MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Black Waterproof Cream Eye Shadow (MSRP $23) - Even though this is labeled as a cream eye shadow
{and can definitely be used as such}, I actually use this as eye liner! It is the perfect formula to work with and does not budge! I use it for my trademark winged line on my upper lids, and if I'm feeling super fancy, I use it to tightline and in my waterline as well. It is one of the few products that does not run for the border because of my uber oily skin/lids.
Brazilian Peel Brazilian Peel(TM) With Advanced Renewal Serum (MSRP $89) -
{sent for the purpose of review} I've discovered recently that my skin loves and responds very well to daily exfoliation. I decided to start this 3 piece system because it offers a gentle, yet effective, chemical peel. There's a cleanser that you use day and night
{I put a pea size amount on my Clarisonic Mia and apply it to my skin that way}, pads that you apply to your face after cleansing
{also to be used twice a day, except for on the days that you use...}, and the weekly dual formula peel
{which is really neat because you mix it in your hand and can feel it heat up} that you use once a week and leave on for about ten minutes before rinsing off. I started to notice a marked difference in my complexion after the first couple of days of using it
{so much so that I've actually been washing my face twice a day like I'm supposed to no matter how tired I am}.
Ouidad Curl Recovery Melt-down Extreme Repair Mask (MSRP $40) -
{Sent to me for review} Ohmigoodness... OHMIGOODNESSS!!! This {
and it's little friend that's also in this roundup}is a game changer for my curls, no lie! It is so rich and thick and nourishing and it made my curls look and feel better than they have since I got it colored! The combination of this, the
Cleansing Oil, and the
Whipped Conditioner {which I blogged about here} worked so well on my curls, I was able to get fourth day hair easily, without rewetting, or using any more product at all
{I just pineappled my hair at night and wrapped a silk scarf around my hair}. In fact my hair looked so good, I didn't want to layer any product on top of it just in case it altered the curl pattern!
dermalogica Precleanse Oil (MSRP $37) - I've had this for a while, but did not pull it out to use until I saw a post from the lovely Maree, of
A Little Bit Etc. {definitely go check her out-not only did she put me on to a skin care step that has probably permanently changed my routine forever, I also had the pleasure of winning some pretty awesome nude lippies from her, plus she really knows her beauty stuff!}. If you've been following me for a while, you know that I'm a huge fan of oils, but had not dabbled into cleansing oils yet. This simple step not only helps to remove makeup
{even stubborn waterproof makeup, without irritating the eyes}, but it loosens up
{if not totally removes} grime and dirt, making your regular cleanser that much more effective and your skin that much more clean
{is that proper grammar?}. Another game changer for me!
Ouidad Curl Recovery Ultra Nourishing Cleansing Oil (MSRP $25) -
{sent for review} Speaking of life altering cleansing oils... This wonder in a bottle is AMAZING!!! It comes out like a thick, viscous oil
{think JBCO}, and somehow works into a luscious foam
{FOAM!!!}when water is added. I have never experienced a shampoo that was so nourishing, moisturizing, yet cleansing... I am OBSESSED!!
Mederma Gel Scar Treatment (MSRP $16.59) -
{sent for the purpose of review} I'm not gonna lie, I was a bit skeptical about this product and it's ability to actually improve the appearance of my scars {
especially since I have tried other high priced products that promised to help with scars but didn't}, but this is the real deal! I have one scar in particular, on a very prominent bit of cleavage
{a result of the bad combination of high fever, intense pain, and a heating pad}, that I've been applying the gel to, about twice a day for a few weeks now. I could see an improvement in about a week, which was super encouraging! I've started to use it on a few other bits now and I'm sure that time, and this treatment, will show that they fade as well.
{Honorable mention: Mederma Stretch Mark Therapy- one of the bad side effects of losing weight has been that it has made the loose skin around my belly even more prominent. In an effort to improve the appearance of my skin there, I've been applying the Stretch Mark Therapy Cream there. I haven't been using it long enough to see any changes, but I can say that I love the smell and that the formula soaks in to the skin really easily, without feeling greasy or sticky. I'll keep you updated after I've used it for a while longer to let you know whether it's made any real difference or not}.
Bobble Filtered Water Bottle (MSRP $10.99 for a 34.35 oz bottle) - I never thought I'd ever utter these words, but I actually like water now! This is my second Bobble bottle
{my first met an untimely demise thanks to one of the lil bits}, and I don't know what took me so long to replace the first one! You can refill your bottle any where and rest assured that you'll be enjoying fresh, clean filtered water whenever you like! It's perfect for me now that the girls and I are taking multiple long walks a week-I don't have to ration out my water, or purchase a new bottle once we get to our destination, I just have to find a water fountain or sink and refill my Bobble! Plus, you can purchase new filters for your bottle
{it needs to be replaced after so many gallons}, but you don't have to replace the whole unit.
FitBit Zip Wireless Activity Tracker (MSRP $59.99) - I mentioned this in my My Life In Pictures post earlier this week. I mentioned the FitBit to my hubby in passing, and told him that I wanted one to help motivate me to be active during the day
{it keeps track of your steps and more}, and he surprised me with it one day. I keep it clipped to my bra all day and it really keeps me mindful of trying to take as many steps a day as possible
{for my weight loss goals I need to be taking about 10,000 steps a day, which is equivalent to about 5 miles}. I'm not gonna lie, I only hit this goal a few times a week, but I'm getting better!
Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Color Pen Set of 20 Assorted Colors in Stand-Up Box (MSRP $23.99) - Um... My first obsession, before makeup and beauty products, was pens and stationary. This is another repurchase for me, and once again I have no idea what took me so long to get these again. If you are a writer, artist, doodler, crafter, whatever, these are phenomenal! The 20 pack has such a pretty variety of colors
{great for organizing and planning} and the triangular barrel makes them super comfortable in the hand. They don't bleed through paper, the colors always come out super vibrant, and they even resist drying out if the top is left off by accident.
30 Rock: Season 5 (3 Discs) (MSRP $19.99) - My mother got me HOOKED on 30 Rock! I never watched it while it was on, or even after it was put on syndication, but now that I can watch it
On Demand on my phone through my cable provider, I watch it all day every day
{I think I've watched seasons 1-6 all the way through twice}. Liz Lemon FTW!!!
(BTW-I featured season 5 here because that is the season I am currently watching. I wish I could find season 7 (the final season) somewhere so that I could get some closure!)
Lumene Vitamin C+ Illuminating Anti-Age BB Cream, Medium 02 (MSRP $14.99) - (sent to me for review) I've been loving BB Creams a lot lately
{stay tuned for a roundup soon} and this one is really good. While it does suffer from one of the faults of many other BB Creams offered
{there aren't many options available for brown beauties}, and is a bit too light for me to use on its own, I do use it regularly. I mix it with a bit of my favorite moisturizer from Lumene {
Lumene Vitamin C+ Pure Radiance Day Cream SPF15} and it gives me enough coverage
{and sun protection} that I don't need any other makeup, or as a nice base for anything else I want to apply. I can only imagine how much more I'd enjoy this
{and so many other BB Creams} if it were actually available in my shade...
Alvita Caffeine Free Tea Ginger Root (MSRP $5.99) -
{Sent for review}As part of my health/fitness kick, I've pretty much cut out all store bought juices
{I make my own juice with fresh fruits and veggies} and sodas, but sometimes I want something more than water. So I've been making lightly sweetened ice tea for the girls and I. I've been playing with a variety of different combinations from Alvita Teas and my favorites so far is a mix of Peppermint and Ginger-Peppermint. It's cool, refreshing and delicious and I don't have to feel guilty about sipping on a glass
{or two} throughout the day. Plus, since they're caffeine free, I can enjoy a glass at night with dinner without having to worry about it keeping me up at night.
So there it is, all the stuff I've been loving this month! What have you been reaching for time and time again? Anything you recommend me looking in to? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Until next time...
This post makes me sooo happy!!! Cleansing oils are a game changer and I am so thrilled it worked for you!! YAY GREAT SKIN!! xo
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