EnvyDerm Eyelash Enhancement and Conditioning Liquid Eyeliner

EnvyDerm Eyelash Enhancement & Conditioning Liquid Eyeliner - $29.00 US

I got this product as part of an advertorial 

I am an eyeliner hoarder!  I mean I have enough that its sick.  However with that being said, I always going through my eyeliners every few months and throw them out.  Recently EnvyDerm contacted Everything Beauty and Beyond to test out and review their eyeliner!  This company is based out in the USA and they shipped it to me in Canada!

I have been using this eyeliner now for about a week.  First thing that caught my eye about this liner was the pretty packaging it came in.  Now the real thing that made me go "wow" was that this eyeliner came with an awesome little booklet stating that this product is formulated without Prostaglandin, Parabens, Synthethic fragrance, Sulfates, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMO'S, Tricolosan, Mineral Oils and Animal Products to name a few.  Now, for the good stuff!  This product is formulated with Organic Moroccan Argan oil,  amino acids and Panthenol  to help make lashes healthier and stronger. 

What was also awesome about this product is that it is certified cruelty free, carbon free and Halal!  This is pretty cool for anyone out there who is sensitive about using animal products in their makeup.  Also, for anyone who follows a Halal diet/lifestyle this also allows them to use this product with no problem. 

I have to say, when I first cracked open this eyeliner, I was a bit scared since it didn't have a felt tip and was liquidity.  Nonetheless, I have always said in the name of beauty, you go for it!  Boy, was I amazed at this product and its ability to help you draw a straight line on your eye.  I have tried with just about every form of eyeliner made (gel, pencil, liquid) to draw a straight line in one shot! Yeah that never comes out good!  Yet with this eyeliner, I was able to draw a line with one straight shot! And I mean one good straight line!  It wasn't rigidity or had jagged edges.  Since the texture is very fluid, it draws on lovely and straight.  

I drew lines on the back of my hand with the liner and then tried rubbing it to see its durability and I was amazed on how well it held.  However with that being said, keep this in mind.  Your eyes secrete water and oils naturally.  The back of your hand doesn't.  So it's best when you wear any type of eye makeup that you always use primer to make it last longer and go on smoother.  This held better and longer when I used primer.  However when tried it without primer, it didn't last as long and flaked a bit.  So primer I would highly recommend. 

I have to say, this is one of the best eyeliners I have ever tried and I am very glad I got the chance to use it!

I have created (my first) youtube video talking about this liner!  You can either watch it here on my blog or go to my youtube channel to check it!  Sorry for the blurriness.  My camera focus on my makeup counter and not me!! Eh!! Next video's should be so much better!



I would say give this company a try if you are looking for a good liquid eyeliner with conditioning and enhancement properties!

If you decided to try this eyeliner out, use the discount code for 25% at checkout! Type in the word "Welcome"! Click here for their website! http://bit.ly/1trrb7w

CONTEST RULES!

To win a free EnvyDerm Liquid Eyeliner all you have to do is three simple things!

1. Subscribe to my Channel!!
2. Like this Video!
3. Tell me in the comments box Youtube what other eyeliners you tried and love!

The contest closes SEPT 07, 2014 so be sure to enter! I will private message the winner! The company will send you the eyeliner directly!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Read More

How to Properly Clean your Clarisonic

I always told myself the day I decide to buy a Clarisonic I would for sure need my head examined. Yet in February, I skipped right by the "head doctor" and went straight to Sephora's online site and ordered one!  $226.00 later it arrived to my house in about a weeks time.  I kept it in the box for almost 2 weeks before I used it.  I had to talk myself into NOT returning it.  Not because there was anything wrong with it, but because it was after all $226.00!!

Yet almost seven months later here I am, in love with my Clarisonic and not regretting a day that goes by about spending this ridiculous amount of money.  I recently went away with my colleagues on a business trip, and everyone referred to my Clarisonic as an "electric toothbrush for your face" and you know what, they are right.  This has got to be one of the most amazing ways I have ever deep cleaned my face without any harsh scrubs, chemicals, or cleansers.  My Clarisonic has truly transformed my face and everyone around me who I know that owns one has yet to say otherwise.  

I was recently googling the net when I saw an article about how to properly clean and disinfect your Clarisonic.  For a second I laughed.  I mean that's like asking how to disinfect your toothbrush or washing machine.  For a toothbrush I throw it out after a few months.  For my washing machine...well that's kinda of weird.  Anyway, after reading further I realized that it wasn't a laughing matter and these devices need to be properly cleaned often in order to avoid mold and mildew growing in them.  At first this shocked me as I didn't think such a thing could occur.  However after I decided to open my Clarisonic, I was in shock in regards to what I found. 

So below is a step by step process on how to clean and disinfect your Clarisonic so you can keep it running smooth and mold/mildew free! 

Step 1

Remove the brush head from the Clarisonic device by twisting the head.  Once it comes off set the brush head apart for the moment.

For many of you, if you never cleaned your device it will probably look something like this.  I found this picture online of a Clarisonic that hasn't been cleaned in awhile.

Step 2

 

Grab a bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide and spray the device head of your Clarisonic in order to clean and disinfect it. Leave the solution on for about a minute.  

 After a minute, grab an unused toothbrush or a bounty towel and start clean out the gunk from the device head.  This might take some time so be patience.  Its better you get it all out and leave behind no germs then quickly clean it and still be in the same place you started.

Step 3

 Grab the brush head, pour some baby soap on it and wash it clean.  Its best you use baby shampoo as its soft and gentle and won't irritate your face afterwards or affect the integrity of the nylon bristles.  

Take your brush head and dunk it in a glass of water with one part water and one part Hydrogen Peroxide solution.  Some recommend using alcohol, but alochol can damage the bristles.  Leave the brush head in the solution of water for about 5 minutes.  

