Tag Archives: pampering

Dec24

Face Mask Festivities: Dr. Jart Cryo Rubber Brightening Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Dr. Jart Cryo Rubber Brightening Mask Edition

Hi! Whenever I order online with TJMaxx, I like to purchase a new face mask to try out. They’re fun, relaxing, and inexpensive. I consider ten dollars or under well worth it for a half hour or so of pampering at home! The last time I ordered with TJMaxx, literally all they had in the face mask department were Cryo Rubber masks by Dr. Jart. The packaging is, admittedly, extremely disturbing but the mask in itself was one of the best ones I’ve used as of late. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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The first step to applying this face mask was the pre-treatment as seen in pictures three and four. I loved the texture of it because it was a thick gel but it didn’t make my skin feel sticky at all. Once the pre-treatment was rubbed on, the actual mask could be applied. I wasn’t sure what the mask was going to be so I was surprised to see it was a sheet mask. I originally thought it would be a peel off style mask that dried with a rubber texture. However, those can be kind of a pain to apply and remove so I was happy that I was just dealing with a sheet mask.

Other than the results which we will get to, the best part about this mask was the fact that the sheet was divided into two pieces – one for the top half of your face and one for the bottom. This was SO much better than the one piece sheet masks (That are usually gigantic on me) because you could apply individual pieces in a way that would fit your face best. Other than some slipping and sliding in the beginning, once this mask dried a little it stayed put perfectly for the forty minute duration that it had to sit.

While the mask was on, my skin felt cool and tingly and it actually felt that way the entire evening once it was removed. My skin was so soft after taking the mask off and it still felt just as good the following day. I think it does look a little brighter too – especially around the designer bags under my eyes!

Although the packaging for the Dr. Jart Cryo Rubber Mask was super weird, you can’t judge a book by its cover because I really enjoyed it! There were a couple more of these masks with different focuses like Calming and Moisturizing and if they are still there, then I will definitely order them the next time I shop with TJMaxx. Great success!

What is your favorite kind of face mask to use? How do you pamper yourself at home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec20

Feeling Down? Treat Yoself!

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Feeling Down? Treat Yoself!

Hellooo!! The coronavirus pandemic can induce a plethora of feelings like exhaustion, stress, depression, and anxiety. I have definitely experienced all of these and if you’re taking the virus seriously, then I’m sure you have too. It is hard to get yourself back to baseline when you are feeling so down but there is nothing like a little treat to lift yourself up. How about brushing off the blues with some of the following?

Your favorite drink:

Nothing perks me up literally and metaphorically like my favorite coffee drinks from Starbucks. I live for the holiday season when I can get my Peppermint Mocha fix and the warm fuzzies I feel with a steaming, fragrant cup in my hands. For even more feel good power, pay it forward for the person behind you and see if you can get a chain started. Then, you can make someone else’s day too!

Pizza party:

This past weekend, Johnny and I ordered a pizza and watched Christmas movies together and it was a blast! Our food was delicious and it was so nice to just settle in for the afternoon without worrying about what to make for dinner. It was also a relief to have some entertainment that wasn’t stress inducing with violence or triggering story lines. I highly recommend a viewing of Elf, Jingle All The Way, or The Muppets Christmas Carol to get yourself in the holiday spirit as well as to put a smile on your face. 🙂

Smell goods:

There is nothing better than sinking into a nice, warm bath filled with lush bubbles in your favorite scent. Have a shopping trip online to your favorite bath and body care supplier and order some pampering treats for yourself. How about some bath bombs from Lush? Or some uber lathering body wash and a few candles from Bath & Body Works? My favorite scents of vanilla, orange, and apple always help to relax me – combine that with a long soak in the tub and it is heaven!

A new book:

Take a step away from the craziness of the real world and tuck into a good book. Grab something from the library or Barnes & Noble and settle in for the afternoon in a totally different world. I love to read and I always feel infinitely more relaxed after I knock back a couple of chapters in whatever book I am working on finishing. If you’re not the biggest fan of reading, try a subscription to Audible for some book tapes that you can play while driving or cooking. My Johnny loves having Audible and I definitely recommend it too.

