Tag Archives: beauty

Lifewithlilred’s FIRST GIVEAWAY!!

Standard
Lifewithlilred’s FIRST GIVEAWAY!!

Helloooo everyone and welcome to a super exciting Hump Day post here on lifewithlilred! After over two years of my blog being a thing, I have yet to do a giveaway and I think that that is an absolute shame. BUT, there’s no better time than the present, and with the recent launch of my fragrance, Ruby Tulip, now seems like a perfect time for a giveaway! So, take a look at what one lucky reader is going to win and then check out the rules for your entry:

giveaway.jpeg

The Prize:

  • One roll on bottle of Ruby Tulip from Angie’s Bath & Body
  • Two travel sized lotions from Bath & Body Works, Pink Cashmere and Japanese Cherry Blossom

Unfortunately, this giveaway is limited to US residents only, but here is how you can enter:

  • Like lifewithlilred on Facebook
  • Follow me on WordPress
  • Reblog this post
  • Leave me a comment to let me know that all three tasks are complete

Lifewithlilred’s FIRST GIVEAWAY will conclude this upcoming Monday, April 17th! Yayayayay! Much love. -Sarah

The Countdown To Summer – Look Fab on Your Next Vacation!

Standard
The Countdown To Summer – Look Fab on Your Next Vacation!

A vacation is a chance to get away from it all – a week or two of fun, sunshine, and great food. When it comes to your annual trip, it’s nice to know that you look your best and are feeling as confident as possible. Not only will you look great in your pictures but you won’t be held back by insecurity. Here are a few things that you can do on the run up to your vacation to ensure that you look the best ever this summer:

Figure: Getting your body into shape is a great way to give you confidence. Eating right and exercising will not only sculpt your figure and allow your clothes to fit better, but you’ll feel fitter and healthier too. If your vacation is going to involve a lot of walking, then this is especially good, because you don’t want to be struggling and lagging behind when your fitness isn’t up to scratch. Focus on a clean, balanced diet. Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein from lean meat and/or non- meat sources should all give your body everything it needs.

For exercise you could hit the gym or find an activity that you enjoy that requires a lot of movement. Whether it’s running, swimming, a sport, or just working out at home – anything that gets your body moving will tone muscles, burn calories, work your cardiovascular system, and shape your physique so anything goes!

If you find you have stubborn areas of fat that don’t respond to diet or exercise, liposuction could be an option. This isn’t a weight loss technique, though, it’s generally performed on people who are already a healthy weight who want to shape their body rather than decrease in mass. There is nothing wrong with considering plastic surgery to improve yourself but you just need to be so careful about who is performing the surgery. Seek recommendations from friends and family and look into several different options after searching “Best Liposuction Surgeon Houston” (or your local area). It can be very helpful to schedule consultations with a few different surgeons so you find the best fit for yourself and your needs.

Teeth: Want a gorgeous set of pearly white teeth to set off your holiday tan? Teeth whitening trays from the dentist take around six weeks or you can have laser teeth whitening in around an hour. Both of these treatments can lift the color of the teeth many shades and have a dramatic effect on the way you look and smile!

Hair: As the saying goes, ‘your hair is the ballgown you never take off’. Shiny, happy hair is the best accessory that you can own. In the weeks and months leading up to your vacation, you could give it some extra TLC. Use deep conditioning masks and oils to replenish and repair dry or damaged hair. Visit a hairdresser to have the split ends removed and have a fresh new color applied. It’s a fantastic way to give you confidence. If there are going to be nights during your trip where you want to dress up and look your best, clip in extensions are also a good option. It might be a little warm to wear them during the day, but they can add instant glamour for an evening outing. They add both length and thickness and look great either straight, curled, or in an updo.

Hair Removal: No one wants to deal with stubble or constant shaving while they’re away. Since holiday clothes and swimwear tends to show a lot of flesh, chances are you want to be as smooth as possible – for as long as possible! Going to the salon for a waxing treatment before you jet off will leave you hair-free for a number of weeks. For a longer lasting alternative, electrolysis and laser hair removal are effective.

Shellac Nails: Unlike regular nail polish, Shellac lasts for around two weeks. Meaning you get a chip-free manicure without the hassle of having to repaint your nails while you’re away. Most salons offer this and it’s cheaper than gel or acrylic nails.

Ready, get set, get pampered, and enjoy your vaca!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Are You Looking After Your Skin The Way You Should?

Standard
Are You Looking After Your Skin The Way You Should?

As the largest organ in the body, our skin’s health is something that we should always take seriously. When we look after our skin, not only do we avoid a range of diseases and disorders but it also looks more beautiful, too- which is not a bad thing! Nice skin can improve confidence and self-esteem and is something that will always be considered an attractive asset. Are you looking after your skin the way that you should? Here are some things to bear in mind:

Cut Back On (Or Quit!) Your Vices:

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs all have a huge impact on the skin. Using these toxic chemicals will make you more prone to age damage, cause the skin to become dehydrated, and even give it a sallow appearance. Not only are these vices horrendous for the body but they’re not good news for the way you look, either. If you’re suffering from addiction, speak to your GP who can advise you on what to do next. If not, cut back on the things that you know are bad for you.

Another habit people have is cooking themselves in the sun in the name of beauty – but that tan will fade. However, the damage it leaves behind won’t! Clinics these days have great treatments to combat the signs of aging, Botox for example from companies like http://kitagawadermatology.com/botox can help to blur fine lines and wrinkles. Botox is a great tool for an instant glow up on your face and it is so important to go to someone reputable for it. This is especially true if you’re going in for a more specialised treatment. It’s now possible for example, to go to a dentist for Botox injections and other oral treatments, but it’s important to be safe. To find a trusted practice, you should search online for a “dentist that does botox near me“ to find a reputable clinic in your area. But of course, keeping your skin youthful for as long as possible is your best bet. So start looking after your skin today, your future self will thank you!

Exfoliate The Right Way:

If you’re regularly exfoliating your skin, that’s great news. It can remove dead skin cells which make the skin look dull and also stimulate the skin to create more collagen. However exfoliating should always be gentle. If your face feels raw, tight, or sore afterwards, you’re either going too hard or using the wrong product. Never use a body exfoliater on your face, the grains are far too large and can cause damage. On the flip side, try to avoid ‘microbeads’, too. While these work well for gently exfoliating the skin, they’re awful for the environment and water companies struggle with removing them from the water. Cleansing brushes are also a good option as they clean deep down into the pores and also remove flakes and dead skin, too. These can be used with your regular facial wash. Again use gentle motions and be very careful not to scrub too hard which will damage and irritate the skin.

Eat The Right Foods:

A well as looking after your skin on the outside, you also need to nourish it from the inside, too. A healthy diet will provide your body with all of the vitamins and minerals that you need to keep your skin at its best. If you lack in anything, it will be quick to show in your skin. Fresh produce, healthy fats (such as avocados and fish), and whole grains will all boost your skin’s health. Hydration is important, too. Eating fruits and veggies with a high water content and drinking plenty of water will all be beneficial for your skin.

Featured Image By: Pexels

New Purple & Black Nails

Standard
New Purple & Black Nails

Hi everyone and TGIF! Yesterday was super fabulous because when I went to get my beloved talons filled, I was pleasantly surprised to see VINNY at the salon. For those of you who don’t know, Vinny was my former nail tech who unfortunately works at a salon that is over an hour away now. Sweet Vinny was helping out for the day and although he couldn’t do my nails, he took me out to a delicious, boozy dinner after he was done at the salon. It was basically the best day of my life and I was so happy to finally be able to spend some much needed quality time with one of my favorite people on the planet.

Despite Vinny not taking care of my nails, they still look fabulous – compliments of STEVE! I am freaking obsessed with the OPI shimmery purple shade for my accent nail and legit can’t stop looking at my freshly filled claws. Check it out:

nails5

I’ve grown increasingly fond of all things sparkly as of late for my accent nail and can’t get enough of my latest color choice. I pointed out to Steve how this OPI shade doesn’t look like it just has a teaspoon of glitter thrown into it, which I liked. He then explained to me that OPI uses ground up crystals in their polish to give it that gorgeous shimmer and I think that that’s the coolest thing ever! I definitely plan on using more of their OPI shades in the future so that my accent nails can achieve that extra touch of glitz that isn’t obnoxious.

Super special shout out to my favorite nail techies, Vinny, Steve, and the darling Tina (Steve’s wife)! I freaking love you guys! ❤

I hope everyone has a fabulous Friday and a super fun weekend. What accent nail color should I get next? What color of polish do you have on currently? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

March 2017 Finishes

Standard
March 2017 Finishes

Hi everyone and happy Tuesday! With another month in 2017 behind us, it is now time for another beauty finishes post for March. I didn’t finish too many products this month, only three. Despite a lack of empties in this edition, I did really enjoy all of the products that I used up for the most part. And even if I didn’t care too much for something, it’s always exciting to get to the end of a jar or bottle with the promise of trying something new afterwards! Take a look at my empties for the month and let’s discuss:

march.jpeg

Would I Use Again?

  • Philosophy Sugary Cinnamon Icing lotion: MAYBE
  • The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost: OBVIOUSLY!
  • Lanocreme Defining Day Cream: YES

Why/Why Not?

Philosophy Lotion: My ex boyfriend’s darling mother got me this for Christmas last year and I just got around to using it this month. Honestly, I’m not really sure how to feel about Philosophy products. All I see is average lotions and shower gels for an extravagant price. Don’t get me wrong, this lotion smelled delicious and it was extremely moisturizing but so are countless other lotions and butters for a lesser cost. Also, the plastic used for the shower gel and lotion bottles make it extremely difficult to squeeze any product out, hence the pump I put on to combat that issue. I finished this lotion after about six uses and if it were given to me as a gift I would definitely use it again but I would never buy it for myself otherwise.

TBS Skin Boost: I mean, you guys already know how much I love this product considering every three months or so it shows up on my empties posts like clockwork! But as a brief reminder, the Vitamin C Skin Boost from The Body Shop is the best thing that has ever happened to my skin. It leaves my face looking radiant and bright, my skin feels well moisturized, this product also mattefies, and it sits well under makeup. Need I say more? It took me three months to finish this product.

Lanocreme Moisturizer: I purchased this day cream from TJMaxx and it was made in New Zealand, which is fun! This cream was a little thicker than the Vitamin E moisturizer from The Body Shop but it still absorbed just as well. Its scent was light and soft and it left my skin feeling hydrated and supple. My makeup sat well over it and I got a good month’s worth of use out of the product so I think it was absolutely worth purchasing. If I was at TJs and this cream was available again, I am positive that I would add it to my shopping cart!

Over all, I got to use some really nice skin and bath and body care products this month and I’m happy with everything that I used up. Although I’m not Philosophy’s number one fan, it was nice to use something that I wouldn’t have bought for myself. And, of course, my Vitamin C Skin Boost and Lanocreme moisturizer were fantastic, which makes up for any blah philosophical feelings! 😉

So there you have it, my March 2017 Finishes! Which products did you use up this month? Have you used any of the items that I have listed above? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

The Body Shop Store Closing Sale

Standard
The Body Shop Store Closing Sale

Hiii everyone and happy Monday! This past week, I learned the unfortunate news that the only Body Shop within a one hundred twenty mile radius of me is closing because of a leasing problem with the mall. Because of this, the ENTIRE store was half off and although I did have a major haul a month ago from TBS, my mom and I just had to stop in because half off. We got so many goodies that I don’t even know what to do with them all and I am so excited for some mom and sister spa nights in the future with all of our new spoils. Take a look:

bod2.jpeg

The Haul:

  • A new makeup brush
  • Amazonian Acai Energizing Radiance Mask
  • Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask
  • Vitamin E moisturizer
  • 2 bronze eyeshadows
  • Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask
  • Strawberry scrub
  • Vanilla body mist
  • Satsuma bar soap

Grand Total: About ninety dollars (craziness!!!)

Believe me, I had zero intentions of making such a large purchase. In fact, on our way to the store I even told myself in my head that I was not going to buy anything. Well, it was a nice thought, anyways. But I just couldn’t help myself. The deal was so excellent and it only seemed right to stock up on some favorites as well as try out some new items. The Amazonian Acai and Himalayan Charcoal masks, for example, are never included in the online sales so to get them for half off was such a treat because I would have never bought them otherwise.

I am also so hyped for my Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask because it is a personal favorite item that I rarely buy for myself. Normally, when I shop TBS I just stick to the products that I would consider my skin care essentials so to load up a shopping bag full of items that I usually would never buy for myself felt SO good. New makeup brushes, fragrances, and masks are not a high priority for me when I’m shopping TBS – but god knows I want them! To have a total treat yoself moment was just what the doctor ordered but still, it sucks that the store is closing. -_-

Despite the downer of an occasion to shop, my mom and I both got some wonderful products for ourselves (her purchases are not pictured). I think that I am most excited about my Vanilla body mist, actually. I’ve loved their Vanilla scent for as long as I can remember because it’s a fragrance that my mother loves. It’s such a pure, rich fragrance and it seriously smells good enough to eat. I snagged the very last one and it will definitely be a nice change from my Satsuma and apple scented sprays that I’m currently working on. In fact, I think I’ll wear it today!

I wish nothing but the best for the beautiful ladies who were employed at The Body Shop because, unfortunately, they are now all out of work. All of them always made our shopping experiences wonderful every time my mom and I would shop in store. I have no doubt that all of them will find new companies to share their talents with soon! ❤

So there you have it, my haul from The Body Shop Store Closing Sale. Who is lucky enough to have a TBS near them? What is your favorite product from The Body Shop? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Angie’s Bath & Body Purchases

Standard
Angie’s Bath & Body Purchases

Hi everyone and happy Sunday! Yesterday, a special delivery came (super quickly!) in the mail – some wonderful treat yoself goodies from Angie’s Bath & Body. Angela, a dear friend who custom created Ruby Tulip is the boss lady behind her Etsy shop which boasts amazing home made bath and body care supplies like sugar scrubs, body butters, fragrances, and bath salts. I needed to purchase the finished product of Ruby Tulip for a giveaway here on lifewithlilred coming up next month so I figured that it was the perfect time to also buy a sugar scrub since they’re my fave and I’ve wanted to buy one for forever! Take a look:

ruby3.jpeg

Not only did I get my Peaches & Cream sugar scrub and Ruby Tulip but Angela also treated me to a sample of her goat’s milk lotion that she’s currently working on. SPOILER ALERT: All three smell divine! As soon as I opened the package, which arrived in ONE DAY flat, I could smell the sweet Peaches & Cream scrub which was just as good as biting into an ice cold creamsicle – my favorite frozen treat. I cannot wait to use my new sugar scrub as an exfoliant before shaving my leggies to create a closer shave, silky smooth skin, and a good enough to eat scent. And can we talk about the totes adorbs little spoon that she added to dollop the scrub out with?! SO. CUTE!

The rose petals that Angela added into the Ruby Tulip bottle was a beautiful touch and will be going to a lucky reader come April! I am so excited for lifewithlilred’s first giveaway and for the new lotion that Angela is working on. I tested out the goat’s milk lotion yesterday upon its arrival and it smelled so creamy and absorbed instantly, which is a must for me when it comes to lotions and body butters. I just know that that product is going to be another major seller on her Etsy page!

If you haven’t checked out Angie’s Bath & Body yet, then I urge you to get on it ASAP and treat yoself to some new body care goodies. You won’t be disappointed! What is your favorite bath and body care item to treat yoself with? What is your favorite lotion or perfume scent? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Ruby Tulip Sale!

Standard
Ruby Tulip Sale!

Hellooo everyone and happy Tuesday! This week only from today until Friday at midnight, Ruby Tulip will be available for purchase for only ten dollars! With shipping, it will cost about thirteen dolla holla altogether for lifewithlilred’s signature scent. Do check it out and then be sure to shop a little more on Angie’s Bath & Body for some amazing homemade body butters, bath salts, and scrubs! THANNNNKS! Much love. -Sarah

You know you want to! ❤

Ruby Tulip Launch!!

Gallery

Bath & Body Works March Freebie

Standard
Bath & Body Works March Freebie

Hiii everyone and happy Hump Day! Yesterday I made a quick stop into Bath & Body Works to grab my March freebie, a travel sized French Lavender & Honey shower gel. I’m trying to stock up on travel sized necessities like body wash and lotion for when I eventually make it out to Europe because every little bit helps! And as you guys know, I freaking love this scent. Check it out:

honey.jpeg

So since we’re all aware of the deliciousness that is French Lavender & Honey, I would like to announce a future giveaway, instead. March is all about the launch of lifewithlilred’s perfume line, Ruby Tulip. But, come April, I would love to do a giveaway of four to five travel sized Bath & Body Works goodies. It will be a lovely variety of different scents to test out for yourself or you could do the Sarah technique and add them on to birthday presents for friends or family. Either way, a giveaway is on the horizon so be on the lookout!

What is your favorite Bath & Body Works scent? Who plans on participating in lifewithlilred’s first giveaway? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah