Birchbox + Women's Health = tiny tweaks, big results.
The last day of May and I am on my phone typing a blog post about the April Birchbox. I know I'm not the most punctual person as far as blogging goes (I haven't even opened May's box), but this type I have a highly legitimate reason for putting all this on the backburner, which I will be doing a series of posts about and I encourage everyone to read them when they're up and really think about things. This is one of the review posts I hate because I don't have my pictures to go along with... The other day, out of no where, all the pictures from my camera disappeared... Gone!! Now you see me (want to see that movie, sn), now you don't. I was emotionally distraught and livid... There were nearly 300 pictures from like 2 years. The best that verizon could conclude was that my sd card went bad and my phone wasn't reading it, therefore my backup assistant wasn't backing up the images. ::sigh:: I wanted to throw up, maybe I did. Pictures are quite the big deal to me, but moving on from that.
Let me just talk about this April Birchbox before it falls completely to the wayside...
***THE CONTENTS***
*NEXXUS HYDRA-LIGHT LEAVE-IN
CONDITIONING FOAM... This one came in my box as a full-size product,
which normally retails for about $17, so that's rather exciting. On the flip side, like I always say, I'm super picky about my hair products, especially since I have extensions and color treated hair. These sorts of things I usually pass on to family members (hey, Mom), or I use them in different giveaways. About the product... It's a glycerin infused styling foam, and I am loving foam hair products lately actually, that aims to tame frizz and reflect light to give hair a boost of shine. The science behind the hydra-light formula is a blend of deep sea minerals, antioxidants and hydrating
polymers, which work to nourish hair without weighing it down. Not sure how this would bode for color treated hair, but it sounds promising.
*SUMITA EYE SHADOW PENCIL... Another full size product!! Retails for $11. It's a glide-on eyeshadow pencil that can create versatile looks. The color I received was a deep Lilac color, which doesn't suit me with my red hair right now. I love eye shadow pencils as bases though, and this one by Sumita seems highly comparable to a NYX jumbo pencil.
*SUPERGOOP! ADVANCED SPF 37 ANTI-AGING EYE CREAM...I am a skin care lunatic now so I'm super excited to try this little gem out. They just sent me the sample size but the full size retails for $45. This is an eye cream with some serious SPF in it...I love already!! The product's formula has an oat peptide complex cream to firm skin. I will be trying this out really soon, as I am more readily getting back into my daily skin/makeup routines.
*YES TO CUCUMBERS FACIAL TOWELETTES...I love all the YES TO lines and these towelettes are great. The cucumber acts as a skin brightening agent, and the wipes themselves also gently exfoliate and detoxify. And for all you eco-friendly folks, they are 100% biodegradable. They make my skin feel refreshed, even more so after I've washed my face at night. The full-size towelettes retail for like $5.99, and you can get them at Walgreens or Ulta, to name a few places.
*YES TO GRAPEFRUIT DAILY FACIAL SCRUB AND DARK SPOT CORRECTING SERUM... I actually haven't tried these, they were two little bonus jonases in the box. THE SCRUB is a milder one as far as exfoliators go, so it is gentle enough should you want to use it for everyday use. It contains lemon balm and grapefruit, which clarify the skin. THE SERUM (and I do love a good serum) works to reverse spots caused by acne, aging and sun damage, and let me just say you can totally have sun damage and not be able to see it just by looking in the mirror. Everyone should get an annual check at the dermatologist, after all our skin is our largest organ!! These products retail
between $10-$20, and you can pick them up wherever YES TO products are sold!!
Hope everyone is well!! Make sure to follow this blog for upcoming posts. You can also check out my facebook page (pretty & clever by Jacqueline Clark), my Twitter (@JalinMarieC) and my instagram (jacquelinecxo).
XO,
J.
Showing posts with label SPF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SPF. Show all posts
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Friday, July 20, 2012
Birchbox: Jet Set.
In pretty much true "pretty and clever" fashion, my Birchbox review is not being posted in the most timely of manners. But, I will catch up and be super up to date...it will happen!! This is the summary for the June box; and as I was dealing with a wonky camera situation, I have no pictures!! Ahh! But, I will still break down the box and offer my opinion as I deem necessary. July's box was really cool, so I will get on that too ;)...about June...
Here's the breakdown:
*beautyblender blender cleanser...no not make a milkshake blender...a beauty blender sponge! This is a soy based product used to keep your makeup sponges and brushes in their best condition. Have not tried this yet as I have a specific brush regimen, but it's worth a shot because you never know what product is going to be the next great find.
*Comodynes Self-Tanning Intensive...well, you may or may not know my opinion on tanning...let's just say I dig a nice tan. However, I seem to have dumb luck when it comes to mystic/spray tans, etc. So, the idea of a self-tanning towelette kind of makes me apprehensive, and with my current salon job I don't want to screw the whole thing up and have oompa loompa elbows, feet, what have you, so I might lay low on this until I do further research and read additional reviews. If you've used this item, please share your thoughts/experience...
