Showing posts with label beauty addict. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty addict. Show all posts

Thursday, October 19, 2017

In Honor Of Natalie Wood



This is a new fragrance collection in honor of Natalie Wood. (I haven't tried this yet but, I am anxious to!)

Click here to try this new fragrance and don't forget to use code: 10OFFNF for 10%!

I would love to know what you think!

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Change Your Hair Color And Length At A Fraction Of The Price

** This is a sponsored post and I did receive money for this post. However, all opinions are my own. I will only post sponsored posts for products, people, brands, companies, who I find trustworthy and or use myself. ** 





There are several reasons why you may be interested with Divatress. One of the first reasons will probably be the variety and unique styles they offer for virtually everybody! You are sure to fall in love with one or a few or more! Wigs have certainly come a long way and in a very good way.)

Most likely after seeing the selection of wigs, hair extensions, and hair pieces, you'll notice the prices. I have always expected that wigs would cost a fortune. But, after checking out almost every page on their website, if I were to purchase one for every day of the week, I would still be under $200! I wasn't expecting this and I definitely wasn't expecting to find every shade of the rainbow either! 

I love bright, bold, fun colors. I've always been a sucker for the brightest blues, pinks, purples, even orange hair colors. I have med to dark brown hair so, you can imagine what some of those shades fade into. Not to mention the fact that it is insanely hard to get my brown hair to take the color as bright as I would like it too. I have now found blues and purples in shades I could never buy in a box or get at the salon for my hair! (I'm seriously contemplating grabbing a few in the shorter hair styles for myself.) 

These prices are very hard to beat. Especially when you consider the possibilities! Halloween costumes, girls night out, going out with your significant other, concerts, just wanting to change your look for a day. This would be much healthier than coloring and bleaching your hair to achieve the same results. (Well, I know for me and my hair, these colors would be even more fun!) It is very hard to find hair color that stays in and doesn't fade a few days later. 

If you need a human hair weave, they have those too! You can also find braids, ponytails, (Even more fun for short hair like me!) You can also find a broad selection of beauty products and a nail color to match your new wig! 

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Garnier Clearly Brighter Challenge

** I received samples of Garnier Clearly Brighter thanks to Crowdtap and Garnier in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own. **

I have been on a rampage lately with beauty products, mainly, Garnier products. I used to only use their hair care products because I really, really, really love the scents and because, they also work well. I often thought about trying their skin care products and I did ave a few samples here and there but I never really paid other attention to their skin care line. (I do wish I would have!!) I am a major beauty product addict and I am constantly trying new products and switching back and forth. Sometimes, I switch for good. I usually always finish whatever treasure I found in a beauty subscription box, or something I bought from the store, or received for a review. But, I don't always go back and buy again, unless it's something that totally WOWED me. (Is that a word?)

I started getting to know Garnier a bit better, thanks to Crowdtap. and I am SO happy I did! My only regret is that I have been missing out on Garnier products all of these years. I can't get enough of their Skin Active line and they just keep popping up with more fabulous products to add to my already overfilled bathroom cabinet and drawers. I am super psyched to try their Miracle Anti Fatigue Sleeping Cream, Eye Gel Cream, and Wake Up Hydra Gel Moisturizer too. (I am crossing my fingers for that mission in the near future.)

Not so long ago, I was fortunate to be able to try Clearly Brighter Brightening and Smoothing Daily Moisturizer and I have been using it every morning, since. Just a couple of weeks ago, I was introduced to Clearly Brighter Oil Free and I am so thrilled that the "Oil Free" part, is actually, Oil Free. I will be using this for the warmer months and I can do away with extra sunscreen since both formulas are SPF15. After looking over their website, I am going to need a loan to grab all of the products I am hoping to try! I will have to add one each month until I have a chance to try them all.

Clearly Brighter Brightening and Smoothing Daily Moisturizer acts like a primer for me and while i don't have a serious problem with oily skin, I do get the normal combination oily mess sometimes and I have yet to find a true to their word, oil free product. So far, it's working out well with this baby! I don't even have to use make up or powder before running out for errands or on lazy weekend days. I do sometimes reapply through the day but it hasn't just been a pleasantly scented, primer, brightening, smoothing, SPF15, BFF but also, OMG! I am getting rid of some dark spots, discolorations, and dullness!

I don't know how I can ever go back to any other hair color after trying Garnier Olia and Color Sensation. (Well, I do like bold, bright colors sometimes too. So, when I want a bolder color, I may have to go back to some old favorites.) But, Garnier does offer some super rad shades like, garnet! I am never really 100% exclusive to any one brand in some things. Shampoo, skin care, make up, conditioner, hair color, but, I have favorites and brands I will never stray from and some that I switch from time to time. So far, Clearly Brighter has replaced a couple of products and the same with Garnier hair color. I use a couple of different brands for hair care, Garnier has been one for a long, long time. Now, with the new Whole Blends line, I would say that we are more than 50% Garnier when it comes to hair care.






I will be updating as I try new Garnier products and little by little, I am afraid that my enormous stash of skin care products might be condensed a bit because Garnier Skin Active and hopefully the Miracle Anti Fatigue, will be replacing some products very soon. I just have to find a way to try them all! I don't think I will ever break up with Garnier because, well, everything just smells so lovely and I really see this brand as one of the top brands on the market right now. I also think they are pretty original and have the latest and best creations. (Just like me!) So, it's kind of a whirlwind romance we have here ;) I can hear my husband now... "What is this?? A Garnier factory? Oh my God!" and I will just laugh and laugh and try every single invention these geniuses come up with!



Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Garnier Color Sensation Hair Color Review

** I received a box of Garnier Color Sensation hair color thanks to Crowdtap and Garnier, in return for my honest review. All opinions and statements are my own. **




I color my hair pretty often. A little less often now then when I was younger but, I don't really have the time to sit long enough or even bother starting the color process. So, I just save these times for special occasions anymore. My usually hair color routine tends to take a bit long, even though I  have short hair. When I opened Garnier Color Sensations, there was 1 sheet of instructions so, that's 1 side in English and half of that side with instructions for coloring and then the other side is for retouch. Literally, 3 usual steps without all of the jibberish and nonsense. Just simple instructions! and then I noticed that the wait time was 25 minutes! 







Quick and easy contents of my hair color box. The plastic gloves are on the instruction page. 





I figured I would use a burgundy towel for my Deep Burgundy shade! I just sort of gop it on and whoosh it around until my hair is completely saturated and this sometimes leaves a bit of a mess. If any color gets on my hand towel, lol, maybe I won't notice! (Update: After careful inspection, there are no stains on my towel!)







This is my icky brown and gray hair. I tried to get the better picture so you can see the difference so, I apologize that my hair is all over the place and not done as it usually is. (Yeah, when I have time to do it!)


So, now yuo got to see my hair when I let it go and just don't bother coloring or doing anything. (Not that I ever do a whole lot to my hair anyway!) I have a pretty simple, carefree style and I don't recall the last time I even brushed it! I just put hair paste or putty in my hair, whoosh it around, make it spiky and I'm all set! This does require a lot of texturizing and a lot of haircuts since my hair tends to grow extremely fast. Sometimes, I can't get to the salon for my usual 3 to 4 week haircut and my stick straight hair doesn't go where I want it to, so, I'm left with just hair that I can hold back with barrettes or small clips. (I am always in search of clips and barrettes so, if anybody knows of any cute ones, please comment and let me know!!)

Let the coloring begin!

I waited a few extra weeks to bother with color when I learned about this campaign through Crowdtap. I was literally freaking out but, managed to survive with this gray hair long enough for my box of Garnier Color Sensation hair color to arrive so I could quickly hide all of this!

Of course it didn't take much to figure out. If you have used one hair color kit, you have used them all, eh? Not so fast! Garnier Color Sensation is even more simplified and I swear, an insanely busy mom who doesn't even get to pee by herself, had to have written the instructions for this! It's all very easy: Put on your gloves. Open bottle A, open tube B, pour tube B into bottle A, mix, use immediately, saturate hair, leave on for 25 minutes, add water, make suds, rinse, add conditioner, rinse, dry. That's all we need to know, really. If you are a hair color instruction writer, please take note!

I did all of these things and I am sorta sloppy since I am always in a rush. Even when I don't necessarily have to be. But, us moms know that if we try to relax or sit down, somebody will need a snack, chocolate milk, help wiping a nose, or all of your kids will start fighting inside their Minecraft worlds! I have just learned over the years to always act and react like I am in a marathon and I am in first place and my life depends on me winning that race! So, this fast hair color preparation is a perfect fit for me!

I set the oven timer, since I live in the kitchen. (No really, I DO live in the kitchen.) I have a really cool office setup, thanks to my husband. 2 office desks, 2 desktop computers, a fancy light, flashy keyboard, mouse, the whole deal! But, if I sit down, all I hear is, "MOM! Blah blah hit me and blah blah fruit snacks, toast, cut my pizza, I spilled milk, I need scissors, STOP TAKING OVER MY WORLD!, I need help with the bathroom wipes and can you wipe my butt?" It's ridiculous to even think about sitting anywhere else but right here, in the middle of it all. I can keep my eye on everybody and everything and I can jump at the drop of a dime and make sure everybody has what they need out here. So, I have a mini office. Right here at the corner of the table. It has my laptop, lots of tablets, a binder, agendas, pens, paperwork from school, just everything I need in one section, all organized. (But so terribly annoying!) When do we get at least an hour of our lives back?

In the time you read the above paragraphs, your timer went off and you can grab a towel and start adding water to make those colorful suds appear! Oh, I do have to mention how much of a difference Garnier Color Sensation hair color's scent is, when compared to well, almost every other hair color I have ever used! There are no itchy, watery, burning eyes. No dyed nails because your scalp itches from time to time and you didn't think to grab an extra pair of gloves. It is just a light, pleasant scent. It doesn't even feel like you have hair color in! (It is indeed, recommended to check for allergic reactions, stains, and all of those other things that suck.) Just be sure to test everything out before jumping in!

