Thursday, August 31, 2017

Why Are Consumers Getting Cheated With Inferior Products That Always Cost More?

shoe soles lifted.jpeg
This should not happen after six weeks of wear.


Why are prices continually on the rise for practically everything while quality keeps going down?  Is this the new ploy companies are using these days to boost their bottom line since whatever we seem to buy needs replacing much sooner than years before?

Let me illustrate.  My guy bought a pair of inexpensive Champion running shoes from Target. Instead of wearing them right away, he forgot about them for a while and set them aside in their box.  Finally, he decided to wear them.  Everything seemed fine for about six weeks.  


Champion shoes.jpeg
This is the pair of shoes after six weeks of wear.



Driving home, he felt something under his feet like the car’s floor mat slipped and coming up, getting in the way of his gas and brake petals.  However, this was not due to our floor mat since ours does lock in place.   When he finally came home, he noticed the shoes had separated at the sole on one shoe.

I don’t know about you, but I think consumers deserve longer than six weeks of wear before needing to buy another pair so soon.  He called the Champion Company about the substandard quality of those shoes and the bad glue used.  

Instead of showing any regard for the consumer, the company never returned his call as they said they would.  Why would they bother?  They know the consumer has no other choice because this is the extent of the quality that you can expect these days. 

Therefore, it is a good idea to always pack an extra pair of shoes in your car. Yet, shoes are just one example of this substandard quality these days.

Cleaning products are another.  I had bleach that I assumed was in the same plastic container as always, only the ingredients of this new plastic were so weak that it leaked through the bottle all over my laundry room floor.  The bleach was powerful enough to eat through this thin material to make a hole.  Watch your cleaning products carefully because they are not to be trusted.

Makeup is still another.  I remember compacts and palettes used to be made of plastic, not cardboard and come with brushes and sponge tipped applicators.  Of course, those tools were not the best, but they were inside and handy. 

I can go on and on about the dropping quality of things we buy today, which is really sad when you think about it.  Profit is one thing, but making products that the companies manufacture deliberately with cheaper materials just to keep us buying is wrong.  Did you have any experiences like this lately?

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Are Those Stylish Shoes Causing You Foot Problems?

spiked heels.jpeg
Pain vs Beauty


How many of us are guilty of sacrificing comfort for the sake of wearing a gorgeous pair of new shoes just to look good?  After all, how can we not want to look our best in something like a great pair of stilettos that do so much in how they shape and tense calf muscles while also doing wonders for how well they elongate our legs?  This is just one example of how we habitually put beauty before common sense sometimes.

I, for one, can’t help myself when my eyes meet up with the perfect shoe.  Though you know you don’t need another pair, your adoring gaze locks onto those must have shoes that you just tell yourself you will only try on.  Then, it happens.  You fall victim despite too narrow of the shoe box, overly high heels or other faults of great shoes that you sense will only hurt later.

Monday, August 28, 2017

The Least Likely Types of Eye Makeup to Irritate Sensitive Eyes



brown eye shadow.jpeg
A brown shade of eye shadow is your safest choice if your eyes easily irritate.


Some of us are more prone to allergies than others.  If you are one, then you know how easily you can react to something like cosmetics and the irritation it can cause.  Eye makeup can be especially difficult for anyone that has these sensitivity issues.  Therefore, I want to share some valuable tips when shopping to restock your makeup bag that can best keep your eyes from potentially suffering.

You may want to think again about overly glittery eye shadows.  Matte shadows are safer since they do not possess those reflective particles than could end up in your eye.

Pure natural pigments are another good choice.  Minerals are safer bets then their chemical counterparts when it comes to the eyes.  On the same note, you can still react to anything at anytime.  

As far as eyeliner goes, you might want to trade in your liquid liners, especially the waterproof latex variety that has stronger chemicals to account for such long-lasting wear.  Instead, you may want to switch to pencils or crayons. 

Waterproof mascaras are great but they also can pose a problem if you are sensitive. A better alternative is trying a water-resistant formula that won’t be as harsh since you can wash it away with soap and water over a special oil makeup remover.