New home decor:

This is not to say to remodel your living room entirely but you could always purchase some new wall art or a cute knick knack that you can’t live without. Seeing something daily that you find visually appealing is a sure fire way to make you smile. You could also always skip the purchasing process and DIY some decor with your bestie. Every time you see it, you will think of the sweet memory of a craft night – no matter how your art work turns out. 😀

Treating yoself doesn’t have to break your bank. Use the tips above and get the spring back in your step!

How do you like to treat yoself? What makes you smile? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec17

New Rose Pink & Silver Glitter Nails

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New Rose Pink & Silver Glitter Nails

Hello!! I live for my monthly nail appointments at Elysian Nails because it is pretty much the only time I venture into the public (other than one grocery shopping trip) cause COVID. I am not complaining, though, because I am dedicated to keeping myself, my loved ones, and my clients and their families safe. You can definitely imagine how excited I get to go to the salon and, I have to say, my past visit was one of the best ones yet. Check out these adorable Rose Pink & Silver Glitter Nails and let’s discuss:

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I had the pleasure of having a lovely new to the salon nail tech work on my claws and she did an awesome job! Not only are my stiletto nails on point but I had such a great time chatting with and getting to know my tech. We seriously did not stop girl talking the entire hour that I was there and it was like hanging out with a new friend. So much ground was covered like our love for tattoos and piercings as well as holiday plans and all of the plans we missed out on due to the pandemic.

The past several times I have gotten my nails done, I didn’t really talk to any of the techs aside from the usual pleasantries. Having conversations is not a requirement for me when I go to the salon but it sure was nice and it made my pampering time so much better. I plan on requesting this tech for my future visits and it makes me look forward to my monthly outings even more – especially considering that I didn’t experience ANY discomfort during the appointment like with the last tech I had.

I am in love with my nails and am most impressed because my new tech has not done a lot of stiletto nails before. I think the rose pink and silver glitter is a modern take on holiday colors and will not only be super sweet for Christmas but perfect for ringing in the New Year. The silver reminds me of tinsel and fresh fallen snow and when they are in the light they look gold like twinkling Christmas lights. Meanwhile, the pink hue makes me think of bubbly champagne to toast with on New Year’s Eve. Cheers!

What are your favorite colors to rock during the holiday season? How do you pamper yourself during the pandemic? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov12

New Blue Grey & Glitter Periwinkle Nails

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New Blue Grey & Glitter Periwinkle Nails

Hello! If you have been following Lil Red’s saga at the nail salon, then you will know that the past three times around, I had a nail tech that caused me a lot of grief. During my last appointment, my real nail got cut into and it hurt like the dickens. After that, I said enough is enough and requested someone new for my next appointment.

I am so glad that I did because 1) My experience this fill around was fabulous and 2) Getting my nails done is really the only “outing” that I do other than grocery shopping because I work with so many high risk clients and families. When I get my nails done, I want to fully enjoy my time at the salon because, otherwise, I don’t go out. And, believe you me, enjoying yourself is hard when the tender skin around your nails is being cut multiple times per visit.

I am proud that I stuck up for myself because, usually, I am a very go with the flow kind of gal and only complain when it’s absolutely necessary in a salon situation. This fill has been the first time in three months that I truly felt pampered and I am obsessed with the results. Check it out:

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Despite it being shockingly warm for November in Ohio, I wanted to do a winter wonderland inspired palette. While driving to the salon, I decided I wanted to do a light, sparkly purple along with a shade of grey. I fell in love with the shimmery periwinkle I picked out and, even though I’ve never seen Frozen, it made me think of Elsa!

Once the purple was decided, I found a stormy ocean blue grey to toughen it up. My nails turned out exactly how I wanted them to and the shape that my new tech improved on looked divine after he cut them down and sharpened them up. The best part, though? No cuts, no ouches, and absolutely NO discomfort the entire time. I am one hundred and fifty percent satisfied and I already am looking forward to my next appointment. 🙂 ❤

Have you ever had a similar situation to my previous woes in a salon? How did you handle it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct29

October 2020 Finishes

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October 2020 Finishes

Hello!!! Holy COW October is just about over and I don’t know how it was for all of you but it went by so quick for me. I swear, as soon as I start all of my early Christmas preparations, the months leading up to the big day just go by in turbo speed. And, with one of my favorite months of October nearing completion, that means it’s time to chit chat about all of the beauty products I used up so let’s get to it:

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Would I Use Again?