Step 4

 Remove your brush head from the solution and run it under warm water to remove the Peroxide.  After you are done, towel dry the brush head on a CLEAN towel and lay it aside so it air dries along with the device.  Once BOTH the device and head brush are dry, then put the brush head back on and lay it back on the charge.

Try to do this once a month to keep your brush head and device clean.  However a small note, when you are done using your Clarisonic after every use, always quickly run the brush head (attached to the device) under water to get it clean and always towel dry it on a clean towel.  You can pour a little baby soap or face cleanser on it to clean the bristles quickly.  However make sure to deep clean it once a month. Remember to replace the head of the Clarisonic every 4-6 months or when it starts to look worn down.  I use mine everyday so I change it every 5-6 months.  However if you use it less, then you might not need to replace it often.  Finally, never leave your Clarisonic in the shower as it will for shower grow mildew on the inside. 

Remember this device is suppose to clean your face.  However exposing a dirty Clarisonic to your face, defeats the purpose of using this.

Well there you have it.  Four easy steps on how to clean your Clarisonic!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

Read More

Blank Canvass Cosmetics 6 Contour/Highlight Palette!

 

 Blank Canvas Cosmetics 6 Contour/Highlight Palette- $15.99 CDN

As you all know, I am a Blank Canvas anything lover!  Not only do I LOVE their brushes, but I also love their makeup which is just as awesome as their brushes! 

When it comes to highlighting and contouring, a variety of methods can be used to achieve this look.  You can either use all powders, all creams, or a mixture of both.  However, when mixing both, you first must apply your creams before applying your powders. If not it will separate and make a mess of your makeup and face.  Think of it like this, its like applying your face powder and then your foundation on top.  Not a good idea if you ask me.  However with all that being said, you need the right products and brushes in order to get the right results. 

The BCC Contour and Highlight palette, was the first palette, product, anything I ever used when I first started contouring and highlighting.  I bought this palette after watching yet another youtube video (I really need to get off youtube) with a girl who was contouring and highlighting with this palette.  She did such an amazing job that I google the product and found it online.  Blank Canvas Cosmetics is a company that is based out in Ireland.  However they have amazing shipping rates which are actually cheaper then some of the products I have bought overseas and nationally.  It arrived at my home in less then two weeks and was nicely packaged to avoid damage in the mail. This palette is big and true to form.  The colors work well when contouring and highlighting your face. 

The highlighting colors come in 3 different shades and the contouring come in three darker shades.  What I like about this palette is that since it has a wide range of colors, it works great with all skin tones.  The colors are nicely packed and don't flake to much.  The palette is pretty big which surprised me when I first got it.  I didn't expect it to look as big as it did on the website.  Each pod comes with a generous amount of color which if used right, will last you a long time.

When I first highlighted, I noticed that the powder went on nice and smooth and didn't leave me looking like I was all raccoon eyed.   It didn't crease underneath my eyes or comes off throughout the day.  It was noticeable on my face, and gave me such a lovely sheen.  I use my BCC F14 small contouring brush to highlight with as it fits perfectly underneath my eyes, down my T-zone and chin.  The contouring colors work well as a bronzer and really showed on my face.  I use my BCC F16 Large contour/powder brush to apply the bronzer colors on my the hollows of my cheek, my temples and forehead.  Since this brush is pointed it really leaves you those defined lines you are looking for.  However there F30 Sculpt brush works amazing for contouring as it really defines your face.  Its on my wishlist to get so I can test it out!

I highly recommend this palette (and a youtube video) for beginners who are interested in learning this makeup technique.  Moreover BCC sells an array of amazing brushes that would work well with this palette that are worth trying!  My own husband was able to see the difference and comment on how great the makeup looked on me.  It lasted all day and never looked dull, flaky or lacked color or luster.

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

Read More

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eye Palette

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eye Palette -$49.00 US / $59.00 CDN

(Disclosure: this post contains affiliated links)

I have no clue where to being with this palette so let's just start!  When this palette first came out I had NO intention of buy it.  None whatsoever.  While I thought the colors were nice and pretty, yet for some reason nothing about it called my attention.  Moreover, the casing was very chucky and I just didn't see how that was attractive or would fit in my drawers.  However one day while watching youtube I realized that everyone was raving about this palette and swatching all the pretty colors that came in it.  Then I start watching different girls doing tutorials on youtube with it and it really started to catch my eye.  Yet what finally made me cave in was when someone said that this smelled like a lovely bar of chocolate!  Right there I knew I had to try it!!

I order this palette from a deal I received and ended up paying only $30 for it!  The first thing I noticed about this palette was just how freaking good it smelled!  It actually smells like chocolate and for me like white chocolate!  The smell is so amazing that I actually many of times grab the palette to simply sniff it!  Weird I know, but you have to smell this to understand!  This palette is made with real coca powder.  So if you are allergic to chocolate than I would not recommend this!  Another thing I noticed was that the casing to my amazement was made smaller.  Since a lot of people complaint about it being to chucky, they slimmed it down in order to make it more user hand friendly!  This palette comes with a clear film at the top of the eye shadow that state all the names of the colors.  To be honest I would have preferred them writing the names under each shadow.  

This palette comes with 16 matte and shimmer shades.  Two are highlighters, seven are matte shades and the other seven are shimmer shades.  The colors on this palette swatch so beautifully.    They are highly pigmented, very buttery, creamy and glide on smoothly.  They have very little fall out and hardly any shadow residue when you pick up the color with a makeup brush.  I was truly impressed with that.  I dislike eyeshadow that gets everywhere when you rub the makeup brush on the shadow.  To me that is a cheap shadow palette and not worth using.  If shadows crumbles very easily when picking it up from the pan, then you need to wonder how well that will hold on your eyelids.

I have to say I have been reaching for this palette every time I do my eyes.  I can't stop using this palette.  This by far has got to be one of the most amazing beautiful eyeshadow palettes I have every seen.  If you are in the market for a new eye shadow palette than for sure give this a shot!  You won't regret it!!

If you buy this palette from Sephora, as an added bonus, Receive a FREE Estee Lauder Mini with any $25 purchase. Use code: REPAIR.  I have heard nothing but good things about this serum.  So the mini is worth trying!


Keep Smiling!

Dayana

Read More

VoilaVe 100% Pure LH Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum

VoilaVe 100% Pure LH Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum - $24.95 US

When you end up getting two degrees from grad school (yes my friends, I am not just a pretty face but a pretty brain), the one thing you become good at is research.  My first internship landed me in a medical clinic where I worked for four years day in and day out seeing patients.  Working along side fellow colleagues (medical doctors) you learn all sorts of neat things.  From what types of meds you should take, should you ever catch a blood infection (thank God I listen that day, it saved my life two years later) down to all sort of stuff in dermatology.  In this area I truly listened and abused my colleagues for their knowledge (thank you Sam!).  

I get asked by companies all the time to do reviews on their skincare products and I turn down a lot of them.  Actually more than half.  The reason is because many of the ingredients that they have in their skincare lines suck.  I don't have any other nice grad school term to use here.  Again, after learning how to do proper research to graduate (twice) you realize that not everything that you put on your  face should be there.  I always ask a company FIRST for their list of ingredients before I agree to try out the product.  When VoilaVe contacted Everything Beauty and Beyond to first review their Argan Oil, I was truly impressed with the manufacturing of that product (click here to read that review).

When they asked me again to try out their VoilaVe LH Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum, it was like Christmas in August!  Since I started writing this blog I started research on all the "new" and "old" type of serums and oils that are currently on the market.  I realized that Hyaluronic Acid had some components that truly made me go "OMG I need to try that!!"   However the majority of the companies I researched that sold Hyaluronic Acid, sold it in some adulterated and perverted form that I was NOT willing to use on my face.  That is until VoliaVe contacted me!

Now what is Hyaluronic Acid you ask? Good question! Let me tell you!! Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is found naturally in the human body and seen in high dosages in babies.  Have you ever wondered why babies and small children always look like they have beautiful supple plumpy skin?  Well its because of the hyaluronic acid in their system. Its a major component of skin tissue that give babies this beautiful plushy effect.  Skin in general holds about fifty percent of your body’s hyaluronic acid in it. However as we get older we lose a lot of it and thus aging takes it toll.  Hyaluronic Acid plumps and moisturizes skin and helps to heal and comfort it when its suffered damage.  Hyaluronic Acid also prevent fine lines and wrinkles from forming and helps by retaining moisture in the skin and creating a cushion like effect to help plump out the lines as we age.  Needless to say, this is some good stuff!

However with all being said, HA only works when it formulated properly and is not diluted or adulterated with alochol, dyes or fragrances. VoilaVe Hyaluronic Acid serum is truly a work of science.  Their HA is formulated with low and high molecular structures which allow the serum to not only sit on the skin but to actually sink in.  It delivers a good amount of hydration to the skin by plumping it out and helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It contains no fillers, dilutions, parabens, alcohol (to many HA do), fragrances and is dye free.

When this arrived to my house I was so excited to use it.  I have only ever used one HA product for two weeks before I found out it had witch hazel and I threw it right out.  So trying this product was like a breath of fresh air in a HA world that I lost hope in!  It came in a dark bottle with a droplet.  The product was completely clear with no odor which I loved.  Again I don't believe fragrances or dyes should be in ANY skincare.  The consistency of the product reminder me almost of a hand sanitizer or clear gel soap.  It was very interesting to say the least.  Since it was a bit thick and slippery, all I needed was literally one drop for my entire face.  I was amazed at that.  Normally when I use Argan or Maracuja oil, I need at least two drops to cover my face and four drops for my Vitamin C serum.  So this was awesome that all it took was one drop to do it all!  Since this is not an oil but a serum, I didn't have any issues with greasiness, clogged pores or breakouts.  It dried very quickly on my face and by the time I hit the pillow it was well adsorbed into my skin. 

Now let's talk about results! You need AT LEAST 30 days for improvements to be seen.  I used it twice a day everyday for two weeks.  One drop in the morning and at night.  Since I take very good care of my skin and don't have any real wrinkles yet except on my forehead, I was amazed on how this made my skin feel.  It really plumped it out, made it smooth and soft like glass and really helped with my forehead.  That part really amazed me.   It even helped with certain dry spots I get on my skin on the side of my mouth from time to time.   

I actually plan on continuing to use this HA serum.  It is the best so far that I have found that is actually well formulated and meets all my standard do's and don't on skincare ingredients.  

I am very impressed with this company to say the least.  I still use their Argan Oil and even use it on my two year old daughters hair when I wash it!  So if you are in the market for a new Hyaluronic Acid serum, then for sure give this company a try!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

Read More

Bioque Rejuvenating Day Cream Review

Bioque Rejuvenating Day Cream - $45 USD

I got this product as part of an advertorial 

Bioque Global is an American-based skincare company with approximately 14 products in their line-up.  One of those products, and the one I will be reviewing in this article, is the Rejuvenating Day Cream.

I recently moved and this item was sent to my old address then forwarded on to my permanent address, and than I finally received it after its little adventure through the post office.  So I wasn't able to use it for very long.  First, I love the packaging.   It's minimal but it tells you in large letters right on the box what it is.  The container for the day cream itself is very sleek.  The outside section of it is a clear plastic and you can see the cream right through it.

The cream has a mousse-type of bouncy consistency. You can basically bounce your finger off it. The cream goes on smoothly and is very hydrating.  It can be used on your face, neck and back of hands.  I didn't realize I could also use it on my hands at first.  So I gave it a shot.  I first washed my hands with soap which caused the back of my hand to feel dry afterwards.  I then rubbed some of the cream on and immediately the skin on the back of my hands felt smooth. I plan to keep trying this method on days my hands need a little pick me up!

Bioque's website claims that in as little as four weeks you will see reduced lines and wrinkles. Unfortunately I was not able to use the product for four weeks so I cannot attest to this claim, but I plan on continuing to use the product on the cold winter days.  Since Bioque's Rejuvenating Day Cream might be just a little too hydrating for my very oily skin during the hot summer months it might not be a good idea.  However, if you have normal to dry skin I would most certainly recommend this cream.

I had two complaints about this cream. First, it has too much of a chemical smell.  However, it dissipates rather quickly after applying it on your face.  My second complaint was that it came with a small plastic boomerang looking item that comes inside the packaging but has no explanation as to its use.  I can only assume that I'm supposed to scoop some of the cream out with it in order to avoid contaminating the jar with the germs on my hands.  Nonetheless creams don't stabilize well in jars and they collect bacteria due to the constant sticking of our fingers and things into them.  So I would urge the company to consider bottling this in an air tight pump container.  Many cream companies are now moving towards this method for hygienic and quality assurance of the ingredients.

I would recommend this cream to someone who has normal to combination skin.  For those with oily skin, this might be to much for you.

Keep Smiling!

 Paulette

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Read More

Barefaced Dead Sea Mud Mask Review

Barefaced Dead Sea Mud Mask - $24.98 US

I got this product as part of an advertorial. 

Barefaced Skincare is a Los Angeles-based company which produces an organic mud mask product at a USDA Certified Organic facility in California.  Their product is called Barefaced, you guessed it, Mud Musk! Its also a play on words and picture if you see their "bear" on the front of the jar.  Pretty cute if you ask me!

I was only able to try this product once since their instructions claim it should only be used once per week.  I'm currently staying at a friend's place while I plan my big move back home.  My friend's husband was away for a few days last week on a business trip, so one night we decided to try this mud mask out! I mean who wants to be seen all scary looking when not in front of your girlfriends!

The mud mask looks similar to...well...mud but I would say it's more of a slate grey kind of color.  The consistency is also not as gross as real mud. (Disclaimer: I've never gone "mudding."  I know it's a thing but I've never done it.)  I applied the mud mask and it went on  pretty easily and didn't have a horrible chemical smell.  Since all of the ingredients are natural the smell wasn't bad.  After I put on the mask, I stepped out into the living room and my friend's puppy started barking at me. I think I scared her with my demon-looking face.  I mean come on, no one looks normal when they have mud on their face.  It started to dry fairly quickly and turned kind of hard when done.  I couldn't really smile because my face muscles were stiff due to the mud mask drying.

Both my friend Sarah and I kept the mask on for 15 minutes then rinsed it off in the sink with warm water.  This is not a peel off mask so you will have to wash it off thoroughly.  It came off pretty easy except on the sides of my face where I had to scrub a little harder.   My face felt refreshed after using the mask and my nose, which is constantly clogged with sebum, felt much smoother and clearer.  My friend Sarah felt the same way.  Two thumbs up from me and this awesome mask! I plan on using the mask once a week.

This mud mask is 99% natural with one ingredient that isn't natural.  If you are into masks with mostly natural ingredients and would like to try playing with mud on your face, then give this a try!  You will have a lot of fun doing it.  Just try not to scare anyone!

Keep Smiling!

Paulette

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Read More

Too Faced Pink Leopard Blushing Bronzer

Too Faced Pink Leopard Blushing Bronzer -$30.00 US

(Disclosure: this post contains affiliated links)

I love Too Faced!  The first time I heard of them was when I bought their Boudior Eyes Soft and Sexy Shadow Collection (click here for that review).  I used that palette for months straight denying all others!  That's how much I loved it and still do!  

When I started contouring and highlighting, I realized that I would need a blush and bronzer in order to pull of this look.  And while I do have separate blush and bronzers lying around, when I am rushed for time a 2 in 1 works great!  I saw this bronzer one day online while "shopping" at Sephora.  I noticed that they had a few of these in different colors.  However the one that grabbed my attention was this Pink Leopard Blushing Bronzer.  I normally wear or gravitate towards pinkish blushes.  I think they flatter my skin tone better and look more realistic then red ones, orange ones or purples ones.  Don't get me wrong, many of these colors look awesome on many different skin tones.  However for mine, pink toned ones work better.

When this product arrived to my home, I was amazed on how beautiful the packaging was!  First it came in a nice gold tone compact.  The original packaging had the same shape but a sticker was placed on the top instead of the gold embossed words.  However, the real magic is in the inside!  This has one of the most beautiful leopard patterns I have ever seen.  I don't normally like leopard patterns, however this was a lovely rose and brown color that just caught my eye.  It was so beautiful that I was scared to use it in fear the pattern might rub off.  It hasn't! Thank God!   Because this compact has the blush and bronzer intertwined, all you have to do is swirl your brush on it and it picks up the product evenly.  I always use my Blank Canvas F42 Large Contour/Powder Brush because it was built to basically do that.  Pick up blush and bronzer separately and together!

I always apply this compact gently on the apples of my cheeks and hollows of my cheek bones.  I love the look this gives me.  This compact is not matte but not shimmery either.  I would have to say its in between!  However the glow it gives you is awesome.  When I contour and highlight my face with cream products, I always go in and use this Pink Leopard Blushing Bronzer to give it that final touch.  It just looks so much better and gives my whole face a lovely glow.  This product last for a while on your face and doesn't disappear quickly which I love.  Hey, makeup is expensive and who wants to buy it if it won't show up on your face after a few hours!

However, a word of caution.  Since this is a blush and bronzer mixed together and not fully matted, go easy with the application.  What many people  don't get is that if you apply to much of anything it looks way to loud.  Now with that being said, if that is the look you are going for, then rock it! But if not, than I would say a light hand really goes a long way!

Promotion Deal!  

Too Faced notified me that they are currently having a promotional deal!  You can get a free Bronze-Buki Brush with an purchase of one of their Bronzers.  Click on the link below and type the word "BRONZED" at checkout for this sweet deal!!  I attached a picture of the brush so know what you are getting as a free gift!! 

Free Bronze-Buki brush with purchase of a Bronzer ($34 value) at Too Faced! Code: BRONZED. Valid 8/22/14 - 8/24/14. Shop Now!

     

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

Read More

Bella & Bear Hair She Goes Hair Removal Kit Review

Bella & Bear Hair She Goes Hair Removal Kit - $13.50 US

I got this product as part of an advertorial 

I love beauty tools! They have actually made the world easier in getting yourself to look prim and proper in half the time!  I have so many beauty tools that I have lost count!  However the two main beauty tools I use often (besides my Clarisonic Aria) is my eyelash curler and my hair wax removal.  I use an eyelash curler almost everyday.  Even if I am not wearing mascara I will still use it to give my eyes a lift.  I recently reviewed Bella & Bears Eye and Mighty Eyelash Curler (click here for that review) and just loved it.  I mean I loved it so much that I even bought one for my sister so she could try out the awesomeness of this tool!  I threw out my old eyelash curler and have NEVER looked back and neither has my sister!  So when Bella & Bear contacted Everything Beauty and Beyond, I was beyond thrilled to try out their new beauty tool.

When this first arrived to my house, again I was in love with the packaging. Their packaging reminds me of circa 1950's era! Just love it!!  This package had a clear window in the front where you saw the tool AND it had an eyebrow tweezer!  The color was very unique.  Somewhere beauty an orange/pinkish tone! 

When I first pulled the tools out the box I was a bit perplexed.  I knew what the tweezer was for, but that other looking torture device; I had no clue what I was suppose to do with it.  So I read the instructions.  Basically you hold the hair removal tool in a half moon shape with both hands to your face and twist it across your face in order to grab the hairs.  It took me a bit of time to get use to it.  Normally I just wax my face and nothing more.  So using this tool was a new experience.  I first did it wrong by simply running the tool up and down my face.  Yeah, no, that didn't work.  You have to turn the tool when in a half moon shape against your face either in or out.  Once I figured that part out, that is when the magic started!

The tool was great! It started grabbing every little hair I had on my face known to man with no problem.  It grabbed the long black hairs and the short baby fine hairs.  I was amazed on just how well the baby fine hairs came off.  In regards to pain, I can tell you I barely felt anything.  Since I already wax my face and have been doing it for years, at this point I have probably killed all nerve endings on my face as far as I am concerned!  My face wasn't red nor did it hurt afterwards.  It never pinched my skin either which was a bonus.  

When I looked at the tool, I was able to see all the hairs it had grab, coarse and fine ones.  I was able to clean this tool with no problem and it took me about 20 minutes to do each side of my face.  Since the majority of us all have baby fine hairs on our cheeks and a lot of them, I had to pass the tool a few times to grab them all. 

I was pretty impressed with this tool and have to say I plan to use it often.  It was quick, painless and and easy to clean up.  If you are in the market for a new way of getting rid of body hair off your face, than for sure give this a try!

Bella & Bear are currently offering a discount code of 25% off!  Click on the link at the top with the product name and type in the code "EBBeyond"!!!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Read More

Julep July & August Maven Box!

Julep Maven Monthly Subscription Box - $19.99 / $24.00 US

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links)

In my whole time of being a beauty writer I have never been part of any beauty box program till now.  The reason why was because the majority, while they made good, only give you small samples of products.  The more expensive beauty boxes offer higher end products at either full or large size samples.  However those also come with a heft price starting at $40 a box. 

To be very honest with you, I only like sample sizes of things I actually plan to buy.  Having small samples of products I don't care for lying around really doesn't do it for me.  Moreover a lot of these boxes offer some of their samples on those tear away packets which I dislike even less.  You have to tear the packet at the top and use it quickly before it dries.  Its also hard to control how much product comes out when you are squeezing a small sachet. 

My friend told me about Julep Maven and informed me I should sign up to check it out.  Julep Maven is a company started about 4 years.  They sell nail polishes, skin, body, hand and feet care products.  This also have a whole section for makeup.  You can shop from their store whether you are member or not.  However the price is cheaper when you are a member on all products.  

I was first hesitant to sign up, as I didn't want to blow money on products or samples I would never use.  However when I realized that my first box was costing $2.99 and that included FREE shipping to Canada! SOLD!  I signed up and bought it! I had two options of membership.  Either a pay as you go which would come out to $24.00 US a month, or a 3 month membership for $19.00 US a month.  Since I didn't know what I was signing up for, I did the $24.00 a month.  My first order of course was only $2.99!  Also, if I didn't like what I received in my first order, I was able to cancel my subscription before the 24th of the following month.  I actually thought that sounded like a fair deal.  

Now here is the selling point of the Julep Maven box.  You are able to FULLY CUSTOMIZE this box every month! So if you don't like what you are getting in the box; between the 20th and 24th of the month you can swap in and out products and get the box you want!  You also rack up Julep points for every box you buy so at 2000 points you can get a free box!

My welcome box came loaded with awesome goodies! I received three nail polishes in the color red, dark blue and a mustard yellow.  I also received a lip gloss, black eyeliner and sharpener.  I also received a coupon code for 50% off anything on my next purchase!  Which I gladly used!

  

 Out of the three nail polishes I didn't like the red one as it was not dark enough of me.  The blue was totally not my style, however I did apply to my toes which gave it a unique touch!  the yellow mustard colored nail polish did look lovely on my hands and I rocked it for about two weeks.  The nail polish wasn't to thick or to thin and coated my nails just right.  The lip gloss is very nice and smooth, however just a bit to pink for my skin tone.  I haven't used the black eyeliner yet but the sharpener is awesome! It encases the shavings so that you don't get them all over the place and you can surely travel with this sharpener which  is useful when a trash can is not around.

The only complaint I have about this box is that I didn't get to customize it.  Had it been left up to me I would of swapped out the red or blue nail polish and gotten the lip gloss in a different shade.  Or totally different products.  Nonetheless I was able to fully customize my second box and I so happily did!

 

In my second Julep Maven box I received everything I wanted and more since I was able to pick everything in the box!  I received a lovely purple sparkly nail polish, 'Tada' quick dry drop formula and a Mighty Nail & Cuticle Serum.  I have to say the pretty purple colors in this box really put me in a nice mood!  I like the color lavender so this really reminded me of it!  

I decided to picked a beautiful nail polish that I knew would look awesome on my toes.  I normally wear colors on my toes, but ONLY the French or very light pinkish tone colors on my hands.  I also received a product called 'Tada' which comes in a droplet bottle that you apply on your nails after applying your polish in order to help it dry quickly.  My Julep Maven box also came with a Mighty Nail & Cuticle Serum.  I recently tried this serum and I have to say I really liked it.  It conditioned my nails and cuticles very nicely and got rid of all the dryness I normally get in that area due to constant hand washing.

I have to say I really like Julep Maven Monthly Subscription Box and don't regret trying it at all!  If you are interested in trying this subscription box out, than feel free to click here --> Use code HOORAY to get your first monthly box of beauty FREE!  When you checkout, type in the word "hooray" to pay only $3.99 for shipping (in the US and Canada).  Remember if you don't like it, you can cancel it at anything before the 24th of the follow month!  You can also skip any box you want once you become a member and not pay a cent that month or lose your membership!

If you end up trying out the box, or you have tried out the box before, feel free to let me know your thoughts!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

Read More

August Spotlight of The Month!

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant - $27.00 CDN

(Disclosure: post contains affiliated links)

When I was young I always looked to the fact that one day I would grow up and be able to use all sorts of fancy, lovely and awesome smelling body and skincare products.  I remember the first time I saw a commercial for AHA and couldn't wait to be an adult fast enough to try it out!  Weird I know!  However what I didn't anticipate what that as we become adults, our body chemistry changes and that meant body odor came with it. 

I am obsessed with smelling good at all times.  I shower twice a day to make sure that even when I sleep I smell good.  Even though I use dry shampoo here and there, just the thought that my scalp might smell causes me to wash my hair every other day!  However with all that being said, I realized that no matter what type of deodorant I tried, I always ended up with a slight smell at the end of the day which killed me!  I went on the hunt and tried just about every deodorant that the drugstore sells.  I finally settled on Soft & Dry Deodorant.  However it still didn't give me that lasting protection I needed.  One day while watching youtube, I saw a girl mention how much she loved Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant.  She stated that this deodorant worked miracles and that other were able to attest to it's great work!  Being the researcher that I am, I googled the hell out of this product and realized that just about everyone sung its praise.   

Now, it took me about two months before I actually ordered this because I couldn't get around the price tag.  I mean $27 PLUS tax is a lot to swallow.  However when I realized that the hot summer months were coming, I caved in and bought it!  I ordered it online from Sephora because I was unable to find it in stores.  It was also sold out online for awhile so hence why it took me two months to make up my mind.  When it finally arrived at my house, though it was a decent size product, I expected a much larger product for the price.  However, maybe the selling point is not the size but the magic in the bottle.  As they say, "good things come in small packages".  This packaged arrived late during the day so I wasn't able to try it that day and I don't wear deodorant to bed.

I woke up the next morning, showered, changed and applied this deodorant.  First thing I noticed was that it smelled awesome! It smelled like fresh baby powder.  I mean I was in love with the smell.  It wasn't overpowering and  nor so unscented that you barely smelled anything.  It comes in a solid form stick formula instead of a gel.  It glides on very smooth and creamy with no tugging to the skin.  It doesn't come off in chucks like it did before in the old white solid forms.  However, word to the wise.  Because this is a while solid form deodorant, be careful when putting clothes on as this might leave a white stain.

I could smell this deodorant on me throughout the day.  I never once smelled any sort of odor coming from that region of the body.  By the time the nighttime came, I still smelled fresh, clean and no smell in sight.  It didn't leave any stain on my clothes and my shirt still smelled fresh.  When I showered that night, it was easy to wash off with no problem.

Its been now three months since I bought this deodorant and have even worn it to workout and have yet to have it fail on me.  The staying power and odor protection that is offered in this deodorant is something I haven't seen in all my years of wearing deodorant.  I have to agree, though its pretty pricey, I have never seen something work so well.  I plan to keep buying this item regardless of the price tag if it can keep me smelling fresh and clean all day long!!  While I was truly hesitant at first, but for the fact that under really hot weather or a hard workout it never fails it for sure is a winner for me in my books!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

Read More

Top Five Facial Masks!

(Disclosure: this post contains a referral link)

I love facial masks! And in my books, nothing beats a well formulated and result proven mask.  I decided to round up all masks and do my top five facial masks for July!  So far this are the masks that have impressed me throughout the year!  These masks are great to use all year around and work well in hot and cold weather!  As an added treat the lovely and knowledgeable Diane Dalmasy over at My Fascination Street has decided to do a collaboration with me about about her top five facial masks!  Diane has great info on her site! Subscribe to her blog so you can stay tune to our up and coming further collaborations! 

Pure & Essential Minerals Dead Sea Mud Mask - $29.44 US

I don't even know where to beginning with this mask.  This by far has got to be my all time favorite.  Nothing I have used so far has been able to take this out of the number one spot!  This mask is literally 99% natural and organic.  It only has one ingredient that isn't natural, yet the rest completely is.   This mask is made up of dead sea mud plus other amazing ingredients like Organic Shea Butter, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Aloe Vera Juice, Organic Jojoba Oil,  Eucalyptus Oil and other properties that are beneficial for the skin.  Every time I use this mask which is once a week, my face literally looks poreless right after.  It leaves it feeling conditioned as soon as I wash away the mud and there is no tight dry feeling afterwards. This has never irritated my face nor caused any sort of allergic reaction.  While it does dry to a hard consistency, however it washes off easily, effectively and you see the results right away.  I honestly look forward to using this mask every Monday night after washing my face.  I just love this mask and I sing its praises!  However, just one word of caution.  Because this mask is 99% natural and organic, many people have complained that it has spoil on them after a few weeks of opening it.  To avoid that happening, just stick it in your fridge.  I have had this mask for almost two months now and it is in prefect working order.  Moreover, since it comes right out my fridge and on to my face, it has a lovely cool feeling when drying!  I highly recommend this mask!  For a full review of this mask, click here!  This dead sea mud mask is good on all skin types!

Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Oil Absorbing Mask - $17.00 US

I just love anything Paula's Choice makes.  The reason is because she is one of the few people who actually took time to well formulate her products in order to show effective non-irritant results.  This mask works to remove excess oil from your skin without causing it to dry out.  The formula in this masks helps to draw out and dislodge blackheads and other impurities without stripping the skin of it's natural moisture.  This mask is a clay like formula that when it dries to a hard consistency, it doesn't feel like it's going to break your face.  This mask contains ingredients such as sea whip extract, kaolin, Salix alba extract, bisabolol, glycerin, and colloidal oatmeal to name a few.  This mask is actually worth trying out!  This oil adsorbing mask is good for oily to combination skin!

(To sweeten the deal, if you decide to buy this mask or any product from the Paula's Choice site, click here on my referral link to receive $10.00 off anything you buy over $15.00!  So with shipping in the US you should be able to buy this mask for $9.00 more or less! Also, Paula's Choice has a money back guarantee in case you don't like it.  If you ask me that's a great deal!)

Poppy Austin Moroccan Rhassoul Clay - $19.95 US

Poppy Austin is a company I just love.  I heard about them a year ago when I looking for a good quality but decent priced Argan Oil.  Upon looking in their product list, I noticed that they were selling rhassoul clay.  I had never heard of that product before so it intrigued me.  So, as you know me, I set out on my research to investigate this product.  Poppy Austin's Rhassoul Clay is 100% pure and naturally infused with mineral-rich properties.  Moroccan ghassoul lava clay is high in silica which makes it great as a detoxifying cleanser for your face, hair and body.  It also conditions after each use. It helps to reduce dryness on the skin, draw out impurities by unblocking pores, and improve skin elasticity.  I use this mask once a week on a Friday.  I mix this with my Poppy Austin rose water (or you can use filtered water) until its nice and soft.  I apply it to my face and let it sit for about 30 minutes.  Afterwards I wash it off and my face is cleaned, conditioned and feels ever so soft.  I really like this mask for it natural mineral rich properties and cleansing benefits.  You can also use this mask on your hair if you suffer from dandruff.  This mask is worth every penny and offers great quality at a decent price for the awesome size of the jar!  I highly recommend this mask! Rhassoul clay mask is good for all skin types!

  
Colleen Rothschild Clarifying Detox Mask - $48.00 US

Colleen Rothschild Clarifying Detox Mask is a charcoal mask that helps draw out impurities from the skin.  It also contains MicroSilver which helps to promotes clearer skin after some time of usage.  Glycolic Acid which helps to increases cellular turnover on the skin surface level and Vitamin C which is an antioxidant.  This mask comes a soft consistency like texture in the color black.  I have to admit when I first opened it, the black color threw me off.  However as we all know in the name of beauty we never judge and just go for it!  This mask dries to a soft hard texture if that even makes sense.  After about 10-15 minutes from the time of application, you are still able to move your face and smile without the mask cracking which I thought was great.  It washes off clean with no problem and I have to say leaves your skin absolutely radiant.  So far I have tried this detox mask and her radiant cleansing balm (click here to read that review) and have not been disappointed!  This detox mask is good for all skin types!      

Michael Todd True Organic Rose Petal Mask - $34.00 US

This was one of the first masks I ever used that wasn't a drugstore brand.  When I saw this masks and realized that it had 10% Glycolic Acid (AHA), Vitamin C and Rosa Damascene Distillate ingredients, I knew I had to try it!  This mask comes in an air tight pump that helps to keep the ingredients inside stabilized.  It dispenses the most silkiest clear gel I have ever seen.  It applies smoothly to your face and dries ever so soft.  After about 10-15 minutes you wash it off and you face looks and feel so alive and radiant!  While this does have a scent of roses, nonetheless it wasn't so strong that it was hard to manage.  Since this mask has 10% AHA it helps with cellular turnover on  your skins top layer.  AHA needs to stay on the skin long enough to cause a true effect.  So when you use cleanser with AHA they rarely do anything because they get washed off in seconds.  I enjoy this mask so much and still have it sitting on my skin vanity.  This is one mask that use on days I want to feel luxurious!

Please note that all the masks I mentioned above; when frequent usage it is important that you wear sunblock afterwards.  Many of the ingredients in these mask which cause the skin to become ultra sensitive in the sun and burn.  So avoid always apply an SPF 30 and up that offers board spectrum protection.  Remember proper skincare is an everyday thing and not just once in the morning and night.  This rose petal mask is good for dry skin!

Well there you have it, my top five favorite masks! Let me know what your top five facial masks are by tagging Diane and me at #topfivefacialmasks

I hope you enjoy them as well!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

Read More

Chantecaille Beaute White Tiger Poudre Delicate

Chantecaille Beaute White Tiger Poudre Delicate - $85.00 US

For some women, there is nothing more exquisite than a beautiful piece of jewelry.  However, for me, there is nothing more elegant then beautifully defined makeup.  Whether that be an eyeshadow, face powder or blush, nothing speaks elegance like a well engraved image on the surface of a compact.

