Saturday, November 8, 2014

Vivant Skincare 3 in 1 Mandelic Face Wash Review!

First up tonight, I want to bring you guys a review of this really awesome face wash that I've been using for a few weeks now. If you guys have read any of my recent post, you already know I've been dealing with some serious acne issues lately and have been basically trying anything and everything to get rid of it. My forehead looked like misery until I tried out this product from Vivant Skincare.
Here's a picture of their 3 in 1 Mandelic Acid Face Wash:

 
I always kind of assume all face washes are going to be the same. I was an avid Proactiv user for years until I ran out and was too poor to buy more of it. I really like this cleanser though. I had definitely never heard of whatever mandelic acid was, but like I said I'm open to trying to things and anything that will get rid of acne is okay with me.
 
A little info about the product:
This cleanser is made by the man who invented Retin A. I've used it before for some skin clearing, and it was a bit too strong for me, but it worked. I knew this was going to be high quality, but was a little scared. It's packed with all kinds of goodies like green tea extract, almonds, grapeseed, and honey extracts. Definitely not like the chemically proactiv I was used to using. It states that it works best for adult acne, because it has anti-viral, bacteria, and fungal properties. Win?! It's supposed to clear up dark spots by lifting the incorrect pigments from the skin, while also helping out your fine lines by making your skin product more collagen! Apparently Mandelic Acid is a gentler form of Alpha Hydroxy acid, and is great for hispanic, black, and Asian skin. While I am none of the above, it did a really great job clearing my acne, while not leaving my face too, too dry.
 
Since starting use of this product once a day about two weeks ago, I've seen significant improvement in the condition of my skin. I have significantly less acne, less dry skin, and it seems less splotchy overall. I really like it alot and will definitely continue use to see what else it can do for me, or if it can get rid of ever single zit on my face. :) I definitely recommend checking this one out if you're an adult who suffers from the occasional bout of acne. OH and you can also use it for body acne!
 
For more information, CLICK HERE.
 
Xx Ashley C.

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.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

The 5 Makeup Brushes That You Really Need!

The key to effortless makeup application lies in your brushes. I didn't really realize how vital they were to creating flawless makeup, until I went to this MAC seminar and learned about different ways to use them, and how to use them the right way. Here are my top 5 that I use literally EVERY time I do my makeup! I cannot live without them.

Beauty Blender

Rea.deeming Beauty, Inc. - beautyblender PURE blender (single) by Rea.deeming Beauty, Inc. BEAUTY

Before I got my first BeautyBlender, I just used regular foundation brushes. Let me tell you, this little sponge changed my entire routine. I was totally skeptical, but they are seriously awesome. The tapered end also eliminated the need for a concealer brush! I love it! You just wet it, squeeze it out, dot foundation/concealer to your face, and blend your way into flawless foundation and a perfect looking complexion. My favorite thing about it is that since you use it wet, it doesn't leave your face looking all cakey and gross.
Rea.deeming Beauty, Inc. - beautyblender PURE blender (single) by Rea.deeming Beauty, Inc. BEAUTY - $34.90, 4.99 shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Make Up For Ever - Professional Angled Eyeliner Brush #262Make Up For Ever - Professional Angled Eyeliner Brush #262 Straight

If you're like me and use gel/cream eyeliner on the regular, a brush similar to this one is key for perfect eyeliner. I've tried all kinds of different liner brushes over the years, but these angled ones are the only ones that make a perfect, even line, and enable me to do winged liner, which I usually wear every day. Definitely check one out of you do winged liner like me. Sephora also has some affordable ones!

Make Up For Ever - Professional Angled Eyeliner Brush #262 Straight - $22.00, 5.48 shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

MAC Cosmetics - Brushes - #217 Blending Brush

MAC Cosmetics - Brushes - #217 Blending Brush (Eye) - -

Literally every time I do my eyeshadow I pull out my MAC 217 brush. It's nice and fluffy yet still rigid enough to get enough shadow on it for my crease. This is the best blending brush ever ever and works beautifully. MAC brushes are expensive but they last forever with proper care and are SO worth the price. You can use it for whatever blending you need done, but I typically use it only with darker colors in my crease.
You can also use this one to contour places that are smaller, like the sides of your nose. :)
MAC Cosmetics - Brushes - #217 Blending Brush (Eye) - - - $40.00, 4.99 shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

MAC Cosmetics - MAC 252 Large Shader Brush

MAC Cosmetics - MAC 252 Large Shader Brush

This is the brush I use every day for basic eyeshadow on my lid. It's nice and wide and flat, and makes it a breeze to really pack the shadow on. MAC shadow brushes are what I prefer, but I've found a few other cheaper alternatives with I don't want to screw up my nice ones. Any kind of large shader brush like this one is what I recommend for applying shadow to your lid.
MAC Cosmetics - MAC 252 Large Shader Brush - $21.99, 5.48 shipping - Available at Fullfillment By Amazon
(6 reviews)

MAC Cosmetics - MAC 168 Large Angled Contour Brush

MAC Cosmetics - MAC 168 Large Angled Contour Brush

This is like the only brush I use for contouring. It's big, but not overly huge and fluffy and stuff has some rigidness so you can apply enough bronzer. Or maybe I just use too much? Who knows? :) Either way, I use this one every day!

MAC Cosmetics - MAC 168 Large Angled Contour Brush - $30.99, 5.48 shipping - Available at Fullfillment By Amazon
(12 reviews)

So, yeah! Those are my go to brushes that I use literally every single time I do my makeup. Anyone have any favorites they'd like to share?! I'd love to hear them! I'm always open to trying new brushes! I've found a few good ones from Ipsy too. :)

Happy Wednesday!
Xx Ashley C.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Yumi Beautiful Rosehip Oil Review!

Tonight I'm bringing you a review of a wonderful rose-hip seed oil I was given the chance to review from a company called Yumi Beautiful. I really love it alot, so read on if you're interested and see what you think!

A picture for your reference:

First off, so far from what I've tried, I really like this brand. AND I double like their packaging. Props to a company who has great packaging in my opinion. I think the pink accents are super cute, and so is the logo!

As for the product itself, here's a little bit of info:
This product is 100% certified organic! YAY! No nasty bits to go on my skin or hair. Rosehip oil is great for your skin and packed full of antioxidants, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A. I love it as a moisturizer. While it is an oil, I don't find it overly oily and obnoxious like some oils seem to be. I can apply this to my face, anywhere that's dry, cuticles, or even a little in my hair, and if you just make sure to not use a massive amount, it will absorb SUPER fast and you won't have any icky residue!

Some of the main highlights of Rosehip seed oil are that it can drastically reduce your wrinkles and fine lines, fix discoloration of the skin (I have this one wicked sunspot under my eye that I need to try this on!), and it basically provides a ton of moisture to anywhere that needs some love while not leaving you greasy. Yumi Beautiful's Rosehip seed oil definitely hits all of these targets in my opinion.

Also, a good point to note is that you can drastically extend the shelf life of rosehip oil by putting it in the refrigerator. Which is cool, because I like using this product even more when it's cold! 

OH and it's pretty much unscented too, which is awesome for sensitive skin people like me! It kinds of just smells like.... a flower that doesn't have a scent.. or like Nature? That sounds weird but we will go with that.

If you'd like to find out more info about this product CLICK HERE
If you buy it, or have already tried it or another similar product, let me know what you think! I'm always open to new ways to use stuff and love comments! :)

Night!
Xx Ashley C.

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.

Giveaway Winner!!!

Hi everyone! Sorry for my abscence lately, but I've been crazy busy starting a new job. I just wanted to write really quickly to announce my winner!!!

CONGRATS TO AMY CASTELLANO!!!!

I will be emailing you tomorrow with details on how to redeem your prize!!

And thank you everyone for entering! I'm going to be doing another similar giveaway hope sometime this month too!!! :) :)


Xx Ashley C.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Diamond Candles Blogger Opportunity!

Hi!
So I have an announcement for you fellow bloggers out there who read my blog! Apparently, Diamond Candles, a company who specializes in candles that have rings inside them of varying values, is offering the first 100 bloggers who apply, the opportunity to receive, review, and giveaway some of their products!

I've tried Diamond Candles once a long time ago, and I can tell you first hand, they are GREAT! I had a coconut candle that smelled AMAZING, lasted FOREVER, and had an awesome ring in it. It was only worth like $10 but the whole novelty of the thing really sucked me in. I instantly wanted another. :)
I'm applying for this one as well, I hope that I get in and 100 people haven't already applied!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

Xx Ashley C.