Beauty – Page 60 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

My Beauty Favorites — Week of August 15-21, 2016

I have been sick this week with a fever and cold. I am starting to feel better, but it is a slow process!

But, new beauty products always help! I have received the following products for my honest review. They include soothing bath products, natural eyebrow and eyelash growth supplements and a natural foot cream.

Body Wash Bubble Bath in Sea Lily Jasmine

Body Crème in Grapefruit Bergamot

Sugar Scrub in Sea Lily Jasmine

Mayfair Soap Foundry Body Wash Bubble Bath in Sea Lily Jasmine ($8.99 USD) — Cleanse the day and start renewed. This creamy, pearlescent formula gently cleanses while leaving skin soft and lightly scented. It can also be used to create a sumptuous bubble bath for extra pampering. This sweet floral aroma delights senses with a fusion of White Lily, Jasmine, Rose, and a touch of soft, sweet berries for an unforgettably sumptuous fragrance.

Mayfair Soap Foundry Body Crème in Grapefruit Bergamot ($8.99 USD) — Rich and luxurious, Mayfair Soap Foundry Body Crème drenches skin in sumptuous moisture. The highly nourishing blend of Shea Butter, Cocoa Seed Butter, Safflower Oil, and Sunflower Oil provides deep hydration to the skin and melts effortlessly on the body. The bright and citrusy essence of Grapefruit and Bergamot is perfectly balanced with notes of Magnolia and Carnation to create a beautifully uplifting and rejuvenating fragrance.

Mayfair Soap Foundry Sugar Scrub in Sea Lily Jasmine ($8.99 USD) — Reveal brilliantly glowing, revitalized, and restored skin with this gentle body sugar scrub. Natural pumice and sugar crystals work together to delicately exfoliate rough, dry skin. This sweet floral aroma delights senses with a fusion of White Lily, Jasmine, Rose, and a touch of soft, sweet berries for an unforgettably sumptuous fragrance.

What I think: I love treating myself in the shower and bath, especially while I’m sick! Plus, I have two daughters at home and they use it all, too. These products are affordable and smell so nice! Plus, they can be repurchased easily, so if you have a daughter (like me) who uses a third a bottle of bubble bath, it’s nice that they are luxurious and affordable.

Purchase at Target stores and http://www.target.com

Talika Lipocils Extra For Eyelashes

Talika Eyebrow Lipocils Expert Supplement

Talika Eyelash Lipocils Expert Supplement ($57 USD)New and improved formula made from a blend of natural actives to regrow sparse lashes, grow and thicken existing ones, magnify natural colour & curl your lashes. Today and since 60 years the only product on the market to be able to claim and prove the eyelashes growth up to 2.5 mm in 28 days. With a new double applicator combining a mascara brush & sponge tip applicator all in one. Whether you feel your lashes look too short, sparse, brittle or lack shine and curl, or if you just dream of longer, shinier, sexier looking lashes.

Talika Eyebrow Lipocils Expert Supplement ($57 USD) — Enriched with naturally sourced active ingredients including 13 Plant Extracts, Eyebrow Lipocils Expert stimulates natural brow growth and boosts melanin production and the natural eyebrow pigment. Developed to create up to 75% fuller brows, Eyebrow Lipocils Expert offers renewed results in as little as 6 weeks and is perfect for brows which have been traumatized by sun exposure and over plucking. Boasting visible results after the first use, Eyebrow Lipocils Expert leaves the brows looking naturally thicker and more structured.

What I think: As we (I) age, much of my hair gets thinner, including lashes and brows. Talika creates natural lash and brow growth products. They are easy to use, just brush the product on with the spoolie applicator. In about six weeks, lashes and brows get longer and thicker.

Purchase at http://www.talika.com

L’Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream ($28 USD) — A must for sandal weather, this powerful moisturizer contains purifying lavender essential oil, soothing peppermint extract & anti-inflammatory-rich arnica extract to keep feet looking & feeling fab. Also available in a TSA-friendly 30ml tube ($12) for easy travel!

What I think: This wonderful foot cream smells and feels amazing on the feet! It smoothes and softens my feet, and make them look so much better!

Available at http://www.usa.loccitane.com

Keep Summer Going With Fresh Beauty Products!

My kids are back in school. but it is still summer! Even though it is cooling down a bit, it is still warm and sunny out (when we’re not getting summer storms!)

I’m squeezing every last minute of summer out with the following gorgeous products. My faves include an eyeshadow palette that will work for summer and fall, everyday self-tanner moisturizer, a sunny fragrance, tropical shampoo and conditioner:

CARGO The Land Down Under Eye Shadow Palette ($34 USD) — This season, Cargo Cosmetics is taking you on a vacation to Sydney, Australia through The Land Down Under Eye Shadow Palette. Inspired by the sand, water, and foliage of Sydney, Australia, this 12 shadow palette is accompanied by a dual-ended brush eye pencil and features warm, matte neutrals, shimmery bronzes, rose golds and cool toned shades in ocean-hued blues and a bright foliage green. Like all Cargo Cosmetics’ palettes, shades are laid out in 3 quads and 6 duos perfectly coordinated for easy to achieve day and night looks.

What I think: These eyeshadows are gorgeous! They are very well pigmented and there is a range of shimmers and mattes, which I love. My favorites include Domain, a stunning green, Bridge, a sparkly bronze and Koala, the perfect matte tan! I will be wearing this for the rest of the year (and into the next).

The palette is available at CargoCosmetics.com, Ulta.com, select Kohl’s Departments Stores and Kohls.com/Beauty.

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer ($8.99 USD) — Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer is infused with a botanical blend of antioxidants and Vitamin E to help keep skin healthy-looking and nourished. The formula delivers the optimal amount of naturally-looking, glowing color to enrich the appearance of skin over time. The formula, with Erythrulose and DHA provides gradual color development over the course of a week to create a natural-looking summer glow.

Jergens® Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer is part of the newly reformulated Jergens®Natural Glow collection, featuring revolutionary odor-reducing technology, designed so that you don’t experience that smell that typically comes with applying a color enhancing formula. The innovative, exclusive technology effectively neutralizes malodor for the ultimate glow experience.

What I think: This is one of my favorite self tanners. I use it everyday because it’s such a nice moisturizer. Plus, the more I use it, the more I glow! It has a nice scent, too. Great for going into fall when I’m not ready to lose my tan.

Purchase at grocery, mass retailers and drugstores nationwide

FLOWER Sunshine Fragrance ($19.97 USD) — New for summer, Drew Barrymore introduces Sunshine to her FLOWER Beauty fragrance collection. The fresh, energetic scent is designed for the optimistic, hopeful and sunny girl – always dressed with a smile. With floral and citrus notes, the new fragrance features bright yellow packaging, reflective of sunshine-filled, happy days.

TOP NOTES: Italian Lemon, Lady Apple, White Freesia
MID NOTES: Yellow Peony, Pear Blossom, Jasmine Sambac
BASE NOTES: Sweet Cassia, Clean Musks, Yellow Amber

What I think: This is a lovely, fresh scent. It is so soft and perfect for everyday wear. It is bright with the citrus and a bit sultry with the musks and amber. And it is so affordable!

Available at Walmart or Walmart.com

Garnier Whole Blends Hydrating Conditioner with Coconut Water & Vanilla Milk Extracts

Garnier Whole Blends Hydrating Shampoo with Coconut Water & Vanilla Milk Extracts

Garnier Whole Blends Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner with Coconut Water & Vanilla Milk Extracts ($4.49 each) — Their moisturizing yet refreshingly lightweight formula blooms with a tropical fragrance of coconut water & vanilla milk, bringing to life their wholesome care that quenches and softens de-hydrated hair. Massage into wet hair, lather and rinse thoroughly. Follow with their Hydrating conditioner. For extra care, indulge in their Hydrating mask treatment.

What I think: First of all, the fragrance of this is so amazing, it’s a warm coconut and vanilla scent. So tropical! I love how hydrating this is, plus I love that it is made with natural ingredients. Perfect for washing every day!

Available at mass retailers nationwide or garnierusa.com

Color Your Hair Your Perfect Shade With Madison Reed

Madison Reed

The Madison Reed Color Kit ($24.95 USD) — Long-lasting, luxurious, color that looks and feels healthy. 100% gray coverage. Free from: PPD, phthalates, ammonia, resorcinol, parabens & gluten. Nutrient-rich with keratin, argan oil, and ginseng root. Thick cream color that smells great, no drips, no mess. Expert colorists available for free consultations. You do a quiz on the website to find your best color match. The kit includes:

Customized Instructions -All the information you need in 10 steps or less. Our color crew is on call by phone, email, or chat if you have questions or need expert advice along the way.

Barrier Cream – Keeps your ears, forehead, and neck color-free.

Cleansing Wipe – An easy way to clean up any unwanted color.

Radiant Cream Color – Rich with nutrients like argan oil, keratin, and ginseng root to strengthen and protect hair while delivering radiant, multi-dimensional color. Free from ammonia, resorcinol, PPD, parabens, and gluten.

Conditioning Color Activator – Formulated for longer-lasting color and easy application. The bottle comes with a screw off cap and tip to make mixing and applying color simple and tidy.

Protective Cap – Keeps your color in place until you are ready to rinse.

Gloves – Two pairs of gloves. One pair to apply color and another fresh pair for when you are ready to rinse it out.

Color Enhancing Shampoo and Conditioner – Rich with nutrients and free from sulfates, parabens, and gluten, our shampoo and conditioner locks in your color and creates long-lasting shine

What I think: This is such a luxurious kit! You open it up and all of the products are nestled inside. Purchasing a drugstore kit does not get you the barrier cream, wipe, cap and two pairs of gloves! And I use all of those things. After coloring, my skin has not been stained and I am good to go!

The color itself has a very light odor, which is good. It is easy to mix and apply. The color I received for review was Bolzano Brown – 4NMG. Dark mahogany brown with hints of gold. It was pretty, but I didn’t really see mahogany or gold, just a deep, dark brown. And it lasted a few weeks, but I can see the gray at my temples again. I left it on for a little longer than it suggested, too because my gray are stubborn.

I think this is a very nice kit, if a little spendy. Maybe it’s best for those who do not need to cover a lot of gray.

Purchase at http://www.madison-reed.com. Have you tried Madison Reed products? Leave a comment and let me know!

My Beauty Favorites — Week of August 1-7, 2016

It’s been cooling down in Kansas City this week and the weather has been pleasant. My kids go back to school this week, and I am trying to squeeze the last bits of summer that I can!

This week I am loving a hair removal device, a fresh fragrance oil and a self-tanner with natural ingredients:

Me Chic Compact Permanent Hair Reduction Device ($199.00 USD) — The chic Compact Permanent Hair Reduction Device uses patented technology clinically proven to be safe and effective on all skin tones, even dark, and the widest range of hair colors, even blonde – something no other at-home hair removal technology can claim.

Compact, professional, at-home hair removal technology in the palm of your hand. Small and lightweight, the chic is convenient to use both at home and away – treat targeted areas in just minutes. With dermatologist recommended technology, the chic Compact Permanent Hair Reduction Device uses the only FDA-cleared technology that targets and permanently disables the hair follicle to stop hair growth on small areas, like the face, underarm, or bikini area, for permanent results.

What I think: This is an easy to use, and fairly affordable, hair removal device. I haven’t tried it yet, but am hoping to test it soon. I think it is amazing that it can be used on any skin tone and hair color!

Available at http://www.mepower.com

Soap & Paper Factory Green Tea Perfume Oil ($16 USD) — Crafted in small batches, the rollerball Perfume Oils stimulate your mind, body and spirit. Great for personal fragrance, and for maximum benefits use the rollerballs on temples and pressure points such as your crown chakra, bottoms of your feet and solar plexus and when put in the fridge, the stainless steel applicator will revive your senses!! Citrus, Tea Leaves and a hint of Anise will leave you feeling refreshed and happy.

What I think: Fragrance oils are fun because they last longer in the oil form on the skin. Just a few swipes of this fresh scent and it last all day. I love the Green Tea scent, but it also comes in Lavender, Gardenia and Jasmine.

Purchase at http://www.soapandpaperfactory.com

Skinny Tan Pre-Tan Primer

Skinny Tan Gradual Tanner

Skinny Tan Pre-Tan Primer ($24.95 USD) –The perfect way to prep your skin before you tan. Remove any dry or dead skin cells with this crushed walnut shell primer. Help achieve a perfect finish to your tan. Note you should always prime a few hours before you tan, not immediately before.

Skinny Tan Gradual Tanner ($29.95 USD) — A beautiful white body butter cream with lower levels of Natural tanning active so you can layer up each day until you reach the perfect depth of tan. Combined with the natural cellulite active Guarana.

What I think: This natural duo can really produce a nice warm tan. The primer is the perfect first step, it readies the skin for the tanner. The gradual tanner is the perfect way to build a smooth, deep tan.

Purchase at http://www.skinnytan.com

Achieve The Perfect Golden Glow With Million Dollar Tan

I love to use self tanning products in the summer. I have very light skin and I try not to spend too much time in the sun. A good self tanner is essential to a great glow in the summer time!

Million Dollar Tan recently sent me some products for my honest review. I really enjoyed how easy they are to use. Here are my faves:

Mermaid Mousse Extreme Face and Body Dark Sunless Tanning Mousse ($74.00 for the pair, or purchase them separately) — Mermaid Mousse Extreme is a more intense, yet just as fabulous, version of our whipped tanning mousse. Still ultra-light and effortless to apply, it has an extra boost of color for those with darker skin tones or anyone wishing to be ultra-bronzed. Don’t let the word “extreme” scare you off—like all of our products, this mousse provides a gradual, buildable color that always looks natural. It’s also packed with vitamins and seriously hydrating moisturizers for enviably smooth, soft skin. Use it with our extreme face mousse for the rich all-over color you crave!

Mermaid Mousse Extreme Face is a deeper, richer, more intense version of our luxurious whipped face mousse. It’s perfect for anyone wishing to be ultra-tanned! We’ve added our revolutionary new FaceFirmTM Age Defense Super Pack, clinically proven to dramatically lift, firm and tone skin. This fabulously light formula won’t clog pores and is effortless to apply; you’ll have a stunningly irresistible glow in no time! Put your best face forward every day with this dazzling, multi-tasking mousse!

What I think: This dynamic duo has really given me a great summer glow! This is a buildable color, so the first time I used it, I got a fair to medium tan. But using it every day or every other day increased the color to a beautiful deep tan. It is a creamy mousse that blends so well!

Summer Sun ($42 USD) has it all—it’s everything you need for gorgeous, summer-ready skin in one bottle! Based on our best-selling line of Mermaid Mousses, this amazingly light and airy mousse will give you an even, all-over tan that’s even darker and more luminous than our Extreme formulas. With rich, ultra-bronze tones and a natural sheen, you’ll have a perfect tan that will leave you wondering how you ever got through the summer without this product. SUMMER SUN also contains our exclusive TANlock technology, a proprietary blend of botanicals designed to make your tan last longer, stay more radiant and fade more evenly. And because no one wants to smell like sunless tanner, we’ve added Deoplex, a natural odor neutralizer that keeps tanning a totally fresh and revitalizing experience for all of your senses. Like all of our formulas, SUMMER SUN is completely natural and made with raw, organic DHA, so use it as often as you like for the best tan (and summer!) you’ve ever had!

What I think: Another easy to blend mousse, this one is perfect for those who want a darker tan that what you get with Mermaid Mousse Extreme. This is Million Dollar Tan’s newest mousse and it is as easy to use as their other products. It’s just the thing when you need a darker tan quickly, instead of using a gradual tanner.

Million Dollar Tan All That Shimmers Dry Oil Shimmer

All That Shimmers Dry Oil Shimmer ($32 USD) — This amazing dry oil shimmer adds an extra bit of bronze sheen to your sunless tan, or use it on its own for just a touch of color and subtle luminosity. Hydrating botanicals pack a powerful, skin smoothing punch—even dull, dry skin becomes instantly refreshed and radiant. Perfectly shimmery and never glittery, it’s party-ready sheen that’s actually good for your skin! With a hint of bronzer and a bit of shimmer, you’ll dazzle in the sunlight or the limelight.

What I think: I usually don’t use a lot of shimmer on my body, but this is a very nice product. It is easy to blend to add color and shimmer. I like to apply it to legs, shoulders and décolletage. It is nice for going out because it adds a glow to the skin.

Blend Friend Tanning Mitt Set ($24 USD) — Made with a one-of-a-kind micro-soft sponge material, this face and body mitt set is ultra soft and makes it easy to apply any sunless tanner, even in difficult or hard to reach areas. The special stretchy fabric and unique design allow you to comfortably place your hand inside the mitt for superior control over where and how much tanner you apply. The inner lining ensures that tanning product does not find it’s way to your hands, protecting your palms from becoming too tan. With separate mitts for the face and body, these are the only accessories you’ll need to have an even, smooth and perfectly blended sunless tan every time.

What I think: I love these mitts! They are easy to use, are so soft and blend like a dream! The only thing is that if you use a lot of mousse with them, it does soak through a little. But I just wash my hands afterwards and it doesn’t stain.

These products are available at http://www.milliondollartan.com

Stay Fresh Through The Summer Heat!

Today was the hottest day of the week in Kansas City. I think it’s got up to 97, but with humidity, it felt much hotter!

Keeping my skin and hair fresh is not easy on a day like today. Fortunately, I have been sent some amazing products for my honest review that help me beat the heat and stay going!

KORRES Pomegranate Cleansing & Make Up Removing Wipes ($15 USD) — These oil-free face wipes remove eye and face make-up, dirt and oil while also providing skin with mattifying, toning, pore-minimizing and moisturizing benefits. Infused with Pomegranate extract and the softening, moisturizing properties of vitamin E, these facial cleansing wipes will remove even the most stubborn face and eye make-up, including waterproof mascara making them the perfect make-up removing wipes. Perfect for on-the-go cleansing.

What I think: These smell so good, fresh and fruity! They work well in removing makeup at night, but I also like to use them in the morning to freshen my skin. Also works well after a workout or hot day to freshen the body.

Available at Sephora and Sephora.com

DDF Micro-Derma Crystals Polishing Gel ($50 USD) — Helps to improve the appearance of pores, minimize fine lines & wrinkles and resurface skin for a smooth even complexion. Micro-Derma Crystals exfoliate to provide a more even skin tone, promote skin clarity and brightness for a healthy glow. Routine exfoliation enables skincare products to be absorbed more easily into the skin for maximum anti-aging benefits. Vitamin B3 (Niacinimide) helps to nourish the skin with antioxidant protection and vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) re-conditions skin for a healthy youthful look. Just a touch of vitamin C is added to provide clarity.

What I think: This is such a nice exfoliator! The formulation is gentle enough for my sensitive skin, but it still makes such a difference in my skin. I use it once or twice a week and have noticed that my skin is clear, glowing and smooth.

Available in UTLA stores

Burt’s Bees BB Cream ($15 USD) — Somewhere between a lightweight foundation and a super-hydrating lotion, our BB Cream with Noni Extract offers 9 clinically shown benefits in 3 mineral-rich shades.

• 98.9% natural
• SPF 15 protection
• Firms, conceals, smoothes, perfects, and illuminates skin
• Evens skin tone and visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

What I think: This is my perfect summer foundation! The lightest color is light/medium, which is too dark for me usually, but in the summer it’s the perfect color when I get a bit of a tan. It also covers so well and blends nicely.

Available at http://www.burtsbees.com

Alterna Haircare CC Cream Extra Hold

Alterna Haircare Caviar Miracle Multiplying Volume Mist

Alterna Caviar Repair Multi-Vitamin Heat Protection Spray

Alterna Haircare CC Cream Extra Hold ($25 USD) Altera’s best-selling CC cream is now available in a formula updated for thicker hair types, or for those who need extra hold. The leave-in cream provides hair with ten benefits– moisture, shine, smoothness, softness, anti-breakage, heat-protection, hold, UV protection, manageability and strength. Proprietary Enzymetherapy®, Seasilk® and Color-Hold® formulas give the hair omega fatty acids and antioxidants to infuse it with vital nutrients, rebalance moisture levels, and provide superior protection from UV protection rays and other light sources.

Alterna Haircare Caviar Miracle Multiplying Volume Mist ($28 USD) — This multi-tasking spray is both a treatment and a styler that nourishes stressed strands while adding twice the volume. Clinically proven to instantly plump strands as well as build body overtime, this mist boasts a Marine Plumping Complex that works to lift hair off of the scalp, restore natural thickness and strengthen strands. Spray throughout clean, towel-dried hair for voluminous yet touchable strands.

Alterna Haircare Caviar Repair Multi-Vitamin Heat Protection Spray ($30 USD) —
A deep side part starts with healthy, protected hair that’s free of flyaways and frizz. This lightweight, nourishing multi-vitamin spray protects hair from heat styling up to 450°F* while restoring hydration and strength and boosting hair’s immunity to outside aggressors and heat. By infusing the hair with caviar extract and vitamin C, it also restores vibrancy and elasticity. Color Hold® technology locks in hair color brightness while an exclusive blend of enzymes and minerals help essential nutrients adhere to hair. A mixture of marine botanicals delivers moisture and help repair damage, resulting in hydrated, perfectly smooth strands.

What I think: I love using Alterna products because they work so well in my hair. These products in particular are amazing for the summer because they condition, volumize and protect my hair. The CC Cream is a popular product and I can see why, it has transformed my hair. It’s made it so soft and bouncy! I spray the volume mist at the roots of my hair when it’s damp, dry it and I have so much volume. Plus the heat protection spray is a must with hair dryers and straighteners.

Available in April at Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, and AlternaHaircare.com

John Frieda Sleek Finish Flat Iron ($54.99 USD) — Advanced ionic conditioning enhances manageability and transforms dull, lifeless hair into smooth, sleek strands.

This premium straightening iron features extra-long plates with advanced ionic technology, for up to 50% more ions than ions created from natural sources, and high heat up to 455°F/235°C. True ceramic technology delivers even heat and protects against damage. 11 professional digital settings provide the perfect results on all hair types.

What I think: I freshen up my frizzy hair with this effective and affordable flat iron. I love how it has so many different settings. After use, my hair is shiny and looks wonderful!

Learn more at http://www.johnfrieda.com and purchase at mass market retailers near you.

My Beauty Favorites — Week of July 25-July 31, 2016

Summer is still going strong in Kansas City. I love using products that are good for my skin during the hot months. I love natural products with moisturizing ingredients.

My faves this week include lovely lavender products, a wild rose facial peel, a creamy body scrub and a hydrating foot mask:

L’Occitane Lavender Relaxing Candle

L’Occitane Lavender Hand Cream

L’Occitane Lavender Relaxing Candle ($25 USD 3.5 oz) — Imagine the fragrant atmosphere of a relaxing break in the shade of a Provençal farmhouse, surrounded by fields of lavender…This scented candle will give your interior a Provencal atmosphere for up to 23 hours.

L’Occitane Lavender Hand Cream ($22 USD 2.6 oz) — Enriched with shea butter and lavender essential oil from Haute-Provence, this smooth, light-textured cream gently helps to nourish the hands leaving them softly perfumed.

What I think: I love the clean, lavender scent of these. L’Occitane’s hand creams are my favorites. They are so moisturizing, but not greasy at all, which is so important for a hand cream. The candle smells amazing and burns really clean. Love!

Purchase at usa.loccitane.com

KORRES Wild Rose Vitamin C Petal Peel ($64 USD) — A powerful two-step peel made with wild rose oil and other natural active ingredients to reveal radiant, petal soft skin in under 10 minutes. A powerful natural alternative to chemical peels, this advanced vitamin C brightening system supports natural cell renewal, helps smooth the appearance of fine lines and discolorations, and gives skin an instant boost of radiance.

What I think: This set is so easy to use. Apply the gel for 30 seconds, then apply the mask over it. Leave that on for 3-10 minutes, depending on how sensitive your skin is. I left it on for 5 minutes. I washed it off and notices smoother, clearer skin. This is great to use about once a week.

Purchase at http://www.sephora.com and Sephora stores.

Lavanila Laboratories Healthy Vanilla Bean Cream Body Scrub ($40 USD) — Crushed Madagascar vanilla beans blend with whipped shea butter and five nourishing essential oils for an ultra creamy, luxurious exfoliator that gently reveals smooth, glowing skin.

What I think: This smells amazing! A very rich vanilla scent. The crushed vanilla beans exfoliate so well while the oils and shea butter leave my skin smooth and ready for anything (self tanning)! I love that this is a natural product and that it leaves my skin smelling amazing.

Purchase at http://www.lavanila.com

PediSpa Intensive Moisturizing Foot Mask ($9.99 USD for two pairs) — PediSpa Intensive Moisturizing Foot Mask noticeably smoothes, softens and repairs dry, crack, calloused feet and heels, significantly improving the look and feel of even the driest feet. SMOOTHES. SOFTENS. REPAIRS. Contains: Shea Butter, Apple Extract & Peppermint.

What I think: I have tried all sorts of face masks, but never a foot mask! I think this is a really smart idea. I really try to keep my feet soft in the summer, but it’s hard in the weather, wearing sandals, etc. I left these on for about a half an hour and rubbed in the excess serum. My feet were smooth and soft!

Available at Target stores and http://www.target.com

What products are you loving this week? Leave a comment and let me know!

PRAI Beauty – Natural and Luxurious Skincare Products

I was recently sent wonderful products from PRAI Beauty for my honest review. Their claim is that they challenge the norm and redefine beauty, offering luxurious, yet accessible products for all women. With a team gathered from the industry’s top companies, you will find expertise behind every product. All PRAI products are proudly made in the USA. They are Leaping Bunny certified – their products are NEVER tested on animals! They believe in Real Women, Real Aging & Real Results!

That is an amazing claim, and I was really excited to try these products:

PRAI Beauty Pure Collagen Spray ($40 USD) — This novel collagen treatment has been designed to help reduce the visible signs of aging. Ideal for all skin types. Imparts replenishing, rejuvenating and revitalizing benefits to the skin. Features:

Plant Collagen*, an amino acid complex derived from plant protein of Rice embryo, Soybeans, Carrots, Quinoa and Red Ginseng, provides multiple anti-aging benefits
Apple Stem Cells help rejuvenate and protect the skin’s stem cells to help delay the visible signs of aging
Natural Moisturizing Factors of Glycerin, Sodium PCA and Lecithin help support the skin’s moisture balance

What I think: I have been using this spray after cleanser and before serums. It feels so refreshing on, and really softens my skin. It is an easy extra step in my skincare to keep my skin youthful.

PRAI Beauty PRAISSENTIALS H2O Clean & Clear Cleanser ($17.95 USD) — The ultimate in skin cleansing – this little gem will leave you with fresh, clarified, brighter skin! Features:

Rose Water is an emollient that controls sebum
Aloe Vera is an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and irritant soother
Glycerin enhances skin’s lipid barrier, creating a moisture reserve
Daisy Flower Extract helps soften and eliminate age spots, as it brightens skin
Precious PRAI Oil imparts smoothness and suppleness to the skin

What I think: I love the scent of this cleanser! It is softly floral. I apply it to a cotton pad and it removes all of my makeup. Plus, it leaves my skin clean and smooth.

PRAI Beauty PRAISSENTIALS Oxygen Infusion Treatment ($29.99 USD) — Revives parched, dry skin, transforming skins texture, tone, clarity and radiance. Features:

Vitamin B5 enhances the skins moisture levels and elasticity
Aloe Vera is an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and irritant soother
Glycerin enhances skin’s lipid barrier, creating a moisture reserve
Grapeseed Oil brighten and diminish discoloration and age spots
Vitamin C helps protect skin from free radicals that contribute to premature signs of aging
Vitamin E reverses and protects skin from photo-aging, strengthens skins resistance to
Green Tea Extract is an antioxidant and anti-irritant
Precious PRAI Oil imparts smoothness and suppleness to the skin

What I think: This is a really fun product, I am a fan of oxygen treatments! I smooth this on and it instantly bubbles. I then rinse it off and my skin is so smooth and soft! The instructions say that you can just wipe it off, but it leaves a soapy residue, so I wash it off.

PRAI Beauty AGELESS CHIN UP Sculpt Serum ($34.95 USD) — This unmatched serum is truly a face lift in a bottle – with tightening and sculpting technology that targets and corrects visible sagging and drooping under the chin, along the jawline and on the sides of the cheeks. Features:

Antioxidants diminishes fine lines and wrinkles for smoother, younger skin
Retinol aids in the skin’s renewal by igniting cell turnover
Uplevity™ peptide counteracts the force of gravity
Precious PRAI Oil imparts smoothness and suppleness to the skin

What I think: I have been using this serum on my chin, jawline and neck. I really think it helps firm, as I have seen a change in my jawline! Love it and will keep using it!

I am really loving this brand! I think it’s really affordable for the quality ingredients in these products. I am looking forward in trying more from this brand.

Have you tried PRAI Beauty? Leave a comment and let me know.

Amazing New Makeup From Maybelline New York!

Maybelline New York has recently launched some great new products! The collection is inspired by the latest makeup trends and runway looks. The new products include fun looks for eyes, lips and highlighting/contouring.

I was sent some samples for my honest review:

Maybelline Mascara Colossal Spider Glam ($7.77 USD) –The exclusive asymmetrical spider brush features cone-shaped bristles that grab and group lashes together; delivering volume at the base and sculpting lashes to a point with extreme length. The result: A bold, star-worthy look that’s all about drama. Available in 2 shades.

What I think: The description of this mascara says that it clumps lashes together. That is not a look that I go for. Luckily, when I use this, my lashes are separated and are soooo long! I love it! My lashes are so short, but you wouldn’t know it with this mascara. I think because I take my time with it, making sure my lashes separate, it doesn’t clump. But, if you want it to, I would say follow directions on the package.

Maybelline Contouring Face Studio Master Contour Stick Light ($10.99 USD) — This easy-to-use, split-sided duo features a dark contour shade on one side to add structure to the hallows of the cheeks and a light highlight shade on the other to enhance the cheekbones. Just swipe along the angles of the cheeks for an instant transformation to a V-shaped face. Available in 3 shades.

What I think: This is a really nice contouring stick. I like that it has the contour and highlight in one stick. It’s very creamy and easy to blend. I think it’s interesting that the highlight isn’t shimmery. It helps lighten the area without making it shiny. The only thing I have to watch is the colors bleeding together on the stick. I have had to wipe the dark shade off of the light one.

Maybelline Contouring Face Studio Master Strobe Medium Nude Glow ($11.99 USD) This creamy formula, infused with micro fine pearls, easily glides on skin leaving behind a luxurious light-reflecting sheen.The stick format provides the easiest way to achieve targeted results to beautifully define bone structure. Available in 2 shades.

What I think: This is definitely a shimmery strobe stick. The nude one above is so pretty with a tan, or to add a bit of color with the shimmer. The lighter strobe is really pretty as well. This is gorgeous on the cheekbones!

Maybelline Color Sensational Loaded Bold Midnight Blue

Maybelline Color Sensational The Loaded Bolds ($7.49 USD) High-intensity pay-off that’s truer and crisper on every skin tone. With 2D show-stopping shades covering the entire spectrum from light to dark that includes pops of vibrant pinks, modern browns and dynamic blues, you’re guaranteed a vivacious focal point to finish off any outfit. Available in 20 shades.

What I think: These lipsticks are so fun! Really well-pigmented! I tried the Midnight Blue above, and it is fun to wear! I also received a nude, bright pinks, an orange, bright red and a dark red. They all are so moisturizing. And if you want a matte look, blot your lips a bit and it’s gorgeously matte! For the price, grab a bunch!

Maybelline Lip Gloss Lip Studio Color Jolt Never Bare ($9.99 USD) — Lip Studio Color Jolt brings an explosive pop of intensity with eight times more pigment in every drop. The flocked tip provides for precise, clean application. Available in 8 shades.

What I think: I love these lip glosses, too! They are full coverage glosses. My favorites are the lighter colors, like Never Bare above. It is so pretty on. It is so glossy that I like to blot it a bit for a natural look when going out in the daytime, at night, more glossy the better!

These products are all available at mass market retailers. Learn more at http://www.maybelline.com.

Have you or are you going to try any of these products? They are really high quality and affordable at the same time! Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Glow This Summer With Shimmery New Makeup!

It is the dog days of summer. I find that during the heat, a little makeup goes a long way.

A few, fun shimmery cosmetics can be used all over to give glow during those hot days and nights. Here are my current favorites:

No7 Shimmer Brick Palette ($14.99 USD) — Get an all-year-round glow with No7 Shimmer Palette. The No7 Shimmer Palette is made up of flattering shades to give an extra lift to your complexion. Its spectrum of colors mean it can be used to enhance your summer tan or add warmth to winter skin.

What I think: This palette is so pretty! The colors are beautiful. I swirl a brush in it all over to apply to cheeks or use once of the lighter colors as a highlighter. I’ve even used it as eye shadow. It’s really versatile.

Purchase at Target stores and http://www.target.com

Studio 10 Youth Lift Glow-plexion ($40 USD) — The Youth Lift Glow-plexion’s lightweight multi-purpose formula works to give an instant radiant glow and can be applied to face and body to highlight and slim. Packed with key ingredients such as: anti-aging ingredients including Suberlift, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C & D, Studio 10’s Glow-plexion is an anti-aging, multi-tasking wonder.

What I think: I love how this gives me a glow and has amazing skincare benefits! I love this as a facial highlighter for cheekbones etch. It’s also nice on arms and legs to give a little glow.

Purchase it http://www.b-glowing.com

Contour Powder ($4.99 USD) — Contouring is all the craze! Essence’s contour powder, complete with a highlighter and bronzer, gives you the complete look in just one compact. Sculpt your cheekbones and give your face a glow on the go!

Blush Up! ($3.99 USD) — Give your cheeks some color with a delicate pink sure to make you look fresh and rosey. A pretty glow will never go out of style.

All About…Eyeshadows ($5.49 USD) — Find the perfect tones and shades to accentuate your eyes. Vintage, Rose, Greys, Nudes and Bronzes can help create any type of look from day to night and natural to smokey.

What I think: Combined, these three products give a great summer look! The contour kit is so pretty. Both colors are soft and give a great glow! The matte bronzer contours well. The pink blush adds a bit of brightness to the look.

The bronze shadows are very shimmery and well pigmented. It’s very pretty for sparkly summer looks. Maybe combined with matte shadows will make it more versatile.

essence cosmetics products are available at essencemakeup.com