Hello darlings and welcome to a riveting new edition of Face Mask Festivities! Today, we are going to be discussing another Freeman mask, which consisted of charcoal and black sugar. We all know that I love all charcoal everything, so this gel mask was an obvious hit for me! Take a look and let’s get to it:
^^^ Peep that freshly dyed hair! đ
In my humble opinion, charcoal products have been the most major game changer since Vitamin C skin care. It detoxifies, it cleanses, and it leaves the skin simply glowing after all of the gunk that’s been clogging your pores has been rinsed away. And, of course, this Freeman mask did all of that, which left for a really satisfying face mask experience.
The best part about this mask is the texture, because it isn’t your standard clay mask. This Freeman gel mask is a sugar scrub, too, so you got to exfoliate your skin while you were washing it off. And, speaking of texture, this mask literally never over dries. I had my mask on for the entire forty minutes that my hair dye was setting and it stayed the same consistency as when I first applied it until I washed it off. So amazing!
After giving my face a good scrub when rinsing my mask off, my skin felt so good. This Freeman mask gave my face such a deep clean and it was nothing short of invigorating. My pores feel like they can breathe, my blackheads are gone, and I would happily use this mask again.
Who else is a charcoal product fan? How do you keep pesky blackheads at bay? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hello everyone and happy Hump Day! It’s no secret by now that 99% of the time that I go into Bath & Body Works is because I have a travel sized freebie coupon. That certainly rang true when I ran in last week to pick up this here mini shower gel! Take a look:
In my humble opinion, you can NEVER go wrong with vanilla scented anything. Candles, perfumes, lotions, and, of course, shower gels! I’ve been a bit underwhelmed with the freebie fragrances that I’ve been getting lately, so I decided to go for an old standby this time around with Warm Vanilla Sugar. It combines the decadence of vanilla that I love with the sweet warmth of brown sugar, making for a totally delicious scent during shower time!
What is one of your go to fragrances when it comes to bath and body care products? What is your least favorite scent? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hello everyone! Thanks to a generous birthday gift card from my big bro, I was able to ball out at TJMaxx this past week. After my first shopping trip, I had about ten dollars left on my card and it was burning a hole in my pocket, so of course I had to go back! For eight cents over the ten bucks that I was working with, I was able to get the last of the beauty supplies that I need to last me for a good long while. Check it out:
As you guys know by now, I am an avid lover of all charcoal everything when it comes to my skin care routine. Destiny Boutique has the literal best charcoal products that I’ve ever used, so it was an absolute must to grab another one of their face bars, especially because I just finished up the one that I was using. And, did I mention that it takes me SIX MONTHS to finish one of their beauty bars?! For five dollars per bar, the cost per use is less than one penny and you definitely can’t beat that! đ
I also treated myself to a new body scrub by Kind Natured. Using an exfoliator is a necessity for me when I am shaving, and since I finished up my Strawberry scrub from The Body Shop, it was high time for me to grab another. My new Kind Natured scrub smells freaking amazing – like oats and honey, which is one of my favorite bath and body and skin care scents. I did want to get another scrub from The Body Shop because they’re my favorite, but it will be nice to try something new and maybe it will become a favorite of mine, too.
What is one of the longest lasting products that you use? Who else is a lover of charcoal products? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hello everyone and happy Monday! Can you believe we’re already one week into July?? Summer has really been in full swing lately, especially with scorching temperatures and summer holiday celebrations. So, now it’s time to recap the season so far with a little Q & A that I concocted! Feel free to spread the fun on your page, too! Let’s get to it:
Q & A:
What is the most summer-like activity that you have done so far? I have been on many a hikes in Ohio’s wonderful Metro Parks and I’ve also gone swimming in one of the lovely lakes that they offer. That was a lot of fun, minus the sunburn!
What is the hottest that it has been in your neck of the woods? It was 96 degrees a few days ago in the A-K-Rowdy, but it had a “it feels like” temperature of 109! Gross.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Mint chocolate chip, but it has to be the green kind!!
What is your favorite beverage to cool off with? I love the Very Berry Hibiscus refreshers from Starbucks but, if we’re talking alcohol, then I love me a Moscow Mule so very, very much.
What is the perfect temperature for a summer day? I friggen HATE the heat, so I would be really happy with a day in the low 70s.
What are you still looking forward to this summer? My family’s North Carolina vacation, even though it isn’t until October. đŚ đŚ đŚ
What would your ideal summer day look like? Sleeping in past seven o’clock, hitting up my favorite outdoor shopping mall called Crocker Park, and enjoying dinner and drinks in the air conditioning!
What is your favorite thing about summer time? My birthday! I turned 24 on June 7th and I always have loved having a summer birthday. There is nothing better than getting drinks on the patio of my favorite bar during an early summer evening to celebrate.
Does the way you eat or drink change during the summer? I would say somewhat. I definitely prefer cold teas over my normal water when it’s hot out. I also think that I enjoy lighter foods like salads and flatbreads more in the summer. Because I don’t like the heat, I’m really just looking for my food and drinks to make me feel refreshed!
What happens when you get too much sun? Pardon my French, but I burn like a motherfucker. I burn, and I burn, and I burn some more. But, now I have a secret weapon up my sleeve: Aloe Vera. That stuff is the best, and I can’t believe that I haven’t used it sooner. It literally got rid of my sunburn after applying it three times a day for TWO DAYS! So amazing!
How would you answer some of the above questions? What are some of your summer time questions for me? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hi everyone and welcome to the newest edition of Face Mask Festivities. Today, we are going to be discussing Freeman’s Anti-Stress Clay Mask. Delightfully reminiscent of Lush’s Don’t Look At Me mask, this blue baby definitely was a hit and was a fraction of the cost at only $3.29. Plus, no refrigerator to keep this mask fresh is required! Check it out:
If there’s one thing that the ballin on a budget lifestyle has taught me, it’s that drugstore brands are equally, if not better, than name brands. This mask by Freeman’s was essentially the exact same thing as Don’t Look At Me by Lush for so much less. And, this made me enjoy it even more, because I felt so pampered completely guilt free.
Using Freeman’s Anti-Stress Clay Mask was the perfect treat after a long day of working and getting caught in the rain during a hike. I ran a bath, applied the mask, and was instantly transported to Relaxation Station. This mask smells awesome, for one. It is so minty and invigorating with the slightest touch of an ocean breeze, thanks to the dead sea minerals in the formula. It also was the perfect texture. It wasn’t too light or too thick, but right in the middle, and it didn’t over dry when my bath took longer than the wash off time.
Because this mask didn’t over dry, it left my skin feeling amazing after washing it off. My pores felt like they got deep cleaned and all of my blackheads were removed, to boot. Once my face was nice and clean, I applied my Vitamin E Sleep Mask from The Body Shop and drifted off into the Land Of Nod feeling like I just spent my evening at the spa. Except this spa costed me less than ten dollars to enjoy, and I can definitely swing that!
What is your favorite face mask to use? How do you create a spa experience at home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hi everyone and happy weekend! After shopping beauty during my last TJMaxx haul, it was all about trying to find a pretty new top to wear for Fourth Of July festivities. Out of the buttload of looks that I tried on, I finally settled on this gorgeous deep green peek a boo top by Japna. Take a look:
I. Freaking. LOVE this little number. From the forest green color and the black and white vertical stripes to the flutter sleeves and peek a boo back – this top is totally perfect. And, how cute is the above the booty bow that tightens and loosens the shirt? The answer is: VERY. đ
Fifty shades of green is my absolute favorite color to wear. It looks amazing with my pale skin and red hair and it definitely is one of my go to colors that isn’t black. I also am a huge fan of the little skin surprise on the back to show off all of my tattoos. The flutter sleeves add a touch of sweet to the sex appeal of this crop top and the overall look is very flattering. And, you can’t beat a thirteen dollar price tag!
What is your favorite color to wear? How would you style this top? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hey! My gifts from my 24th birthday just keep on giving, because I was finally able to go to TJMaxx and spend some of my birthday gift card from my brother. I ended up with a gorgeous new top, which I’ll discuss tomorrow, but, for now, we will go over my little beauty haul that got me a bunch of my necessities for an amazing price! Check it out:
The Haul:
ArganiCare moisturizer: $5.99
Castelbel Watermelon and Mango bar soap: $3.99 each
CoverGirl eyeliner: $2.99
Grand Total: $17
I was so happy to have been able to stock up on some products that I definitely am going to need within the next few months. I can always use a new moisturizer, so I’m looking forward to trying ArganiCare for a whole six bucks. My skin type is completely normal, so it’s nice to be able to experiment with different skin care goodies at TJ’s ON THE CHEAP!
Not only was I able to get something new, but I also got to revisit old favorites with my Castelbel soaps and CoverGirl liner. Both the Mango and Watermelon scented bar soaps smell SO. Freaking. Good. They literally smell like Lip Smackers and are super hydrating – totally perfect for my morning showers! And, you can’t go wrong with my usual black eyeliner that normally costs me OVER SEVEN DOLLARS at the drug store for a whole three bucks at TJ’s. This results in over four dollars in savings and I am all about that. #ballinonabudget
I am completely thrilled with this TJMaxx Beauty Haul, because it’s not every day that you can spend less than twenty dollars for four items in skin care, makeup, and bath and body care. I can smell the savings now! đ
Where do you score the best deals on beauty? How do you cut the costs on your beauty routines? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
So you like having an instant coffee at home or at your office because itâs easy to make? Just open the jar of grounds, put a tablespoon or two of coffee into a mug, add some sugar, and pour in hot water. Stir and youâre all set for a quick cup of coffee. You can try adding some cream or leave it black depending on your taste. You donât have to grind beans or wait for the coffee to brew. Nothing gets easier than this right?
But, do you know youâre missing out on great tasting coffee because you don’t brew it? You’ll never know that brewed coffee could taste so much better and smoother than instant coffee until you buy your first coffee maker! Youâre going to love your coffee maker once you experience the difference of taste between freshly brewed coffee and an instant coffee.
If you enjoy the taste of brewed coffee from your favorite coffee shop, you can do so from the comfort of your own home with the help of a coffee brewer.
Two of the most popular types of coffee makers are drip coffee makers and cold brew coffee makers. The former brews smooth and delicious cups of hot coffee and the latter is, of course, for a cold cup of joe. BUNN makes great drip coffee makers. You can read the reviews for the BUNN coffee maker and cold brew coffee maker found on Amazon.
Now, let’s find out the benefits that a coffee maker can provide you:
1 – They help save money:
Youâre going to have to spend some cash to buy your coffee maker, but in the long run itâs such a wise investment. Youâre going to save a lot of money by having a coffee brewer at home compared to buying cups of coffee at your local cafe.
Espresso can be hard to make and it would seem to be a better option to grab a cup of espresso at a coffee shop, but an espresso machine can help you with that too. Espresso machines are a lot better these days at making great cups of coffee as well as saving your hard earned money.
Note: I would advise you to learn how to make espresso coffee at home before you choose to do so!
2 – A coffee maker brews fresher and smoother cups of coffee:
Preparing instant coffee is more convenient than brewing coffee, but a brewed coffee is far more tasty and the flavor is concentrated better. Freshly brewed coffee has a distinct aroma compared to instant coffee, because it is made directly from the coffee beans. Once you taste a cup of freshly roasted coffee you will never be able to go back to instant!
3 – Brewed coffee is better for your health than instant coffee:
Freshly brewed coffee from the coffee beans release healthy oils that contain antioxidants and nutrients that are very good for your body. The caffeine concentration is better in a brewed coffee than in an instant coffee, as well. Brewed coffee can help prevent heart diseases and cancer of different types because of the antioxidants. Just be sure not to drink too many cups of coffee in a day since the caffeine concentration is much higher in freshly brewed coffee.
4 – It is fun to brew coffee:
You can surprise your family and friends by playing barista in house. You can find tons of coffee recipe videos on YouTube. Check them out if youâre thinking about brewing Starbucks-level Cappuccinos, ice-cold Frappuccinoâs, or Mochas/Lattes. Then, host an afternoon get together to show off your coffee concocting skills.
Hereâs a YouTube video on cold brewing coffee to get you started:
Helloooo! Is a haul really a haul if you are only buying one item in bulk, lol? Asking for a friend, and by a friend, I mean ME. I have been having the most difficult time finding my beloved Vidal Sassoon Runway Red box color from their London Luxe collection for the past half a year or so now. IT SUCKS, because this miracle in a box has probably saved me over one thousand dollars throughout the years that I’ve been using it, as it gives me the exact same color that I was paying a buttload for at the salon from home.
I have been on a frantic hunt for the past month to reup my stash of hair dye, and literally none of the stores that I’ve purchased from were carrying it anymore. So, I had to resort to the one stop shop of Amazon to provide me with the tools that I need to stay Lil Red. So, for good measure, I bought EIGHT boxes of my Vidal Sassoon hair color to last me into the new year.
Is buying eight boxes of hair dye the most fun haul ever? No. Well, actually, YES – because it was a necessity. And, in general, I am all about buying in bulk to save time and money in the long run. I am eagerly awaiting for my package of THE GOODS to arrive and am also earnestly begging Vidal Sassoon to get Runway Red back in stores again ASAFP!! *kissy face emoji* đ
Are there any products that you like to buy in bulk? Has a favorite item of yours ever been discontinued? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
A study found that 63% of female participants identified their weight as the key factor in how they felt about themselves. Despite the rise of positive body awareness, such as Ashley Grahamâs #BeautyBeyondSize, thousands of women feel the anxiety to keep up with celebrities and social media. The good news, is that there is never a âbetter timeâ to start loving and taking care of yourself than right now. Hereâs how you can learn to overcome insecurities and love yourself:
Make Healthy Changes:
What better way to boost self-confidence than to achieve long-term goals. Rather than setting impossible goals such as âlosing 20 pounds in a weekâ or âachieving a tiny waist in three monthsâ, aim to start a new fitness routine and incorporate organic foods into your diet. When you eat right and exercise on a regular basis, your hormones will slowly fall into balance and help you to feel your best.
Consider A Makeover:
While a proper diet and fitness routine can help you lose the unwanted weight, thousands of women still struggle with extra baggage. Despite the âtabooâ of plastic surgery, 17.5 million procedures were performed in 2017 alone, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. If youâre tempted to get liposuction or a tummy tuck to reduce loose skin, youâre not the only one. In fact, nearly 2 million individuals opted for immense services like boob jobs, liposuction, and rhinoplasty. So, whether it is a total âMommy Makeoverâ or a simple lip injection, your plastic surgeon will guide you and address the most common body issues.
Of course, any kind of plastic surgery is not a decision that should be made lightly. There is always going to be a risk when you go under the knife. Before you schedule any consultations with a surgeon, it is highly recommended to read their reviews online. For example, enter a search for “liposuction cardiff” (or your local area) to see if former patients were happy with their results.
Always remember that there is nothing wrong with wanting to improve your appearance and using plastic surgery to do so. This is a topic that will always be somewhat taboo but if you feel confident about your choice then other peopleâs opinions are meaningless. The most important thing you can do is find an excellent surgeon to help you in the safest way possible so donât be afraid to shop around. Enter a search for âplastic surgery houstonâ (or your local area) and schedule consultations with as many practitioners as you need to find the best fit for you.
Dealing with the Root of the Problem:
We all have our moments of highs and lows, but whatâs important is that we see beauty in many shapes and sizes. So, to help you focus on dealing with what makes you feel insecure, you must first look at what triggers those emotions. Here are some ways to discover more about your interests, insecurities, desires, and most of all, yourself:
Writing a blog or your own personal journal about what you love about your body.
Stand in front of the mirror and look at yourself in a positive way. Like really look at yourself and voice out your favorite attributes.
Seek support from counselors, family, and friends to help you battle the insecurities and solve the underlying issue.
The reality is that no amount of diet, weight loss, or even plastic surgery can fix poor body image and low self-esteem. Those who struggle with negative body image must discover the underlying issues and learn how it is influencing the way that they feel about themselves.
Changing the way you look may seem like a tangible way to alter what you disliked about your body. But, the only way to heal from low self-confidence is to address the issues and face them head-on. Only then can you truly learn how to overcome your insecurities and love yourself.
lifewithlilred 