Review-Disney Tsum Tsum Lip Smackers are cute, but do they work?

Written by meredith / News / March 28, 2017

*I received these products for review

I don’t know many people who are not fans of Disney in some way, shape or form.  I grew up with Mickey & Minnie, Winnie the Pooh, and have continued to love the ‘newer’ Disney characters like Nemo, Dory, Buzz Lightyear, etc.  Last year, when I was shopping at Walmart, I found the Mickey & Minnie Tsum Tsum lip smackers and purchased them for a huge Disney fan, my mother.  I don’t think she has opened the packages as she is a collector and I get it.  These are absolutely adorable.  But I had to wonder, do these lip balms actually offer any type of benefits outside of amazingly cute packaging and the ability to stack them on top of each other…..and just in case you are wondering ‘tsum tsum’ translates to ‘stack-stack’ in Japanese.

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Hair tools-my favorites!

Written by meredith / News / March 25, 2017

FYI I own all of these and they were all purchased by me.  Hair tools-there are so many and yet so few that aren’t straight up gimmicks!  I felt the need to do this post because over the years, I have found some hair tools that have made a significant difference in my hair and really stepped up my game.  Some of them have a higher price point and I have to tell you, they are WORTH the investment.  Some of them are super inexpensive-and are also worth the investment.  Take a look below to read about my favorite hair tools.

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My picks for Best Bronzers for Fair Skin

Written by meredith / Best, News / March 21, 2017

I honestly am so pale most of the year.  I used to think that I shouldn’t be allowed to bronze….that it would look orange or obviously fake.  So why should a pale girl use bronzer?  Well besides that we don’t want to blind people with our pale-ness, it’s a great way to look ‘healthy’ without the UV damage.

Here’s the thing-us pale gals CAN and SHOULD wear bronzer. It’s all about the proper products, formula, and tools for application.  When I wear bronzer, this is what I wear. In my opinion, these are the best bronzers & tools for fair skin. FYI I actually own all of these bronzers and recommend them for different reasons. Enjoy and let me know if you have tried any of these and what your thoughts are. Thanks for reading!

Best Brozers for Fair Skin

Housekeeping note-I am cool toned so while my bronzers are for ‘warming’ up my skin, they all are cool toned.  Bronzers that have a lot of warmth make me look orange.   (more…)

Rimmel Scandaleyes reloaded mascara review-and a twist at the end

Written by meredith / Featured, Reviews / March 18, 2017

*the Scandaleyes mascara(s) were sent to me for review.  The Volume Colourist mascara was purchased by me*

I LOVE MASCARA.  Honestly it’s what keeps me going some days.  When I’m not wearing it (as was the case recently-but that’s another story for another day), people notice, and ask me what’s wrong. Also, I love the ‘action’ of applying it-anyone else do the same?  I actually enjoy applying mascara to my lashes.  So that being said, I was super happy and grateful to receive these Scandaleyes mascaras for review.

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Review- Live Clean Biotin Extra Body Shampoo and Conditioner

Written by meredith / News / March 15, 2017

I received these products for review-if you watch me on YouTube you’d know that already (shameless plug).  So subscribe here please 🙂

Obviously my hair means something to me-especially if you know me or have seen me in person, on facebook, on instagram, on snapchat or on YouTube (again, shameless plugs).  I am, for the most part a professional salon product user -from conditioner, to shampoo, to styling aids and accessories.  Once in awhile, I like to ‘play the field’-which my stylist HATES (sorry Marina).  Seriously though, it’s good to take a look at what’s “out-there” and see if I’m missing anything.

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My Morning Skincare Routine – for my best skin ever!

Written by meredith / Featured, News / March 07, 2017

So you’ve been asking about my morning skincare routine. And asking. It’s time for me to deliver. So here’s what I use on my skin in the MORNING. Now. I can’t lie. The evening is when the real magic happens in terms of products. Or maybe not. I think there are equal parts of pixie dust in both the morning and the evening.

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The Best BB Creams for Dry Skin – My Picks

Written by meredith / Best, Featured, News / March 04, 2017

Surprisingly enough I get a LOT of requests about my recommendations as to what is the best BB creams for dry skin. My skin is combination-oily meaning I have an oily t-zone and ‘normal’ skin on my chin, cheeks, and forehead. But I constantly get asked about BB creams for dry skin so I thought I’d mention some. These are products I have tried-some of them worked for me even though I have oily skin and some were definitely for people with dry skin. Read below for my top recommendations for BB cream for dry skin.  Let me know if you have tried any of these or have additional suggestions.

The Best BB Creams for Dry Skin

Looking for a BB cream you can find everywhere? Try Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector Bb Cream, Normal To Dry Skin

This cream’s lightweight, comfortable texture blends perfectly into skin for a sheer flawless finish. This multi-benefit product boasts 5 results with every application: renewed radiance, brightened complexion, evened skin and blurred imperfections, 24 hour hydration, and broad spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen protection against the harmful effects of the sun.

Love South Korean BB creams? Try It’S SKIN Babyface BB Cream #1 Moisture This medium coverage cream leaves skin feeling hydrated and silky smooth. It does an amazing job concealing uneven skin tone and has a brightening effect.

 

High end gal? Try Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35

Wear alone, or under your favorite foundation to create a smooth canvas. It’s tinted formula evens out skin for a flawless finish, while the SPF 35 guards against UVA/UVB rays.

Looking for something with a bit more oomph? Try Nature Bound BB Cream

This product contains moisturizers to sooth dry patches, and vitamin E to improve moisture retention so your skin remains soft all day long. This Beauty Balm has a proprietary mixture of fruit extracts and antioxidants to create a skin care solution that works.

How to Make Your Lipstick Last Longer

Written by meredith / Featured, News / February 25, 2017

I always felt that if I wanted to be a ‘lipstick’ person that I REALLY had to commit. Making your lipstick last longer has always been a challenge. Between talking, eating, and sipping-I am constantly moving my mouth (keep it clean people), and never thought I could pull off wearing lipstick without bringing my ‘after’ kit….as in after-eating, after-talking, after-drinking. The products that add extra weight to your bag and prevent you from just rocking your cute little clutch. However I’ve recently starting wearing lipstick again-and more often. I wanted to share with you the products I use to make my lipstick last longer – I won’t say that you don’t still need to bring your touch-up bag, but it will be a bit lighter.

Lip scrub/exfoliant-this is (in my opinion) the BEST way to prep the lips to make your lipstick last longer. Use the scrub to remove any dead skin/flakes. My other ‘pro-tip’-make sure you completely remove the scrub/exfoliant so you don’t have the granules ‘hanging out’ on your lips. You need a smooth surface to work on!

My pick: Maui Sugar Lip Scrub with Kukui Nut Oil by Hanalei Beauty Company

Maui Sugar Lip Scrub with Kukui Nut Oil by Hanalei Beauty Company (Cruelty-free) Net

About the Product:

Contains natural ingredients sourced from Hawaii (Kukui Nut Oil, Sugar)

  • Helps to gently exfoliate the lips of dead skin.
  • Paraben-free, Phthalate and Sulfate free. Cruelty-free

Lip balm-but only if you have time! Honestly having moisturized lips is a beautiful thing-feels great AND looks great. Apply a light balm that’s not too waxy and wait 15-20 minutes for it to absorb. Blot lightly with tissue.

My pick: Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm

Burt's Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm

About the Product

  • Infused with Beeswax, a natural skin conditioner, and Vitamins E to moisturize
  • Soothing Moisturizing Lip Balm to moisturize, nourish and hydrate dry lips
  • Natural lip balm made with 100% natural ingredients
  • No parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS

Lip primer-again not totally necessary but a ‘good to have’ in most cases- just like eyes and face, lips can use a smooth surface that’s clean and ready for product. In a pinch? I actually use a small amount of concealer and/or foundation as your primer.

My pick (because I do NOT like this as a concealer and don’t want to waste it): Physicians Formula Instaready Full Coverage SPF 30 Concealer

Physicians Formula Instaready Full Coverage SPF 30 Concealer

Lip liner-There are several different schools of thought on this. Some experts say to match your liner to your lipstick-and I’d agree with that if you are wearing a strong red or bright pink. With my ‘everyday’ lipstick which is slightly more neutral (and fairly ‘tame’ considering my personality), I choose a liner that slightly and I mean SLIGHTLY lighter than the lipstick I plan to wear. My liner of choice is a standard you-have-to-sharpen-it pencil or the self sharpening twist up liners.   Make sure the tip is sharp-as precision is the name of the game here. I warm the liner by drawing on my hand so that it will glide on. I draw an ‘x’ on my cupid’s bow to start (unless I am filling in my lips with the liner-then do NOT do that) and then line my natural lips, using short strokes.

My pick: Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner

 

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner Eastend Snob

About the Product

  • Soft textured
  • Fine tipped
  • Automatic lip liner

Liquid lipstick– I know, I know-liquid lipsticks still make some people cringe. Honestly they’ve come a long way since the originals that would crack and dry your lips to the point that you want to cover yourself in Vaseline. Believe me when I say there IS a liquid lipstick ‘out there’ for everyone. If you are not keen on liquid lipstick, then I recommend a demi-matte or semi-matte formula with long-wearing properties. Applying a liquid lipstick can be tricky and requires practice but technique comes with time and heck, if I can do it, so can you! I start with my lower lip, and once that’s done I press my lips together. Then I move on to the upper lip.   Usually one application (of liquid lipstick) is enough but if you want to apply a 2nd layer, work quickly.

My pick-liquid lipstick: Lime Crime Velvetines Liquid Matte Lipstick

Lime Crime Velvetines Liquid Matte Lipstick - RiotAbout the Product

  • Bold and Opaque
  • Cruelty free & Vegan
  • Long lasting lipstick

BECAUSE I KNOW SOMEONE WILL HATE ON ME FOR CHOOSING LIME CRIME, MY ALTERNATE LIQUID LIPSTICK PICK IS: Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick

Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick

About the Product

  • One step food-proof lipcolor – No topcoat needed
  • Locks in color and comfort for up to 12 hours
  • Unique complex of silicones and moisturizers provides easy application and all day comfort.
  • Shiny minerals (micas and pearls) provide soft satin finish

My pick-demi/semi-matte: CoverGirl Katy Kat Matte Lipstick

COVERGIRL Katy Kat Matte Lipstick

About the Product

  • Created by Katy Perry
  • Infused with shea butter
  • Rich, moisturizing lipstick formula
  • Glides on smoothly

Q-tips: I guess this is a no-brainer (?) but I thought I would include it just in case. I use these with a bit of makeup remover on the end to correct any glaring mistakes.

My pick: Q-tip Cotton Swabs, Precision Tip

Cotton Swabs, Precision Tip 

Compact mirror: Okay, so maybe THIS is my no brainer. Even though it’s liquid lipstick, if you are going out for an event or to a special dinner, you may want to bring the lipstick and a mirror along to touch up. Although my pick isn’t what I would recommend for a night at the club, I love this very much-especially the lights.

My pick: Ultra-thin Led Lighted Compact Travel Makeup Mirror

Ultra-thin Led Lighted Compact Travel Makeup Mirror

About the Product

  • Ultra-thin and portable,
  • Fits in Any Handbag or Makeup Bag for Easy Storage.
  • Adjustable Brightness- 8 Bright LED lights

Kylie Jenner was already on the right track when she packaged a lip liner and a liquid lipstick together (GOSH-I never thought I would give any of the K’s kredit for anything…..see what I did there?).

These are my tips on how to make your lipstick last longer. Now I turn to you. How do you get the most wear time out of your lipstick? What are some of your tips to make your lipstick last longer? Tell me how in the comments below.

 

 

Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles

Written by meredith / Best, News / February 20, 2017

I started noticing that my eye area was changing when I was in my late 30’s-especially the appearance of fine lines, which REALLY bothered me. I had never investigated eye creams specifically, and knew that I probably should’ve been using one (or three) but didn’t bother, assuming that since my skincare was great, that my eyes would absorb the product I was using on my face and everything would be dandy. Well, I was wrong about that-hence this blog post. Please see my picks for the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles.

What are your favorite or best eye creams? Found anything that really works for you that you’d care to share? Leave your recommendations in the comments below!

Want to keep it natural?

Try Rosehip & Hibiscus Eye Cream  by LilyAna Naturals.

Best eye creams: Rosehip & Hibiscus Eye Cream

This best selling cream hydrates, moisturizes and softens delicate facial skin to help stop the advancement of aging with no parabens, artificial colors or artificial fragrances. It is 77% organic, contains Rosehip oil and is not tested on animals.

Benefits:

  • Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dryness and sagging.
  • Increase elasticity, firm and plump skin.
  • Improve skin tone and texture. Reduce discoloration and scaring.
  • Hydrate, soften and smooth the skin to prevent premature aging.
  • Not just for the eyes! Apply on face, neck and décolletage area for radiant looking skin.

 

Looking for the perfect hybrid of Natural & Cutting Edge?

Try: Baebody Eye Gel for Dark Circles, Puffiness, Wrinkles and Bags by Baebody

Best eye creams: Baebody Eye Gel for Dark Circles, Puffiness, Wrinkles and Bags

This light textured gel contains Hyaluronic Acid to Hydrate and Plump Skin, Matrixyl 3000 to Firm Skin, Vitamin E, MSM, and Plant Stem Cells to Strengthen Skin to Protect Against Sun Damage and Aging.

Benefits:

  • Reduce puffiness & dark circles
  • Hyaluronic Acid Hydrates and Plumps Skin, Matrixyl 3000 Firms Skin, Vitamin E, MSM, and Plant Stem Cells Strengthen Skin to Protect Against Sun Damage and Aging.
  • No Fillers, Harmful Fragrances, Dyes or Parabens. Cruelty free, not tested on animals.

 

Want something no-nonsense and wallet-friendly?  

Try Garnier Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Eye Cream

Best eye creams: Garnier Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Eye Cream

With Pro-Retinol from nature, this anti-wrinkle firming eye cream works in the eye area to firm wrinkles and fine lines without harsh side effects.

Benefits:

  • Non-comedogenic—won’t clog pores
  • Gentle to skin
  • Allergy tested
  • Non-greasy

*Ingredient complexes developed exclusively by Garnier to work on skin’s outer layer.

 

Looking for a next-level eye treatment?

Try Pure Body Naturals Gel Eye & Face professional treatment, a rejuvenating and enriching anti aging eye gel to revitalize your skin

Best eye creams: Pure Body Naturals Eye Cream for Dark Circles Puffiness Wrinkles and Bags

Benefits:

  • Restores skin by rejuvenating, enriching and moisturising so it is smooth,firm, and filled with moisture.Contains Matrixyl 3000 and Plant Stem Cells to reinforce the skin and prevent eye bags and wrinkles.
  • Protects the skin with Hyaluronic acid, preventing sagginess, and helps  dark circles around the eyes.
  • Gel can also be used on all parts of the body, leaving the skin looking radiant and feeling smooth and nourished.

 

Are you a multi-tasker? Work on your eyes while you sleep with First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy Overnight Balm

Best eye creams: First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy Overnight Balm

This balm will help nourish, firm and smooth the appearance of the skin around the eye area-all while you sleep!

Benefits:

  • Safe for sensitive skin
  • Allergy tested
  • Fragrance free

 

These are just some of my best eye creams for wrinkles.  Let me know if you’ve tried any of them or have any others you’d like to recommend.