As the temperature rises, sunscreen is more important than ever! Thankfully, Hawaiian Tropic makes it easy to keep your skin looking and feeling its best in the summer.
I was sent the above products for my honest review. They are:
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Weightless Face Lotion Sunscreen ($9.99 USD) featuring hydrating ribbons that provide 12 hours of moisturization in a new breathable formula that you’ll barely feel on! This indulgent formula leaves you feeling pampered and doesn’t clog pores. Has broad spectrum SPF 30 and UVA & UVB protection.
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Weightless C-Spray (SPF 15 & 30 $9.99 each): The same Silk Hydration Weightless formula now in an easy application format that leaves skin feeling soft, moisturized and indulgent. I love that it dries quickly and smells amazing!
Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport Clear Spray SPF 50 and Lotion SPF 50: Designed to stand up to outdoor activities while making your skin look and feel beautiful, the Island Sport line is now available in SPF 50 for stronger protection. Available in lotion and clear spray for either application preference
I took the spray to my daughter’s lacrosse game, and her team love it! It goes on clear and smells like a tropical beach. It protected them well and no one got burned!
All of these products are amazing for protection while your outdoors this summer.
Happy Sunday! I hope you had a great week! Last week in Kansas City started rainy and cool, but is ending on a very high note, it’s supposed to be 80 degrees today!
My favorites this week are products to treat skin and style hair. Great skin and hair are so important in warmer weather. I don’t wear as much makeup, but still want to glow.
Hydroxatone Hydrologic Active Infusion Moisture Mask ($39 USD) — Hydroxatone Hydrologic Active Infusion Moisture Mask is an ultra-hydrating mask that envelops skin, delivering deep moisture. Formulated with bio-mimetic ingredients which help attract and bind moisture to skin, these help skin’s ability to remove toxins and to remain naturally-healthy, by providing long-lasting, locked-in hydration.
Hydroxatone Hydrologic Deep Moisture Serum Sheet Mask ($19 USD) — formulated with humectants, some that are found naturally-occurring in skin; these attract water from the environment and bind it to skin, delivering reparative moisture, enhancing and restoring it’s supple, radiant beauty.
What I think: Masks are something that I try to use whenever possible. Both of these are so hydrating, which is perfect after the cold winter and before the hot summer! The sheet mask is easier to use, but the active infusion mask is a bit more hydrating. Both are great products to moisturize the skin.
Available at hydroxatone.com
Freeze 24-7 Skin Smoothie Retexturizing Glycolic Pads ($75.00/16 PADS) — Exfoliate and moisturize together with this one step glycolic at-home treatment that provides all benefits of an in-office chemical peel. With a swipe of these potent pads, improve skin’s texture, clarity, elasticity and firmness while decreasing the appearance of sun damage, fine lines, enlarged pores and hyper pigmentation, for radiant skin at your fingertips!
Freeze 24-7 Radiance Brightening Face Mask ($60.00/8 Gel Masks) — Formulated by top dermatologists, the Diffuporine and amino acid complex infused formula, helps supply abundant moisture to aid in skin cell’s growth and cure, skin hydration and elasticity. Help improve skin tone and clarity while restoring luminosity and vitality over time.
What I think: To use the pad, place fingers into mitt and peel foil seal off pad. Gently swipe on to clean, dry face and neck in an upward circular motion. It’s easy to use and leaves the skin glowing! The gel mask is cool on and feels nice! I leave it on for 25 minutes and my skin is bright and hydrated afterwards.
ABBA Always Fresh Dry Shampoo ($22 USD) — he perfect workout companion. Designed to cleanse and refresh the hair between shampoos, this light weight formula helps to prevent salt build up on the hair from sweat. It also gives hair a natural lift with light texture and removes oils and odors.
What I think: I’m always looking for a great dry shampoo, especially in summer to clean my hair from sweat and dirt — gross, but true! This one has a fresh scent and is light weight, which I like. It left my hair clean and fresh between washes!
