My Skin Loves: AHAVA Dead Sea Osmoter Concentrate

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My Skin Loves:

It is time for a "My Skin Loves" series update! This time I am sharing a "First Impressions" review of AHAVA's Dead Sea Osmoter Concentrate. 

AHAVA's Dead Sea Osmoter Concentrate:

AHAVA's Dead Sea Osmoter Concentrate is a skin-optimizing serum that recharges, rehydrates and illuminates skin for a more youthful complexion. It’s also powered by a triple concentration of AHAVA's proprietary Osmoter blend of natural Dead Sea Minerals found in all of its products.

AHAVA is a brand that I have previously tried, and loved, for body products. So, when I had the opportunity to try out this face serum from the brand, I jumped at the chance! 

My Skin:

Before jumping into my review, let me tell you a little bit more about my skin type. I have Combo Skin: Normal-Dry in the colder months and Normal-Oily in the warm months. I get everything from dry patches to oil slicks and everything in between. Currently, my skin is hovering in the Normal-Oily range. I just turned 40 and have very fine lines around my eyes. These are more apparent when my skin is dehydrated. So far, no major lines or wrinkles (whew!). I credit good skincare!!! :) I do not break out often. However, I do still occasionally battle blemishes on my chin.  

AHAVA's Dead Sea Osmoter Concentrate: 

I love the feel of this product on my skin! It is a medium weight silicone-based primer. When you apply, it sinks beautifully into your skin and instantly hydrates and soothes. Actually, I found that I can even skip a moisturizer when I use this lovely serum. It gives me all of the moisture that my combo (currently normal-oily) skin needs. It preps my skin beautifully for makeup as well. My fine lines look plumped, smoothed, and less apparent after using this. I love that this product comes in a pump! Plus, I love the scent. It is hard to describe. However, if you have ever tried StriVectin, it reminds me a lot of the scent of their products. I have only tried this product out for a few weeks. So, this is a "first impressions" review. I am looking forward to discovering results as I use it longer-term. I am literally always looking for a good serum: one that packs anti-aging benefits, hydrates skin, and preps skin well for makeup (doubles as a primer). This amazing serum from AHAVA accomplishes all of that! So, it is a winner for me. :)

To Use: I apply 1 pump of this product to my entire face after cleansing in the morning and evening. In the mornings I follow up with my daily SPF and in the evenings I apply it and then skip my nighttime moisturizer.  If your skin is dry, you are going to need an additional moisturizer.

Special Discount:

You can get 10% OFF the AHAVA Dead Sea Osmoter Concentrate on Amazon.com: Click Here

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Makeup Wars: Must-Have Masks!

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It is time for another Makeup War! This time the Makeup Wars bloggers are sharing their favorite masks!

Doing a weekly facial mask is one of my favorite aspects of my beauty routine. Masks are a great way to give your skin a skincare "boost" of whatever it needs: clarification, moisture, anti-aging treatments, etc. Plus, the process is so relaxing! The busy pace of life as a stay-at-home Mom leaves me feeling like a haggard Mommy sometimes. I need to give time to myself...to rejuvenate. A facial mask/beauty treatment is a great way to do this with a short amount of time! When I have more time to relax (or when I am not too tired), I like to combine my masks with a nice soak in the tub or a mani/pedi. If I am feeling short on time, I just apply my mask and leave it on while I do my usual bedtime routine. 

My Skin:
I am always looking for a good mask! My skin needs fluctuate wildly. I have classic combo skin: From dry patches in the Winter to oil slicks in the Summers. My skin's needs are all over the map. So, I tend to choose my mask depending on what my skin "needs" on that particular day. Or I will use a mask to spot treat (e.g., breakout on my chin? Then I apply a clarifying mask to my chin only).

Facial masks have been part of my skincare routine for as long as I can remember. They have always been a skincare treat that I totally enjoy! I am always excited to try out a new mask. What can I say? As a beauty-blogging skincare junkie, facial masks really do thrill me, lol! When I am checking out a new skincare brand, or a brand that I am already a fan of, I *always* want to try their masks! 

