Tag Archives: recommendations

Oct18

Destiny Boutique Charcoal Face Bar

Posted on October 18, 2016 by lifewithlilred

Helloooo everyone! I have been fond of charcoal based skin care products ever since I used one of Biore’s charcoal cleansers. We all have our woes about our skin and mine is having the literal worst blackheads around my five nose piercings. With the piercings and along with the fact that I am constantly touching my nose and readjusting them, it can be easy to see how pesky blackheads have made their home base on my nostrils. BUT I have been using a new beauty bar that I have a lot of faith in that I just have to tell you guys about. Check out my new bar from Destiny Boutique and then let’s discuss:

As much as I love Biore products, I do think that they are a bit pricey and I do not always have a coupon handy to cut back the cost. Therefore, I am always on the lookout for an effective but inexpensive charcoal product and I believe to have found it in this beauty bar. I have become a big fan of using bar soap for my face with complexion bars and my body with soap from Appalachian Naturals. I think that they are so economical and long lasting that you just can’t go wrong with them. That’s why I was SO happy to have found this bar laying around in the beauty aisle of TJMaxx for a whole six bucks. Score!

As soon as I saw the bar, I just had to try it and this past week of using it has left me very pleased with my purchase. First of all, let’s talk about the size of this thing! I was so surprised to see how big it was when I took it out of the package. My last complexion bar lasted me about four months and was about half of this size so I am sure that I will have this bar for close to a year! Honestly, with this size I would have been more than okay spending more than six dollars on it so I really do think this was a steal.

Second of all, this bar is fantastically effective. Within the week, I have noticed a HUGE decrease in my blackhead count on both of my nostrils and they really seem to be staying away as opposed to working their way back. My skin also looks bright and healthy and feels smooth as can be. Not only is it proving to be a powerful blackhead fighter but its scent is so invigorating! This bar smells like peppermint which is one of my favorite skin/body care scents. It smells so good and fresh and I instantly feel more awake as soon as it hits my nostrils. This extra scent boost pick me up is perfect for my five thirty mornings to get to class on time!

I am looking forward to many more uses with my new Destiny Boutique Charcoal Face Bar. So far it has been working some skin care magic and I cannot recommend it enough! What is your must have skin care product? What are some of your skin care woes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct18

How To Create An Amazing Den In Your Home

Posted on October 18, 2016 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Everyone needs a great getaway spot in their home. Whether it be for hunkering down and studying for the next big exam or a place to chillax and binge on America’s Next Top Model – an at home hideaway is a must. This article will provide you with some pointers to making your den (or man or ladies cave!) perfect.

How To Create An Amazing Den In Your Home:

As kids, who didn’t love building a fort with chairs and blankets and creating the ultimate hideaway? It was even better if you could decorate it with fairy lights and take in secret snacks too! But just because we’re grown-ups doesn’t mean we don’t still crave that little luxury hideaway where we can go and relax. And if you’ve got kids, even better. Why not create a den room where all of the family can chill? If you have a spare room that’s just being filled with clutter, why not convert the space into a family-friendly den? Below are some ideas on how to get started.

Think About The Space: If you’re using a spare room to make your luxury den, it’s probably smaller than your living room. First, take some time to think about how to use the space. Ask yourself what is important to you and the family? If it’s a place where you want to host movie nights and go to watch TV, then make that your focal point. If you would rather create a den that is made for reading and writing, then think about incorporating good lighting and storage for lots of books and notepads. Perhaps your den is going to be a playroom for young and old. If so, then consider investing in some drawers and cupboards so you can keep board games and card games organized and tidy.

Make It Cozy: A den is all about creating an environment that induces relaxation and fun. Invest in luxury throws and blankets so people can get down and cozy. A couple of oversized Sack Daddy’s will also give the space a laid back ‘den vibe’. Take a look here at www.sackdaddy.com/pages/cozy-sac to discover how these awesome extra large loungers will make your den the ultimate space for relaxation and respite. Bean bag chairs are also great for the kids, too!

