Review - Just Natural Body Nutritive Serum

What the website says: This nutritive tanning support serum is a light weight, easily absorbed blend of vitamins and antioxidant rich oils, extracts, and essentials that deeply penetrate to deliver nutrients to feed, protect and support your skin for a long lasting tan. These oils have soothing properties that 

moisturize, but also help develop that golden, sun 

kissed tan you are looking for. 

This mixture of 13 different types of oils may also 

improve your skin’s elasticity and neutralize skin 2

imbalances. This formula is the best nutritive 

support for tanning proposes. $26.99

Review: I'm a big fan of body oils, I've been using pure coconut oil for the longest time when I felt like I wasn't getting enough moisturization (is that a word? lol) from my regular body lotion. I've decided to give the Body Nutritive Serum a try after seeing it all over Pinterest. They had these dark gorgeous tans that looked glowy. I have to admit that I didn't try this for tanning purposes, I bought it to use as an after shower moisturizer. It's fantastic for that, but it does sit on the skin and feel oily for quite some time after you apply. That doesn't bother me though, because I love this oily stuff. I'm a freak about having dry skin. I hate that uncomfortable tight feeling. Anyway, I've even used this on my face and haven't had a problem (although I don't have sensitive or acne prone skin). No breakouts or blemishes.

 I like using this when my skin is feeling extra dry so I don't use this on a daily basis and a little bit goes a long way so the bottle will last me a while. I would eventually like to try this as a tanning product, A friend of mine said she loves to use it for that purpose and she never burns either. It does have a strong smell to it which doesn't bother me but those who don't like fragrant oils might not like it too much. The scent is hard to place, but I would say it smells wood-sy and herbal. I rather enjoy the scent. Overall I think it's a great product that does what it says. It's a little pricey, but the website has a news letter that you can join and sometimes they have discounts.

Have you tried this for tanning? Leave your thoughts below 

Review - VITAMIN C GLOW BOOSTING MICRODERMABRASION EXFOLIATOR

What The Body Shop Says: Improve skin texture and tone with the Vitamin C Glow Boosting Microdermabrasion facial exfoliator. Containing micro-sized garnet exfoliating particles to give skin a thorough and intense weekly exfoliation. It helps to renew skin texture and tone. Smooth dry, flaky skin away for a brighter, refined and refreshed complexion. $23.00

Review: (I have the old packaging, but I believe the formula is the same) I love exfoliating products because they allow your facial serums and moisturizers to actually penetrate the skin instead of just sit on top. I believe everyone should exfoliate at least once a week to get the most benefits out of your skincare items. I use this about once or twice a week in the shower after using my facial cleanser. Just like how I do with my cleanser, I like to let this stay on my face till the end of my shower and then rinse with cool water. I find this one to be pretty gentle, the little scrubbers are finely milled and don't scratch your face like some exfoliators do. My skin feels incredible soft after using this and I've noticed less redness around my nose and chin area and overall my face looks brighter and healthier. I think this would be a good scrub for most people, but I wouldn't use an exfoliating product if your currently have an active breakout. 

If you like an abrasive scrub like St. Ives Apricot scrub, then this one may not be for you. But if your looking for a moderate scrub that seems to exfoliate, brighten and moisturize all in one, then look no further. I've enjoyed using this product and definitely plan on using more products from the Vitamin C line in the future from The Body Shop. 

What's your favorite facial scrub?

Review - Derma e Anti wrinkle Vitamin A Glycolic Cleanser

What Ulta Says: This invigorating cleanser rinses away dirt, oil, and impurities, unclogs pores and helps encourage the process of exfoliation for a fresh, healthy complexion. Enriched with Vitamin A, Glycolic Acid and detoxifying Marine Plant Extracts, this exfoliating formula leaves your complexion clean, healthy and rejuvenated. Product is Gluten Free, paraben free, hypoallergenic and is not tested on animals. $13.99

Review:
I've been using the Derma e glycolic cleanser for about 2 months now. I don't find it to be effective at removing makeup so for that I use something else (which I will review at a later time) but I do love this for those days when I don't have makeup on, I like that it's non drying and how it leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth afterwards. The way I like to use it is in the shower, i'll wait about 3 minutes or so to let the steam open up my pores and then I use a small pea-sized amount and let it sit on my face until the end of my shower and then rinse it off with cool water.

Since it's a glycolic cleanser I feel like letting it sit on my skin really helps with the Anti aging benefits.I haven't had an issue with redness, breakouts or dryness. I feel that it's a gentle formula that would work well for most skin types and I would repurchase in the future.

What's your current favorite cleanser?

REVIEW ~ Philosophy Resurface - The Microdelivery Dual-Phase Peel

Here's what Sephora says about it:

What it is: 
A two-step, exfoliating skin transformation.

What it is formulated to do:
This revolutionary duo works together to resurface skin and replenish it with essential vitamin C and peptides. The Vitamin C/Peptide Resurfacing Crystals gently rejuvenates and revitalizes as the Lactic/Salicylic Activating Gel helps to minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles while providing a secondary exfoliation. 

Suggested Usage:
Step one - Vitamin C/Peptide Resurfacing Crystals: 
-Apply a teaspoon amount to clean, dry skin. 
-Once applied, crystals should appear almost like a mask. 
-Gently massage in a circular motion over entire face for up to 60 seconds, avoiding eye area. 
-Do not scrub; use less pressure for sensitive skin. 

Step two - Lactic/Salicylic Acid Activating Gel:
-Place a generous teaspoon amount in the palm of your hand.
-Massage gel onto fingertips and apply on top of crystals.
-As activator is applied, a warming sensation will occur. 
-White foam will appear, indicating activation.
-Leave foam on for two to three minutes to infuse vitamin C and peptides into the skin.
-You can massage foam for extra exfoliating benefits or let it sit for sensitive skin.
-Rinse thoroughly.
-You can use a washcloth for removal to avoid getting the peel in your hair.

My Review:

I love using this for those times when my skin feels extra rough or when I feel like my basic exfoliator just won't cut it. A little background on my skin type. It's normal, with almost no breakouts or blemishes, but I do have an uneven skin tone with redness around my nose and chin area. 

I don't use this product more than once a week, but after using it I can see and feel an immediate difference on my face. My skin is much smoother, more even toned and makeup glides on. I also feel like my moisturizers and serums penetrate the skin better and not just sits on top. I haven't noticed any issues using this product but for those with a sensitive skin type or someone who has acne it may be a bit too abrasive, but I think if you use it gently without applying too much pressure you should be ok. I like the warm feel to it once you apply the activating gel, it feels like it's really getting in there to remove dead and dull skin. I feel like my skin almost glows after using it and actually don't even feel the need to put on makeup the next day. 

For those looking for an ultra exfoliating product to add to your regime I would definitely recommend this product. It retails for $72, but a little goes a long way so it should last a while. I've used mine a handful of times and hardly put a dent in it. 

Thanks for reading!

Makeup Storage

I've tried so many different ways to store my makeup in the past. For a while I was just using a large makeup bag, but my beauty products quickly out grew that bag.  I wanted something that would allow me to find what I was looking for quickly and not have to dig around for it. I found that these small and medium sized drawers were perfect for what I needed.

I label the drawers and have the makeup separated into categories. This is my large size organizer

I use a smaller one for eye primers, blushers and pigments. Lately I've been using this little basket to the left for my lipsticks and glosses, but I'm not loving it.  

This is a desk organizer that I've been using to store some of my MAC and misc eye shadow pallets in. It's come in handy.

What do you currently use to store your makeup and beauty items? Any suggestions on a good lipstick organizer?

I'm on Snapchat now

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DIY detox water

Make your own detox water at home. All you need is a cucumber, lemon and mint. I happened to have some Rosemary at the house so I added a sprig of that to mine. I like drinking mine on an empty stomach. I feel like it helps you to eat less and also allows the body to absorb the nutrients better. 

For a 59 ounce bottle ( I used an old tea container) I used one full lemon half a cucumber in about one fourth cup of fresh mint leaves put it all in the container and fill with water and the next day you have refreshing detox water. This water is good for your skin, muscles and also helps to flush out toxins and extra water weight. Overall,  it's a good way for you to stay hydrated. It's especially beneficial for those who don't like to drink water, like myself. Have you tried making your own detox water? If so, what's your favorite blend?

Holy Grail Cheek Highlight

I love a good highlighter and I finally found one that is the perfect shade of gold! It's by Milani in the shade Bella Chiffon #28. 

Technically this is described as a gel powder eye shadow and it does look beautiful worn as that, but I love it as a cheek highlight. It's super creamy and blends like a dream without being chalky or shimmery. 

 

I got it from Walmart for less than $5, but Walgreen's sells it as well. What highlight are you loving at the moment?