IT Cosmetics’ New Year, Your Most Beautiful Skin! 4-Piece Skincare & Complexion Collection on QVC!

new year, your most beautiful skin! 4-piece skincare & complexion collection

It’s time for a new IT Cosmetics and QVC Today’s Special Value! The New Year, Your Most Beautiful Skin! 4-Piece Skincare & Complexion Collection gives you the power to reveal your most beautiful skin! This Today’s Special Value will only be offered for one day only! As a reminder, each day, QVC picks one special item they believe shoppers will love, and offers it at an exceptionally low price from midnight (ET) until 11:59 p.m. (PT) that day.

This one actually is on presale now and will be over January 12 that at 11:59 p.m (PT). It is $69.96 +Free Standard S&H.  The value is $174, which is amazing!

This exclusive four-piece collection features the worldwide launch of two new confidence-boosting skincare essentials and one new complexion must-have—plus a perfectly paired brush! Prep your skin for makeup application with new Confidence in a Gel Lotion to hydrate and smooth the look of fine lines. Then, apply new Confidence in a Neck Cream to your neck, décolleté and chest for an instantly younger-looking appearance. Use your included Heavenly Luxe Plush Paddle Foundation Brush to apply Bye Bye Lines Foundation for your most skin-perfecting finish!

Includes:

  • 2.6-oz Confidence in a Neck Cream
  • 2.5-oz Confidence in a Gel Lotion
  • 1-fl oz Bye Bye Lines Foundation
  • Heavenly Luxe Plush Paddle Foundation Brush

Here’s a photo of my products:

img_2802

I am loving these products!  My favorite is the Gel Lotion because it is so light and is amazing under makeup! My makeup applies so smoothly over it.  The neck cream is so hydrating.  It is orange, which is fun, but the color doesn’t show on the neck, it actually helps the tone of my skin look more even.

I have tried the foundation before and really like it.  The shade I have is Light.  It think it’s a bit dark for me in the winter, but it will be nice in the summer.  The brush is so nice!  So soft.  I love a paddle brush for applying foundation.

You can purchase this on qvc.com or you can watch and call in!

Do you love IT Cosmetics, too?  Are you picking this up?

 

Hydrating Skincare For The Dry, Winter Months

I love testing new skincare!  It’s so wonderful when I find something I like and continue to use.  My skin is aging, sensitive and combination, but it gets dryer in the winter.  So hydration is so important!

Below are some products I was sent for my honest review:

iluma intense brightening exfoliating powder
IMAGE Skincare Iluma intense brightening exfoliating powder

IMAGE Skincare ILUMA intense brightening exfoliating powder ($32 at IMAGESkincare.com): This gently exfoliating powder polishes and buffs away radiance-impairing dead skin cells to brighten and illuminate the skin, leaving it smooth and prepped to absorb creams.

What I think: Don’t forget to exfoliate a few times a week (whatever your skin can handle) during the winter.  This is such a nice, gentle exfoliator.  I like to use it in the morning before skincare to help my makeup apply better.  It doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin, which is great.

derma e hydrating night cream
Derma E Hydrating Night Cream

Hydrating Night Cream ($29.99 dermae.com) — This ultra-hydrating, formula delivers unmatched hydrating properties of Hyaluronic Acid (HA), nature’s “moisture magnet”. Infused with antioxidant-rich Green Tea, nourishing Vitamins C-Ester and Vitamins A and E help to soften and smooth the appearance of skin for a younger-looking complexion.

What I think: This is such a great night time moisturizer for the winter months, when my skin is dry.  I love that it has such amazing ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid to keep my skin soft and smooth. My skin is very hydrated in the morning when I use this at night.

korres wild rose vitamin c brightening sleeping facial
KORRES Wild Rose Vitamin C Brightening Sleeping Facial

KORRES Wild Rose Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial ($48; Sephora.com): Finish your nighttime routine with an overnight facial to be the ultimate sleeping beauty. This Wild Rose and Vitamin C formula melts instantly into the skin, and continues to work throughout the night. Wake up with soft, smooth skin, and a recharged complexion.

What I think: I usually apply this over serum, but on nights my skin really needs some extra love, I apply it over a night cream.  It’s fairly light and absorbs quickly. I feel that it  brightens as well as hydrates and my skin glows in the morning!

derma e hydrating eye cream
Derma E Hydrating Eye Cream

Derma E Hydrating Eye Cream ($21.50 USD) — Deeply hydrate, firm and tone the delicate skin around your eyes while reducing the look of fine lines and crow’s feet with this fragrance-free eye cream. Hyaluronic Acid (HA), also known as nature’s moisture magnet, has the ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, binding moisture to help soften, smooth, tone and rehydrate skin. Only DERMA E has blended the unmatched hydrating properties of HA with antioxidants Pycnogenol® and Green Tea, moisturizing Jojoba Oil and nourishing Vitamins A, C and E into a rich, replenishing eye cream to keep eyes young and radiant looking.

What I think: This is as hydrating for the eyes and the night cream is for the face!  This is wonderful for anti-aging and we all need moisture in the eye area as we get older. Dryness makes me look older, and I don’t need that!  I love the ingredients and how smooth my eye area looks in the morning.

iluma intense brightening eye crème

IMAGE Skincare ILUMA intense brightening eye crème ($66; IMAGESkincare.com): A super-hydrating and brightening eye crème that works aggressively to break up discoloration under the eyes. A blend of phytonutrients, peptides and botanical brightening agents help to reduce visible signs of aging like dark circles, wrinkles, puffiness and lax skin to restore a firmer, vibrant and more youthful appearance to the eyes.

What I think: This lovely eye cream is so nice to use in the morning to help with dark eye circles. It really does make dark circles appear lighter and smooths and firms the eye area.

miss bud_s hemp eye oil
MISS BUD’S HEMP Eye Oil

MISS BUD’S HEMP Eye Oil ($19.99 on Amazon): This under-eye oil transforms the delicate under-eye area to reduce fine lines, tone, smooth and deeply moisturize skin for beautiful, youthful looking eyes. Restore, replenish and hydrate skin via a blend of vitamin-rich Pure Hemp Seed, Wheat Germ, Coconut and Sunflower oils.

What I think: I like using this under an eye cream at night.  Especially in the cold weather.  It’s a really nice treatment when the eye area needs a little help.  And I love the natural ingredients!

Do you have dry or seasonally dry skin?  What have you been using?

Brand Review — Higher Education Skincare

Hi all! We have made it through the first week of 2019.  Yay us!

I was recently sent products from Higher Education Skincare for my honest review. This brand was developed specifically for the Gen Z and Millennial audiences as a clean, cruelty free, education-centric line with high quality, dermatologist-approved products.
Each product aligns with one of the core essential skincare categories: cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, treat or protect and when used daily help correct a variety of skin conditions such as acne, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, sun damage, dryness and sensitivity.
Although I am more Gen X, I enjoyed trying these out and think it’s so important for younger people to start their skin routine early!
pre-req invigorating foaming cleanser
PRE-REQ Invigorating Foaming Cleanser

PRE-REQ Invigorating Foaming Cleanser ($19 USD) — Delivers an invigorating gentle foaming cleanser for normal to oily and combination skin that cleans impurities and removes excess oil while removing all traces of makeup. Exfoliates without stripping the skin of essential moisture. Tea Tree Oil provides benefits for skin that is prone to breakouts. Skin feels clean and refreshed.

What I think: I have combination skin that’s a bit sensitive, and this is very gentle on my skin.  It foams up nicely and has a fresh scent.  I notice after I wash my skin, it’s clean, but not dry or tight.  That’s really important for all skin types (and ages).

easy a gentle resurfacing pads
EASY A Gentle Resurfacing Pads

EASY A Gentle Resurfacing Pads ($24 USD) — Exfoliating pads help remove dead skin cells, replenish moisture, and visibly minimize pore size. Skin looks vibrant, smooth, and refreshed. Skin never feels dehydrated.