Speaking of mascara, avoid formulas with fibers in it.  Just like the reflective glitter chunks in eye shadow, these fibers can fall in your eye in time as well.  

Your eyes are very important, so be careful with them!

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Beauty Box 5 July 2017 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.**


Beauty Box 5 July 2017.jpeg
July 2017 was a great beauty month!



Beauty Box 5 had one product that delayed the usual arrival date of this July 2017 subscription box. Yippee, I am glad to report mine my little green box finally showed up the other day with a great lineup of beauty products.  

If you’re always cruising stores to check out the newest cosmetics, then you really need a beauty subscription or a few like Beauty Box 5 to satisfy that addiction. Let me quickly fill you in how this beauty subscription box works.  Each month you get five full and sample sizes of makeup, skin and hair care, nail products, body care, perfumes to tools for $12.00 a month with free shipping.   You will recognize some brands and others might be new, which always makes it interesting as well as exciting.

For example, here is the wonderful assortment that arrived in my July box.   


Beauty Box 5 July 2017



1.  Luseta Beauty Argan Oil Hair Masque–( 2.03 oz. Sample)------------------------$7.00
2.  Styli-Style Line & Seal Eye Liner (Full Size)--------------------------------------------$6.50
3.  Manna Kadar Cosmetics Glo Illuminator----------------------------------------------$11.60
4.  Seraphine Botanicals Quince + Crimson Crayon (Full Size)---------------------$24.00
5.  Nanacoco Rio II Nail Polish (Full Size)---------------------------------------------------$3.95
6.  BB5 Cut That Crease Brush (Full Size)  Late BONUS------------------------------$10.00



Total Value: $63.05!


The Luseta Argan Oil Hair Masque arrived at the perfect time since my hair was rather suffering.  This after shampoo conditioner is a weekly treatment that helps restore moisture, which my hair was grateful for. 

The Styli-Style Line & Seal Eye Liner that came in my box was in the flattering Plum shade. This is a gel-formula pencil geared for sensitive eyes that didn’t tug when applying. How can I not love that?

Manna Kadar Cosmetics Glo Illuminator delivered a becoming boost of subtle pink-gold radiance.  The texture of this highlighter is a creamy formula that melds into the complexion with ease.

Seraphine Botanicals Quince + Crimson Crayon is a multipurpose crayon for cheeks and lips that is loaded with deep red color that reminds me of a pomegranate shade.  This vegan product has argan oil and quince extract to explain its great slide when applying.    

The Nanaco Rio II Nail Polish I got is the Copacabana Coral.  I didn’t have a chance to paint my nails with it yet, but this is an irresistible pink-coral color.  I think that I am going to start with toenails because this shade will pop while I’m still wearing my open-toe sandals.

Beauty Box 5 Cut That Crease Brush was just something extra that the company sent to everyone to make up for being late with these July boxes.  Who doesn’t love getting a freebie, especially when it’s a beauty freebie?

To sum it up, I thought July 2017 was an excellent beauty month for value and some fabulous products that will get a lot of use.  Visit Beauty Box 5 and check them out!

*****Beauty Box 5 is no longer in business.********

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Recipe: My Easy Pineapple-Walnut Snack Cake Can Make Your Weekend Extra Special


piece of pineapple-walnut snack cake.jpeg
This cake stays moist and chalked with fruit and nuts.


This delicious recipe is perfect for anyone in the mood for an easy cake that can be whipped together without much trouble.  My Easy Pineapple-Walnut Snack Cake doesn’t require creaming butter and sugar or spending time with your mixer too long before it will be ready to go into the oven.  

You’ll find it stays moist from the crushed pineapple and has a delightful bit of chew from the walnuts and raisins.  

This cake is good plain or topped with your favorite creamy, white icing.  Whatever you prefer, you can’t go wrong because it tastes great either way.

Put it to the test sometime because it is very good, especially when you’re dying for a good cake but not the work that comes with making one.


Easy Pineapple-Walnut Snack Cake


3 large eggs
1-1/2 cups of sugar
1 cup of corn oil
2 cups of flour
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of baking soda, leveled
1 teaspoon of baking powder, leveled
½ teaspoons of salt
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 can (20-oz.) of crushed pineapple in natural juice (not drained)
½ cups of chopped walnuts
½ cups of raisins


Beat eggs, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and oil in your mixing bowl first.

Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt next and add to the egg-sugar mixture.

Fold in your can of crushed pineapple and chopped walnuts next before pouring into a well-greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.  

Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick, cake tester or slender knife inserted comes out clean.

Set aside and cool before topping with your favorite creamy white icing.

ENJOY!

Friday, August 25, 2017

How to Give Your Skin, Hair and Nails a Beauty Overhaul

beautiful woman in red blouse.jpeg
This beauty is doing everything right with how she glows.



Perhaps, you’re not as proud of your complexion, hair and nails as you would like to be.  Despite the best beauty products available that you may have tried, nothing seems to give you the changes that you had hoped to see by now.  However, have you ever considered that the reason for the disappointing way your skin, hair or nails may appear could be from a vitamin deficiency?

Since we are composed of what we eat, then you need to take into account that the skin renews itself every thirty days.  Hair grows on an average of half an inch in that same amount of time.  Nails take months to repair their condition, but even a damaged nail you lose can grow back in about six months.  Therefore, it is a logical assumption that your body may not be receiving enough of those essential nutrients to affect how those cells are growing.

To help skin, hair and nails thrive, concentrate on nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids that can deal with inflammation.  You find it in walnuts, tuna, salmon, nuts, and olive oil to name just a few.  

Coenzyme Q10 or ubiquinone is another antioxidant beneficial for the skin that you might want to include more in your diet.  This fat soluble nutrient offers protection from harmful free radicals.  Rich sources are found in foods such as organ meats, beef, chicken, herring, mackerel, peanuts, spinach, and cauliflower.

Selenium also is vital.  This mineral also acts as antioxidant to help defend the skin against the sun.  Without enough of this nutrient, you could be losing more hair than you like or finding your hair doesn’t seem to grow to overly white nails.  Walnuts, tuna, wheat, and rice are good to add to your diet.

Biotin is another B-complex vitamin (B7) that is important not to neglect for beautifying skin as well as vitamin B complex also in general for improving nail strength and thickening the hair.  Looking to foods such as peanuts, milk and dairy products, almonds, and egg yolks can help.

Vitamin A can help the skin repair and regenerate itself.  It also helps assists with sebum production in the scalp to keep hair properly lubricated instead of drying out. Nails need their ample share of it to keep from turning brittle and cracking.  You’ll find leafy green and yellow vegetables wonderful sources.

Two antioxidants that shouldn’t be taken lightly are vitamin C and E when it comes to giving skin, hair and nails a beauty boost.  Vitamin C is easily found in citrus fruits, strawberries, grapes, blackberries, etc. Sunflower seeds, spinach, avocado, and sweet potato can provide vitamin E.

Beauty and health do start from within.  Here’s hoping that this information will help change the overall balance within your own body so later it can manifest on the outside for those beautiful results that you are looking for. 

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Why You May Want to Avoid Caffeine If You Rely Heavily on Over the Counter Pain Relievers for Headaches

headache sufferer.jpeg
Could you unknowingly be making the pain worse?


Taking a lot of aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen during a month may be necessary for those constantly challenged by headache pain from migraines, allergies and sinus conditions to make it through a day.  However, if you are a heavy coffee or tea drinker or consume a lot of caffeine-fueled drinks and have been noticing those headaches returning around the same time almost on a schedule to meet the next dosage, then you may be suffering a rebound headache.

You may find it helpful to switch to decaffeinated beverages or drink something else for the days you need those pain relievers.  The reason is that once caffeine is introduced into your system with those types of drugs, it can lead to dependency.  This is why your headache pain may get worse when the mediation wears off.

Another way to test for a rebound headache is noticing how you feel once you get out of bed.  Waking up most mornings with a headache can be a clue.

You might suddenly find it harder to concentrate or remember things.  

Then you might notice that you lack the same energy.

A rebound headache could also make you easily agitated and more restless than normal.

Something else to look for is if you could be getting nauseated.

