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Showing posts with label Beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beauty. Show all posts

Ponytails vs Divatress - bringing out the diva in you!

This post is compensated. All thoughts/opinions belong to the writer. Your experience may differ.



When it comes to bringing out your inner diva, hair is important... Well, it is for me. Minus work outs and just general day-to-day ponytails, I always try to have something a little more going on when I feel like looking nice or just add a little more oomph (especially when my hair is feeling particularly flat that day).

Ponytails are always a good choice. They are easy, quick, and there are actually a lot of different ways to do a ponytail. My favorite has always been the swept-to-the-side ponytail. It's so elegant-looking but oh-so easy!

Updos aren't so easy and quick but they can pack a punch! You can find lots of tutorials and ideas on YouTube. (This one is awesome!!)

But for when I want to wear my hair down, my go-to arsenal are half-wigs, and Divatress's sensationnel line of lace front wigs and half-wigs are not only pretty, but they're affordable!


My favorite is the Sensationnel Instant Weave Half Wig – TUSCANY. It comes in 8 different colors and the medium brown almost matches my hair perfectly! Since I have trouble getting texture in my hair to stay, a half-wig like the Tuscany would make it a lot easier - all I would have to do is style the front! I always likes that wavy look but because my hair gets flat so easily, styling my entire head and keeping it that way is more work than it's worth (and that makes me sad). So this would be a great option for those who are in the same boat!

Even for those with long hair who have trouble getting it styled and keeping it that way for any length of time, it's a battle - most often, a losing battle. Don't let the diva stay inside - maybe Divatress can help you bring it out!

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7 Must Have Beauty Products for Spring

Thanks to BVSpa, Devera Naturals, and Michael Todd Beauty for the partnership. All thoughts/opinions are my own. Your experience may differ.


This year, not only did I vow to take care of my body, I also vowed to take care of my skin. I want to not only feel good, I want my skin to look good as well. So I decided to put a few skin care routines to the test.


Let's start with Rosewater Cleansing Toner 2-in-1 by Devera Naturals. Spending hours, sweating in the sun can definitely dry out the skin, leaving it looking awfully tired. The Rosewater Cleansing Toner cleans, tones, and exfoliates while it moisturizes and promotes healthy skin-cell turnover.

It's easy to apply. You can do it in the morning and at night. It smells wonderful. I did start to notice small changes as I used it. My skin looked less tired and a lot cleaner. I use it daily, mostly at night, when my skin is at its dirtiest. Definitely worth it!

You can purchase Rosewater Cleansing Toner for $42.95.



A product I use right after using the Rosewater Cleansing Toner is Michael Todd's Hyaluronic Complex Hydrating Serum. Ultra moisturizing and soothing, it is formulated to improve redness, dullness, and dry patches for a better-looking complexion.

I have oily skin, and while it says that it's great for all skin types except oily, I noticed that it worked great for me. It goes on super smooth and light. I love how it makes my skin feel and I have seen that my complexion is looking a little more clearer and even.

You can purchase Hyaluronic Complex Hydrating Serum from Michael Todd for $37.


When it comes to wanting to relax and have that "just got a nice spa massage" feeling, nothing beats BVspa Pink Grapefruit by Bon Vital, which are environmental-friendly!

Scrub away dead skin cells and bring out a new glow with the Salt Scrub, which I love. I use this most of the time, especially on my arms and feet, which take a beating during the week thanks to running and workouts.

You can also get a smoother finish with the Sugar Scrub, which I use mostly on nights and or days I'm going to be out most of the time. Oh, the smell is great. I love that it's non-sticky. It doesn't do a deep-scrub job like the Salt Scrub, though salt, by nature, is much coarser, but it's perfect for that date night or if you just want smoother-looking skin.


The body butter, which I use body butter all the time, is awesome! I use it on the most rough or dry spots like my feet, elbows, and arms. What I'll sometimes do is put it on my feet and put on socks for overnight softness. Wondering about that body lotion as well? I layer it with the Pink Grapefruit Sugar Scrub and add a few spritzes of Sweet Like Candy perfume by Ariana Grande for that overall sexy feeling.

You can find BVspa on Bon Vital's website. Prices vary.

So my question for you is... How do you take care of your skin? Any special routine?
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8 fragrances that will be perfect for your summer!

I received Sweet Like Candy by Ariana Grande and Brazilian Crush by Sol de Janeiro to facilitate this post. All thoughts/opinions are my own. Your experience may differ.



It's springtime and that means that it's time to bring out must-have fragrances that everyone will love!

However, for this roundup,  we're going to show you some ideas for whatever mood you're feeling!

(Prices and links are not included as prices vary but many can be found at most major retailers.)

Relaxed & Mellow
There are some scents that make you feel happy and energetic but on those days you know are going to be tough, you know you'll need something that calms and makes you feel, well, relaxed.
It's not secret that lavender can do wonders for feeling relaxed. Lavanila's Vanilla Lavender Fragrance includes Spanish Lavender, Rose Absolute, Violet Leaf, Madagascar Vanilla so you'll feel like you're in your own tranquil oasis.


For a trip to the English countryside without leaving the country, White Jasmine & Mint Cologne by Jo Malone London™ with the top fragrance being mint leaf while the mid and base notes being heirloom jasmine and mate leaf. Now that sounds relaxing!

Sexy & Playful (And perhaps a bit romantic)


According to Faveable, Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia Eau de Parfum Spray is a great scent for summer (though we think that it works perfectly for spring as well.)! "Smells of summer romance".



If you haven't tried Sweet Like Candy Eau de Parfum by Ariana Grande, you'll enjoy this scent! With top notes such as Sparkling Blackberry, Italian Bergamot, Pear and under notes like Jasmine Sambac and Dewy Honeysuckle, this Sweet Like Candy makes a great addition to a night out. Sweet, playful, and kind of sexy! (FYI: I wear it when I want to smell sexy, and while I can't vouch for every guy, a guy friend of mine, whose sense of smell is incredible, likes it... a lot.)

Young
If you're feeling older than you really are, there's nothing wrong with wanting something that makes you feel just a bit younger. Trust me, there are days I feel older than 32.


A scent that will instantly boost your mood and those around you is Clinique Happy Heart that brings a fragrance of flowers, a hint of warmth, a deepening of emotions, and a heart of water hyacinth, brightened with Mandarin and blond woods.

Beachy
Even if you can't be on your favorite island, that doesn't mean you can't bring the island to you.

Brazilian Crush Body Fragrance Mist by Sol de Janeiro is a nice way to bring the beach-feeling to you! Top fragrance notes include pistachio and almond, with mid tones include heliotrope and jasmine petals, with dry notes being vanilla, salted caramel, and sandalwood, making it perfect for those days you wish your toes were in the sand. I use it for days I want to smell like I just came from the beach or want something that smells good but not overbearing or too "sexy".


Though evenly priced with other summer scents that you can find, Estee Lauder's Bronze Goddess Eau de Parfum is probably one of the most iconic summer "beacy" scents, with top fragrance notes being Italian Bergamit, Ginger Extract SFE, and Mandarin. Mid and dry notes include Indian Jasmine Sambac Absolute, Creamy Coconut, Frangipani Petals, Vanilla Absolute, Cashmere Wood, Captive Musk, and Amber, making it feel like you've been transported to the island.

Sporty


If you're in a sporty mood and want a fragrance that mirrors that, Burberry Sport Perfume For Women fits the bill! Magnolia, honeysuckle, sea salt, mandarin, cedar, and musk make up the fragrance notes.

What are some of your favorite scents to use for spring and summer?
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Is there an alternative to pierced ears? We think so!

Thanks to EarZings for the partnership. All thoughts/opinions are my own. Your experience may differ.




I don't have pierced ears. Not because I'm afraid of needles or against having pierced ears. But I have always wanted to look of having pierced ears without going through the process.

EarZings are a great alternative to pierced ears, clip-ons, and magnetic earrings. With a patent-pending technology, you essentially just slide the earrings on. It's also great for girls whose friends have pierced ears but don't have pierced ears themselves but want that "pierced ears" look.

So how do EarZings work? It is a patent coil design for a painless earring-wearing experience - without the pain of going through a piercing. In fact, they are easy to put on! (You can also watch a how-to video here.)


They have a lot of wonderful styles available for girls ages 5+ to even styles women will love. I mean, just check out these cute Hootie EarZings! Teens and tweens who love owls will love these. They're adorable!

Shown: Papillon & Hootie

My personal favorite is the Starlet, which are twinkly silver stars that would be perfect for date night or even the holidays.

If you like the look of dangle earrings, EarZings also has Dangles Attachments (sold separately, which you slide onto your EarZings for an enhanced look for your EarZings. The Irish girl in me is loving the emerald green Capri Peridot Dangles!

For those looking for gift ideas, you can also get gift sets including a pair of EarZings and a matching necklace in different styles.

Be sure to follow EarZings on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

BUY
You can purchase Ahoy EarZings for $15. EarZings are also sold at specialty shops. Use their store locator to see if it's available in your area.

WHAT I THOUGHT

Like I said, I don't have pierced ears but I've always wanted that look without going through the whole process of getting my ears pierced. I couldn't wait to try out EarZings!


At first glance, my Ahoy EarZings were a beautiful blue. I was kind of intimidated on how to use them, but after a few minutes of figuring it out, I successfully put them on. The great thing about these is that I could hardly feel them! Seriously, I forgot I was wearing them. After putting them on a few times over the next following week or so, it was a breeze to put them on and where to place them.

I know it's a bit blurry but this is how they look from the side.
I've had a lot of fun finding what outfits and hairstyles they go with. I noticed that they look amazing in a black shirt (like the one I'm wearing in the picture above) and a ponytail. It looks so classic! My friend, who knows I don't have pierced ears, said I looked like I was ready for a date. 

I can't wait to see  how they look with different clothes and hairstyles. I'm thinking an up-do with a pretty dress or pantsuit for the holidays... Or that date.

read more "Is there an alternative to pierced ears? We think so!"

Fun Geeky End Of Summer Outfit Ideas!


It is almost the end of summer, and I don't know about you, I am getting tired of wearing light-colored clothing and bland socks. I'm ready to spice up my wardrobe, but geeky-style!

It is no secret that I am a huge geek and nerd. I also like my wardrobe to be as bright as my personality.

T-Shirts
If you're really into geek humor, NeatoShop is a great place to go for shirts that not only feature your favorite geeky thing, there's always a funny spin on it! If you love both Doctor Who and Despicable Me, you might get a kick out of their Doctor Gru tee. (It is on my "must buy" list!)

BustedTees is another wonderful website to get humorous geeky t-shirts. What's different about BustedTees is that these are more parodies of our favorite shows, movies, and references.

BustedTees - Two Suns of Fun - $20

Other great places to find the geekiest of geeky tees are TeeTurtle (which gamers will love), and TeeFury. (TeeFury is more random geeky than the others.)

TeeTurle - Pew Pew Panda - starts at $20

Accessories
In the summer, I tend to wear either black or white socks because I'm moving around so much, the last thing I want to do is ruin a good pair of fun socks.

Sock Dreams - Star Wars Chewie Midcalf - $20
If you love crazy socks that match the shows, movies, and things you love, you have to check out Sock Dreams! They have socks for those that love space (like I do), Star Wars, Beavis & Butthead, superheroes, and much more! They have funky socks available in anklet, footies, knee highs, and even toe socks.


If you're not really into the geeky socks but want something a little more colorful, Happy Socks offers plenty of that. My favorite pair of socks from the Women's section The Lucky Sock. At $12 (which seems to the general price for a lot of their socks), that's not a bad price at all!

I couldn't find any overly-geeky hats or scarves (unless you want to spend over $30 for a simple scarf on ThinkGeek), but I imagine that anything geeky you have that you enjoy wearing would be perfect!

What is your favorite geeky thing to wear? I have a Star Wars t-shirt my sister got me for Christmas a few years ago, and I still love to wear it!


read more "Fun Geeky End Of Summer Outfit Ideas!"

Stella & Dot's 2016 Fall Line is here!

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.


 

It may be July, but Stella & Dot has released their 2016 Fall Line and it is gorgeous! Neutrals and white will not only last you through the rest of the summer, but into my favorite season - fall!

What are some of the pieces you can pick up?

This stunning Celine Wrap Bracelet features semi-precious hematite, metallic, and shiny silver beads or shiny gold. It is also adjustable. It would look great with almost any fall color or outfit you have planned for the season. (It may look a bit odd against a bright orange color.) It's available in Silver ($49) or Gold ($59).


We all know that black goes with everything, which is why I am loving this Hayes Tassel Hobo in Black ($159)! What's even better is that it is versatile. It can be worn as a crossbody during the day (like when you're running errands) and as a regular bag while on a night out with an easy adjustable strap. It has genuine leather strap and tassel accent. Seriously, I want this.

read more "Stella & Dot's 2016 Fall Line is here!"

Three HOT Summer Nail Looks #JulepMaven

This post may contain affiliate links.

6 pc beauty gift FREE when you join Julep

I’m loving BRIGHT colors this summer season! There’s no better way to embrace bold colors that a new nail look. Check out these three nail looks from Julep – each featuring polishes from their Summer Brights Beauty Gift for New Subscribers that is FREE when you join Julep beauty box.

Here are the colors used in the looks:


Look 1: Geometric Gems
Summer Brights GWP


Look 2: Vibrant Plaid
Summer Brights GWP


Look 3: Ocean Ombre
Summer Brights GWP

Which look do you like best? I LOVE Ocean Ombre!

To get the polishes used in these looks for FREE, join Julep Beauty Box and add the FREE Summer Brights 6-Piece Gift to your cart and use code HEYSUMMER at checkout. If you’re already a Maven, you can Save 20% off at Julep.com with code LETSGET20.
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Get beautifully filed nails with #germanikure! #crystalmessage #mantrafiles


I was NOT compensated for this post. I received a FREE Germanikure Double Sided Crystal Glass Nail File to facilitate this review. All thoughts/opinions are my own. Your experience may differ.

For women, we generally try to keep our nails looking nice. But when a broken nail happens or our nails get messed up, we tend to reach for emery boards. Let's face it - they sometimes don't get the job done. I prefer crystal glass nail files.

Germanikure offers double-sided crystal glass nail files imprinted with humorous, motivational, spiritual, and inspirational messages that fits your personality.

Made in the Czech Republic, their files are made from thick Bohemian glass and specially formulated and tempered against breaking. It can be used on either wet or dry on natural nails, acrylics, or rough, callused areas of skin in both directions without having to worry about that small tears or gouges in the nail or cuticle.

BUY
You can purchase Germanikure "Exist On Your Own Terms" double-sided crystal glass nail file on Amazon for $11.01.

WHAT I THOUGHT

I have used crystal glass nail files for quite a few years. While it's a preference, I have found that they are a little easier on my nails than emery boards. But the ones I get are simple, and don't really fit my personality. (Not to mention it was almost time for me to buy a new one.) Imagine my excitement when I was asked to review Germanikure's "Exist On Your Own Terms" double-sided crystal glass nail file.

Why did I choose "Exist On Your Own Terms"? Because as I have gotten older, I have realized that I don't need anyone to tell me how to live my life. I knew as soon as I saw that phrase, I had to go for it.

At first glance, the leather sleeve is a beautiful green with yellow stitching and the words "GERMANIKURE" stamped into it. You automatically see the phrase on the handle of it. Once it is taken out of the sleeve, you finally see that the file itself is of high quality, and has a nice smooth feel to it. It's nice and thick, so you don't you won't break it when you just really want to go at that nail that's bothering the heck out of you. Did I also mention it's almost 5 inches long, so there is no chance you'll lose it anytime soon?


How did it work? Beautifully. My nails were messed up from the night before when I was hanging out with a friend, and the minute I started using it, I noticed a vast difference from other glass nail files I've used before. It was smooth without any hang ups or fraying (which is another reason I won't use emery boards).

I seriously love my Germanikure "Exist On Your Own Terms" crystal glass nail file!


read more "Get beautifully filed nails with #germanikure! #crystalmessage #mantrafiles"

Intensive Hair Mask by #Shielo is now part of my hair routine!

Intensive Hair Mask
For women, having healthy hair is important. When your hair is dry or damaged from dyeing or chemicals, it can take a toll on your self- esteem and how you feel.

Intensive Hair Mask from Shielo is an intensive for your hair that instantly repairs dry, chemically treated, or damaged hair  to make it look healthy and moisturized using certified organic extracts, complex peptides and highly moisturizing agents. For normal hair, you use it once a week. For damaged hair, twice a week until your hair is restored.

Shielo is known for their organic hydrating shampoos and conditioners. They use natural-based ingredients that contain no GMOs, and it must be harvested from sustainable environments to bring you the highest quality possible.

Since everyone seems to be dyeing their hair left and right nowadays, it's easy to get damaged hair from it. To keep your great color and strengthen your hair, be sure to check out their Color Protect line. It is formulated to fortify and protect your color without having it go down the drain. (When I could dye my hair and had it red for a while, I would see it go swirling down the drain and say "more pink down the sink".)

They also offer products for hydration, volume, soothing, and even leave-in hair protectant. Be sure to check out their style guides!

Follow Shielo on Facebook and Twitter.

BUY
You can purchase Intensive Hair Mask for $49,99.

WHAT I THOUGHT
Intensive Hair Mask after
Shiny hair! (My hair normally looks frizzy as it air dries.)
Many of you know that I use coconut oil to restore my once fried hair after a horrible allergic reaction to hair dye. But sometimes, I don't feel like spending 45 minutes with coconut oil everywhere. I wanted something that was easier, and a bit less messy. So when I had to the chance to give Intensive Hair Mask a whirl, I jumped at the opportunity. I love checking out new ways to keep my hair healthy.

At first glance, the bottle looked small. With medium-length hair, I was thinking there is no way this will cover all of my hair. But to my surprise, I just needed a small amount. It's a little thicker than normal conditioners, but it washes out just as easily.

As my  hair was drying, I had less tangles than I normally would. In fact, I had no tangles right out of the shower. That has only happened once or twice in the past year or so. My hair is considerably softer. It looks free-flowing and not weighted down like some conditioners tend to do. It doesn't look or feel dry. My hair looks great, if I do say so myself!

I'm actually going to include in my hair routine. I plan to use coconut oil a couple of times a week and my Intensive Hair Mask once a week.
read more "Intensive Hair Mask by #Shielo is now part of my hair routine!"

#StellaDot has the best-selling Spring accessories!

It's almost Spring. (Or if you live in Texas, it feels like Spring!) You're probably already planning your spring outfits. I know I am! But I want something a little more high quality and unique this year. So I decided to head on over to Stella & Dot to see what their best-selling accessories are for Spring. However, I need your help choosing a few items! So here's what I'm thinking about:


I might pair this beauty with a flowing white shirt, jean capris, and sandals. My only problem is that I am clumsy, so it would probably get caught on things a lot!


I haven't decided what outfit I would wear this with, but I imagine it would go great with any outfit, minus my favorite Celtic circle t-shirt. I wish I had this for jury duty I went to a week ago! Talk about a statement!


I don't have my ears pierced yet, but I am planning on doing that this year. I'm not a big fan of studs or hoops, so I would LOVE to get these once I am able to wear regular earrings. These are stunning, and I love the drape! Did I mention that they're interchangeable? (By the way, can someone tell me what an ear jacket is?)


I've always been a fan of wrap bracelets. I guess because you can make it as tight or loose as you need it. What I love about this wrap bracelet is that the design goes all the way around, so there's color with every flick of the wrist. This is definitely a bracelet I can wear with practically anything! Even a t-shirt and some flip flops would look even better with the Sierra Double Wrap Bracelet!

If you could choose one of the four to get, which one would it be? I'm really digging the Pave Chevron Ring and the Sierra Double Wrap Bracelet!
read more "#StellaDot has the best-selling Spring accessories!"