Gifts and Gift Giving

How to Find the Perfect Present

Gift giving guide for finding the perfect present.Â StyleChicks found the perfect gift for everyone on your list: gifts for Mom, gifts for your BFF, gifts for the Bride to be, bridesmaids gifts Graduation gift, holiday gifts, wedding gifts, get well gifts or just a pick-me-up gift.

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.

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!

How to Drink More Water: THE COLDEST WATER BOTTLE

October 4, 2016 · Leave a Comment

BEAUTY & WATER:
One of the best beauty-enhancing daily habits you can have is to drink lots of water. It keeps your skin glowing and unclogged of toxins; it gives you energy, and it helps manage weight gain. You really can’t beat the dewy glow from being well-hydrated. This is not news by any means, but it is worth discussing because accomplishing this basic beauty habit is easier said than done: guzzling your daily water intake can seem unappealing when compared to drinking delicious coffee and sugary beverages.

But it is a worthwhile beauty goal. According to a recent study, 20% of women that drank 1.5 liters of water daily saw a reduction in wrinkles after six weeks. In another study, people reported clearer skin and less acne within a week of drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day. So how much water should you drink and what can help make that water appealing enough to meet your water consumption goal?

HOW MUCH WATER TO DRINK?
There are various opinions on how much water one should consume daily. For the sake of your skin, it is typically 4-5 glasses a day. This is the amount needed for your organs to function properly and remove toxins from your body, including the skin. This amount also helps with clearing acne. The amount of water required varies a bit from person to person based on your weight and other health issues. As a general guide, you are hydrated enough if your urine is a light wheat color. If not, you are dehydrated, whether you feel thirsty or not.

To avoid dehydration, keep sipping water throughout the day.

THE COLDEST WATER BOTTLE: HOW TO MAKE IT A DAILY WATER DRINKING HABIT APPEALING
Some people like to add a slice of lemon or infuse their water with fruit. This is helpful to make your daily water intake taste more appealing. But the biggest aid to making daily water consumption easier is often the temperature of the water: chilled water is energizing and refreshing, especially after a workout or on a hot day. Cold water is just easier to drink. It is also helpful for burning extra calories: your body burns more calories with cold water than drinking tepid, warm or hot water.

The Coldest Water Bottle is an easily portable water that keeps water at a cold temperature, providing access to icy-cold water that stays at an even cold temperature all day. It is not just a water bottle with an ice core center insert that keeps the water cooler inside the bottle. The Coldest Water Bottle keeps water at a constant ICE COLD temperature for up to 25 hours, and any ice in the bottle stays in ice form during that time.

THE COLDEST WATER BOTTLE

CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN
Made of stainless steel, it is a long-lasting, quality water bottle that does not need to be frequently replaced like plastic bottles. It uses double wall insulation with materials designed to keep water cold for more than 25 hours with no sweating. It floats in oceans and pools and its 99% of cup holders, so you have no excuse NOT to get your daily water intake. BPA and toxin free, it is safer than other water bottles that can quickly harbor bacteria (and odor) within its’ plastic walls.

It is made for athletes but is suitable for any environmentally conscious person who wants to carry cold water with them throughout the day or for a late-day workout. The Coldest Water bottle is intended for lifetime use.

PUTTING COLDEST WATER BOTTLE TO THE TEST
THE PROBLEM: The gym I belong to has ice-cold bottled water chilled in a vending machine for $2.50 a bottle, and each pilates class or gym session I would typically need two of these 12-ounce bottles. And sometimes after a particularly busy class, the vending machine runs out of water entirely. I tried to bring my bottled water, but I wanted the *COLD* water during and after my workout. The problem is, I go to the gym after work, so if I bring water from home, it would have to stay cold for about 11 hours by the time I get to the gym.

TESTING THE COLDEST WATER BOTTLE: Turns out, the Coldest Water Bottle keeps water cold for a very long time, it keeps water cold all day and keeps a full bottle cold for a late-day workout. The ice cubes stay as ice cubes; they don’t substantially melt. I filled the bottle with ice cubes and cold water from the tap at around 7 A.M. Ten hours later the ice was still in ice cube form with no melting or “sweating.” In the meantime, the bottle sat in the warm car without the benefit of air conditioning. When I drank my water at the gym, almost twelve hours later, it was still ice cold! Pretty impressive. The leftover ice stayed unmelted afterward until I dumped it out when I got home that night, a few hours after my workout, probably hour 16 at that point. Very nice!

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaymAIT94uw[/embedyt]

CONCLUSION: A sturdy, well-constructed water bottle, just fill it with water and ice and go. Carrying a Coldest Water Bottle will remind you to drink water and keep track of how much you are drinking. It is the perfect bottle for athletes, Mom’s with thirsty kids, campers, beach-goers, or anyone who wants to have access to cold water during the day. I also find it useful for keeping some cold water in a car during the summer to stay hydrated in the case of unexpected delays or emergencies.

The Coldest Water Bottle is an environmentally friendly, cost-effective choice, saving you from buying repeated plastic water bottles. The stainless steel is sturdy without being too heavy to carry in my bag. Since I have had the bottle, I have remembered to bring water with me each day, and it stays ice cold in my bag while I am in transit. The bottle does not leak, so it is safe to put in your backpack or briefcase. The stainless steel naturally is bacteria resistant, which feels cleaner to transport around places like the gym. Since I have had the Coldest Water Bottle, I stay hydrated at the gym, at work, and I haven’t had to buy chilled plastic bottled water when I am out. A very worthwhile investment that saves both the environment and saves money on bottled water costs.

Find this great bottle at TheColdestWater.com

THE COLDEST WATER BOTTLE

Wine Wednesday: Magicdo 12 Colors Glass Paint Set

September 14, 2016 · Leave a Comment

We love to create unique, colorful tablescapes at parties, brunches, gatherings, showers, and special occasion dinners. I like a balance of not too stuffy and formal but not too whimsical – just a nice blend of eclectic and classic with some artistic elements thrown in to keep things interesting. Some attention to details with personalization with color, monogramming and patterns can make your guest feel special and really make a party unique. So I was happy to find this Magicdo Glass Painting set for glassware, it is a way to customize glassware such as wine and champagne glasses for an occasion to give a pulled together look to an event, adding color or personalization to plain glass stemware or mirror surface objects.

Wine Glass painted with MagicdoÂ® 12 Colors Glass Paint Set

WAYS TO USE THE MAGICDO GLASS PAINT SET
Personalized glassware is useful for a party, putting names or initials on guests glasses prevents the accidentally use someone else’s glass. And a custom glass can stand in as a table setting place card for a seated dinner or brunch. It also makes an easy, custom party favor if desired.

COORDINATE TO PARTY THEME: Glass Paint can add color or design to plain glassware to color-coordinate or theme coordinate to other pieces, tying in eclectic or mix and match tableware. Instead of keeping glassware for numerous types of parties or entertaining, one set of plain glassware can be customized for each event. With a little practice, it would be easy to hand paint custom champagne glasses for a bridal couple or special anniversary event to make for a handmade, custom gift.

PAINT PARTY: A fun activity for kids and adults alike, painting on glassware is an enjoyable and easy activity.

VERSATILE ONE TIME USE OR PERMANENT PAINT DESIGNS
Handwash the glasses carefully if you wish to retain the design for more than one use. If you wish to paint the glasses with a different design, the paints wash off in the dishwasher.

TIP: If you intend on keeping the painted result on the glassware for more than one-time use, I would recommend allowing a few days for the paint to fully set before use. While it is dries quickly, it remains tacky for a few days, especially in warm weather.

HOW TO USE THESE PAINTS
These paints are applied on the outside of the glass, so generic glassware can be turned into customized special occasion glassware, adding theme elements, color-coordinated patterns, monograms or names. You can use your existing glassware, or purchase low-cost, plain glasses for the occasion. This particular glass that is used in these photos and video is a simple basic glass that could be purchased at any Bed, Bath, and Beyond or IKEA type store.

For patterns, there are endless stencils for free on sites such as Pinterest, some are available on Etsy, and it is easy to create your own pattern as well. To create a name stencil, I selected a script font in Microsoft Word and printed it out and taped it to the inside of the glass and then just traced over the script with the paint.

THE KIT
This kit consists of twelve non-toxic rich pigment color paints. It is suitable for use for kids 3 and older, teens and adults.

The kit comes with a plastic palette with several wells to hold paint and mix colors, and a large well for water to clean the brushes.

The kit does not come with brushes, but any simple craft store Glass Brush Set, Nylon bristle brush or even some Q-tips can be used to get started.

The paint: The paints are high pigment yet very sheer; it takes multiple layers to build color or a thick dab for opaque pigment. They are high- pigment tints, which make them highly suitable for “glass coloring,” or the filling in an existing or pre-applied outline on the glass. The pigment of the paint seems so intense and opaque; I was surprised to see how sheer it applied. I came to like this, as the very sheer nature of the paint makes it very usable for the less artistically inclined, because no one paint stroke can make or break your design. I like the ability to blend and create a pretty unstructured freehand tinted or stainless glass look.

I liked the two shades of green for creating realistic depth to leaves. I lightly mixed but did not thoroughly blend the shades to have some variegation to the leaves.

HOW TO PAINT:
These paints blended nicely and had a very creamy texture that is easy to use. The layers of paint are very sheer. To create more opaque color, dab it on the glass and allow it to dry for about ten seconds, then feather it out. Paint can also be dabbed on with a sponge or cotton swab for more intensive color. For multiple layers of sheer color, apply it in thin coats, similar to how you would apply nail polish. Since the paint does not absorb into the glass, the first coat is more of a sheer tint and takes multiple layers to create an opaque look.

If you make a mistake, just wipe off the paint with a Q-tip and start again. I got some of the paint on my hands and nails; it washed off quickly with basic soap and water.

CONCLUSION: A fun, relaxing, easy way to create custom glassware to match a theme or color palette for an event, these paints are non-toxic, making them suitable for use by children and adults. As a non-artist with artistic yearnings, I found the sheerness to be very useful to slowly build and blend color into freehand abstract patterns that are manageable to create my own simple artistic creations. Blendable and creamy, it is easy to quickly paint custom glassware that gives a look of expensive artisan glass for entertaining and use as gifts.

Find this great set at Amazon.

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