    
When I read that Bobbi Brown Cosmetics would release a collection of skin 'Remedies', I was super excited. I felt like I was cheating on my adored Glossier serums, but a collection by my favorite cosmetic brand is too tempting. Of course, I purchased all six Bobbi Brown Remedies (product junkie here). These remedies treat everything from dehydration to irritation to problem skin.. Skin salves are having a moment - or maybe I'm having a salve moment and just assume everyone else it? The Remedies Skin Salve No. 57 is a MUST HAVE. A few weeks ago, I peeled dry skin on the side of my nose and literally caused a huge split (super painful and stupid). I applied this salve many times for three days and the wound healed completely. This salve is great for chapped lips and super dry areas (anywhere you have damaged skin). I use it on my cuticles - it keeps them nourished and they appear to be in much better condition. The super nourishing ingredients in Skin Salve were chosen to repair dry, damaged and compromised skin. Shea Butter binds moisture to the skin, while Beeswax creates a barrier. Natural root extracts, carrot and licorice, were added for their moisturizing properties. The super-thick formula has a pleasant, fresh scent - some say carrots, but I smell cucumber (even though there is no cucumber on the ingredient list).
I still struggle with the idea of using oil to combat oily skin and clogged pores. Years ago, my dermatologist told me to avoid anything that contained oil - BUT apparently oil is the new 'de-clogging' remedy. Skin Clarifier No. 75 is comprised of skin-purifying Manuka Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Rosehip Oil (rich in nutrients), and Saw Palmetto Oil to control sebum levels. Together these oils exfoliate your skin and clean out pores. This thick clarifier is super oily (smells like oil too) and heavy on your skin. I recommend you apply this treatment last in your nightly routine and a little goes a long way, so just a few drops. Skin Clarifier is the only in the collection that causes my rosacea to flare-up, so I apply it sporadically. I can't say if it's improving my skin as of yet.. Layer over Reviver and under Skin Relief to treat problem skin. Skin Relief No. 80 - Natural ingredients from Israeli Red Algae and Knotted Kelp calm skin irritation and reduce the appearance of redness. Red Algae is known for its soothing properties and redness reducing powers. This non-greasy, calming algae complex is weightless, absorbs fairly quickly and leaves your skin feeling soft. I have rocasea and need all the 'skin relief' I can get. My face is usually red in the AM (after washing and applying product), and this serum does temporarily relieve the redness. Layer over Skin Reviver and Skin Clarifier to treat reactive, problem skin. Skin Moisture Solution No. 86 - This intense hydration compound contains Sodium Hyaluronate - a powerful moisture magnet. It can absorb up to 1000 times its weight in water. This Skin Moisture Solution promotes natural Hyaluronic acid (skin plumper) production and restores skin's moisture levels. The solution is medium-weight, absorbs fairly quickly and feels silky on your skin. In combination with Skin Reviver and Skin Relief, my skin does appear more hydrated and less irritated. Layer over Skin Reviver and under Skin Fortifier (super heavy tonic) to boost dull, dry skin. Skin Reviver No. 91 - This power greens ferment is super rich in antioxidants. The lightweight solution contains extracts from green algae, fresh kale, spinach and brussels sprouts. YES, those little, smelly (I'm not a fan), cabbage-like orbs are making their way into skincare. This remedy is kinda like a green juice for your face. The ferment goes on like water and absorbs quickly. The scent is strange; familiar, but unrecognizable and subtly unpleasant (you get used to it). I like the Skin Reviver ferment very much. It absorbs fast and doesn't irritate. I wouldn't say my skin looks 'amazing' due to these remedies, but with all the stress and traveling I've endured, I don't look too bad! When layering Bobbi Brown remedies, apply Skin Reviver first. Skin Fortifier No. 93 repairs and replenishes the skin's moisture barrier. Your skin's ability to protect itself will allow it to hold moisture and keep toxins out. This light-green tonic contains lipid-rich ingredients to supplement your skin's ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol. Muru Muru Butter promotes supple skin, cold pressed Meadowfoam Seed Oil and Olive Oil supplement skin's fatty acids, Rasberry Leaf Wax is an essential lipid that gives skin structure and Soybean Sterols bolster skin's cholesterol. Sound heavy? IT IS! This tonic barely absorbs, so stay away from delicate fabrics. THIS STUFF IS THICK AND OILY. I'm not a fan of heavy oil on my face, so I'm hesitant to apply this serum. Layer over Skin Reviver and Skin Moisture to combat dry skin.
I thought I had retired my Glossier serums and shacked up with Bobbi Brown Remedies, but I am not so sure.. I will repurchase the Skin Reviver No. 91. It's super light-weight, absorbs quickly and I'm a fan of 'topical greens'. I'm on my second bottle of No. 80 and No. 86, but I'm not sure I will repurchase. I do however LOVE the salve. Each bottle has a smart dropper that allows for easy, controlled dispensing. Always layer (never mix solutions), and allow each remedy to dry before applying the next. Apply these remedies light-weight to heavier solutions. Bobbi Brown Remedies retail for $45. The Rescue Kits retail for $35 and contain 3x3 ml remedies to combat different skin issues - Recovery Rescue Kit, Clarity Rescue Kit, and Moisture Rescue Kit. These kits are a great way to sample the products for a fraction of the cost and the mini bottles are perfect for travel. 
Luxury hairstyling brand, IGK, was founded by in-demand stylists from Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. YOU GOTTA VIEW THESE GUYS ONLINE! These stylists are really fascinating and their individual styles are so intriguing. I'd fly across the country and break the bank to get an appointment with any of these stylists - maybe Aaron, Franck, Chase or Leo can recommend a solution for my 'forevermore' damaged bob. Yeah, I tried to go blonde last June and am still suffering the consequences. This modern product line has something for every hair trend. My hair is damaged, so I can't experiment with hair products too much. I try and stick to nourishing products, but I do spritz on a little dry shampoo or dirty spray once in a while. When I get my healthy, silky stands back, I'm gonna indulge in all the IGK products.
The Down & Out Dirty Spray is a great styling product. I have a bob (well kinda) - more like a damaged shag! This spray adds texture and volume. The only downside is that my hair has to be washed the next day. My hair looks really greasy and dirty the morning after applying it. I love this product, but just gotta plan the application prior to a wash. The Dirty & Out spray also comes in a travel size.
The Prenup Instant Spray Hair Mask is my favorite. The LA scent is sweet and soft. The application is easy - wash your hair, apply the product (it's a 360 aerosol spray), wait a minute and rinse. Your hair will feel so soft and nourished. If this mask can combat my dry, damaged hair, it will do wonders for the average mane. I LOVE this product.
The Jet Lag Invisible Shampoo works great to soak up the oil and create volume, but I'm hesitant to use anything that has 'dry' in the label too often. The scent is nice, but a little strong. I'd prefer this product to smell like the Prenup instant spray hair mask. The Laid-Back Defrizz and Anti-Static Spray has dropped from heaven and answered my hair-static prayers. If you have fine hair, you know static can be super f**king annoying. I used to use Static Guard (yes, the anti-static material spray) on my hair to combat static, but am happy to have a 'hair' styling product replacement. The MIA scent is sweet and subtle. I LOVE this product. Yeah, these products are expensive, but worth it. There's 24+ IGK hair styling products, including styling, shampoo and conditioners. You can purchase IGK luxury hairstyling products at Sephora. 
 
   The pistachio-caramel scent of Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is AMAZING! I can't wear perfume (too sensitive), but this deliciously scented product line doesn't bother me at all. The scent is strong but sweet and intriguing. The cream is super-nourishing and has a slight shimmer that gives your skin a subtle glow. I was super excited when Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Body Fragrance Mist released. It's the same yummy scent of the cream but in a light body mist. The bottle is HUGE and I'm sure will last six months. This body mist can be used on your skin, your hair and you even lightly spray your closet to give your clothes a pistachio-caramel scent - you're gonna want to surround yourself with this scent. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Kiss Cupuacu Lip Butter is one of my favorite lip balms - I have one in my bathroom, one at my computer and one in my handbag! The light, creamy texture is nourishing and the tube is BIG, so it will last a long time. The cream and lip balm are infused with super nourishing ingredients Cupaçu butter, Açai and coconut oil. If I had to choose one product line of the year, it would be Sol Janeira Brazilian. 
      My ongoing, never-ending wishlist.. I'm still coveting everything pink and nude (it's an obsession). This Spring I want pink, floral, flowing and oversized - Paired with feminine handbags, unique sandals and statement booties. Oh, and I'm collecting sneakers this summer to pair with cute dresses and frayed denim. I'm obsessed with this Stella McCartney Embroidered Lace Dress (available at FARFETCH). It's fun, fresh and definitely makes a statement. Imma break the bank for this one.. Fendi By The Way Tote (available at FARFETCH). Ok, I just purchased a Fendi tote, but I want this one too. The floral detail is feminine and the neutral colors will go with everything. I like the boxy shape and long strap. We'll see.. There's no doubt you will see me wear these Fendi Bow Front Sandals (available at FARFETCH) this summer. I love slides and the bow detail is so cute! The spandex/elastine fabric is super comfy (I have the boots). Fendi Sock Style Boots (available at FARFETCH) are my favorite shoe this summer. I have these boots in Bianco and they're surprisingly comfy. I want the blue and the gray/multi with floral print. These boots elongate my legs dramatically - MUST HAVE! Jacquemus Checkered Shirt with Oversized Cuffs (available at FARFETCH). Button downs are a staple, but the oversized cuffs on this shirt will elevate your look and make a statement. Pair with booties and wear as a dress, or layer long-over-long with statement denim. I have to have this shirt. The Fendi Handkerchief Hem Scallopped Shorts (available at FARFETCH) are so pretty, feminine and unique. I love the Fendi Spring 2017 collection - I want everything.. 