Makeup Wars: Must Have Masks with Korres, Algenist, Bausch & Lomb

Must Have Masks! 
So, lets get to my Must Have Masks list! There are *so many* masks that I love. This list is going to focus on the masks that are in my current rotations. These are the masks I love in my current arsenal of products and/or they are newly released masks that you must try! So, when I find myself with some extra "me time", I will reach for one of these masks! My loyal readers know that this blog has a skincare focus. So, you can imagine how many masks that I try. These that I am sharing with you are the ones that I have really enjoyed using for the past 6-8 months or they are masks that have very recently come to me for testing. Either way, I only included my very favorites in this list!

This is a *massive post* my dear readers! Actually, this is going to be a post in 2-parts since I have more masks that are in line to be tested that did not make it into this publishing date (the publishing date got changed before I could test all my masks! Ooops!). So, stay tuned for another masks post in a few weeks with more masks.

I have been working on this post for weeks already in draft form...writing about each mask as I use it. It has been fun! I mean, I always love to mask...but, it is fun having a mask-testing focus to motivate me to mask more frequently and to branch out to try some new masks. So, there are a lot of masks included and a lot of detail.

So, grab a glass of your favorite beverage (wine for me ya'll!), and lets settle in for a nice lengthy mask discussion! Shoot, you will even have time to apply your favorite mask and let it do its magic while you read this post. :) Ya'll know that I tend to be verbose sometimes. Well, masks are apparently one of my favorite things to blog/talk about!

To find out more details about each of these masks, please click "read more" below!

The Beauty Spotlight Team: Weekend Links!

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Phyrra shares Great Makeup Tips for Hooded Eyes!

Helen from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog learned the secrets of Tom Ford Beauty when she attended a Master Class with Todd Davidson at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills, and it was a true game changer! Now you can learn Tom Ford's secrets too!

You gotta love a gloriously rich reddened berry lipstick and a metallic nail polish for autumn! Sunny from Mostly Sunny found her favorite lipstick and nail polish of the season with Givenchy Poupre Inouï Le Rouge and Bronze Insensé Le Vernis. Maybe they'll steal your heart, too!  

15 Minute Beauty shares some of her favorite Merlot Nail Polishes for Fall. What color are you wearing obsessively on your tips this fall?

Stop being so sensitive and check out the Crest giveaway at Beauty Info Zone. Enter to win an awesome gift pack plus a $75 Walgreens Gift Card!

Does your daily skin care regimen need a quick fix? Carrie from eyeliner on a cat wants to help! Check out her list of 6 products which are Most Likely To Succeed.

Who doesn't love a palette that offers not only multiple eye looks but also blush, bronzer and highlighter? Christa from Perilously Pale reviews the amazing Tarte Rainforest After Dark Cheek and Eye Palette.

What are your Top 5 Handbag Essentials for Fall? Pammy Blogs Beauty shares hers as well a Freebie/coupon link for U by Kotex!

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GLOSSYBOX Box Opening: Harper's BAZAAR Collaboration box!

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GLOSSYBOX teams up with Harper's BAZAAR for a September Collaboration Box! We all know that the September fashion mag issues are the best. Well, Harper's BAZAAR coordinated the release of this special edition GLOSSYBOX to coincide with the release of their Sept issue. This amazing beauty sample box was co-curated by the editors of Harper's BAZAAR and the folks at GLOSSYBOX. I honestly can't wait to dig inside this box!!!

The Skinny:

• The Harper's BAZAAR for GLOSSYBOX box is available at Harper's BAZAAR (and ships from GLOSSYBOX) for $21.00. The box is also available at GLOSSYBOX until the last day of Sept.

• To subscribe to GLOSSYBOX, click here. 

To find out what is inside this amazing box, please click "read more" below for "Box Opening" details!

Beauty Box Five: Sept 2014 Box Opening!

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Beauty Box Five: August Box Opening!
Hi Lovelies! It is time for another Beauty Box Five box opening post! :) As a huge fan of beauty sample boxes, I always eagerly await their arrival. It is always interesting to see who has the "best box" each month. Not to mention, I love discovering the beauty gems inside. 

What is Beauty Box 5?

