Tag Archives: beauty

August 2023 Finishes

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August 2023 Finishes

Hello everyone! I blinked and we are already at the last day of August! The end of the month means that it’s time to discuss my finished beauty and skin care products. This post will be short and sweet because I only used up two – in July I had seven empties to discuss! Let’s take a look at my August Finishes and chat some more because they were both duds lol:

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Would I Use Again?

Honest Beauty Vitamin C Radiance Serum: NO

Goop Glow Vita-C Brightening Eye Cream: NO

Why/Why Not?

Honest Serum: This is the second product by Honest Beauty that I have used and I was expecting a bit more from the Vitamin C Radiance Serum. I was most impressed by Honest’s Calm & Heal Melting Balm and was hoping for another rave review. I wanted to like the Vitamin C serum, but it just didn’t do anything for me. I loved its shimmery orange hue and that’s about it. I needed a decent amount of serum to fully cover my face and neck. Despite the bigger bottle, it was finished in under a month. In that time, I noticed no positive changes in my complexion. I suppose my skin looked a tad brighter, but literally any serum can do that. This is one you can definitely skip on.

Goop Glow Eye Cream: I received this product as a freebie during my Sephora Birthday Haul and it was pretty good. This was actually a nice free item to receive because the tiny jar lasted me over two weeks of morning and night use. I did notice the skin around my eyes to be brighter and a lightening in my under eye circles. However, I simply refuse to pay fifty-eight dollars for a full size jar of it. That’s ridiculous and even if it were at TJMaxx it would still be too expensive. It’s another no from me, dawg.

My empties for August were not anything to write home about. That’s okay, though, because they can’t all be winners and whether I like the products or not, it’s always fun to try something new. See you in September!

What products did you finish this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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goodhabit Rescue Me Water Jelly Dew Cream Review

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goodhabit Rescue Me Water Jelly Dew Cream Review

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new skin care review on lifewithlilred! Today, we are going to be talking about the Rescue Me Water Jelly Dew Cream by goodhabit. I have been using it for the past month and still have a little ways to go and I have been loving it. Johnny really likes it too and it has treated his forever dry forehead well lol. The only thing we still can’t quite wrap our mind around is the color of this moisturizer! Take a look:

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I will never forget when I opened this moisturizer for the first time and my first impression was simply “Smurf blue”. I always open a new moisturizer expecting a white or off white color so you could color me surprised when the Water Jelly Dew Cream just wasn’t haha. After the initial shock of all blue everything, I was able to appreciate the delightful aquatic scent this moisturizer has. It is so crisp and refreshing! This product also fully lives up to the name of a Jelly Dew Cream because it feels exactly like jelly and jiggles like it too. πŸ˜€

Applying the goodhabit moisturizer is like giving your skin an instant hydration boost. You barely need any of it to fully cover your face and neck – a little goes a very long way, but just a little packs a huge punch. This moisturizer absorbs really fast, sits well under makeup, and my skin has never looked or felt better. My face feels SO insanely soft and it looks fresh and bright… almost as if I am well rested for once in my life! I am going to be so sad once it is all gone and I think Johnny will be too!

If you are on the market for a new moisturizer, I can’t recommend goodhabit’s Rescue Me Water Jelly Dew Cream (that’s a mouthful!) enough. I am hoping that I find more during my next TJMaxx shopping trip because I could imagine it being most helpful for dry skin during the fall and winter!

What is your favorite skin care brand? Have you used any goodhabit products before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Bath & Body Works Halloween Scents Pt. 3

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Bath & Body Works Halloween Scents Pt. 3

Hello!! Other than purchasing hand soaps from Bath & Body Works and shopping the occasional Semi-Annual Sale, I really don’t buy anything from there. The remainder of my B&BW stash comes from freebie coupons that get sent out monthly or bimonthly. Because of rarely spending money when I visit the store, it has taken a long time to rack up points for their rewards program. After my Halloween hand soap haul, I finally got a free full size product reward and stopped by to cash it in.

