Tag Archives: opinions

Aug20

Face Mask Festivities: Celavi Cucumber Sheet Mask Edition

Posted on August 20, 2020 by lifewithlilred

Hello everyone and welcome to the final review from my set of Celavi sheet masks! In mid July, I ordered a pack of twelve sheet masks off of Amazon from the Celavi brand. I received two of the six different kinds which included Charcoal, Honey, Avocado, Pomegranate, Tea Tree, and Cucumber – which we will be discussing today.

As a reminder, the score for the masks I didn’t like is three and I only liked two of them. Will the Cucumber mask be the tie breaker? Let’s find out:

I decided to use this mask after returning home from my mom and dad’s house over the weekend. It was a hot day and that was exasperated by frolicking about the backyard with my adorable little niece. By the time I got home to my apartment, I was sweating my nads off and just wanted to put on a soothing mask to help cool me down. Cue the Cucumber sheet mask with the soothing and softening properties!

The Cucumber sheet mask was nice for multiple reasons. For starters, this mask fit my face really well so I didn’t have to deal with it slipping and sliding for twenty minutes. It also smelled great – like a freshly cut cucumber and I felt like I was at the spa! And, finally, my skin really did feel much better after using it.

When the twenty minutes of mask time was up, I had gotten my body temperature back to baseline and I was eager to see the results because I had a good feeling about it. Upon removing the mask, I was pleased to see the puffiness on my face from sweating profusely (lol) had disappeared and my skin felt clean and fresh. So soft, too!

This sheet mask is definitely one I would use again, especially on another hot day. It cooled me down completely, I loved the cucumber scent, and the grimy, sticky sensation of a scorching day had dissipated. Soothe and Soften it did and the Cucumber sheet mask was a success.

Unfortunately, this series of Celavi Face Mask Festivities ended in a 3-3 tie. The masks I liked were Charcoal, Pomegranate, and Cucumber and I found them to be quite effective. The masks I disliked were Honey, Avocado, and Tea Tree and they didn’t do squat.

So was the set of Celavi sheet masks I purchased something that I would recommend? I do. Despite not loving half of the masks, I got twelve of them for ten bucks and I think that’s a great deal! It’s nice to have masks at the ready at my apartment and, even though some were more successful than others, it makes for a cheap spa night and who doesn’t love that?!

How do you pamper yourself? How do you do an at home spa treatment? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug16

Face Mask Festivities: Celavi Tea Tree Sheet Mask Edition

Posted on August 16, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Face Mask Festivities: Celavi Tea Tree Sheet Mask Edition

Hello and welcome to the fifth sheet mask review from the set of six Celavi masks that I bought from Amazon! Today, we are going to be talking about the Tea Tree Calms and Refreshes sheet mask, which I definitely felt like I needed after a super hot summer day. I was always partial to the tingly cool Tea Tree products from The Body Shop so I assumed I was in for a treat, especially after a muggy day. But, as the old saying goes: Assume makes an ass out of U and ME and this face mask was less than impressive. Let’s discuss:

I was actually pretty excited when I put this sheet mask on because, like the Avocado one I tried recently, it was way smaller and fit well on my face. So, for twenty minutes I laid back, dug into my Audible book tape, and enjoyed not having to tend to a slipping off face mask. After my twenty was up, I couldn’t wait to examine the results because I had a good feeling about this mask. But, sadly, my good feeling was the only thing good about it! Whomp whomp.

After removing the sheet mask, the only difference I noticed was red, irritated patches on my face. I will say that my skin did look a bit more firm but that’s neither here nor there. I was more worried about this mask causing my skin discomfort or blemishes that wouldn’t go away ASAFP.

Luckily for me, after a half hour or so the redness dissipated. However, that’s definitely not the first thing you want to see when you take a face mask off! After the redness was gone I still didn’t notice any major changes one way or the other but, similar to the Avocado mask, it just didn’t seem worth it afterwards and I would not use it again.

Yes these masks are cheap and two of the ones I tried were actually pretty good. But, I have now disliked more masks than I liked with a score of 3-2. We only have one more Celavi sheet mask to try: A Smoothing and Softening Cucumber. Will this be the mask to even the score? Keep it posted and find out!