Beauty Box 5 is a monthly subscription service that delivers 5 cosmetic samples to your door for $12 a month. The samples are all deluxe and sometimes the boxes include full-sized products, too! Shipping is free on every box. :) When you subscribe to Beauty Box 5, each month you get a beauty box delivered right to your door! The boxes contain a mix of makeup, beauty accessories, skincare, fragrance, bath& body items, and nail products (Not all of these this month, but something from those categories). Beauty Box 5 is a great way to discover new products or get yourself out of a cosmetics rut!

To find out what is inside this month's Beauty Box Five box, please click "read more" below! :)

My Lastest Favorite Powder Foundation and Primer Combo: tarte and Pür Minerals

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Don't you love stumbling upon an amazing makeup combination that just...works?!?! I sure do! That is how I feel about my latest powder foundation and primer combo: tarte's Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation applied with their amazing Buffer Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush and Pür Minerals’ Color Correcting Primer. This combo is so quick and easy! Plus, it gives great coverage and makes my skin look effortlessly flawless. This is my first time trying both foundations from tarte (love) and primer from Pür Minerals. I am so impressed!

Pür Minerals Color Correcting Primer in Dark Spot Corrector: First of all, I must mention that my dark spots are very faint. However, they are bothersome to me. My skincare is slowly fading them. However, I do like them to be covered up. This primer blurs them out while creating a gorgeous base for my powder foundation (or liquid, if I choose to wear liquid).

From Pür Minerals: Containing clinically proven skin-perfecting ingredients, these lightweight primers also brighten and firm the skin’s appearance while leaving a silky smooth finish. Available in five problem-solving shades, including the newest limited-edition Illuminate and Glow.

To use, I just apply a pea sized amount of this primer to my whole face (after moisturizing and applying sunscreen).
 
Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation:  
I love powder foundation. However, I rarely stray from my HG MAC Studio Fix. Well, step aside MAC, there is a new powder foundation in my life:  Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation! 

I love the packaging of this foundation! It is a loose foundation packaged in a sifter jar. This does not sound new and different, right? Well, the difference is in the "type" of sifter. It is like a mesh stretchy fabric. You just touch your brush to it and it releases powder onto your brush. It is almost "magical", lol...I am a sucker for unique twists like this. It just makes the product extra special. ;) The cap has an inner circle that pokes down further than the lid. So, when you screw the jar shut, this little inner part seals off the loose powder mesh sifter so that powder does not shake around when the lid is closed. Genius! Pure genius!

Packaging aside, the powder itself is phenomenal. It gives natural-looking full coverage and long wear. I have been wearing the shade fair-light neutral (fair to light skin with yellow and pink undertones). This shade works so well for me. I really am a true "neutral" and appreciate a powder formulated for my skins tones.





Tarte Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush:
This amazing brush and the Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation go together like peanut butter and jelly. It is just the perfect density and softness to apply and distribute the powder foundation beautifully and flawlessly! The combination of the powder and the brush really do give you an airbrush finish! Plus, this brush is beautiful! I love the wooden handle and the glam gold detailing. Gorgeous, soft, and works amazing! What more could you want from a brush? Love!!!

What is your favorite primer, brush, and foundation combo lately? I love hearing about products that work well together! :) 

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Get Organized Beautifully: TwinLilies Luxury Acrylic "Cutie Cube" Makeup Organizer (coupon code!)

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Makeup Storage and Organization is an ongoing and often an evolutionary process for me. I am constantly seeking out new solutions for a very large (too large) makeup collection. Ideally, I would just whittle my collection down so that I can fit it all into the storage solutions that I already have in place. However, as a beauty blogger, I always need room for new items and items that I am testing out. While my goal still is to sort through my collection and trim it down quite a bit, in the meantime, I still seek to store it attractively! 

Some of you may remember from my recent Makeup Wars Storage post that I recently re-did my vanity area. After much saving, I purchased the Hayworth Mirrored Vanity and the Hayworth Mirrored Lingerie Chest from Pier1 for my makeup area and storage. My current makeup collection now "lives" in the Hayworth Lingerie Chest. However, with acquiring new products and sampling new makeup collections for blog review, I already outgrew it! Plus, it actually is "too big" and hard to shuffle through when just looking for my everyday makeup. While I need more space for more products, I also just need a smaller unit where I can house my everyday makeup items and my new products that I am testing. I don't have much time to get ready everyday and I want to have the items that I need to use quickly accessible.

Enter the *gorgeous* acrylic Cutie Cube Luxe Makeup Storage unit from TwinLilies! This is actually exactly what I had in mind. Sure there are lots of options for makeup storage out there...but, I want something elegant, functional, and attractive! My mirrored vanity and storage chest are so chic and elegant that I needed storage that would look beautiful next to/near my vanity and storage chest. The TwinLilies Cutie Cube accomplishes this for sure!

To find out more details about this awesome 7-tier Acrylic "Cutie Cube" Storage Unit from TwinLilies, please click read more below. Plus, I have an awesome Coupon Code to offer my readers!!!

The Beauty Spotlight Team: Weekend Links!

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Phyrra has the Best Mascaras You Seriously Need to Try Now! Don't buy another mascara until you read this!

Find out the Top 10 Nails Color for Fall over on polish insomniac! Carrie from eyeliner on a cat has been spoiled by a mini of a devastatingly beautiful luxury face cream from Tatcha.

Find out exactly why her skin was living the charmed life while it lasted. Beauty Info Zone is giving away $940 of Onsen Secret Skin Care. Enter now and you could be one of two lucky winners!

If you seek a magical balm, with amazing ingredients, that is good for all that ails you--then Lola's Secret Beauty Blog recommends the truly amazing Heaven + URTH Beelieve Hydration Balm!  

Prime Beauty shares 6 Beauty Problem Solvers that will curl your lashes, remove deodorant stains, untangle your tresses and get every last drop of product out of the tube!

Sunny from Mostly Sunny is officially a Dior Diorskin Star convert! Find out more about the foundation, concealer, and Backstage Blender. Maybe you'll find your new holy grail, too!  

15 Minute Beauty shares her favorite cuticle products to keep her hands looking perfect, no trips to the salon required!

Looking for a polished adventure? The Painted Rogue has the scoop on a neon pink and shimmering orange quest through the heart of a volcano with Sephora Formula X and Nailstation Paris loot!
 

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Charlotte Ronson at NYFW with Batiste

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It is time for more New York Fashion Week coverage!

The iconic British brand, and one of my favorites as well, Batiste Dry Shampoo, was the official Hair Care Sponsor of the Charlotte Ronson Spring/Summer 2015 show. Batiste is one of my go-to's for dry shampoo. It certainly is a cult-favorite for a reason. It works wonders on my 2nd day and even 3rd day (gasp!) post-hair washing hair. Not to mention, it can work for you any day to add fabulous volume to your hair. My super long and somewhat flat hair needs all the volume help it can get! ;) Plus, Batiste smells amazing!!!

On Friday, September 5th at The Pavilion at Lincoln Center in NYC, Batiste was used by the stylists backstage to get the models hair looking great for the runway show for Charlotte Ronson's fabulous new collection! 

Check out this Video from the Charlotte Ronson Spring/Summer show at NYFW: Beautiful hair and makeup as well as fresh and inspiring clothes!

Shop Batiste:

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Pretty Polish: SpaRitual's Fall Wander Collection & faves from Summer's Drift Collection!

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The Fall Season is ahead! What better way to mark the change in season than swapping out your nail color! Every season, I rotate my nail color. The Fall approaches slowly here in GA as it stays hot for a long time. So, I slowly ease out my favorite Summer colors as I add in some fun new Fall shades. 

Today I am going to share with you some exciting shades from SpaRitual's new Fall 2014 Wander Collection as well as share some of my favorites from SpaRitual's gorgeous Summer Drift Collection (since I am still wearing those colors this time of year). I adore the formula and shade selection from SpaRitual. The lacquers go on amazingly: full coverage in 2 coats. Plus, the shade selection really does offer something special. These are unique shades that are truly unlike any other polishes or lacquers in my collection. I am just thrilled with my assortment of both Summer and Fall shades from SpaRitual!

Say goodbye to those bright, neon summer hues and update your nails with the new season’s hottest shades.  As seen on all the biggest fashion designers’ runways, sophisticated and dramatic jewel tones like bright cobalt, maroon, deep navy and cognac have been spotted on some of Hollywood’s biggest names- check out Emma Stone in Max Mara and Lupita Nyong’o in Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci.

image source: SpaRitual

The Fall Wander Collection: 
The right color is everything this season. SpaRituals's new fall 2014 collection, Wander, features deep shades of blues, reds and caramels, making it the perfect beauty must have for fall.  As with all SpaRitual lacquers, the Wander collection is formulated without DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde, camphor and Formaldehyde Resin. 

This gorgeous collection was inspired by the history and shifting sands of the desert. The collection contains 6 new lacquers in a lovely variety of rich shades: Tapestry, Mirage, Oasis, Arroyo, Nomad, and Starry Night. I tried out Arroyo (a lovely soft lavender-toned neutral pink with glitter shimmer) and Starry Night (a gorgeous deep olive brown with golden glitter shimmer).
 
The Summer Drift Collection:
What can I say? This collection is *so me*! I absolutely adore every single shade. However, I do have some favorites, too! I am particularly enjoying wearing this combo: Sea Glass on my Nails (what a unique shade of soft semi-sheer aqua with mega duo chrome glitter and shimmer) and Blue Lagoon on my toes (I have been complimented on this toe-nail shade so many times that I can not even count!). What fun and pretty colors to wear! :)

Have you seen this new Fall Wander Collection from SpaRitual? What shades are you excited to try? Or, what colors do you like to wear on your nails in the Fall?

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Top 5 Handbag Must-Haves with U by Kotex

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This post is sponsored by U by Kotex and Walmart. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

5 Must-Have Fall Essentials in my Handbag:

I always switch out my handbags with the change of season. Along with this? I stock up my purse with items that I need for this time of year.

I am excited to share with you my 5 Must-Have Fall Handbag Essentials. Plus, keep reading to find out how you can score an incredible U by Kotex coupon!

To find out what my "Top 5 Must-Have Fall Essentials" are for my Handbag, please click here! 

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The Beauty Spotlight Team: Weekend Links!

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While Helen from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog loves many luxury face oils there are four that she reached for more than anything else in the month of August! Can you guess which one's made the list?  

15 Minute Beauty is a hoarder of eyeliners, but she's always looking for more! She asked pro makeup artists for their favorite eye liners, and they really gave her a great list!

Lisa from Beauty Info Zone goes all Amazonian snakeskin with a review and swatches of the new tartecosmetics Fall 2014 collection!  

Prime Beauty's latest Splurge vs Steal: WEN Cleansing Conditioner vs L'Oreal EverPure Sulfate Free Color Care Shampoo. Who's the winner? Find out! You demanded it!  

Phyrra has the all new Urban Decay Vice 3 Palette to show you! Carrie from eyeliner on a cat still has lavender on the brain. This time, she wants to tell you about Heaven + Urth Beelieve Hydration Balm, which satisfies her grouchy skin AND her sensory greediness for the beauty of natural lavender.

Have you seen NYC New York Color's Crystal Couture Topcoats? Find out why Jessika is going ga-ga over these $1.99 glitters over on polish insomniac!

Sunny from Mostly Sunny is a Dior girl at heart, but is she embracing the new Dior Rouge Dior Baume? Read about her experience here!

Christa from Perilously Pale reviews a few shades of the new MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Liner. Does this new eyeliner offering from MUFE live up to her expectations from this high quality artistry brand?

Have you seen the gorgeous new assortment of MUA product at CVS? Pammy Blogs Beauty tries out some lippies and brushes from this fabulous new-to-CVS line!

Wondering what to wear on your next dungeon raid? The Painted Rogue has you covered with eyeshadow looks from the Sleek Arabian Nights and Storm Palettes that vary from everyday adventuring chic to Magical Flamboyant Peacock Butterfly Thing!

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Flavors of Fall: Mott's and M&M's® Coupon! #FlavorofFall #CollectiveBias

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. 

It is almost Fall! Celebrate the amazing flavors of Fall-time food with Mott's Applesauce and Apple Juice and new M&M's® Candy Apple. This time of year, I am obsessed with all-things apple and Fall Recipes!  Click here for a great coupon to save $2.50!

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CVS launches MUA Makeup Academy!

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CVS Launches MUA Makeup Academy:

CVS is carrying a new makeup line: MUA (Makeup Academy)! This is a new premium beauty line that you can get right at the drugstore. It is available exclusively at CVS/pharmacy! I love it when you can get premium makeup at the drugstore. You really can't beat that convenience.

I love trying out new makeup lines. It gives me so much to explore! This line particularly intrigues me because it is very specialized: rather than having every type of product imaginable, they have 3 main product types: lips, brushes, and false lashes.

Developed by makeup professionals and beauty experts to bring premium quality cosmetics and beauty accessories to makeup lovers everywhere, the Makeup Academy line has more than 145 products within three categories – lip in fashion-forward colors and luxurious textures, expertly-crafted brushes, and a wide range of false eyelashes.

I tried out an assortment of lip products and brushes from this line. To find out more details about these items and here my thoughts, please click "read more" below!

Fall 2014 Collection from Pixi Beauty!

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It is time to talk about some Fall Makeup! Sure, the weather is still really flippin hot here in GA.. However, my makeup is slowly transitioning to the Fall Collections in anticipation of cooler days ahead! Pixi Beauty, one of my all-time favorite mid-priced cosmetics lines (available at Target), knocked this collection outta the park with some fabulous line extensions, new colors, and newly released products!

Fall 2014 At-A-Glance from Pixi Beauty:

Here are the new items for Fall:

• Pixi Concealing Concentrate: $12.00
• Pixi Crayon Combo: $18.00
• Pixi Brightening Top Coat: (this is the one item that I do not have): $8.00
• Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in GlimmeryBlack: $12.00 (I am obsessed with these liners and particularly like this new shade!)
• Pixi Fairy Dust Loose Pigments: $10.00 each
• Pixi Mesmerizing Mineral Palettes in Silver Sky and Rich Gold: $12.00 each
• Pixi Nail Colour: New Shades: Imperial Blue and Olive Gold: $8.00 each: Both of these shades are must-haves and completely unique! 
• Pixi Quick Fix Powder: OMG! Obsessed with this, too! I love inventive new products like this! $20.00
• Pixi Tinted Brilliance Balm: New shade: Soft Sienna: $14.00

To find out more details about all of these items, please click "read more" below! :)

Birchbox for CEW 2 Limited Edition Boxes: Mass Appeal and Prestige Headliners Boxes: Box Openings!

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Who doesn't love trying award-winning products? I don't know about ya'll...but, I am always looking for both "tired and true" as well as cult-favorite products. I am always making lists on my phone of products that I want to try. I often add award winning products to my list. Well, Birchbox has a great way for you to try out an assortment of award-winning products!

Birchbox and CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women) have teemed up to create two Limited Edition Birchboxes filled with finalists and winners from the CEW 2014 Insider's Choice Awards. Every year I look forward to hearing about these winners. Birchbox offers a fabulous way for you to try out an assortment of winning items! The Mass Appeal box contains "Mass Appeal" drugstore items and the Prestige Headliners Box contains "Prestige" or high end brands. 

To find out more about what is inside the Mass Appeal and Prestige Headliners CEW/Birchbox Limited Edition Boxes, please click "read more" below!

The Beauty Spotlight Team: Eyeliner On a Cat Shares her Favorite Lavender Fragrances

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Carrie from eyeliner on a cat loves her lavender. See her special post this week with a list of her Top 5 Lavender Fragrances and see if she can't tempt you into trying one or two (or five!) of them. 

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Comfort Factor: Relaxing During Your Period: Enter to Win a $100 Gift Card!

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Comfort During Your Period:

I often express that there is just no place like home! When do I most want to be comfortable at home and relaxing? That is right, during "that time of the month." That is right, ladies, we are talking about being comfortable during our periods. Between the cramps, bloating, and sugar cravings... a girl just deserves some self-pampering, comfort food, and relaxing rituals! 

 

How do I like to relax during my period? 

Feeling comfortable and relaxing is so important to me during my period. So, I will describe my ideal relaxation ritual that I like to do during my period as well as share my long-standing favorite comfort food recipe for homemade Oatmeal Cookies! 

 

Comfortable PJs + Fuzzy Socks + Cookies + Herbal Tea+ A Good Book/TV Show =Relaxation!

During "that time of the month" when cramps and bloating are at their peak, I like a relaxing evening at home. I like to get in my most comfortable jammies and thick fuzzy socks and slippers as early as possible. Then, I like to curl up on the couch with either a good book or a "brain candy" vampire television show, a few oatmeal cookies, and a big mug of herbal tea. To me, this is the epitome of comfort and relaxation. The clothing is comfortable, the tea is soothing, the cookies fulfill that sugar-craving (raise your hand if you get those during "that time"!), and the book/tv show takes my mind to another place. All of this is so relaxing and regenerating for me!

 

The Cookie Prep:

So, earlier in the day, I will set out to make one of my all-time favorite recipes: Oatmeal Cookies. This recipe comes from my Better Homes and Gardens "New Junior Cookbook" that I have had since I was 5 years old! My mother gave me this book one year for Christmas. I have literally made every single recipe in this book and actually grab for this book often for old favorites like these Oatmeal Cookies! Not only does the act of eating these cookies in the evening relax me, but I enjoy the whole process of making them! I adore baking and find baking to be one of my favorite creative outlets. Now that I am a Mom myself, I like including my 2-year old daughter in the cookie making. I know that I am making memories with her and I love thinking about how I made these very same cookies with my Mother. All of these thoughts bring me comfort and warms my heart.

Oatmeal Cookies:

(recipe from the Better Homes and Gardens "New Junior Cook Book", 1979, yes, I am that old, lol!)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup regular sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup shortening

1 egg

2 Tablespoons milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups quick cooking rolled oats

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces or raisins (*optional)

shortening

 

1. In large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, both kinds of sugar, salt, and soda. Add the 1/2 cup shortening, egg, milk, and vanilla. Stir with wooden spoon 'til well mixed or mix with your hands. Mix in the oats and the chocolate pieces or raisins. 

 

2. With adult help (lol, yes, this is from a children's cookbook), turn oven to 350 degrees. Grease 1 or 2 cookie sheets with some shortening.

 

3. Drop dough from a teaspoon to make mounds about 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Push dough off one spoon with another spoon.

 

4. With adult help (again, lol), put cookie sheet into the oven. Bake for 12 minutes. With adult help, remove from the oven. Use pancake turner to lift cookies onto cooling rack. Repeat steps 3 and 4 with rest of dough (and my page rips here... so, I do not know the rest of the recipe... but, the cookies are really finished at this point).

 

So, that is my relaxation ritual for comfort during my period. Cozy PJs and slippers, herbal tea, cookies, and a good book or tv show. That is comfort! 

 

What do you do to feel more comfortable during "that time of the month?" Be sure to check out the giveaway details below!

 

Inspired by high-performance fabrics, Stayfree® Ultra Thin® pads have flexible layers that move with your body and ThermoControl® technology to wick away moisture. So you'll stay dry and comfortable. Stayfree.® Keep Moving.™ To get $0.50 off any Stayfree® product, including Stayfree® Ultra Thin® pads, visit www.stayfree.com/special. 

 

Enter for a chance to win a $100 Drugstore.com gift card!

Leave a comment below letting me how you pamper yourself for a chance to win a $100 Drugstore.com gift card!

 

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No duplicate comments. Your household may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

 2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique

term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

No Purchase Necessary. This Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C. age 18 or older (19+ in AL & NE). Void elsewhere & where prohibited. Winners will be selected via random drawing, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules, by which entrants are bound, are available here. This Sweepstakes runs from 9/4-9/30.

Be sure to visit the Stayfree® brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

Sweepstakes is sponsored solely by BlogHer. Energizer Personal Care LLC is not a sponsor. Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Twitter.

© 2014 Energizer.     Stayfree and all other trademarks are owned by Energizer.

Bloggers were compensated for creating blog posts in this Stayfree® campaign.

Discover the Future of Beauty: From the Lab: Box Opening!

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It is time for another beauty box opening! This time I am sharing with you an entirely different kind of beauty box. From the Lab is monthly box subscription that sends Full Sized "next generation" beauty products right to your door. 