  • Garnier Micellar Water: YES
  • Bath & Body Works Gingham body wash: YES
  • Azure Lux Rose Gold serum: YES
  • SkinLab Lift & Firm moisturizer: YES
  • SkinLab Lift & Firm eye cream: YES

If you would like to read more about these products, please visit some of my old empties posts because I literally use the ones above all of the time! And, in case you missed any of my beauty posts this past month, check out some of the following:

Pampering myself with my must have products has been one of the main things keeping me sane during all of this COVID craziness. Please, everyone, keep being good to yourselves and, sometimes, feeling much better is only a face mask or a bubble bath away!

What are some of your must have products? Are there any discontinued products that you miss? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct22

Face Mask Festivities: Freeman Manuka Honey & Tea Tree Oil Deep Clearing Clay Mask & Cleanser Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Freeman Manuka Honey & Tea Tree Oil Deep Clearing Clay Mask & Cleanser Edition

Hi! At least every weekend I try to use a new face mask as a pampering treat after a long week. I am currently using up a pack of six Freeman masks I got from Amazon and, unfortunately, the first two I tried were total duds. It definitely made me ambivalent to try the other masks but I am happy to have had some success because it turns out the third try is a charm!

I loved the Deep Clearing mask I used with Manuka Honey and Tea Tree Oil so take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

I’ll be honest, I was a little wary of the honey and tea tree combination because I thought it would smell nasty. However, my first impression when I opened the packet was just how good it smelled! It was seriously like oats and honey and it made the rich and creamy texture feel that much more lush and nourishing. The mask was also really easy to apply, despite its thickness, and that is always a bonus because I hate having a struggle to even put the mask on.

I left this mask/cleanser on for about seven minutes and was curious to see how it would wash off. Like the application, the mask was a piece of cake to remove because it doubled as a cleanser too. As I washed it off, it was kind of foamy which helped take the mask off in its entirety without harsh scrubbing – it was really nice!

Yes, the mask application and removal process was the best out of the three Freeman masks I have tried… But how did it leave my skin feeling? The answer is: EXCELLENT! My skin felt so soft, my pores felt like they got a deep clean, and my skin tone looked perfectly even. I legit couldn’t stop rubbing my cheek because it was baby’s bottom smooth. 😀

I would absolutely recommend the Freeman Deep Clearing Manuka Honey & Tea Tree Oil Mask/Cleanser. I haven’t used a mask that left my skin feeling so nourished in a long time and I would be happy to use it again!

Which brand has the best face masks? How do you pamper yourself? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep27

September 2020 Finishes

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September 2020 Finishes

Hi! So it’s already the end of September, which is mind blowing to me. I know all of you think I’m crazy for starting Christmas shopping so early but, damn, the countdown feels on now! We’re coming in hot to 2021 and all I can hope with each passing month is that things get a little better, lol.

Because times are so stressful, it is very important to me to continue doing all of the things I love to pamper myself. I revel in my bubble baths and face masks and still stick to a strict skin care regimen. These empties are the fruits of my labor to keep me from going insane and I’d say they served their purpose well. Check it out:

Would I Use Again?

  • Bath & Body Works Champagne Apple & Honey shower gel: YES
  • SkinLab Lift & Firm moisturizer: YES
  • Azure Lux Rose Gold serum: YES
  • Azure Lux 24K Gold serum: YES

As you can see, these are my “usual” finishes for the month and you can read more about them by clicking the link. For more of the best beauty on lifewithlilred, how about checking out the following?

It’s easy to feel down and out about everything from COVID to the election and all of the craziness of daily life. It’s also easy to take some time just for you to help sooth your nerves and relax. Soak your feet, paint your nails, or get dressed up for the first time in forever. Or maybe use up that bubble bath that has just been taking up space so you can have some empties too. 🙂

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

Sep25

Face Mask Festivities: Freeman Clearing Peel Off Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Freeman Clearing Peel Off Mask Edition

Hi! During my last Amazon haul, I purchased some new face masks for myself. Experimenting with different kinds of face masks has been my quarantine treat as it is a cheap way to get some pampering in after a long day at work. This past week, I tried out a peel off clay mask by Freeman and, suffice it to say, it left a lot to be desired. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

When I saw that this Freeman Clearing face mask was a peel off one, I was so excited. I tried out a peel off mask for the first time a few months ago and I LOVED it. There was honestly nothing more satisfying than peeling the mask off after it was dried and I was very much looking forward to doing that again.

