I recently purchased Charcoal toothpaste from a local Houston Business named: No Crap In It. This is my first time purchasing charcoal toothpaste, though I have been curious to try it for a while. No Crap In It offers products with just that, nothing artificial, or toxic, just natural organic goodness! So if figured if I was going to try this type of toothpaste, this was the way to go!
No Crap In It offers 2 flavors of charcoal toothpaste; Chocolate and Peppermint. I decided to go safe with the classic peppermint this time around.
On my first use the consistency was a bit strange and uneven. I will also say that the flavor is not like regular store-bought toothpaste, it is not as sweet or sticky. The toothpaste is grainy and minty similar to the texture of toothpaste used at the dentist office. When I finished brushing my teeth I immediately noticed a whiter appearance, but what really surprised me was how clean my teeth felt! Similar to when I exfoliate my skin, the teeth felt silky smooth! I will also add I did not have any gum irritation.
I have now implemented this product into my routine using this toothpaste a few times a week to keep my teeth looking ultra fresh and white.
If you are interested in trying charcoal toothpaste, I totally recommend it! Yes, it is weird at first and takes some getting used to but the results and quality of the product are totally worth it! No Crap In It’s charcoal toothpaste starts at $12.99 and at that price, why not try it out? That is way cheaper than whitening kits and much safer for your teeth and gums. So give it a go! Your teeth will thank you.
I am always on the hunt for quality skin care and hair care products, so when Hilltop Gardens reached out to me I had to give them a try!
First of all, they are a Texas based company, which is actually an aloe vera farm, and one of the first in the United States! What interested me in the brand and product line is that they practice sustainable agriculture on the 700+ acre farm, and the products are organic.
Growing up, we always had aloe vera plants potted in the backyard and would snip from it when we had a burn, or sunburn. Little did I know there are so many other uses for aloe vera!
Summer is here and that means tan skin. Since I am super pale, and have a history of skin cancer in my family, I love to find alternatives to achieving a luminous glow. This year I had the opportunity to try out COOLA Tan products!
If you havent heard of COOLA, they are an amazing sun care company creating quality products that are vegan, cruelty free, and are non GMO.
The Tan line currently consists of two amazing products, the sunless tan anti-aging face serum, and the sunless tan dry oil mist. Both products offer gradual tan results, perfect for year-round use.
Packaging: The packaging is beautiful! The cocoa and aqua packaging is textured with a subtle matte feel, similar to NARS products. The box slides open to reveal a dark brown glass bottle with a white cap. Both products are securely sealed ensuring oil leaks will not occur.
Scent: The scent is a light cherry scent. It sort of reminds me of a white cherry icee scent. This was really surprising to me as most sunless tanning products have a musty banana or coconut scent.
Product impressions: The dry oil is light and sprays evenly, making application quick and simple. Since the results are gradual, you don’t have to worry about streaky mistakes! The anti-aging face serum is a clear product with a silky finish. It applies easily and absorbs quickly, leaving skin smooth and nourished.
I also was able to try out the Tinted Mineral Liplux in the shade Bonfire. This lip product offers a brilliant sheer bronze shade and SPF 30 coverage. I enjoy using this lipstick on days when I know I will be outdoors. My lips are protected and have a gorgeous summer bronze glow.
Try out COOLA for quality sun care and sunless tanning products that you can truly feel good about wearing, and your skin will thank you for! – please also note that the tan line does not include SPF*
Origins recently re-launched their A Perfect World line and I had the amazing opportunity of trying it out!
To start the fun, I was invited to the re-launch celebration at my local Origins store, where I received a skin care consultation/ mini facial. At the consultation I was given a one-on-one skin care regime for my skin, and taught how to apply and use the products. The consultants were enthusiastic, and knowledgeable of the Origins line and my skincare concerns, which was really nice!
After that, I was taken over to receive a makeup application so that I would be ready, and refreshed for the rest of my day. The event also featured product demonstrations, treats, and even featured a charcoal artist and a tea leaf reader! All natural elements featured in Origins products.
Featured Products
Antioxidant Moisturizer with White Tea
Age Defense Eye Cream with SPF 20
Antioxidant Cleanser with White Tea
Age Defense Treatment Lotion with White Tea
Age-Defense Skin Guardian with White Tea
Creamy Body Cleanser with White Tea
Highly Hydrating Body Lotion with White Tea
SPF 40 Age-Defense Moisturizer with White Tea
My first impression of the products
Packaging: The A Perfect World packaging is simple, clean, and beautiful. The light shades of green are complemented with crisp white and a mosaic palm print.
Scent: LOVE the scent! It smells of lemongrass with a hint of citrus, leaving your skin with a light refreshing scent.
Effectiveness: The White Tea and antioxidant rich ingredients really drew me in to this line. I am at the age now where I am focused on preserving further premature aging and caring for my skin. This means age defense products are on my top list of “wants” when it comes to my skin care regimen. The products do not over dry my skin nor do they leave it greasy or sticky. Just a natural healthy finish.
Origins overall
I have always loved Origins products as they have a wonderful story and product line. The natural, renewable ingredients they use, along with cruelty-free testing is something that really interests me in a skincare brand. To know that I am using a product that is good for me, and is not leaving a negative imprint on the environment is amazing. Stop by your local Origins and try out this impressive skincare line! You will not be disappointed.
A special thanks to Preen.Me for selecting me to attend the Origins re-launch party and review this amazing product line!
Everyday I want to do something different with my hair. From cut to color, my desires for change are never ending. And with the trends constantly changing, who’s to blame me? I love to have my hair bleached and colored different shades based on the seasons, or even when I get inspired for a change. Because of this, my hair is not as healthy as it used to be, therefore the length has been somewhat compromised. The lucky part of this is there is a solution! Clip-in extensions!
Some days I feel like having long hair and others, short. With extensions this is possible! I was recently contacted by Best Hair Store to review a set of their extensions. I selected an ombre style that would blend well with my current hair color. After ordering, the product arrived within a week. I was very impressed with the quality of the hair as well as the color. There was no shedding as I brushed out the hair, or even when I applied heat tools.
The installation was quick and easy. All I needed to do was part my hair in desired locations, tease the hair at the root, and then clip in the tracks.
The clips have a secure hold and do not pull, or pinch my hair or scalp. Each extension is lightweight, so there is not heavy pulling on any areas of the scalp. I love the ease of installation and removal of this product, not to mention the excellent quality!
This hair is most definitely worth the value and can be used to create so many exciting looks for me without further damaging or changing my natural hair!
If you are looking for some fun- current trend extensions, check out The Best Hair Store’s offerings! They have a beautiful assortment of extensions!
I don’t know about you, but I feel most confident with a pearly white smile. There is something about white teeth that gives off a healthy, vibrant, conquer-all vibe, and who doesn’t want that?!
Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom to enter the giveaway!!
Why waste the time whitening at the dentist, or photo shopping your images, when you can get quality whitening at home! With Smile Brilliant you can get custom, professional whitening from the comfort of your own home in as easy as 3 steps!
When your kit arrives, you are provided with everything you need! Instructions, whitening gel, desensitizing gel, and all pieces needed to create your impressions.
Now Let’s Dig In!
The first step is to create the impressions. I was nervous to make mine, but the instructions make it very simple! After completing the impressions, you just stick them in in the pre-paid envelope and pop them in the mailbox. It took about two weeks for me to get my impressions back in the mail, and I must say, the trays are comfortable and fit perfectly!
As for the whitening, I first began with 30 minutes as my leave-in time, and gradually increased. Since everyone’s sensitivity is different, it is best to start off slow. I have sensitive gums and was unable to use my trays daily, but every other day worked out perfectly. By doing, so I still achieved my desired level of whitening, but without any discomfort or damage.
I have found it very easy to implement this whitening treatment into my routine. It is so convenient to pop the trays in while watching a movie, or spending time with my pups! On the weekend I enjoy whitening in the mornings while scrolling my Instagram feed, or reading a magazine on my Kindle.
There are so many benefits in using custom trays for whitening, for more details on why, click here!
As for my results, they are still in the works! The complete kit comes with 3 syringes of whitening gel and to date, have completed 2 and have achieved the following results.
My smile is definitely whiter, but most of all, my teeth and gums are healthy and feel great! I am in love with the results, and natural white shade of white my teeth have achieved. For the price, I couldn’t ask for a better product, but if my results weren’t enough to convince you, please check out one of the links below to see some truly amazing product reviews, and results! 🙂
Fellow Blogger Whitening Results :Click Here Click Here
Now go on and order yourself a glimmering white smile so you can be summer ready! What is holding you back?!
Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway!!
Better yet!! Click here to enter a giveaway to get a free Smile Brilliant Kit!!
So I decided for my first cosmetic blog I would detail my everyday makeup routine. This is my go-to seasonless (face) that complements my features, minimizes my flaws, and beautifies my face in a way that looks like I have on makeup, but in a not overdone way.
So before I jump in with the “tutorial” of what makeup I wear and how I apply it, I would like to first express my “problem areas.” That way, if anyone shares a similar issue maybe my techniques can assist, or if you have any techniques that work, feel free to send them my way!
Problem areas to address:
- Redness around nose and cheeks
- Dark under-eye circles and slightly red upper lids
- Subtle crows feet and eyelid wrinkling
- Breakouts
- Watery eyes
Lets get started!