*COOLA Cucumber Matte Mineral Face SPF 30...now, this sounds/looks promising...it's a facial sunscreen that is loaded with antioxidants and is said to leave a shine-free finish. I'm always looking for great face stuff, especially a good SPF since there are so many summer activities happening. I actually have an outdoor concert I'm going to next week (311...bring on the Nick Hex, yessss), so I will give this a try then. A full-size bottle is $36, so we'll see if it's worth it's cost.
*Jouer Luminating Moisture Tint...It's Jouer...need I say more?? I love them! This is a tinted moisturizer that gives you that dewy, glowy (not sweaty, greasy) finish. Love. Love. And you too can have the full-size bottle of love for $38!
*theBalm cosmetics Stainiac in Beauty Queen...who doesn't love a good lip stain??! And it's 2-in-1 so you can use it on your cheeks as well. The color is more subtle than say, a tarte lip stain. But I like that it is light weight; I'm actually wearing it right now. The Beauty Queen shade is a red berry color, but since it isn't heavily pigmented it gives a fresh hint of color that compliments your natural lip color. $17 for the full-size stain, which is a pretty good deal as far as lip stains of this quality go.
*Modcloth headband...exactly what it sounds like...it's a scarf material headband. Nothing to positive/negative to say. It will be stored with the rest of my accessories more than likely. The one that came in my box is red with white polka dots, so it has a vintage appeal to it...I just don't wear a lot of red right now, so we'll see what I pair it with.
* John Varvatos Star USA...this was a Birchbox Man Extra, so I did the wifely thing and passed it on to my husband. It's described as a "dapper cologne"...(who doesn't love the word 'dapper') with a blend of ginger, juniper, berries and vetiver. I asked my husband for his review and he said "It's not bad"...there you have it! Such a detailed man answer, and manswer if you will.
I've said it before but I shall reiterate...If you love trying new products and receiving little gems and goodies every month then definitely check out Birchbox.com to see what they're all about, and if you do receive a box, let me know if you post reviews somewhere!
Hope everyone is having a great week, and be sure to log on to Facebook, search for the page "Wonderland Artistry", and hit that LIKE button for extra links, photos and more!!
XO,
J.
Here's the breakdown:
*beautyblender blender cleanser...no not make a milkshake blender...a beauty blender sponge! This is a soy based product used to keep your makeup sponges and brushes in their best condition. Have not tried this yet as I have a specific brush regimen, but it's worth a shot because you never know what product is going to be the next great find.
*Comodynes Self-Tanning Intensive...well, you may or may not know my opinion on tanning...let's just say I dig a nice tan. However, I seem to have dumb luck when it comes to mystic/spray tans, etc. So, the idea of a self-tanning towelette kind of makes me apprehensive, and with my current salon job I don't want to screw the whole thing up and have oompa loompa elbows, feet, what have you, so I might lay low on this until I do further research and read additional reviews. If you've used this item, please share your thoughts/experience...
*COOLA Cucumber Matte Mineral Face SPF 30...now, this sounds/looks promising...it's a facial sunscreen that is loaded with antioxidants and is said to leave a shine-free finish. I'm always looking for great face stuff, especially a good SPF since there are so many summer activities happening. I actually have an outdoor concert I'm going to next week (311...bring on the Nick Hex, yessss), so I will give this a try then. A full-size bottle is $36, so we'll see if it's worth it's cost.
*Jouer Luminating Moisture Tint...It's Jouer...need I say more?? I love them! This is a tinted moisturizer that gives you that dewy, glowy (not sweaty, greasy) finish. Love. Love. And you too can have the full-size bottle of love for $38!
*theBalm cosmetics Stainiac in Beauty Queen...who doesn't love a good lip stain??! And it's 2-in-1 so you can use it on your cheeks as well. The color is more subtle than say, a tarte lip stain. But I like that it is light weight; I'm actually wearing it right now. The Beauty Queen shade is a red berry color, but since it isn't heavily pigmented it gives a fresh hint of color that compliments your natural lip color. $17 for the full-size stain, which is a pretty good deal as far as lip stains of this quality go.
*Modcloth headband...exactly what it sounds like...it's a scarf material headband. Nothing to positive/negative to say. It will be stored with the rest of my accessories more than likely. The one that came in my box is red with white polka dots, so it has a vintage appeal to it...I just don't wear a lot of red right now, so we'll see what I pair it with.
* John Varvatos Star USA...this was a Birchbox Man Extra, so I did the wifely thing and passed it on to my husband. It's described as a "dapper cologne"...(who doesn't love the word 'dapper') with a blend of ginger, juniper, berries and vetiver. I asked my husband for his review and he said "It's not bad"...there you have it! Such a detailed man answer, and manswer if you will.
I've said it before but I shall reiterate...If you love trying new products and receiving little gems and goodies every month then definitely check out Birchbox.com to see what they're all about, and if you do receive a box, let me know if you post reviews somewhere!
Hope everyone is having a great week, and be sure to log on to Facebook, search for the page "Wonderland Artistry", and hit that LIKE button for extra links, photos and more!!
XO,
J.
Friday, June 10, 2011
SPF: A Guide
Summer is here! (well officially on the 20th but the summer sun doesn't seem to know that). Now, I won't lie, I do frequent the tanning bed (bad I know, I know), but I like my nice bronzey glow that self-tanners just don't ever seem to give me. But, outside in the hottness that is this summer sun I do make sure that I'm using my SPF (which reminds me, gotta pick up some since my beach vacay is literally right around the corner). So, I've put together various tips and tricks, if you will, on how you can keep yourself safe from the sun and also what you can do if you find yourself with (ouch) sunburn. Regardless of how you choose to incorporate your SPF, and to what level, play it safe out there!
You want to maintain your healthy, gorgeous skin and the sun's rays can can get in the way of that by causing dark spots, wrinkles, sunburn, scarring, and yes, cancer. If you know you're going to be outside this summer, apply your sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going out--you want to give your skin enough time to absorb it. You want to apply a thin, even layer all over your body--no need for excess! Women want to especially make sure that legs and upper backs are covered well since dermatologists say that melanoma most often strikes in these areas.
Also make sure you are also applying SPF to your face. Most foundations contain a small amount of SPF (usually a 4), but don't rely on that to keep your face sun-safe. If you have sensitive skin/skin prone to breakouts then you'll probably want to pick up a sunscreem specifically meant for your face. Make sure if you are outside for an extended period of time that you are re-applying every hour and a half or so--even if you're just laying out, you're still sweating!
So, You Got Sunburn.
Hey, it happens. Here are some things that Dr. Francesca Fusco says you can do to manage while your skin recovers: Make sure you are moisturizing your skin & keeping it hydrated. I reccomend a fragrant free lotion like Lubriderm's Sensitive Skin Therapy. Hydrated skin will heal faster & may be less likely to scar. You also want to avoid using any product that contains retinol & topical acids (like glycolic & AHA) which could exaggerate your sunburn. Don't think that by putting on more sunscreen and going back out you'll be protected from further burn; in fact, going back out into the sun before you've fully healed can cause even more scarring.
Now ladies, this may be something you don't want to hear, but I've learned from personal experience & from talking to others, that you need to lay off the makeup while your skin is recovering from sunburn! If you're like me the thought of going out with a naked face can make you feel a little "bleh", but trust me, you don't want to irritate your skin any further when you don't have to. I will still throw on some mascara and maybe some tinted lip balm just to placate myself ;) Just keep your skin nice & hydrated. Aloe is also a popular sunburn remedy--and now there's even lotion that has aloe in it, so bonus jonas, whatever works for you!
Have fun in the sun dolls! Just keep gorgeous by keeping that SPF on hand.
XOXO,
J.
You want to maintain your healthy, gorgeous skin and the sun's rays can can get in the way of that by causing dark spots, wrinkles, sunburn, scarring, and yes, cancer. If you know you're going to be outside this summer, apply your sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going out--you want to give your skin enough time to absorb it. You want to apply a thin, even layer all over your body--no need for excess! Women want to especially make sure that legs and upper backs are covered well since dermatologists say that melanoma most often strikes in these areas.
Also make sure you are also applying SPF to your face. Most foundations contain a small amount of SPF (usually a 4), but don't rely on that to keep your face sun-safe. If you have sensitive skin/skin prone to breakouts then you'll probably want to pick up a sunscreem specifically meant for your face. Make sure if you are outside for an extended period of time that you are re-applying every hour and a half or so--even if you're just laying out, you're still sweating!
So, You Got Sunburn.
Hey, it happens. Here are some things that Dr. Francesca Fusco says you can do to manage while your skin recovers: Make sure you are moisturizing your skin & keeping it hydrated. I reccomend a fragrant free lotion like Lubriderm's Sensitive Skin Therapy. Hydrated skin will heal faster & may be less likely to scar. You also want to avoid using any product that contains retinol & topical acids (like glycolic & AHA) which could exaggerate your sunburn. Don't think that by putting on more sunscreen and going back out you'll be protected from further burn; in fact, going back out into the sun before you've fully healed can cause even more scarring.
Now ladies, this may be something you don't want to hear, but I've learned from personal experience & from talking to others, that you need to lay off the makeup while your skin is recovering from sunburn! If you're like me the thought of going out with a naked face can make you feel a little "bleh", but trust me, you don't want to irritate your skin any further when you don't have to. I will still throw on some mascara and maybe some tinted lip balm just to placate myself ;) Just keep your skin nice & hydrated. Aloe is also a popular sunburn remedy--and now there's even lotion that has aloe in it, so bonus jonas, whatever works for you!
Have fun in the sun dolls! Just keep gorgeous by keeping that SPF on hand.
XOXO,
J.
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