Archives for 2016

Pretend Play Makeup Set by Cutegirl Cosmetics

October 25, 2016 · Leave a Comment

There has been a lot of talk lately about celebrities who allow their little girls to try on and play with makeup, and there has been a lot of blow-back for that online. But let’s face it: your kids/nieces/friend’s kids see you putting on makeup, having fun with it, and they want to have fun too! Makeup is colorful and feels nice and smells good; it is basically a kid-magnet!

Pretend Play Makeup Set by Cutegirl Cosmetics

That is why we love the Pretend Play Makeup Set by Cutegirl Cosmetics. Developed by a doting dad for his two little girls, it looks and feels like your real makeup, so your little makeup protege can experience the tactile fun of makeup without actually wearing makeup. While the makeup is fake, the feel and appearance are very real. No actual product is dispensed, but the feel is the same. None of the products are just a hard colorful plastic; they feel realistic. The construction of the product packaging is like actual cosmetic packaging. For example, the nail polishes open like real polish with actual polish brushes inside. The lipstick has a cushiony sort of give and “drag” when it is “applied” to the lip, just like an actual lipstick. The powder compact is very realistic looking, the powder puff is nicer than some puffs that come with actual compacts, and the powder has a cushioned feel and the surface feels just like a powder. The glitter pan blush/shadow pots are strikingly realistic to a well-known cosmetic brand, and the feel of the surface of the pot feels like a glittery multi-tasker makeup. The eyeshadow has the same kind of dual foam applicator as would come in a shadow quad. As a beauty blogger obviously I work with a lot of makeup, but it feels so much like real makeup in the container than I checked my fingers to see if there was indeed product on them!

Pretend Play Makeup Set by Cutegirl Cosmetics

My favorite kit, The Essentials Kit, contains:

Pink and Purple Nail Polish
Blue Ocean Glitter Pot
Silver Moon Glitter Pot
Powder Compact
Pink/Purple Eye Shadow
Set of Real Brushes
Pink Blush
BubbleGum Pink Lipstick (Made out of Silicone)
Polka Dot Makeup Bag

A real standout among this incredible set are the brushes. These are the softest, most luxurious feeling brushes I have ever seen. A kid will love the feel, and the tactile experience will satisfy many kids’ desire to play with your actual makeup. It will make you want to search for better brushes for yourself, though!

Pretend Play Makeup Set by Cutegirl Cosmetics

Now, some reading may feel that this encourages kids to wear makeup at too young of an age. Here is my feeling: Makeup is a powerful tool of expression. Children should learn to use that tool responsibly. If they are interested in makeup at a young age, then let them find a way to satisfy that curiosity in an age-appropriate manner. My mother gave me a powder puff and an empty container of loose powder when I was five or so. I got to experience the soft feel of the puff, and the lingering rose scent from the jar without actually wearing powder. But in the hyper-filtered world of social media, kids are going to want more than that. This is why I think the Cutegirl Cosmetics line is so great. As both of you play with the “makeup,” you can establish a discussion about when and how it is appropriate to wear makeup. Asking your daughter how old she thinks a girl should be when she wears glittery eyeshadow, or would she wear it to school or just to a fancy event gets both of you thinking through when it is appropriate to wear makeup and different kinds of makeup. This is a discussion that can continue over the years even when she outgrows the kit. But, just telling her that makeup “is for grown-ups” and shutting down the discussion will result in a kid who is wearing goth makeup by the time she’s twelve. Kids are hard enough to raise, don’t turn makeup into a contentious issue before it has to be.

Pretend Play Makeup Set by Cutegirl Cosmetics

But CuteGirl Cosmetics, would you mind making a real set for grown-ups too? The colors really are fantastic. 🙂

Find this great set at Amazon.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWYFPfVgudM[/embedyt]

I received this product in exchange for my unbiased review and received compensation for my time and effort. However, my experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

Weekend Workout: Live Infinitely Exercise Ball

October 23, 2016 · Leave a Comment

WHY USE AN EXERCISE BALL
Exercise Balls are a very useful in Pilates, Yoga, Crossfit, stretching and low impact exercises. They are also popular as an exercise ball chair. Easy to store and use in your home, they round out a home exercise routine. Almost any stationary exercise, such as lifting hands weights or resistance band exercises, can be enhanced by incorporating the exercise ball to make the exercise more challenging by including working your core and improving your stability. Exercise balls give you an excellent range of motion for many exercises. The key, however, is finding the right exercise ball that is sturdy enough to provide support and be durable enough to withstand use.

Weekend Workout: Live Infinitely Exercise Ball

ABOUT THE LIVE INFINITELY EXERCISE BALL
This exercise ball comes with a hand pump, an extra air plug, and a valve remover tool. There is also access to exercise guides and online training workout instructions, downloadable posters, and videos via their website.

– The air pump is easy to use, it takes about 5 minutes to fill the ball.
– The air plug takes a bit of effort to remove if needed, but I prefer knowing it is in there tight and safe.

TIP: Fill the ball most of the way, then allow it 24 hours to stretch before topping it off to being fully filled. See their website for videos on how to properly inflate an exercise ball.

Weekend Workout: Live Infinitely Exercise Ball

WHAT’S UNIQUE ABOUT THE LIVE INFINITELY EXERCISE BALL?

The first thing I noticed about the ball before even inflating it, is that it is an exceptionally sturdy and thick BPA-free material. I have had other exercises balls for at-home use and have been disappointed at how they deflate, and I am worried that they can’t truly support my weight enough to make full use of them. Much of that feeling I think, came from the fact that they lost air and became soft and just didn’t feel very stable using the ball.

NON-SLIP RIDGES: These give some stability to the ball to keep it from sliding out from underneath you when you are putting full weight on it. I like these for exercises that my chest or back is on the ball, and I am stabilizing with my feet or legs.

SIZING OPTIONS: One of the things I like about this exercise ball is it comes in four different sizes ranging from 55cm to 85 cm. Live Infinitely has a sizing chart to find the right ball by your height. Your body must be properly aligned to benefit from an exercise ball. You know you are on the right size exercise ball when your knees are at a 90-degree angle when sitting, and your thighs are parallel to the floor. This allows full extension of your core muscles to derive the most benefit from your workout.

DURABLE & STURDY: The Live Infinitely Exercise Ball can support 2200 pounds. That is the weight of an American Bison. It has been tested for leaking under pressure or bursting in use and is considered anti-burst. It is durable enough to be used every day as an exercise ball chair at the office to improve your posture.

AIR RETENTION: An exercise ball that doesn’t have enough air in it can be unstable and even harmful. A ball should feel hard and full. When you sit on it, you should sink about two inches into the ball, not more than that. I tried sitting on the Live Infinitely ball and bouncing on it; the ball had “give” in the bounce, enough for fluid movement, but not so much give that I felt unstable like I was on one of those Hippity-Hop style, spring ball hopper toys.

Even a small cut in the ball will not cause rapid deflating. That makes me feel safe balancing on the ball, knowing I won’t rupture the ball if I put all my weight on it.

Weekend Workout: Live Infinitely Exercise Ball

THE LIVE INFINITELY EXERCISE BALL FOR AN EXERCISE BALL CHAIR
Many of us (READ: me) slouch when working on the computer, resulting in a weak core and ruins good posture. It also makes the body tired and stiff. An exercise ball chair allows for natural movement while sitting and keeps your core engaged. I have an artist friend, and she swears by her exercise ball chair to allow her to sit comfortably while painting for hours per session in her studio. She said she was sore for the first few days, but then her core started to get toned, and she finds it much more comfortable to sit on the exercise ball chair than a regular office chair or a wood stool while reaching to paint. Her posture is impeccable, so I put the exercise ball as office chair concept to the test.

TESTING THE LIVE INFINITELY EXERCISE BALL AS A BALL CHAIR
I tested the Life Infinitely exercise ball as my computer desk chair, and while it took about a week to get used to it, I feel so much better sitting at my desk! When I first started, it was not easy; my core was not as toned as I thought so that I couldn’t sit on the ball for very long. But after a few days I built up stamina, and now I feel a definite improvement in my posture and my shoulders and arms don’t feel stiff and rounded, and I don’t crane my neck forward as much to look at the screen. Instead, I glide my body forward on the ball. I can feel my core getting better and stronger each day!

It is imperative to have a strong, sturdy ball if you are using it as ball chair. I had tried using a ball as a chair at my desk before but I failed. I think they were too squishy and not as sturdy as the Live Infinitely Ball, which feels much firmer and gives more support. After sitting on it for the last week or so, it hasn’t lost any air or become softer; it is the same as the day I got it. This Live Infinitely ball is also the correct height for me, which is important, my other balls were too short to use as a proper exercise ball chair. If your desk is not adjustable, opt for the larger sized exercise balls (75cm or 85 cm). If you are afraid you cannot stay stable on the ball, consider placing it on a Yoga Exercise Ball base.

If you have tried other exercise balls as an office desk chair and failed, it might not be you that failed, but the ball may have been too soft or not the correct height for you. It takes a few days to get used to it, but it is quickly more comfortable than an office chair. And it rapidly tones the thighs without making your legs too sore or tired, which is another great perk. The only downside I have a tendency to cross my legs when I sit, which is a (bad) habit I have to break now that I use the exercise ball as a chair.

Weekend Workout: Live Infinitely Exercise Ball

CONCLUSION: Hands down, the Live Infinitely Exercise Ball is the sturdiest exercise ball I have ever owned or used at the gym. It feels as hard and full as when I first filled it with no leaking. I feel much safer using the ball because of the non-skid surface. The height is tall enough for me, and the taller sizes (75cm and 85cm) make for excellent exercise ball chairs, which makes sitting at my desk so much more comfortable and give my core a good workout.

Weekend Workout: Live Infinitely Exercise Ball

Find it at LiveInfinitely.com

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jv_bMX6T6NQ[/embedyt]

Skincare: InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum

October 21, 2016 · 6 Comments

WHY USE A VITAMIN C SERUM?
Vitamin C Serum is used for anti-aging purposes because it aids in the production of collagen, a vital building block of skin which gives skin itsâ€™ support. As we age, we lose collagen which is why skin begins to sag, wrinkle and look dull. Vitamin C also lightens discoloration caused by brown spots, old acne scars, and dark undereye circles. Even if you are in your twenties, a Vitamin C Serum can be beneficial to reduce acne, fade acne scars, and build collagen reserves.

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT INSTANATURAL VITAMIN C SERUM

I find two things special about this serum: it makes skin look healthy and youthful like an optical diffuser, and it has a cocktail of ingredients to deliver results quickly.

InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum

APPLICATION AND USE
InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum has a powerhouse of ingredients that do not leave skin sticky, dry or greasy. I can easily apply makeup on top of the serum, and my skin is not dry or tight feeling after use. Skin looks VERY GOOD immediately after application: pores tighten, there is a beautiful glow to the skin, wrinkles appear plumped. I like this in a Vitamin C Serum because I prefer to wear my Vitamin C during the day under my sunscreen and makeup.

But apart from that it looks good, it is important to derive benefits from your serum. What makes InstaNatural Vitamin C unique? Some ingredients give a Vitamin C serum an extra kick and can make a real difference for aging skin because it accelerates collagen production. Vitamin C alone is a building block, but the body needs to know to produce more collagen. Various skin care ingredients can aid in the collagen production process in many ways. Some products contain one or two of these collagen production promoting ingredients, but InstaNatural Vitamin C has several of them in this serum.

NOTE: You will notice this serum is opaque, not transparent. This is due to the super-anti-aging Sea Buckthorn Oil. The color of this product is NOT an indication that the Vitamin C has turned old and ineffective. See the video below to note the color of the product fresh from the manufacturer.

InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum

INGREDIENTS:

In addition to 20% Vitamin C, some of the helpful ingredients include:

Hyaluronic Acid. When a product pairs Vitamin C with Hyaluronic Acid, it is often a very effective. The reason it is so effective is two-fold: Hyaluronic Acid holds a tremendous amount of moisture which both plumps the skin and makes the skin appear youthfully dewy almost immediately. It fills wrinkles and enlarged pores to make them less visible. The second reason Hyaluronic Acid pairs great with a Vitamin C serum is that Hyaluronic Acid helps active ingredients reach deeper layers of the skin. The deeper the Vitamin C can reach into the skin; the better collagen building supports the skin receives.

Ferulic Acid is a skin-brightening antioxidant that found in fruit. This is not often paired with a Vitamin C Serum, but it makes for glowing skin. Skin dulls with age, and even a younger person would be happy to get brighter skin tone.