What are "next generation" beauty products? Many beauty brands do not produce their formulas in-house. The formulas are made in various laboratories around the world. Once the beauty companies buy the formula, it might not be available for purchase for quite some time.

From the Lab is shaking up the beauty industry in a big way by bringing FULL SIZE next generation beauty products to consumers -- on a regular basis. The company offers a monthly subscription plan that delivers the future of beauty right to consumer's doorsteps every month. From the Lab has partnered with the best independent cosmetic labs in the world – the same labs where high-end, brand-name cosmetic companies get their ingredients- to procure their most groundbreaking products. From the Lab forgets the marketing and unnecessary packaging to get these top formulas to market before prestige beauty brands do. By eliminating the frivolous materials and a lengthy, drawn-out distribution process, From the Lab is able to give its subscribers FULL SIZE luxury beauty products at up to 18 months before they will even be available in the US market - and for 80% off of retail price.

From the Lab:
The monthly subscription Explorer subscription costs $29.95 per month (if you pay monthly...it costs even less if you sign up for multiple months) for a monthly beauty box. Each box contains from $50-$200 worth of products (average of $100). Each box contains full-sized products with simple "from the Lab" generic labeling (product name and a product number). The products have a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Products are skincare, hair care, body care, and some makeup.

What happens if you fall in love with one of these "next generation" products? Well, you can purchase more from the From the Lab site when you run out. Plus, Explorer subscribers get an additional 33% off the member store on the From the Lab site.

As ya'll know, I have tried a lot of beauty sample and monthly box subscriptions. So, how did this one add up? Click "read more" below to find out. Plus, I will detail my "From the Lab" box opening! :)

Lippie Love: Mally's High Shine Liquid Lipstick

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I am all about un-fussy and easy lips these days. When I am not busy kissing my babies, I just like my lips to look smooth, moisturized, lightly tinted, and glossy. I don't have time to fuss with multiple steps with my lip color. I need to just swipe and go! These High Shine Liquid Lipsticks from Mally do it all for me. They give my lips great color and shine and leave my lips feeling soft and nourished.

Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipsticks:

Immerse your lips in a shimmering pool of color, available in over 30 amazing shades. Mally's High-Shine Liquid Lipstick Pen is a high-performance, 4-in-1 product that includes your lip primer, lipstick, lip gloss, and lip liner all in one! It is a beautiful, smooth, and creamy formula that was created to last. These lip pens give you the perfect amount of color combined with high shine gloss. You can wear it over lipstick to add extra shine or alone to give you a beautiful everyday glossy lip.

I tried out these Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipsticks in two shades: Mally's Baby (a soft semi-sheer light pink shimmer) and Super Natural (neutral rosy pink with brown tones). These lippies feature a twist up style tube where the product squirts out through the brush tip. The tubes are pretty with their gold accents. Plus, I like that they are clear in the middle to see how much product is left.

Have you tried these Liquid Lipsticks from Mally? Are you a Mally fan? I am just starting to explore the brand and would love to hear what you are loving from Mally!

As always, thanks for reading! xoxo

Pammy Blogs Beauty

Gloss48 Launches new Indie Beauty: Eva NYC review!

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Are you looking for some new indie products to shake up your beauty routine? You should check out Gloss48! I am just starting to get to know this site and am starting off by trying out some products from their new launch: Eva NYC!

The Scoop on Gloss48 and Eva NYC:

• Gloss48 launches new, indie beauty daily. For the first seven days that products are on the site, they offer a promotional discount - so that you can try new products without breaking the bank. After the launch week, you can still shop an amazing collection of indie beauty at full price.

• Eva NYC is a line of professional styling tools and hair care that takes inspiration from the runways and gets salon-quality results. Founder Eva is a savvy fashionista who gives an insider’s look at the latest trends in fashion, beauty, and style while promoting stronger, healthier hair

• Gloss48 will be featuring Eva NYC starting Tuesday, August 26 at 11am E here

From Eva NYC, I tried out the Freshen Up Dry Shampoo, the Hold Me Tight Hairspray, and the Therapy Session Hair Mask. To find out how I liked these products, please click "read more" below! :)