The first thing I do when it comes to my everyday makeup routine, is I apply my concealer. My current favorite concealer is Nars. This formula is light but concentrated and buildable. It dries smooth with no sticky or cakey texture. I apply a darker reddish shade first (Honey) to cancel out my dark circles then a lighter shade (Vanilla) to cover and conceal. Without the first step I would have grey areas under my eyes where the circles are located.
Next I apply my liquid foundation. I use Estée Lauder Double Wear liquid foundation in Bone and apply it with a beauty blender. This foundation provides all day full coverage for my skin. It covers all redness and leaves me with a smooth and even complexion.
Next, I apply bronzer to the hollows of my cheeks. I use the Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess compact 02-Medium and set with Estée Lauder Double Matte Pressed Powder in 01- Light all over my face. This leaves my skin looking natural and not shiny or overly matte. When applying my powder I start with patting it under my eyes, then move to my nose, forehead, and chin.
Now for eyes. I start off by applying a pearlized white to my tearduct area. This particular color is from Clinique. It distracts from any darkness around my eyes and provides a more awake look. Next I apply a nude shade to the center of my lid, then I add a dark plum color to my crease and slightly over, as I have hooded lids it is necessary for me to go passed my crease for the shadow to show up.
To finish the eyes I apply waterproof liquid eyeliner and mascara. I have discovered liquid liner works best for me because with hooded lids and watery eyes…pencil usually ends up marking my crease and adding a ring under my bottom lashes from smudging. Liquid liner dries almost immediately and says in place all day. For mascara, there are a few I really like but right now I am enjoying Cargo and Clinique. I have very straight, spread apart lashes so I need a mascara that dries repetitively fast, won’t smear, and adds volume and length. These two give me the every day look I desire!
For lips, my every day is usually EOS but I also like to apply Mehr by MAC. This gives me that “your lip color but better” appearance which I really enjoy and doesn’t feather or bleed, which is very important to me.
Now to finish, I go back over one more time with my powder just to make sure everything is just right, and I’m done!
That about wraps up the look! I am able to apply my everyday look in about 10 minutes or less and overall, am pleased with the results. I do not have a face that can hold a lot of makeup, so my goal is to accentuate my features and disguise imperfections in a natural way, and I think this routine does the job.
Thanks for reading and please comment if you have any tips or tricks you have implemented into your everyday makeup routine!
Until next time!
<3
I recently decided to try something new and have my hair colored red. After a consultation with my stylist I decided on a rose gold color melt to blonde and have loved the results! In case anyone was wondering, before I went red, my hair was had 2 inches of new growth and blonde balayage highlights.
I love to change the color of my hair pretty frequently. It’s fun, but can be quite damaging if done too often and incorrectly. Luckily I have a wonderful stylist who takes care of my hair to insure it does not loose its integrity. The reason why I thought it would be great to post my regimen for red color is because the dye fades extremely quickly. The regimen I follow helps to keep my locks red and vibrant as in between treatments as well as healthy. So let’s get started!
First my regimen consists of Joico Color Infuse Red Shampoo and Conditioner. The shampoo is a dark pigmented red, so to get it to your desired color for wash, it is best to add shampoo or a conditioner to lighten the color. I mix in a coconut shampoo until the the color changes to a mauve pink. I apply the shampoo to my roots and let it sit for a minute or two then pull it through the rest of my hair before rinsing.
Then twice a week I use the conditioner, which is a dark red shade with a thick consistency. I apply argan conditioner to lighten the shade of this as well before applying all over my hair.
After washing, I apply R&B Hair Moisturizer by Lush to damp hair starting at the roots then comb through and blow dry. After this step I’m ready for bed! I would also like to add that I sleep on a satin pillowcase as it is great for my hair and skin. In the morning I either straighten or curl my hair. The reason I wait to style is to reduce the amount of heat I apply to my hair at once.
Since my hair had to be bleached before it was able to achieve this brilliant red shade it can get dry, so it is best not to wash everyday. In between washes I like to use Batiste to keep my hair fresh and looking its best.
These are my tips for red hair. So far they have really worked well for me. If you have color treated red hair and have some tips and tricks for keeping it looking vibrant longer, please let me know! I love trying out new techniques and products for hair!
Until next time!
I recently took a road trip to Dallas to get my hair done, and spend a short weekend away with my mom. I don’t get to spend much quality time with just her anymore and was really looking forward to it.
Luckily Dallas is just under 4 hours from Houston so a road trip is totally do-able! Our first stop was to the salon where I had my locks transformed from honey blonde balayage to a rose gold melt! This process takes some time….(I’m not going to lie) and by some time, I mean about 2.5 hours but my stylist was prepared with Netflix and “Friends” so we were set and before I knew it, I was all done! I had decided on wearing and blue floral dress, knowing I love how red hair and blue look and to my excitement it didn’t disappoint.
This particular dress is from Modcloth. As soon as I saw it on their site, I immediately added it to my cart. There was just something about it. To me, it screamed summer! It is totally comfortable and the print is lively and cool. I was a little concerned with the fit when ordering as it looked short and I am tall but it fit perfectly paired with flats.
Our next stop was to Sam Moon to check out accessories and shoes. I had never been to a Sam Moon before so as soon as I stepped inside I was like a kid in a candy store! Sooo many glittering accessories offered at amazing prices! I had to reign myself in and was a good girl picking up 8 pieces, only spending around 45 dollars. Next stop was Daiso, a Japanese 1.50 store! This is one of my favorite places to pick up facial masks, candy, and stationary. I of course loaded up as we do not have a Daiso in Houston; Dallas is the closest location so when I go, I stock up!!
After that it was time to head to the hotel. We were staying at the Hilton Anatole. I have stayed there before but not since the on site water park had opened and all I can say is wow! The grounds are breathtaking and the artwork is magnificent, but to offer an on site water park with twisting slides and a lazy river?! You cannot get any better! Once we got settled in there was no reason to go anywhere else for the night. There is plenty of entertainment and restaurant accommodations in-house! We walked the grounds and appreciated the art, spotted a rabbit snacking on some grass, and visited the water park-all before sunset. After, we stopped for dinner at Media and had an amazing chicken chopped salad.
For the next day I chose to keep things casual with white shorts and a 3/4 length sleeve mint top. When I go on weekend trips I like to pack light so I coordinate my ensembles to easily pair with one pair of shoes. In this instance I picked a simple pair of laser cut nude flats.
I would say this trip was a success. I was able to change up my look, spend some quality time with my mom, have a bit of retail therapy and most importantly relax. It is always nice for a change of scenery, and to shake things up from your regular routine. Taking some time for yourself isn’t selfish it is healthy and rejuvenating. For me, it reminds me of what I am thankful for and clears my mind of all of the negatives so that I can come back strong, recharged and clear minded. Ready to conquer the road ahead. So remember to take some time for yourself this upcoming month whether it be a weekend away, a day shopping, or even an hour nap- just something for yourself. Trust me, you won’t regret it. 🙂
When the weather starts to heat up I know my alabaster skin no longer becomes acceptable. I am the palest person I know, so when everyone starts to get sunkissed and tan I look like an ill zombie. Luckily over the years I have discovered a few wonderful products to keep my skin healthy and looking season appropriate. These products will be sure to keep your pale skin looking its best no matter what the season!
Let me first start off by saying I do not use tanning beds. Yes, I know they are an option but with skin cancer running in my family that is just not an option for me. I also do not find premature wrinkles or leathering of the skin cute. In saying that, if tanning works for you, go for it! I just don’t have enough “tanning juice” in my skin to make it worth the money, time, or future damage.
What I have discovered is that bottled tan CAN look natural and amazing on pale skin. After trying out spray tans and multiple fake bakes Loreal Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronzer is what works best for me. To apply it, I use the Saint Tropez application mitt. It gives me the perfect streak-free application! Before I purchased that mitt I was a hot mess once the product dried so I highly recommend a mitt for application of ANY self-tanning lotion. The only negative I have for this product is the smell. Like most fake tanning lotions, they have an odor. This one is not horrible, but if you sweat it sort of starts to smell like a dirty mop. :/
For an outer anytime glow I use the Lush Black Stockings and Shimmy Shimmy for a light touch of color and a beautiful shimmering sparkle.
To keep my skin healthy and moisturized, I use the Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Butter . Though this is not tanning related the scent reminds me of summer and it keeps my skin looking its best.
For summer fragrance my number one choice is Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess. It is a warm yet sweet scent perfect for any maxi dress or day at the beach. I also love Vanillary from Lush. The fragrance is perfect for any occasion and stays all day!
For my face, the cosmetic products I reach for most to achieve a beach babe look are the Urban Decay Naked Illuminated in Luminous, and Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Bronzer. These two are the perfect face products to create a natural, healthy looking glow. I would also like to add that though both of these products are a bit on the pricier side (Estee Lauder at $39.00 and Urban Decay at $30.00), they are well worth the investment! You actually receive a generous amount of product in both that will last you for quite some time.
Aside from these products I always carry around a chapstick and sunglasses to product my eyes and lips from the harsh rays of the sun. I feel everyone should protect their skin but as an extremely pale person, I feel it is even more imperative to do so, as it gets damaged so easily.
With these products you can celebrate summer year round without looking ridiculous or harming your skin. And the best part is, when you want to go back to your normal self, it comes right off!
Until next time <3