I thought I bought all of the Halloween scents in hand soap form, but I was mistaken. There are actually two other fragrances that I missed – Everlasting Magic and Midnight Spell. Midnight Spell was a massive dud, but I LOVED Everlasting Magic, so I used my rewards points for a body cream:

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Everlasting Magic is one of my favorite Halloween scents from B&BW. It’s not as good as Purrfect Pumpkin, but I actually think I might like it more than Vampire Blood. That’s really saying something! Everlasting Magic offers notes of “bejeweled berries, phantom petals, and magic musk”. Normally, I am not a fan of musky fragrances – this one, however, was fine because I really couldn’t smell it! To me, it smelled like rich plum and blackberries with the softest touch of floral. Also, can we talk about how pretty the packaging is?!

As always, I am a huge fan of the Body Cream from B&BW so I was really happy to snag it for free. While I will forever be partial to The Body Shop products, this cream is a close second. With a shea butter base and hyaluronic acid, it is so hydrating and nourishing. My skin feels and looks soft after every use and I think it is one of the best products that B&BW carries. I would definitely recommend getting a bottle for yourself the next time you go shopping! In Everlasting Magic, perhaps? πŸ˜€

There were several Halloween scents from B&BW that I didn’t care for at all and I feel like Everlasting Magic was a redemption in that regard. Here’s to waiting another year plus for my next free product reward lol!

What is your favorite B&BW Halloween scent? What is your favorite product they carry? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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Smooth Solutions: The Science Of Wrinkle-Free Skin

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Smooth Solutions: The Science Of Wrinkle-Free Skin

Having smooth, wrinkle-free skin is a goal many of us aspire to achieve. Often, the fight against fine lines and wrinkles can seem like an uphill battle, but with a solid understanding of the science behind our skin’s aging process, we can equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain youthful skin. Dive into this exploration of the biology of wrinkles and discover how you can keep your skin radiant and wrinkle-free:

The Fundamentals of Skin Structure:

At the core of understanding wrinkles is first understanding our skin. Our skin consists of three layers:

  • Epidermis: The outermost layer which acts as a protective barrier.
  • Dermis: Contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.
  • Subcutaneous tissue: Made of fat and connective tissue.

Collagen and elastin, primarily found in the dermis, are crucial proteins that provide our skin with strength and elasticity. As we age, these proteins naturally break down and the production of them decreases, leading to the formation of wrinkles.

Factors Affecting Skin Aging:

While age is an obvious factor in the development of wrinkles, it’s not the only culprit. Various external factors can speed up the aging process. UV radiation from the sun is a significant factor, causing what’s known as photoaging. This radiation damages the collagen and elastin fibers, leading to sagging and wrinkling. That’s why it’s imperative to use a good sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy. For a wide variety of skincare products tailored for sun protection and more, one might look into platforms like Oz Hair and Beauty.

Environmental pollutants, smoking, and even repetitive facial expressions can contribute to the breakdown of collagen and the formation of wrinkles.

Hydration: A Key to Plump Skin:

Maintaining hydration is essential to keeping skin looking plump and youthful. When the skin lacks moisture, it can look dull and fine lines may appear more pronounced. Drinking plenty of water and using moisturizers that lock in hydration can help keep your skin looking fresh and youthful. If you are suffering from especially dry skin or are feeling self conscious about signs of aging, there are a range of treatments that can help. Take the time to look up the services offered by a Med Spa in Jupiter Florida (or your local area) to see how the professionals can improve your problem areas. Don’t be afraid to book a few consultations at different locations to find the best fit and services for you.

Active Ingredients in Anti-Aging Skincare:

Many skincare products on the market claim to work miracles on wrinkles. But what ingredients genuinely make a difference?

  • Retinoids: Derived from Vitamin A, retinoids are perhaps the most well-researched ingredients for combating wrinkles. They encourage cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, and help in the fading of age spots.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: This molecule holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It draws moisture into the skin, helping to plump it up and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
  • Peptides: Small protein fragments that stimulate the production of collagen and other essential skin components.
  • Antioxidants: Ingredients like vitamins C and E help protect the skin from damage by free radicals and UV radiation.

Cosmetic Procedures: Beyond Skincare:

For those seeking more immediate or pronounced results, there are cosmetic procedures available:

  • Botox: A toxin that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes the muscles responsible for certain repetitive facial expressions, thus smoothing out expression lines. Botox is an incredibly popular cosmetic procedure and it is so important to get it done by a well reviewed practitioner. Take the time to browse websites like Botox London Professional Aesthetics (or similar practices in your local area) to research and read testimonials. It is also a good idea to schedule a few different consultations to find the best fit for you.
  • Dermal Fillers: These are substances injected into the skin to fill in wrinkles and restore volume. They can be made from a variety of materials, including collagen, hyaluronic acid, and calcium hydroxylapatite.
  • Laser Resurfacing: This procedure uses lasers to remove the outer layer of skin and heat the underlying skin, which stimulates collagen production.
  • Brow Lift: A brow lift helps rejuvenate the forehead, eyes, and brows to look younger and refreshed without looking like you got work done.

Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Choices:

Apart from products and procedures, certain lifestyle choices can promote youthful skin:

  • Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can help maintain skin health. Foods like berries, spinach, nuts, and fish are excellent choices.
  • Sleep: A good night’s rest promotes skin repair and regeneration. Aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
  • Avoid Smoking: Smoking not only damages collagen and elastin but also constricts blood vessels, depriving the skin of oxygen and nutrients.
  • Limit Alcohol: Alcohol dehydrates the skin. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation and ensure you hydrate adequately.

Achieving and maintaining wrinkle-free skin is a combination of understanding the science behind skin aging, making informed skincare choices, and leading a lifestyle that supports skin health. While genetics play a role in how our skin ages, armed with knowledge, quality products, and healthy habits, we can certainly give our skin the best fighting chance against wrinkles. Here’s to smooth solutions and radiant skin!

Bath & Body Works Halloween Scents Pt. 2

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Bath & Body Works Halloween Scents Pt. 2

Hello!! Yesterday we took a look at my Bath & Body Works hand soap haul featuring the Halloween collection. As you recall, I was loving Purrfect Pumpkin and Spellbinding Sweets. Moonlit Graveyard did nothing for me, however, which is strange because the name really speaks to my spooky soul. Let’s see how our next batch of scents fairs:

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The Haul:

Purrfect Pumpkin

Moonlit Graveyard

Spellbinding Sweets

Ghoul Friend

Wicked Vanilla Woods

Vampire Blood

Afternoon Apple Picking

Ghoul Friend: Ghoul Friend and Vampire Blood are scents that I’m familiar with as they were available last year too. Despite purchasing Ghoul Friend for the sake of Halloween, I am not a huge fan. This scent offers notes of “dark strawberries, ghostly peony, and spine-chilling citrus”. It’s nice if you are into super sweet florals but, alas, I am not. The peony paired with strawberries is almost sickly sweet and actually might be my least favorite of the bunch, moving Moonlit Graveyard up a notch.

Wicked Vanilla Woods: Hmmm… close but not quite. I was expecting to love this fragrance because I love vanilla when it’s done right. This one just kind of missed the mark for me. The fragrance notes feature “magical vanilla, glowing amberwood, and enchanted pink pepper”. While I do get a nice whiff of vanilla, the amberwood and pink pepper turn it into something really musky. Dare I say, old lady-ish? Not good.

*Note that I am smelling these soaps in real time and yesterday’s batch is definitely doing better so far!

Vampire Blood: Okay! Now we’re talking! I was very fond of Vampire Blood last year and my sentiments remain the same. Vampire Blood’s description is “red berries, night-blooming jasmine, and petrifying plum”. This is a berry/floral fragrance done right. While Ghoul Friend felt like the strawberries and peony were competing with each other, the berries, plum, and jasmine of Vampire Blood complimented each other perfectly. There is a reason this scent was brought back and it delivers every time.

Afternoon Apple Picking: Lol, this just might be my favorite one from the post and it’s not a Halloween fragrance. Is that bad? I am an apple gal and Afternoon Apple Picking is a delight. With notes of “crisp apple, succulent pear, and cinnamon” this one gave me ALL the fall feels! Imagine strolling through an apple orchard on a crisp fall day and taking a deep, refreshing breath. That’s this scent! 20/10 would recommend!

This post was a bit of a bummer because I was expecting a lot better from Bath & Body Works’ Halloween line. My ranking is as follows:

Purrfect Pumpkin

Vampire Blood

Spellbinding Sweets

Moonlit Graveyard

Ghoul Friend

Wicked Vanilla Woods

My advice? If you are craving the Halloween collection as much as I was – do a smell test before buying. Some of these scents were massive duds!

How do you feel about the B&BW Halloween scents? What is your favorite fall fragrance? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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Bath & Body Works Halloween Scents Pt. 1

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Bath & Body Works Halloween Scents Pt. 1

Hello! My reserves of hand soap from Bath & Body Works was running dangerously low and it couldn’t have happened at a better time – Halloween fragrances are in! This trip into B&BW was a quick one because, for once, I truly didn’t care about the way the soaps smelled. I was so ready for all things Halloween that I took one of each scent and hit the road. I wasn’t going to not because the packaging for this year’s spooky collection is fantastic!

Today, we’re going to talk about three of the scents and move onto the remaining four tomorrow. Let’s get started:

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The Haul:

Purrfect Pumpkin

Moonlit Graveyard

Spellbinding Sweets

Ghoul Friend

Wicked Vanilla Woods

Vampire Blood

Afternoon Apple Picking – Granted not a Halloween scent, but I love all things apple! πŸ˜€

Purrfect Pumpkin: I am not a huge fan of pumpkin and if you haven’t already guessed, apple is my go to fall fragrance and flavor. However, I am LOVING Purrfect Pumpkin and it is just right for those who can’t get into pumpkin spice and everything nice. This scent features notes of “carved pumpkin, spiced cinnamon, and moonlit vanilla”. To me, it smells more like a glass of warm apple cider. It’s spicy and a little bit sweet and this is a fragrance that perfectly embodies the fall season. I wish I had it as a candle to light during scary movie nights!

Moonlit Graveyard: The Moonlit Graveyard scent is just okay for me. This was one of the ones I was ambivalent about when I read the description of “tombstone moss, cold foggy air, and eerie incense”. Even though that does sound awesome! While it does sort of remind me of a crisp fall night, my weird nose picked up an almost powdery aroma and I really don’t like that. This is one that I would have skipped on if I did a sniff test, but my potion… I mean hand soap set wouldn’t have been complete without it.

Spellbinding Sweets: Now this one, is much more like it! This scent offers notes of “haunted lollipop, sweet bubblegum, and bewitched berries” and I am so there for it. I didn’t pick up any of the featured notes but bubblegum and that is fine by me. It smells exactly like Double Bubble and brings me back to the excitement of Trick-or-Treat night. It is such a nostalgic scent and anyone with or without a sweet tooth will enjoy it. I also love the wicked green apple color. ❀

Other than Moonlit Graveyard, I am most impressed with Purrfect Pumpkin and Spellbinding Sweets. The fun colors of the soap and the amazing stained glass artwork make all three even better, though! Tune in tomorrow for the rest of the Halloween scents!

What is your favorite holiday collection from B&BW? Have you gotten any of the Halloween scents yet? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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Dr. Paw Paw Overnight Lip Mask Review

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Dr. Paw Paw Overnight Lip Mask Review

Hello! During a TJMaxx Mini Haul in February, I purchased the Dr. Paw Paw Overnight Lip Mask. However, I only started using it in July because I am forever obsessed with my Pacifica lip balms. The packaging for the Dr. Paw Paw mask (lol at the name) promised softening, smoothing, and plumping for lips and I thought that all sounded great. And, it was great, until it wasn’t. Let’s discuss:

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When I first started using the lip mask, I was applying it every night before bed and was moderately impressed with the results. I honestly didn’t see any difference in softness or smoothness, but I did notice that my lips looked plumper. Granted, the plumping effect diminished throughout the day but it was definitely there in the morning. I thought that was really cool and I still had my Pacifica balms to assist in the smoothness department.

