On June 1st, The Body Shop with campaign partner, Cruelty Free International, the leading non-profit organization working to end animal testing, announced an ambitious goal to collect 8 million signatures from people all over the world by 2020 which will allow them to take their petition to the UN to request an international convention that bans animal testing globally – for good, everywhere and forever.
The Body Shop started this fight, now we can help them finish it!
Sign the petition here: Thebodyshop.com/ban-animal-testing, or go into any of The Body Shop’s 3,000 stores to sign, then share the hashtag, and spread the word. #ForeverAgainstAnimalTesting @TheBodyShop
I signed the petition online, and it was easy to do. I think this is so important, as we can still enjoy wonderful beauty products without animals being harmed!
Here is more information about cosmetic animal testing:
For the first time, Dancing with the Stars Self Tanning products are available to all of us pale people who need some color. That’s such good news for me! And what are the products that current DWTS pro winner Emma Slater is loving?:
PERFORMANCE self-tanning airbrush spray – This micro-fine mist sashays across the skin delivering an all over, flawless tan worthy of a perfect ten. Utilizing advanced spray technology, it’s never been simpler to give sunless tanning a whirl.
PERFECTION self-tanning mousse – This super lightweight, velvety mousse glides as easily over one’s body as a professional dancer moves across the floor. With a simple sweep across the skin – an instant, yet long-lasting bronze color appears. Talk about a quick-step!
PRECISION single-use mitt – a blend of bronzers and nourishing, skin firming moisturizers that provides a simple to apply delivery system achieving a streak-free, natural looking, long lasting color. Adding to the applause this product receives, the mitt is lined with a plastic protective shield that won’t allow your hands to be tanned.
ENDURANCE color boosting skin perfector – This multipurpose body balm partners immediate skin illumination with a gradual build to a show-stopping bronze! Formulated to choreograph the skincare benefits of a CC cream, Endurance moisturizes, brightens, and firms – all while evening skin tone and extending self tanning color results.
BLENDING MITT Give yourself a hand! Applying flawless color every time has never been so easy. This blending mitt ensures even, streak-free application of all Norvell products – while the waterproof lining prevents color build up and DHA development on the hands. This product can simply be rinsed, air-dried and reused ensuring a perfect tan every time!
What I think: I received a blending mitt with the spray, mousse and perfector. This morning, I applied the mousse on one leg with the mitt and used the spray on the other leg. I applied lotion to my knees and feet.
Now, I am not the best at applying sunless tanning products and this is the first time of the year I’ve used them, so my legs were WHITE. But, I have to say they look pretty good now. The leg with the spray is more even, but lighter. My feet and knees look really natural and don’t have dark spots. The mousse leg is a deeper brown, but it’s a bit darker on a spot on my knee and my foot. But, it’s not very noticeable. I definitely need a second coat on both legs, which I will do tomorrow. But, Wow! Really great brown color, hardly any developing scent, and the scent when you spray it on is beachy and light.
The wonderful skin perfector is helpful to me when I miss a spot with self tanning. It also evens my body’s skin tone and looks so pretty on. It gives the skin a glow.
I really recommend this! And for someone who is not great at self tanning, I could wear shorts and look good right now! I love both products, but think my perfect formula would be to apply the spray first for a base, then a few hours later or the next day, apply the mousse to deepen the tan. LOVE!
These products are available at Walmart, Amazon, Harmon and www.tanDWTS.com
Have you tried these products or are you planning on picking them up?
I hope your weekend was awesome! I’ve been busy, so my favorites post is a little late, but I am featuring a bit of gorgeous summer makeup.
This week, I have been loving a gorgeous eyeliner wardrobe and color and hydration for lips. These products are perfect as we start a hot summer:
ybf your best friend gelUS eyes 5-piece collection
ybf your best friend gelUS eyes 5-piece collection ($28.80 USD) — Gelus eyes 5- piece collection A creamy, smudge-proof gel formula, with smoldering off black-based undertones and unexpected shots of playful, lustrous color! The oil-free, water-resistant formula holds highly concentrated pigments in a gel base offering the look of a liquid liner and feel of a rich gel color.
With new sophisticated technology, gel-us eyes, contain special reflective pearls (shades) for multi-dimensional color that can be worn alone or layered for an intensified effect! The automatic, retractable liners allow a smooth and even application while being strong enough to last all day into evening.
What I think: This is a gorgeous little set of pencils! The formula is really pigmented and glides along the eye lid. The colors are neutral and work well for any occasion. I love brown eyeliner, and the chocolate and the bronze are my go tos. The white and the silver are amazing accent colors and I use the black for going out. This is an affordable way to get an eyeliner wardrobe.
Arbonne Smoothed Over Lipstick ($29 USD) — Luxurious, longwearing, and smoothing. Our new, improved lipstick formula has the nourishing and hydrating qualities of a lipstick, with the soothing properties of a balm. The updated design helps the satin-glossy formula glide on easily to create a luscious, gorgeous look.
Arbonne Shea Butter Moisturizing Lip Balm ($16 USD) — An essential addition to your everyday, go-to collection. Our hydrating formula helps nourish lips and leaves them feeling soft and smooth. Containing five moisturizing botanical oils, this silky balm is the perfect solution to dry lips.
What I think: The lipstick is very creamy and easy to apply. It’s well pigmented. I have it in Gladiola, the red in the above photo. I don’t wear reds, but this is a gorgeous color for those who like a dramatic lip.
The lip balm is amazing! It’s fragrance and flavor free for those who are sensitive to fragrance. It is so hydrating. Perfect for parched lips. I wear a lot of lip balm, and this is one I could wear every day.
I love easy summer hair. The best way to get it is when hair is hydrated. I received an Infusium leave in treatment to moisturize dry hair and a The Mane Choice curly hair styling product to maintain and create soft curls during the warm weather.
Both of these products help make easy summer styles:
Infusium Moisturize & Replenish Original Leave-In Treatment
Infusium Moisturize & Replenish Original Leave-In Treatment ($5.84 USD) — Our transformative formulas, containing the i-23 Complex, a customized blend of proteins and conditioners, are designed to treat even the most damaged hair.
Moisturize + Replenish collection features our classic light and soothing scent. We’ve infused these formulas with Avocado & Olive Oils to help hydrate and quench dry, dull hair.
What I think: This product is best for very dry or damaged hair. My hair is dry, but it’s also fine so I use just a little to condition my hair. Once I dry my hair, it’s soft and manageable. This is also great for kids who have really tangled hair.
Purchase at Walmart stores and Walmart.com
The Mane Choice Pink Lemonade & Coconut Curl Boosting Sherbet
The Mane Choice Pink Lemonade & Coconut Curl Boosting Sherbet ($14.99 USD) — a curl enhancing delight with the perfect balance of hold and moisture. Formulated to define, shape and transform your curls. A must-have for the ultimate curly, wavy, and kinky hair regimen. Infused with biotin, vitamins, and nutrients to aid in hair growth and retention. Perfect for wash-and-go styles, twist-outs, & braid-outs!
What I think: This fluffy pink cream smells delicious! It’s used on damp hair to define curls. A fun way to use it is to apply a little to towell dried hair and twist it. Then it will dry naturally into bouncy curls! That works nicely on my wavy hair.
Smooth, glowing skin is what I want in summer. When I have great skin, I can use less makeup in the hot weather.
I was sent the products below for my honest review. The Neocutis products are powerhouses in smoothing and firming skin and the Manuka Doctor 24K Gold and Manuka Honey products really make my skin glow!
Neocutis MICRO•BODY Rejuvenating Cream ($120), Neocutis.com — Lavishly rich, skin-refining body cream with exfoliating Salicylic Acid helps transform dry, rough skin into a smoother, more touchable texture.
Neocutis MICRO•FIRM Neck & Décolleté Rejuvenating Complex ($135),LovelySkin.com — Enhances elasticity to help create a more youthful, sculpted décolleté with MPC and diminishes the appearance of uneven skin with Glycolic Acid. Packed with antioxidants and moisturizers for radiant skin.
Neocutis MICRO•SERUM Intensive Treatment ($260), LovelySkin.com — Supercharged with MPC to intensively revitalize and hydrate skin while helping redefine the look of facial contours and skin texture for enhanced smoothness and luminosity.
What I think: the body cream is amazing! I applied it to my rough elbows and arms and the next day they were baby smooth! This is great for any areas of the body that is dry and rough.
The neck cream helps my crepey skin and firms my neck and chin. I use it morning and night to keep my neck firm and youthful looking. The serum is amazing, too. It’s more like a light cream and it makes my face soft and smooth. I use it every night and wake up with gorgeous skin!
Purchase at Neocutis.com and LovelySkin.com
Manuka Doctor 24K Gold & Manuka Honey
The NEW Manuka Doctor collection of luxurious beauty oils are formulated with 24K Gold, Manuka Honey and precious plant oils to visibly brighten, firm and hydrate whilst leaving skin glowingly soft and naturally radiant.
Containing a delicate natural fragrance of Chamomile and White Floral, these light beauty oils nourish and seal in moisture helping to regain suppleness and elasticity. Skin feels silky smooth and appears more moisturized and luminous.
Collection includes:
Eye Oil (0.33 fl oz) – $24.99
Face Oil (0.40 fl oz) – $24.99
Hand Oil (0.85 fl oz) – $29.99
Body Oil (1.69 fl oz) – $39.99
What I think: These oils are luxe at an affordable price! They smell amazing with a light floral scent. The oils sink into the skin and leave it glowing without being heavy. I use the eye and hand oils at night as a treatment, but the face and body oils are also wonderful in the morning because they leave my skin with a soft glow. The face oil is nice under makeup, too.
Arm &; Hammer Spinbrush Sonic Pulse Battery Toothbrush
I was luck enough to be sent a Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Sonic Pulse Battery Toothbrush for my honest review. I have been testing it for about a week now. Here’s the info on it:
ARM & HAMMER Spinbrush™ Sonic Pulse battery-powered toothbrush delivers sonic pulsing action that gently removes 2X more plaque in hard to reach areas. The extra slim handle design fits easily into your hand, and has the power of a battery toothbrush with the same control as a Manual brush.
Removes 2X more plaque in many of the hardest to reach areas*
Extra slim handle design that fits easily into your hand
Sonic pulsing action
Replaceable head and battery included
Available with Soft bristles
Learn More About Spinbrush™ Battery Powered Toothbrush And Your Oral Health!
What I think: I have been using a manual toothbrush, so I was so happy to try this vibrating toothbrush. It’s very easy to use — it has a button touch. It is a portable size, and is perfect to take on vacation. And it cleans my teeth so much better than a manual toothbrush! I find that it removes my plaque and leaves my teeth smooth and clean.
This can be purchased at mass market retailers near you.
Are you enjoying the long weekend? I love the chance to get things done and to relax! Plus of course barbecues and fun!
For my favorites this week, I’ve chosen products that work with the fun and sun that this weekend brings:
Senteurs d_Orient NEW Oriental Gardenia Hammam Soap
Senteurs d’Orient NEW Oriental Gardenia Hammam Soap ($36 USD) — Moisturizing your skin is key, especially after your first time in the summer sun. Don’t leave for your Memorial day weekend beach vacation without the new handcrafted Oriental Gardenia Hammam Soap. Infused with a moisturizing blend of Olive Oil, Vitamin E, Shea Butter and Glycerin, this Hammam Soap leaves skin looking dewy and feeling smooth.
What I think: I love the new scent of this soap on a rope! It’s very fresh and floral. Hanging this in my shower made my whole bathroom smell amazing. The soap itself is very hydrating and leaves skin so soft!
Keep your hair up and out of your face in the summer sun, while still looking chic with the Hairdo 23” Long Wave Pony ($59 USD) – which clips right over your own ponytail! This 23” Long Wave Pony features Tru2Life® heat-friendly synthetic hair that can be flat-ironed, curled or blown out, and has a long, smooth band of wrap-around hair that securely attaches with a hook-and-loop fastening strip for a look that’s seamless.
What I think: This is such a cute look for the summer. My hair is a lot shorter, so I have to get used to the weight. I think it’s perfect for going out, and would look nice for events like wedding.
KMS HAIRPLAY Sea Salt Spray ($23.50 USD) Get your beach waves ready with KMS HAIRPLAY Sea Salt Spray, infused with salt from the Dead Sea, this texturizing spray provides fullness, creates just-out-of-the-ocean texture, enhances waves and provides a matte finish. This easy to use spray can be applied to towel-dried hair and air dry.
What I think: Sea salt sprays are nice in the warm weather when I don’t want to style my hair. I just spray this one on damp hair and let it air dry. My hair is wavy without having to try! I also like the matte finish.
Available atKMS Salons Nationwide
Burt’s Bees Baby Nourishing Mineral Sunscreen; $14.99
Burt’s Bees Baby Nourishing Mineral Sunscreen ($14.99 USD) –Treat your skin with the delicateness of a baby with Burt’s Bees Baby Nourishing Mineral Sunscreen. This lightweight, fast-absorbing formula spread evenly, leaving behind water-resistant, broad spectrum SPF30 protection, without thick or sticky white residue. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, this nourishing mineral sunscreen is gentle on vulnerable skin, while immediately improving skin hydration with wholesome natural ingredients, such as Beeswax, Vitamin E, and Coconut Extract.
What I think: This unscented sunscreen definitely isn’t only for babies! It’s really gentle on my sensitive skin. When I applied it for the first time, it seemed thick, but it spread well and absorbed fairly quickly. I like that it isn’t greasy and leaves my skin soft, but not shiny.
Available at Whole Foods, Amazon.com and Burtsbees.com
Lavanila Laboratories Mini Sport Luxe Deodorant
Store the Lavanila Laboratories Mini Sport Luxe Deodorant ($9 USD) in your beach bag for long lasting freshness all weekend long. This deodorant was created for life in motion. Lavanila’s proprietary, award-winning beta glucan technology is infused with SmartSport™ for high-performance defense and nourishment, and bursts with long-lasting vanilla breeze freshness to break down sweat molecules and deliver superior, invisible, all-natural odor protection.
What I think: This fresh little deodorant is so easy to take with you. The scent is amazing and it’s a great natural deodorant for all the sweating that comes with more activity and warmer weather! I usually need a clinical deodorant, but this works pretty well for me.
It’s crazy to think that it’s almost summer! My kids got out of school this week and it’s now time to celebrate with a nice long holiday weekend!
Here are some amazing beauty products that will help you look and feel amazing throughout this weekend and summer!
Any patriotic holiday is a free pass for wearing red lipstick by the pool. Take full advantage of the occasion with Arbonne Smoothed Over Lipstick in Gladiola ($29, Arbonne.com). This lipstick is infused with watermelon fruit extract which helps provide immediate, long-term moisture while imparting a plumping effect to give the appearance of full, lush lips.
It’s inevitable, you’ll be sweating this Memorial Day. A product worth stashing in your purse is Mehron Skin Prep Pro ($13, Amazon.com). Used under the most extreme weather conditions, skin feels and continues to look fresh.
When the forecast calls for major humidity, you need a power product such as The Mane Choice Pink Lemonade & Coconut Super Anti-Oxidant & Texture Beautifier Curl Boosting Sherbet ($14.99, TheManeChoice.com and Walmart). Formulated to boost curls and fight frizz, the cream defines and shapes your tresses leaving long lasting shine.
Don’t forget to protect your lips! Try opting for an SPF chapstick that’ll give your lips a hydrated glow without the risk of attracting harmful UV rays. The Arbonne Liquid Sunshine Lip Balm Mineral Sunscreen SPF 15 ($12, Arbonne.com) is infused with coconut oil and moisturizing botanicals to help condition and smooth the lips.
What are your favorite beauty products for the warmer weather?
Get some #piratebeauty inspiration from LORAC Los Angeles ahead of the new Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales release this Friday!
With the stars as your guide, set out on a beauty adventure with the new LORAC Los Angeles limited-edition Pirates of the Caribbean collection. Featuring a PRO Eye Shadow Palette and Cheek Palette, as well as six brand-new double-ended lip colors, each item will help you decode beauty mysteries as you set off on a journey full of uncharted brilliance.
I think from the photos this collection looks gorgeous! The shadows have so many gorgeous shades, I think the array of fresh colors will be perfect for spring and summer looks. The cheek palette is so pretty, too! It has a nice combo of blushes and highlighters.
And oh those lippies! Here is a photo of the group:
LORAC Pirates of the Caribbean Mod Lip Cream Duo
I think they are all beautiful and would wear most of them. Heck, I would wear all of them, LOVE!
I may be receiving products to review and will let you know what I think if I do.
Here are photos of the eye and cheek palettes:
Eyeshadow Palette Closed
Eyeshadow Palette OpenCheek Palette ClosedCheek Palette Open
Want to create your own oceanic-inspired look? Check out YouTube star Jenn Im’s step-by-step tutorialwhich features several shades from the PRO Eye Shadow Palette. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O-A84B2AAU
What do you think about this collection? Do you love the packaging and colors?
It’s been a stormy week in Kansas City, but it’s sunny today! That makes me think of summer and gorgeous summer makeup!
My favorites this week include new launches from essence cosmetics, Miracle Skin Transformer and Pur Cosmetics. These products will keep skin glowing and nails shimmering throughout summer:
essence cosmetics Out of Space Stories Nail Polish Collection
Out of this world! Introducing the Out of Space Stories Nail Polish Collection ($2.99 USD) by essence cosmetics. These holographic, iridescent and metallic nail polishes are available in 7 bright colors perfect for an intergalactic adventure.
What I think: These are really fun polishes! Great for fingers and toes. They go on smoothly and last a week with a base and top coat. And they are an affordable option if you’d like to try a holo or other sparkly polish!
Miracle Skin Transformer Pure Reflection Fluid Finish Foundation
Miracle Skin Transformer Pure Reflection Fluid Finish Foundation ($36 USD) — a color solution with an emphasis on skin, and feature Chroma-Quench, a fusion of peptides to support & strengthen, humectants to draw and bind water for natural hydration, light-reflecting particles and pigment, allowing you to create a cocktail for customized complexion solutions.
What I think: This hydrating foundation smells like a margarita! At least it does to me. It applies really smoothly and I’d say it has a medium coverage. It feels so light on, it will be perfect for summer. I don’t like to wear anything heavy on my face when it gets hot out, and this will be perfect! Available in two shades Buff/Light and Honey/Medium.
Available at miracleskintransformer.com
Pur Cosmetics Bronze Your Selfie Skin-Perfecting Face and Body Liquid Bronzer ($26 USD) — Bronze your selfie with liquid gold and added radiance for your entire body. This liquid bronzer veils the skin in PÜR’s skin nourishing and perfecting Energy Complex and a prismatic, imperfection blurring bronzer technology that gives a natural sexy sun-kissed hue. This versatile formula can be worn alone or with makeup and on both the face and body. It easily smooths onto skin and locks into place for long-lasting tropical radiance.
Pur Cosmetics Make It Matte Oil Mattifying Blotting Stick ($26 USD) — Oily skin has finally met its matte. This versatile blotting stick instantly mattifies and perfects without over drying the skin, leaving you with a shine-free look that’s comfortable. Use it before makeup application as a mattifying primer or on-the-go for touchups throughout the day. Breakthrough shine doesn’t stand a chance!
What I think: The bronzer has a slight shimmer to it and it is a really pretty golden color. I think it’s perfect for arms and legs to smooth skin or enhance a tan. the blotting stick will be perfect for when it gets hot and humid in KC. It helps skin stay matte all day. It works well under makeup or on it’s own for a natural look.
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 