Wanna shed 30 pounds of closet weight? Admittedly, I could use to loose a few pounds of body weight too - BUT, this post is about Material World - the luxury fashion trade-in site. I'm always buying and often have too many clothes and accessories - my closet is overflowing. I get so much pleasure in something new and rarely (but sometimes) shop my own closet to find treasures that I'd forgotten about. More often than not, I opt for on-line shopping and boxes of new stuff. That being said, I hate clutter and am usually laking closet space for my new clothes and accessories. I do like to donate, but some articles are expensive and I struggle to let them go. Material World is a great outlet for 'feel-good' spring cleaning (in my case, quarterly cleaning). Material World accepts pre-owned clothing and accessories from a long list of designer and contemporary brands (230+ brands). Just ship your stuff and wait for a quote. If you like the offer, accept. If you're not happy wth the offer (item based), you can have it shipped back to you, or Material World will donate the articles to Housing Works - a charity committed to the AIDS crisis and homelessness. The trade-in process is easy (aside from the closet cleansing). Visit material world.co to create an account, request a 'Yesterday Kit' and wait up to ten days. Your Material World kit will include an accepted brands list, item packing list and giant shipping bag with a prepaid shipping label. Just fill out the packing list (take a photo for your records), fill the bag and drop it at FedEx. Material World will email you a notification that the package was received and it will take 7-10 business days to receive your quote.
Once you receive the quote and accept, deny or donate your items, you can opt for a Material World Fashion Trade-In Card or gift cards for the 700+ online and in-store locations. Your Material World card is only accepted at these locations - Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Henri Bendel, Intermix, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, SAKS and Shopbop. Each time you trade-in items, Material World will automatically load the money onto your Material World Fashion Trade-In Card. I've sent two large boxes of clothes and accessories to Material World and am happy with the outcome (mostly). The shipping is easy and I like that everything is taken care of at no extra cost. You receive the money regardless of whether or not it sells (unlike consignment). AND I'm making money off my pre-owned clothing and accessories! I do however question the process of valuing the items. I traded-in 'never worn' articles, as well as items in great condition, and was surprised to receive a low quote. Based on the 'get a quote' feature on the site, you can determine approximately how much you would receive. DO NOT RELY ON THIS FEATURE. What do ya gotta trade-in to get the highest price?! I opted to have some items returned, because the quote was simply unacceptable. The 'get a quote' feature kinda sets the seller up for disappointment. Maybe, a thorough description of the value process would enlighten Material World users and alleviate the disappointment factor. REVISION (April 19th) - I've just noticed that some of my items have been posted to 'shop pre-owned'. I received 25-35% of the actual sale price on materialworld.co. Of course I had hoped to receive a higher quote, but I do consider that staff must be paid, facilities maintained and material World does incur all shipping costs. Did I receive a fair quote? I'm not sure, and I am not aware of another trade-in program to compare it to. Other than the 'quote issue' (I'd still rather have money than an excess of dusty clothes in my closet), I really like this program and will continue to use it. My closet is lighter, organized and I feel good about making money off my pre-owned items.
      
    
   An Instagram sensation - the HiSmile Teeth Whitening System is easy, quick and kinda fun. What separates this system from others? The formula doesn't contain peroxide. The solution is a 'baking soda' gel-form (minimizing tooth sensitivity). The kit comes with an attachable mouth tray and LED light for optimal results. Just ten minutes a day for a week and you should see a significant change in color. Is it as effective as other 'peroxide based' brands (Zoom, Opalescence..)? No, but it takes less time, is less harsh on your teeth and you will see a difference. I have very white teeth to begin with, due to 'in-office' bleaching, but am using this system for maintenance and am happy with the results (especially the 'ten' minutes a day). The HiSmile teeth whitening kit includes an LED light with an attachable mouth tray, three HiSmile gels, and results guide. It retails for $59.99 and each HiSmile gel last two whitenings, so you get six in total. Additional HiSmile gels are available in a pack of three and retail for $29.99. I've been using the device for over a month and the LED light is still going, the tray is still perfectly intact and I am loving the easy whitening process. HiSmile also has a yummy Coconut Whitening Mouthwash - the box contains five 30 ml tubes, containing the same sodium bicarbonate blend (baking soda). Squeeze a third of the solution into your mouth and squish it around for two minutes. The formula is quite thick, but liquifies in your mouth and the yummy coconut flavor is subtle. The mouthwash retails for $29.99. HiSmile offers a 35% discount on gels and mouthwash if you subscribe - delivery every 30 days.
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