Tag Archives: beauty

How To Take Better Care Of Your Hair

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How To Take Better Care Of Your Hair

Taking care of your hair is crucial if you want it to look good and feel healthy. However, it might surprise you to learn just what really goes into looking after your hair, and it might be a little more work than you think. Once you start a new routine and get into the habit of taking better care of your hair, it won’t seem so hard. Read on to find out what you should be doing to take care of your hair in the best way:

Wash Your Hair:

It might seem obvious, but the first thing you need to know about when it comes to taking care of your hair is that you need to wash it. You don’t need to wash it quite as often as you might think, and too much washing is just as bad as not enough. When you wash your hair more than you need to, you’ll strip away all of the natural oils that protect it, leaving it dry and brittle. If you don’t wash your hair enough, you’ll have a build-up of these oils, which makes it greasy. Because all hair types are different, you’ll need to experiment to determine how long your hair can go between washes, but once you know, you’ll be able to keep it a lot healthier.

Just as important as determining a washing schedule for your hair is choosing the right products to wash it with. You will want to find a shampoo and conditioner set that is appropriate for your hair type as well as something that is made with organic, natural ingredients. Handmade Naturals is a great example of a brand that takes this to heart to give your hair its best care. You can browse their products here to learn more about them and the company.

If you are not sure what products are right for your hair, ask your stylist! They will be able to formulate a hair care regimen for you with products and tools to wash and style with. This is not just limited to the ladies, but guys too! If your man doesn’t have a go to person for haircuts, simply enter a search for “Chelsea Barbers” (or your local area). They will be able to pamper and recommend the best product options for their hair type.

While washing your hair with the right products is usually all you need to keep your locks healthy, you might still notice problems persisting. This can include itching, flaking, or thinning. If this is the case for you, research the best scalp treatment available at local salons and spas. A scalp treatment can rejuvenate and nourish to improve the health of your hair and the issues you are targeting.

Condition Your Hair:

Do you always condition your hair? Although shampoo and conditioner go hand in hand, not everyone uses both for every wash. If you want to keep your hair soft, shiny, and manageable, conditioner is going to be one of the best products you can use on a regular basis. Make sure you choose a conditioner that works for your hair type for the best results, and never condition your roots, as these are already the oiliest part of your hair. Instead, use the conditioner part way down the hair and down to the tip.

Brush Your Hair:

It’s likely that you brush your hair every day, perhaps multiple times a day. That’s a good thing, as it will keep it looking nice and shiny and remove any tangles, ensuring it has a sleek look. Make sure you choose the right brush to make your hair look great. For example, if you need a luxury brush for waves, that’s exactly what you should be using – compromising in any way will ruin your look and could cause damage to your hair. You should also be careful not to brush your hair when it’s wet because this is when it’s at its most fragile, and brushing could damage it and cause it to fall out.

Protect Your Hair From Heat:

Many of the tools we use on our hair use heat to give you the style or result you want. Of course, heat is highly damaging to hair, so these tools should only be used when absolutely necessary. If you have to use heat tools like straighteners or a hairdryer more often, and especially if you use them every day, you’ll need to add serum or a heat protection spray to your hair first. Although it’s still better to let your hair dry and style naturally, these products will be helpful and are certainly better than not using any product at all.

Seek Professional Help:

Perhaps your problem with your hair isn’t in regards to greasy or dullness but an issue with hair loss. This is something that can really effect your self confidence and it is absolutely worth seeking professional help. Recommendations could include scalp restoration, trying different supplements or medications, or maybe even injections like the services offered through PRP Hair Restoration Professionals in Lubbock (or a similar practice in your local area). Hair loss is an incredibly common issue but it doesn’t mean you can’t be proactive in improving it.

Keep your locks looking luscious with the tips above!!

