Tag Archives: skin care

Edom Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Review

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Edom Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Review

Hello!!! I had really good luck with the moisturizers that I purchased during a TJMaxx haul in April. I tried three new to me brands and they were all awesome!! Today, we are going to discuss the last moisturizer that I got by Edom. It is a Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid formula and I have been using it day and night for over two weeks. I am loving it and was so happy to find another jar during my last shopping trip. Let’s get to it:

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This moisturizer has everything that I like in spades – A light fragrance, light texture, and the fact that I can feel it working instantly. Normally, I prefer a fragrance free moisturizer and the Edom one has a slight scent to it. It has a delicate hint of floral mixed in with the rich, creamy aroma and it is just right. It compliments the whipped, pillow soft texture so well and it is pleasant rather than overpowering. This moisturizer absorbs quickly despite its richness, but it still feels highly effective. Sometimes, a fast absorbing moisturizer makes you feel like you didn’t put anything on to begin with and I hate that!

As soon as the Edom moisturizer is applied, I can feel it sinking in and working its magic. It feels invigorating and kind of tingly. It also has a quick blast of coolness to it which feels refreshing after a hot shower. Within ten or so minutes, the moisturizer absorbs completely and the effects are astounding. My skin feels softer and more nourished with this formula than with any other moisturizer that I have used before. And that’s really saying something! Not only does my skin feel good, but it looks it too. I have noticed a huge difference in the evenness of my complexion and it simply glows after each use.

If you are looking for a new moisturizer, then I cannot recommend the Edom Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid one enough. It is, easily, the best moisturizer that I have ever used!

Do you like to try new skin care products or stick to a routine? What is the best skin care you have ever used? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

TJMaxx Skin Care Haul

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TJMaxx Skin Care Haul

Hello!!! My 29th birthday was on June 7th and as per usual with every gift giving occasion, I was flooded with an abundance of TJMaxx gift cards. Everyone knows me so well! As always, the gift cards were burning a hole in my existence and I enjoyed some much needed retail therapy this past Tuesday. You can peep the new swimsuit and trapeze pants I bought soon but, for now, let’s talk skin care! Check it out:

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^^^ All of these products are cruelty free!

Thanks to another skin care haul in late April, I was fairly well set with products. However, I was fresh out of moisturizer and only had one bottle of serum left so that is where I focused my attention. I was really hoping to find more of the Happy Dance and Honest Beauty moisturizers, but struck out and that was too bad because they were my faves! I was happy to find the Edom Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid moisturizer, though, because I just started using the jar of it that I already had and it is great. Keep it posted for a review of that soon!

For my other two moisturizers, I selected one by goodhabit and Clean Beauty. I am looking forward to trying the goodhabit water jelly dew cream as gel is my preferred texture during the summertime. The name of it sounds so luxe too so I have a feeling it will be a good one! The Clean Beauty moisturizer was a bit of an uh oh because I forgot that I had used it before and wasn’t too impressed with it. It wasn’t the worst or the best, but I definitely would have selected something different if I remembered that at the time. WHOOPS.

Next on my agenda was shopping for serum. To start, I went with an old standby of the Dewy Glow Serum by Pearlessence. This is a brand that I like a lot and I am always very impressed with their products. I have used the Dewy Glow Serum several times before and got two of them because it’s hit or miss if TJs has the brand available or not. I also selected a Vitamin C serum by Purifect. This is a product that I have never seen before at TJs and I couldn’t say no to that super fun packaging! 😀

Finally, I restocked my supply of Pacifica Rainbow Watermelon lip balm. I am freaking obsessed with this product and it is, truly, the best lip balm that I have ever used. I have run out of the one that I keep by my computer and the one by my bedside is almost out so it was perfect that there were only two Pacificas left! If you haven’t used this lip balm before, I can’t recommend it enough and you can get a three pack for ten dollars on Amazon.

After clothes shopping, I was ready to check out. BUT, the check out aisle is where they get you! Lol, I had no intention of buying anything else until I laid eyes on the adorable claw clips by Pink Linen. They are too cute and I thought that they would be a perfect way to get my hair out of my face without putting it in a ponytail. The cloud and rainbow will compliment my rainbow hair beautifully and also taught me that I have no self restraint whatsoever!