I used the burgundy towel just in case it stained everything, which it didn't! I also used the kitchen sink, (my home.) and the big, purple, blobs in the sink just wiped away instantly. Really though, I draped the towel around me figuring some would start dripping out of my short hair. (I tend to dump the whole bottle of color in my short hair, just so I don't waste it!) But, it didn't drip. The only thing that sort of, kind of annoyed me, was that somehow, my fingernails were dyed along with my hair. I will take some of the blame for this, however, I have seen better gloves in hair color kits. Maybe Garnier will work on this? Maybe it's just me? I don't know. I did check for any slits, holes, anything but, alas, they were still intact at the end. I guess a good idea would be to invest in a box of your own back up gloves anyway. I should do this and I often think of it because I have a few brands I use and 1 brand in particular, has almost invisible gloves that are already coming apart when I open the box and once your hand is inside, it comes straight out the other end! (No, not Garnier and yes, this comes from a well known brand.)

The gloves are my only "negative" experience with Garnier Color Sensation hair color kits. Everything else was on par with being a classy hair color kit that is especially great for busy people, mom or not.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Onto my results!! 

I tried to make my hair as messy as before so that you could see that Garnier held up to their word. 100% GRAY COVERAGE! Yes, indeed, it IS 100% gray coverage. I have since went for a haircut and my hairdresser will vouch for this. She adores this color and was pretty surprised that this came from a box that anybody can buy! (I think she may end up trying this herself by the way she was talking!) 



I had a couple of issues with my cell phone over the past week and I lost a lot of pictures and I will update as soon as my apps are done updating in my replacement phone I just received. I am annoyed that these SIM cards don't seem to do much of anything when I thought that my pictures that didn't make it to my cloud before my phone turned off and never started back up. But, hopefully you can see the difference in this photo! 

Have you used Garnier Color Sensation hair color? What shade would you suggest? 

Sunday, January 17, 2016

O'Keeffe's Working Hands

** I received a free product from Smiley360 and O'Keeffe's in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own. **





I have always had an issue with dry skin. Especially my hands and feet! Since being diagnosed with RSD Type 1 and 2, I have experienced some of the most terrible and most sensitive and dry skin I have ever had experience with. RSD does affect your bones, muscle, skin, etc, so, while I understand why I have such an issue, I don't get why so many products I have tried in the past, don't seem to help as much.

I am also a mom and even though I am no longer working at the bar (due to my disability, unfortunately, I had to stop working last March.), I am still scrubbing, washing, handling cold, wet laundry, giving bubble baths, assisting with showers, and since I love super hot water, my skin seems to be even worse then before! (I find that hot water provides much needed relief from several different pain layers, so, giving this up is definitely not an option.) You will find several hand creams and foot creams, throughout my house and truck! I have them on my bathroom shelf, my purse/backpack, my center console, my computer desk, a shelf in my kitchen, and in my PJ drawer. I sometimes wonder if some of these brands are made to dry your hands and feet out even more, so that you keep using bigger gobs and buying more!



See? The color matches perfectly with my wallets and purse!

The first thing I noticed about O'Keeffe's Working Hands, is the cool green color and the easy to use and open container. (Having to unscrew and open tight lids when you have dry hands is not only painful, but also sometimes causes your skin to crack even more!) I love how they fit in several different places, they are the perfect size! Not to mention, they stack quite nicely!

The local pharmacy sells both the hand cream and foot cream and at a very sweet price! Which is great! Because, I have been stocking up and using both of these religiously! Even without my smalltown pharmacy and their deals on O'Keeffe's Working Hands and Healthy Feet, I can find them at several locations and also at a reasonable price. My husband is a truck driver and often talks about how he hears truck drivers talk about how awesome O'Keeffe's Working Hands is and how he sees them being sold at every truck stop he has ever been in. Which is why I used to just assume that this brand was geared more towards truck drivers, construction crews, mechanics, factory workers and people who work outdoors. It really never occurred to me, that they would be especially useful for busy moms! (But, they are! I promise!)

While this isn't a cure all, miracle cream, it will certainly help hydrate and help by putting up a barrier to keep water from hurting your skin even more. Any little bit helps and the fact that Working Hands helps with their fancy barrier, makes perfect sense! I also enjoy learning about how this product works, and the fact that they don't have claims like, "Oh, this is a cure all!" BLAH BLAH! Nope, just honest and reasonable and this, my friends, is what I personally look for in a brand :) O'Keeffe's Keepin it real!

One more cool thing about O'Keeffe's, if you find them on social media, you just may have a chance at winning 1 of 5 O'Keeffe's prizes, every Friday! Ok, I'll give you a few clues as to where to find them :)

You can follow them on Facebook....
Twitter
and Instagram!



Wednesday, October 28, 2015

My First Retinol Experience

** I received a free sample from ROC via Crowdtap, in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own. **


I have so many skin care products and so much make up, it is literally starting to take up way to much space in my soon to be, new home office. I schedule products to try so I don't get things mixed up and also cause any sort of dilemma between 2 separate brands or types of products and then I have 2 fairly large bins. One bin is for, things I don't want and when I acquire more of it, I will give it away. The other, is my stock up of products I love and can not live without! (Trust me, there are a lot of these lol!)


This is the bottom shelf of my little cabinet in the bathroom where I put my most used and most fabulous products that I absolutely just have to have! This is different then the bins and although there is a cute, little cabinet directly above this shelf, yes, it's completely filled with so many things. Mostly, Lowen's Skin Care, samples and full size products I found on Revescent and a bunch of mismatched products that have proven to work, and work very well. I think of the shelf part of this cabinet as a "Star of the Week" remember having that when you were a kid in school? Or maybe your children have this fun week when everything is about them and they get to bring in their most prized possessions. 

When a beauty product gets put on this shelf, I will relentlessly read everything there is to read during their special time when they get to pop out from behind the doors above and hang out with my all time favorite, Paris Hilton perfume. (Yes, I am a fan and I still have her books on my, "want list" and yes, I will defend her to the bitter end!) Really though, I use Paris Hilton's perfumes regularly and this one is used so often it is just always there for quick and easy access. 

I don't know if it's just me but the word, "retinol" tends to remind me of a chemical peel that burns and peels and turns my face bright red for several days. I admit, I was a worried and didn't use my RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, right away. I started reading as much as I could and found a lot of reviews on both sides. For the most part, I found excellent reviews along with some do's and don't's. I ended up keeping some notes in my notebook just so I didn't forget anything. The most important tip to me was the fact that retinol will increase sensitivity to the sun. I already slather sunscreen on my face, neck, and hands, year round. How could I apply even more?? (So far, I didn't increase my sunscreen usage. I guess maybe I already use enough to protect my skin!) 

Ok, so about Retinol. 

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A. It is the #1 most recommended cosmetic age fighting ingredient, by dermatologists. Retinol works to unclog pores, boost collagen to reduce fine lines and speed cell turnover to even out discolorations and smooth your skin. 

** Sunburn Alert ** 
RoC Deep Wrinkle Cream contains an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. 

More text on the product itself: 
You may experience mild tingling or redness during use. This is normal and should be temporary until your skin adjusts. 

Ok, that doesn't seem as scary as I thought. After another day of checking websites and reviews posted on other websites. Not just on the RoC website. I found similar information and then I just jumped right in!

I tried RoC's Deep Wrinkle Night Cream for a few weeks and yes, I am content and excited for the near future with this product. I can not honestly say that I noticed a HUGE difference in wrinkles, but, again, it has only been a couple of weeks. What have I noticed so far?

I noticed that yes, yes, indeed I will experience tingling and redness, but only for a couple of days, I had not 1 reaction that I would consider moderate or severe and the tingling doesn't last long at all. Just a few minutes for me. I also realized that while I may not have noticed a bunch of wrinkles disappearing overnight, I did notice a slight improvement during the first week with my skin tone. It does appear to be more even and smoother but again, it is taking time, but I did expect that!

I paired this wrinkle cream up with RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum. This product notes that after 12 weeks of use, deep wrinkles are visibly reduced. After 4 weeks, skin is more radiant, fine lines are smoothed and skin firmness is improved. 8 weeks, you should see: crow's feet are visibly reduced, and discoloration is diminished.

I will come back to update after my 4, 8, or 12 week mark and let you know of my progress! I should be documenting this with photos so maybe, I should take a break, come back and document everything from the beginning!

But, I can tell you that Retinol is NOT scary. Maybe if you have super sensitive skin even though, I do have sensitive skin but it isn't as bad as some I am sure. I like the way my skin feels after using these products. Not to tight, not itchy, not greasy, but just right. Again, I haven't been using RoC long enough to say, "OMG YES! My wrinkles disappeared! Woohoo!!" But, I do know that I am keeping these products in my arsenal.

Do you use Retinol? I would love to read your comments, suggestions, tips, experiences!
One thing I learned was that it's best to add just one Retinol product during the day, along with a product with SPF protection. Choose a serum or night cream with Retinol for nighttime when your skin is in repair mode.


Friday, October 16, 2015

Halloween Kits From e.l.f Cosmetics Just $5 PLUS A Free Gift

** This post contains affiliate links and I will receive a small percentage if you choose to make a purchase with our affiliate. If you do not feel comfortable doing so, you can simply go directly to their website! I appreciate every amount no matter how small, as it helps us to stay online! **



e.l.f Cosmetics has some of my favorite beauty products around! I especially love their free gifts, deals, and promos and no, they don't skimp when it comes to freebies! They also have some of the most super sales available when it comes to beauty products!

e.l.f Cosmetics is offering a FREE Mystery Gift with a $15 purchase and you can check out some of the cutest Halloween ideas for your parties, trick or treat and even if you aren't planning on dressing up, you have to see what is included in these sets!! They were originally $10 but now are half off and include quite a few items that make these very well worth the money!

Score one of five top-rated favorites for FREE with any $15 purchase! Offer valid 10/13-10/19 with promocode MYSTERY


e.l.f. Halloween Kits just $5! Get boo-tiful at scary-good savings! For a limited time only our Halloween kits are just $5 ($8 - $12 value). Offer Valid 10/9-10/19.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Scavenger Hunt Giveaway!!

This week we will be focusing on a totally rad website, Revescent.com.
 I met up with this small business owner a few months ago, on Twitter and have been just loving her products and her business! (Not to mention, she is a very cool online friend to have too!)
 I know most of my readers are aware of how important it is to use beauty products that are toxin free, free of chemicals and other icky stuff that we wouldn't want to put on our skin, our children's skin or inside our bodies! Well, I am constantly online reading, checking out new products, researching and of course, shopping ;)
 I came across Revescent and instantly was in heaven!! Revescent offers a wide variety of products for baby skin, grown up skin, wellness products, bath products, men's products, nail products, fragrance, nail polish, it's like a beauty product addict's dream come true!! You can find the best of the best all natural, organic luxury products on the market and she is always adding new stuff! Another cool thing about, Revescent, is you can often find her on Twitter and she always responds to any questions or concerns you may have. That is one of the main reasons I would recommend this website to everybody and anybody who loves to try new products.
 I usually "grade" brands and small business and of course, customer service is always important. But I am always a sucker for a smaller business who mans the ship on their own or with a small amount of people. If they engage on social media, reply to comments, tweets and messages and they post or tweet often, that shows they truly care about their customers and I really don't know how you could find any better then that. I mean, it's seriously like having a personal shopper or beauty expert, at your fingertips!
 Now, I freak out over some goofy, nerdy things sometimes and little things seem to grab my attention and hold my interest. (I'm talking serious nerd. Lol!) However, I am certain you will find why a business such as, Revescent and all of the brands she offers, is so valuable.
 I'm sure you have heard of or seen or received one of those cool subscription boxes that you can subscribe to each month? (I am a mega box addict but I have seen lots of people online who are more hardcore about these things than I am lol!)
 If you don't know what I'm talking about, there are several crates, boxes, swagboxes, bags even, all kinds of goodies you can subscribe to that cater to a specific shopper or genre of shopping. I am an avid subscriber of beauty boxes, all natural food and snack boxes, craft boxes, tinker crates, nerd boxes, meal boxes, fruit boxes, it's almost insane how many of these come each month! (Yes, I share with my kids! Actually, at least half of them are for my kids!)
 There are many reasons why I love receiving these boxes each month. Mainly, to try new products and to stay in the "know"! We don't get out and about to often, due to my disability and to where we live. (Nowhereville), so, it is an extra bonus for all of us! It's like, Christmas, every month and I love how excited the kids get when they see their boxes arrived.
I can't even begin to list all of the amazing brands and products we were so lucky to come across, but, I do list them and tweet them and go absolutely crazy over them through social media... OK, that's actually a whole other post ;)
The point I was trying to get at with these boxes and Revescent, is that if you subscribe to any beauty boxes, you probably received a box or 2 or more that included a product or 2 or more... that made you roll your eyes or say, "Ummmmmm" and maybe it ended up being given away, (which is a nice gesture!), donated, (again, awesome gesture! I like to donate items like this, even though I know food and things like, toilet paper, soap, shampoo, etc are top priority, I just know when you are down and out, sometimes a few tiny things may make you smile and boost confidence.)
 I can almost hear you say, "OK! What is the point??" Sorry, I have a tendency to go off and off again and again. But, here's the thing. You can create your own, personal beauty box on Revescent, by choosing samples and trial sizes and guess what? They offer FREE shipping for sample orders!
 You can choose from a pile, yes, I do mean a pile of samples from some of the most gorgeous colors, shades, scents, bubbles, cleansing oils, washes, tiny mascaras, lipsticks, even bags of body glitter, shimmer! I promise you will be here forever, trying to decide what to get!
 The best part is, you can buy samples and create your own box and not worry about products that you won't use, no repeat products, (unless you want them!) and again it ships for free!
 I pointed these things out to Revescent, on Twitter one night and it was so cool because she mentioned a favorite customer of hers who simply orders samples all of the time and she comes back and just grabs more samples. What an awesome idea! You get to try all of these things out and anything new and you never have to wear the same shade after that order or you can add it to your regular pile, the choice is yours! Who doesn't like that kind of freedom??
 Onto the giveaway!!
 The winner of this giveaway will be receiving a gift card code for Graze.com. The gift code will be emailed to the winner after the winner responds to the winning notification email. (I am hoping to stock up on more products in the very near future and I will be giving out a prize from her site as well! This was kind of a last minute thrown together thing and in return for all of her hard work, kindness and effort and excellent way she runs her business, I wanted to help out and spread the word a bit!)
 So, be on the lookout for this because I am working on something very cool, very soon! In the meantime, please, enter our scavenger hunt and try to win 4 boxes from, Graze! (Yes, I subscribe there too lol!) They are a wonderful company also and I thought this prize was a perfect fit for a perfect business!

** If you are already a Graze.com member, no problem ;) I will Paypal the money to cover 4 boxes of your membership or you can choose a $50 Restaurant.com gift card!! **



 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Age Defying Retinol Serum by InstaNatural Review

This was the 2nd product I received for my 2nd review opportunity with, InstaNatural! Age Defying Retinol Serum. The first thing I noticed about this product was the amazingly pretty scent! I would actually wear this as perfume if I could. But, since it is a serum, I get to smell it all day long! (Yes, it actually lasts and is definitely not overpowering. It is just a very light and lovely scent.)
Ok, so, I was a bit worried about using 2 retinol products and I was wondering if they could be used together so, I decided that since retinol itself will make your skin more sensitive to the sun, I decided I would use 1 or the other. That way, I don't have to worry as much and I am still benefiting from both the retinol moisturizer and the serum. I started using the serum at night, however, I like to switch it up a bit and use it during the day. (I just can't get over how good this stuff smells!) Although, using the serum at night is also pleasant because it is a wonderful scent to fall asleep too!
This serum is so dreamy! It is a bit different than other serums I have tried in the past. Mainly because of, again, the scent. But also, the price on the Age Defying Retinol Serum is only $23.75 for an ounce! (It should cost just a little more if you ask me. ) But, like a lot of InstaNatural prices, this one is very reasonable and easy to fit any budget. It's nice because this product beats most department store brands and other similar lines and it is literally, a fraction of the price. Plus, you are getting a top quality, expensive product. (At least in my book!)
The key ingredients will probably make you want to add, Age Defying Retinol Serum, to your list of, "Things I want to try asap!" items ;)

 2.5 Retinol
20% Vitamin C
10% Hyaluronic Acid
Fruit & Plant Acids

and wait, that isn't all!
There is also: pink grapefruit essential oil, dandelion, horsetail, organic jojoba oil, Willowbark and wildcrafted green tea!
I just love being able to get such super ingredients in a product!
I make some of my own beauty products but I wouldn't know where to find the ingredients in this serum to go and buy to make on my own, (I'll just stick with InstaNatural on this serum!)
 Did I notice a difference? Not a whole lot just yet, but again, it is has only been a week that I have been using it and I can say that together with the Retinol Moisturizer, I definitely have noticed a change in skin tone and my skin feels much softer and plumper. I am very fair skinned and I have see through skin, lol! I often joke that I look like a ghost and I always have bruises somewhere but I never know where exactly they came from. That being said, I am more prone to discolorations and fine lines. But, I don't have a lot of either, (yet.) But, what I do have, I wouldn't mind getting rid of completely, or at least next best, help to redefine my skin and make it more firm, even and plumper.
One of my favorite ingredients that is found in Age Defying Retinol Serum is vitamin C. Vitamin C actually helps reverse the signs of aging which is something I am grateful for and I actually have noticed results with in the past.

Have you tried this luxurious product? What did you think?
One of my most favorite bonuses about this company is the personalized customer service you receive when you do make a purchase. (Even if it's on Amazon!) They will email you and explain how to use your new product, give some tips, suggestions and even offer to answer any questions you may have! (I will always go for a brand who actively tries to establish a relationship with their customers!)

** I received a free sample from InstaNatural, through, Brandbacker in return for my honest review. All statements and opinions are my own. Receiving a free sample or product does not change my opinions or views. ** - See more at: http://www.busymommylist.com/2014/12/instanatural-retinol-moisturizer-with.html#sthash.sZW1Ug7V.dpuf

** I received a free sample from InstaNatural, through, Brandbacker, in return for my honest review. All statements and opinions are my own. Receiving a free sample or product does not change my opinions or views. **
** I received a free sample from InstaNatural, through, Brandbacker in return for my honest review. All statements and opinions are my own. Receiving a free sample or product does not change my opinions or views. ** - See more at: http://www.busymommylist.com/2014/12/instanatural-retinol-moisturizer-with.html#sthash.sZW1Ug7V.dpuf

InstaNatural Retinol Moisturizer with Vitamin C Review

I considered myself quite the lucky girl to be accepted for yet another, InstaNatural review opportunity, thanks to, Brandbacker. I applied for a few of them and was accepted for each one, so far. (Fingers crossed!)
You may have read my previous review of a couple very cool InstaNatural products. (Youth Express Eye Serum....) I am still using those products, by the way and I have actually noticed even more positive results with them so, I will be sticking with them for the time being! 
I received a package from InstaNatural with a couple new goodies and I rushed right to the bathroom to wash my face and try them out!
The Retinol Moisturizer with Vitamin C is to be used twice per day, Once during the day and once at night. Since it is a retinol product, they do suggesy using a sunscreen afterwards, because retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you already have sensitive skin, you should probably use this product only once, at night.
This formula was very easy to use, (InstaNatural has the coolest, handiest pump contraption and it works perfectly!) The moisturizer goes on very smoothly and doesn't have an overpowering scent and doesn't feel sticky or make my skin burn like I had first thought it might. (because of the retinol.)
A small amount goes a long way. Which is another reason I love these products so much. You truly only need a tiny dab and for the extremely reasonable price, this 3.4oz bottle could last you quite a long time. ($23.75 a bottle!)
I am actually shocked at the prices of their products, since most lines I have used that have similar products, seem to cost a bit more and also have much smaller sizes.
I receive lots of samples and products, between monthly subscriptions to review opportunities and free gifts with purchase items and most other retinol products I have tried in the past, tend to leave a sticky, sometimes tight feeling on my skin. Even though they say it can be worn under make up, I usually end up waiting a bit and washing it back off or just using it at night because I don't like the feeling it leaves! (Especially under make up!)
I was surprised because this product did not have that same feeling. As long as you apply with a circular and upward motion, it actually feels quite nice! (There is a slight tingly feeling and a feeling that it will almost start feeling tight but that goes away fairly quick.)
What is retinol?
Retinol is a very powerful antioxidant derived from vitamin A. It is the safest, strongest and most trusted ingredients for anti aging skincare products. Retinol, converts into, Retinoic Acid, once it is absorbed into your skin. Retinoic Acid starts working immediately, to help restore your skin and helps to reduce the signs of aging and sun damage. Sounds like a miracle, eh?
I am 40 and a grandmother of 2, with 3 small children still at home, lol! So, I will try anything and everything at least once! But, if it has a secret power like this stuff does, I will use it and slather it on my skin as often as recommended!
Oh, by the way, that slight tingling and tightness I mentioned above? It was gone within the short time it took to read the last paragraph!
My makeup glides on perfectly with this underneath and although I have not been using it for to long yet, (it's only been a week.), my skin does feel tighter and more refined.
Oh! That's right! I almost forgot to share the special, key ingredients with you!
I was thrilled enough with the ingredients in the last batch of InstaNatural products I tried and the same thing goes for the Retinol Moisturizer with Vitamin C.
The key ingredients are:
2.5% Retinol
Vitamin C
Hyaluronic Acid
Jojoba Oil
Shea Butter
Green Tea


What do you think?
Have you tried this product out yet?
If not and if you haven't tried any InstaNatural products, head over to their site and sign up to become a club member! You will be treated like a superstar and receive a discount! (Hurry though, because it is only offered to a limited amount of people!)


** I received a free sample from InstaNatural, through, Brandbacker in return for my honest review. All statements and opinions are my own. Receiving a free sample or product does not change my opinions or views. **


Saturday, December 20, 2014

Busymommylist Scavenger Hunt Giveaway!!

Here is the first week of our month long scavenger hunt!!
You are going to want to enter and stay tuned for a new giveaway each week!!
This will be a regular scavenger hunt on my blog and networks and we are hoping to gather some super sweet sponsors for upcoming scavenger hunts!
If you are an author, a brand, a small business, even a big business, and you would like information on what we can help your brand, book or service with, please email me at: busymommylist@yahoo.com
More details to come under a new tab in just a few days ;)

This week's prize is for a totally rad collection of some of my favorite beauty product brands!
You can find the picture in the giveaway app below and you'll be able to enter each day for a chance to win!
Check back for more exciting scavenger hunts each week!!


GOOD LUCK!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

InstaNatural Youth Express Eye Gel and Youth Express Eye Serum Review

I'm a sucker for beauty products, most of my friends and long time readers already know this. I could fill a store with what I have in stock and I just keep searching, trying and sampling new products all the time.
I always keep the ones I love the most and sometimes I have a few of each product type and have to swap them out from time to time! (Just because I could never part with them and something else seems to always come around!) I have always been this way, addicted to beauty products, although, since I became a grandma, I started to really start with night creams, serums, eye serums, anything I could find that fit my criteria.
I almost forgot to mention my specific criteria:
1) The product has to work. (Of course, I mean, who wouldn't want that as their rule?) It doesn't have to be an instant gratification, but somewhere between the lines of a few days to at least a couple weeks to show some sort of improvement would be nice!
2) The product has got to be as natural, organic and as non toxic as it can be, Now, I do let this slide sometimes for old favorites and some new favorites, I must admit. However, those have to be next to minimal and they also probably won't fit my #1 slot or even my #2 slot. Meaning, they will get traded much less through my trading cycle and they may not make it into the bathroom drawer, cabinet or closet.
3) It has to be well worth it's price. This isn't to much to ask for, is it? I mean, after all, who wants to pay 3 times the price for an ounce of something? Well, maybe that would be ok but that must be absolute instant improvements in something, like, "Completely vanishes fine lines within the blink of an eye!" If that were the case, I would be first in line.
That's it! That doesn't seem so bad!
Sure, samples are nice to try first but not totally necessary. I don't mind buying a product to try it out. But, if I find a sample or trial size in one of my beauty subscription boxes, I will always pick those products first before any others that I didn't receive a sample of.
Naturally, I was delighted when I received an email about a brand called, InstaNatural. I recently signed up with, Brandbacker, which is a really cool place for social media junkies and bloggers to go to find opportunities with brands!
InstaNatural had a few products available and I applied for all of them because they all just sounded much to tempting! I set my emails on alert and being the already hyperactive person that I am, I started checking out their social networks, website, other products, Amazon listings and other reviews and crossed my fingers with hopes to get approved.
Sure enough, I did, (Yay me!) So, I said, "Thank you so much! I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with you!"
See, that's one neat thing about websites like Brandbacker. I can apply for what I want to try and that makes the whole review process go much smoother!
The brand rep was very gracious through all communication and after a few days, I was given the go ahead that my samples were on the way. OOOOPS! Did I say samples? I meant to say, FULL SIZE PRODUCTS! Yep, that is how rad this whole transaction was.
Shortly after receiving word that my InstaNatural Eye Gel and Eye Serum were on their way to their new, loving home, I received 2 emails from InstaNatural. At first, I just assumed they were just more confirmations.... but no! They were such sweet emails, informing me all about my new products and how to use them. (This was a first. I haven't ever received any thank you, by the way, here is who we are, here is what you are receiving and here is how you use it, emails before.) Yes, that was a big hit in my book! (The best part of these emails of tips and hints and just pure class, was the part that said that if I had ANY issues at all with my products to just reply to the email and they would personally get back to me within 24 hours!) How is that for royal service? I have yet to be treated like this by any brand or business, even the ones I do regular business with!
While I waited for my package to arrive, I went back on their website, read some of their tweets, tweeted them and tried to learn more about this fabulous company who just took the time to personally acknowledge me and introduce themselves.
Here are just some of what really stuck out to me:
On their "About" page, they discuss how they were formed, what their mission is and how they came to be. They use premium organic and natural ingredients and they do NOT use harmful alcohols, parabens or sulfates.
At the very bottom of the page, they state their mission from the founder. "..... Our mission is to treat you as if you're our only customer!" Well, so far, that is how I felt and that is awesome!
Insta Natural doesn't just do eye gels and serums, they have products for every single nook and cranny. A few online shoppers dreams come true... free shipping on all standard orders! 100% Lifetime Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee! There is also a club where you can get an instant 15% off everything coupon delivered to your inbox, exclusive sales and access to the VIP club. (It is limited to the first 500 people and I signed up so, hurry and sign up!)
The day came, (it was super fast, like 2 days!) and my package arrived! My mail comes pretty early in the morning so I was able to rip these babies right out and use them right away! I double checked my emails again and made sure to follow their suggestions and I started with the Youth Express Eye Gel.
Here are the key ingredients in Youth Express Eye Gel :
 Hyaluronic Acid
Plant Stem Cells
Amino Acid Complex
Peptide Complex
Matrixyl 3000

This is a nice size, by the way. 1,7 oz and comes in a very handy pump. (The pump works great. Very strong and well put together.) I don't see this pump or bottle busting on me, even if it slips and smacks against the wall or hits a porcelain sink!
I don't even know where to begin with how amazing this product is!
First, it is a lovely gel, it was a bit chilly, I guess due to the ride it took on the way to my house in Pennsylvania, where it is bitter cold! But, I think it works lovely this way! I would rather it was chilled. It has kept it's "coolness" since it's been here, so, I think it is to be this way, (I will put in the fridge if necessary during the warmer months.)
It feels wonderful and is easy to apply. No sticky feeling, (which I expected since I have had that with other eye gels). It was just perfect. Very light, refreshing and smooth. It has a very light, pleasing scent and a neat, tingling feeling that actually made me feel like it was working already! You can also use this for your entire face, which I have since and OMG, it is just super! I think I would bathe in this stuff and feel like I'm 20 again!
You can use this morning and night and the directions say to dab gently to your eye area, forehead and cheek area. This product helps with with dark circles, wrinkles, puffiness and sagging skin. This blend of powerful ingredients increases elasticity and enhances the tone of your skin to provide a firm, plump appearance. Have I noticed a difference? Well, I have had it for a week and it does say to give it 8 weeks, (which I will! Probably another 8 years and then another and another!) But, truthfully, I have noticed a difference in softness. Now, I don't know for sure if that is just me but that's all that matters, right? I can say that I have high hopes for this product long term and I believe, without a doubt, that they will deliver. (InstaNatural Youth Express Eye Gel is in my bathroom cabinet, meaning, TOP priority!)
Next up by InstaNatural, I tried Youth Express Eye Serum.
Here are the key ingredients in this little bottle of gold:
Vitamin C
Plant Stem Cells
Astaxanthin
Kojic Acid
Passionflower
Caffeine
Hyaluronic Acid

Ok, I thought they outdid themselves with the Youth Express Eye Gel and then there was this pleasantly scented, pretty orange, non sticky, gorgeous feeling, heaven scent serum!
It smells so beautiful, I would use this for perfume but I wouldn't want to waste it!! One thing I've noticed over the years is, it is very hard to find any serums for your eyes or face, that aren't sticky and don't have either no smell at all or a strange, bland, kind of old kind of smell. I don't know why but I kind of like things that have at least a tiny bit of scent. (I'm guessing it's the passionflower.)
Directions for this serious goodness:
Apply a small amount of serum to your fingertips and gently press the serum under each eye from the inner corner to outer corner. Use rolling motions of your fingers to press the serum into your skin. Allow to dry. Can be used daily (morning & night) and under makeup. Follow with a moisturizer.
InstaNatural Youth Express Eye Serum, comes in a 1 oz bottle with a dropper, again, just like the pump, this is one of the best serum droppers and bottles I ever came across. Maybe I am a bit dorky for judging bottles, tubes, tins, jars but I like the kind that are made to last. Not the flimsy things that end up breaking, only to waste product or make me go out and turn into Macgyver  and find some crazy way to use toothpicks, cotton swabs and safety pins to scoop out some overpriced serum that they put in a cheaply made bottle! No, this is just really a phenomenal product all around.
It glides on nice, feels nice and like the gel, you can feel it working.
Have I noticed a difference? Well, again, it has been a week but I have confidence and this product is also in my bathroom cabinet. (#1)
Youth Express Eye Serum will deliver exceptional results to the under eye area, resulting in a decreased appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles and puffiness.
What else is nice, is the price. Now, I didn't pay for these since I am reviewing these 2 fine products. But, I would and will be buying again.
The Youth Express Eye Serum is only $23.97 for 1 oz.
The Youth Express Eye Gel is $19.97 for 1.7 oz.
I have paid much more than that for eye serums and gels before and I assure you, I have not received the personal treatment from any other brand nor have I found an unsticky, "unicky", well made bottle, pump, dropper and pretty scented eye product like this before.
Would I recommend these products to you? Yes!


I would love to hear from you! Have you ever tried, InstaNatural products before? these are my first and definitely won't be the last! I am anxious to try more of their products! 

** I received samples of these products from InstaNatural through Brandbacker in return for my honest review. All words, thoughts and my review are all my own and my own opinion. **




 ** SCAVENGER HUNT WORD **

The word for your entry in this week's scavenger hunt is: adorable