RedBook October Beauty Box Review

This month, as a contributor of Redbook magazine's network, I am reviewing a few new beauty products. The products include Big Sexy Hair Power Play Lite Soft Voluminizing & Texturizing Powder, Mary Kay Clear Proof Deep-Cleansing Charcoal Mask, Curel Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer, Finishing Touch Flawless Hair Remover, and MegRhythm Gentle Steam Eye Mask. 

Mary Kay: Clear Proof Deep-Cleansing Charcoal Mask

My review

This was my first time using a charcoal mask ever and I really liked it! This triple-action mask is formulated with activated charcoal, an ingredient that can bind up to double it's weight in pore-clogging impurities. Plus, mineral clay ingredients, kaolin and bentonite, boost the mask's absorbency. I love how the mask soaked up excess oil and gave a smooth matte appearance. Also the mask contains honeysuckle and navy bean extracts which have been shown to target the appearance of skin discoloration. I only used it once but I think this is something I would definitely use more regularly. 

Features

-Activated charcoal acts like a magnet to unclog pores

-Formula is clinically shown to instantly absorb excess oil and reduce shine 

-Extracts of rosemary and peppermint deliver a fresh scent 

-Gentle cooling sensation as you smooth the formula across your skin 

Curel: Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer

My review

Ever since I can remember I have been in the habit of moisturizing my body after a shower. And over the years I have tried a variety of moisturizers. But lately I have been using Cetaphil moisturizing cream (the one in a big tub) and I love it. So when I tried Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer by Curel I was a little skeptical to change things up. But I actually really like it! And what I love most is that it has no fragrance at all and it completely absorbs into my skin without any greasiness. I definitely recommend this moisturizer-especially for the winter months. 

Features

-Water activated moisture works deep into skin's surface

-Helps repair moisture barrier; contains proprietary Advanced Ceramide Complex

-Immediately absorbs and completely greaseless

-Skin feels more hydrated instantly

-Fragrance free and Dermatologist recommended 

-Received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance 

Finishing Touch: Finishing Touch Flawless

My review

So actually I had seen an article about this product being a top seller on Amazon and I had already purchased it.  I love the way the product looks super discreet and it's also perfect to keep in your purse. I have many occasions when I get in the car and I see a stray hair on my chin or on my upper lip but with Finishing Touch Flawless you can easily take care of this instantly and without pain. This product has the same benefits of shaving but is better for smaller areas and it also works nicely for peach fuzz.  This would really make a great stocking stuffer and pretty sure I will be stocking up on these for the lovely ladies in my family. 

Features

-No need for hair to grow out-can use everyday

-Instant and painless, no redness and irritation

-Safe for all skin types and tones

-Dermatologist approved 

  

MEGRHYTHM: Gentle Steam Eye Mask (available exclusively at Amazon!)

My review

Ariyana and I both tried this the other night and I see why it's selling so well on Amazon. This eye mask is relaxing and relieves tired eyes and best of all it feels calming and warm. The one I had had a lovely lavender scent as well.  Just brew a nice cup of chamomile tea (or a glass of wine), put on some chill tunes, and throw on this mask for a super relaxing bedtime ritual. 

Features

-This eye mask utilizes advanced self-heating technology to heighten relaxation and relieve tired eyes with the warm and soothing sensation of steam heat. 

-Steam heat moistens and relaxes tired eyes while hydrating surrounding skin

-Available in three soothing scents: Lavender, Citrus, and Unscented

-Perfect for use during travel, at the office or before bed

SEXY HAIR: Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Lite Soft Volumizing & Texturizing Powder

I use dry power on a regular basis between washes but Sexy Hair is a little different. It feels a little heavier than dry powder and it's used more for volumizing. The other day I put my hair up in a ponytail and I used the this product to help lift and add some volume to my ponytail.  It evenly mists powder in a cloudlike spray and provides soft volume and texture in an instant. Sexy Hair is lightweight, talc free, and can be used on dark hair colors like mine.

I prefer the texture of dry powder and this feels a bit heavier but I guess if you're looking to add volume the product needs to be a bit heavy.  This is not something I would use regularly but I think I need to play around with it more. I would love to hear your thoughts if you've tried this product or other volumizing and texturing products. 

How To Use:

-Pump on dry hair directly at the root and/or throughout the hair for soft and lightweight volume and texture

This post was sponsored by RedBook and all opinions are my own.   

How To Care For Sweaters I Banana Republic

It is starting to feel like winter today in Washington D.C. and as I begin to wear more of my wool and cashmere sweaters I am finding that some of them need a little TLC. I have teamed up with Banana Republic to share my top 5 style tips for caring for your sweaters this winter season. 

1. Hand wash sweaters when needed.  I usually throw my sweaters in the washing machine on a delicate low spin cycle and I use warm water with a gentle soap. But to be honest it's probably best to hand wash them in a sink if you can. (I am just too lazy!) After washing never wring sweaters because doing so will cause the sweaters to lose their shape. Also to mainstain the shape of sweaters sure always lay them flat to dry and never hang them up on the drying rack. Once my sweaters are dry I like to either run a steamer on them or toss them in the dryer on very low heat for 2-3 minutes. It helps to soften and fluff them up a bit.

2. Steam sweaters between washes. One of the easiest ways to care for your sweaters between washes is to steam them. A steamer is more gentle than an iron and it is convenient and produces great results. I have this handheld steamer and LOVE IT.  Not only does a steamer remove wrinkles but it works great to freshen up and restore the shape of sweaters as well. 

3. Properly store sweaters by folding them. It's best to fold sweaters instead of hanging them so that they maintain their shape and don't stretch. But having said that I hang all my sweaters with these plastic hangers. I tend to hang mine only because I have more hanging space vs. drawer space.  But for cashmere or delicate sweaters I always fold them and put them in drawers. 

4. Use a de-pilling and de-fuzzing comb. Pilling is common with sweaters and it is caused by rubbing during wear. Pilling is most apparent under the armpits and elbows but I have seen it happen all over my sweaters. Try an inexpensive comb like this one to de-pill and de-fuzz sweaters. Also as soon as you see pilling, lint, or fuzz you should remove them-don't let this build up. Also if you get holes in your sweaters it's best to take it to a seamstress to be repaired. This happened to me with my favorite cashmere cardigan and luckily I was able to fix the hole and the sweater is as good as new. 

5. Wear a base-layer under your sweaters. Unless the sweater is fitted and tight I usually wear a tank or long sleeve tee (like this one) under my sweaters. The idea here is that the tank touches your skin and creates a barrier between your skin and the sweater. The barrier will prolong the life of your sweater because the sweater isn't coming into contact with your body oils, sweat, and odors. Also some wool and mohair sweaters are itchy and wearing a layer in between helps reduce itching and discomfort. 

Feather Trim Cardigan
 

SHOP MY FAVORITE SWEATERS FROM BANANA REPUBLIC 

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 Thanks to Banana Republic for sponsoring this post. Photos by Tamzin Smith

Redbook Beauty Box Review

This month, as a contributor of the Redbook network, I am reviewing a few new beauty products. The products include the Dove Dry Oil Body Wash, Ogx Bamboo Root Boost Spray, and the Skinfix Hand Repair Cream. 

This was my first time using a root booster so I was curious to give the OGX Strength + Body Bamboo Fiber Full Thickening Root Booster a try.  Usually my hair is a little flatter and weighed down on "second day hair" so I thought this would be the perfect time to give this a go. I just sprayed it right onto my dry hair focusing mainly on the roots.   After using the root booster my hair seemed to have more lift and more volume at the roots. Also I liked that the scent is light and pleasant. I will have to give it a try on damp hair and see what the results look like. It's also nice that this product doesn't contain any silicones, alcohol, or oil-all of which can damage or make hair flat. 

To Use- lightly mist onto clean, damp hair, focusing spray nozzle directly on roots. For extra volume flip head upside down and blow dry with a round brush. Do not rinse. Can also be sprayed on dry hair for touch-ups throughout the day. 

Dove Dry Oil Moisturizing Body Wash is new and it's deeply hydrating and gentle cleanser. Infused with argan oil, it is specifically formulated to address one of women's biggest concerns-dry skin. This thick white body wash cream with tiny gold bubbles in it has a light and soft floral scent. Personally I like using body wash over soap because it is way more hydrating and this one is even more so with the addition of the argan oil. So if you're like me and you like a body wash that lathers up and leaves your skin smooth and soft then this one is worth a try! 

I have been using the Skinfix Hand cream daily since I received it and love it. This product is designed for dry, cracked and irritated hands and delivers healing benefits beyond the average hand cream. I keep it next to the sink and use it after I wash the dishes. The cream comes in a squeeze tube with a flip-top cap that makes it easy to apply. the cream is thick but it rubs in nicely and absorbs into the skin.  I also like this cream because it is free of heavy fragrance and doesn't feel oily at all. 

Skinfix Hand Repair Cream contains 1% colloidal oatmeal and oatmeal is a proven anti-irritant shown to soothe redness and itchiness-which is often associated with eczema and dry skin.  It is also packed with soothing botanicals, rich natural butters, and emollient oils-all which help calm redness and itching. 

I would definitely buy this and recommend it. It has even won several beauty awards by Allure, Shape, and Redbook. 

This was a sponsored post and all opinions are my own. 

REDBOOK Beauty Box

I love beauty boxes because they are a great way to try out new products I may not otherwise check out. This beauty box by REDBOOK arrived with some fabulous full size finds and they are all under $30.  And I already use this Secret deodorant and this Vaseline lotion so it's nice to try new and improved products within these brands I know and love!   

Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant- Provides 4x stress sweat protection no matter what type of appliction-the Invisible Solid goes on dry and stays dry while the Clear Gel goes on clear. 

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure &Gel Shine 3D Top Coat- Pairing any color polish with a top coat is key and the Gel Shine 3D works wonders! It gives a little extra shine which transforms regular polishes into a gel-like shine without the UV light.

And the complete manicure product has 7 benefits in 1 bottle. It has the base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, color, top coat, chip-resistant, and gel shine. And how fun are these two shades of polish-perfect for all skintones and seasons! 

Paula's Choice Skin Perfeting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant-This completely gentle, leave-on-exfoliant rapidly unclogs pores, diminishes wrinkles, and improves skin tone to reveal smooth and radiant skin. Plus the lightweight formula works for all skin types. I can't wait to try it this winter! 

Vaseline Serum Advanced Relief- This one moisturizes and calms severely dry skin, it's gentle, and the soft scent of rose and amber is blended with the aroma of vanilla. Love it! 

Win your own REDBOOK Beauty Box HERE! {5 winners will be selected}. 

 Special thanks to REDBOOK for partnering on this post! 

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Holiday Gift Guide For The Bar Lover

Regency Set of 6 Gold Wine Glasses and Wine and Cheese Slate Serving Board

It is the season of giving and this time of year it's always better to give than receive—especially to those people who have hosted you at parties and miscellaneous events throughout the year. Let them know how much their time and effort means to you by giving them something that they’ll truly enjoy and continue to use time and time again!

If you are looking for gifts for a wine lover, a hostess gift, or just a fun gift for a loved one, I have you covered with these fabulous bar inspired gifts from JCPenney. These gifts will be sure to delight and are exactly what every party-thrower needs in their home to host the perfect bash!

Giving-whether through a gift, an act of kindess, or charity has always warmed my heart, especially around the holidays.  If you're looking for holiday cheer and inspiration on kindness and giving be sure to check out JCPenney's #JustGotJingled campaign and also check out StyleList for more fun gift ideas for friends and family. 

1. Ravi Wine Decanter | 2. Regency Set of 6 Gold Wine Glasses | 3. Wine and Cheese Slate Serving Board | 4. Wine Enthusiast Champagne Recorker| 5. Epicureanist Wine Chilling Stick With Pourer | 6. Personalized Bottle Opener | 7. 1.5 qt stainless steel ice bucket | 8. Marquis by Waterford Vintage Round Pitcher | 9. Set of Four Slate Chalkboard Cheese Markers | 10. Vinturi Deluxe Wine Aerator Set

Compensation for this post was provided by JCPenney via AOL Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of JCPenney or AOL.