There is nothing like a shopping trip to TJMaxx to put some pep back in your girl’s step. I can’t wait to show you all the bathing suit I got – future lounging by the pool OOTD? I think yes!

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

Top Tips For Maintaining A Youthful Glow

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Top Tips For Maintaining A Youthful Glow

While there is beauty in growing older and wiser, many people are worried about the changes that getting older introduces to their appearance. For example, a recent study found that “28% of millennial women under 25 regularly worry about how aging takes a toll on their skin.” Getting a few wrinkles as we age is natural and often a sign of a life well-lived. But, there are specific steps you can take to reduce or prevent them.

With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to maintain a youthful glow and ensure that you always feel confident when you look in the mirror:

Drink plenty of water:

Drinking plenty of water (ideally 6-8 glasses a day) is one of the easiest ways to take care of your skin and prevent wrinkles. This is because good hydration can help to ‘plump’ skin cells, leaving your skin smooth and blemish free. However, as you grow older, “it is tougher for your body to retain water, so by inputting more water into your system, you are helping your body and your skin stay hydrated.” Dehydration can also lead to other skincare complaints, leaving your skin looking dull, dry, or tired.

Exercise regularly:

Believe it or not,  exercise can make you look younger. Regular exercise can help improve your blood circulation, which in turn, can help to keep your skin looking its best. By improving blood circulation, you ensure that your skin cells receive all of the necessary oxygen and nutrients to thrive and to remove toxins. It can also boost your body’s production of collagen, a protein which helps your skin maintain its natural elasticity.

Look into cosmetic surgery:

Cosmetic surgeries, such as mini-facelifts, can also be a great way to fall back in love with your reflection. This is because they are designed to help turn back the clock by addressing issues such as loose or sagging skin and excess soft tissue. It is so important to find a specialist surgeon with plenty of experience in the area. This way, you know you are working with someone you can trust. To find out more, click here.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery, more power to you! It’s a great idea to schedule a few different consultations with surgeons in your area to find the best fit for you. Take the time to research the websites of local surgeons like drbaker.com and pay close attention to patient testimonials. If you don’t feel one hundred percent confident in your selection, keep shopping around until you do. Your health and safety depend on it.

Be consistent with your skincare routine:

Developing a skincare routine is one of the easiest ways to care for your skin – but it’s crucial that you are consistent in your approach. You cannot expect to use a product once and immediately see the benefits. You must hold yourself accountable for completing your routine every morning and evening. In order to make this possible, try to keep your routine as simple as possible. You don’t need a million different products or tools – especially as this would require you to spend hours by the mirror!

An effective skincare routine usually follows these steps:

  1. Cleansing: Cleansers can remove dirt, oil, and other impurities from the surface of your skin.
  2. Toning: Toners help to tighten pores and can also balance your skin’s PH level.
  3. Moisturizing: Moisturizers nourish and hydrate your skin.
  4. SPF: SPF products help to protect your skin from the sun, even on cloudy days.

Get plenty of sleep:

While it may not always be possible to get a great night’s sleep, having a consistent sleep routine can also help protect your natural, youthful glow. As we sleep, our body (and, by extension, our skin) repairs itself. As a result, as you’re dreaming away, your body is producing more collagen to help maintain skin elasticity while also flushing away harmful toxins. The less sleep you get, the less your skin is healing and the more issues you may deal with as a result.

Always wear SPF:

As mentioned above, SPF products should always be incorporated into your skincare routine, even on days when the sun might not be shining. This is because photoaging (or sun damage) is one of the key causes of wrinkles. Exposure to UVA and UVB rays from the sun breaks down collagen and elastin fibers in the outer layers of your skin, which are otherwise responsible for ensuring your skin remains smooth and firm. The more damage they sustain, the more likely it is that you will deal with wrinkles and other signs of premature aging.

The steps above are simple ways to keep your skin looking its best, no matter your age!

Featured Image By: Amanda Dalbjörn on Unsplash

Honest Beauty Calm & Heal Melting Balm Review

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Honest Beauty Calm & Heal Melting Balm Review

Hello! At the end of April, I had a HUGE skin care haul from TJMaxx and got lots of new to me products compliments of the remainder of my Christmas gift cards. I recently finished the Look Alive Moisturizer + CBD by Happy Dance and enjoyed it so much! I decided to keep on testing out the new brands that I purchased by using the Honest Beauty Calm & Heal Melting Balm next. I have always been interested in the Honest brand and was so happy to find a moisturizer and serum as well. The Happy Dance moisturizer was unique in its own right, but the Melting Balm is also unlike anything that I have used before! Check it out and let’s discuss:

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Prior to my first use of the Melting Balm, I didn’t read the instructions on it and was really surprised when I opened the jar. I was expecting a gel based texture and found the Honest balm to be incredibly waxy. Even more so than the Happy Dance one. I had no idea how it was going to apply, but found that the waxiness melted into a workable, true moisturizer texture the longer I rubbed it into my skin. Then, I read the instructions and learned that it was best to heat the balm up in my hands before rubbing it into my face. That made much more sense and reminded me a lot of the Sujata Gazder Body Bar that I love so very much.

This fragrance free balm took a decent amount of trial and error to get right. Too little didn’t fully cover my face and neck, but too much felt like… too much lol, as if it was just sitting on my skin instead of sinking in. Once I found my “just right” amount of balm, which is close to a quarter sized dollop, I was able to more fully enjoy the product. Granted, it takes a decent amount of time for the balm to fully absorb in my skin, but it feels so nice and nourishing that I hardly mind.

I have been using this balm morning and night for the past two or so weeks and love the way that my skin has been feeling. It is SO soft and hydrated and just feels healthier. However, I do think that it would be better for wintertime use because of the rich, thick texture. It has been heating up in Ohio and on especially warm days or when it’s hot in my apartment, this balm tends to feel really heavy on my skin because of its slow absorption rate. BUT, I refuse to not finish a product that I have started so I will keep chipping away at it until I’m done. This might take some time, though, because a little of it goes a very long way!

Although this balm is a bit out of season for warm weather use, I still like it a lot and plan on ordering it online in the fall and winter to see if my suspicions are correct. Either way, I recommend this product because it is most definitely worth a try!

Have you tried the Honest brand before? What is your favorite product from it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May 2023 Finishes

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May 2023 Finishes

Hello everyone!! May is just about over, which means that it’s time to discuss my beauty product finishes for the month! I have finished up a few new to me products in the past few weeks, most of which I would happily use again aside from one major dud. So, all in all, it was a pretty successful month! Take a look and let’s chat more in depth about the following:

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Would I Use Again?

Clinical Works Soothing Body Lotion: YES

Evoluderm Micellar Water: YES

Bath & Body Works Pearberry Shower Gel: YES

Happy Dance Look Alive Moisturizer + CBD: YES!!!!!!!!!!

SkinLab Lift & Firm Serum: NO

Why/Why Not?

Clinical Works Lotion: I really liked the Lavender + Chamomile lotion by Clinical Works, despite the fact that the pump on the bottle didn’t work – which is probably why it ended up at TJMaxx lol. Even with that slight annoyance, this lotion was SO nice to use before bed. It was really light, absorbed quickly, and had the softest scent to it which helped to soothe and relax. The skin on my hands, arms, and chest looked a lot healthier and felt significantly softer after over two months of working through the big bottle.

B&BW Shower Gel: Pearberry is one of my favorite scents from Bath & Body Works and I wish that they carried this old school fragrance all of the time! It also happened to be one of Johnny’s new favorites too lol the first time he used it, he was raving about it – and for good reason. The juicy pear and berry scent is the ultimate in sweet/tart and I love it so very much. It took a month to finish one bottle with two people using it daily.

Happy Dance Moisturizer: You can read more about the Look Alive Moisturizer + CBD by Happy Dance in the review linked above. I will say, though, that this is easily the best moisturizer that I have used in a month of Sundays. This moisturizer was so nourishing and I loved the way my skin looked and felt after each use. The CBD was calming at night and invigorating in the morning, making it a fantastic product for twice daily use. It took me one month to finish the jar and I wish that I had more of it!

SkinLab Serum: I like the SkinLab brand, but the Lift & Firm Serum was an epic failure. I am a huge fan of products that you only need to use a small amount of and that was not the case with this serum at all. I needed a decent amount of this serum for full coverage on my face and neck, which made the small bottle only last for three weeks. It also didn’t mesh well with the other skin care I was using, making it incredibly difficult to rub in my eye cream and moisturizer. I definitely wouldn’t use this serum again.