Occasional headaches are one thing, but headaches in general shouldn’t be taken lightly.  This information that I’m passing along to you isn’t meant to diagnose a complicated health condition like headaches, only suggest a possible self-help solution.  Only your physician can make a medical determination as to the real cause of that pain through a thorough examination and tests.  

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

How to Save Your Feet From Suffering Before You Begin a Workout Program

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This post can help you get more out of your workout.

You might be trying to get back in shape.   Before you start a workout program, your choice of shoes can either help or hinder your efforts.  However, there are some things that you need to think about when it relates to your shoes that can make a difference.

When you are debating over a new pair of workout shoes make sure that you have some extra room for your toes to account for movement. Otherwise, your toes can hurt from ramming into the front of the shoes.  You should have about one-half inch of wiggle room from the toe area.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Boosting Fall 2017 Beauty With Vasanti Cosmetics

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

cosmetics group.jpeg
It's that time of year to refresh your makeup collection.  



Fall will arrive before you know it.  Of course, you’ll want to update your makeup to go along with this new season.  Canadian beauty brand, Vasanti Cosmetics sent along a variety of their products that could help get you off to a good start that you might want to take a look at.  

I’ll begin with their Liquid Cover Up-Oil Free Foundation and Concealer ($25) for the 0.54 fl. oz. tube.  This is a cruelty and paraben free product that comes in 11 shades. Unfortunately, I received the V3 for medium neutral to medium-golden skin, which was entirely too dark to wear, instead of V1 fair to light. 

swatches of foundation, bronzer, blush duo.jpeg
Here I swatched the Blush Duo, Bronzer and foundation for you.


The color was so drastic that I would look like a clown if I applied it straight from the tube.  Therefore, I squeezed a small amount and mixed it with a moisturizer to make a tinted moisturizer for this review.  The formula even sheered down feels comfortable and left me with decent light coverage that lasted without migrating to lines or caking up through my day.  While the depth of color was improved, the shade was still far too orange for my skin tone, which was disappointing.  

Wonders of the World Concealer Duo ($26) has three shades to choose from. One side of this compact has a lighter shade for under the eyes while the other side of the pan is deeper for handling any blemishes or scars that you need to hide.  
concealer duo.jpeg
This color is inappropriate for fair to light skin.  Why it was sent, I can't understand.


Why I received the darkest in this line with O2 for medium to medium deep with yellow undertones baffles me since I stated I was fair to light.  I couldn’t wear this product in public or people might think I awakened from the dead with the dark rings it created, but I sampled the formula in the house just for this review.  I thought it spread and blended well and didn’t crease easily during the short time I had it on.  One of the lighter shades would have been nice to test longer for a more thorough judgement. 

On the other hand, their Blush Duo ($29) in Set for Life is available in five shades and was beautiful with its warm rose and pink tones. The powder is silky with micronized pigments that subtly light up cheeks with a realistic, glowing natural flush.


blush duo.jpeg
I really liked this Blush Duo in Set for Life. 


Next, I experimented with their Mineral Bronzer ($29) in Brazilian Tan.  Besides this medium brown bronze, there are two other shades in this line.  This mineral formula has light reflecting pigments as well as anti-oxidants to capitalize on natural radiance. Being how pigmented this powder is, I swept on just a bit before I had enough to imitate time spent in the sun.  
mineral bronzer.jpeg
This shade is heavy on the brown.  


The Kajal Extreme Intense Eyeliner Pencil ($19) offers six shades.  I got to work with the Extreme Black. This waterproof formula of a pencil features a built-in sharpener and a smudger.  I thought it was creamy to the point of almost being a gel-pencil, long lasting  and great for creating a thicker line with true black color that couldn’t be any darker.This is perfect for doing those strong, bold eyes trending for Fall, 2017.

As to the lip products, Vasanti sent a tube of their Love Brights-Gel Matte Lipstick ($19).  I was sent the darkest shade from the eleven in this line with Drunk in Love, (extremely deep matte burgundy).  Ladies, nearly black tones of berries, plums or burgundies are also going to be the rage next season.  


lipstick.jpeg
Drunk in Love is a blackened burgundy.

This has gellified pomegranate, cherry, and evening primrose oil to keep lips moisturized in the most long-wearing formula that ever touched my lips.  The formula is heavy on pigment to the point of wearing like a comfortable stain. No joke, it refused to come off despite eating and two different makeup removers!  It stayed put on one part of my upper lip for three days before finally wearing off.  I guess I should have tried my waterproof makeup remover, but I thought why bother.

Their Lipline Extreme Pencil ($17) in Black Cherry was ideal for wearing with that Drunk in Love Lipstick. Five other colors are available.  I found this pencil that is infused with marula oil has a nice glide and keeps the lipstick in place.  

lip pencil.jpeg
This depth of this Black Cherry Lip Pencil worked well with the lipstick.

I also got to experiment with their Power Oils Lip Gloss ($22) that comes in 15 shades.  
Celeb that arrived is a pink-brown nude loaded with nourishing oils such as raspberry, peach, jojoba, and pomegranate to care and treat dry lips.  I thought it felt so soothing and smooth against the lips with plenty of a shine and more than ample color.  


swatches of lip products & the lip gloss.jpeg
Going from left to right, I swatched Drunk in Love, It's Your Mauve, Black Cherry shades while holding the Celeb Lip Gloss. 

To wear with that lip gloss, I tried the Matte Crush Lipstick Pencil ($23) in It’s Your Mauve (rose mauve). Three other shades make up this line.  This is a waterproof product that is creamy, very spreadable and comes packaged with its own sharpener that can be worn as a liner or even a lipstick.  Besides dual uses, it felt great and kept my lips looking good so what’s not to love about that?

Today, I supplied some possibilities to inspire you with these Vasanti Cosmetics.  Visit their website and check them out.   

Monday, August 21, 2017

How to Keep Your Summer Glow Going With Just Four Rouge Bunny Rouge Cosmetics

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


Rouge Bunny Rouge Cosmetics summer 2017 group.jpeg
Rouge Bunny Rouge Summer 2017 cosmetics



If you intend to keep your beautiful summer glow going into the fall season, then I tested a few more cosmetics from luxury beauty brand, Rouge Bunny Rouge, that can help with that task to perfect your look. Today, I want to tell you about four more in particular that you need to try.

Tinted Moisturizer.jpeg
This tinted moisturizer is great for how it blurs imperfections while treating the skin. 

Sketches on Water Tinted Moisturizer ($52) is rich in skin saving ingredients from botanicals as well as antioxidants like vitamins A and E and laminaria digitata extract (a form of seaweed) for anti-aging, moisturizing with hyaluronic acid, PCA and squalene to offering natural UVB protection due to smithsonite extract.  It comes in three shades from the palest, which I tried with Adansonia (pale milky beige), Sequoia (pinkish beige) to Quercus (warm tawny mid-beige).

This formula feels lightweight on the skin, but evens out skin tone with light to buildable medium coverage. The skin looks flawless as it gains a soft natural glow that hardly looks like you’re wearing makeup.  Yet, this is your secret.   My only problem with this tinted moisturizer is that the Adansonia shade I chose just was a bit too pale for my complexion. However, there is a simple solution of warming it up with these next two products.


swatches of highlighting liquid & tinted moisturizer.jpeg
 I swatched the Sea of Illumination on the right with Adansonia mixed with it on the left.

Using their Bronzing Glow Powder in at Goldcombe Bay ($48) was one way to handle a slightly off foundation shade for a realistic, healthy glow that doesn’t overpower a light complexion. Being  a finely milled, silky formula, it delivers a smooth finish that clings beautifully to the complexion without any powdery-looking finish. It has beneficial ingredients for moisturizing and skin revitalization from shea butter, ceramide 2 and palymitoylated oligopeptide.


My second option was trying the Highlighting Liquid in Seas of Illumination ($45). Now having tried all three shades of their Highlighting Liquids, I can tell you that these are among my favorite products that Rouge Bunny Rouge makes.  A few drops of this pearly, white-gold liquid mixed with the Adansonia Tinted Moisturizer provided a subtle boost of color as well as an enchanting radiance with its soothing, moisturizing and age defending ingredients such as squalane, melissa extract and vitamin E.

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Here is the Halo shade of the Evanescene  Imperceptible Powder.



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Here is a swatch of the Halo shade.  Notice the nice balance of beige to pink.
To set my finish, the Evanescence Imperceptible Power ($48) in Halo was just what my face needed. This silky, vitamin-enriched powder has an ultra-fine consistency that adheres ideally, refining skin’s texture to banish flaws without looking obvious to provide medium coverage. Out of the four shades, I’m glad that I went with this natural rose beige shade being a great choice for my fair to light, warm skin tone. 

In my opinion, the trick for prolonging your summer look is with these four Rouge Bunny Rouge finds.  Check the company’s website because I promise that you’ll find them amazing!

Sunday, August 20, 2017

Glossybox August 2017 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.**


Glossybox August 2017.jpeg
The August box is a nice month of beauty to stay cool through summer.


If you are addicted to beauty products, then meeting up with a great beauty subscription box is the way to go.  One in particular that I happen to love is Glossybox that features at least five full and larger sample sizes of luxury brands of skin, body and hair care, makeup, nails, etc. in each pink box for just $21 a month and free USA shipping.  This box also arrives with an info sheet about the products and any special deals with a coupon code.

Stay cool happens to be the theme of Glossybox August 2017 with beauty geared to refreshing your total summer look.  Before I share what my box brought, I want to remind you that Glossybox sends different variations so what I got may not necessarily be what you will receive.  Some products will be the same in all boxes, but a few may change.  Here’s what my latest box contained below.


Glossybox August 2017

1.  Pixi by Petra Brow Tamer (Sample .15 fl. oz.)-------------------------------------------------$7.50
2.  Doucee x Glossybox Freematic Blush in Vintage Mauve (Full Size Mono)----------$14.00
3.  Beautiful Nutrition Lemon Rinse Gentle Clarifying Treatment (Sample 2 oz.)--------$2.40
4.  Lancome Paris Monsieur Big Mascara (Sample 0.06 oz.)----------------------------------$2.50
5.  Sesha Skin Therapy Botanical Hydro Mask (Full Size)------------------------------------- $9.00
6.  Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash (Sample 2 oz.)-----------------------------------------$7.00



Total Estimated Value: $42.40

The Pixi by Petra Brow Tamer offers mild control to keep brows in line.  Ever since I had my brows professionally done through electrolysis, I don’t need the same maintenance as before. I have one misbehaving hair on one brow that does bother me so I do like a clear gel like this to control it.   

The Douccee x Glossybox Freematic Blush sent was to complete the July duo palette.  I received Vintage Mauve, which is ideal with my fair to light, warm coloring. I wear a lot of mauves!  It packs a lot of mostly matte pigment with a slight shimmer. 

The Beautiful Nutrition Lemon Rinse Gentle Clarifying Treatment is a product that I used before.  I like to use it before coloring my hair to make sure all styling products are gone.

I was excited to get the new Lancome Paris Monsieur Big Mascara that was released.  I had been wanting to try this one and was debating whether to buy it when I found it in this box. This sample size is perfect because it can travel well when I pack my bag for vacation.

Sesha Skin Therapy Botanical Hydro Mask has skin nourishing botanicals such as cucumber, aloe and plenty of hyaluronic acid to restore and rejuvenate a sun-abused complexion.  I don’t worship the sun now that I know the dangers it can cause. Still, I have a dry complexion that always needs a moisture boost. After I applied this mask to my clean face, I left it on and relaxed for about thirty minutes.  Once I took it off and rinsed, my face felt ever so soft and pampered.

The Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash is a lemon-scented cleanser that dissolves grime and makeup with rose hip extract, milk thistle and chamomile before rinsing away with water. It is supposed to have exfoliating action as well. Judging by the feel, it is a very gentle type of abrasion that is hard to detect.  Yet, it is great for sensitive skin like mine and cleans the face well.

The value of this month may have been less than a few past boxes, but it was still a pleasing box with outstanding products!  Have you tried Glossybox yet?  Check them out!

Saturday, August 19, 2017

Why Do Product Sizes Keep Shrinking?


Coffee is something a majority of us can’t do without in our lives.  My biggest problem with this and other products lately is the ever shrinking sizes.  Do companies think we don’t notice this?


steaming coffee cup surrounded by beans.jpeg
Maybe the solution for shrinking sizes of coffee calls for smaller cups.


I remember when people would buy a can of coffee in a 3 lb. container.  The can had a whooping 48 ounces that would feel heavy in your hand.  Then years ago, they went to 39 oz., next to 34.5 oz. and on a recent trip to ALDI discovered the cans are now 30.5 oz.  Now in all fairness I used to think these cans weren’t getting smaller, but the product inside was.  So you would open it and you see all the wasted space.  So you have to go back to the store and buy more coffee or just pick up more cans.

I know they probably studied what happened when they left the cans at 48 oz. and just raised the price. People probably bought less.  Since many stores don’t post unit prices and if you don’t look at what you are paying per ounce then you may not notice they raised the price.  They are easing price increases via shrinking sizes.

I remember one crisis where they had some problem in growing coffee and the price went sky high.  I saw the cans sit there and dust form on the top.  People weren’t buying.  But that was a quick spike in prices.

These larger sizes are still being made.  You don’t have to buy small cans. Another option is online ordering of these products. I went to Amazon.com and actually found Folger’s coffee in the 48 oz. can sold there at a price less than I was paying at ALDI.  The only problem was the shipping was $8.00 unless you have Amazon Prime with free shipping.

At this pace of shrinkage, we’ll be buying 1 lb. cans of coffee soon.  I saw some 24 oz. cans.  There are reasons I don’t buy 1 lb. cans, they cost too much, and I drink too much coffee.

I, for one, cut down my consumption of coffee.  Now I just drink it in the morning and have replaced my favorite beverage with tea and water.  Doing so, is better for my health but also a small way to protest.  If more people followed this example, then perhaps, manufacturers would get the message that we had enough!

Friday, August 18, 2017

No Make No Life July 2017 Japanese Beauty Box Review + Coupon Code

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

nmnl box July 2017.jpeg
You get all FULL size beauty products in this great box!


When I heard about No Make No Life, a Japanese Beauty Box, I was even more excited to experience another culture’s take on beauty, especially with how devoted Japanese are to their skin care and makeup. In fact, they even coined a phrase for it, “nomakeolife,” the belief that makeup is essential to their lives.

If you never heard of this beauty subscription box, then I’ll fill you in.  Each nmnl box brings the latest Japanese trends straight to your door with five to seven full size products for skin, body, cosmetics, tools, hair, and bath for just $29.99 a month and free shipping to more than 120 countries.  The price gets even lower with a longer commitment such as $87.00 for three months, $170.00 for six and $330.00 for a year.

This box already sounds intriguing, but the real fun is after you dive into your first box of these exotic beauty goodies. You won’t be able to read the Japanese labels, but each box is accompanied with a booklet in English on all the products and how to use them.


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Here I swatched this Peach CC cream.

I know that you must be dying waiting for me to finally tell you what was inside this July 2017 box so I won’t delay a moment longer.  

The first product I pulled out was Peelingood Peeling Gel Kit.  This lemon-scented product has papain, lemon fruit extract and hydrolyzed collagen to gently resurface the skin unlike an intense peel.  It has six large, black cotton tipped swabs for spreading the gel over your clean face until you massage it in. You don’t allow it to remain on your face too long after working it deeply into your skin before rinsing.  When I finished, I noticed skin felt fresher, smoother and somewhat toned from this delicate peeling kit.

I also had a chance to try an amazing facial mask.  The Hollywood Orchid Enzyme Mask comes in a foil package with two sides to it.  One side has a cream and other is a powder that only gets activated when blending the two together.  According to the directions, dry or sensitive skins need only to wear this on a clean face for about three to six minutes before rinsing off.  Oily complexions can leave it on longer about seven to ten minutes.  Being dry, I choose five minutes and found how wonderfully it improved texture and gave my complexion a healthy glow. 

Sweets-Sweets Air Moisturizing CC Cream that arrived came in Peach.  This product has a great consistency and did a nice job to perfect with medium coverage, even out skin tone, moisture, and protect my skin with broad spectrum SPF 50.  I am fair to light with yellow undertones and thought the shade was nearly right on target with only slightly more orange to beige than my normal shade.  I also loved how this formula later gave almost a powder like finish.  I liked this product a lot, especially with the extra summer color I have now and plan to continue using it.  

Profael Massage Jelly Pack is a big 7.05 oz. tube of body skin care that’s meant for use in the shower.  This is a thick gel with wormwood extract and 30 Japanese plants to buff after washing the body to get rid of dead skin and soften before finishing your shower.  It did make my body silkier to invite more touches. 

The last item I found inside my box was Browtician Tweezers with a slant tip and mirror compact.  I had my brows professionally done with electrolysis and don’t really need to tweeze them.  However, it never hurts to have a sharp tip pair of tweezers for little jobs around the house if you don’t use them for beauty.

For just $29.99 and no shipping, I honestly believe No Make No Life (nmnl) Beauty Box is an excellent deal because you’ll discover some fantastic products that can change your beauty!  Check this Japanese beauty box out and see for yourself!  You’ll love them, I promise. 


Something special that you don’t want to miss is getting $3.00 off your nmnl box, Premium Tokoyo Treats Box or YumeTwins Box when you subscribe between August 18 until August 31 using coupon code CARDCAPTOR.

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Are You Unknowingly Your Skin’s Worst Enemy?

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This beauty is surprised at what she may have overlooked for perfect skin.


You try to eat a healthy, balanced diet, get enough sleep and never slack when it comes to proper skin care and maintenance of your complexion.  Then why does your skin occasionally still break out you may wonder when there are no health issues such as out of balance hormones to blame? You can’t understand what is wrong.

After all, you take great effort to throughly cleanse your face and moisturize with quality products.  Even so, think about your hands and all that you touch during an average day like your phone, keyboards, makeup brushes, handbags, keys, money, towels, etc., which all are breeding grounds for bacteria.

Despite washing your hands often, you can’t always remember keeping them from finding your face.  How often do you innocently scratch an itch, rub your eyes or push some hair off your forehead, tap a finger to your cheek in thought or nervous frustration? This list can go on, but my point is there are times you can be sabotaging your complexion without your knowledge.  With every touch, you transfer bacteria to your skin and work against yourself. 

If you are guilty of doing this, then try washing your hands more often and make a conscious effort to control that urge. Another way to safeguard your face is by wiping down your keyboard, keys and phone with sanitizer. This also helps cut down more bacteria for those unexpected times that you might slip and touch your face again.

Change your face towel often, preferably daily  since bacteria multiples into the millions within the span of only a week.  If you hate to do all that washing, then I suggest a clean face wash cloth to substitute as your face towel to dry.  You’ll have less laundry than a face towel and they stack better in your linen closet.  

Sometimes, life can get chaotic that you can forget how important cleaning makeup brushes, sponges and sponge applicators are in regard to your skin.  Instead, try to wash your tools every week.  Pick a day on your calender and stick to it.  

Being too overly clean washing your face is just as bad as not washing it enough.  You could be overstimulating the skin to produce more oil, causing those break outs.  

Just as detrimental is how you scrub your face when you cleanse.  Using too much pressure can stretch the skin and lead to wrinkles over time.  Another mistake is exfoliating with a scrub or peel with too harsh a product or too often.  Skin needs time to rebuild once dead cells are removed.

Eyes creams are something you should take seriously with how delicate this skin is. Without them, you can be prone to earlier under eye creasing.  Still, you can run into problems with thick eye creams that can block sebaceous glands in this area. A somewhat thinner consistency over a heavier ointment like cream is less likely to cause skin problems.  Look for a multitasking product that can help you stay on top of your beauty. A good one should hydrate, protect with SPF and brighten under eye darkness in one formula. 

There are other factors that can play a part in the condition of your complexion.  There is stress, smoking and excess sugar that all could be contributing to what is going on with your skin.  However, this is a start to just some possibilities of why your skin could be suffering and how to go about reversing it!