If your den is going to predominantly be a reading room, then make sure you have bright overhead lighting. But if it’s strictly for hunkering down for movie nights, ensure that you have lights on a dimmer switch or the soft glow of side lamps. Fairy lights will add extra ambiance and create a magical feel. If you’ve got kids make them feel grown up by investing in a mini fridge where you can keep water and juices that they can get when they are with their friends. And if it’s adults only, you can chill your Champagne in here before settling down for a Saturday night movie! A den should be decadent but cozy. Somewhere you can kick off your shoes, put your PJ’s on, and totally unwind!

Décor Of the Den: If you’re making a family den, let everyone get involved in the decorating. Let the kids be in charge of one of the walls. This could include allowing them to paint the wall in their favorite color. Or perhaps adding oversized wall decor stickers of their favorite animals. Check out Amazon have some great ones right here: www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=wall+decor+stickers. Choose a color theme that exudes relaxation. Soft grays or warm shades of red will work well. Let everyone pitch in with decorating the room and make it a place where everyone will want to snuggle down for the evening.

I am absolutely obsessed with Despicable Me and my boyfriend got me minion wall stickers for my birthday! They are so cute and add the perfect touch of fun to my room. The stickers were surprisingly easy to apply and look as good as new after months of being on my walls.

What would be in your dream den? If you have a den or decked out basement in your house, what do you use it primarily for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pixaby

Oct17

Don’t Feel Glum – Pick Yourself Up With These Happiness Tips

Posted on October 17, 2016 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Hello everyone and happy Monday! I know better than anyone what it is like to feel down in the dumps. Having struggled with depression from at least twelve years old (I am 22 now), I get it. It sucks and it can be exhausting to even try to improve. But, hopefully with these pro tips, you can shrug off some of the sorrow or at the very least, shake off the Monday Blues! Let’s discuss:

Don’t Feel Glum – Pick Yourself Up With These Happiness Tips:

There are some things in your life that will get you down. Maybe you had a bad day (or month!!) at work or end up coming out of a long-term relationship. Whatever the reason, it is definitely easy to let it get the best of you. But, despite the struggle, all of these rough patches are part of life and what makes it…Well, life. However, when you are going through a difficult time, it can be tricky to remember all of this. You may feel like you will never be happy again. But that isn’t the case at all!

There are certain things that you can do to improve your mood when you are feeling down. No matter how your sadness manifests, you can still try to make the best out of your day. And all of these small things that help make you happy for a short while will eventually help you out of the rough patch that you are facing. So are you ready to cheer up? Here are some important happiness tips that may help:

Remember, There Is A Light: There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. And you need to remember that. Knowing that there will be an end to this difficult time will help you get through it. Just because you are feeling down in the dumps now doesn’t mean you still will be in the future. Keeping focused on getting out of this current situation and improving your moods will help you overcome everything. I know, it’s easier said than done!

Smile!

Get Support From Loved Ones: None of your friends and family members will ever want to see you sad and upset. (If they do, they are not your friends!) They will want to support you through whatever you are going through. And it is important that you use them as a great source of support and love. Even if you only use them as a shoulder to cry on! These are the people who know you best and will have a good idea of what it will take to make you happy again. Your friends will be able to cheer you up instantly and will want to spend plenty of time with you to take your mind off of things. So, next time you are feeling upset or lonely, give a close friend or relative a call. They will be able to help put a smile back on your face, which is a great look! 🙂

Stay Healthy: If you are having a hard time emotionally, it is important to keep on top of your physical health. Otherwise, you could also end up physically suffering. Many people tend to rely on comfort eating when they are feeling depressed. It is crucial not to do this, as you could experience an increase in your weight, which could lead to health conditions and possibly feeling worse emotionally. Be sure to keep up with your usual exercise schedule. Physical activity is a great way to release endorphins into your bloodstream. These are hormones created by the body, which it uses as natural painkillers. They can also give your mood a little boost. So next time you are feeling slightly down, hit the gym to get sweaty but ultimately happier!

YUM

Get Help If You Need It: There are times when your emotions can be too much to deal with. If you ever feel like you are unable to continue living your life as normal during a difficult time, you should seek professional help. There are many professional counselors and therapists who will be able to talk to you about your problems. During your chats, they will help you work through your issues. When you are talking to a professional about your problem, you can be sure that the discussion will be completely confidential. They will also be able to refer you to a doctor if they feel that you might benefit from medication. Not only that, though. But many mental health professionals will also inform you of life changes that you can make to improve your moods and emotions.

Stop Relying On Substances: Some people find that alcohol and drugs can help numb the emotional pain that they are feeling. However, it is important not to rely on these substances to pin up your moods. This is very dangerous behavior as it can result in an addiction and can also be very harmful to your health. If you feel like your use of alcohol or illegal substances is spiraling out of control, you can always get help by finding a local non 12 step treatment.

Pexels Image

Set Small Goals For Yourself: You shouldn’t expect yourself to feel down one day and then completely back to normal the next. Getting better and feeling happier will take a lot of work. It can also be a very long and drawn-out process. As the journey back to happiness can be a long one, it can often be easy to think that you are never going to beat your sadness.

One way in which you can motivate yourself is to set up small goals. Even though it may not take much to meet them, these small successes can help motivate you and keep you going. These goals can be anything at all. Maybe you want to finish a book a week. Or go a week without sleeping through your alarm clock. By setting yourself goals, you will also be able to see your progress. And this can help you keep going to achieve happiness again.

Beautiful!

Stop Dwelling: Once your happiness levels are back to “normal”, it is important to make sure that you don’t end up at a lowest of the low point again. One of the best ways to never feel down again is to stop dwelling when something goes wrong. Instead, learn from your mistakes and failures and use them to motivate your successes. If you focus on the thing upsetting you, you will find that you may slip into bad habits again. Instead, try to keep optimistic about life. This will help you to lead a happier life and even more occasions to flash those pearly whites. 🙂

Feeling glum? It’s normal. But if you are struggling and are dedicated to improving, all of the above points can put you on the road to a happy life again! What is one of your go to methods to shaking away the blues? What is one thing that makes you happy? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pexels

Oct11

The Power Of Massage: When You Knead A Helping Hand

Posted on October 11, 2016 by lifewithlilred

Standard

The one and only time that I got a massage, I literally laughed the entire time. I am the most ticklish person on the planet, which probably isn’t the best thing to admit to the entire world on the internet! So, needless to say, my massage turned into a half hour of tickle torture rather than a relaxing experience. It’s too bad, though, considering there are so many benefits of treating yourself to a massage. Read up:

The Power Of Massage: When You Knead A Helping Hand:

There are so many immense benefits of massage that it’s pretty vital to your health to indulge from time to time. Massages don’t just soothe away the aches and pains of the day but are also great for boosting immunity, solving sports injuries, relieving built up tension and curing headaches. When you search for a “Professional Massage near me“, chances are you will encounter these different styles of massages. We will go into more detail for each of them and this will be a great starting point when deciding which massage is right for you:

Swedish Massage: A Swedish massage is one of the most popular and well-known treatments. It is a therapeutic massage with foundations in Western anatomy. This makes it very different from Asian massages which focus on energy and flow work. Swedish massage can be either gentle or more vigorous depending on what you wish for. This type of massage is great for general tension and to break up muscle knots. It uses gliding strokes, squeezing, rolling, and kneading to increase blood flow and promote relaxation.

Hot Stone Massage: A hot stone massage is a specialty treatment that uses the heat of stones placed on the body in conjunction with the own therapist’s hands. This type of massage originates from the Native Americans who used to heat stones on fire to help treat aching muscles. The heat of the stones is believed to relax your muscles which then enables the therapist to work deeper into your body. The stones used are soft and round and are made of basalt, as this material retains heat well. A hot stone massage is beneficial for those that prefer a lighter massage and for those suffering from anxiety and insomnia.

At Home Shiatsu Massage: If time or money prevent you from getting regular massages, you may want to invest in your own at-home massage chair. You can find out about the best ones to invest in here at Shiatsu Chairs. Both massage chairs and massage cushions provide the convenience of being able to relieve aching muscles and joints at any given time. They often offer heat pads and also have different styles and depths of massage.

Photo from: Pixaby

Thai Massage: A Thai massage offers a slightly different experience as it is performed through your clothes. This type of massage has Indian Ayurvedic and yoga influences and focuses on your energy channels. For a Thai massage, you will lay on a mat on the floor and remained fully clothed. Your therapist will use their palms, thumbs, elbows, feet and knees to press into your body and stretch your muscles. It’s not for the faint hearted and can leave you aching afterward! Thai massage works by releasing the blockages in your body that are causing you pain. Thai massage involves a lot of long stretches that are believed to increase the flow of Sen energies. Thai massage doesn’t necessarily feel soothing while being carried out but you will come away feeling energized. And a few days later you will notice a difference both emotionally and physically. If this sounds like just what you need, explore the pages for Divine Thai Spa Bangkok or a similar business in your local area to see if it is offered. Massages are often booked through time increments so it is recommended to start with the bare minimum and work your way up as this massage is more intense.

Indian Head Massage: Indian head massage is extremely beneficial for those who suffer from headaches and neck pain. Indian head massage is based on Ayurvedic practices. Your therapist will apply pressure to points in your upper back, arms, neck, shoulders, and head. It reduces blockages and promotes better circulation of the cerebral fluids. This type of massage is also a great detoxifier as it stimulates lymphatic drainage.

For even more health tips, follow the click!

Do I have any massage therapist friends on here? Does anyone have a funny story that happened from giving or receiving a massage? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image Photo Provided By: Pixaby

Oct10

“Why Can’t I Quit You?” – Mistakes You’re Making When You Try To Break Bad Habits

Posted on October 10, 2016 by lifewithlilred

Standard

I feel like everyone has at least one or more bad habits. If you say you don’t you are probably a liar! From binging on three gallons of ice cream in bed to smoking a pack a day, we all do things that we are not necessarily proud of. But, if you are at a point in your life that you would like to quit some of these behaviors, here are some tips for you:

“Why Can’t I Quit You?” – Mistakes You’re Making When You Try To Break Bad Habits:

It’s somewhat comforting to know that we all have bad habits. None of us are perfect people, floating through life unencumbered by the things that might sway us from our perfect course. They are those little things we do that our friends might have once brought up, polite as can be, before telling us to knock it off! We know about them, yet we do them anyway.

It’s unlikely that you don’t know that some of these habits can be an issue. Most of us are acutely aware of our failings, even if we try to ignore them. We even go as far as to seek to justify them and explain that it’s okay that we do X because we don’t do Y. If we try to stop them, we come up against a roadblock.

With the time for New Year’s Resolutions creeping up on us at a frightening pace, try and do something differently this time. Rather than just stopping something because you know you need to, find out the obstacles in your way. That way, you can be prepared when the Facebook New Year’s posts clog up your newsfeed!

You’re Not Just Giving Up A Habit – You’re Gaining A New One: This sounds a little bit worrying, but it’s actually helpful so long as the substitute is a healthier one. Take the biggest, baddest habit of them all: smoking. When you stop smoking, you lose the time and energy you would have previously spent smoking. You now have a vacuum of time, and succeeding at quitting is going to be about finding a new habit to fill the gap. It’s the same for a simple thing like biting your nails. You do that when you’re stressed, right? So what are you going to do when you’re stressed now?