What is your favorite skin care brand? What are your must have ingredients in your skin care? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug14

Face Mask Festivities: Celavi Avocado Sheet Mask Edition

Posted on August 14, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Face Mask Festivities: Celavi Avocado Sheet Mask Edition

Hello! Today we are going to discuss the fourth out of the six Celavi face masks that I purchased from Amazon. I was most impressed with the Pomegranate mask I used earlier as well as the Charcoal one too. I was looking forward to trying the regenerating Avocado mask because I was on a bit of a roll with the success rate from this set. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end because the Avocado one was whomp whomp. Lol, take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

To determine if the face mask that I have just used is worth purchasing again, I ask myself one question: Do I feel a difference in my skin? If I can feel or see a difference – no matter how minor, I consider it money well spent and would probably purchase it again. So, did I feel or see a difference in my skin after using the Avocado mask? Not in the slightest.

As I said, I was eager to try this sheet mask because it promised a lot of good stuff and sounded so nourishing. In fact, I was thrilled when I put the mask on because it was significantly smaller than the other Celavi masks I’ve tried and it fit so much better on my face. Without all of the slipping and sliding of the gigantic sheet masks I used before, I settled onto the couch and watched My 600 Pound Life until it was time to take it off twenty minutes later.

I was really hoping for awesome results after removing the mask because my skin looked SO dull and tired prior to putting it on and was definitely in need of a good moisturizing, as well. Sadly, I really don’t think this mask did anything after examining the results which is disappointing because my normal skin care routine is easily more effective and I want at least a little something something!

As of now, my Celavi sheet mask success rate is tied at a 2-2 of whether I would use them again or not. I loved the Charcoal and Pomegranate masks but the Honey and Avocado ones were so not worth it. There are only two more Celavi masks left for me to try so keep it posted as we determine if the Amazon set I purchased was a steal or nah!

Which type of face mask do you prefer? How do you keep your skin nourished? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug10

Face Mask Festivities: Celavi Pomegranate Sheet Mask Edition

Posted on August 10, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Face Mask Festivities: Celavi Pomegranate Sheet Mask Edition

Howdy! I am currently working through a handful of different sheet masks from a brand called Celavi, which I purchased on Amazon. During the last edition of Face Mask Festivities, we discussed Celavi’s Charcoal sheet mask and I was really encouraged after using it because I noticed the positive effect it had on my skin once I took it off. I was now tied 1-1 between masks that I liked and disliked because the Honey one was a dud.

The Pomegranate sheet mask was my tie breaker with the promises to Brighten and Enhance. And we are now *drum roll please* at 2-1 because it was a goddamn delight. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

^^^ Lol, sheet mask pictures crack me up!

I used the Pomegranate sheet mask after a real DOOZY of a day and, honestly, any brightening or enhancing would have been a noticeable change because your girl looked hit! And, I must say, the change in my skin was very noticeable after a twenty minute struggle of wearing the mask. Because, let’s keep it real, ill fitting face masks do not make for the most relaxing pampering!

When I removed the sheet mask, my skin seriously looked like I had just used a bunch of Vitamin C radiance treatments. My face was glowing bright and I looked wide awake even though I felt dead tired. So, needless to say, I was impressed and it was actually just the perk me up I needed to complete my last few tasks of the day.

The Celavi Pomegranate Sheet Mask has definitely been my favorite one out of the three that I have tried. I have three more left to test out so keep it posted for more new Face Mask Festivities soon!

How do you spend your time after work? Which products do you love for brightening and radiance? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug7

Museum Of Ice Cream X Sephora Fake Eyelashes Review

Posted on August 7, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Museum Of Ice Cream X Sephora Fake Eyelashes Review

Hi! As you saw from my last OOTD on lifewithlilred, I was sporting some pretty funky fake eyelashes. In case you haven’t seen it, take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

I purchased the Museum Of Ice Cream X Sephora lashes during my last online Sephora haul and considered them a steal for only seven bucks. So much so, in fact, that I ordered two sets! I have never been a fake eyelashes girl and have always preferred heavily applying my Better Than Sex mascara. However, that all changed last year when I rocked some crazy red lashes for Halloween and I realized that fake lashes were AWESOME!

Before experimenting with fake lashes, I had always assumed that I would have a difficult time putting them on. Happily, I found that wasn’t the case and when I wear fake lashes they last all day. I will say that the MOIC lashes were a bit harder to apply than your traditional fake lashes because there were tufts of feathers on the lash line, which is where your lash glue goes.

Speaking of lash glue, just know if you purchase this set for yourself that it comes without glue. SO I had to apply these huge ass heavy lashes with Dollar Tree lash glue. I had to use a lot and some of it did get in the feathers but that was just unavoidable. I had a few problems with the inner corner lifting so I would put lash glue on a Q Tip and pat the area until they decided to stick around for awhile.

After the initial application process and minor issues, the MOIC lashes stayed on until I removed them around nine thirty at night! Color me impressed. These lashes were rather heavy, which definitely took some getting used to but it’s not like they were ever uncomfortable. And, I loved how they looked!

I would not wear these lashes on the daily but they are such a fun way to spice up my same old same old makeup routine. Not only did they look fabulous in my pictures but they were a unique and cheap purchase that I am really pleased with. Highly recommend!

Where do you purchase funky fake lashes? How do you rock unique makeup? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug4

Lil Red’s Book Club: A Killer’s Mind By Mike Omer Edition

Posted on August 4, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Lil Red’s Book Club: A Killer’s Mind By Mike Omer Edition

Howdy and welcome to a new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club! Within this past year, I read a book called Into The Darkness by Mike Omer. The book chronicled forensic psychologist Doctor Zoe Bentley and FBI agent Tatum Grey as they tried to hunt down a serial killer. Little did I know, however, that Into The Darkness was the second part of a series of Zoe Bentley books, which all started with A Killer’s Mind. Whoops!

After realizing I was reading the second book first, I was too far in to not finish it. In fact, I was even more eager to read the first one because I loved the second one. I finally finished A Killer’s Mind a few days ago and it was excellent. I will be placing a trigger warning on this review because the book covered a lot of unsavory stuff, including the tracking of sexually deviant serial killers. Now, without giving any spoilers away, let’s discuss:

Forensic psychologist Doctor Zoe Bentley has a knack for getting inside the mind of a killer. And, she has the experience to back it up, as she lived next door to a serial killer in her youth and is now a civilian consultant for the FBI. It is her job to create a profile for whomever they are tracking to help narrow their search pool and discover what makes the killer tick.

Despite her job being draining, Zoe loves it and has been sent to Chicago to help their police investigate a recent chain of killings. The bodies of three women had been found in different public locations. Sounds really bad. But it gets worse. The women that have been discovered were all in different stages of the embalming process and were essentially set up as human dolls in plain sight.

It is up to intense Zoe and marches to the beat of his own drum Tatum to crack the case before the killer strikes again. The only problem? Finding out who he is, of course!

Although the content of A Killer’s Mind was nothing short of disturbing, it was a great read. I mentioned when I reviewed Into The Darkness that Mike Omer’s books read like Law & Order SVU and A Killer’s Mind was no different. I loved the sharpness and brilliance of each character doing their best to keep the people in their community safe. The palpable chemistry between Agent Grey and Zoe is nothing to sneeze at, either. 😀

I adored Zoe Bentley in Into The Darkness so it was fun to read her story from the beginning. I knew she lived next door to a serial killer from reading the second book but I had no idea what all transpired in her youth. A Killer’s Mind delved deep into this and Zoe was able to use her own experiences to become amazing at her job. She’s a strong and smart female lead and I just want more!

If you have a weak stomach, the Zoe Bentley books are definitely not for you. But, if you’re looking for intense investigations with interconnected story lines, then this series might be one to look into. The villains are sickening but the heroes are incredible and you will be rooting for the good guys by the first page of both A Killer’s Mind and Into The Darkness.

I am going to give A Killer’s Mind an: eight out of ten star rating. Total page turner, a crazy scary story line, and ingenious workers on the case. It doesn’t get much better than that. However, there were certainly parts that I had a hard time reading and it is not a book for everyone.

What is the last book that you finished? Do you have a favorite genre or author? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul31

Face Mask Festivities: Celavi Charcoal Sheet Mask Edition

Posted on July 31, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Face Mask Festivities: Celavi Charcoal Sheet Mask Edition

Hello! I recently ordered a pack of face masks by Celavi off of Amazon during a skin care haul. I got twelve face masks for ten dollars and I figured, successful or not, that’s a cheap way to get some blog content – especially considering I don’t do much of anything anymore! I recently tried the Charcoal sheet mask by Celavi that was supposed to purify and refine and, although it wasn’t the best, it wasn’t too bad. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

As all of you know, I love charcoal skin care products so I was eager to try this mask. After my last face mask experience with Celavi, I wasn’t expecting too much out of the Charcoal one but I figured if it could clear away just some of my blackheads, then I would be happy. And it did. All of the pesky blackheads on my nose were sent packing and my skin felt clean and fresh after removing the mask.

My main qualm with the face masks I purchased is that they are HUGE. They slip and slide on my face, as you can see in the picture above, and the serums in the mask always end up getting in my eyes. Not fun. However, once the mask begins to dry about fifteen minutes in, it holds a lot better and it makes the experience much more pleasant. I typically wear my Celavi masks for twenty minutes and sometimes a little extra if they are still damp.

This Charcoal sheet mask was by no means the best one I’ve ever used but it was a vast improvement from the Honey one by Celavi that I tried because it actually did something. I have four other Celavi masks to try and, after the minor success of the Charcoal mask, I’m kind of looking forward to the other ones. Keep it posted and find out what I think! 🙂

What is your favorite skin care trend? Who else is a charcoal skin care fan? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul30

July 2020 Finishes

Posted on July 30, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! July was an insanely hot and busy month and I found that, other than my normal day and night skin care routine, I let any other pampering fall by the wayside. I know what you all are thinking: “That is so not like you, Sarah!” However, Lil Red does not do well in extreme heat (I literally get sick) and it is always extremely hot in my apartment. Not to mention, most of July was in the high eighties and mid nineties in my neck of the woods. Therefore, any movement away from being directly in front of my fan was deemed unnecessary.

I only finished one product that you all haven’t heard of already so we will briefly chat about that. Then, I will provide you with some links to previous beauty themed posts this past month in case you missed them. And, finally, make sure you tune in tomorrow for a new Face Mask Festivities to close out the month. Alright! Let’s get to it:

Would I Use Again:

SkinLab Lift & Firm moisturizer: YES
Azure Lux 24K Gold Sparkling Oil Serum: YES

Why/Why Not?

SkinLab Moisturizer: As you all know, I love my SkinLab Lift & Firm moisturizer and it took me one month to finish one jar. You can read more about it in this post, since it pops up often enough lol. 🙂

Azure Lux Serum: During a recent Amazon haul, I needed to stock up on my skin care. Originally, I was going to stick with my usual and just order a bunch of the Azure Lux Rose Gold serums. I purchased a few but I also decided to give the 24K Gold serum a try, as well. Was it much different than its Rose Gold sister? Not really. But I love the Rose Gold sister so, obviously, I loved the 24K serum too!

My skin feels so bright and radiant whenever I use the Azure Lux serums and they are so nourishing, to boot. I definitely think my skin has become more glowy and fresh since using the Azure Lux products and it takes me one month to finish one bottle.

More To Enjoy:

Be sure to tune in tomorrow for a brand new Face Mask Festivities!

Which products did you use up this month? Which products have you been impressed with lately? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul23

Face Mask Festivities: Celavi Honey Sheet Mask Edition

Posted on July 23, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Face Mask Festivities: Celavi Honey Sheet Mask Edition

Hello! Within the past week or so, I had a great big skin care haul from Amazon. I purchased all of my necessities for the next three months and I also ordered a set of sheet face masks by Celavi. I received two of the six different kinds of masks in the set, totaling twelve masks for a little over ten dollars. I considered it a steal and the comments on Amazon from previous buyers was encouraging. So, I added it to my cart.

This past weekend, I finally got around to using one of the new sheet masks, opting for the Honey option because whose skin doesn’t need to be cleansed and moisturized? Lol, take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

When I use a face mask, I never apply it with the thought that it’s going to have a massive affect on my skin. In fact, this is what probably keeps me from being disappointed with some of the duds that I’ve used. Rather, I like to think that I got to spend twenty minutes with a mask on being pampered and that’s how I’m going to think of my time spent using this Celavi mask.

Did I notice a huge or even minor difference in my skin after twenty minutes with this super saturated mask on? Not particularly. Don’t get me wrong, my skin did feel slightly more moisturized. But my skin care routine makes my skin feel insanely hydrated so, in that regard, it didn’t do all that much.

My skin definitely didn’t have that fresh “ahhhh” feeling after removing the mask. I can also confidently say that if I didn’t have one more of the Celavi Honey sheet masks in my hoard, I would not be using it again. But, like I said, no hard feelings and I still enjoyed myself. I took a leap of faith on some cheap masks and they can’t all be winners!

Have you used any beauty duds recently? Do you have a favorite sheet mask? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul22

Lil Red’s Book Club: The Girls In The Garden By Lisa Jewell Edition

Posted on July 22, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Lil Red’s Book Club: The Girls In The Garden By Lisa Jewell Edition

Hi! As the old saying goes: “when in quarantine, do as those in quarantine do”, which is just Greek for I’ve been reading a lot. Lol, I’ve been devouring books left and right and have been loving every minute that gives my brain a break from the America’s Next Top Model marathons. The most recent book I finished was called The Girls In The Garden by Lisa Jewell. It was… Okay I guess?

Without giving any spoilers away, let’s discuss. But, please be warned that there is some subject matter in The Girls In The Garden that could be very triggering. Now, let’s get to it:

Virginia Park may seem like the perfect, picturesque place to raise a family. Quaint flats, a communal park that stretches close to three acres, and tons of children running about. However, the situation that brought young mother Clare and her two daughters Pip and Grace into the neighborhood was anything but picture perfect.

Clare, who is estranged from her husband, is weak and vulnerable upon their arrival. This, in turn, leaves her twelve year old daughter, Grace, and eleven year old daughter, Pip, free to explore the park and get acquainted with the other kids. Handsome Dylan, frigid Tyler, and the eccentric sisters Willow, Catkin, and Fern. The parents of the three sisters, Adele and Leo, are essentially the “cool parents” and their house is constantly full of kids running in and out.

As the preteens and teenagers hang about the park, cliques begin to form and catty attitudes cause a palpable tension. All the while, the children’s parents aren’t doing much better, shielding dark secrets of their own that span from their childhood. Long buried memories begin to reveal themselves ranging from pervy old men to affairs and, oh yeah, murder.

One fateful summer night, the present mimicked the past after a young, pretty girl is found bloody, unconscious and uncovered in the park. So similar to the death of another young, pretty girl in the park decades prior. Who is responsible for the past and present attacks? And will history try to repeat itself once more? Read The Girls In The Garden to find out more!

Okay, so I know what you guys are thinking: A whodoneit with intertwining stories and secrets. How did Sarah not like it? Believe you me, all of that is very fair and I did enjoy certain aspects of the story line. However, there were a lot of parts that made me just plain uncomfortable to read. This includes some insanely inappropriate displays of affection between a freshly turned thirteen year old girl and her boyfriend.

After that part went down, I really didn’t care what happened next in the book because I just didn’t care anymore. It was such a stomach churning thing and it literally made me feel disgusting after reading it. It’s really too bad too because if the author wasn’t so focused on being “edgy”, she would have had a hell of a book on her hands. Although, I did see the ending coming.

Had a crucial part of this book not made me nauseous, I would have rated The Girls In The Garden much higher. But, that is not the case. So, for the first time in history, Lil Red will be awarding no stars out of ten stars. I really didn’t care for the direction this book took towards the end and I couldn’t look past it. Not sorry about it and I definitely wouldn’t recommend this for your next book club meeting!

Which book is currently on your night stand? Do you have any reading recommendations for me? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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