I have been promoting Coco & Eve to my friends and family for a few months now. AND, the response is usually - self tanner makes me look orange, self tanner smells bad.. NOT THIS FORMULA! I am beyond impressed with the the Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam (say that ten times). It goes on nicely and the mango and guava scent is pleasant - Not your average self tanner aroma AND the results are WOW! Lets talk about the application - I like to apply the self tanner to my face first. The Coco & Eve brush application is brilliant! Apply a pump or two of product on the brush and apply to your face in circular motions. Use the residue to blend slightly down your neck, around the hairline and on the ears. You will be impressed at the even result. Then, I apply a few pumps of the anti-aging, anti- cellulite formula to the velvet tanning mitt (it's so soft) and gently apply the product one section at a time - While leaving the feet, knees, elbows and hands for last. I use the residue on the mitt for my knees and elbows. Lastly, I apply a little drop of the tanning foam to the brush and apply it to my hands and feet. Expert tip - apply moisturizer to your elbows, knees and feet before application AND cuticle oil around your nails. On that note - Try to avoid applying tanning product to your nails. This self tan formula is non-sticky (I KNOW), dries fairly quickly and develops in two hours. I like to leave mine for six hours and then have a quick rinse in the shower. One application will continue to develop after your shower. You are gonna be shocked by the sun-kissed color - I was! First I tried the dark shade and then I went ultra dark. Now I use the dark on my upper body and the ultra dark on my legs. You should know, my skin is so pale it glows in the dark! I am thrilled to have found a self tanner that gives me an even, gorgeous, sun-free tan.
I love self-tanning and the darker the tan - the better. BUT, the darker you go, the harder it is to remove last weeks tan. After about a week, due to showers and everyday life, your self-tanner will start to fade and appear blotchy. SO, you have to remove the tan in order to apply a new one. DO NOT apply self tanner over a partially faded one. Removing self tanner is no easy task. It typically requires aggressive exfoliating and if your self tan is super dark, you may have to do this a few days in a row to ensure a clean slate. I've tried many self tan removers, as well as DIY solutions and nothing worked - Until now.. The Dawsylicious 3 minute Express Self Tan Remover is a miracle. This stuff impressed the tan off me! You apply the gold shimmering formula all over the body (I avoid my face) and wait 3-5 minutes. Then hop in the shower with your exfoliating gloves on and give it a scrub. The formula dissolves your tan and leaves your skin feeling super soft. The only downside is the strong scent. Be prepared, cause it will linger in your shower/tub for days. It is the Dawsylicious signature scent, so I'm assuming the self tanner products don the same aroma. This express self tan remover is high-priced, but worth it. THIS STUFF WORKS! A must-have for those of us who want a sun-kissed glow, without the harsh effects from the sun. Dawsylicious is owned by Charlotte Dawsy. You gotta follow her on Instagram (this is not a promotion). She is the funniest fashionista on social media. Her videos are outrageously funny and her fashion is gorgeous. Everyone needs a Charlotte Dawsy in their life.
Sephora Collection Facial Cooling Globes are a must have. Feeling a little puffy after a night of wine or had too much salt lately - You need these facial cooling globes to reduce puffiness and refresh your complexion. For best results, keep the cooling facial globes in the fridge, so they're nice and cold. The cooling sensation from the globes reduces the appearance of puffiness AND feels amazing. DO NOT put them in the freezer. The globes are small and easy to roll around the contours of your face and neck. You can use these globes with a light eye cream, facial serum and neck cream. The small globes come in a compact box that fits in your tote for on-the-go facials. No fridge, no problem - Just place the globes in super cold water for 10 minutes. As you glide the globes around your face they will become less cool and that's when you know you've done enough. I like to start with my under eyes and glide the globes upwards. Then my face (always upwards) and for my forehead, I start between my eyebrows and glide the globes up and out in an arch shape motion. I also place the globes on the inner eye lids for about five seconds and then glide outwards to reduce my puffy eyelids. These little cooling facial globes have landed a permanent spot in my beauty routine. Sephora Collection facial cooling globes retail for $25. I'm gonna buy these globes for all the ladies in my life..
Lashify DIY lash extensions are AMAZING! The unique under lash technique allows for precise placement and is much easier than the dated over the lash technique. Finally, faux lashes that are easy to apply and give you a "natural" full lash look. I'd recommend the Lashify Control Kit to start (pictured here). It includes 12mm and 14mm Gossamer lashes. You can choose between amplify, bold or curl. There are variety of photos of each style for your reference. I chose the amplify Gossamer lashes and love them! I'll come back to the kit.. Lashify offers a variety of lash styles and each has many lengths to chose from. This allows you to customize your look, apply lashes that are just the right length for you and mix and match sizes for true customization. There are 12 Gossamer lash sections per cartridge. If you mix and match lengths, you can get 3-4 individual uses per two cartridges with two different lengths. I like to apply two sections of 14mm or 16mm (depending on the style) to the outer lashes and three 12mm or 14mm (depending on outer lashes) to the rest of my lashes. I'm terrible at applying false lashes - I don't wear heavy eye makeup and never eye liner, so the over the lash technique doesn't blend naturally. I'm beyond happy that Lashify created the under lash technique AND divided the fibers amongst smaller lash sections, rather than one band of faux fibers. Small sections allow you to take your time applying and follow the curvature of your eye evenly. This DIY faux lash technique looks super natural. It is recommended to use the Fuse Control Wand to apply the lashes. Just turn upside down so curvature is the opposite of your eye and use the tip to place the individual sections. I prefer to use my fingers for a more precise placement and then the Fuse Control Wand to secure the lashes. It is recommended to avoid using tweezers, because they can damage the lashes. I never listen! AND, of course use tweezers. With proper care, these lash extensions can be worn for up to seven days. To achieve the longest wear, I recommend applying the Night Bond Gossamer Lash Formula each night, along with the Glass Waterproof Glossamer Lash Coating. I have worn the lashes to sleep and they stay put. Albeit, I usually remove my lashes after a full day of wear, gently and thoroughly wash the fibers and store for a second and third use before discarding them. It's simply because I like my face to be super clean before bed. Oh and I don't apply mascara on these lashes. It's not necessary - My lashes look full and my eyes super-enhanced. In addition to two sets of lashes, the kit also includes a Fuse Control Wand, Glass Waterproof Glossamer Lash Coating with Macro Tip and Whisper Light Dual Sided Bond with Micro Mixed Tips. The Fuse Control Wand is designed to fit the curvature of your eyelid for precise application. There'e also removable "Wandoms" that you can put on the wand for cushiony, non-stick fuse. I highly recommend using the Wandoms. The Whisper Light Dual Sided Bond with Mixed Tips allows you to chose between clear or black adhesive. The hypoallergenic glue should be applied under your top lashes, along the lash base. A little goes a long way and you want to avoid your liquid line. This dual sided bond has micro tips and is easy to apply. I find the black adhesive blends better than the clear (which is kinda white). Black gives a more dramatic look. The small mascara-like wands make it easy to apply a small coat under the lashes. Don't go to the tip of your lashes - If you do, I recommend removing the adhesive with your fingers. Glue all the way to the tip of the lashes will hinder the flare effects and cause clumping of the lashes. The Glass Waterproof Glossamer Lash Coating is a glossy coat that removes residue and stickiness. Apply immediately after setting the lash extensions and then daily to refresh your lashes and give them a sheen appearance. The mascara-like wand has a small fluffy ball at the end, so you can use the brush or ball depending on your preferred application. I also purchased the Gossamer Lash Storage Case. It has four sections, so you can separate your lashes by style and/or size. This little plastic case is perfect for on-the-go and travel. The Melt Away solution removes your lashes and eye makeup effortlessly. Soak a cotton pad with the Melt Away removal solution and gently swipe across your lashes until they come off onto the pad. Removal is easy and there is no damage to my lashes. The remover is a little oily, so I suggest a quick rinse after use. If you plan to clean and reuse your lashes, make sure to get all of the bond off, as well as the oily residue from the remover - Otherwise, the lashes won't cooperate the next time you use them. The Blow tool allows you to dry your lashes faster. Just give it a squeeze and allow the air to set your lashes quicker. I don't know if each order comes with a Gossamer application manual or just the Lashify Control Kit. The manual gives you detailed step-by-step instructions for prep, application and removal. Don't get discouraged if the application didn't go great the first time - It takes a little practice. If you are accustom to wearing faux lashes, this process should be fairly easy for you, but beginners may struggle. There are many application videos on the Lashify site for your reference. Lashify has changed the world of faux lashes and enhanced my look dramatically. These lash extensions are a must have - Maybe the best beauty product of 2020!
Due to stay-at-home regulations and temporary business closures, my hair salon is closed. AHH.. I gotta cover these grays! SO, I'm using the dpHUE Root Touch-Up Kit (black) and am coloring my hair for the first time. I was nervous, BUT the process was easy - I'm beyond happy with the results. I LOVE this DIY hair color kit and highly recommend dpHue. Hmm.. How many people are gonna adopt DIY hair coloring and abandon their monthly salon visit? At home coloring is a fraction of the price AND you don't even have to change out of your pj's.
I purchased this Glossier haul online, but recently visited the store on Lafayette St., NY AND it's a must see. If you love cosmetics, you will love perusing the pink and white themed Glossier store. This was the first time I stood in line to enter a cosmetic store and apparently, there's always a lineup?! Once you're inside, you understand that the store is fairly small and jam packed with Glossier fans. The products are on display and you gotta snag a salesperson to put in your order. The sample products are displayed on large white columns and if there wasn't so many people, it would make for a great Instagram photo. There is a huge stairway leading up to the thoughtfully designed store. The decor is brilliant and there is a small elevator "of sorts" at the cash, where Glossier shopping bags with the buyers name printed on it come from above. It's a fun shopping gimmick. I don't know if they sell these Glossier Slide Sandals at the store (they were not on display), but you can get them online. They're perfect for lounging and super cute. There are reviews saying the sizing chart is incorrect, but mine fit perfectly. Glossier packaging is thoughtful and unique to the brand. You also receive a pink bubble pouch with a zip closure containing your products. These pouches are perfect for travel. There also a cute way to package cosmetic gifts. Who doesn't want a pink, bubblewrap pouch?! I purchased the Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Protector under the impression that it was an exfoliator that perfects your skin. Upon receipt, I read Glossier reviews and it seems like this solution is for acne? The description online does say this exfoliating solution will improve the appearance of redness, blemishes and large pores. Due to the list of acids, I'm hesitant to use it all over my face and am just applying a little around my jawline daily. I have rosacea and super-sensitive skin, so I wanna make sure this solution isn't gonna burn my face off. The bottle has a push-pump that distributes small amounts of solution onto a cotton round - I like that. AND, I haven't had a serious reaction so far. BUT, this stuff smells like acid and leaves your skin feeling sticky?! Unless I see an immediate result, I like to give facial products a few months before forming an opinion. I haven't given this product enough time to tell, but will update this post in the near future.. The Glossier G embossed natural cotton rounds are high-quality cotton pads. Unlike most cotton rounds, these don't have flyaways, so you won't get fibers stuck in your lashes. They're chemical free, fragrance free and lint free. Oh and they're super soft. There's 60 cotton rounds per pack and the cost is worth it. I LOVE the super duo Glossier serums. I've used these in the past, but ventured off to try other brands. As of late, I'm back on the Glossier bandwagon. The Super Bounce Serum contains the famed Hyaluronic Acid and vitamin B5 for mega hydration. Hence the name Bounce - your skin will feel nourished and supple. The Super Glow Serum contains vitamin C and Magnesium to promote brighter skin. The combination of these two serums has made my complexion more radiant and less dry during this cold season. This serum duo is a must have. Both serums are lightweight, non-sticky and have a subtle scent that dissipates quickly. They do take a minute to absorb, but sit nicely under your daily moisturizer. Seems like I always and only have a breakout when I'm on vacation. The Glossier Zit Stick is perfect for on-the-go and travel. I typically use sulfur to combat breakouts, but this 5% Benzoyl Peroxide acne treatment gel gets the job done much faster. On that note, this breakout eraser is strong and will burn through a pimple in no time, so apply precisely. Twist the bottom of the pen and translucent formula appears on the stainless-steel rollerball tip. Apply on clean skin or over makeup and off ya go.. The Capryloyl Salicylic Acid will shrink blemishes while the Tea Tree Oil reduces swelling. This zit erasing formula does diminish my pimples quickly, but leaves the area red and a little irritated. I recommend you test the product on less-visible skin before putting it on your face. I will continue to use a gentle sulfur treatment at home, but will throw this zit stick in my travel cosmetic case for a quick solution. I am obsessed with the Glossier Bubblewrap Eye and Lip Plumping Cream. This wondrous product has secured a permanent spot in my cosmetic routine AND landed a spot on my best of 2020 list. The lightweight moisturizer glides on nicely and absorbs quickly. I typically use this cream around the delicate eye area in the AM and sometimes add a little over my night eye cream for extra hydration. This Bubblewrap cream leaves my under eye area looking fresh and nourished. Trust me - It's a miracle! You can use this cream on your lips. It doesn't have a cream taste and will moisturize your lips, but I don't think it will make your pout appear plump - just nourished. I suppose applying it won't hurt, but I prefer a heavy-duty lip balm. While this water-in-oil emulsion is meant for delicate areas, you can apply this cream anywhere for intense hydration. The packaging is compact and great for on-the-go and travel.
I'm always on the prowl for a new lip treatment, especially one that boasts plumping qualities. The Nurse Jamie NuLips RX duo isn't a lip plumping regiment, but does promote healthy, nourished lips; which will make your pout appear fuller. Oh and the all natural lip balm contains the famed Hyaluronic Acid - don't get caught up in the Hyaluronic hype. Everything contains this "magical" ingredient. The balm does however contain beneficial oils - this is essential in a nourishing lip balm. I really like the Nurse Jamie Anti-Microbial Silicone Lip Brush. It's soft and induces circulation in your lips. It's not brittle enough to remove dry skin - you're gonna need a proper exfoliator for that. Albeit, the soft bristles will give you a gentle lip massage. The lip-shaped, silicone lip brush has a handle for easy use, that also has a suction cup - In case you wanna stick it to the lip balm pot, your mirror or fridge?! This lip balm and lip brush duo is relatively small and great for travel. My entire body dries out on planes and in hotels, so I tend to overdose on lip balm. The Nurse Jamie NuLips RX Balm is all natural, petroleum free and contains beneficial oils to promote healthy, soft lips - Beeswax, Shea Butter and Almond Oil - to name a few. The balm has a thick, wax-like appearance and feel. The NuLips balm reacts to the heat from your lips and swiftly melts into an oily texture. The scent is sweet and light. My only complaint is the pot. I prefer lip products in a tube, so I don't have to dip my fingers in the product. Is this a must-have duo? Umm.. No. There are better exfoliating lip treatments and this one is too gentle for me. I highly suggest using your toothbrush to exfoliate your lips. That being said, this NuLips balm will not go to waste and the gentle anti-microbial silicone lip brush has earned a spot in my travel cosmetic bag. While perusing the Nurse Jamie line-up, I decided to give the NuVibe RX Amethyst Massaging Beauty Tool a try. I'm seeing a lot of facial massage devices on Instagram and being a beginner, I went with the first tool to pop up on my screen. I should know better! This facial massaging tool utilizes gentle (emphasis on the gentle) sonic vibration to promote good circulation. Essentially, this is what most facial massage tools promote - circulation, anti-bloat and an overall youthful appearance. The tool heads are usually a stone or metal. This Nurse Jamie beauty tool has a slim design and an Amethyst stone - my birth stone. At first, I loved this tool. I used it morning and night for a week and although I didn't see a major change in my skin, I enjoyed the gentle massage. I would have given this beauty tool a good grade, but then I found a better facial massager. I was pursuing the Goop site and purchased the Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar.. This 24kt gold sculpting bar is a game changer! I use this beauty tool twice a day for about 8 minutes. I start with my cheeks, massage my nose, between the brows, upwards along my chin and then my neck. Always massage upwards and outwards. It's super relaxing and I've noticed a HUGE change in my skin. Especially when my face is a little bloated (too much wine and salt). This facial massager de-bloats and really does give you a more youthful appearance. Aside from Rosacea, I have clear skin and as long as my Rosacea doesn't flare-up, I don't even need foundation. BUT, this 24kt gold beauty tool has taken my skin to a new level of looking refreshed. This tool has a permanent spot in my beauty routine. To compare the two - The design of the Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar is more suitable for massaging the face and neck. The bar glides along your skin with ease and allows you to cover a larger area when you massage upwards and outwards. The Nurse Jamie NuVibe Rx Amethyst stone is clearly a different shape and roughly the same size in diameter, but doesn't have the same effect as the gold bar. Contrary to what people say - shape and size do matter! Vibration strength is super important and the Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar wins this category by a landslide. The gold sculpting bar gives you an intense vibrating facial massage, while the NuVibe pales in comparison. The Jillian Dempsey tool is slightly heavier and has a sleek design. The bar remains cold longer then the Amethyst stone and is more comfortable when massaging your neck and chin. It is however more expensive, BUT appears to be of better quality. The Nurse Jamie NuVibe Rx retails for $95 and the Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar retails for $195. Trust me, the extra $100 is worth it!
Sol de Janeiro, the brand behind my signature scent, is one of my top ten favorite beauty brands. The pistachio-caramel scent of the body products is addictive. I get so many compliments on my 'perfume', but it's Sol de Janeiro body products. The unique scent is delicious and enticing. The lingering, pistachio-caramel scent is strong and there are days I'd prefer a non-scented body cream. I'm not a big fan of scents and wish more brands would create fragrance-free products for the sensitive type. FINALLY! Sol de Janeiro added a new, fragrance-free body cream to the lineup - Brazilian Nude Cream. Brazilian Nude Cream is amazing! It is the same texture and weight as the BUM BUM cream, but is colorless and essentially scent-free - it does have a subtle cream scent. This body cream is super nourishing and a must-have. Brazilian Nude Cream is infused with Passionflower and Colloidal Oatmeal to soothe sensitive skin. There is no fragrance, shimmer or color in this cream, just hydrating ingredients that will leave your skin feeling moisturized and soft. LOVE! I also appreciate the pump dispenser. Two pumps dispenses the perfect amount to cover your entire body. Hopefully, Sol de Janeiro will create similar packaging for the Brazilian BUM BUM cream. I've tried the entire Sol de Janeiro lineup and most of the products have a permanent spot in my beauty routine. The Brazilian Kiss Cupuacu Lip Butter is my go-to lip balm. The light, creamy texture is nourishing and the tube is BIG, so it will last a long time. The pistachio-caramel scent of Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is AMAZING! The scent is sweet and intriguing. The cream is super-nourishing and has a slight shimmer that gives your skin a subtle glow. The sun screen products have the same addictive pistachio-caramel scent. The Sol De Janeiro My Sol Stick is a moisturizing protection balm. This on-the-go balm stick is great for extra protection in sensitive areas. AND, the Bum Bum Sol Oil is a two-in-one perfume and sunscreen oil. The sun protection oil is infused with skin smoothers an luminizers.
Sephora Collection X OLLY gummies are chewable supplements comprised of all the right stuff to promote healthy skin, lustrous hair and relaxation. The expert blend of antioxidants, minerals, superfoods and vitamins aid your body and contribute to your healthy lifestyle. Sounds positive, but the calorie intake?! If you take two of each - Lustrious Hair, Skin Detox, Glowing Skin and Radiant Sleep, you will consume 150 calories per day. As someone who's "currently" counting calories, sugar intake and carbs, these little gummies are packing too much weight for me. Albeit, the Sephora Collection X OLLY gummies appear to have a good dose of the necessary supplements to aid in whatever you're trying to achieve - hair growth, radiant skin or to sleep better at night. I should mention that I have a vexing case of insomnia and I score high on the stressed RTFO scale. SO, I have zero expectations for the Radiant Sleep gummies. It would take a mild sedative to calm me down and put me to sleep. I'm gonna give the Radiant Sleep gummies to someone with less issues! I'm no expert, but after a few minutes researching online, I'm concluding that these gummies are comprised of the same antioxidants, minerals, superfoods and vitamins that you would find in similar supplements. The Lustrous Hair does however have 8333% of the suggested daily Biotin intake. Hmm.. I'm sure it's safe - It's Sephora. The Lustrous Hair tastes like sweet grapefruit, the Radiant Sleep like blackberry and mint, the Skin Detox has a similar flavor of berries and mint and the Glowing Skin tastes like blueberry and pomegranate (essentially, it also tastes like berries). These gummies are TOO SWEET. I'm a salty kinda girl, so two of each supplement is asking a lot of me. I realize making tasty chewable gummies or candy supplements is a great way to get people to take vitamins, but does it have to be sweet? I vote for vitamin-enriched chips. Not dehydrated fruit and veggie chips - I want salty, ruffle chips. I'll slowly get through these gummies and probably share, but the Sephora Collection X OLLY supplements are too sweet and the calorie intake is too high. I'd prefer to swallow a giant flavorless vitamin.
I'm a beautyblender fan and am first in line when a new product drops. My favorites are the beautyblender pure cosmetic sponge applicator (the white one), liquid blendercleanser, blendercleanser solid and the Blender Defender beautyblender Protective Case. These beautyblender products are a must have in my makeup drawer and travel cosmetic case. I'm assuming anyone who reads my blog, is familiar with beautyblender, so details about the brand's original lineup are unnecessary. My not so recent beutyblender purchase was the beautyblender Re-Dew Set & Refresh Spray and the Power Pocket Puff. Of course I stocked up on blendercleanser and threw a new beautyblender pure in my cart too. I've had these products a while, but have been cheating on beauty for decor and neglecting my cosmetic reviews. beautyblender Re-Dew Set & Refresh spray is a refreshing spray that illuminates your skin and sets your makeup. The Hydrolyzed Silk conditions your skin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid moisturizes and the Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate helps balance your skin. Eva Longoria would approve (that commercial irritates me). What I didn't realize is this spray requires a little shake before applying it to your skin or cosmetic sponge. The first part of the two-phase solution is supercharged water and the second a milky oil. Initially, I neglected to read the directions, didn't mix the two and only dispensed the water. Of course, the results were disappointing. My second go was more successful and gave great results. I mixed the product, sprayed directly on my cosmetic sponge and gently dabbed my skin in areas I wanted to highlight or needed a little extra hydration. If you apply Re-Dew to the back of your hand, you can see that the oil is sitting on top of your skin and slow to absorb, so I recommend using a sponge to press the solution in to your skin. You can also use your fingers to massage the product for better absorption. The next-generation beautyblender Power Pocket Puff is intended for powder formulas. But, the versatile, two-sided puff can be used for so much more. The teardrop shape and built-in finger pocket allow for precise application. The soft pink side has a gel-like insert and special fibers to collect powder and apply a controlled amount to set and bake your makeup. The tan buff side resembles a thin cosmetic sponge allows you to blend. I like to use the buff side to blend and re-blend my liquid formulas. The interchangeable finger band stretches to either side easily, as a secondary means of holding the puff. I'm not a big fan of applying spray to set makeup, or refreshing throughout the day, but Re-Dew has convinced me to jump on the bandwagon. beautyblender's Power Pocket Puff is a double-duty makeup tool that is versatile and has earned a spot on my must-have list. beautyblender is an innovative cosmetic brand with a growing lineup. These products are worth the high cost and add value to your makeup routine, while allowing you to get the most out of your makeup.
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