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Lips: Feral Cosmetics Ultra Smooth Lipsticks

August 30, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Feral Cosmetics Ultra Smooth Lipsticks are bold, high pigment, full coverage lipsticks. They apply as a fully opaque pigment and have tremendous staying power, similar to a stain without the dryness or chapping.

Feral Cosmetics Ultra Smooth Lipsticks Swatches (Left to Right: Rapture, Envy, Fetish, Euphoria)

FEATURES
Moisturizing, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, long-lasting pigment, not sticky feeling on the lips, stays on while eating/drinking.

PACKAGING
The packaging is smart: a lightweight, sleek, shiny and aluminum silver, with magnetic top caps. I have had a few lipsticks that have come open in my bag, so a secure top is a nice feature, especially for high pigment colors.

Feral Cosmetics Ultra Smooth Lipsticks

CONSISTENCY
The Feral lipsticks are very creamy with no drag in the application, yet the finish is satiny and smooth. The lipstick stays put through drinking most liquids. The lipstick does not bleed into the lip line, and when wearing off, it is fairly even in color, sort of fading, not smearing. The feel on the lips is not sticky; it is so soft.

LIPSTICK SHADES

ENVY: A hot, vampy red, something of an Old Hollywood movie starlet type of shade. Bold, yet an elegant, sexy classic.

Feral Cosmetics Ultra Smooth Lipsticks in Envy

EUPHORIC: A pale bluish pink, but not exactly a lilac or a lavender, if you have clearly pink undertones to your skin, you may have difficulty finding a nude that works for you and is not too brown. This is not an invisible kind of nude, this is a VERY pale shade. This color is a good neutral for medium pink undertone skin and looks great with tinted lipgloss toppers. If you wear lots of edgy purples, this is a good match.

Feral Cosmetics Ultra Smooth Lipsticks in Euphoric

FETISH: Is a more orange-red that Envy, a bright classic suitable for golden undertones. Two coats give a true POP of color; one light coat is more of a natural look.

Feral Cosmetics Ultra Smooth Lipsticks in Fetish

RAPTURE: Is my favorite shade, a deep, rich, lush claret red that is not quite a burgundy, it works with both very fair and dark skin tones. I apply this one with a ginger hand, though, as the color is INTENSE, just one thin coat will do the trick. For a sheer but pigmented look, I also tried just dabbing it on lightly with my finger, and it gave a lovely end of summer / beginning of autumn / back to school shade. And while not the intended use, a small dot of Rapture on the apples of the cheeks makes for a beautiful blush color that blends well into the skin.

Feral Cosmetics Ultra Smooth Lipsticks in Rapture

Find these amazing lipsticks at Feral Cosmetics.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJqTGh-8fi4[/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 Iâ€™ll do my best to answer it!

Skincare: Divas Never Age Vitamin C Serum

August 29, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Divas Never Age Vitamin C Serum

Divas Never Age Vitamin C Serum comes in an attractive bottle with angled tip dropper.

WHY USE VITAMIN C SERUM?
Vitamin C Serums are an important part of any skincare program. Vitamin C addresses many common beauty complaints including adult acne, scarring, wrinkles discoloration, age spots, and dull skin. Vitamin C can address all of these issues by increasing the production of more collagen and the cellular level of the skin. More collagen equals a more even skin tone, fewer breakouts, fewer wrinkles and less sagging of skin.

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT DIVAS NEVER AGE VITAMIN C SERUM?
For a Vitamin C to be truly useful, it is helpful if Vitamin C is paired with other active ingredients to best support collagen production. Divas Never Age has Vitamin B3, Vitamin E, and Hyaluronic Acid, amongst other Vitamin C supporters. Vitamin B3 is becoming popular in anti-aging as it helps reduce redness and inflammation, including around acne and sensitive areas such as undereye skin. Less inflammation means less sagging and puffiness. The serum also contains Hyaluronic Acid, a go-to ingredient that makes skin look instantly dewy, plump and soft. It does this because it holds so much moisture, it just sucks hydration into your skin, acting as a temporary filler. Enlarged pores practically swell closed and appear smaller, wrinkles plump, and skin looks younger. Hyaluronic Acid also helps the Vitamin C sink deeper into the skin to reach deep skin layers including supportive layers of skin that tend to need support to prevent sagging and wrinkles.

In addition to great supporting ingredients, Divas Never Age Vitamin C serum goes on smoothly and is not sticky or drying to the skin like some serums can be. Skin will look better when wearing it, which is a very attractive quality in an anti-aging serum.

APPLICATION
It is not sticky or drying to the skin, rather it is plumping and leaves skin dewy and smooth to the touch. It dries down quickly, and makeup can be applied smoothly on top. Skin looks younger while you wear it because it has light-reflecting properties and the Hyaluronic smooths and plumps, acting as a filler for wrinkles and pores.

RESULTS: I love that my skin looks good while I wear it: soft, supple, dewy and fresh. It addresses dull skin immediately, even the next day my skin has a lovely glow. There is no sticky white residue after application. Uneven skin tone areas look better in a few weeks, and my acne improved in about a week. Darker age spots and wrinkles take more time; it is often two months of consistent use to see results with collagen-producing Vitamin C serums, but I am very pleased with the results so far, and the instant glow the serum gives my skin.

CONCLUSION: A powerful anti-aging treatment. If you have sensitive skin, this is a great Vitamin C serum as it is non-irritating but still quite effective in combating wrinkles, adult acne, uneven skin tone and dullness. Upon application, there is a youthful, dewy glow to the skin.

Find Divas Never Age Vitamin C SerumÂ at Amazon.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ti9ouIGlGY[/embedyt]

I received this product for testing and review purposes. 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!

Happy Hour: Kamojo Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Gift Set

August 26, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Kamojo Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Gift Set

This Kamojo Gift Box Set is a set of two copper Moscow Mule mugs. Moscow Mule Copper Mugs are the best way to serve the Moscow Mule drink. A favored drink for when the weather is hot and muggy, a Moscow Mule served in a copper mug is especially delicious. And the Moscow Mule is a great drink for entertaining because it is a tasty melody of flavors but easy to mix. Mules are perfect for a hot summer afternoon party, BBQ or picnic, especially since carrying around a cool beverage in a copper mug is refreshing in of itself.

WHY USE COPPER MUGS FOR YOUR MOSCOW MULES?
A classic drink should have a signature style glassware. Martinis, margaritas, champagne, or a scotch: the classics all have their signature style unique glassware. But a copper mule is more than just the decorative component to a Mule drink; it MAKES the drink. Simply put, the copper keeps your ice-cold drink cold, as in super crazy cold, despite the hot weather and your warm hands holding your drink. Part of what makes any Mule-category of drink so tasty is the iciness of the drink. Both Moscow Mules and Kentucky Mules are especially refreshing when served ice-cold. While you could have a Moscow Mule or a Kentucky Mule in a regular glass, the mug is part of the fun, and it is large enough to hold the volume of the drink. But most importantly, it chills to the temperature of the drink almost immediately and keeps it cold. Copper also tends to bring out the flavor of the ingredients.

Copper also is very pretty on a tablescape and complements the look of modern, eclectic, urban and traditional decor or table setting.

Kamojo Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Gift Set

WHY USE KAMOJO MOSCOW MULES
In addition to being very well constructed and much prettier than many of the copper mugs available, this particular set of KAMOJO Moscow Mule Copper Mugs has the distinct advantage of a protective coating. It is a maintenance-free alternative to traditional copper that can quickly dull or tarnish. The protective lacquer keeps the beautiful luster without the work of regularly polishing the copperware. It also, in my opinion, made them much easier to clean after each use. The handles are secure, and the mugs are steady. The copper is not thin or a veneer, it is a good solid set of copper mugs. Something else I like about these Kamojo Copper Mugs is they are more stylized and attractive than many mugs, they have a larger, easy-to-use handle, and they are easier to grip in the hand. Thi set also comes with a lovely set of copper straws for mixing.

Kamojo Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Gift Set

STYLECHICKS ADAPTED MOSCOW MULE RECIPE
The one potential disadvantage is the Moscow Mule can at times be a particularly strong tasting drink. If you prefer something on the sweeter or fruitier side, or perhaps with less alcohol content, here is both the traditional Moscow Mule recipe and a StyleChicks adapted Moscow Mule recipe that we have been enjoying since we got our Moscow Mule copper mugs:

TRADITIONAL MOSCOW MULE INGREDIENTS
1/2 oz. lime juice
1 1/4 – 2 oz. vodka
4-6 oz. ginger beer (Reed’s is the most authentic, but other brands are also tasty

STYLECHICKS MODIFIED INGREDIENTS:

For vodka, we chose a flavored vodka for sweetness
For Ginger Beer, you can use Ginger Ale from the same traditional vendor (Reed’s) for the same sharp ginger taste without the alcohol. Minimum of 4-6 ounces in the mug. Chill in advance.
For Lime Juice we did fresh squeezed and kept the pulp for some extra tanginess.
Ice. OPTIONAL: Add lime juice directly into your ice cube tray when freezing to retain the flavor tangy even when the ice melts.
We added candied ginger slices for garnish
A dash of simple syrup, we used White Ginger Simple Syrup

And of course, copper Moscow Mule mugs

Directions

Fill the Moscow Mule Copper Mug with ice cubes.
Add the lime juice
Â Pour in 1 1/4 oz of vodka then fill the rest of the mug with the cold ginger beer or ale, about 4-6 ounces, to taste.
Add a dash of Simple Syrup if desired
Stir
Add a garnish(es) to taste of a thin slice of fresh ginger, or candied ginger, lime wedge
Serve with a stirring rod.

I like to use a lightly sweetened flavored vodka since the ginger and lime are both tart and the vodka can be strong. I choose a vanilla vodka because the vanilla brings out the ginger taste while still being sweet, but it is just your preference, you can also just use Simple Syrup to taste.

Kamojo Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Gift Set

CONCLUSION: Copper Mugs can make or break a good Kentucky Mule or Moscow Mule drink, the copper reacts well with the ginger and vodka to create the best flavor, and the copper keeps your drink ice-cold to the last savory drop. These Kamojo Copper Mugs are very attractive, sturdy, easy to use set of mugs. And they are easy to maintain because of the protective coating; the copper retains the beautiful luster.

Find these great mugs at Amazon.com Â and visit Kamojo’sÂ new website for more information!

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJlTt00to90[/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.

Travel in Style: GECKO Travel Tech Total RFID Theft Protection Pack

August 21, 2016 · Leave a Comment

I was pleased to have the opportunity to use the “GECKO Travel Tech Total RFID Theft Protection Pack”. The ten piece pack consists of an aluminum card wallet that measures approximately 4 3/8″ by 3″ by 7/8″, and comes with six top-loading card sleeves, two side-loading card sleeves, and one Passport sleeve. The top-loading card sleeves include five extra slim design for regular wallets, and the side loading cards include one extra slim design. Amongst these cards, are RFID sleeves, which provide additional protection for your card in and out of the GECKO wallet. The top loading cards and the Passport sleeve are imprinted with useful information to have on hand while outside the home or to travel, such as a tipping guide, a medical information card that can be personalized, a map with time zones, along with other helpful information. The wallet is a sleek, attractive chrome, it easy to carry, fits into a schoolbag, backpack, purse, pocket or briefcase. Suitable for men, women’s, teens and kids.

GECKO Travel Tech Total RFID Theft Protection Pack

The technology is that the aluminum coating creates a “Faraday Cage”. This is named after a British scientist who discovered a way to create a grounded metal screen surrounding a piece of equipment (in this case the RFID information on your credit cards) to exclude electrostatic and electromagnetic influences (such as unauthorized scanning devices used to swipe credit card info). In layperson terms, it is a way to block nefarious thieves from using scanners to get to the RFID on your cards to get your identity, credit, and debit card information without you even being aware of it. Not just any metal box creates a Faraday Cage, so storing your credit cards in an Altoids Tin, for example, cannot prevent digital theft of RFID information via an unauthorized scanner.

I will have a use for all pieces of the pack and have already utilized everything but the passport sleeve.

COMPETITOR RFID PROTECTION WALLETS
Previously, I had purchased an aluminum wallet that looked very similar to the one in this set but this Gecko wallet is heavier, sturdier, and much better constructed, inside and out. The other one I bought quickly broke. I’d thought perhaps it was defective and returned it for a replacement, but that soon broke as well. A broken case can be held together, but won’t offer any protection.

THE GECKO WALLET
With eight credit sized card sleeves and the aluminum wallet, at least fourteen cards can be protected. To use both the sleeves and the wallet together for extra protection, I place the sleeved card in the middle of the wallet pockets. Then any non-magnetic strip cards, such as my ULTA and Sephora Insider Rewards Cards and hotel and restaurant and museum loyalty program cards, I put those in the outer pockets of the wallet. This gives the most protection and space for sleeve protected cards in the center. If you have a wallet you already prefer to use, such as a checkbook wallet or french wallet, the sleeves can offer some protection to your individual credit cards in your existing wallet.

GECKO Travel Tech Total RFID Theft Protection Pack

The GECKO kit also comes with a Passport Protector. Newer passport books have RFID chips in them like a credit card does. Which unfortunately means that all the information on your passport is insecure. For those who travel, this Gecko passport protector is an excellent security measure. It is durable and easy to use. There is so much to worry about when traveling; a secure passport takes one thing off your mind.

GECKO Travel Tech Total RFID Theft Protection Pack

CONCLUSION: Higher quality durability and ease of use than competitor’s RFID wallets, the GECKO wallet, and passport holder are both useful and effective. Though it is unfortunate we need to protect our cards; I feel much more comfortable having a high-quality product like the Total RFID Theft Protection Pack to address the problem.

GECKO Travel Tech Total RFID Theft Protection Pack

Find the GECKO Travel Tech Total RFID Theft Protection Pack at Amazon.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKwaaWk6lxo[/embedyt]

Hair Cutting Shears by Marks Gouger

August 9, 2016 · Leave a Comment

I like to keep my hair in optimal condition, and I’m a firm believer in regular trims to keep hair looking healthy. Since my hair grows very fast (I’m not complaining), going to the salon for trims would be quite costly, so I learned to trim my hair myself. The one absolute necessity for at-home hair trims: a fantastic, top of the line set of cutting shears.

Marks Gouger just launched an amazing set of hair tools, and I was eager to try their cutting shears since my previous set had been getting less precise. I am thrilled with this new set.

Hair Cutting Shears by Marks Gouger

The shears come packaged in a lovely case. The case keeps the shears from getting damaged. I like that there are multiple points to keep the shears from moving in the case: a snap to keep them in place, as well as a well-crafted sleeve for the pointed edge. It also comes with a soft cloth to clean the sheers after each use.

Hair Cutting Shears by Marks Gouger Case

The Japanese Stainless Alloy is a strong and sturdy material that makes the shears feel substantial but lightweight. The shears are easy to maneuver. The handles are comfortable even when I’m trimming at odd angles, which makes the task a lot easier and faster.

Hair Cutting Shears by Marks Gouger

I am very enthused about the adjustable tension hinge. The problem with my last pair of shears was that the hinge came loose and made precision cuts difficult. With the ability to adjust the tension, I’m comfortable that I won’t have any goofs due to the shears being unstable.

One of my favorite uses for these shears is trimming off split ends all the way up the hair shaft. Splits don’t just happen at the absolute end of your hair, they occur all the way up. The way I take care of that is by taking very small sections, twisting the length of the section tightly, and then trimming off the splits and frays that occur all the way up. This technique does indeed take a lot of time if you have a lot of hair like I do, but hair looks so much better if you take the time to do it! The cut is quick and precise. If you have a blunt cut or blunt bangs that you trim yourself, these are the perfect shears!

Here is a video of how I trim splits:

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbPzv9RsknA[/embedyt]

Find them at Amazon.com.

I received this product in exchange for testing and review purposes. 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!

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