Featured Image By: Andrea Piacquadio

10 Steps To More Youthful Skin

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10 Steps To More Youthful Skin

Are you tired of feeling like your skin looks tired? Or would you like to achieve that radiant, youthful glow? Well, fear no longer as we have the perfect guide to helping you attain youthful skin! In this post we will offer ten valuable tips for taking care of your skin that will bring your best face forward:

Cleanse Your Skin Thoroughly:

Cleansing should never be taken for granted when it comes to maintaining clean and healthy skin. Proper cleansing isn’t just simply using water from a faucet; hot water could actually strip your natural oils. Also be mindful that when selecting a cleanser you should choose one that fits your skin type; for oily complexions a foaming cleanser with salicylic acid would work wonders while those with dry complexions might be better off with something cream-based.

Exfoliate Regularly:

Exfoliating is another essential step in any skincare regime, helping remove dead skin cells and unclog pores which contribute to acne or other skin issues. But be wary not to over exfoliate as this could damage your skin in the process – use gentle exfoliators once or twice a week instead of harsh scrubs that could be too abrasive.

Hydrate Your Skin from Within:

Staying well hydrated is vital for maintaining youthful-looking skin. Being dehydrated causes fine lines and wrinkles to become more apparent than they otherwise would, so make sure that at least eight glasses of water a day are consumed.  However, don’t rely solely on drinking liquids; eating water-rich fruits like cucumber, watermelons, and oranges is another excellent way of providing essential hydration from within.

Slathering on Sunscreen Every Day:

Sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature aging, contributing to wrinkles, dark spots, and other telltale signs of skin aging as well as increasing your risk for skin cancer. Therefore it’s vital that every day (even on cloudy days!) at least SPF 30 sunscreen is worn – and to reapply it every two hours when spending time outside!

Moisturize Regularly:

Moisturizing regularly is crucial to maintaining healthy and supple skin. Dryness causes itchy, flaky patches as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Select an adapted moisturizer tailored for your specific skin type and use it daily, both during the daytime hours as well as overnight for extra hydration benefits.

Include Antioxidants in Your Skincare Routine:

Some common antioxidants include vitamin C, E, and green tea extract. Antioxidants are an essential element in any skincare regime, as they protect skin cells against free radical damage that causes premature aging and cell loss. You can incorporate these components either via products that contain them like a vitamin C serum or through a diet rich in them.

Use Retinoids to Reduce Wrinkles and Fine Lines:

Retinoids, or vitamin A derivatives, are an excellent way to fight wrinkles by increasing collagen production and cell turnover – two processes which contribute to anti-aging efforts. While retinoids may initially cause discomfort for some users, gradually increasing your use will provide long-term success and can help alleviate signs of aging. It is wise to start slowly when first beginning use; your tolerance level may require adjustments over time. You can also achieve more youthful skin by following these anti aging skincare tips to turn back the clock on more mature skin. Be strict with your beauty regimen to help get your glow back!

Seek Professional Help:

If your skin still appears aged despite following an effective skincare regime, professional help might be in order. Consulting a dermatologist could identify any underlying skin conditions and recommend treatments designed to restore health and appearance to it. They might also suggest products and ingredients most suited for your skin type and concerns. This advice could range from simple steps to more advanced procedures that would need to be completed by a plastic surgeon. Whatever you decide, make sure you do your research. If you plan on the surgical route, for example, enter a search for “best deep plane facelift Newport Beach” (or your local area) to find a suitable fit for you. And, as always, don’t be afraid to shop around until you find a practitioner you are fully comfortable with.

Consider Plastic Surgery or Microneedling for a More Dramatic Change:

While adopting an effective skincare regime can do wonders for your complexion, some individuals may desire something more dramatic. Plastic surgery or microneedling might offer relief. Plastic surgery addresses issues like sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and other signs of aging which cannot be effectively managed with topical products alone. Meanwhile, microneedling employs tiny needles puncturing the skin to stimulate collagen production and enhance texture. There have also been advancements in this technology in order to treat skin irregularities safely and effectively. However, both should only be explored after consulting with qualified professionals first. It is so important to choose a trusted practitioner if you are considering plastic surgery. Utilize reviews from friends and family as well as online when you enter a search for “top plastic surgery clinic near me”. It can be helpful to schedule appointments with a few different professionals so you can find who you are most comfortable with.

Exercise for healthy, youthful skin:

The impact of physical exercise on skin health and youthfulness is often overlooked but is actually extremely powerful for the skin. Exercise helps increase oxygenation of blood throughout the body including its surface (i.e. skin); improved blood circulation helps nourish skin cells, enhances skin elasticity, and decreases inflammation, as well as relieve stress – all which have positive ramifications for overall skin health and beauty.

Attaining youthful-looking skin requires more than simply following one regime; it takes a combination of healthy lifestyle habits and tailor-made skincare programs designed for each person’s specific skin type and concerns. By following these ten tips, you can start improving the health and appearance of your skin to attain that elusive youthful radiance!

Featured Image By: Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

April 2023 Finishes

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April 2023 Finishes

Hello!! Another month of 2023 is about to draw to a close and that means it’s time to discuss my beauty finishes! I was able to use up four new to me products in April and I liked them all a lot. It also depleted my reserves in my beauty stockpile considerably so thank goodness for this past TJMaxx skin care haul! I would definitely recommend all of the following so let’s find out why:

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Would I Buy Again?

Sea-el Miracle Kelp Eye Cream: YES!!

Bellyssima Vitamin C Moisturizer: YES

Kopari Coconut Water Moisturizer: YES

Spa Cosmetics Vitamin C Serum: YES

Why/Why Not?

Sea-el Eye Cream: The Miracle Kelp Eye Cream by Sea-el is easily one of the best that I have ever used. I noticed a huge improvement in my under eye circles and the delicate skin around the eyes felt so much stronger and hydrated. I started using this eye cream at the beginning of January and just finished the small jar yesterday, which is an amazing value! A little bit of this eye cream went such a long way and I was so disappointed that I didn’t find another one during my last TJs shopping excursion.

Bellyssima Moisturizer: I was a huge fan of the Vitamin C moisturizer by Bellyssima and so was my mom because I got her one too. I loved the whipped texture of this moisturizer and it absorbed so quickly, but left my skin feeling insanely nourished. It also sat so well under makeup and made my skin look simply radiant. This moisturizer smelled really good too! It had the lightest scent of oranges and I enjoyed using it very much. It took me one month to finish the jar.

Kopari Moisturizer: I couldn’t wait to try the Kopari Coconut Water Moisturizer because it just sounded nice lol. And it was! This moisturizer was delightful with the faintest hint of coconuts and cream. It featured a whipped gel texture and I was astounded by how little I needed to cover my entire face and neck. My skin felt so hydrated after each use and it felt SO soft too even when using the tiniest dollop. It took me about three and a half weeks to finish the jar, which isn’t the best value, but I would happily treat myself to another if I found it again. I feel like it would be the perfect summer moisturizer!

Spa Cosmetics Serum: The Vitamin C Serum by Spa Cosmetics was great! It took me close to two months to finish the big bottle and I loved that for value’s sake. Like all of these products, you only needed a little bit to cover the face and neck and I saw a noticeable difference in my skin with only the serum on. It looked a lot brighter and it always helped perk me up in the morning with its moderate orange scent. After using a product for a few months, I usually feel ready to try something new, but I was wishing I had another bottle of this serum as soon as I used it up. 😦

If you come across any of these products, you have the Lil Red Guarantee that you will like them too! All of these skin care staples were so lightweight and absorbed quickly, making them ideal for the hot days of summer. I promise they won’t melt off of your face as soon as you step outside! 😀

Which products did you use up this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above empties 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

TJMaxx Skin Care Haul

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TJMaxx Skin Care Haul

Hey! Whenever I am gifted with TJMaxx gift cards, I always like to do a full restock on my skin care. While new clothes and shoes are fun, skin care is something that I’m always going to need and buy and I’d rather get it for free! I take my beauty hoard in my bathroom cupboard very seriously and consider myself stocked up when I have: Three moisturizers, three eye creams, three serums, three cleansers, and three micellar waters. Noticing a theme? I have found that a three to four month supply works well for me so I don’t have to shop for skin care monthly. To get myself back in the comfort zone of my hoard because I was running dangerously low on everything, I bought all of the following with the glory of gift cards:

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I have loved skin and bath and body care since I was a teenager. It has always been my favorite form of self care and I have had a solid skin care routine since I was about fifteen. After all of this time, I can still count on my morning routine to invigorate me and my nighttime routine to help soothe myself before bed. Lil Red is, first and foremost, a creature of habit and with that in mind, it only makes sense that I keep a constant supply of products handy!

To begin my restock, I started with moisturizers. I have used the Vitamin C one before but I have never tried any products by Honest or Happy Dance so I decided to add both to my cart. I can’t wait to try the Honest Dew You melting balm because the name itself had me sold – it just felt lux to me and I had to have it! The CBD infused moisturizer was a bit pricey at ten dollars, but it sounded so nice that I couldn’t resist! I wasn’t particularly fond of the CBD serum that I tried a year or so ago, but I have high hopes for this cream by Happy Dance… See what I did there? 😉

Next, it was onto serum and eye cream. I only needed one more serum to get me back to a full supply and chose another Honest product for that. I am excited to try the moisturizer and serum by Honest as I have always been interested in the brand and this is the first time I ever saw it at TJMaxx! In the eye cream department, I went with two brightening formulas by Simple and 40 Carrots. Like Honest, these were both brands that I was familiar with and never tried because they were not available at TJs. This was my lucky day of shopping because I had been using the same handful of brands for a while and was ready to switch things up!

Finally, I needed a few cleansers and wanted something light and invigorating for warm weather. I couldn’t say no to the adorable, poppy packaging of the My Beauty Spot and Clinical Works face wash and I also selected the Hydro Boost cleanser by Neutrogena. I am eager to try out the pink coconut cleanser first because it looks like summertime and I am hoping it feels that way too! However, this will be the last time I use any Neutrogena products as I was disappointed and surprised to learn that they aren’t entirely cruelty free. Every other product in this post is Leaping Bunny certified!

My beauty haul at TJMaxx concluded with more of my favorite micellar water and those stretchy gelly hair ties that I have been dying to try! I have more shoes than I can count and one hair tie to my name so that was a definite must lol. Keep it posted for brand new OOTDs coming soon this week!

What is your favorite cruelty free brand? Which brands have you stopped using that aren’t Leaping Bunny certified? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Bath & Body Works Mini Haul

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Bath & Body Works Mini Haul

Hello!! This past Tuesday was the first semblance of free time I have had in I don’t know how long. I had basically the whole morning after working from home to do whatever I wanted; so I did. And, what I wanted the most was retail therapy! I had Christmas gift cards from TJMaxx that I couldn’t wait to spend and three Bath & Body Works freebie coupons to redeem. One coupon had the caveat of making a purchase for the free item and I ended up spending ten dollars in total for all of this:

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I had been looking forward to going to Bath & Body Works because they just dropped three new scents in the Gingham fragrance line, which is my absolute favorite. Between Gingham Fresh, Gorgeous, and Vibrant, it was hard to choose my full size freebie! Each of the new scents were really nice and I will try Fresh and Gorgeous eventually, but Vibrant was definitely the one that spoke to me the most. Vibrant mixes the classic, crisp scent of Gingham with tart blackberries and the softest hint of vanilla and it is a perfect springtime scent.

For my travel size freebies, I decided to go for lotions since I am currently pretty well stocked with shower gel. Unsurprisingly, I went for a Gingham lotion because I have quite a few summer birthdays to shop for and it is a scent that I think anyone would enjoy. The travel size body care makes for great gift add ons! I also selected Among The Clouds because I got the shower gel as a freebie when the scent launched in January. Similarly to Gingham Vibrant, Among The Clouds offers notes of wild berry and hints of vanilla too. I think this might be my new favorite combination!

Finally, to activate one travel size freebie as well as receive twenty percent off, I got two hand sanitizers and a bath fizzy. I love the hand sanitizers from B&BW – they smell so good and make my hands feel clean without drying out. I was due for a restock anyways, as the ones in my purse were running low and purchased the Market Peach and Iced Lemon Pound Cake scents. Both of these fragrances smell exactly like what you think they would smell like; rich lemon cake and frosting and a freshly bit into peach.

The Confetti Cupcake fizzy was, admittedly, an impulse buy. In fact, I was very unimpressed with the only bath fizzy I have tried from B&BW. However, this cupcake one was just so cute! I also figured that it would be a nice bath time treat when I finally shave my legs after holding off all winter lol. It might not be a Lush quality product, but sometimes you have to work with what you have got when the nearest Lush is almost an hour away!

I have grown very fond of Bath & Body Works as of late and have been amazed by how little I pay, if at all when I get my shop on. I will be checking the mail religiously for more freebie coupons so I can try Gingham Fresh and Gorgeous! 😀

Which store offers the best promos and deals? How often do you restock your bath and body care? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Hot Pink & Tiger Orange Nails

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New Hot Pink & Tiger Orange Nails

Hello!! I had a simply lovely day on Tuesday and can’t wait to share with all of you in the next few posts. I visited my loved one at the hospital, got my nails done *finally*, prepared a gorgeous OOTD, and saw Jesus Christ Superstar in Akron with my mother in law! Due to family emergencies, I had to cancel my fill last week and had been looking forward to a trip to Elysian Nails every time I caught a glance of my grown out talons. They were really, really bad! Thankfully, the team at my happy place always gets me right and I am loving my freshly done claws:

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Unfortunately, my favorite tech from Elysian Nails moved onto a new job so I have taken to scheduling appointments with anyone that I can get. My preferred choices are usually all booked up and that’s fine because all of the employees at Elysian are excellent. Due to the rush of spring nails and pedicures, old staff members have been brought back and I actually ended up having an appointment with one of my least favorites. The few times she did my nails in the past, she was so rough and it made for a pretty unpleasant experience. However, she really turned things around this time and while I wouldn’t go to her again, I still enjoyed my time at the salon and zoning out to HGTV. 😀

For my nail polish colors, I wanted bright, springy hues and had highlighter colors in mind. The weather in Ohio has been lovely and I wanted my nails to reflect it! To start, I chose a vibrant tiger orange and went from there. I decided that pink would be a nice compliment and selected a bottle of hot pink polish. But I am calling BS! It looked pink in the bottle but it applied as a cherry red. I didn’t care enough to switch out to the flamingo pink I was eyeballing and I still like this combination all the same. It reminds me of Taco Bell sauce packets and I see absolutely nothing wrong with that!

Spring has finally sprung and I am ready for some fun in the sun with these nails! They are exactly the pop of color I needed and I am eager for my appointment next month with one of my go to girls… I actually just booked the appointment!

What color of nail polish do you have on? What is your favorite springtime activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Finally, Flowers!

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Finally, Flowers!

Hello!! Spring and autumn are the seasons when your favorite Lil Red blogger thrives. I live for not too hot/not too cold weather as I don’t do well in extreme summer temps and I am a huge freeze baby come winter! While I love the weather that comes with spring and fall, I love the way the world looks even more; Blooming flowers and trees coming back to life and leaves changing colors and Halloween decor. While driving this past week, I have noticed lots of pretty spring flowers popping up. And, finally on Friday, flowers were in my parents’ yard too. It made me so happy!

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After a winter that felt like an eternity due to crap weather and a massive amount of stress, these past few days of true springtime have hit different and in the best way. Although it has been technically spring on the calendar, I don’t consider it to be spring until the weather and the outside world reflects it. Seeing the sun and feeling its warmth, brisk winds, and new life growing all around has been so invigorating and healing. While everything still isn’t awesome in my world, it makes it a bit easier to go about the day with a newfound pep in my step.

I look forward to seeing flowers in my parents’ yard every year because it is a perfect reminder of better times ahead. It’s hard not to smile and feel hopeful when tiny blooms and bursts of color are making their way onto the scene. It is also a great time to reflect on how flowers grow. Despite heavy rainfalls, grey days, and unstable temperatures, flowers still grow and turn into something beautiful when they open up towards the sun. It’s a great metaphor to help myself remember that when things absolutely suck, there is still going to be a light at the end of the tunnel. ❤

I have been waiting for springtime basically since winter began and all I have to say is: Bring it on. Here’s to warm days, birds chirping, and flowers blooming everywhere!

What is your favorite flower? What is your favorite part about the spring? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Vitamin C Skin Care Routine

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Vitamin C Skin Care Routine

Hello!! My skin type would definitely fall under the “normal” category. I don’t experience oil, acne, or sensitivity and my woes usually only come from dry skin in the winter. Thanks to this, I get a lot of free range to try new skin care products; I can’t think of any adverse reactions my skin has had from testing new skin care and I don’t need specific products for my skin type. As you all know, I love to try new products out and the skin care I use at a given time ranges from brightening and hydrating to firming and fine line repair. However, I literally just noticed a major difference in my current routine after several weeks!

I wouldn’t say my skin has a “dull” appearance, but I can tell when I am feeling more tired than usual, which is basically all the time lol. For the past few weeks, I have found my skin to be much brighter than normal despite being a chronically sleepy gal. After examining my skin care routine, I realized that I have been using three Vitamin C products and I know I have them to tip my cap to for the brightening boost:

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It has been a good long while since I stacked like skin care products. Honestly, the last time was probably when I was a teenager and trying to figure out what would work for my skin. Individually, I could see that the Clinical Works cleanser, Spa Cosmetics serum, and Bellyssima moisturizer worked well. Then, after other products got used up and their forces combined, I felt like the sun had nothing on my radiance!

With Vitamin C times three, I feel like a whole new me and it has turned what I used to think was a very solid skin care routine on its head. And, dare I say it, I might just begin limiting myself to like products when I restock at TJMaxx to see what happens! Let’s talk a bit more about the skin care that I am currently using because I think you will love them if you are looking for an extra dose of brightness:

Clinical Works Cleanser: This cleanser is divine! It smells very citrusy and is so invigorating to use every morning. A nickle sized dollop goes a long way and it lathers well, turning into lush bubbles instantly. Not only does this cleanser brighten, but it really does cleanse too. My skin feels squeaky clean after each use and I can feel the grime and yuck scrubbing away, leaving nothing but soft, radiant skin in its wake.

Spa Cosmetics Serum: I have been enjoying this serum a lot. It has a fairly light citrus scent and is thicker in texture. Normally, I don’t like products with a thicker consistency, but I never mind if it’s a serum. Once again, a nickle sized dollop of this product is all you need for full neck and face coverage and the bottle I’m working on is lasting me a long time. It is the perfect serum to activate the work the cleanser put in even more as well as the moisturizer during the next step in my routine.

Bellyssima Moisturizer: This moisturizer is one of the best ones that I have tried in months. I was instantly enamored with the whipped orange scent and the texture is rich and creamy, but absorbs quickly. It also sits so well underneath makeup. The Bellyssima moisturizer locks in all of the good stuff from the cleanser and serum and my skin is left looking like peaches and cream. I can’t get enough of this moisturizer and am keeping my fingers crossed to find it again at TJMaxx!

It has been grey and rainy in my neck of the woods, but my skin feels like sunshine and rainbows with my new Vitamin C routine. I highly recommend each of these products and they are all cruelty free. Check them out if you get the chance!

What is your skin care routine like? Do you stack like products or use a bunch of different things? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

March 2023 Finishes

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March 2023 Finishes

Hello everyone! It’s about that time to discuss the products that I finished up this month and I can’t believe that we are already almost in the fourth month of 2023. It’s flying by! March was pretty successful as far as empties go and I was able to use up lots of new to me products, which is always nice. Let’s get started and discuss these finishes further because there are definitely a few that you can skip on:

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Would I Use Again?

Bath & Body Works Champagne Apple Honey shower gel: YES

Bath & Body Works Winter Candy Apple lotion: MAYBE

DesignLine Fiji Therapy styling oil: NO

Sujata Gazder Valinora serum: YES!!!!!!

Clear Beauty 24K Gold and Collagen moisturizer: NO

*Not pictured* Evoluderm micellar water: YES

Why/Why Not?

B&BW Lotion: I got the Winter Candy Apple lotion as a freebie from B&BW and assumed that I would love it because anything apple is alright with me. This scent, however, proved me wrong. I love apple fragrances because of the sweet/tart notes and the Winter Candy Apple was just sweet with nothing more to it. It also had some pretty strong floral notes, which I was not fond of at all. I would use this lotion if it was gifted to me, but now I know to skip on it next holiday season. It took me about five weeks of once daily use to finish the bottle.

DesignLine Styling Oil: I have been working my way through this bottle of Fiji Therapy Styling Oil for what feels like forever. I wanted to like this product so bad because the scent is nice, it’s lightweight, and applies so easily, but it just never showed me the results I wanted. After getting my hair done, it needs all of the hydration help it can get from the bleach. No matter how many times I used this oil, the ends of my hair were still bone dry. I was very happy to finish this product up because I was using it just for the sake of using it and would definitely not buy it again.

Sujata Gazder Serum: You can peep my full review for the Valinora serum with the link above. I just wanted to take the time to reiterate how fabulous it was! My skin never looked better after twice daily use of this serum and I was so sad to have finished it up in one month. Every use left my skin feeling hydrated and nourished and I couldn’t believe how effective this serum was in diminishing designer bags. I highly, highly recommend this product!

Clear Beauty Moisturizer: It took me one month of twice daily use to finish the 24K Gold and Collagen moisturizer by Clear Beauty and I was unimpressed. I noticed no real difference in my skin’s appearance or firmness, which was disappointing because all of the ingredients would make you expect to see results. This also wasn’t the best value, either, as the jar was super small so I had to ration how much I used carefully. I would not buy this product again.

Although there were a decent amount of duds in this month’s finishes, that is fine with me. Now, I don’t have to use them anymore! Lol, here’s to using lots of products that I actually like next month! 😀

What products did you use up this month? 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

New Shimmer Ocean Blue & Glitter Pink Nails

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New Shimmer Ocean Blue & Glitter Pink Nails

Hello!!! This past Wednesday, I spent a lovely morning before work being pampered with a fill at Elysian Nails. I was bummed because I couldn’t get an appointment with my usual tech, but it honestly ended up working just as well. The tech that did my nails was SO fast and I ended up making it to work early instead of fifteen minutes late like I had originally planned. Normally, I crave extra time at the salon but, in this case, everything was coming up Lil Red! Check out this fill that was completed in forty-five minutes:

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As I made my way to Elysian Nails, I struggled to come up with a color combination that spoke to me. So, I decided to let fate decide and left it up to whatever struck my fancy first at the nail polish wall. After a quick once over, my eyes locked in on the bottle of the shimmery ocean blue polish and decided to go for it. It looked so pretty in the bottle and the color reminded me of mermaids! With the mermaid motif in mind, I selected the glittery pink for my second color and waited for my appointment to start.

The tech who did my nails has been at Elysian for forever, but he was new to me. It was freaking amazing to watch him work because he was both fast and efficient but the quality of my nails was still on par if not better than someone who took their time. I admit that I was a bit nervous to have him do my nails because I don’t trust just anyone with my claws. However, my mind was quickly put at ease because he wouldn’t be at the salon if he wasn’t excellent. As we settled into our comfortable silence, I was able to relax and get my HGTV on but before I knew it, he was already done!

I love how my nails turned out and I can’t stop looking at them to save my own life! The shape is perfect and the colors are so playful in the light. Of course, the flash of blingy glitter from the pink is always fun, but I am obsessed with the ocean blue. In just the right lighting it looks emerald green and no matter what color you see it as, it is still gorgeous! 😀

I would happily see the tech who did my nails again and it is good to know that there is another option if my usual gals are booked up. This was definitely another successful trip to Elysian in the books!

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