Vitamin E is well-known in skin care, in this serum, it makes skin more pliable and soothes the skin to avoid any irritation. I slather the serum on pretty liberally, and I have had no dry, red or irritated spots, even around the sensitive eye area or on my throat.

Rosehip Oil contains powerful antioxidants to remove toxins and improve the skin texture. Visible results can be seen especially quickly on sun damaged skin. It is also useful to soothe the skin from any irritation. I find it works well on acne scars and rougher skin areas.

Sea Buckthorn Oil is what gives this Vitamin C its opaque color. Sea Buckthorn Oil is a boon to any anti-aging skin care product because it accomplishes so many tasks including providing over 200 nutrients to the skin to feed it, it soothes sensitive skin, it heals skin damage including scars, burns, and abrasions. Most importantly, though, Sea Buckthorn Oil encourages collagen production by treating aged or damaged skin as if it were wounded skin that needs extra help to heal. It calls repairing cells to rescue skin, going into collagen production overdrive. Sea Buckthorn Oil

Plant Stem Cells is a phrase often used in skin care, and the exact definition is often vague. In the context of Vitamin C Serums, stem cells call the body to rapid collagen production to action while the building blocks of topical Vitamin C are present.

InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum

CONCLUSION: A generous sized bottle for the price, I am very pleased with how dewy and flawless the InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum makes my skin look upon application. Many Vitamin C serums leave skin oily or sticky or dry; this serum just looks good while it is worn. The combination of ingredients is a nice one to provide gentle, but robust treatment to the skin, such as lightening dark circles, fading age spots and improving the appearance and texture of sun damage and scarring.

I am happy to see improved texture to my skin, and use this on my face, eye area, throat, decolletage, and hands.

Find it at InstaNatural.com.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wklCDyKuz_U[/embedyt]

I received this product for free for my honest and unbiased feedback. If you have any questions about my experience with it, leave it in the comments section below, and Iâ€™ll do my best to answer it!

Flower Jelly Lipstick by Sela Beauty

October 21, 2016 · 6 Comments

WHAT IS IT?
The Flower Jelly Lipstick by Sela Beauty is a modern-day twist on the retro-classic mood lipstick, this jelly lipstick changes color based on temperature, giving a custom lip color finish. Unlike many mood lipsticks, it is a sheer, moisturizing jelly consistency.

APPEARANCE AND DESIGN
This Flower Jelly lipstick comes in three colors; red, pink and peach, pictured here is the red, but the actual stain color seemed more of a blue based pink. Each shade is scented, mine was the lemon scent. It is packaged in an attractive tinted transparent tube and case that is similar in quality and construction to more expensive department store lipstick cases. The swivel mechanism was smooth and intact; all the casing was secure.

This lipstick would make an adorable gift for a makeup lover because inside the transparent lipstick is a small Black Chrysanthemum which can be seen embedded in the middle of the product. It is a cute touch to an already colorful package.

Flower Jelly Lipstick by Sela Beauty

USE
The Sela Beauty Flower Jelly Lipstick is softening and prevents chapped lips. It leaves a stain of color on the lips, but unlike other lip stains, it is not drying to the lips. The stain lasts reasonably long for such an emollient lip product.

Flower Jelly Lipstick by Sela Beauty

COLOR PAYOUT

The hue of the stain is a sheer light pink that becomes brighter and darker as it warms to the skin, but stays relatively light and is decidedly sheer compared to other lip stains, but it is not as shiny or sticky as a true lipgloss. This makes the Flower Jelly lipstick ideal for a clean, casual makeup look for an adult as a topper or on bare lips, or it would make for a suitable lip product color for use by tweens/teens.

The color lasts for a few others except through eating oily foods.

Flower Jelly Lipstick by Sela Beauty

CONCLUSION: The Flower Jelly Lipstick by Sela Beauty in Red is a very cute lipstick that has the emollient properties of a balm with the staying power of a stain combined with the sheerness of a soft lipgloss but without the stickiness. This versatile lipstick warms to your temperature to create a custom lip color that keeps lips soft and moist.

Find it at Amazon.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psh0cHiklrw[/embedyt]

I received this item for testing and review purposes. If you have any questions about my experience with it, leave it in the comments section below, and I’ll do my best to answer it!

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