MOP NEW Lemongrass Volume Whip ($22 USD) — Big and bouncy hair has never been so easily achieved. MOP Lemongrass Volume Whip creates moveable volume with a medium hold. Lemongrass adds volume while Grape Seed Oil adds strength, conditioning and shine. Natural UV protectors fight damage from heat styling and help to preserve color.
What I think: This is awesome for those who are looking for volume. It takes just a bit in damp hair, and when it id dried, my hair is very bouncy. I like that it protects from heat styling, too.
There are so many great beauty products to give to the ladies in your life this Mother’s Day!
Below are fragrance, bath and body, skincare and hair care gifts that would be perfect for moms, grandmas, sisters and friends:
Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Fragrance Collection
Gift your mom a new scent that is sure to be a hit with Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Fragrance Collection ($48 USD each).Each fragrance starts with a warm base of Madagascar vanilla and layers on a unique blend of pure essential oils for an exquisite expression of nature that captures a mood, a memory, or a moment in time.
L’Occitane Almond Mother’s Day Gift Set ($74 USD) — L’OCCITANE has harnessed the exceptional beautifying power of Almond from the south of France and integrated it in body care and toiletries that are both deliciously tempting and wonderfully effective.
This limited edition gift collection includes:
– Almond Shower Oil 8.4 fl. oz.
– Almond Milk Concentrate 6.76 oz.
– Almond Delicious Soap 50g
– Almond Delicious Hands 1 oz.
– Almond Supple Skin Oil 0.50 fl. oz.
– Wrapped in a L’Occitane Signature Gift Box
Purchase at usa.loccitane.com
Molton Brown Delicious Rhubarb and Rose Bath & Shower Gel
Molton Brown Delicious Rhubarb and Rose Bath & Shower Gel ($30 USD) — Treat your mom to the indulgent, rich scent of Molton Brown’s Delicious Rhubarb & Rose Bath & Shower Gel. Filled with moisturizing rose extract topped with a zesty aroma of mandarin, this product brings a delightful moment to any ordinary shower routine.
. KORRES Wild Rose Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facia
Every mom is in need of some pampering! Gift her with the KORRES Wild Rose Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial ($48 USD). More than a mask, more than a night cream, this overnight facial-in-a-jar delivers great skin by morning, as the weightless soufflé melts into skin and works overnight for brighter, petal-soft skin. Infused with wild rose oil that evens out skin tone, repairs fine lines, moisturizes, heals, and softens skin, this face cream with vitamin C also helps minimize the appearance of skin discolorations and black spots
TULA Overnight Skin Rescue Treatment ($85 USD) — Your mom deserves the best. Give her softer, plumper and hydrated skin with TULA’s Overnight Skin Rescue Treatment. It targets fine lines and wrinkles, reduces pore size and nourishes skin. Made with bacillus coagulan ferment (a probiotic strain), the bacteria work to increase the skin’s elasticity while fighting signs of aging. The formula also contains a blend of watermelon and fruit extracts to provide an instant and prolonged boost of hydration for the day.
Moms have a busy lifestyle, but she can take the Cuvée Travel Kit ($30 USD) wherever she goes. A three-piece travel set to help prolong any style, the Shampoo, Conditioner and Styling Balm are the basics for the girl on the move. Shampoo and Conditioner to gently cleanse, add shine and hydration. Styling balm will help protect, tame frizz, without weighing hair down. Now that’s glamour on the go!
I think food gifts are such a fun way to show the ladies in your life that you care on Mother’s Day! I know my mom loves receiving treats!
One of the top online gift giving sites, GourmetGiftBaskets.com, has just released several new items to truly delight any mom or grandma — from those who became moms (or grandmas) for the first time over the past year to those who have been mothering kids for more than 75 years!
Here are some of their brand new 2017 Mother’s Day offerings:
Mother’s Day Brownie Cake
NEW! Mother’s Day Brownie Cake, ($49.99 USD) —Looking for a Mother’s Day gift, but you want something that’s not so predictable? Get her this scrumptious Mother’s Day Brownie Cake! This 12-inch delight will arrive to her door just as fresh as if you had picked it up from the bakery. It also has a special Mother’s Day message for Mom on top, reminding her that you’re crazy about her.
This is delicious! The frosting is soft and the browning part is good, and sweet.
Love for Mom Cookie Gift Box
NEW! Love for Mom Cookie Gift Box ( $29.99 USD) —Cookie-craving Moms will get a great surprise this year with this gift box. GourmetGiftBaskets.com has created this gorgeous gift showcasing six different varieties of gourmet offerings: Chocolate Chip Cookies, Fudge Brownie Cookies, Lemon Sugar Cookies, Pecan Sandy Cookies, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, and Peanut Butter Cookies. There’s something for almost every Mom here!
I haven’t tried these, but they look amazing and if your mom loves cookies, this would be perfect!
Happy Mother’s Day Gift Basket
NEW! Happy Mother’s Day Gift Basket, ($69.99 USD) –Pampering Mom’s tastebuds has elevated to a new level in 2017 with this basket — a stunning arrangement of tea essentials. This beauty features a keepsake “Awesome Mom” mug, two types of tea, sweet sugar sticks, and gourmet cookies. She’ll think of you as she’s enjoying cup after cup of relaxing tea alone or with her friends. There’s plenty to share.
This is is such a pretty gift basket! I’m giving one to my mother-in-law because she loves tea and cookies.
To see the full selection of Mother’s Day gift ideas (baskets, towers, cakes and more), click here.
Distinctive Assets, the LA-based entertainment marketing company credited with beginning the marketing craze of celebrity swag nearly two decades ago, will once again be producing and distributing its annual “Mother’s Day in Hollywood” Gift Bags. Distinctive Assets will be pampering twenty-five of Tinseltown’s most
famous maternal stars with innovative, unique, useful and fabulous products and services!
The list of this year’s famous mommies and mommies-to- be includes Kerry Washington, Katherine Heigl, Mila Kunis, Anna Chlumsky, Ellie Kemper, Blake Lively, Vanessa Lachey, Blac Chyna, Amber Tamblyn, Tori Spelling, Amy
Smart, Beyoncé, Lily Rabe, Amanda Seyfried, Ciara, Lauren Conrad, Audra McDonald, Natalie Portman, Alanis Morissette, Chrissy Teigen, Tyra Banks, Hoda Kotb, P!nk, Lake Bell and Janet Jackson.
These celeb mom’s sure are lucky! Here are some of the wonderful goodies which are going to be included in the bag:
RUMI X
1. RUMI X , eco-friendly active-wear made from recycled plastic bottles and coffee grounds, is gifting Hollywood moms with their hottest designs! The line includes a wide variety of different styles and even maternity sets!
Naples Soap Company
Naples Soap Company is gifting all natural soap bars, body oil, moisturizers and bath bombs!
Slimware
Slimware allows moms to control their nutrition by gifting them the SMART plate!
Happiest Tee
Happiest Tee gifts Hollywood moms with the luxurious shirts featuring moms’ happiest places! The fabric is unbelievably soft and comforting!
We have had a rainy weekend in Kansas City, and it has been nice to relax inside! I have been enjoying some of the new beauty products I have been sent for my honest review!
My favorites this week include an iridescent highlighter, a new way to apply my makeup, an firming eye cream, a sea salt spray that makes my hair thicker
Hard Candy Iridescent Pearl Highlighter
Hard Candy Iridescent Pearl Highlighter ($6 USD) is a pearl illuminator that leaves skin with a wearable but trendy iridescent shimmer. This powder includes light-reflective pearls that diffuse light. The universal shade is flattering on all skin tones and smoothly applies to your skin with easy soft, sweeping motions. The result is a trendy but wearable prismatic illumination that catches light and turns heads. Great lighting will follow you around everywhere you go and you will always be photo-ready with this beautifully unique iridescent highlighting powder.
What I think: I have been wanting to try this trend, and this is an affordable (and gorgeous) way to do it. I apply the powder anywhere I want to glow, including the cheekbones, tip of the nose, collarbones, and under the arch of my brows. It’s so pretty on. I use a little, but layer it and you get a great evening out look!
The Makeup Drop ($20 USD) Our Silicone Makeup Applicator was designed to completely eliminate wasted makeup and skincare. While sponge applicators soak up large amounts of makeup during application, the MakeupDrop perfectly applies and blends your foundation, blush, highlighter, concealer, moisturizer, and primer without absorbing one drop! Only half the amount of product is needed as compared to a traditional sponge or brush applicator.
What I think: This is such an interesting way to apply makeup! It only takes a little bit of product, although when I use it, I find I need to do one area of my face at a time, because it doesn’t spread too well. It does blend nicely after a little bit of practice. The coverage is really good, too!
MALIN+GOETZ Revitalizing Eye Cream ($92 for .5 fl. oz) This multi-benefit treatment is intensely nourishing, yet feels incredibly lightweight and luxurious. Powerfully addresses the look of all major eye concerns, including lines, wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles with an advanced blend of firming peptides and skin renewing Marine Algae extract. Strengthens and helps protect your eye area so it stays looking brighter, smoother, more supple.
What I think: I have severe seasonal allergies, and my eyes get very irritated this time of year. So, I usually don’t wear eye cream as much. But this one didn’t bother my eyes and actually helped me look more rested. It firmed and smoothed the eye area right away. This is an eye cream that I can use all year!
Philip B. Maui Wowie Volumizing & Thickening Beach Mist
Philip B. Maui Wowie Volumizing & Thickening Beach Mist ($25 USD) –Ultra-light spray gives hair sexy volume and shiny, piecey, tousled waves (plus a gorgeous beachy scent). A texturizer and conditioning treatment in one, loaded with botanical moisturizers. Leaves hair gleaming and bouncy, not stiff; pure Orchid and Kukui oils impart a healthy, voluptuous feel. Blend of Sea Salt and Aloe Vera creates gorgeous lift.
What I think: First of all, this smells amazing! I spritz it in damp hair and it thickens and gives my hair great waves. I just use a little, and it looks like I’ve been at the beach (lies since I live in the Midwest). This will be a mainstay this summer.
Hi! Have you started thinking about what to give mom for Mother’s Day? I am, and actually need to send a package to my mom soon!
Beauty gifts are always I hit! I have some great gift ideas for the amazing women in your life. They include fragrance, skincare, candles and more:
Philosophy Moments of Grace Mother’s Day Trio
Philosophy Moments of Grace Mother’s Day Trio ($57 USD) –gift her moments of amazing grace. this exclusive collection includes 3 ways to enjoy the beautifully crafted floral, universally loved and lauded scent. the experience opens with the award-winning shampoo, bath & shower gel featuring a rich, grace-infused lather that leaves skin and hair clean, soft and delicately scented. next, a nourishing treatment of firming body emulsion conditions and moisturizes as it tones, for skin that feels pampered and renewed. a finishing spritz of eau de toilette will accompany her through the day with grace. set includes an 8 oz. shampoo, bath & body shower gel, a 2 oz. eau de toilette and an 8 oz. firming body emulsion.
beautyblender summer.fling ($49 USD) — This limited-edition set includes the best-selling, award-winning original beautyblender, and two brand new blenders – beautyblender pop, in a vibrant orange, and beautyblender glow, in a show-stopping neon green. Use each blender damp when applying foundation products to get that perfect complexion that just might make the summer last a little longer!
Volition Beauty The Ultimate Anti-Aging Trio ($149.00 on sale for $74.50 USD) — contains a Dual Cream Base that cushions the skin with moisture. Mix it with either the Day Active to deliver maximum anti-aging benefits to plump your complexion. Or switch to the Night Active that is packed with a natural form of retinol, a stable form of Vitamin C and soothing Chamomile designed to brighten and soothe skin while you sleep.
Purchase at volitionbeauty.com
Glamglow Super Mud Clearing Treatment
Glamglow Super Mud Clearing Treatment ($68.99 USD) — The SUPERMUD® Clearing Treatment was clinically developed to address common skin concerns, which include blemishes, redness, scars, razor bumps, and in-grown hair. The potent mud formula supports skin’s natural oil balance, while a proprietary blend of six acids works to dramatically brighten and soften the complexion. Activated-X charcoal lifts away dirt and other skin congestions, resulting in a refined, healthy-looking complexion.
Rosemary & White Sage Candle ($20.99 USD) — This massage & aromatherapy soy candle is a stimulating & warming blend with moss agate gemstone. This candle is perfect for an out of office day perfect for mom.
Philosophy Hope for the Best Coffret ($146.99 USD) — 1x Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 Cleanser (For Face & Eyes) 60ml/2oz 1x Hope In A Jar High-Performance Mositurizer (For All Skin Types) 60ml/2oz 1x Multitasking Eye Cream (For Dark Circles, Puffiness & Lines) 15ml/0.5oz 1x Hands Of Hope Hand & Cuticle Cream 30ml/1ozIdeal both for personal use & as a gift.
I received samples for my honest review from the wonderful natural brand Reverie Farms & Soaps.
Reverie Farms is a small, local farm located in Argyle, Texas. They make natural beauty products because they found many soaps include unhealthy ingredients like parabens.
I received one bar soap (I chose Citrus Fusion) and a liquid hand soap (in Lemongrass):
Citrus Fusion Soap
Citrus Fusion Soap ($6 USD) — Citrus Fusion creates a new angle on citrus! The blood orange and bergamot essential oil fuse together to create a light citrus bar! It is a natural organic based bar soap and is biodegradable, vegan friendly, and made with organic oils.
This smells amazing. Is is light and fresh and a great scent for the whole family because it isn’t too strong. It cleans and leaves my skin very soft. I plan to try other scents in the future.
Natural Organic Foaming Hand Soap
Natural Organic Foaming Hand Soap ($6.50 USD) — The natural organic foaming hand soap is biodegradable, vegan friendly, and made with organic oils of sunflower and/or safflower, and coconut, vegetable glycerin, rosemary extract and essential oils. It is sold in an convenient 8 ounce foaming soap dispenser. Can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, shower, etc. Great for hands as well as body cleaning! Formulated for people with sensitive skin and never tested on animals.
I have this in Lemongrass. It’s very lemony and works well in my kitchen. I like it, but it has a bit of a greasy feeling to it. I need hot water to rinse it clean. I do really like how moisturizing this is. And it foams nicely!
These wonderful products are available at reveriefarms.com
It is almost graduation for many high school and college seniors! This is such an exciting time for them and their families. So what are you getting them? No matter what amazing give you choose, start with a gorgeous card!
I was sent these three unique cards from Papyrus, a fine stationary company for my honest review:
Papyrus Laser-Cut Graduation Cap Card
Papyrus Laser-Cut Graduation Cap Card ($6.95 USD) — Intricate scrollwork is laser-cut and set on a glittery gold background and layered with a graduation cap on a lovely watercolor backdrop to create a beautiful card to send your congratulations.
The inside message reads: Congratulations and best wishes to you on this wonderful occasion / Happy Graduation
Papyrus Dare To Be with Gold Glitter
Papyrus Dare To Be with Gold Glitter ($5.95 USD) Stunning glitter and bold gold foil text create this card that is perfect for celebrating a truly golden victory.
The front message is: Dare to be as amazing as you truly are. The inside message reads: Let nothing hold you back / Congratulations
Papyrus Dreams Thoreau Quote
Papyrus Dreams Thoreau Quote Card ($5.95 USD) Give the new graduate this inspirational card, wishing them luck on their next endeavor.
The front message reads: DREAMS are touchstones of our character / Henry David Thoreau and the inside message is: Whatever your dream, you have the power to make it come true / Congratulations
What I think: This cards are both beautiful and substantial. They are made of quality card stock and have amazing details. I will be proud to give these out to the grad in my life. My 17 year old will graduate next year, so if I don’t use all of them this year, they will still be fresh and unique next year!
It was a beautiful Sunday yesterday! It was warm in Kansas City and I got out to enjoy my daughter’s (and my husband the coach’s) lacrosse game. They won!
My favorite beauty products this week include amazing fragrances, a handy daily exfoliator, a gorgeous lip duo and volumizing dry shampoo:
Molton Brown and Orange & Bergamot ($65 USD) — Our original scent in a fresh, citrusy eau de toilette, blended with bergamot, mandarin and Seville oranges:
Top notes: orange oil, bergamot, lemon and mandarin.
Heart notes: petitgrain, cardamom and galbanum.
Base notes: neroli, ylang-ylang and musk.
Molton Brown Fiery Pink Pepper ($65 USD) — Our signature spicy pink pepperpod fragrance accentuated in an alluring eau de toilette, enhanced with more delicately balanced, complex aromas:
Top notes: pink pepper, tangerine and elemi oil.
Heart notes: nutmeg and ginger oil.
Base notes: patchouli and cedarwood oil.
Molton Brown Mesmerising Oudh Accord & Gold ($65 USD) — A heady eau de toilette fragrance with deep, rich aromas from the East:
Top notes: cinnamon leaf oil and nutmeg oil.
Heart notes: elemi oil, myrrh oil and black tea accord.
Base note: oudh accord, vetiver, honey and tobacco accord.
What I think: These are all such complex, luxe fragrances. My fave is the Orange & Bergamot because I love fresh, light scents. The Fiery Pink Pepper is bright and sultry and the Ouhd Accord & Gold is deep and dramatic.
PUR Joystick Exfoliating Deep-Pore Cleanser ($26 USD) — Flawless makeup application starts with a clean and healthy complexion. Foaming on contact, it instantly draws out dirt, oil and impurities to clear out clogged pores and leave your face feeling soft, smooth and prepped for makeup application. Ideal for on-the-go, the Joystick Cleanser is the perfect travel companion.
What I think: I love this cleanser! It is so easy to use. I apply the stick on wet skin (it’s great in the shower) and then massage it into my skin. Once I rinse it off, my skin is so smooth! I’m definately taking this cleanser on my vacation this summer.
ybf beauty fall in love lipstick & lipgloss duo ($22.80 USD) — This lightly scented, hydrating lipstick and lipgloss duo, suitable for every skin tone, will leave lips looking bold and voluptuous. With a creamy paraben-free formula infused with Smart Active Complexes, lips are infused with a rich, luminous color as they help smooth the appearance of fine lines for a soft n’ silky, pout.
What I think — Both of these products are so pretty! I think the berry colors would look amazing on most skin tones. I like that the fall in love lipstick comes with a convenient case with a mirror attached. It’s so easy to apply on the go.
John Frieda Luxurious Volume Volume Refresh Dry Shampoo
John Frieda Luxurious Volume Volume Refresh Dry Shampoo ($6.99 USD) — Give your hair an uplifting boost and touchable body that lasts with just a spritz of this NEW dry shampoo. The revitalizing formula instantly refreshes, revives and restores limp locks while getting rid of dirt and oil for hair that feels clean, healthy and light.
What I think: Dry Shampoo can weigh down my hair, so I like that this adds volume. Remember with dry shampoo a little goes a long way. A spritz or two cleans and lifts my hair.
Purchase at ULTA and food, drug and mass retailers nationwide
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 