I heard of the company Chantecaille one day all by accident.  I was watching a youtube video where the Coral Reef eyeshadow compact was displayed.  I was immediately in awe of the beauty of that compact.  The lasered etched design was so precise that you swore you were looking at a beautiful piece of art.  The colors of the compact were so vivid, that it seemed like I was looking into a prism of colors that meshed so well with each other.  The gold stained coral reefs that laid on top of each eyeshadow were so alive that they speckled in the sunlight so lovely.  Sadly this compact is no longer in circulation.  Nonetheless they have others that are just as beautiful.  

I decided to google the company after seeing this beautiful work of art and see if by chance they had other amazing makeup "pieces".  And oh so they did to my great delight.  My search lead me to their face powders.  I love face powder and wear it all the time after applying my foundation.  However the one thing I dislike about face powder is that awful powdery look it leaves you.  The point of makeup is to seem as if though you are not wearing any.  However when others can spot your foundation and/or powder; well it destroys the look you were going for.

This compact is etched so precisely with the image of a beautiful White Bengal Tiger.  If you look closely you can see the lines that make the face and hair of the tiger.  The color of the tiger resembles a two tone effect.  The majority of the tiger is of a gold speckled color and the rest is of an off white tone.  When you apply this powder compact, it leaves your skin with an ever so subtle sparkle effect.  However after a short while, the two tone effect leaves as it is only superficially implanted on the face of the tiger and you are left with a translucent color compact which was the original point.

This powder in this compact is so finely milled that you never see it on your face when applied.  It doesn't settle into the fine lines of your face and actually works wonders for setting in your concealer.  Since its so finely milled, the powder will not deepen into your under eye lines.  Instead it sets your concealer so that it doesn't move all day.  It leaves you a matte finish that actually looks luminous and not dull.  Its infused with Tahitian Monoi which causes the skin to look and feel hydrated.  This compact comes with a velor puff which is found underneath the compact in a different compartment.   

However with all that being said, this compact is not cheap.  It cost $85.00 US and for many that is out of their price range or simply not worth spending.  Nonetheless I will say this.  This compact is not small.  It encompasses the full size of the palm of my hand.  I normally apply this compact with my Blank Canvas F25 brush as its large enough to envelop my whole face.  This not only sets my foundation but leaves me with that soft luminous look.  Since this powder is very light weight and finely milled, you can use it year around without the heaviness that some face powders offer.

A beautiful side note!  For every compact you buy, Chanecialle donates 5% of all sales to the conservation of these animals.  The founder is a serious and respected philanthropist who believes in the conservation of endangered animals.  Every year a palette is designed in honor of the animal they are supporting.  The only downside is that the majority of the palettes are limited editions.  While new ones come out each year I will miss my Coral Reef palette once it runs out! Check out their website in order to find other beautifully etched compacts! 

I truly love this face powder so much that I bought two! I would for sure recommend this compact despite the price tag!

Keep Smiling!

Dayana        

Read More

Michael Todd True Organic Damascus Rose Moisturizer!

Michael Todd True Organic Damascus Rose Moisturizer- $27 US

When I first heard of Michael Todd True Organic line, it was through a groupon.  I had never heard of this skincare line, but I saw this cream and for some reason really wanted to try it.  I was in the market for a new one anyway, so I figured why not.  I first googled the hell of out Michael Todd and found their website.  However I wanted real people's review on these products and just about everything I read had nothing but awesome things to same about this line so I decided to go ahead and order the cream.  It was originally on their website at that time for $130 (at that time) and I bought it through the groupon for $20.  Sweet deal right! Even if the cream sucked, I figured $20 for a $130 cream; you really can't go wrong.  SOLD!

It took almost 3 months to arrive at my home.  However when it finally did, I was so excited to use it that I could hardly wait.  First thing I noticed was that it has a rosy smell to it and the cream is a yellowish based color.   It comes in jar which is not the best for creams as air tight pumps are better but whatever.  It is a decent size for a decent amount of product. 

Since it came during the middle of the day, I waited till night to use it.  I washed my face as I normally do and applied it that night along with my skincare routine.  I went to bed and woke up the next morning.  My face felt refreshed, light and very well hydrated.  I applied it again that morning after I washed my face along with my normal skincare routine and again my face felt awesome.  This cream was light weight and not to greasy.  It never clogged my pores, caused me breakouts or irritated my skin.  I really left it feeling well moisturized and hydrated.  By the time I laid my head on my pillow after applying my night time skincare products, this cream was the last part of my routine and it adsorbed well!   

Since a little goes a long way, it took about a year before the cream ran out and this was after applying it daily twice a day.  Since this cream is very emollient all you need is one finger dab to go a long way....literally.  All I did was dab one finger into the cream and that was enough to apply all over my face and neck.  I was amazed on how soft and luxurious this cream was. However I did notice if you applied to much, it might feel to heavy on your face.  So I would caution you use a small amount as that is all you really needed.  I also noticed that if I rubbed it in or added extra cream into the dry spots on my face it hydrated that area well.  It got rid of the flakiness and dryness around my face.  It never left my skin feeling greasy and really left it with a vibrant look.

MTTO Damascus Rose Moisturizer is formulated with 10 different peptides and tri-peptides which help with collagen production in the skin.  Its combined with antioxidants such as  A, B5, C, E and Co-Enzyme Q-10 which help to protect your skin from environmental stressors. It also includes essential oils such as Palm, Rose Hps, Avocado, Jojoba, Carrot Seed, Wheat Germ, and Neem which help to condition the skin and keep it soft and supple.   

My only complaint was the jar.  Recently MTTO is slowly moving all their creams into air type pumps.  It would be great if this followed suit!  Air tight pumps reduce bacteria getting into the products as you no longer have to stick your finger into the cream.  Furthermore air tight pumps reduce light and air exposure which tends to break down the formula in creams.  So this would be great if this cream could be packaged differently in order to offer better quality to the consumers!

I would recommend this cream if you have dry skin or mature skin and need to add a little extra punch into your skincare routine.

I recently reviewed Michael Todd's True Organic Dry Skin Regimen.  Click here if you want to check it out!   

Keep Smiling!

Dayana

Read More