Unfortunately, this Freeman mask never dried! The clay formula was so thick and sticky that even well after the fifteen minute recommendation time, it was still wet. Knowing that it was going to take at least another fifteen to twenty minutes to dry, I washed it off. That was also a hassle, though, because of its consistency and I had to rub and scrub with warm water until my face was clean.

Although I wasn’t able to peel the mask off, I was still eager to see the results. Unfortunately, again, they were really nothing to sneeze at. Did my skin look more radiant? Slightly. The only thing I was really happy about was that my blackheads on my nose were gone.

I wouldn’t recommend this Freeman mask because, at the end of the day, it wasn’t a peel off mask. It was just a really sticky clay mask, lol. Had the results been mind blowing, I might have a different opinion. However, that wasn’t the case, either, so I think it’s safe to say that all of y’all can skip on the Freeman Clearing Peel Off Mask.

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

Sep22

Face Mask Festivities: Garnier Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Garnier Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask Edition

Howdy! During my last Amazon haul, I picked out some new face masks for myself as a little treat. After a long day, I love to unwind with a sheet mask and my favorite show. Like on Wednesday, for example. Wednesday is my long day at work as I see multiple clients. However, when I get home, Johnny is gone because he’s at band practice so I get the apartment to myself.

I take full advantage of my Wednesday evenings by my lonesome because I watch all of the shows that Johnny refuses to watch with me like America’s Next Top Model, My 600 Lb. Life, and now Dancing With The Stars. I had myself a pampering party by tucking into the new season of DWTS and enjoying this new face mask:

Obligatory sheet mask selfie lolol.

I have been curious about the Moisture Bomb masks by Garnier for a while because they are definitely not the newest one on the market. I like their products well enough and it seems difficult to mess up a hydrating mask so I decided to try it out and I am so glad I did. This sheet mask rocked!

After removing the mask from its packaging, I was pleased to see that it was smaller than some of the ones that I have used before and it fit so nicely on my face. This always helps add to the relaxation because slipping and sliding face masks are never any fun and when it gets in your eyes it makes it even worse.

The directions instructed me to keep the sheet mask on for fifteen minutes but after just one minute of it on, I could feel my skin just soaking up all of the moisturizing goodness. I have never seen a mask described as “comforting” before on the package but it really was. I felt exhausted after my long day and lounging with my show and face mask on was just the pick me up I needed.

Once my fifteen minutes were up, I removed the mask and I was eager to see the results which just happened to be… FANTASTIC! I don’t know how this mask did it but I shit you not I looked like I had just woken up from a night of beauty sleep even though I had been working all day. And, even after taking it off, I could still feel the product doing its thing as it promised twenty-four hour hydrating.

When I woke up the following morning my skin was still glowing and it felt fresh as a daisy. I am so impressed with the Moisture Bomb mask by Garnier and I would absolutely recommend it. In fact, I think I’d like to get a few more for myself!

How do you unwind after a long day? What is your favorite guilty pleasure TV show? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep20

Face Mask Festivities: Amazon Haul Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Amazon Haul Edition

Hello! Since COVID, I have taken to ordering all of my skin care from Amazon instead of taking a trip to TJMaxx. The prices aren’t as good and it isn’t nearly as fun but it’s safer and more convenient. It also is never hard to find an extra treat or two for myself, so I decided to get some more face masks because nothing is better than a pampering party after a long day! Check it out:

After experimenting with many different face masks, I have found that the sheet and peel off kinds are the best for me. I love that there isn’t any messy clean up and it keeps my clutter of half used bottles of clay face masks to a minimum. I also kind of like that the sheet and peel off masks are single use because it gives me the option to try out something new every time.

During this Amazon haul, I ordered a Garnier Moisture Bomb sheet mask because I have always been curious about them. I also decided to go for a set of six different masks by Freeman. I thought this was a steal because I got six masks for around eight bucks while a bottle of their clay masks are around five to six dollars each. Nice. 😀

I am very much looking forward to testing out all seven of my new face masks so keep it posted on lifewithlilred for brand new Face Mask Festivities coming soon! ❤

Do you have a favorite face mask? How do you do your shopping in COVID times? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah