Detox With Derma E

I LOVE exfoliating products. They remove dead skin creating a smooth canvas for your makeup. I also love charcoal because it's a wonderful detox for your skin drawing all those nasty impurities out leaving your skin looking and feeling beautiful! My skin has been needing a good detox especially as I work on getting it ready for my brothers wedding. 

I said this in my last Derma E review but I really love the new packaging! It's like a spa at home. Neither product has an overpowering scent and I don't really notice it when using them. What I love most about Derma E is they use quality ingredients that are good for your skin.  

Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask

This 2-in-1 mask is amazing! It purges your pores of toxins and then gently exfoliates leaving you with beautiful glowing skin. I have combo-oily skin and I prefer to apply it to my t-zone and any areas that have a breakout. I leave it on until it's dry then moisten my fingertips and massage gently in circular motions to exfoliate then rinse and pat dry. You can use this mask 1-2 times a week depending on your skin. I really love this mask when you first apply it, it feels cool then you can feel it purging your pores. And after removing it I can see a difference in the appearance of my pores. It doesn't irritate my skin like some rough exfoliators do and my skin is really smooth after using it. I'm definitely using this before the wedding! It is 1.7 OZ and costs $19.50. I just wish it could be at least 2 OZ.   

Purifying Daily Detox Scrub

I think this is my favourite since it is gentle enough to use daily. The Marine Algae Extracts help with hydration and protecting the skin from toxins. I use it in the shower and just scrub in circular motions for about a minute then rinse and my skin is super soft. I don't use it everyday just because I have so many other products, but I do use it almost every other day. It's gluten free and soy free. My mom actually used it one day and told me she liked it which is super rare! The apricot seed powder does an amazing job of exfoliating and it's even better knowing it is natural. I just love it so much and will probably continue to buy it. It is 4 OZ so I think it's the perfect size and it's $15.50. I have zero complaints with this product and I will probably try to get all of my friends to try it. 

Check out their website to see the whole purifying collection. I definitely want to try the serum and toner next.

* This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Blogger Summer Beauty Brawl: Face Mask

Hello everyone! Welcome to day one of the Summer Beauty Brawl! I really enjoyed the Christmas Beauty Brawl so I was excited when I was asked if I wanted to be a part of this one. Today we are reviewing face masks and I chose the Feeling Beautiful Avocado & Oatmeal face mask. 

First of all you can't beat the price of these masks $3.27 for 6 fl. oz. The clay helps remove the dirt and oil from your pores while Vitamin E, Avocado, and Oatmeal moisturize. You can use this mask two times a week or as often as needed. I leave it on for about 5-10 minutes and my skin feels great. The packaging is nice and simple which obviously helps keep it budget friendly. I definitely prefer it over another one of their masks.

I hope you enjoyed day one head over to thatluckieone to see what product Mikayla chose! Also our hashtag is #beautybrawl16 so you can follow us on social media to see what everyone chose.  

VALENTIA Review: True Glow Eye Cream & Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask + DISCOUNT CODE

Hello Everyone!
I have so many reviews I am working on right now. Two thanks to Brandbacker and a couple of things I either picked up or got for Christmas. So let's get started! This is a new brand to the blog so first I will tell you a little bit about it. I know I like to learn about a brand before making a purchase. *Discount code at the very bottom*


ABOUT THE BRAND
Valentia is named after the Roman Goddess of healing Valentia. She used berries, herbs, barks and other natural ingredients to heal the citizens of Umbria. Like their namesake, Valentia Skin Care products are formulated with natural and organic cosmetic ingredients that can help repair and protect the skin. They performed extensive research to determine what skin care customers find most important. There was an overwhelming demand for skin care that was natural, free of toxins, and paraben free. Natural ingredients with an organic base are the most effective at repairing damage from the sun or wind, and preventing the signs of aging like wrinkles and dark spots. http://www.valentia.com/



TRUE GLOW EYE CREAM

About The Product

It is a luxurious antioxidant rich eye cream that helps lock in moisture, repair and tighten skin for a youthful looking glow around the eye area.

Some Ingredients

 - Astaxanthin: A powerful antioxidant that increases moisture levels, smooths fine line and wrinkles, and restores elasticity to the skin.

- Resistem: Natural Plant Stem Cells repair and protect the skin from harsh environmental pollutants and stress related aging.

- Vitamin C: Leaves the skin smooth and visibly brighter for a well-rested and bright eyed look.

- Organic Rosehip Oil: Provides intense hydration to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

- Arnica: A key anti-inflammatory agent to the restorative process that works to diminish the appearance of dark circles.

First impressions

• I really like the packaging of the box and bottle. I like the gold trim I think it adds a touch of elegance to it. I really like that the product comes in a glass bottle and I am able to see how much product I have. The pump is really nice. I would say it's a decent sized bottle, with eye cream a little goes a long way.
• This product has a really nice scent. It's hard to describe since there are so many different things in it. My dad and I both agreed it kind of has a citrusy scent. 
• It's a nice light eye cream. I only need about half a pump and that's enough for both eyes. The directions say to apply it every morning and night after cleansing and to apply it by gently patting it on.
• As I have said before on the blog I am 22 so I don't have any wrinkles yet, but I do like to use products that can help prevent it. I will admit I am not always gentle when it comes to the eye area. I definitely like the way it feels on my skin. The days I don't get very good sleep I make sure I use it.
• It is $25 for 1.18 fl. oz. it does come in a glass bottle. You are also paying for good quality ingredients. When I use it it's only once a day with half a pump of product so I won't run out any time soon.
• You can buy the eye cream on their website or on Amazon.

ULTRA PLUMPING HYDRATION MASK

About The product

It is a blend of amino acids and hyaluronic acid that work together to flood the skin with moisture providing intense hydration and nourishment.

Some Ingredients

 - Silk Protein Amino Acid Blend:These natural miracles increase moisture content and help in the production of collagen and elastin which decreases the appearance of visible lines.
- Botanical Hyaluronic Acid:Penetrates deep into the skin to secure moisture and plump skin from within.
- Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil:An anti-aging wonder berry that results in fewer fine lines, diminished sun spots, more even skin tone, and firmer more supple skin.
- Japanese Green Tea:Contains catechins that provide anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-irritant effects to the skin.
- Aloe Vera:This botanical moisturizers skin and fight aging by improving skin firmness.

First Impressions

• It obviously has the same pretty gold edges on the packaging. I will say the plastic container is kind of a disappointment after the eye cream's glass container.
• It doesn't smell exactly like the eye cream but it's very similar. I just wouldn't say it has a citrusy scent to it. When I have the mask on it doesn't bother me at all.
• It has a very smooth creamy gel like texture. I've never had a mask like it before. I'm not sure if it's because of the aloe vera or the hyaluronic acid. It feels really refreshing on the skin.
• Apply a thin layer to the skin and leave on for 15-20 minutes. You will feel a slight tingle. Use a damp cloth and warm water to remove.
• It really feels nice on the skin. Once I take it off my skin feels really nice and soft. It's the kind of mask that is gentle enough you can use it as often as you need it. I use it maybe every other day or two. I constantly forget it's a plumping hydration mask and not a mask for acne. So far I think it definitely helps with skin radiance.
• It is $25 for 4 fl. oz. so that is a decent amount of product. I know I will have this product for a while. 
• You can buy the hydration mask on their website or on Amazon.

I hope everyone enjoyed this review! Valentia was nice enough to give everyone a 20% discount on any of their products. The code activates the 17th and will expire a month after. Here is the code   YZ4OOIFU



* I recieved these products complimentary from the brand to test and review for my honest opinion.

Bloggers Christmas Beauty Brawl: Freeman Charcoal & Black Sugar Mud Mask

Hello ladies and welcome to day one of the Blogger Christmas Beauty Brawl! I am late getting this posted because today was such a beautiful day I couldn't just stay inside all day. Where I live it's usually below freezing with a ton of snow on the ground so it's been very hard to get in the "Christmas spirit" Honestly I can't believe Christmas is 11 days away! 

Now about the Beauty Brawl. Ten days, ten products. Four other bloggers and I have each chosen different products we want to review. Each day is a different category, I listed them below so if there is a particular day you are interested in you'll know when it is. I am really excited to share all the products I picked and I can't wait to see what the other ladies chose! 

Day 1 Mask .................................................................December 14th    

Day 2 Moisturizer ...................................................................December 15th
Day 3 Lip balm ...................................................................December 16th
Day 4 Primer ...................................................................December 17th
Day 5 Foundation ...................................................................December 18th
Day 6 Eye palette ..................................................................December 19th
Day 7 Brow product ...................................................................December 20th
Day 8 Mascara .........................................................................December 21st
Day 9 Blush ..........................................................................December 22nd
Day 10 Lip color .....................................................................December 23rd

Today we are reviewing a mask or treatment I chose the Freemen Charcoal & Black Sugar Mud Mask. 

This velvety, jet-black mud mask works like magic to moisturize, remineralize, and make skin sensationally soft! Skin-loving minerals collected from the Dead Sea have a natural nourishing effect that boosts smoothness and overall skin health. Activated Charcoal locks onto oils & toxins, then gently lifts them away without over-drying or disturbing skin. Black Sugar helps skin hold on to hydration, which helps smooth out roughness and fine lines. Perfect for normal to combination skin.

I love to try anything beauty related that has charcoal in it. Charcoal is amazing for soaking up the extra oil without drying out skin. I also love masks because I can just put it on, grab a book, and relax. 

Packaging: For under $5 the packaging is great. It isn't flimsy and it's very easy to push the product out.

Smell: To me this product doesn't really smell. I don't think I have ever noticed. Which is a good thing! The fruity smelling stuff is nice but sometimes I don't want to smell anything.

Texture/Finish: Just like the description says this product has a velvety/muddy texture.

Application: The application is very easy. I put warm water on my face then apply a thin layer on my skin.

Effectiveness: It is very effective considering how much it costs. I use it religiously when I have my hormonal breakouts and my skin clears up in a week. I also broke out from using a different product once and the whole Freeman brand helped.

Value For Money: This product is under $5 and worth every penny. It works very well with my skin especially when I have hormonal breakouts. If you buy them at Ulta you can even find them buy one get one!

Availability: I buy mine at Ulta, but I have seen the Freeman brand at Walmart. You can also buy samples to test the product before buying.

I hope you enjoyed day one! You can check out Zoe's blog for her pick. Our hashtag is #bxbeautybrawl so you can search it on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to see everyones posts.

Tell me what you think of Charcoal skincare or masks! I would love to know your favorites.

Christmas Gift Guide 2014

Hey everybody! With Christmas around the corner I thought I would come up with some gift ideas. These items are things I am loving, wishing for, or gifting. I made sure to include things that wouldn't break the bank.

1. bh cosmetics 11 pc Pink-A-Dot Brush Set $18.95

This is one of the items I have been wanting. What's not to love about this item? It's pink has polka dots and comes with a nice case which is perfect for travel! It is a synthetic brush set that has a good variety of face and eye brushes so you will have all the brushes you need. 

Brushes Included: 

Deluxe Fan Brush

Powder Brush

Angled Blush Brush

Classic Foundation Brush

Tapered Shadow Blending Brush

Classic Shadow Brush

Flat Eyeliner Brush

Angled Shadow Brush

Small Smudge Brush

Tapered Eyeliner Brush

Lip Brush

2. bh cosmetics 120 Color Eyeshadow Palette 3rd edition $14.95

This palette is great because you have so many options. There are 120 shadows that are a mixture of matte and shimmer. There are bright colors, pastel, and cool toned colors. I really like the range of color options. 

3. Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette $49

I have been DREAMING about this palette since it came out. I always have to look at it when I am at Ulta. The colors are beautiful and the palette smells like chocolate because it is actually made with cocoa powder and I love the packaging! There are 16 shadows that I would describe as earthy. There is a really pretty gold, wine and brown. 

4. Yes Please by Amy Poehler $14.50 

I tried to get this for the BirchBloggers monthly book club but wasn't successful. I love Amy Poehler and I think it sounds like a great book.

5. Clinique Youth Surge SPF 15 $53.50

I asked my mom to tell me the one beauty item she is loving and this is it! She received a sample and noticed a difference so she had to buy some for herself. This product comes in a pretty big container so it will last a while. Give the gift of beautiful skin! I did notice my moms skin looked amazing when she started using it religiously.

 

6. China Glaze nail polish in Grape Juice $7.50 

I am gifting this to my cousin. She loves purple and this color caught my eye! It's perfect for her age (10) and it has shimmer which is a lot of fun! I love to look at it and I might have to get one for myself! 

7. Freeman Masks $3.99

I LOVE these masks! I have three so far and want to get more. I will be getting some to gift. They are a good gift if you are on a budget like me. I like to put one on at night and watch some tv and just relax. You could get some masks, candles, chocolate and you have a nice relaxing gift! 

8. Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette $54

I love all the Naked palettes and I think this is what I will get next. It has 12 gorgeous pink/purple shades. It also includes a duel sided brush so it's worth the price. The colors are very pigmented and it includes matte and shimmer shadows. 

9. Sugar Paper Daily Planner $9.99

This is available at Target. I love practical gifts because you know you will definitely use them. Sugar Paper has a lot of different designs and sizes so you can find the perfect planner for yourself or a loved one. 

10. Clinique Even Better $47.00

This is a skin tone correcting moisturizer. I use it everyday after using my toner and serum. I only need a little bit so the sample size I have will last a while. It has SPF 20 and it smells just like sunscreen. 

11. Some cute slippers

I couldn't find where these were from I just wanted a cute example. Another practical gift idea. I used to wear slippers until the bottoms wore out so this is another thing I will be asking for this year! 

I hope you all enjoyed my gift guide and found some inspiration for your gifts! Make sure to comment down below what you think and share with me what you think would make a great gift! I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!