What I think: I am a huge fan of exfoliating pads.  And I do really love these! You can use them day and night, but since I have sensitive skin I use them once a day or every other day and they don’t irritate my skin. I use these after cleansing and I notice my skin is so smooth and soft.

spring break oil-free broad-spectrum sunscreen spf 30
SPRING BREAK Oil-Free Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30

SPRING BREAK Oil-Free Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 ($25 USD) — This oil-free sunscreen with sheer solar protection defends against prolonged skin damage from UV light and environmental assaults that cause skin to age faster. Microfine zinc offers broad spectrum physical sunscreen protection from both UVA (the aging rays) and UVB (the burning rays) and leaves the skin feeling silky soft. Contains aloe vera and super antioxidants to help soothe and balance the skin. Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), fragrance-free, and safe for sensitive skin.

Make sure to apply a generous amount of sunscreen to your face, and other exposed area. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, wait at least 15 minutes for your sunscreen to properly absorb into your skin. After that, you can go ahead and put on makeup.

What I think: When I first squeezed this out of the tube, I noticed how thick it is.  It does absorb pretty well and makeup goes over it nicely.  I think a thicker primer would be too heavy with it, but maybe a light or glowy primer would work.  I use this almost as a primer and it works well.  My skin is very hydrated with it on.

 

double major moisture relief gel
DOUBLE MAJOR Moisture Relief Gel

DOUBLE MAJOR Moisture Relief Gel ($28 USD) — This double duty lightweight, oil free hydra gel, for all skin types, helps strengthen skin’s own natural moisture balance using lush humectants and super moisture binding skin replenishers for all-day comfort, radiance, and hydration. Skin soothing ginger extract, sea kelp and vitamins help to visibly improve the appearance of dryness, dullness, and uneven texture, leaving skin feeling silky soft and smooth.

What I think: This is a very light moisturizer.  It sinks right into the skin, but hydrates really well.  It has a light, fresh scent.  This is nice in the morning before SPF and makeup.  It hydrates without adding weight to the skin.

You can purchase all of these and more at http://www.highereducationskincare.com.

Have you tried any Higher Education Skincare?  What do you think?

 

Cool Products I’ve Been Testing For Review

Hi all!  Happy Saturday!

I’ve recently received some new or new to me products for my honest review and I have been having fun testing them out! I love reviewing products (I’ve been doing it for years now), so trying something different is always a good time!

 

makeupdrop hybrid
MakeupDrop Hybrid
From the creators of the original silicone makeup applicator comes the next generation of flawless application for skincare, foundation, blush, highlighter and concealer. The MakeupDrop™ Hybrid ($20 USD) is the newest innovation to revamp any makeup bag. The super soft, serenity colored applicator features two uniquely distinct parts: the Silicone Drop, which acts as a clean and waste-free surface for initial makeup application, and the Super Soft Sponge which helps blend and achieve an airbrushed glow.
While traditional beauty sponges soak up tons of extra product, the Hybrid—like all MakeupDrop™ products—minimizes product wasted by using the least amount of makeup possible. The silicone pad is naturally anti-bacterial and can stop the transfer of germs that can cause breakouts and irritation. The super soft- non-latex sponge is easy clean. Simply use soap and water and let dry overnight.
What I think:  I really love this sponge.  I’ve been using it for a few weeks now. The silicone drop is really good for first applying the foundation to the face.  The sponge blends it in.  The sponge is so uinque.  It doesn’t soak up any of the product, yet it is still fairly soft and bounces the foundation into my skin so nicely.  I also find that since the material is a bit firmer than normal sponges, it doesn’t break apart and is easy to clean.
Purchase this cool sponge at http://www.makeupdrop.com
Baby Foot Exfoliant
Baby Foot Exfoliant Foot Peel

Baby Foot Exfoliant Foot Peel Your feet regenerate new skin cells constantly, meaning there is a build-up of dead ones that need to be dealt with. Use Baby Foot’s Original Foot Peel ($25 USD) to remove unwanted dead skin from your feet. Slip the booties on for one hour while your skin absorbs its unique formula containing 16 types of natural extracts designed to exfoliate (there’s even a version for men, too). You’ll start to see your feet peeling within 3 to 7 days after your treatment, leaving your feet super smooth.

What I think:  This is such a neat product. It does just what it says.  I wore the booties for one hour and in about a week, dead skin started peeling off of my feet!  It takes at least a few days for all the peeling to stop, but when it does, my feet are so smooth and soft!  Perfect for dry winter feet!

Available at http://www.babyfoot.com

salonpas pain relief patch large
Salonpas Pain Relief Patch LARGE

Salonpas Pain Relief Patch LARGE ($17.99 USD) — This is a new double size value pack that includes nine large patches.  “There is only one OTC topical pain reliever that is FDA-approved like prescription medicine, and that’s the Salonpas® Pain Relief Patch,” said John Incledon, President & CEO, Hisamitsu America. “We understand that many consumers suffer from back pain, as it is the most common area of pain.  As a response, we decided to launch the new Salonpas® Pain Relief Patch LARGE. They’re twice the size as before with the power to target large pain areas. We also included nine patches in this new product to provide a better value to our consumers. Since the patches are now double the size, there is a 35% savings on an equivalized patch basis.”

“Clinical trials demonstrated that the Salonpas® Pain Relief Patch works up to 12 hours on mild to tougher moderate pain,” said award-winning journalist Dr. Bob Arnot, M.D., internal medicine, who is the author of twelve books on nutrition and health, and previously Chief Medical Correspondent for NBC and CBS News. “As a 70-year old active athlete, I suffer from pain as a result of training and competing. I was a huge fan of the previous Salonpas Pain Relief Patch and it is great that it is now available as a double-size, larger patch which targets my back pain.”

What I think: My family is active (a cross-fitter, a rock climber and a lacrosse player) and there’s me, who needs to work out more!  Someone is always sore, so these are nice to help with the pain.  They are really easy to use, and really help with aches and pains.

Available at salonpas.us

What interesting products have you been trying out?

 

Project Pan October-December 2018 Final

IMG_2764

Hey all!  Happy New Year’s Eve! This is my last Project Pan of the year!  And it was successful!  I used up all of the products above.

You can check my other posts on this pan.  The first one is here and my update is here.  I only did one update on this one.

If you look at the photos on the other posts, you can see that they are a little different.  I couldn’t find the bottle of my Pixi Retinol Tonic.  I did use it all up!  And I added the Maybelline Fit Me powder.  I had it in my second Project Pan of the year and finally used it up.  I’m so proud, so I thought I would show it!

I’ve currently moved on to other makeup and skincare. If I did need more products, I would repurchase the Flower Beauty concealer, the Fit Me powder, both Pixi products and the amazing Derma E cleanser!

This year was my first time doing a Project Pan in my many years of blogging.  I have learned that it takes a loooong time to use up makeup!  I used the three LORAC glosses every day, multiple times a day and it took me three months to use them up.  The powder took forever, and the concealers also took a fairly long time.

So, I have decided not to continue with Project Pan’s next year, at least not for a few months.  I think since I have so much makeup (and it will take forever to use up), I’m going to post a monthly Shop My Stash.  I think I’ll choose 5 makeup items each month that I am going to incorporate into my makeup routine and see how much use I get out of them.

Did you do a Project Pan in 2018?  How did it go?

 

Hydrate Your Skin This Winter With Jergens and Curel

Hey all!  Happy almost New Year’s Eve!  As we Near the end of 2018 and start a new year, I have realized that I need to do a better job hydrating my skin.  It’s so dry because of the cold air, and the fact that I’m not getting any younger!

I was sent some moisturizing Jergens and Curel products for my honest review. Starting with lotions that are used in shower to lotions to use anytime your skin is dry, Jergens and Curel has you covered!

Jergens Wet Skin Shea Oil Body Lotion
Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer With Shea Oil 
Jergens Shea Butter Wet Skin Moisturizer ($6.99 USD) is applied to wet skin right after showering, maximizing hydration when skin is most receptive to moisture. The water activated formula absorbs right away as vitamin-rich shea oil leaves you feeling smooth and soft – and without the heaviness and greasy residue of a traditional lotion.

What I think: This leaves my skin so soft and the hydration lasts all day!  This is non greasy and is perfect all year long.
Curel Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer
Curel Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer

Curel Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer ($10.99 USD)After showering or bathing, your pores are open which allows hydration to penetrate deep into the skin’s surface to the source of dryness. That is why Curél Hydra Therapy is applied to wet skin immediately after showering and works with the water on the skin to glide on and immediately absorb. There is no need to rinse or wait before toweling dry as normal. Unlike traditional lotions, it works from within your skin to replenish and repair the moisture barrier. With Advanced Ceramide Complex, the moisturizer replenishes ceramides to help skin retain moisture and prevent symptoms of dry skin from returning. Dermatologist recommended, Curél Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer was granted the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. Apply daily and feel 3x more hydrated.

This one is even lighter than the Jergens in shower lotion, but it also lasts all day long.  These types of lotions are so easy to use and incorporate into my shower routine!

Jergens Flawless Effects Moisturizer
Jergens Flawless Effects Moisturizer

Jergens Flawless Effects Moisturizer ($10.99 USD) — A blurring and perfecting lotion that improves tone, softens imperfections, and provides nourishing hydration for more flawless looking skin.  This velvety lotion with Shea butter and sheer blush pigments instantly smooths skin while noticeably balancing tone in as few as 5 days.

What I think: I have enjoyed testing out this lotion.  It has a balm-like texture and glides on the skin. I noticed that my skin tone looks even and my skin is very smooth when I use this daily.

Jergens Skin Illuminating Moisturizer
Jergens Skin Illuminating Moisturizer
Jergens Skin Illuminating Moisturizer ($10.99 USD) — Enhanced with a subtle touch of shimmer, this highlighting and illuminating formula gives your skin a beachy glow, with hints of peach and gold. Nourished, luminous, lively skin, with just a kiss of shimmer. This silky lotion with pure minerals and freshwater pearl powder transforms everyday skin to standout skin before your very eyes.
What I think: This lotion is very light and creamy.  It has a little bit of shimmer in it, so I think it will be great in the spring and summer, when I show my arms and legs more.
Curel Rough Skin Rescue Smoothing Lotion
Curel Rough Skin Rescue Smoothing Lotion
Sometimes, slathering on moisturizer once a day simply isn’t enough, and that especially applies for people who deal with dry, flaky skin. Think of Curel Rough Skin Rescue Smoothing Lotion as your go-to hydration boost, and apply as needed throughout the day. Made with skin-soothing ingredients like olive oil, this hard-working formula aids in your skin’s natural exfoliating process, and then delivers much-needed hydration, restoring the moisture barrier to prevent dry skin in the future.
What I think: I like to use this lotion when my skin is very dry and flaky.  I’ve noticed that it does loosen flakes and really makes skin look and feel better!
What lotions do you like to use to hydrate your skin?

New To Me — Natural Skincare and Innovative Brands

Hi all!  I was recently sent some natural skincare for my honest review.  I love trying new (or new to me) brands and finding new favorites!

Below is a coconut oil based cleansing balm, cool peel off and magnetic masks, and body moisturizer with SPF:

Skinny & Co. Clarifying Facial Cleansing Balm
Skinny & Co. Clarifying Facial Cleansing Balm

Skinny & Co. Clarifying Facial Cleansing Balm ($24.95 USD) — One step makeup remover facial cleanser that unclogs pores and brightens as it eases blemishes and re-balances your skin’s natural oils. The secret is our patented 100% RAW Skinny Coconut Oil that is able to nourish your skin while it protects you from unwanted chemicals and toxins that pollute and cause break outs.

What I think: Cleansing balms are so nice to remove makeup.  This one would be great for someone with oily or combination skin.  I have sensitive skin, so this isn’t for me, but my daughters love it, it removes makeup without leaving their skin oily.  Skinny & Co. has a cleansing balm for sensitive skin.  It’s nice there are choices!

Purchase at shop.skinnyandcompany.com

Biovene Charcoal Magnet Mask
Biovene Charcoal Magnet Mask

Biovene Charcoal Magnet Mask ($28.27 USD ) — Biovène Magnet Mask is an innovative, natural, anti-aging and rejuvenating face mask consisting of iron magnetic particles, activated charcoal and a blend of the most precious oils nature has to offer for a smooth, firm and radiant complexion.

What I think:  This is so much fun to use.  You apply it and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Then you put a cover on the magnet, and it actually removes the mask magnetically!  It leaves my skin soft, smooth and hydrated.  It’s so nice!

Purchase at biovenebarcelona.com

Biovene Pink Peel-Off Mask
Pink Peel-Off Mask

Biovène Pink Peel-Off Mask is the next level peel-off mask utilizing Activated Charcoal in combination with star ingredients such as Sodium Hyaluronate, Strawberry extract, Argan Oil & Collagen.

What I think: Peel off masks are my favorite, and this is no exception! This is a mousse like mask that is very pink and smells like strawberries!  Since it is thick, it takes about 30 minutes to dry.  Then it peels off nicely.  My skin is glowing and soft!

Purchase at biovenebarcelona.com

Trilipiderm Broad Spectrum SPF 30 3oz. Tube
Trilipiderm Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Trilipiderm Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($17.95 on sale for $13.46) — The best dry skin protection under the sun – hydrates as it protects against UVA and UVB radiation and contributes Vitamin D. Available in a handy 3 oz tube for your beach bag, ski jacket or purse. Take it wherever you go outdoors.

What I think:  SPF is so important all year long.  This one is nice because it does double duty as moisturizer and SPF.  I love that combo in facial skincare, so why not for the body.  It’s very hydrating without being  greasy and has a light floral scent.

Purchase at trilipiderm.com

 

Have you tried any good skincare lately?  What’s your current favorite skincare products/

Holiday Gift Guide 2018 — Books Gifts Part 1

Hi all! Happy Friday!  I’m so glad it’s the weekend!  I’ll be decorating and Christmas shopping this weekend (and working on more gift guides).

If you’re not done shopping yet, think about giving a fun book as a gift! I’m going to be featuring a bunch of books this season. All of the books below will make thoughtful gifts and they are available on Amazon and most on Kindle for quick and easy giving!

An Old-Fashioned Christmas
An Old-Fashioned Christmas

An Old-Fashioned Christmas ($12.95 USD) — An Old-Fashioned Christmas presents a carefully curated collection of inspirational, meaningful and fun quotes celebrating the spirit of the holidays.

Deck the halls with boughs of jolly and the An Old-Fashioned Christmas. Chock full of holiday sentiments and joyous words, this Christmas quote book is the perfect stocking stuffer book for the season.

 

 

The Enchanted Sonata
The Enchanted Sonata

The Enchanted Sonata is a fresh, whimsical retelling of The Nutcracker Ballet with a dash of The Pied Piper, which will captivate readers of all ages. The Enchanted Sonata was written by Heather Dixon Wallwork, who has worked as a storyboard lead for Disney and is the author of two novels published by HarperCollins.

In The Enchanted Sonata, 15-year-old Clara Stahlbaum has her future perfectly planned: marry the handsome pianist, Johann Kahler (ah!), and settle down to a life full of music. But all that changes when Clara receives a mysterious and magical nutcracker. Whisked away to his world—an enchanted empire of beautiful palaces, fickle fairies, enormous rats, and a prince—Clara must face a magician who uses music as magic…and the future she thought she wanted.

Dixon Wallwork is a musician, animator and author. Working under Disney Interactive, she has illustrated for many popular franchises including Lucasfilm, Marvel and Pixar, and was the story lead for the Moana playset. She is the author of two novels published by Greenwillow Books – HarperCollins: Entwined and Illusionarium.

Ciao Italia Lifelong Adventures

Ciao Italia Lifelong Adventures ($25.12 Legions of loyal fans of Mary Ann Esposito’s groundbreaking PBS cooking show CIAO ITALIA have enjoyed cooking with and learning from this beloved television personality, a trailblazer who helped spark a billion dollar food media industry and paved the way for countless other television chefs. Fans have three words to describe her cooking style: traditional, authentic and passionate. From creating and launching CIAO ITALIA in 1989 to authoring 12 cookbooks, Esposito has inspired a worldwide audience who want to know more about Italian food and culture.

Musing Mediterranean
Musing Mediterranean

Musing Mediterranean — ($15.56 USD) When Beth Daigle’s husband, Tony, announced that he was planning a two-week Mediterranean cruise, she wasn’t exactly excited. Plagued by anxieties about leaving home and air travel, as well as the fact that this was to be a multi-generational family vacation including her parents, daughters, sister and her family, there was some definite potential for disaster. Despite that phobia and reluctance, though, the Mediterranean called her in a way that she couldn’t deny—she’s half Greek and half Italian, and seeing her ancestral countries had always been a dream. Musing Mediterranean is the full account of that dream coming true—from the planning phase to the return home, Daigle takes us along on her family’s journey through Rome, Sicily, Athens, Ephesus, the Greek Islands, and Naples.

In her warm and approachable prose, Daigle communicates the beauty, history, architecture and culture of each location that her family visits, and a sense of awe that the trip has given her for what is truly a life altering experience. Whether or not you’ve experienced the beauty of the places Daigle visits in this book firsthand, you’ll feel like you have after going on this journey with her. Most importantly though, in a time when we could all use a bit of an escape now and then, Musing Mediterraneanis an unequivocally happy book that injects humor wherever possible. One that will make readers glad they’ve read it.

Do you like to give books for gifts?  What kinds do you like to give (or get)?

Anti-Aging Skincare From IMAGE Skincare, Bratoxinsta and BREVENA

Hi all! I hope you had a great week! I’m so glad the weekend’s here.

I’ve been lucky to have received some amazing anti-aging skin care for my honest review. I’m always on the lookout for great skincare items that will help my sensitive, aging skin appear younger! These are a bit pricey, but totally worth it:

 

 

IMAGE Skincare_s the MAX Stem Cell Neck Lift
IMAGE Skincare’s the MAX Stem Cell Neck Lift

IMAGE Skincare the MAX Stem Cell Neck Lift ($85 USD) — This lift reverses telltale signs of aging by targeting skin laxity, sagging, wrinkles, and creasing on the too often neglected neck and décolleté area. This mask features a unique time release delivery system that allows the active ingredients to penetrate the skin deeper, resulting in prolonged effects. Its maximum concentration of skin strengthening peptides and ground breaking plant stem cells help to uplift sagging skin, support elasticity, and define the neck and jawline.

I’ve only been using this for a couple of weeks, but I can really see a difference in my neck firmness and definition of my jaw. It’s very creamy and thick, but it isn’t greasy at all.  So I use it day and night. This is a spendy cream, but it is so worth it.  I can’t wait to see more results as I continue to use it.

Purchase at http://www.IMAGESkincare.com.)

BRATOXINSTA
Bratoxinsta

Bratoxinsta ($59.99 USD) creates a thin veil of youth-restoring minerals to instantly eliminate the appearance of puffiness or sagging, crows feet, and fine lines.Fast-acting active ingredients create a tighter look and feel within 60 seconds of application while state-of-the-art minerals immediately lift and sculpt. Meanwhile, the powerful combination of stem-cell, antioxidants from Açai and peptides help to improve long-term appearance.

This is so perfect when you want to look younger instantly.   Just use a little bit on fine lines, wrinkles, eye bags etc and it smooths skin in just a few minutes.  This is really nice for the holidays, too!

Purchase at brazilianskin.com

Brevena Perfect Pair
Brevena Perfect Pair

BREVENA is a clinical grade skin care line designed to address the needs of normal to sensitive skin types with the utmost care and concern for improved skin health. Macro β Complex® is a powerful, proprietary ingredient effortlessly restores dry, rough, aging and environmentally damaged skin leaving your skin soft, healthy and luminous.

Daily Hydration Moisturizer ($79 USD):  Featuring the Macro β Complex®, this formula locks in moisture while visibly plumping and softening skin, boosting luminosity and bounce. Products are dermatologist tested. Fragrance-free, dye-free, and steroid-free.

The Restore & Hydrate Overnight Cream ($89 USD): This formula, with Macro β Complex®, hyaluronic acid, shea butter and potent antioxidants works to replenish and infuse the skin with moisture for a visibly softer, smoother complexion by morning.

  • In a clinical study, users of both creams realized:
    • 100% showed improvement in skin texture/roughness
    • 100% showed improvement in skin firmness/elasticity
    • 100% showed improvement in moisturization of the skin
    • 97% showed improvement in skin luminosity
    • 100% showed improvement in crow’s feet wrinkle texture

Better yet try them both, packaged together as “The Perfect Pair” and value priced at $159, a $9 savings.

These creams are so luxe!  They feel nice on my dry skin and I’m happy that they don’t irritate my sensitive skin. My skin looks so hydrated, smooth and glowing when I use both the day and night cream.

Purchase at shop.brevena.com

What skincare are you loving lately?

Black Friday/Cyber Monday 2018 BeautyDeals!

Hi all!  Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope everyone’s having an amazing day! I’m back with my third round of Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals!

This time I have some haircare, bath and body, and misc. beauty products that you can get for a steal:

 

The Mane Choice

 

The Mane Choice: During Black Friday weekend, The Mane Choice will be running a 50% off promo on TheManeChoice.com. The offer code will be CHOICE50.

 

Leonor Greyl

Leonor Greyl usa.com Spend 125 dollars and get the Black Friday goodie Bag Volume Kit with:

Two full sizes products:

  • Voluforme
  • Mousse au Lotus Volumatrice

Two travel sizes:

  • Bain Volumateur Aux Algues
  • Masque Fleurs de Jasmin

The 50 gold comb

All this in the black pouch nubuck.  Free Shipping. Starts on Wednesday November 21st and end on Monday November 26th at midnight.

Juara
Juara

Juaraskincare.com  promo period this year is from Wednesday November 21st to Monday November 26th

1)      The membership promo: Become a JUARA preferred customer for $5. Usually it cost $29 annual fee to become a JUARA Preferred Customer and get all those perks, including 15% off on every order all year, and free shipping on orders $90 or more.

2)      Great promo for existing Preferred Customers — Receive 20% on all JUARA PLUS Free shipping on ALL orders, PLUS a very cool branded

 JUARA cosmetic bag with purchase of $50 or more

Rebels Refinery
Rebels Refinery
Rebels Refinery
Black Friday
25% off sitewide with the code BLACKFRIDAY
11/23- 11/26
Baby Foot Exfoliant

Baby Foot Exfoliant
BabyFoot.com
Buy One, Get One FREE! $25 for two boxes
Black Friday only