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OFFICE-LIGHTING PROOF YOUR MAKEUP: Ambertronix LED Desk Lamp

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We’ve all done it: your makeup looks perfect at home, but when you get to the office it looks cakey, harsh and pale. In a sea of makeup tutorials, there are few geared toward office makeup. This is unfortunate since you want to look your best for presentations, sales pitches or job interviews, but there is a high risk of looking either completely washed out or overly made-up or even garish in that weird office lighting. This is especially the case with mineral makeup, foundation, contour, and eyeshadow blending. Fortunately, with the proper lighting, you don’t have to forgo foundation and reasonable contouring in the office.

The Ambertronix LED Desk Lamp is ideal for applying makeup for the office

Why the right lighting is crucial to office-ready makeup

There are plenty of makeup blending tools, but this is only half the battle. The real secret to getting your makeup right for the office is to apply your makeup with the right lighting. The lighting in your bathroom or bedroom is likely too dim and too yellow, which will lead to makeup being too heavy.

Brushes and sponges can blend makeup flawlessly, but only when the right lighting is used

Natural sunlight is not right either, as it is too warm, imparting extra pink and gold to your skin when you’ll have to over-compensate for the grayish cast of harsh office lighting by adding in these tones.

Applying your makeup by bedroom or bath lighting can lead to too cakey foundation or overly harsh contouring

For these reasons, we recommend the Ambertronix LED Desk Lamp for optimal even light when applying makeup. It is bright enough to leave you shadow free during makeup application without washing you out, and it does not deceptively add a warm tone that can sabotage your office makeup. The lighting is bright but not harsh or eye-irritating, it does not flicker and tire out the eyes while being used, even for extended periods of time.

Ambertronix LEd desk lamp Features

  • USB PORT/CELL PHONE CHARGER There is a USB port on the side of the lamp and a tray large enough to hold and charge your phone while you are putting on your makeup in the morning, or for leaving it to charge overnight and will not forget it. I also like that it can charge and hold my phone or device if I feel like trying out a YouTube makeup tutorial on my phone in front of a mirror and good lighting.

    Convenient USB port to charge your phone while doing your makeup

  • It has Multi-mode lighting and brightness comes in five levels and four different lighting modes with a touch-sensitive dimmer on an intuitive option menu pad. Offices are quite bright with their overhead LED panels, so applying makeup with a bright light is a must.
  • The bulbs last for 25 years, so the lamp may even outlast how long you choose to stay at your office job! It is energy efficient with a power consumption rated at 14W.
  • AUTO-OFF TIMER: Have Your Smart Phone Close By And Charging At The Same Time. A USB Charging Port Is On The Lamp For Easy Charging. Also, Have The Ability To Turn Light Off Automatically With 1 Hour Auto-Off Timer. Perfect For When Dozing Off.
  • DESIGN: Slimline and sleek, it is 16.5″ high and 12.5″ long. The light arm easily bends to any position. Modern and stylish and with a small footprint it can be fit easily on tables, bedside, countertops and computer desks. Also ideal for a dorm or small studio apartment.
  • EASY TO STORE: Just fold it and store away easy with only a little space.

MY EXPERIENCE:

It was easy to assemble, it comes with directions but I didn’t need them. It is well packaged and has a plastic peel-off wrap that keeps it free of debris and scratches while in the box. It assembled quickly, I plugged it in and turned it on. No annoying flicker and the light is bright but not irritating to the eyes.

  • THE CONTROL INTERFACE
    The control interface is very intuitive, the top has plus and minus buttons to dim or increase the lighting. Four lighting options are available, for makeup, we recommend the brightest option.

    Choose the READ option for the best lighting for office makeup

  • AUTO SHUT OFF: The one-hour shut off mode is useful so you do not accidentally leave the light on all day while you are away.
  • ADJUSTABLE
    The light arm is fully adjustable to position for use applying makeup at a vanity table, desk, or using your bathroom mirror or even just a compact mirror.

