Mary Kay Botanical Effects Skin Care Review

Courtesy of Mary Kay Website

Ok, this last Saturday I went and did a "Free" makeover and of course, being a blogger, I ordered some Mary Kay products. My representative is Athena Cook from here in the valley. She was really knowledgeable and helped me out pretty well. Saturday I had gotten my skin care product line, Friday I will be getting the makeup products.

So far, to be honest, I am only liking the mask and the freshen spray, which is much like the Mario Bedescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. BUT, I don't like the hydrating lotion and the face wash. Within a couple of days, I started breaking out. So immediately, I stopped using the face wash and lotion. With a history of massive acne breakouts, I was not going to be chancing anything.

While the face was is really nice, it's for normal/sensitive skin. Not oily/combination skin. The only thing I didn't realize when I got them. I bought what was recommended to me. Lesson number one in buying Mary Kay. Make sure it's for your skin type.

The face lotion is nice too, but.....it's too oily for my skin. Wanna talk about pore clogging city, this is where this product is from. Something that is completely NOT for me. It would be great for those that are not acne prone and don't have oily/combo skin.

The mask, though, completely is the redemption of this line. I LOVE IT! You can use this 2-3 times a week and only for 10 minutes or less! I love it. When I take it off, my skin feels softer and so much tighter afterwards!  When I think of masks, I always think of those ones that you feel like you have to leave on for 30 minutes or so. With this, you don't have to. It's 10 minutes or less. With being a mom, time is of essence when you are trying to do skin care with all little feet running around.

The freshen spray is another redeeming factor. You spray a little bit on a cotton ball and gently wipe it all over your face. I use it twice a day, in the morning to wake me up and at night to help me relax before bed. Tell you what. I will continue to be using this spray. I really enjoy it.

So overall thoughts? While I do enjoy a couple of the products, there are other's that I wish I hadn't had gotten. But, I will pass them on to my foster daughter because it works for her skin. But, I will continue to use the mask and the freshen spray.

If you are interested in getting Mary Kay and you live in the Boise Valley, Idaho, you can contact Athena Cook at 208-409-1305. She is a wonderful representative that will help you get what you need and is a wealth of information. You can also check out her website at : www.marykay.com/athenacook1.

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Dollar Tree Haul

Who doesn't love looking at a haul? I know that I do. I tend to get tons of ideas of what I want to get for myself by reading and watching them. But, when you go to your local Dollar Tree (or two), you tend to find hidden gems. Brands like ELF, Milani, Physicians Formula and Maybelline.

I guess you can say that I went a little bit wild getting some of these wonderful gems. Who says you can't build up a makeup collection on the super cheap? Plus, if you have coupons, you can get some of these items just for the cost of sales tax!

I've already been playing with some of it, and I am so glad that I do have these items to add to my collection. Not that my collection is huge or anything. It's really not. By most people's standard, it is large, but by people who LOVE makeup? It's really small.

Now, I found a happy mixture of everything, and all of it, I will use. I'm not getting it to just have a large collection. I'm getting it because I know I will use it. I will have pictures so you can see what I got. If you are wanting reviews, please let me know. Will try to incorporate swatches too.

Polish Swatches

I'm lucky because I got 12 polishes that are beautiful. Some great for Spring, some for Summer and the rest for Fall/Winter!

My wonderful, fun polishes are in a great variety of colors and name brand no less!

 Two face washes, a foot scrub and a lotion from Whit Rain. Will be trying these soon.

 ELF, Maybelline, Almay, L'Oreal, Milani......and Physicians Formula! Even some NYC glosses! Not too bad for a mini haul at the Dollar Tree!

So go take a look at your local Dollar Tree and share what you have found!

Acne Proned Skin

Me in my ugly mask by Freeman

As I sit here in my ugly mask as it dries, I feel my acne. At 33, I am proned to some of the most hurtful, ugly, scaring acne there is. Cystic Acne. If I do not take care of it the way I usually do, I break out like crazy. And this last week? I didn't do my job for my skin. So I naturally broke out.

While I did drink a ton of water, I didn't wash and moisturize everyday like I normally do. I always wear a mask about 1-2 times a week. I have my face wash with Benzoyl Peroxide for in the mornings and my purifying cream cleanser for at night when I'm taking my makeup off. Then, of course, I have my moisturizer with Salicylic Acid in it.

I don't go to a dermatologist for my facial cleansers and moisturizers. I actually use the Neutrogena line. I use their Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer, the Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser and Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Cream Cleanser. Then add my mask I use, I usually stay zit free.

My face BFF's.

For a month of facial cleansers and moisturizers, I spend less than $20. I have never used any of the more expensive brands, but I am looking into them. But, there's the fear that my skin will once again rebel and break out and cause my whole face to just hurt. Does anyone have any great recommendations? Let me know, please! LOL.

Macy's Impulse Beauty Artistry Palette

Ah, Macy's. I love going there. Rarely do I ever buy anything. But, for once, I did. I got the Macy's Impulse Beauty Artistry Palette- a Macy's exclusive, of course. For $39.00, I got 77 assorted eye shadows in matte and shimmer, 3 eyeshadow trios, 8 blush/bronzers and 7 lip colors! The makeup lover in me is in LOVE! They are pigments, easily blendable and many colors to do just about any eye look that you are wanting. The hard case I love too. I love the quilted pattern on it and the shiny dark grey? Love it.

This in a way reminds me of the Smashbox Masterclass palette, but way more sleek. But, a lot bigger. But I like that I can open it up and see everything so easily and not have to lift a lid like in the Masterclass palette.





This would be something that anyone just learning makeup or just loves to do makeup on everyone else would love to have.

Random Eyeshadow Swatches

Random Blush Swatches

Lip gloss Swatches

The swatches are wonderful and just so buttery! I actually decided that I'm going to wear this palette tomorrow and surprise my husband who's coming home tomorrow!

Urban Decay Naked Palette VS. Crown Brush Unexposed Palette

Two palettes that are so similar in color, packaging and depending where you go, price. Urban Decay Naked palette is $54 at Sephora, Ulta and the Urban Decay website. Crown Brush Unexposed palette is around $22-$55 DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU BUY IT. I got mine for $16 with a discount code from www.crownbrush.us. I was comparing them side by side and even though it seems some of the colors are off, they actually match up in swatches extraordinarily well. While I haven't actually WORN the Unexposed palette yet, the shadows are soft and buttery like the UD Naked Palette.

I do like that there is a cheaper option for the Naked palette, but there are many dupes out there. More recently, the LA Palette by L'Oreal. But, that's another post. I do feel though, that the Unexposed palette from Crown Brush is by far the best dupe out there.

I did notice that the Unexposed palette tends to be more powdery than the Naked palette if you are not careful. But, with a light hand, it's a very workable palette. As you can see from swatches, the colors are so close that it's uncanny.






To the left are the swatches and if you are like me, you will be amazed at the closeness of each swatch.







I was in no way paid to do this review. I spent my own money to do this review.

MIA, But Working to Get Back On Track

        Hey everyone, sorry that I've been MIA, but I have had a lot going on. Yes, I've done a review here and there, but nothing to be proud of. So let me get you up to date. I started school in September and I have been balls to the walls with school work, and on top of that, my 2 almost 3 year old son was diagnosed with Autism and Bipolar. On top of his Agenesis of the Corpus Colossum. More on that later, but I have been very busy going to doctor appointments and a lot of testing.

        We are also getting ready to move, since my landlord is getting ready to sell the place we are at now. So, of course, it involves a ton of packing. And with a 2 year old and the husband out of town, it's very much a LONG process. All of this on top of Christmas. So, things have been very much hectic for me and my family.

        So believe me when I say that I am NOT ignoring you. Shoot, I rarely am on Facebook, Twitter, etc. anymore! I have just been very busy with my family and life in general. I am hoping that at the start of the new year, there will be more regular blog posts and a schedule going. I am praying for things to calm down some too!

         If there is anything you are wanting to talk about or hear my thoughts on, let me know in the comment section. I have another blog post coming up later this week for you and I hope you enjoy!


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Exfolimate Review

Ok, this is by far the weirdest thing I have ever reviewed so far, and I thought the poop pills were weird! Anyways, these are triangle shaped exfoliators that you hold straight up and down to exfoliate. Now, it wasn't bad on the legs and feet, but my face was another thing. I did not like using it on my face. It felt too weird for me. While I can see how they are trying to do this, I am going to say it's so not for me. I do like the body one, but I won't be using the face one. I just feel that for my face I would rather just use an exfoliating wash.

Here's what the product promises (as per their packaging and Amazon.com):

• Provides deeper cleansing, enhanced exfoliation and superior moisturisation
• Cleanses, refreshes and revives skin
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Leaves skin feeling softer and looking brighter
• Improves skin tone and texture
• Reduces dry spots and oily patches
• Increases the absorption of skin care products
• Safe for all skin types
I think it does revive the skin, and leaves my skin softer, but I am not seeing as to how it will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I am going to have to work with it longer to see on that. Be sure to check back in a couple of weeks for an update.

If you want to try something different, than this may be up your alley. You can of course, find this on Amazon.com. The price isn't bad either, $30, and if you have Prime, of course you get free 2 day shipping!

Try it for yourself and form your own opinion.

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

My Konjac Sponge Review

I have to admit, I've tried a lot of things in my time to help with oil control and acne, and none of them worked really, until I tried this sponge. The Konjac Sponge is not what I thought it would be. Now, I wasn't sure if I used soap with it or not, so I tried it both ways. For 2 days, I used just water. I liked how it was working, but then I did 2 days with Adovia soap. I instantaneously loved the results! The combinations together is like the sky opening up and the angels singing! 

Now, the sponge is made out of biodegradable material, which is a plus. The materials are Pure Konjac Powder, water, and Bamboo Charcoal. That's it! Three ingredients to help with your face. I love it.  I love it's everything I feel it should be. Cruelty Free and Vegan, so those that don't use products that are iffy, this is for you!

I have never heard of the Konjac plant until I got this, and so I had to do some reading up on it. As per Wikipedia, my favorite place, it's a plant known in Japan, China and Indonesia. They use it to make  konnyaku (yam cake). It's used in many dishes basically as a filler. Now I don't eat much asian foods, but what I have tasted has been wonderful! This is also known as a diet food! While I'm not going to try it for a diet, I know it's in many types of foods as a filler.

So it make sense to put this into a sponge, because it can be molded into a sponge in jelly form.  So with the research, I do recommend this sponge to you. I use it with soap, but you can use it alone also.  You can find it on amazon.com for a great price of $10.00 and it's worth it, that's for sure! If you have prime, it's only 2 day FREE shipping! 

So I dare you to try it and not fall in love with it, cause I know you will!


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

Adovia Sulfur Soap Review

Adovia Sulfur Soap for Acne, Blackheads and Oily Skin with Dead Sea Salt - 100% Natural. Well this is something that while I enjoyed using it, I did not enjoy the smell. I was hoping for something better smelling to be honest. It's not a bad smell, but it's not something you would expect from a soap. I do wish that this was in liquid form simply because bars seem to melt in my shower, while it's due to me like hot showers, I tend to leave it in the shower too, since I'm in it every night.

This soap has minerals and sulfer from the Dead Sea, and what this is suppose to do is provide relief to skin ailments such as acne and exzema. It states that it's not suppose to irritate your skin, and that is true. I noticed a remarkable difference in my skin tone after only 4 days of using it. This soap also has Aloe Vera, olive oil extract and of course, minerals from the Dead Sea. 

Now the serious question of wether or not I would recommend it. Yes, I would. But I would suggest storing it differently that I did of leaving it in the shower. I would also recommend making sure that you use a wash cloth or facial scrubby to get your face clean and free of loose skin and to get dirt out of the pores. 

You can find this product on Amazon at:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/b00mg962aa
but I've also found it on www.cleopatraschoice.com. The average price is between 8 to 12 dollars a bar. You may be able to find a deal where you get more at once for a lower price. Just go ahead and do a search.


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

Ebay Selling Vol. 1

Well, I have been for the last month or so, lurking Ebay. Figuring out the ins and outs of selling and buying. Now, people tell me that it isn't rocket science. They're right, it isn't. But, to sell and to buy, you need to be aware of rules and how they want things done. To me, it was confusing at first, simply because you had to learn to navigate your way through everything. They linking Paypal. Then figuring out shipping labels. Yes, I'm still working on the shipping labels. There have been times where I've been way off. So now, I just do Flat Rate. No way to go wrong there! Unless you know that it can fit into a padded envelope with easy.

One thing that I am investing in is a mail scale. I found one that will weight packages up to 140lbs. So I feel this will help in getting correct postage in the future.  I've also invested in bubble wrap and packaging tape. Some of my best friends! Another lesson I've learned is to do 2 invoices. One for yourself and another for your buyer. I also make sure that I save the label records. This way, if there are any disputes, you have a paper trail. Virtual and physical paper trail. I have two books where these go. I have them all meticulously labeled. For a hobby, sure sounds like a full time job, right? Well, if you sell on Ebay, it is!

I believe after you sell $10,00 or $5,000, I'm not sure which, you do have to report to the IRS. You have to make sure that if this happens, you have the taxes for it. I know when you invoice people, you can add your state taxes or theirs. Choice is yours. Now, I could be wrong, I am not saying that everything I say is absolutely correct. I am stating that this is MY experience with Ebay. Yours could be entirely different. I will definitely keep you updated on this journey, that's for sure! There is always more to learn and more to read up on. If you have anything that could help with this journey, please let me know!

Have fun, I'm going to go troll Ebay again!

**Ebay logo courtesy of Ebay.com**

Milani Bella Eye Shadows

Milani. When I think about the brand, I see pretty gold packaging and not much else really. Well, then they came out with the Bella Eye Shadows. They have polishes too, but they don't have them here that I've found yet. I admit, I really like the ones that I bought. I only bought 4 of them, and I do plan on buying more.

When I heard that these were out, I stalked my Walgreens. I got 4 of them to just try out to see if I would like them. Oh, boy, do I! I got 4 neutral colors simply because I wanted to be sure that I would like them. I always figure go for the neutral colors before the racier colors to test. Well, I have to say, they are wonderful! They truly remind me a lot of Urban Decay or Lorac. More Lorac than Urban Decay though. True pigmitation and wonderful color payoff. I didn't see a single fall-out while using them!

New Milani Bella Eyeshadows

While I do love the packaging, I really wish that Milani would have just put these into palettes, cause singles can take up a lot of room. But, packaging isn't really my concern. It's the products inside that I'm most fascinated with. Ivory is a color I have been using the most with any eye shadow I have lately. I blends beautifully and a perfect compliment to any color.

Espresso is a rich dark brown that reminds me of the drink. A nice rich coffee to brighten your eyes. Pink was a bit harder to work. While it didn't go with the browns that well in my opinion, it worked well with Ivory and other pink shades. Champagne is such a beautiful bronze color that blended so well. You didn't need much of it to achieve a beautiful, amazing glow with it. Works wonders with green eyes.

Swatches

I will say these are some buttery shadows. They blend easily and are heavenly feeling. You don't want to miss out on these that's for sure! These are on sale I believe at Walgreens for $4.99. Not bad at all and if you have points, you can knock the price even lower!  This is a perfect product for those starting out in make-up to the most advanced in make-up. I do believe this is part of the permanent line, so they will be around, but prices may go up, so get them while you can!

So head to your nearest Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, anywhere that carries these and grab them. You won't be sorry!

Another MAC collection? A Novel Romance Collection

I'll be honest. I was not sent this collection, but I did get an email telling me all about it and I saw it on Facebook, of course. I MUST HAVE THIS COLLECTION. It's coming out next month, and I think I want it for my birthday, lol. Hint hint darling! But, seriously, I am in love with this collection. And yeah, I like some of the lipsticks and glasses, but it's the eyeliners and eye shadows that I want! Anyone ever feel like that? I normally don't get on the hypes from the MAC collections, but this one hits me and describes me perfectly. I love romance novels. I love to curl up on the couch and just read.

Well, for fall, I'm going to be my own romance novel. I'm going to get me this collection, cause it's calling my name! I may spend more money than it's worth, but it'll be worth it to me! I'm currently looking for pictures and swatches to add to this, but you may have to wait until I buy it, lol. Sorry. Mac didn't deem me special enough to send me the collection to try, lol. I wish they did though! It would be fun to try something before anyone else! Maybe next time!

As soon as I get pictures and such, I will post ASAP. I promise!!!!

Meanwhile, if you need to see the collection before I get it, go check this lovely lady out on her blog:
http://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/mac-makeup/mac-a-novel-romance-collection-review/

Karen is a talented and lucky blogger who I heard about this collection from first!

Search for "Unicorn Piss", the search for Past Collection Cosmetics PT. 3

That's right, I finally found a website that isn't EBAY or AMAZON to get cosmetics from the past. It's http://www.allcosmeticswholesale.com . I love this site! Granted, the website does have current cosmetics, but the Unicorn Piss that I've been looking for? They had it. At a REASONABLE price no less! From this website, I've found limited or discontinued edition cosmetics way below what you would expect to pay for it. I found current items that were 5-10 dollars CHEAPER than in store! Now that's my kind of store!

Now, on my quest to find my "Unicorn Piss" cosmetics, I've found many, many, many websites that offered fake brand name stuff, such as Urban Decay, MAC and so forth. But this site write a guarantee that everything you receive or that they advertise is 100% authentic. Seeing something like that makes me at least want to try the site out, to see if it's true. Well.....I took the plunge. I tried out their products, and I took them to Ulta, Sephora and MAC to be sure that they are 100% authentic as ACW (All Cosmetics Wholesale) claimed that they were. I was so sure that at least half of it would be fake, that if anything, I got some cool stuff, right? Nope. It was all real.

I do have to say, as I looked over the website, and started looking at prices, I will once again state, had some amazing prices and some of the prices were over priced to MY taste on some of it, and right on target to the department store prices. Now, I do get that their harder to find products will have a bit higher prices, so I wasn't bothered by that at all. I didn't have a problem with any of the prices actually. I was content to see the prices and know that with those prices comes great customer service, fast shipping and exceptional products.

Yes, I of course have pictures of the site and of the products that I've received.