material and construction like those deep pockets.  To know that this set is also hypo-allergenic is great for those of us with allergies, which is another plus if you ask me.  

For $29.95 you can’t go wrong with this Yorkshire-Mayfair Luxury Microfiber Queen Set.  In fact with a price like this, I might just stock up on several sets for myself and to save for gifts.  

You can find these Yorkshire-Mayfair Luxury Microfiber Sheets in different sizes and colors by L & Z Inc. on Amazon.  Check these sheet sets out because they are nice!

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

Friday, March 27, 2015

Save Brittle Hair From Further Damage and Breakage With This Simple Deep Conditioning Banana Hair Mask Recipe



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She could only wish that she knew this recipe!


Everyone wants shiny, bouncy, soft hair that is a reflection of perfect health.  However, there are times those strands can fall ill and become dry and dull, which makes breakage more of a problem.

Before the situation becomes worse, you might want to try this homemade hair mask because it works exceptionally well to nourish damaged hair, even the coarse, curly variety. With honey, a natural humectant and olive oil for added moisturizing properties together with bananas and natural oils besides its potassium for strengthening, along with protein of egg, this recipe gives hair gives hair exactly what it needs. 

You will need to take out your blender. Be prepared to hide out with this mask mix on your head for at least 30 minutes before rinsing.  


Deep Conditioning Banana Hair Mask

1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 egg
½ of a banana
1 tablespoon of honey

Take out your blender and mix together until smooth.  

Put the mask on your hair, cover it with a shower cap or wrap your head in some plastic wrap before a towel and then make sure to HIDE.  

Keep out of sight for about 30 minutes.  Then take a shower and be ready to greet people looking beautiful!

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Reviva Labs Three-Step Layering Anti-Aging System Review ($99) Giveaway!–Ends April 14, 2015

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

In order to have the most beautiful, youthful complexion possible, you need to resurface the skin and get rid of dead cells first.  Reviva Labs’s three-step layering system of Collagen Serum, 5% Glycolic Acid Night/Day Cream, and the Nasolabial Fold +Multi-Peptide Cream that I was sent for this review/giveaway are a good place to start. 

Over the time that I have been using those products for gently exfoliating while gradually regenerating the complexion with the nourishing elements it needs, I have watched my skin flourish.  How I began to accomplish this feat was simple.  I started with their Collagen Serum #307 after each cleansing mornings and nights. 

The next step was giving myself a patch test with a small amount of 5% Glycolic Acid Night/Day Cream #381 on my inner arm first to determine how sensitive I might be to the product I was about to follow with.  It did tingle slightly, but it wasn’t anything that bothersome that I would need to take it off.  

In fact, my face must have gotten used to that Glycolic Acid Cream because I didn’t notice it after awhile or then again it might have been soothed from the Nasolabial Fold + Multi-Peptide Cream #402 that I applied next.  This cream was specifically formulated to help plump up the fat pad at the sides of your cheeks, which drop more as we age.  I don’t know the exact science of how this cream’s abundance of various peptides to stimulate collagen synthesis gets activated or sets off this layering system, but I can tell you my complexion was smoother by the end of the first week.   

Like I hawk, I kept a sharp eye on those two deeper lines that I have on the sides of my nose to mouth. However, I didn’t see too much get excited over until several weeks later.  At first, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me.  I even had to do a double take before getting second opinions because those two deep lines looked more filled in.  Nothing in a jar is going to erase all time from your face completely, but this certainly gives the face a lift! 

I am more than pleased with Reviva Lab’s three-step layering system, regardless of how long that beautiful improvement lasts since my skin feels so remarkably soft and dewy as well.  Do try these products because you will like them.

Thanks to Reviva Labs, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States wins the entire three-step layering system of a Reviva Labs Collagen Serum, Nasolabial Fold + Multi-Peptide Cream and 5% Glycolic Acid Night/Day Cream ($99 total value)!

Giveaway details and how to enter–


Prize: One (1) winner will each receive a three-step layering anti-aging system from Reviva Labs that includes the Collagen Serum, Nasolabial Fold + Multi-Peptide Cream & 5% Glycolic Acid Night/Day Cream ($99 total value)!

Dates of entry: 03/26/15–04/13/15 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time

Eligibility: Open to USA addresses.  No PO Boxes.  The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

How to Enter:  Please use the Rafflecopter widget if it works.  You can also enter by clicking this link or try to enter using another browser. You can return daily and log in again with your email to tweet or to vote daily for Nuts 4 Stuff on Picket Fence Blogs.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

For Endless Perfection #YourRadiantSkin!--IT Cosmetics CC+ Your Way to Radiant Skin One Day Sale Coming FRIDAY, March 27, 2015! (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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IT Cosmetics CC+ Your Way to Radiant Skin! 5-Piece Collection

I can’t wait to tell you the great news. One of my favorite makeup brands, IT Cosmetics, is set to put another five-piece collection as a Today’s Special Value on QVC with their  CC+ Your Way to Radiant Skin box! This deal will happen on Friday, March 27, 2015 at midnight (Eastern Time) so set that alarm now because this has the perfect beauty products you’ll want to get ready for Spring!

You don’t want to miss out because you get three new IT Cosmetics products with their Your Skin But Better Anti-Aging Full Coverage Physical SPF 50 CC+ Cream Illumination, a new edition of Luxe High-Performance Anti-Aging Eye Shadow Trio in Pretty in Spring, and their No-Tug Dual Airbrush Eyeshadow Brush.  If this isn’t reason to get you excited about staying up, then let me finish because you also get that huge compact of their Anti-Aging Vitality Face Disc and a Heavenly Luxe Radiance Wand Brush, which I always use since it can light up a face instantly.


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IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Anti-Aging Full Coverage Physical SPF 50 CC+ Cream Illumination  (Medium).  The shade is just a bit dark for my fair complexion.

The new Your Skin But Butter Anti-Aging Full Coverage Physical SPF 50 CC+ Cream Illumination that I received arrived in medium. Just like the original, I thought the formula provided wonderful coverage that was easy to adapt from light to heavy, depending on your skin care needs.  You can’t help but love how hydrating and yet unbelievably light it feels before that dewiness transforms to a perfect satin finish with some sensational brightness to it.  The best part of IT Cosmetics advances in anti-aging technology is you’re not just masking imperfections with this product but improving your skin enabling such a realistic natural glow to shine through that it does seem to take some years off of your face with sun protection to boot.

To further amp up my complexion, you can’t go wrong with their Anti-Aging Face Disc with matte bronzer, illuminating powder and that soft pink blush stain paired up with their new Heavenly Luxe Radiance Wand Brush.  This plush, domed brush is exceptional for a beautiful application with the way it captures the pigment and blends everything just so.


Anti-Aging Vitality Face Disc and Heavenly Luxe Radiance Wand Brush from IT Cosmetics.jpeg
IT Cosmetics Anti-Aging Vitality Face Disc and Heavenly Luxe Radiance Wand Brush

The Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Trio in Pretty in Spring has a soft medium brown, a gleaming champagne shade for highlight, and a medium peach, which is fresh and will work well with the nude shades that are springing up for the season. To make it even better, I always liked how nicely their No-Tug Dual Airbrush Eyeshadow Brush was for putting on shadows, especially for that feathery feel against the skin, besides blending and smudging.


Luxe High-Performance Anti-Aging Eye Shadow Trio in Pretty in Spring and No-Tug Dual Airbrush Eyeshadow Brush.jpeg
Luxe High-Performance Anti-Aging Eye Shadow Trio in Pretty in Spring and the No-Tug Dual Airbrush Eyeshadow Brush from IT Cosmetics

The value of this CC+ Your Way to Radiant 5-Piece Collection is $172.  Though I don’t know the exact price for this upcoming midnight sale, I can tell you that it will be priced under $60!  Incredible, right?  

Now you must be feeling as hyped as I am at this point so do remember to make a date with IT Cosmetics and QVC Beauty for Friday, March 27,2015 at midnight (Eastern Time) to take advantage of this awesome sale.  This IT Girl will see you there.

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

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Discover the 18th Century Vllcode O2M Oxygen Eye Mask–a Royal Beauty Formulation Once Sworn to Secrecy!

 Disclaimer: This a sponsored post for VIIcode.
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VIIcode

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Vllcode O2M Oxygen Eye Mask


What started out as the need to cure Dr. Victor’s personal skin condition in the 18th century also altered the course of his life once rumors of his complexion miracles surfaced.  Soon his services were sought out by royalty wanting the secret to such tender skin as a baby.  This is the “Ageless Mythology” he became known for. So impressed with how soft and youthful the skin became Napoleon Bonaparte established a lab and named Dr. Victor the royal imperial beautician at the request of his Josephine, where he was sworn never to reveal his formulations until after her death. 

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Vllcode O2M Oxygen Eye Mask

For more than 200 years, the Victor family had kept that oath unchanged establishing the exclusive VII Identify Club in May 1945, where royal members, aristocrats, politicians and business leaders and other of the elite could receive lifelong service on a one-to-one basis to reap the benefits of these coveted anti-aging formulations. This was the distinguished origin of Vllcode Beauty Technology, Inc.

However, it is a new age.  The time for that cycle of royal privilege becoming available to all has dawned. Finally a natural herbal formula for eye repair with unprecedented original ecological plant oxygen extracts (EOPE) to active cell oxygen capacity for 24 hours that will reverse fine lines, dark circles, puffy eyes, and eye bags is on the market. Introducing VIIcode O2M Oxygen Eye Mask, a sleeping mask to naturally restore tired, aging eyes.

The VIIcode O2M Oxygen Eye Mask will change the way you think of eye care with its revolutionary principles of aerobic skin care.  Each box has six packets designed to support energy, and repair fiber cells to improve vitality and elasticity, deeper and longer than other eye masks that typically hydrate for 15 minutes. Worn two to three times a week over the course of an eight-hour night will improve overall brightness and moisture while encouraging the look of younger looking eyes.  To witness more dramatic progress, a three-box program is called for.


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Opened Vllcode O2M Oxygen Eye Mask


Each VIIcode O2M Oxygen Eye Mask box contains six treatments.  The product retails for $55 and can be ordered on Amazon.com  or the company's website. 

Learn more about VIIcode O2M Oxygen Eye Mask  or the Vllcode line by visiting the company’s website. 


*Disclaimer:  This is a sponsored post for VIIcode.*

Monday, March 23, 2015

Are You Confused About the Right Way to Handle Dandruff?


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As upsetting as dandruff can be, it can be corrected simply enough. All it takes is understanding the condition and taking the proper steps.


Dandruff can be an embarrassing problem.  This condition happens because the skin on your scalp is constantly renewing itself and shedding.   It is when those dead cells become trapped and mix with hair oil that it triggers the yeast-like fungus known as
malassezia, causing seborrheic dermatitis.
Before you rush to the drug store, you need to figure out if you have a true case of actual dandruff or just a side effect from styling products.  Making that determination is easy because real dandruff is white and a thicker texture than the clearer variety of what may fall to your shoulders from products.  

If you find those styling products are the probable cause, trying a clarifying shampoo could help.  Then again, you could have an allergy from anything in your hair products, especially fragrance that cause that contact dermatitis and dandruff.  Switching to a non-scented line or just a different brand of hair care product could simply fix this.  Actual dandruff needs active ingredients in the shampoo to be effective.  

If you were planning on also coloring your hair, you should keep the following in mind. Dandruff can also become more severe since the chemicals in hair color can effect the scalp’s healthy bacteria.  A better idea is to try to rectify the condition first.

The real trick when considering a dandruff shampoo formula is figuring out which dandruff ingredients can best work for the severity of your problem.  If you have severe dandruff and non-colored treated hair, look for selenium sulfide and ketoconazole.  Look for ones with coal tar when there is lots of flaking involved.   

Those with milder dandruff would be happier with zinc pyrithione, salicylic acids, or a natural antifungal agent like tea tree oil over the stronger  formulations that can overly dry the hair.

Remember that if you don’t see any progress after several weeks of using those dandruff shampoos, you should make an appointment with a dermatologist.

Fortunately, those white flakes tend to improve somewhat in the summer because sun exposure is capable of inhibiting the fungus responsible.  

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Dial Sugar Cane Husk Scrub Hand Soap 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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Dial's Sugar Cane Husk Scrub from the new Boutique Collection of Hand Soaps smells like cookies.

A beautiful way to clean your hands arrived with my latest Purex Insider project.  I got to sample one of Dial’s Boutique Collection with their new Sugar Cane Husk Scrub Hand Soap.

This liquid soap has a yummy scent that reminds me of vanilla sugar cookies baking.  And yet, there is more to like. This delicious scented soap thoroughly cleaned with gentle micro scrubbers infused in the formula while being kind to hands.  I noticed this soap had a conditioning sort of feel.  

I do wash my hands a lot.  Therefore, I love that this formula doesn’t strip my often sensitive hands of moisture like some other soaps that I have used.  Discovering no irritation on my hands after going through a day does ranks this soap high on my list.  I have this bottle in my kitchen and plan to pick up more to replace our current soaps because of that fact.

If you are looking for a wonderful family soap, I suggest that you try Dial’s Cane Husk Scrub because it does a nice cleaning job when you look at your hands. 
  


Saturday, March 21, 2015

Hunters Among You Need My Uncooked Venison Marinade Recipe!


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Here are two recent deer visitors.


Meet a few of the outdoor occupants of my yard.  As you can see they look like non-menacing types with their innocent looking faces, but they have managed to eat everything I ever attempt to plant and practically all the shrubs.  

Of course, they don’t like to walk away without giving back.  You would think they could at least wait to do their business elsewhere, but my furry friends usually like to repay the kindness by leaving little presents in my yard as well.

You may think that I hate all the deer that come to my place.  On the contrary, I do love to watch them from my kitchen window every time I happen to stare out and find them munching away.  I think that they are beautiful creatures that keep losing more of their natural habit all the time with all the new homes that keep going up to crowd them out.

However, they are growing in numbers.  I counted 20 just the other day and I live in the suburbs–not in the middle of nowhere!  

For all the hunters out there, I would like to share a recipe for marinading deer meat. 

Uncooked Marinade for Venison

2 medium onions, chopped 
1 carrot, peeled and chopped 
2 stalks of celery, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves
2 bay leaves
2 whole cloves
2 cups of wine (red or white)
½ cup of canola oil
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves


Mix up everything above and pour over the deer meat.  Cover and refrigerate at least 24 hours before cooking.  

When you’re ready to cook, remove the venison and dry with paper towels.  

Strain the marinade because you will be able to use it again if you have more.

Then prepare the venison as you normally do whether just browning in a skillet with some oil on both sides or roasting in your oven, etc.

ENJOY!

Friday, March 20, 2015

A Good Month for Beauty Lovers With Beauty Box 5 for March 2015! (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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Take a peek at Beauty Box 5 March 2015!


Though Spring break may be on your mind, the theme behind this month’s box is not being a bit more lax about beauty with a selection of items to fit the occasion.  Instead, the assortment of skin care and makeup products are for maximizing your beauty potential.

If you still haven’t found Beauty Box 5, then you really should give it a try.  Each box has four or five full to sample sizes of beauty items per box, which can be had for $12 with a monthly subscription.  Yet, you can even pay less.  A subscription can run as low  as $6.58 a month when committing to an annual subscription.

In fact, March 2015 is even more exciting because it came with three full size cosmetics!  Are you ready to dive in and explore these new beauty goodies?  Then let me show you in detail when I found in this new box that has me in such a good mood.


Beauty Box 5 March 2015

Eslor Introductory Collection–Second Edition--four sample packets (5 ml)–$17.03

Elite Therapeutics Rosemary Eucalyptus Body Cream–.5 oz. sample--$1.18 

Scandalous by Nanacoco Thickening MascaraFull Size–$4.99

Styli-Style Line & Seal Twist Mechanical Eye LinerFull Size–$4.99

Laugh Out Loud by Nanacoco Lip GlossFull Size–$3.99


Total Value: $32.18


This is the second time I got some Eslor skin care and loved finding more of this paraben free natural line to tweak up my complexion.  The four packets are the Soothing Refiner & Cleanser, Botanical Peeling Gel, Chlorophyll Lifting Mask, and Firming Collagen Day Cream.  I am once again testing facial care products so the first chance I get I will dive into my new stash of these samples.

The Elite Therapeutics has 70% certified organic ingredients, which I love to hear.  It’s a wonderful formulation for moisturizing the body if you don’t mind its distinctive herbal scent, which may not be for everyone.  

The Nanacoco brand is one that I don’t remember trying in the past.  However, I thought the black Scandalous Mascara pumped up my lashes nicely.  It didn’t leave them feeling brittle either, which can happen sometimes.

I absolutely adored the Nanacoco Lip Gloss in Call Me Babe for feel and color.  This is such a pretty metallic pinky-brown nude with some mauve that lit up my lips beautifully without excess stickiness.  It is a great neutral that would compliment every skin tone.

The final product was a Styli-Style Mechanical Eye Liner in Lapis.  This is a lovely teal color that I was surprised did so much for my dark brown eyes.  

In summary, I thought this was a wonderful put together selection!  Do you agree?  

You can learn more about Beauty Box 5 and their subscription box options at their website.  Do check it out!


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

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Your Skin and Senses Will Love L’Occitane en Provence’s New Almond Velvet Youthful Body Serum and Velvet 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.**
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Almond  Velvet Youthful Body Serum


There’s reason to celebrate with the happy news I am about to share.  L’Occitane en Provence expanded their wonderful Almond line just in time for Spring, 2015 with two new products–Almond Velvet Youthful Body Serum and Velvet Balm!

I do not know whether it is the powdery sweet scent of almond blossoms or the lasting velvety feel that lingers on my skin that makes me such an ardent fan, but I am thrilled with what these products can do for coating my body with such luxurious moisture as well as my elevating my mood once that blissful scent takes over.  Let’s just say that I am giddy with pleasure every time that I apply and get into my “almond zone.”

The Almond Velvet Youthful Body Serum ($32) was everything I had hoped for how it absorbed and hydrated. This is a light pink serum capable of restoring the beauty of the skin with almond cells, almond and sunflower seed oils, and vitamin C for brightening while wrapping you into a blanket of a powdery sweet floral  fragrance enhanced with rose  without being sticky or greasy.

Another must-have product that you owe yourself to experience is their Almond Velvet Youthful Balm $60). This rich, pink tinted fragrant cream is a pampering concoction for the body with its bounty of active almond-powered natural ingredients formulated to help relieve dryness while also improving tonicity, slackening, fine lines, and skin irregularities. This is a beautiful indulgence for getting the softest skin surrounded by blend of almond blossoms and rosebuds.

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Almond Velvet Youthful Balm

Do treat yourself and try L’Occitane en Provence’s Almond Velvet Youthful Body Serum and Velvet Balm because it is a great way to usher in Spring or any season if you ask me.  


Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Here’s a Wonderful Home Remedy for Minor Burns Worth Remembering


Since my hands are always pulling out a tray of something or another from a hot oven, I do have a knack of burning myself.  Besides running cold water over the burn or applying a cold compress or ice,  I have tried quite a few over the counter products to help with the pain.  Unfortunately, they didn’t seem to do much of anything except cost money.  

Aloe vera is something wonderful for soothing burns at least for many people.  However, when I tried breaking a piece of my plant and rubbing some of that sticky aloe vera gel directly on my burn, it turned my skin black where it was applied.  The strange part is I can use aloe vera as an ingredient in many skin care products without any reaction.

Then I heard about using lavender essential oil for this purpose.  At first, I was skeptical of applying any essential oil directly to my skin without the protection of a carrier oil until I learned lavender is the only essential oil that you can safely use that way.  Anyway, I bought a bottle because knowing my talent for attracting burns, I thought it would get used for this or in another homemade skin care recipe soon enough.  

As fate would have it, I was baking pizza the other day when I burned myself again.  After running some cold water over it, I remembered that lavender essential oil.  I dropped several drops over the area before an amazing thing happened.   My pain was diminished and that burn didn’t look as red.  

I hope that you don’t share this particular talent.  Nonetheless, if you get a burn, I just wanted to share this lavender essential oil burn remedy with you because it worked very well for me.  

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Some Steps to Get Your Most Beautiful Lips Ever!



Modeling Cherry Blossom 28 lipstick.jpeg
Here I have on Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick Cherry Blossom 28


We may be born with big, small or a crooked set of lips, but thanks to cosmetics we don’t have to allow it to distract from our overall beauty.  All that is needed are the right products for the task and a little makeup know-how to turn what you may consider your worst feature into possibly an outstanding one.

Usually, we rush in with our lip products without thinking.  However, it is important to know what your mouth looks like when it is closed and relaxed first before you fill in any color.  If you do this, you will have a better eye of where to use your lip pencil and later apply the color to your best advantage.  

You may want to start priming lips first only with a bit of  foundation.  What this does is give your lips a blank canvas to work with to better change the shape and get more exact color from that lipstick.   It also sets the lipstick just as your primer does only that you’ll be able to do more as far as artistry.

Using the same color of lip liner and lipstick, start tracing a path from the corner of the mouth up to the middle with your lip pencil.  Be sure to gently round over that peak that makes up your cupid’s bow before repeating the same technique on the other side.  In a pinch, you can also use a nude lip pencil that is suited to your skin tone.

A great trick is to smile slightly and follow your natural lip line as you then fill in lipstick color on the lower lip. Stay within the lines here and make sure the color looks even on the top lip as well.  You can use a cotton swab or lip brush, but the lipstick needs to be equally balanced.

After this step, take a look at your mouth in the mirror again.  If your mouth is too small or, perhaps, you don’t have that much of an upper lip, then try leaning your lip liner just slightly on the outside edge of your natural lip line.

On the other hand, you might consider your lips too big or maybe you just have a more prominent lower lip that you can’t stand.  Now you don’t have to be so hard on yourself because there is a great trick for downsizing those lips that you’re going to love.  All you do is to take your lip liner and softly lean that pencil to the inside of your natural lip line.  

Another suggestion when trying to downplay or increase the size of lips is to rethink the choice of lip color. Light shades bring out the lips.  Dark colors do the opposite.  A better option may be to look for softer shades over extreme colors of either.

If you feel your mouth looks lopsided because you have a crooked lip, try using the same technique with the lip pencil only make a subtle adjustment to your line on the problem side.

Take care and remember some of the most celebrated beauties in the world took what others might view as a flaw and turned it into an advantage.  For example, take timeless beauty  Cindy Crawford and her mole, which became her beauty trademark.  What I’m trying to say is everyone has a flaw.  It is only a perception of how you see yourself to the world that changes how you are seen.