You have to find a habit to replace the one that you’re losing. For example, smokers may turn to vaping and nail biters buy stress balls. Places like Shoreditch Vape will give you a fresh start away from tobacco and can make it easier to ease into quitting. If you are buying a vape to help transition into quitting smoking, it is important to stick with that goal so you don’t end up going back to smoking again. Making sure that you use vape products that are actually enjoyable rather than a plain substitute for cigarettes can make a big difference. It is for this reason that choosing a brand that sets the standard for excellence in the world of vaping isn’t just a matter of taste and it can actually help to fight your addiction by helping you to forget the positive association you had with smoking and replace this instead with high quality vaping products.

One of the best ways to help cease your smoking habit is with nicotine free vapes. It will still provide you with the physical act of smoking sans the harmful additives. HealthVape’s Caffeine Vape could be an excellent alternative that comes in a variety of flavors with a formula blend of caffeine, Vitamin B12, and L-Theanine. If you are considering a nicotine free vape, read the customer reviews so you can choose the one that gave people the most success.

You Don’t Understand Physical Addiction: Few of us do something because we don’t like it; we have our habits as they meet our emotional needs. They make us feel better and when they do that, we get a rush of a chemical called dopamine into our brains. This chemical is linked with feelings of joy and happiness. So when we break our habits, the dopamine goes away. We don’t like that.

You may associate physical addiction with the likes of heroin and nicotine, but it applies to pretty much anything. Deny your brain its daily rush of dopamine and its not going to be happy about it. So when you’re struggling in the early phases, give yourself a break. You’ve got to retrain your brain chemistry.

You Don’t Give It Time: Most of us want to shed our bad habits and be done with them ASAP, but it doesn’t work like that. Research at University College London concluded it takes us 66 days to adopt a new habit – which is what you’re doing – as routine. So give yourself time and don’t try and rush it. Anything else and there’s a risk of expecting too much and suffering the subsequent disappointment when you fail.

Creating healthy habits and new routines can be very difficult if you are staying in the place where your addiction festers. If you are binge drinking a lot in your own home, for example, that can be a particularly tough habit to break. Should this be the case for you, you might want to consider a Drug & alcohol addiction treatment in Texas (Or anywhere you fancy!) to get a fresh start away from your usual stresses and triggers. A change in location is a simple idea but it really can be effective in creating good habits and coping skills.

I am the first to admit that I have bad habits. But the right knowledge, tools, and willingness to change can make breaking your bad habit a little more easy. What is one of your worst habits? Have you ever broken a bad habit before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image Photo Provided By: Flickr

May22

Summer Beauty Essentials

Posted on May 22, 2016 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Hi everyone and welcome to an amazing summer time guest post thanks to Rachel from A Girl Recommends. This month, I asked all of the guest bloggers that I’ve featured on my page to come up with a beauty, fashion, or lifestyle post themed around sweet summer time. After emailing back and forth with the lovely Rachel, we decided on a post all about the beauty must haves that summer calls for. I was blown away by the quality and content of Rachel’s post and I’m sure that all of you will be too. Thanks a million, beautiful! Take a look at the Summer Beauty Essentials post that Rachel made special for my readers here on lifewithlilred:

Summer Beauty Essentials

Today I’m going to run you through my beauty must haves for summer time! In the UK we are slowly heading into this time of year, so I will definitely be bringing out my bright lips, colorful nails, and light weight foundations!

Hair:

There are a few products that I’d recommend for your hair in the summer time. The first one is Batiste Dry Shampoo. I have mine in the scent ‘Fruity & Cheeky Cherry’. It doesn’t matter which scent you go for, this stuff works wonders and it’s super affordable. Although your hair feels pretty gross after using this, it looks ten times better than before with added volume. You can even buy mini cans to take to festivals/on holiday/by the beach!

I definitely like to combine dry shampoo with my trusty Tangle Teezer. I bought mine a couple of years back and it’s still going strong! I have mine in a super bright summery shade with an orange top and yellow comb. These are great for throwing in your handbag (they have special compact ones for this purpose) and taking them to the park, beach, or wherever you just need a quick brush through your windswept locks!

To touch up my color and make it brighter than ever I like to use the Scott Cornwall Color Restore Iced Platinum Hair Toner. This stuff is great for my dyed blonde hair and helps get rid of those yellowy brassy tones and freshen up my barnet. You can get these toners in a variety of different shades and add some candy colors into your hair just in time for summer!

Nails:

My all time favorite nail polishes are definitely from Barry M. The quality is fantastic, they are a bargain, and I’m obsessed with the finish that the Gelly Hi-Shine varnishes give you. My favorite shades for the summer time are Blueberry, Passion-fruit, and Kiwi.

Skincare:

I’ve got a couple of skincare favorites to share with you. The first is the benefit Triple Performing Facial Emulsion. It hydrates, protects, and comforts your skin whilst giving you sun protection with SPF 15. This is perfect for day time use. I then like to fully moisturize and re-hydrate my skin in the evening with the Vichy Lift Activ Supreme.

Makeup:

My foundation favorite is the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. This is lightweight, oil free, and hydrating with a silky texture. It’s perfect for summer because you can build up the coverage if you desire, but it doesn’t leave you with a heavy feeling on your face and you don’t feel like you’re wearing foundation. I like to set this with either the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (Light) or the L’Oreal Nude Magique BB Powder (drugstore alternative). Both of these powders are really natural, light coverage, and non drying.

My choice of bronzer is the Benefit Hoola Bronzer Powder which gives you a healthy and natural looking tan. I love this product all year round but you can add a bit of extra glow in the summer time. I follow this with either my Ted Baker Lip and Cheek Tint for a shimmery glow or my Giorgio Armani Cheek Fabric Blush (305) for a pop of natural color.

Products with staying power are definitely your best friend at this time of the year. You basically have to glue your makeup on to your face so your eyebrows don’t finish the day on your chin. My favorite drugstore setting spray is the Maybelline Superstay 24hr Setting Spray. Now, I can’t say that I’ve tested the 24 hr theory but it definitely helps my makeup stay in place all day!

It’s crucial to use a waterproof mascara in the summer time to avoid having the dreaded panda eyes. I love the Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara. It’s cheap and gives you dramatic volume without clumpy lashes!

I think having a brow gel is key for all year round but is especially important in the summer time. A perfect face can be easily let down by messy brows. Rimmel Brow This Way Styling Gel does the trick for me and it’s an absolute bargain at £3.99.

I would be lost without my Urban Decay Primer Potion, however, I have recently been trying out the Benefit Air Patrol Eye Primer and I’m LOVING it. It’s a perfect base for eye shadows, especially if you get oily lids throughout the summer. This primer allows you to have intense color and a lasting eye shadow look all day.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Lips:

Summer is your time to shine with bright lips. Say goodbye to your berry tones and hello to your corals and fuchsias. I like to prep my lips with the Nivea Sun Protect Lip Care (there is nothing worse than burnt lips – ouch!) and then apply my favorite bright lip colors. I’ve chosen two to share with you today. I have the Bourjois Paris Colour Boost Lip Crayon (Red Sunrise) and the YSL Rouge Volupte (13 – Peach Passion). The Colour Boosts are lovely and moisturizing with a bright pop of color, whereas the Rogue Volupte leaves a velvety smooth finish with a high pigmentation.

Fragrance:

My love for the Marc Jacobs perfumes shines bright in the summer. Out comes Dot (“A signature floral heart signed by beautiful jasmine and the elegant base of vanilla with musk, leaving an addictive trail”) and Honey (“The fragrance opens with a fresh fruity hook, and melts to a beautiful floral honey heart for a long lasting and sunny signature fragrance”). These fragrances are absolutely perfect for the summer time and they remind me of so many great memories. I can’t help but smile every time I wear these scents.

That’s all for my summer beauty must haves. What are your essentials for this time of the year? – Rx

^^^ Wasn’t this post fabulous?! Thank you so much, again, to the superbly talented, Rachel, from A Girl Recommends for such a terrific guest post. Everyone please check out her page and give it some love! What beauty product can you not live without in the summer? Which recommendations from Rachel’s post are you going to use? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May3

Nail Polish Party

Posted on May 3, 2016 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Hi everyone and happy Tuesday! Thanks to Influenster, I got to try out Sinful Colors’ limited edition Bling It On collection in Teal Midnight. Usually, I’m not fond of nail polish colors if they’re not black so I was a little ambivalent to paint my nails. Unfortunately, once the polish was on my gut reaction of “I’m not going to like this” was right because I really didn’t like it! Take a listen to a cute Lady Gaga song dedicated to the mani and then let’s discuss:

It’s not that I don’t mind other colors so much as the fact that this was a glitter polish which is a big fat “no” in my book. Had this been a plain old deep teal sans the glitter, I probably would have liked it a lot but as a rule of thumb I really just don’t do glitter of any kind whether it be on lotion, nail polish, or clothing. It’s not my style and it never will be so in all honesty, I feel super weird having this polish on!

I had to put on three coats of the polish just to make it fully cover my nails and even then you can still see through the coat and onto my nails. I guess as a top coat this polish would be okay but you still would need at least two coats to fully cover your nail in glitter. I was actually a bit disappointed in the quality of this polish because I have seen glitter polish that works very well. Because this polish is so thin in comparison to other glitter polishes that I’ve seen it made the application more annoying than pampering.

As a top coat, I do recommend Sinful Colors’ “Teal Midnight” from their Bling It On collection but as a polish alone I wouldn’t recommend it. I’m very unhappy with how they look and even if glitter polish was my thing, I still would be disappointed over the polish quality. Thankfully, Influenster provided me with nail polish remover pads, too, so hopefully those will get the job of taking the polish off done!

It was a kind of sad Nail Polish Party to say the least but I do want to thank Influenster for allowing me to try the product! What is your go to shade of nail polish? What nail polish color would you not be caught dead in? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Apr16

Nourish Organic Face Cleanser Review

Posted on April 16, 2016 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Helloo everyone and happy weekend! I recently started using a new cleanser by Nourish Organic that I snagged from my skin care hoard and I have been nothing but disappointed with it. The worst part? That once I start a product, I completely refuse to not finish it. So now, I’m stuck with using one of the worst cleansers of all time until there’s none left. #FML. I desperately need a vent session about this cleanser so take a look at the packaging and then let’s discuss:

Okay, first things first is the smell. The packaging claims that it’s fragrance free but it seriously smells like rotten sunflower seeds. That in itself completely turned me off from the cleanser because waking up and having to scrub that on your face is seriously hell. I’m okay with a fragrance free product if it truly is fragrance free or close to it but the marketing for the Nourish Organic Face Cleanser is a blatant lie. Not cool.

On top of the faulty marketing that Nourish Organic used, the packaging for it kind of sucks, too. The cleanser is so thin in texture that as soon as you pop the lid, the face wash starts pouring out. The first time I used the cleanser, I ended up with a substantial amount on my shower floor because I wasn’t prepared for the flood gates to burst free as soon as I opened it. Once again, not cool.

And finally, the fact that this cleanser doesn’t lather in the slightest is a major issue. Because the texture of the face wash is so runny, it feels like you’re just rubbing slime on your face. The result? That your face feels tight, dehydrated, and not even clean. Every time I finish using my cleanser, I’m always so thankful that I use an exfoliator afterwards to pick up the slack. I would almost be okay with the horrid smell and the shitty packaging if the product actually made my skin feel good but if anything, it just leaves it feeling worse.

So how do I rate this product, you may ask? I’m so glad you did! I give the Nourish Organic Face Cleanser: negative one million billion stars and I would not recommend it to anyone. All I can hope for now is that I finish this cleanser quickly so I can use something different because anything is an upgrade from this!

So there you have it, my Nourish Organic Face Cleanser Review! Has anyone used a product lately that they’re completely disappointed in? What face wash are you currently using? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr3

Olay Active Botanicals Mask Review

Posted on April 3, 2016 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Hey everyone and happy Sunday! I hope all of you are having a wonderful weekend! When it comes to my night time beauty routine, I LOVE using masks. I’m always on the hunt for a light but effective moisture mask and I happened to find exactly what I wanted in Olay’s Active Botanicals Mask. It is literally the best mask that I’ve ever used and it makes The Body Shop’s Vitamin E and Drops of Youth Bouncy Mask pale in comparison. This is easily one of my favorite items in my beauty arsenal so I just had to review it! Let’s discuss:

Olay’s Active Botanicals Mask is complete and total magic. Not only is it an amazing product but it’s a very fair price, too. You can’t beat fifteen bucks for a big container! I think that this mask is a steal and it also passes my perfect product checklist with flying colors, starting with the smell. The best way that I can describe the scent is that it’s like a fresh rainfall. It’s so crisp and clean but it is in no way overpowering. The scent is so invigorating that it leaves me bright eyed and bushy tailed until I fall asleep.

The texture of the Active Botanicals Mask is really nice, as well. It fits snugly into the category of just right. I can’t stand when creams or masks are too heavy or light. I like for my masks to be light enough that they absorb well but still heavy enough to feel like they’re getting the job done. The texture of Olay’s mask is what I could imagine The Body Shop’s Drops of Youth Bouncy Mask would feel like it it were a cream instead of a gel. It feels really aquatic and it only takes one small test of the Botanicals mask on your skin to know that using it is going to be the equivalent of giving your skin a huge gulp of water.

Good smell – check. Nice texture – check. Absorbs well? Check! Olay’s Active Botanicals Mask absorbs right into the skin as quickly as you rub it on. But, all of it doesn’t completely soak in. Every time I use this mask, a fine layer always remains on my face as if it knows that I’ll be needing more in my sleep. As soon as you put the mask on, you can feel it working. Within the first minute my skin feels tingly, bright, and hydrated. The following day my skin feels so supple and my under eye circles always look less severe. The reducing of my less than designer bags under my eyes is always a nice bonus!

There’s no way that I would rate this mask with anything lower than: five stars. It’s such an excellent and truly effective product. Olay’s mask is amazing for bringing dry skin back to life and leaving your face perfectly hydrated. I can’t recommend this mask enough, especially if you are looking to ease chapped skin from winter or for adding an extra dose of moisture into your beauty routine.

So there you have it, my Olay Active Botanicals Mask Review! Has anyone used this product before? What did you think about it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr2

Beauty Bloggers: HELP! Again.

Posted on April 2, 2016 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Howdy everyone and happy weekend! Once again, I am calling upon all of the fabulous Beauty Bloggers of WordPress for some HELP! I’ve been using The Body Shop’s Vitamin C Skin Boost for as long as I can remember. Although I’ve always found their price of twenty-seven dollars per bottle a little steep, I still shell out the cash when there’s a good sale. However, the price for the Boost is now almost thirty dollars and that doesn’t mesh well with my lifestyle of ballin on a budget.

I’ve been wanting to wean myself off of TBS products for some time now because I truly feel like I can find similar products for a better price elsewhere. Now that one of my favorite items in my daily beauty routine has hiked up in price, I feel like there’s no better time to start browsing the market for a new serum style product. Does anyone who’s familiar with TBS’s Vitamin C Skin Boost have any suggestions on a similar item? I have normal skin and am willing to try anything within reason. Thank you so much! -Sarah

^^^ Old faithful.

	lifewithlilred on Candy Queen COTD
	Kandy on Candy Queen COTD
	lifewithlilred on Alien Vacation Mini Golf
	Simon on Alien Vacation Mini Golf
	lifewithlilred on Alien Vacation Mini Golf