CONCLUSION

Avoid makeup surprises at the office or anywhere with harsh, bright lighting by investing in a bright natural LED light such as the Ambertronix LED Desk Lamp. It simulates natural light so your makeup will not seem strange either inside or outside. It is flicker-free, which also makes it great for reading, studying, and office work. The auto shut-off in one hour feature is also very useful at bedtime to limit oneself to only one hour of reading or Netflix watching before lights out!

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the Ambertronix LED Desk Lamp at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073CF4KRT/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=

 

Style Chicks received Ambertronix LED Desk Lamp in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

 

Multi-Tasking Retinol: Retinol uses: Acne and Dark Undereye Circles

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This is part two of a two-part series about the Multi-tasking uses of Retinol, the go-to beauty product to fix numerous skin issues ranging from stretch marks to acne to wrinkles. Today we discuss both acne and dark undereye circles, and why Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer, a 2.5% non-prescription Retinol is a powerhouse for treating them both.

Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer contains natural moisturizers to soothe while treating acne and dark circles

ACNE & RETINOL

Retinol is especially effective on acne. No matter what age you get your acne, Retinol can tackle it.

Whether you are a teen, in your twenties or even post-menopausal, acne happens. But how acne is best-addressed changes with age. Teens generally use oil-drying cleansers combined with a heavy layer of benzoyl peroxide, both of which are too rough for more mature skin because it cannot recover moisture like younger skin.

At the first sign of an emerging pimple, apply a buffered Retinol like Lordsbury Retinol+C to reduce inflammation and redness without causing surface dryness or irritation

But this is not to say that Retinol cannot be overly drying to the skin, as it’s in fact, quite a potent topical acne remedy. So potent, that only a pea-sized amount should be used on the entire face. Even in small doses, prescription strength retinols need to be buffered with a cream or lotion to ease the dryness and itchiness that can come with Retinol. This is one of our favorite things about Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer for treating acne because it comes with an all-in-one 2.5% prescription strength pure Retinol and several soothing ingredients built right into the formulation to buffer the retinol with just the right balance. Natural ingredients include Organic Aloe Vera and Shea Butter that keep skin supple and pliable to help pre-empt stretch marks before they form. Also, there’s Green Tea that soothes irritation. Even when I use it twice a day, I don’t experience peeling, itching or dryness, yet it effectively targets acne.

Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer has soothing and hydrating moisturizers that buffer BOTH the prescription strength 2.5% Retinol and the 20% Vitamin C Serum to quickly reduce acne breakouts and heal acne mark scars

HOW IT WORKS

Retinol is a keratolytic treatment that dissolves dead skin layers. In laypersons’ speak, this means Retinol unclogs pores. This has a two-fold benefit of allowing other medications creams and gels, such as Vitamin C Serum or Salyclic Acid to more effectively treat the pore by cleaning it, removing bacteria and oil and shrinking its’ appearance. Retinol also reduces the number of blackheads and pimple outbreaks by preventing dead cells from clogging pores or entrapping bacteria and oil which form said blackheads and pimples.

Retinol unclogs pores so well that after about two weeks of Retinol use, users report a sudden acne breakout, often it is so bad that people feel Retinol is causing their acne. It’s not causing acne, rather purging pores. If you can hold on for just a few weeks, your skin will be clear and less congested.

USING RETINOL DURING A PIMPLE LIFE CYCLE

Retinol can also reduce inflammation and redness, which is a big part of what makes a pimple look so large.  At the first sign of a pimple, dab an extra bit of Lordsbury Retinol+C on the pimple to start reducing inflammation and quell the redness without causing a dry, crusty skin layer that is itchy.

POST PIMPLE HEALING

Retinol also encourages the formation of collagen, which helps the skin to heal, and it redistributes excess or abnormal pigmentation, meaning skin takes on a more even tone. This is why, in part, it addresses so many skin problems.

CYSTIC ACNE

Cystic Acne scars live on long after a pimple itself came and went, and the scar mark turns red then brown then after about six months fades to its’ final state of discoloration. Even if you are very careful not to pick, squeeze, poke or otherwise irritate these tricky cystic pimples, some are little jerks and just leave a scar anyways. The faster you can fade the scar, the better. Retinol tackles uneven skin tone and accelerates the healing process, breaking up the dark pigmentation of a red or brown scar. I particularly like Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer.

Got some discoloration from an old acne scar? Applying Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer to acne scars  helps quickly fade them and heal the skin texture without causing irritation

ACNE ON THE BODY

Acne on the body, especially the back, can be tough to treat. Benzoyl Peroxide, while effective and inexpensive, is often unsuitable for back acne, AKA “bacne” because it can bleach the fabric of clothing. Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer dries down clean without a greasy finish so it can be applied to your back acne with no residue and is safe to wear even with nicer clothing. It also comes in a large 2.8-ounce container, large enough to apply liberally to acne prone areas such as shoulders, chest, and back.

RETINOL & UNDER EYE DARK CIRCLES

Dark under eye circles happen for many reasons: allergies, heredity, lack of sleep, and at times, leaking blood capillaries under the skin that creates a purple hue. The undereye skin area, being so thin, is also subject to the effects of sun damage.

Retinol breaks up excess pigmentation and disperses it to make the skin tone appear even. It’s also exceptionally effective in reversing the appearance of sun damage. But for some dark circle undereye conditions, the best that can be done is minimizing their appearance by optimizing the condition of the skin by keeping it wrinkle free and as hydrated as possible.

Part of what contributes to the appearance of a dark undereye circle is skin sagging and the resulting shadow. Collagen is the scaffolding of the skin, if there’s not enough collagen to support skin tissues, skin sags under the weight. Skin loses collagen with age, especially around the eye area. Retinol promotes collagen production and in tandem with topical Vitamin C, can reduce the sagging and discoloration substantially.

You likely cannot substantially eradicate hereditary dark shadows, but you can remove as much sun exposure and skin damage as possible to lighten, smooth and brighten the area and you can boost the collagen levels to lift the skin upwards for a younger, brighter look. Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer contains Aloe Vera which feeds the skin like a vitamin, providing a dewy look over time that is smooth and reflects light, giving a lighter appearance. Vitamin C builds collagen and lightens the skin without bleaching it to an unnatural color, as can happen with some chemical peels or laser treatments.

Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer contains 20% Vitamin C Serum to build collagen, fade both discoloration and sun damage around the delicate eye area

TIP: To not irritate the delicate eye skin, only apply retinol as high as all along the orbital bone of the dark circle, below the eye bulge up to the brow.

CONCLUSION

Ranging from stretch marks, facial and body acne, dark undereye circles, wrinkles or discoloration due to sun damage, age spots, scars, discoloration or acne marks, Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer provides a powerful combination of a 20% Vitamin C Serum paired with a prescription level dose of 2.5% Retinol and all natural buffering moisturizers in one 2.8-ounce cream at a great price. Gentle enough for even sensitive skin, but potent enough to make a sizable difference in skin problems in short order.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer at Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3PSEQX/

Style Chicks received compensation for our time and effort to write this review. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

HOW TO SELECT CLASSIC PEARLS FOR MODERN SENSIBILITIES: Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings

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Pearls are one of the most versatile of the gemstone jewels, they can dress up a little black dress or be worn to a wedding, and depending on the setting and other stones, metals or jewels that a pearl is paired with, they can even be incorporated into semi-casual outfits or office appropriate workwear. Despite being a classic, go-to wardrobe piece, Pearls can, however, look a bit old-fashioned, which is why we love The Pearl Source’s unique pearls designs, which also come at a more attractive price point than many pearl pieces seen in stores. A good example of this is The Pearl Source’s Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings, formal and classic enough for a traditional style bride, yet stylish enough for those with demure yet modern taste in jewelry.

The Pearl Source Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings

JAPANESE AKOYA PEARL STARDUST EARRING DESIGN

Each earring is comprised of one classic round Akoya Pearl Classic pearl on a gold base, 925 Sterling Silver coated drop chain. The earring drop is about one inch in length. The Pearls are AA+ Quality, which is higher than that typically found in department stores and mall jewelry stores.

Akoya Pearl with two smaller stardust orbits. Gold with .925 Sterling Silver overlay makes them sturdy.

Above the pearl, there are two suspended small silver drop ball orb embellishments with a stardust pattern to add a bit of very subtle shimmer, not full-on bling, but they are eye-catching.

Stardust orbs of .925 Sterling Silver over gold are securely held in place

JAPANESE AKOYA PEARL STARDUST EARRING CONSTRUCTION

The thick nacre content of these pearls makes them durable despite being on a drop length dangle, they will not scratch even though they are exposed to other dangling embellishments. The chain is gold with a generous .925 Sterling Silver coating. The post is sturdy and does not readily bend.

The Pearl Source Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings are well-made with .925 Sterling Silver overlaying a gold base

ABOUT JAPANESE AKOYA PEARL STARDUST EARRINGS: EVALUATING PRIMARY PEARL CHARACTERISTICS

When selecting a pearl jewelry piece, there are three notable characteristics to assess. These are the Pearl Luster, the Pearl Nacre, and the Pearl Overtone.

PEARL LUSTER

Pearls produce an intense shine, also known as luster. The luster of a pearl can be determined when a light is reflected off the many layers of nacre or tiny organic crystals that comprise the surface of the pearl.

The luster rating of this Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earring Set is considered “very high”.

Pearl Source Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings

These pearls have a high luster that is eye-catching. Note the sturdy .925 Sterling Silver posts and reinforcements

PEARL NACRE

Nacre is what gives pearls shine and resilience. Nacre is very similar in composition and appearance to the composite material inside of a mollusk shell. The iridescent nacre can be seen for example inside a nautilus shell and to some extent abalone.

Nacre is comprised of tiny organic crystals, which serve as reflectors of light. The larger a pearl is, the more reflectors it possesses. When shopping for a pearl, the larger the pearl, the more nacre it has and the greater the luster. The degree of nacre produced luster varies greatly between pearls.

Nacre builds the iridescent layers inside a shell and on Pearls to create luster as seen here

This Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earring Set has a very thick nacre, creating a high luster.

These Pearls are of thick nacre which yields a high luster

PEARL OVERTONE

A pearl’s color is called the body color. Pearls vary from white, cream, yellow, silver, pink or black. Pearls also have a glow of a secondary color, which can be seen when light reflects off of the pearls. This hint of color is known as its’ overtone.

The Pearl Source Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings are a white body color that is available in four overtones. The set shown here is a White Overtone Pearl, but they also come in Rose and Ivory overtones as well as Black. These choices are ideal for matching the undertone of a bridal gown so the shade of white is not a mismatch.

The white body and white overtone of these pearls glow suit all-white bridal gowns and absolutely glow against bright colors and dark textures, making them highly versatile

WHAT IS AN AKOYA PEARL?

Akoya pearls are cultured in Akoya oysters primarily in Japan and China. They are renowned for their incredible luster and are generally considered the “classic” pearl. Akoya pearls range in size from about 6.0 – 8.5mm.

Akoya Pearls, such as these The Pearl Source Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings are round and symmetrical and are renowned for their high luster

GIFT BOXED

The earrings come in a distinctive blue box with a grosgrain pattern crisp overlay, and an inner hinged style box with traditional satin and velvet lining. It is highly suitable for gift giving and storage.

Outer Gift Box with inner hinged box for gift giving and storage

ABOUT THE PEARL SOURCE

The Pearl Source only uses the highest quality grade of pearls from the Pinctada fucata oyster in Japan, and only uses pearls without defects. I found these pearls to be of better quality than that I have purchased at department stores. Because their pearls are imported direct, the cost is much less than other online and brick and mortar jewelry stores. The Pearl Source Pearls for gifts and bridal jewelry or just for your personal collection is higher quality and at a better price. They also offer free shipping on all orders.

The Pearl Source Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings make for an excellent gift for brides, proms, special occasions.

CONCLUSION

The Pearl Source Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings are an outstanding value for a bride, as a gift for a teen attending a formal event, or for anyone who would like a demure, ladylike piece that gives an updated look to a classic design. The pair of stardust dangle orbs brings some visual interest to the single statement pearl. The pearls themselves are of high luster, thick nacre and come in four overtones to best match one’s skin coloring or attire. The direct sourcing of the pearls makes The Pearl Source jewelry an excellent value on a highly versatile set of earrings that will last for years to come.

WHERE TO BUY

Find the Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings at The Pearl Source here: https://www.thepearlsource.com/Japanese-Akoya-Pearl-Stardust-Earrings-w.html

Style Chicks received The Pearl Source Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

WHITENING SENSITIVE TEETH NATURALLY: Smply White Natural Charcoal Toothpaste

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Many of our favorite drinks including coffee, tea and red wine can cause tooth staining or at least a yellow tinge. The term “Pearly whites” has been taken to a whole new level with teeth whitening procedures, whitening strips, and peroxide-based home tooth bleaching kits. But if you have sensitive teeth or gums, many of these whitening treatments are not viable for you. Smply White Natural Charcoal Toothpaste removes stains and whitens teeth while fighting decay naturally even on the most sensitive of teeth.

Drink your favorite black teas and still have white teeth with Smply White Natural Charcoal Toothpaste

SMPLY WHITE NATURAL CHARCOAL TOOTHPASTE FEATURE OVERVIEW AT A GLANCE:

  • Whitens Teeth
  • Removes Stains
  • Fights Decay
  • Relieves Sensitivity
  • Cleans Teeth
  • Keeps Mouth Fresh
  • No questions asked money back guarantee

ABOUT SMPLY WHITE NATURAL CHARCOAL TOOTHPASTE

Smply White is a Bamboo Charcoal Toothpaste that uses natural ingredients to gently clean teeth and it tastes of naturally derived mint. Many tooth whitening products work quickly but can erode tooth enamel in the process, especially products with potent levels of peroxide based gels. Even if the tooth enamel is not eroded, gums can be irritated and treatments can leave temporary tell-tale white stains on the gums. Smply White is made with a careful formulation that naturally whitens teeth without causing irritation or sensitivity to gums or teeth, and most importantly, no erosion of tooth enamel occurs. Smply White is intended for daily use to replace your regular non-whitening toothpaste to fight staining and remove stains.

HOW IT REMOVES TOUGH STAINS FROM COFFEE, TEA & WINE

While there are several types of charcoal toothpaste and powdered charcoal remedies commercially available, Smply White Natural Charcoal Toothpaste uses a Premium Bamboo activated carbon that is twice as potent as that found in competitor products. It easily removes difficult stains from coffee, tea, and other tooth-staining drinks like wine and colas.

Smply White Natural Toothpaste removes stains from coffee, black tea, espresso, red wine and chocolate

MY EXPERIENCE WITH SMPLY WHITE NATURAL CHARCOAL TOOTHPASTE

I’m a heavy coffee and tea drinker and while my teeth don’t have deep stains, my teeth aren’t naturally very white, so they tend to look somewhat dingy and make me look older if I don’t consistently use a tooth whitening product. I do get staining near the gum line and in between my teeth. Unfortunately, most whitening products are too harsh for my teeth and gums to use them consistently. I am not giving up coffee anytime soon, so the idea of a natural whitening product interests me.

Directions for use are simple and easy to follow, even children can use Smply White Natural Charcoal Toothpaste

TASTE & SMELL

Smply White tastes and smells pretty good, a naturally minty taste like a real mint sprig, not a gritty chemically artificial mint. I could smell the mint before the tube was even open!

Smply White Natural Charcoal Toothpaste comes with a safety seal and smells and tastes like fresh mint

THE TOOTHPASTE ITSELF

The toothpaste is pitch black and shiny with a slightly different texture than typical toothpaste, there is a smoother grit to it, it is not detectable to the taste or on the tongue.

It doesn’t take much to effectively work, a pea-size dollop is all that is necessary, which is nice, because then the 3.5-ounce tube lasts a long time, making it even more cost-effective than many non-whitening kinds of toothpaste I typically purchase at the drug store.

Just a pea-sized amount is enough to remove tough stains and clean teeth

As an aside, the toothpaste does not make that gunky dried goo flakes that traditional kinds of toothpaste tend to do, and there are no clumps or lumps.

DOES THE CHARCOAL STAIN OR LEAVE A RESIDUE?

As one would expect from using a black charcoal, the mouth has a foamy black soot like look while brushing, but does rinse away clean without any grit after washing out your mouth.

The toothpaste washes away clean and doesn’t stain the sink after use. It is much neater and cleaner to use a charcoal powder, there’s no extra clean-up to using Smply White toothpaste over any other toothpaste, which is impressive for a charcoal product.

IT IS MESSY TO USE?

Like any toothpaste, charcoal toothpaste can stain your clothing. But if you are interested in a charcoal tooth whitening solution, this is by far the cleanest and easiest way to get the power of charcoal cleansing without messy powder getting all over your mouth, face, and bathroom countertop and sink. It is also much more gentle that direct charcoal powder that can be too abrasive to the teeth.

This easy to use Charcoal formula does not stain sink basins or bathroom countertops, there are no messy powders

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

My teeth feel very smooth and clean after use, and have a nice sheen to them, they look like they just had a professional cleaning.

GENERAL IMPRESSIONS

In less than a week, my teeth had a more even appearance and brighter look with less staining and discoloration, especially the staining between teeth that is often difficult for whitening strips to reach, as well as significant stain removal at the base of my teeth near the gumline, which I normally have to avoid with peroxide treatments or can’t reach with a whitening strip. The dingy look disappeared and has stayed away with twice a day brushing with Smply White Natural Charcoal Toothpaste, with no irritation.

Twice a day brushing with Smply White Natural Charcoal Toothpaste leads to a bright white, healthy smile!

THE COMPANY BEHIND SMPLY WHITE

A growing brand that is growing, but holds the level of care of a boutique brand. For example, the owner personally inspects every single tube of toothpaste for quality and offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and customer support, which impresses me for a product that sells for less than $10. They also made sure in developing their formula that the toothpaste tastes good and is pleasant to use.

CONCLUSION

Smply White Natural Charcoal Toothpaste offers natural, safe tooth whitening even to those with sensitive teeth and gums using the natural power of charcoal.

I also like that Smply White doesn’t just whiten teeth but also addresses dental care by fighting tooth decay and keeping my mouth fresh and free of plaque. I am often reluctant to use whitening toothpaste that only whitens but doesn’t offer meaningful tooth care benefits. With Smply White Natural Charcoal Toothpaste, you get both.

No need to forsake your morning coffee or give up the health benefits of drinking tea or red wine for the sake of whiter teeth, now you can have both with daily, natural, effective Smply White Natural Charcoal Toothpaste.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find Smply White Natural Charcoal Toothpaste at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073NQG8D9

Smply White Natural Charcoal Toothpaste whitens teeth naturally without irritation

 

Style Chicks received Smply White Natural Toothpaste in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

 

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