The Dr. Paw Paw mask quickly became a staple in my nighttime routine, until things took a drastic turn. One morning, I woke up and my lips were on fire. They were burning, highly sensitive, and cracks were forming. I slathered my lips with my balm throughout the day, but nothing eased the pain I was feeling. My lips actually didn’t go back to normal until two or so days later.

I honestly thought that the sensation I was feeling was a fluke because the mask was working so well before. So, I tried it one more time and the exact same thing happened. I haven’t used it since. When I looked up reviews for this product, it was a draw between people raving about it or saying they had similar results to mine. What I find interesting is that there is no disclaimer on the packaging to discontinue use if you are experiencing burning or pain. This seems like something that should be included if people are online writing reviews about it!

In good conscience, I can’t recommend this product because in the words of Napoleon Dynamite: “My lips hurt real bad”. If you try the Dr. Paw Paw Overnight Lip Mask, you might have great results or your lips will be burning. You’ve been warned!

Have you used this product or a similar one before? What did you think about it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Bath & Body Works July Freebie

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Bath & Body Works July Freebie

Hello! I have been busy, busy, busy these past few weeks and completely forgot about my July Bath & Body Works Freebie. This was a quick pop in because I really didn’t need anything, but I sure felt like I did. B&BW’s Halloween collection is already out and it is absolutely fabulous! The self constraint that I showed was admirable, but I can’t speak for the purchases that will probably happen when I get my hand soaps soon. πŸ˜‰ So, I put my blinders on, cashed in my coupon, and got out of dodge lol. Check it out:

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I will be the first to admit that I am not a huge fan of B&BW’s hand cream. It’s okay, but I have mentioned in previous posts that I would only use it if I got it for a freebie and I stand by that. Coincidentally, the coupon I had was for a free hand cream specifically so here we are. Told ya I stood by it! Not only was I trying to avoid blowing my paycheck during this trip to B&BW, but I was on a time crunch too. Rather than smell all of my different options, I simply grabbed one and checked out.

I went with the Breathe Deep Eucalyptus & Lavender from the Aroma care line. Not because I like lavender because I don’t, but because the Aroma line hasn’t been available in travel sizes until recently. When I smelled it after the fact, I was surprised that I didn’t completely hate it! It definitely is more eucalyptus than it is lavender. The lavender is almost an afterthought and it’s quite pleasant. And, knock on wood that I don’t get a fall or winter cold, but I could imagine that this would be so nice to slather on when you’re stuffed up.

Although the hand creams from Bath & Body Works aren’t the best, you can’t beat free! Keep it posted for my hand soap haul soon with ALL of the fall scents! πŸ˜€

What is your least favorite fragrance? Are you stocking up on fall goodies already? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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New Glitter Gold & Sky Blue Nails

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New Glitter Gold & Sky Blue Nails

Hello!! I have picked up some extra shifts this past month or so and rearranged my schedule to make getting to them more convenient. It has been awesome and the best part is that my new schedule gives me Friday morning off! This has worked nicely for scheduling doctors appointments, getting a little extra shut eye, and getting my nails done of course. This past Friday, I enjoyed a fantastic morning at Elysian Nails getting pampered and I love how my nails turned out! Take a look:

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During my last appointment at Elysian, I was feeling very uninspired in choosing a color palette. That wasn’t the case this time around, though, and I was thinking a blue and yellow motif as a final hurrah for summer. Last time, my nail tech helped pick out colors that reminded her of Ariel from The Little Mermaid. I guess I still had Disney princesses on my mind because the glitter gold and sky blue that I selected reminded me so much of Princess Jasmine! I didn’t realize this happy coincidence until my nails were already painted and I was so there for it. πŸ˜€