Although there were some products from this list that I was sad to finish up, I still have lots of new to me skin care to try out from TJMaxx hauls and I am excited to use them. Keep it locked for a review on the Honest moisturizer that I have started using for the past week and change because it is a very unique one!

Which products did you use up this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Happy Dance Look Alive Face Moisturizer + CBD Review

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Happy Dance Look Alive Face Moisturizer + CBD Review

Hello! During my last shopping trip to TJMaxx, I was in desperate need of a restock to my beauty care hoard and returned with a huge haul. I got several products from new to me brands, one of which being a moisturizer with 150 MG CBD by Happy Dance. I have been using it for the past three weeks or so morning and night and I am obsessed with it!! It is, hands down, one of the best moisturizers that I have used in a long time and I am keeping my fingers crossed to find it again at TJs. Let’s discuss further:

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Although I have always been interested in CBD infused products, I have shied away from them because a CBD serum that I tried didn’t react well with my skin. That was a few years ago, though, and I figured that it wouldn’t hurt to try a moisturizer out, instead. TJMaxx rarely carries CBD beauty products so I had to take advantage of the opportunity at hand. It was also very hard to say no to the adorable brand name Happy Dance and the bright, poppy yellow and purple packaging!

I was eager to try this moisturizer out right away and I did because I was completely out of the Bellyssima one I was using. My first experience with the Happy Dance moisturizer was at night and it was a unique one. This moisturizer has little to no scent and an interesting texture. It’s balmy to the point of being waxy, which is way different than anything I have ever used before. I was concerned that it wouldn’t apply or absorb well, but that was far from the case! When I began rubbing it in, it felt so rich and creamy – not what I was expecting at all.

As soon as the moisturizer was applied and began sinking in, I felt so soothed and calm. It is often hard for me to turn my brain off come bedtime and as soon as this product began working its magic, I was ready to fall asleep right away! It was awesome and just what I needed to relax more fully before drifting off. When I woke up the next morning, my skin felt incredibly soft and nourished. However, I was a bit worried that the moisturizer would just make me tired during my morning skin care routine. Happily, that was far from the case too!

While this moisturizer helped me doze at night, it was so invigorating in the morning. It was like using an entirely different product. I am in a constant state of tired when I am completing my morning routine and the Happy Dance moisturizer definitely perked me up. I wouldn’t say it had the effects of drinking a cup of coffee, it was more like being in a decent mood and feeling ready to take on the day. Hey, I’ll take it. 😀

The Look Alive moisturizer doesn’t just soothe and awaken, but it really works wonders as a moisturizer itself. I love the way my skin looks and feels with each use. My skin feels so unbelievably hydrated, looks way more supple, and I really like the matte finish it leaves. A little of this product also goes a very long way to cover your entire face and neck. At ten dollars for the jar, I thought I was splurging on this moisturizer. Now, I feel like I got it for a steal. Yeah, it’s that good!

I cannot recommend the Happy Dance Look Alive Moisturizer + CBD enough. It is a great product to start with if you would like to begin using CBD infused skin care. Just make sure you get a jar for yours truly too! 🙂

Have you used CBD infused skin care before? What are your thoughts on it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

10 Steps To More Youthful Skin

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10 Steps To More Youthful Skin

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

Cleanse Your Skin Thoroughly:

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

Exfoliate Regularly:

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

Hydrate Your Skin from Within:

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

Slathering on Sunscreen Every Day:

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

Moisturize Regularly:

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

Include Antioxidants in Your Skincare Routine:

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

Use Retinoids to Reduce Wrinkles and Fine Lines:

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

Seek Professional Help:

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

Consider Plastic Surgery or Microneedling for a More Dramatic Change:

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

Exercise for healthy, youthful skin:

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

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

Featured Image By: Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

April 2023 Finishes

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April 2023 Finishes

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

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Would I Buy Again?

Sea-el Miracle Kelp Eye Cream: YES!!

Bellyssima Vitamin C Moisturizer: YES

Kopari Coconut Water Moisturizer: YES

Spa Cosmetics Vitamin C Serum: YES

Why/Why Not?

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

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

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

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

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

Which products did you use up this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above empties if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

TJMaxx Skin Care Haul

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TJMaxx Skin Care Haul

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vitamin C Skin Care Routine

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Vitamin C Skin Care Routine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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