How You Care for Your Sponges and Loofahs Can Mean the Difference Between Good and Bad Skin!

In order to best protect our skin, we need to do more than simply shower and bathe. Remember those bath sponges and loofahs that you bathe with need just as much attention in keeping our skin healthy.

A good idea to stave off any potential infections from harboring bacteria in that moist environment is to soak those sponges and loofahs weekly in one part bleach to ten parts of water to sterile.  

Keep them immersed for a few minutes before rinsing with water. Allow those sponges and loofahs to air dry thoroughly and hang them somewhere other than your moist, hot bathroom.

A few minutes devoted to giving those sponges and loofahs some tender loving care can only help keep your skin as beautiful as possible! 

Review: Memebox #Hair & Body 2 Beauty Box + July 2014 Discount Code!

**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 #Hair & Body 2 Beauty Box

In a jungle of beauty boxes, Korean brand, Memebox really knows how to keep beauty loving girls happy with their glorious variety of enticing selections.  This time the company sent me their Memebox #Hair & Body 2, which is sensational for scented pampering for skin, hair, and nails.  

With the seven products inside, you can keep gorgeous from head to toe all summer long. 

The cost of this box was $23 plus $6.99 shipping. Unfortunately, #Hair & Body 2 sold out three days after its June 20 release.  When I tell you what you missed, you will understand why beauties worldwide need to put their order in early once such a tempting Memebox is made available! 

Explore the contents of Memebox #Hair & Body 2 with me below.  

Memebox #Hair & Body 2 Beauty Box products unboxed

1.  Kocostar Foot Therapy 40ml–Full Size–$9.00

2.  Label Young Shocking Holjjuki 100 ml–Full Size–$21.00

3.  Hello Everybody Spa Vita Berry Shampoo 30 ml–Sample Size–$5.18

4.  Hello Everybody Spa Vita Berry Treatment 30 ml–Sample Size–$5.18

5.  Vidanail Lvida Lavender Oil 10ml–Full Size–$10.00

6.  Evas Cosmetics Body Net 7Days Project (Berry Complex) 200ml–Full Size–$6.00

7.  Boutique Bebe Hair Salon Argan Oil Essence 60ml–Full Size–$31.00

Total Value: $87.36

The Kocostar Foot Therapy was a fun way to moisturize feet just by slipping them into this translucent pair of socks filled with treatment.  It attached around the ankle and when worn for about an hour and half, it exfoliates hard skin gradually over the course of several days. This made for smoother, prettier feet for my new pair of sandals.

The Label Young Shocking Holjjuki was next on my list to try.  This cellulite buster draws out trapped toxins due to its green tea and algae extracts.  Though not a permanent solution, I did notice a bit less of that dimpled texture on my thighs after a few uses.

Hello Everybody Spa Vita Berry Shampoo has such a delicious fragrance that you will not want to rinse as you lather with this luscious formula of ten berry extracts.  

Next, I followed with the Hello Everybody Spa Vita Berry Treatment to further nourish it. My hair was shiny, manageable and possessed that lingering berry aroma.

The Vidnail Vida Lavender Oil was something special that I really enjoyed.  Imagine how fabulous it was inhaling lavender in a product to revive the condition of your nails. 

The Evas Cosmetics Body Net 7Days Project in Berry Complex made me feel like I was bathing in a fresh tub of foaming berries.  It was a perfect end to a long, hard day at the computer when you need to unwind a tired mind and body.

Last of all, I got a bottle of Boutique Bebe Hair Salon Argan Oil Essence.  Who doesn’t love argan oil hair serums?  This girl certainly does!  However, I just conditioned so I didn’t try this product yet, but I will the next time I do.

Since I can’t travel the world to personally shop for beauty products, I am so glad that Memebox brings the best of what Korean brands have to offer to us.  Our languages may be different, but we speak the same language when it comes to beauty. 

Here’s something exciting, readers, you can get $5 off your purchase on any Memebox selection when you enter discount code SJNCTE18HN at checkout starting July 1 until July 31, 2014.  This discount is limited to one time per customer.  

What are you waiting for, gorgeous, when there is Memebox’s website to browse?  Trust me, you are going to love what you find there!

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

How to Better Protect Your Polished Nails From Chipping!

I hate going through all the trouble of painting your nails with that basecoat, topping with two coats of gorgeous polish, and then sealing your work in with a final topcoat only to still chip a short time following that manicure.  However, I have an easy trick that really helps keep the nails from chipping longer.

What I am about to share doesn’t involve buying any new product.  Instead, you continue doing your manicure in the same way as I described above. The only thing you need to change is your technique when you are applying that topcoat.

Before you are ready to lock that bottle of topcoat away, take the brush and hold it parallel to the tip of the nail and paint some topcoat just a bit under the nail.  This extra bit of reinforcement does wonders in strengthening the protection of the topcoat.  

Just try this and be amazed at what a simple change makes in keeping your manicure intact longer!

How to Get the Perfect Opaque Look With Pale Nail Polish!

I love the look of pale nail polish for that added elegance it brings to your hands with its simplicity.  Here’s a trick that you might want to try if you are attempting to go for that opaque look.

Start with a base coat as always.  Instead of reaching for your pale polish, I have a better suggestion.  Try applying a coat or even two of white polish first.

Next, paint on a single coat of that pale nail polish.  

Finish your manicure with a top coat.

When you glance at your hands, you will discover how this technique seems to dress up the hands beautifully and elongate the fingers in the process!  Do try because you will be amazed. 

Review: Blush Mystery Beauty Box June 2014 Will Make You Giddy With Pleasure!

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

Blush Mystery Beauty Box June 2014

If you haven’t gotten around to subscribing to Blush Mystery Beauty Box, then it is definitely the time to do it. Trust me, but you don’t want to miss out on this June box because this is one of the best I've experienced from them yet with an incredible assortment of products from top end hair and skin care to makeup! 

Their beauty box runs $24.95 a month or $34.95 for a one time purchase with luxury brands with full to sample sizes that are worth at least a $100 value.

Wait until you hear and see what I found inside that familiar black bag once I dug in.

Take a look at Blush Mystery Beauty Box for June 2014.

1.  NYX Be Free Palette–Full Size–$20 

2.  Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Seasilk Oil Gel–Full Size (3.4-oz.)–$28

3.  DermaNew Cleansing Creme for Sensitive Skin–Full Size (6-oz.)–$24

4.  Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair!–Full Size (5.25-oz.)–$26

5.  Phyto Phytolisse Serum Ultra Smoothing/Anti-Frizz–Sample (0.16-fl.oz.)–$3

                                                   Total Value:  $101 


The NYX Palette is simply great with colors that blend well and would look good on any complexion in a sturdy container. This collection has 25 gorgeous eye shadows from shimmer to matte on the top tier and three blush and seven lip glosses on the bottom.  

I’ve used Alterna Caviar hair products before and had exceptional results, but this Caviar Anti-Aging Seasilk Oil Gel is a new one for me.  This is a hydrating and smoothing treatment that can style hair as well with a light hold that I liked when blowing my hair under instead of letting my natural curl dominate.  I also noticed extra shine and softness.

I also got another smoothing hair serum from Phyto that I will try next.  When you have some natural curl, you can never have enough smoothing serum to control frizz.

DermaNew is a new brand to me, but one that I will be buying again.  Rich in botanicals, this lightweight, creamy cleanser gently cleans sensitive skin of makeup and grime, including eye makeup without robbing your complexion of oils in a water rinseable formula.   My skin felt soft and more supple afterwards. Normally, my face feels tight and dry after washing.

The Briogeo Deep Conditioning Mask is the star product for the month recommended by their beauty expert and one that I can’t wait to try.  This sounds like an intensive conditioner with avocado, sweet almond and argan oils for conquering dryness fortified with strengthening ingredients like keratin, rosehip oil and vitamins. I would have given myself a treatment but just did so the day before this bag arrived. 

If you want in on the latest and greatest luxury beauty brands, I can't recommend Blush Mystery Beauty Box highly enough. Do check their website out and the June Blush Mystery Beauty Box before they are gone! 

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

Review: DS Laboratories Revita High-Performance Hair-Stimulating Shampoo and COR Hair-Growth Stimulating Conditioner

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

DS Laboratories

I don’t happen to have a problem with thinning hair.  However, my guy is another story.  He won’t admit that there is a sparse section in the back of his head that is beginning to show, despite knowing how many hairs he sheds.  Instead of bringing up a sensitive issue to him, I replaced his shampoo and conditioner with the Revita High-Performance Hair-Stimulating Shampoo and COR Hair-Growth Stimulating Conditioner from DS Laboratories to see if this duo would help improve the situation.

Revita High-Performance Hair-Stimulating Shampoo

COR Hair-Growth Stimulating Conditioner

Knowing how well their Nia Helio Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner worked for me, I had great expectations of what their technology could achieve.  With multiple compounds of active ingredients such as Procyanidin B-2, amino acids, copper peptides, biotin, apple polyphenol, emu oil, spin traps, and more to feed, hydrate, and revitalize hair follicles, this Revita Shampoo sounded promising. The Revita Conditioner has active bio-adhesive and hydrophobic ingredients like stem cells, spin traps, niacinamide, arginine and others so they will remain on the scalp with the ability to keep on working for at least twelve hours after rinsing.   

When he comes home after working a long day in his office, he is too tired and stressed to notice much of anything during his shower before dinner.  However, his sense of smell caught onto the different scent because the water stopped longer than it takes him to soap up.

I could tell he looked wounded, but I told him I needed his male opinion on these products since they were geared for men.  Although I felt a bit guilty in stretching the truth, it was done in his best interest.   Knowing all the products that I am constantly testing, he nodded in understanding.

I asked what he thought so far.  He mentioned he liked the scent of both products and how good the shampoo felt on his scalp when lathering up, like a message.

The products did make his hair shiny and more manageable.   I moved in and examined what his hair felt like.  

My guy rolled his eyes.  He knows that I was making an initial assessment.  

I smiled because it was soft.  Realizing that you can’t expect miracles overnight, I waited patiently to keep checking his hair every night once he left the shower for any changes.  

Several days and then a week went by with nothing exciting to report except quite not as many falling hairs everywhere.  Another week went by and about the same amount of hairs ended up in the shower drain as that first week.  Then the weirdest thing happened close to the end of that third week, I could swear that emptier spot on his head looked like it filled in just a bit.  

Apparently, my guy also had been examining his head for progress.  “Is it my eyes or do I look like my hair is somewhat fuller?” he asked, staring at the back of his head with my hand mirror.  

“I was thinking the same thing,” I replied.  

This welcome news made my guy’s face light up like a candle.  “Even Martin noticed my hair looked better and asked what I was using.  He wants the link where to buy.”

What my guy experienced and the length of time it took to see his results with these products was based on his individual body chemistry.  You may notice improvement sooner or later or even not at all.  I only can tell you what happened on my guy’s head.

If you’re shedding hairs more than you would like, I think you should pop over to DS Laboratories and learn more about these Revita hair products because they can help.  

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

Review: New Hard Candy Cosmetics to Be on the Lookout for!

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

Six new Hard Candy Cosmetics to check out.

Hard Candy Cosmetics has expanded their collection significantly with some new products that launched Spring 2014.  You will also notice new shades in some of the already established lines as well while a few such as Meteor-eyes and Kal-eye-descope have slimmed down. I was sent a varied assortment that I know you will want to hear about before you go shopping.

The new Cheeks & Balances ($7) was what caught my attention first. This is a cream blush stick in with a highlight on one side and the contour shade on the other that has a small wheel at the side to swivel it up. 

Sweet Cheeks (805) was a gorgeous shade of warm pink-peach made even better after I turned that square plastic container and blended in its shimmery, petal-pink side.  My cheeks glowed.  This square shape does make this creamy blush easier to contour and play up those cheekbones I learned the more you practice.  As to how long it wore, I would estimate about four or five hours before you might want to add more color.  Two other color options are available: Cheeky Pink (767) and Sun Kissed (768). 

Next, I zoomed in on the pan of Single & Loving It ($3).   This is a single multicolor pan of eye shadow that comes in six colors in all.  Oink! (773) is a mix of soft warm pink, beige-tan, and an off-white. The pan is rather small to target each color and worked best for me by taking my brush and swirling the shades together.  The result was a beautiful way to open up the eyes with its shimmering luster of pale pink-beige. 

Ahead was one of the eleven Hard Candy’s Pop Art Nail Lacquers ($4). This takes glittery nails to bold new places with chunks of matte glitter to form intricate designs.  King of Pop (797) makes nails a work of art with shades of sky blue, peach, white, and navy for impact.

Though the Sheer Envy Primers ($8) have been out for a while, I had never gotten around to trying any yet until two of the new ones arrived.  Six makes up the line of these silicone-based primers.

The Dark Spot Correcting 752 has a pale green tint to help counteract any redness.  A little of this thick product is enough for smoothing out your complexion once you give it a few seconds to set.  I was surprised at how it seemed to brighten up my skin, including an emerging pimple that sought to ruin my day after applying my foundation and left me with a velvety finish.  

Having dry and not oily skin, I thought the Shine Free 806 Primer would be a problem.  To the contrary, this worked better than I expected for me.  Remember to use sparingly or it can tend to accumulate in any lines.  

A Take Me Out Liner ($4) was the last among my new Hard Candy beauty goodies.  There are 18 shades of these eyeliner pencils with built-in sharpeners in the cap.  I received one of the glittery choices in that lineup, Handcuffs (814), a metallic silver.  This liner was creamy for spreading without smearing and just what eyes need what you want to grab some night time attention.

What I like the most about Hard Candy Cosmetics is how easy it is to get the looks you’re after without dropping a wad of cash in the process.  If you haven’t tried any of these products yet, you will want to.  

For me, the next thing on my list is their Mod Squad Shadows.  However, there so many new temptations that it is hard to decide!  Do you also have that problem with the new products from Hard Candy Cosmetics?

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

Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmers (Rhubarb, Watermelon, Fig, Cherry) 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.**

Starting on the left is Cherry, then Fig, Rhubarb, and ending with Watermelon on the right.

What I love about Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmers is the fact you get a treatment and sheer color in one tube that soothes with shea butter and fruit oils while it invigorates with peppermint. At the same time, it dresses your lips with its beautiful shades of color like the four that I got for this review.

Rhubarb will give your lips a lovely glow of cranberry-red. Watermelon is a lively medium pink-violet.  Fig is a gorgeous reddish-brown. Cherry is a licorice shade of red with berries.

There are fifteen luminescent colors to choose from in all. Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmers retail for $5.00.  

If you haven’t tried any of these yet, do pick a few up because you will like what this product does for your lips! 

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

Wantable Makeup Box May 2014 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.**

Wantable Beauty Box for May 2014

Like anyone excited about beauty, I am constantly reinventing myself and changing my looks like a chameleon. One day I might want a soft, natural look and then the next I go trendy or dramatic.  Constantly experimenting with new cosmetics, skin and hair products, and fragrances can cripple your budget. However, the right monthly beauty subscription service like a Wantable Makeup Box can be the perfect solution.  

What makes Wantable so special is that you receive all FULL SIZE luxury brands geared to your individual preferences of colors and products chosen by their beauty experts for $36 a month or $40 to buy one box at a time.  

Usually you get four to five products that in all likelihood are ones you are just going to love because you went through a questionnaire that matched you on those likes and dislikes first. Nonetheless, if you aren’t pleased, then return it and the company will give you a full refund.

Trust me though, why would you want to with a no-risk deal like that, especially when I tell about what arrived for my personalized Wantable Makeup Box for May 2014.

I got a Vincent Longo Trio Eyeshadow Compact in Harem--($30).  This is a gorgeous palette with shades of gleaming deep umber, pale peach, and a rosy pink.  I had never tried this brand, but these neutral colors are sensational for how they blend to light up my brown eyes.

Vincent Longo Trio Eye Shadow Compact

I also got a tube of Mirabella Lipstick in Heat.–($22).  I already know how wonderful Mirabella lipsticks are for comfort and incredible color delivery and was delighted to find one in my box.  Though this is Coral according to my sheet, I would describe the color as more of a flaming red-brown, an ideal compliment to my new eye shadows.

Mirabella Lipstick in Heat

Next, I found my favorite form of eyeliner, a GlamNatural Mineral Eye Pencil in Black Opal–($25).  With how sensitive my allergy-prone eyes are at this time of year, I am thrilled at the forethought of Wantable including a healthier pencil during peak allergy season with everything finally blooming. 

GlamNatural Eyeliner Pencil

Last in my box of beauty goodies, I got Pla Beauty Cheeky Blush in Blushing–($22).  At first glance, I wasn’t sure if this dusky rose matte shade would be dark enough.  But, I am glad to say that I was wrong because it was more pigmented than I thought.  This blush delivered just enough sheer color to give me a beautiful natural look without looking powdery or overdone.  

Pla Beauty Cheeky Blush in Blushing

I really love my Wantable Makeup Box and think theirs is a great subscription service that is worthy of your attention.   Do visit their website for more information or to sign up because you won’t regret it!

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

**WIN Better Skin!**Trophy Skin’s RejuvadermMD Hand-Held Microdermabrasion System and Argan Stem Cell Serum Review + ($238) Giveaway! (2 Winners)–Ends May 27, 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.**

Trophy Skin’s RejuvadermMD Hand-Held Microdermabrasion System

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Whether your complexion is less than perfect or just could benefit from some slight refining, then exfoliation is vital. However, you can only do so much with scrubs and at home chemical peels in that quest for flawless skin.  But Trophy Skin’s new RejuvadermMD Portable Microdermabrasion System along with their Argan Stem Cell Serum that I have been using speeds up the process on that road to prettier skin.

This device is like a powered mini sander for your complexion, instead of wood.  It has four different levels, an authentic Diamond Tip for doing the buffing, a Pore Extraction Tip for working on unclogging large pores, and an Infusion Tip to deliver your anti-aging serum or cream deeper into your skin than any normal application. 

What else impressed me about this device is that you could work on your body to help do away with any age spots, sun damage, or even stretch marks in addition to smoothing the skin. 

I liked that it wasn’t bulky or heavy to hold, which is important if you have a lot of you to do.  

Though you may be tempted to hurry skin perfection along, you don’t want to overdo. The company recommends a buffing treatment two or three times a week so that is what I did in hopes of getting rid of two small pimple marks.

Before I started, I washed my face first before I plugged the power adaptor in and attached it to the device.   You hold in the button for a few seconds and know the machine is ready to operate when the power levels light up blue.

It is advised to start with the device on the lowest setting, suction Level 1 or 2. Therefore, I placed that diamond-tip on that area of my cheek and started at Level 2. You definitely feel some suction, but I wasn’t sure how long to keep the device against my skin before moving over the surrounding skin as evenly as I could.

My skin didn’t get red or anything so I decided to switch up the setting and tried Level 4.  I felt  more suction as I held it. I didn’t want to risk damaging my skin so I stopped working on that section of my cheek after my third time at it, which is specified in the directions.

My skin didn’t look worse for wear when I was examining my face in the mirror.  It felt so much softer, but showed no signs of irritation.  In fact, I wasn’t sure of how much it did until I was putting the machine away.

After you disconnect, you need to unscrew the Diamond Tip head and replace the black wool filter inside each time you give yourself a treatment.  (You get a bag of 50 of these included with this device).  The black filter now had a white film over it unlike the solid black ones in the accompanying little bag, which had to be old skin.  So I replaced the old filter before putting it away.

Immediately afterwards, I washed my face again with cool water before applying a few drops of the Argan Stem Cell Serum that Trophy Skin also sent.  My skin had become a little sensitive by that time, but this serum felt so soothing and was fast absorbing.

Trophy Skin's Argan Stem Cell Serum

Later in that first week, I tried the Infusion Tip instead of the Diamond Tip to maximize how that anti-aging serum could penetrate through the layers of my skin once I had some on.   I felt the force of this vacuum like effect on my lubricated face, but I won’t be able to tell for a while until a longer period has passed.

My small complexion issue is still a work in progress, but the texture of my skin overall keeps improving.   

The list price of RejuvadermMD on Amazon is $199 with FREE shipping within the United States there or on Trophy Skin!  The Argan Stem Cell Serum retails for $39.00.  High-end retailers such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Macy's will also sell them.

Don’t keep hiding behind thick coverage creams to deal with old acne scars or uneven texture because this little device and serum can help.   Do look into Trophy Skin’s RejuvadermMD and Argan Stem Cell Serum!

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

Thanks to Trophy Skin, two lucky Nuts 4 Stuff readers in the United States or Canada win either of two prize packages ($238 value)!

First Prize: 
a RejuvadermMD Portable Microdermabrasion System ($199)

Second Prize: 
Argan Stem Cell Serum ($39) for another winner! 


Mandatory to Enter:

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

Extra Entries:

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

Go to Trophy Skin and tell me something you learned from their website--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Tweet #Win #RejuvadermMDMicrodermabrasionSystem or #ArganStemCellSerum @TrophySkin #Giveaway ($238) @Nuts4Stuff  bit.ly/1l7FKXq  Ends 05/27 (Tweet up to 3 times a day, but at least 3 hours apart for each tweet.)--1 to 3 extra entries to leave in separate comments with proof.

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Check out Trophy Skin RejuvadermMD video on YouTube and tell me something you learned--3 extra entries to leave in three separate comments

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

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

This giveaway ends May 27, 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.  

Perlier Royal Elixir Facial Serum 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.**

Perlier's Royal Elixir Facial Serum

I fell quite in love with Perlier’s Royal Elixir Facial Serum that I got to review from  iFabbo. Instead of being some heavy, souped-up anti-aging product, this one possessed the moisturizing richness my dry skin craved without weighing it down. 

This anti-aging serum feeds the skin with nutrient-rich royal jelly from African bees to boost collagen production.  It also has plenty of anti-oxidative properties to further enrich it along with pure rose distillate in place of water, which is common in many products.

The first time I used this product, it smoothed my complexion with a luxurious moisture veil quenching the dryness and left my skin feeling very soft. Over the past two weeks of continual experimentation, I witnessed my overall complexion blooming more after every application.

You can buy #PerlierOnHSN.  The 50 ml retails for $99.  Do look into trying Royal Elixir Facial Serum for yourself or give it to Mom for Mother’s Day because it would make a great gift!

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

The Right Brushes Matter When You’re Striving for Makeup Perfection!

Just because you bought a new set of high-quality makeup brushes does not mean that you have all you need for creating your best work with your cosmetics.  What can make a true difference in helping you achieve perfection is the type of bristle that you are using for each individual task.

For instance, those luxurious natural bristles (sable, goat, pony, or squirrel) are meant for using with powder-based cosmetics like blush, powder, and eye shadow since their softer bristles are better for blending for a more natural look.

On the other hand, brushes with synthetic bristles are what you want for using with your cream concealers, gel liners, and lip products.  That extra bit of stiffness in the bristle gives you more accurate control when applying.

Do look at your tools and consider the brushes you have and the ones you need because your face can only benefit!

Get Glowing With the Karora Cosmetics Skinwear Collection--Express Bronzing Mousse Supreme Bronzette (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.**

Express Bronzing Mousse Supreme Bronzette and Mitt by Karora

Anyone that is on the pale side appreciates what a good self-tanning product can do to boost your self-esteem. You can gradually pick up some healthy color without risking your skin to hours in the hazardous sun. Considering it is already Spring, I for one, welcomed Irish brand, Karora Cosmetics’ invitation to try their Express Bronzing Mousse Supreme Bronzette in Medium/Dark to see what I thought. 

What I liked about this product even before I put it on was that it is meant to moisture the skin with natural botanicals to enable the tan to last longer. Also, you can control how dark you want to go without worrying about the outcome using this one Medium/Dark formula.

The choice of experimenting first whether you want a light, medium, to deep bronze was important, especially if you never used one or might have had a bad experience with a self-tanning product that, perhaps, turned you too orange or left you streaked, etc. This formulation allows you that freedom to decide within one bottle.

Take me for instance, right now I am as pale as a ghost and need the most natural way to appear tanned. Therefore, I like to start out with less than a serious color commitment and go with a light tan.

I prepared by exfoliating my body in the shower the night before following with plenty of body lotion to moisture the skin.

In the morning, I used their tanning mitt to apply this mousse, which changes more into a liquid with a fruity smell once it comes out.

Since I wanted to see what I would look like with the lightest option, I left the product on for one hour as recommended. Two hours gives a deeper tan and three hours is the darkest bronze.

When my timer rang, I showered and later discovered I had more of a medium tan than the light. At the same time, I must admit the color was darker than I had expected, but a realistic shade that tanned me fairly evenly.

The Express Bronzing Mousse (5.07 fl. oz.) retails for $40. Other products in the Karora Skinwear Collection include Karora CC Cream for Face and Body ($35), Instant Tan–Water Resistant Glow Glamster ($25), Tinted Self Tan Mist($30), and Gradual Tan ($25). Learn more about these products at Karora’s website.

Buy Karora Cosmetics at ULTA Beauty or find locations where to purchase.

If you are looking to warm up that skin after hibernating this winter, I recommend checking out the Express Bronzing Mousse and the Karora Skinwear Collection.

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

Plagued by Dark Under Eye Circles, Then Try These Natural Remedies!

Many of us suffer from ugly dark circles under our eyes. Whether you come by yours through heredity, lack of sleep, allergies, aging, sun, stress, diet, or even due to the prescriptions you may take, dealing with this problem can be a challenge.

Even the best concealing products on the market can do only so much by temporarily hiding those black, raccoon eyes.  Of course, certain eye creams can help more than others because of beneficial ingredients.  

For example, ingredients like caffeine and vitamin K constricts blood vessels to make that pooled blood under the skin less noticeable. Vitamin C and arnica are other ingredients that you also need to check those eye cream labels for since they can brighten and heal. Another ingredient that can do well for your eyes is almond oil, which is rich in fatty acids and also helps in lighting darkness.

However, you can find some wonderful treatments for this problem in your own kitchen that you may not be aware of like the power of smashed bananas or some slices of cucumbers used in conjunction with some almond oil to lighten under eye darkness.

Mash about a third of a banana. Then wash your face and take what you need and apply some carefully under your eyes. Prepare to chill out for about a half hour to give nature the time it needs to work before rinsing.

You also might want to try soaking a few slices of cucumber that you cut one-quarter inch thick in a few tablespoons of almond oil. (I like to save most of the cucumber for salad and reserve two of slices of that size in a small container with two tablespoons of the almond oil). You don’t put this mix on immediately. Instead, you let the cukes soak with the oil for about twenty minutes first. Afterwards, you dry your cucumber slices off with a towel and then lay down with one slice on each eye for about fifteen minutes or so.

Another suggestion is to try whipping up this natural under eye lightening paste that has tumeric powder and pineapple juice. Try a teaspoon of the tumeric powder and gradually add only enough pineapple juice to form a paste that is thick enough to spread under your eyes. Be sure the area is clean first before applying. Keep this paste on for about fifteen minutes and then rinse off.

Living with year-round allergies, I am always trying new products, recipes, and ways to cope with the problem. While these may not completely solve under eye circles, these natural remedies that I am sharing do seem to help more than you may believe. I do encourage you to give them a try!

Brighten Your Holiday Season With Thymes NEW Wildwood Black Currant & Birchwood Candle Tin! (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.**

Thymes Wildwood Black Currant & Birchwood Candle Tin

Preparing your home in style for the holidays couldn't be easier than with a festive aroma to set the mood.  Thymes sent me their new Wildwood Black Currant & Birchwood Candle Tin and it is a great way to go with fresh scent of black currant, tart thimbleberry, and grass along with birchwood bark, which provides a cozy warmth to this bright, happy blend.

Besides that beautiful smell, the tin itself is very decorative and has a lid to close it once you finish burning the candle.  This candle can burn cleanly for 32 hours to spread that welcoming aura through your home.

Thymes  NEW Wildwood Black Currant & Birchwood Candle Tin

If you haven't tried any of Thymes scented candles, then I suggest this is the perfect time and choice to start because it is a lovely aroma to usher in the magic of the season.
The Wildwood Black Currant and Birchwood Candle Tin retails for $18.50.  Other options to enjoy this fragrance are through Home Fragrance Mist ($18), Potpourri ($34), Refresher Oil ($19), Poured Candle ($32), Votive Candle ($12.50), Reed Diffuser ($60), and the Reed Diffuser Oil Refill ($30).

Here is what the opened tin of this candle looks like.

Do visit Thymes and order any of the Wildwood Black Currant and Birchwood Collection for yourself or to give as holiday gifts. Trust me, but I know you will love this one!

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