This past year has been nutso in Lil Red’s world and even though I always love getting my nails done, I wasn’t fully enjoying it. There was so much to do and so much on my mind that I was mentally willing time to go faster instead of relaxing. With things vastly improving and my schedule being more accommodating, I was able to get the full salon experience again on Friday. It was great! I had nowhere to be until late morning and all that was left to do was sit back and be pampered. As always, my nail tech knocked it out of the park and I left the salon feeling like a million bucks. ❀

With my nails now in check, I am eagerly anticipating my next salon visit this month to get my hair done. Keep it locked to see my new do coming soon!

What helps you relax? What color of nail polish are you rocking? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

July 2023 Finishes

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July 2023 Finishes

Hello everyone and welcome to a slightly late beauty finishes post for July! I used up a ton of new to me products this past month so we have a lot of ground to cover. Even more so because I would happily use all of them again and that rarely happens! Let’s get started:

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Would I Use Again?

Clinical Works Brightening Vitamin C Facial Cleanser: YES

Bath & Body Works Body Cream: YES

Evoluderm Micellar Water: YES

Pearlessence Brightening Facial Serum: YES

Pacifica Rainbow Watermelon Lip Balm: YES

Farmacy Honey Halo Moisturizer: YES

Lanoline Manuka Honey Eye Cream: YES

Why/Why Not?

Clinical Works Cleanser: I absolutely loved this cleanser!! It had a great citrus scent that was so invigorating in the morning and it was super long lasting. A little dollop went such a long way that I was using it for months. I found my skin to look brighter and healthier after consistent once daily use. Highly recommend!

B&BW Body Cream: The Shea Butter + Hyaluronic Acid Body Cream from Bath & Body Works is the best. It is so much better than their regular lotion and I am always impressed by how soft and hydrated it leaves my skin. The only problem? It’s never enough! Every night before bed, I apply lotion to my arms, chest, and stretch mark areas so I go through the bottle quickly. The travel size ones were used up after about five days and the full size was empty within two weeks. Thankfully, I usually get them for free with coupons or close to free when shopping the semi-annual sale so it’s all good. πŸ˜€

Pearlessence Serum: The Brightening serum by Pearlessence was a good one and I wish I had more of it. Although it was quite thin in texture, I still felt like it was highly effective in giving my skin that extra boost of radiance. Sometimes a thin serum makes me feel like it isn’t doing anything at all and that wasn’t the case in the slightest. Three pumps was enough to cover my entire face and neck and it took me close to two months to finish the bottle. Combined with my additional brightening products, my skin has never looked better.

Pacifica Lip Balm: The lip balms by Pacifica are, hands down, the best I have ever used and I will never use anything different. I always have to have one by my bedside, by my computer, and in my purse! What this lip balm does in one application couldn’t be accomplished by a standard balm in ten. The Pacifica balms leave my lips hydrated and supple and I have completely kissed chapped lips goodbye since I started using them regularly.

Farmacy Moisturizer: The Honey Halo moisturizer was part of my birthday gift from Sephora and it was really nice! It smelled exactly like honey and a little of it went a long way – it took almost two weeks of twice daily application to finish the travel size jar. My skin felt so hydrated with each use and looked like peaches and cream perfection. It was my favorite part of the Farmacy gift set I received!

Lanoline Eye Cream: Holy WOW was this eye cream long lasting. It took me FOUR MONTHS of twice daily use to finish the jar! This was just a nice eye cream to use and I noticed big improvements. My under eye designer bags cleared up so much, which was a huge win. The delicate skin around my eyes felt stronger and looked more supple and this was, easily, one of the best eye creams that I have ever used.

Talk about a GREAT SUCCESS for beauty empties, amiright?! If you happen to find any of these products when out and about, they all received the Lil Red Stamp of Approval and I just know you will love them too! πŸ˜€

Which products did you use up recently? What are your thoughts on any of the above products if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah