Maybelline Better Skin Challenge

Maybelline Better Skin Challenge

So 2 months ago I received a bottle of Maybelline Superstay Better Skin Foundation. Now I was excited to start this review since I am getting close to my, (gulp), mid-30s. So anything that will keep my complexion looking good is a huge plus.

So my skin doesn't have any major issues, the occasional breakout, some normal oily areas, and due to my overbearing mother and sunscreen, very little sun damage. So day one I washed and moisturized my skin and applied the foundation with a sponge. Then did my blending with both a sponge and a blending brush. It was lightweight, that was the first thing I noticed. Also, my skin had a very natural flawless look. My pores were minimized, and everything blending so naturally. Over the next week I continued to use my Better Skin Foundation daily. I applied 1x every morning around 6am, keep in mind these were summer days so I was sweating and doing a lot of outside activities. By the time I got home everyday, around 5pm, I was pleasantly surprised my skin still looked like it did when I first put it on. The only touch ups I do are a little matte powder.

By week 2 I was definitely seeing a difference in my overall complexion. My skin tone seemed more even and my pores looked less blocked. I was not using any other new products or wash. I admit I was skeptable that a foundation could actually improve my skin.

Then I was at week 3, and I am thrilled. My skin was looking awesome. A little foundation, brush of powder and that's all I needed. I stopped using concealer all together. Everything blended so nicely. It was like I had taken time off my face. Needless to say I am still using my Better Skin Foundation and will continue to do so. I am so glad I was chosen to participate in the #BetterSkinChallenge from Influenster, I am thankful to have received my products complimentary for testing purposes. Below is a photo of my skin on week 3. See for yourself that this product works!

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Dessange Oleo Miracle Oil Collection Review






So recently I received a complimentary Influenster VoxBox from Dessange Paris. The collection I received was the Oleo Miracle Collection. To be honest I was a little hesitant at first because I have not heard of this brand and secondly I have a background in cosmetology.

So when I received my package I originally had waist length hair and had finally made a choice to cut it into a long angled bob. I wish I had a chance to use it when my hair was long because I would have been interested to see its results on the long dry ends I had at the time. So I gave it a try on my newly short tresses and I didn't feel much of a difference in the shower. Once I had brushed it out and applied the Oleo Miracle Oil I noticed it felt smooth and the aroma was to die for. I then dried my hair with a large round brush and the first and most noticeable thing I experienced was the shine, it was undeniable. It was so smooth and bouncy. I even got feedback from my husband who barely noticed my haircut. 

The next day I dropped my daughter off at school and a teacher asked if I had just had my hair done. I was actually shocked. Normally I received hair compliments but that was because of the length and work I had put into styling my hair. So I snapped a shot on my hair on my phone and sent it to my 2 best girlfriends. They instantly wanted to know what I had used. I had them come over the following weekend and try it, I used just the conditioner as a mask on one and the whole collection on the other. The results were awesome. Both friends are now using the line that they found at Target. I am still currently using the Miracle Collection and loving it. My hair is smooth, soft, and smells amazing. The essential oils in the collection are like aroma therapy, my whole bathroom smells like a spa. I am definitely in love with Dessange Paris. J'adore Dessange!!!

Frosty VoxBox Review

Frosty VoxBox Review



So in December I received my complimentary Frosty Voxbox from Influenster. This was an awesome box, so many different types of products. I went through each and every one of my products and have listed the reviews below. I hope you find my results helpful and I always appreciate feedback.

Rimmel London Gentle Eye MakeUp Remover
Let me start by letting you all know what I use for eye makeup daily. I use a brow pencil and filler, mascara, lashes, and a liquid liner. The Rimmel MakeUp remover did an awesome job removing the mascara and liner. The eyelash glue is always tough to get off but it definely helped. As for the brow products it didn't work as well as I hoped but I do seal my brow products in well. Overall I will continue to use it for removing my mascara and liner, as I enjoyed that it was gentle and I didn't have to continuely rub at my eyes.

Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner
I typically don't use any eyeliner pencil, my eyes always water and tend to cause the pencil to run. I tried the liner ong water line and I LOVED it. It stayed in place all day, or while I was working. It went on super smooth and precise. It was a rich kohl color and smooth texture. I have already purchased another color and used it a few times. I will definitely be using this in my routine in the future, a definite score.

NYC New York Color Expert Last Lip Color in SugarPlum
I've previously used the NYC lip color line before. It's extremely affordable and there's a great color selection. I wish the pigments were a little stronger but all in all you get what you pay for. As for the complimentary color I received, SugarPlum, it wasn't the right color for my skin tone. I own and will purchase NYC lipstick again.

Celestial Seasons Candy Cane Lane Decaf Green Tea
Yum! I love green tea and am a big fan of mint. So this was a winner for me. I already purchased a box with the complimentary coupon I received in my VoxBox. It was refreshing and definetly hits the sweet spot.

McCormick Gourmet All Natural Thyme
McCormick is a great spice brand. I have tried their products before but had yet to try the Gourmet line they have. I used the Thyme in my Corn Chowder recipe. The Thyme was very fresh and aromatic. A wonderful additive to my recipe and a definite keeper.

Fruit Vines Bites Strawberry
I mean it's clearly awesome if you like licorice. I am a twizzler lover myself. The Fruit Vines were much softer and chewier. The flavor was delicious and I honestly ate the whole bag in minutes. A new favorite candy!

Eco Tools Style and Shine Hairbrush
Eco Tools is a great line to start with. I use some of their makeup brushes. The hairbrush had a great hold and strong grip. The handle was designed to keep my hand from slipping. It worked well to smooth out my hair once it was almost completely dry. It left a nice shine and caused very little pulling.

Boots No7 Protect and Perfect Intence Serum
I have seen the brand before at Target and Walgreens but I had yet to try it. The serum was lightweight and left 0 residue. I was able to apply my foundation without any issues. I used my entire sample however I believe you need to use the product for 2 weeks for results. Unfortunately I did not have enough to last 2 weeks but I did notice my skin felt firmer after finishing my sample.

The Braun ThermoScan 5 and I

So recently I received a complimentary Braun ThermoScan 5 from Influenster. If you are not sure what that is, its a Ear Thermometer with ExacTemp Technology. Its takes sonly a few seconds to get an accurate result.

Initially I had some reservations with this particular model. Having a child with a Sensory Disorder can make things like touch and sound difficult. My daughter isn't particular fond of having me put anything in her ears, unless she initiates it first. So needless to say I didn't try it out on her immediately.

Then 2 weeks ago I overheard my daughter on her monitor coughing, and as many moms know, there's a regular cough and the "Sick" cough. It was still 2 hours before her regular wake up time but I already knew she was coming down with a cold. Once she was up and ready to start the day I could hear the congestion in her voice, along with watery eyes and constant sneezing. So I figured this would be the perfect time to try the ThermoScan 5 out. I did a quick read over the simple instruction manual and was ready to give it a try.

At first she resisted my attempts to put the tip into her ear, which was expected. Then after using it on myself a few times she was ready to take a turn. I was very relieved the ThermoScan only took seconds to give me an accurate reading, mostly because I know she wouldn't hold still for long. I knew from touch she was warm but thankfully I was able to know exactly how high her temperature actually was. Luckily, she was able to control her fever with over the counter medications.

So to summarize my experience with the Braun ThermoScan 5 I would say that I was very pleased with its accuracy and prompt reading. Taking my daughters temperature has always been somewhat of a battle but turning it into a turn taking game does seem to help. I would, (and have), recommended the ThermoScan to customers at my work, (I am a cashier at a drugstore). Thank you Braun and thank you Influenster. I am glad to have had the opportunity to test and review this product, and definitely proud to be an Influenster!

For the Love of Lashes

For as long as I can remember I have been obsessed with long dramatic eyelashes. I myself have long lashes that are stubborn and stick strait, so trying to recreate this look wasn't easy. I used to envy the girls in Teen Magazine and vowed that someday I too would have the "Doe Eye" look. Then when I turned 13 I received my very 1st eyelash curler. It was Maybelline and purchased years before I was born, it originally belonged to my mother,  who's make up routine had since become tinted moisturizer and mascara. Now this eyelash curler definitely had some miles on it but trust me, it was built to last. Seriously it was indestructible. It had the strongest grip, like I got a work out when I squeezed the handles. I used that curler almost everyday for 5 years until I suffered what I believe was a traumatic experience. While cooling off in the ocean with my friends, my beach bag/purse was stolen right off the sand and with it my beloved eyelash curler. As crazy as it sounds, out of everything I had in my bag like my cell phone, wallet, cash, and car keys, I was more upset that my irreplaceable curler was taken and most likely dumped among the empty soda cans and used up bottles of sunscreen, (this would be where you would hear the faint sound of my heart still breaking).

So from there my journey of finding a suitable replacement had begun. I've since purchased an easy dozen different eyelash curlers trying to get a similar result. I've tried the traditional clamp style, the mini curler, the heated wand, even the travel size. Not one of them really compared, or held up to there promises of a "show stopping and long lasting" curl.

Then finally after the numerous trial and errors I found one worth talking about, Benefit's ProCurl Curler. It was the traditional clamp style I was accustomed to and the super cute 50's style packaging had me sold. But after a few months it just wasn't meant to be, with every squeeze of the handles the lash clamp weakened along with my hopes of ever finding a suitable lash curler that would stand the test of time. 

So the search continued on. During an unnecessary shopping trip to Sephora I made an impulse buy and purchased the Shiseido Eyelash Curler. When I got home I opened the little black box and gave it a try, I was thrilled. This curler exceeded my every expectations.  It curled my lashes right from the root and the silicone pad kept me from causing that God awful pinch we've all experienced at one time. So for $17 and buying on a whim I had a new beauty weapon. I've been using my Shiseido now for 3 years and have only had to replace the silicone strip. It's just what my stubborn lashes needed. The search was finally over. 

Until....

This past Christmas Eve I received one of the best gifts ever. My husband's Aunt manages Lancôme for the east coast and has access to all the top goodies, (can you say dream job). She gave me a beautiful silver box containing the entire Lancôme brush collection, 2 new mascaras, and a shiny new eyelash curler. The notorious "Le Curler Eyelash Curler". I was so excited I actually screamed and possibly gave my husband's grandmother a heart attack. 

Now this curler is beyond amazing!

The grip is firm and strong, but doesn't pull out my lashes. The silicone pad doesn't get indented like others sometimes do, and it's wide enough to fit all of my lashes which has been an issue since I have wide eyes. 

Now fast forward to today, I've been using the Le Curler for 5 months and it always gives constant results. I pretty much use it daily and keep it safe guarded in my vanity. You could say I'm obsessed and you'd be right, but after searching for so long I can justify it, (at least in my head).

Armed with the Le Curler and my favorite mascara, Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes I have finally recreated the wide eye Bambi look I've been missing. And as my backup I carry the Shiseido Curler with me and team it with my go to mascara, Mary Kay Lash Love, which I've recently acquired and it quickly became a new favorite. It's absolutely perfect for grabbing all those tiny lashes that normally get missed and it doesn't turn me into a warped version of Tammy Faye Bakker when I tend to go overboard.

Well there it is, my eyelash curler journey has ended. What a long, hard road it's been but I have finally found my dream curler and I'm not ever letting it go 🔐

Below is my before and after, both photos I am wearing my Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes

Clearly using the Eyelash Curler makes a huge difference.

Here are a few tips I've learned along the way.

• Cover your lashes with a light coat of loose powder before applying mascara. It helps your mascara to grab all those tiny lashes and increases their length
• I always brush my lashes before applying mascara, I use disposable mascara wands which can be found at any beauty supply store.
• Once my lashes are curled I use the tip of the mascara wand to separate them so they have a more fanned out appearance.
• NEVER, and I mean never pull on your lashes when combing or brushing them. Eyelashes are extremely fragile and I have accidently lost clumps of them before. It takes forever for them to grow back.