Tag Archives: skin care

Smooth Solutions: The Science Of Wrinkle-Free Skin

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Smooth Solutions: The Science Of Wrinkle-Free Skin

Having smooth, wrinkle-free skin is a goal many of us aspire to achieve. Often, the fight against fine lines and wrinkles can seem like an uphill battle, but with a solid understanding of the science behind our skin’s aging process, we can equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain youthful skin. Dive into this exploration of the biology of wrinkles and discover how you can keep your skin radiant and wrinkle-free:

The Fundamentals of Skin Structure:

At the core of understanding wrinkles is first understanding our skin. Our skin consists of three layers:

  • Epidermis: The outermost layer which acts as a protective barrier.
  • Dermis: Contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.
  • Subcutaneous tissue: Made of fat and connective tissue.

Collagen and elastin, primarily found in the dermis, are crucial proteins that provide our skin with strength and elasticity. As we age, these proteins naturally break down and the production of them decreases, leading to the formation of wrinkles.

Factors Affecting Skin Aging:

While age is an obvious factor in the development of wrinkles, it’s not the only culprit. Various external factors can speed up the aging process. UV radiation from the sun is a significant factor, causing what’s known as photoaging. This radiation damages the collagen and elastin fibers, leading to sagging and wrinkling. That’s why it’s imperative to use a good sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy. For a wide variety of skincare products tailored for sun protection and more, one might look into platforms like Oz Hair and Beauty.

Environmental pollutants, smoking, and even repetitive facial expressions can contribute to the breakdown of collagen and the formation of wrinkles.

Hydration: A Key to Plump Skin:

Maintaining hydration is essential to keeping skin looking plump and youthful. When the skin lacks moisture, it can look dull and fine lines may appear more pronounced. Drinking plenty of water and using moisturizers that lock in hydration can help keep your skin looking fresh and youthful. If you are suffering from especially dry skin or are feeling self conscious about signs of aging, there are a range of treatments that can help. Take the time to look up the services offered by a Med Spa in Jupiter Florida (or your local area) to see how the professionals can improve your problem areas. Don’t be afraid to book a few consultations at different locations to find the best fit and services for you.

Active Ingredients in Anti-Aging Skincare:

Many skincare products on the market claim to work miracles on wrinkles. But what ingredients genuinely make a difference?

  • Retinoids: Derived from Vitamin A, retinoids are perhaps the most well-researched ingredients for combating wrinkles. They encourage cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, and help in the fading of age spots.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: This molecule holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It draws moisture into the skin, helping to plump it up and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
  • Peptides: Small protein fragments that stimulate the production of collagen and other essential skin components.
  • Antioxidants: Ingredients like vitamins C and E help protect the skin from damage by free radicals and UV radiation.

Cosmetic Procedures: Beyond Skincare:

For those seeking more immediate or pronounced results, there are cosmetic procedures available:

  • Botox: A toxin that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes the muscles responsible for certain repetitive facial expressions, thus smoothing out expression lines. Botox is an incredibly popular cosmetic procedure and it is so important to get it done by a well reviewed practitioner. Take the time to browse websites like Botox London Professional Aesthetics (or similar practices in your local area) to research and read testimonials. It is also a good idea to schedule a few different consultations to find the best fit for you.
  • Dermal Fillers: These are substances injected into the skin to fill in wrinkles and restore volume. They can be made from a variety of materials, including collagen, hyaluronic acid, and calcium hydroxylapatite.
  • Laser Resurfacing: This procedure uses lasers to remove the outer layer of skin and heat the underlying skin, which stimulates collagen production.
  • Brow Lift: A brow lift helps rejuvenate the forehead, eyes, and brows to look younger and refreshed without looking like you got work done.

Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Choices:

Apart from products and procedures, certain lifestyle choices can promote youthful skin:

  • Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can help maintain skin health. Foods like berries, spinach, nuts, and fish are excellent choices.
  • Sleep: A good night’s rest promotes skin repair and regeneration. Aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
  • Avoid Smoking: Smoking not only damages collagen and elastin but also constricts blood vessels, depriving the skin of oxygen and nutrients.
  • Limit Alcohol: Alcohol dehydrates the skin. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation and ensure you hydrate adequately.

Achieving and maintaining wrinkle-free skin is a combination of understanding the science behind skin aging, making informed skincare choices, and leading a lifestyle that supports skin health. While genetics play a role in how our skin ages, armed with knowledge, quality products, and healthy habits, we can certainly give our skin the best fighting chance against wrinkles. Here’s to smooth solutions and radiant skin!

Dr. Paw Paw Overnight Lip Mask Review

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Dr. Paw Paw Overnight Lip Mask Review

Hello! During a TJMaxx Mini Haul in February, I purchased the Dr. Paw Paw Overnight Lip Mask. However, I only started using it in July because I am forever obsessed with my Pacifica lip balms. The packaging for the Dr. Paw Paw mask (lol at the name) promised softening, smoothing, and plumping for lips and I thought that all sounded great. And, it was great, until it wasn’t. Let’s discuss:

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When I first started using the lip mask, I was applying it every night before bed and was moderately impressed with the results. I honestly didn’t see any difference in softness or smoothness, but I did notice that my lips looked plumper. Granted, the plumping effect diminished throughout the day but it was definitely there in the morning. I thought that was really cool and I still had my Pacifica balms to assist in the smoothness department.

The Dr. Paw Paw mask quickly became a staple in my nighttime routine, until things took a drastic turn. One morning, I woke up and my lips were on fire. They were burning, highly sensitive, and cracks were forming. I slathered my lips with my balm throughout the day, but nothing eased the pain I was feeling. My lips actually didn’t go back to normal until two or so days later.

I honestly thought that the sensation I was feeling was a fluke because the mask was working so well before. So, I tried it one more time and the exact same thing happened. I haven’t used it since. When I looked up reviews for this product, it was a draw between people raving about it or saying they had similar results to mine. What I find interesting is that there is no disclaimer on the packaging to discontinue use if you are experiencing burning or pain. This seems like something that should be included if people are online writing reviews about it!

In good conscience, I can’t recommend this product because in the words of Napoleon Dynamite: “My lips hurt real bad”. If you try the Dr. Paw Paw Overnight Lip Mask, you might have great results or your lips will be burning. You’ve been warned!

Have you used this product or a similar one 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

July 2023 Finishes

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July 2023 Finishes

Hello everyone and welcome to a slightly late beauty finishes post for July! I used up a ton of new to me products this past month so we have a lot of ground to cover. Even more so because I would happily use all of them again and that rarely happens! Let’s get started:

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Would I Use Again?

Clinical Works Brightening Vitamin C Facial Cleanser: YES

Bath & Body Works Body Cream: YES

Evoluderm Micellar Water: YES

Pearlessence Brightening Facial Serum: YES

Pacifica Rainbow Watermelon Lip Balm: YES

Farmacy Honey Halo Moisturizer: YES

Lanoline Manuka Honey Eye Cream: YES

Why/Why Not?

Clinical Works Cleanser: I absolutely loved this cleanser!! It had a great citrus scent that was so invigorating in the morning and it was super long lasting. A little dollop went such a long way that I was using it for months. I found my skin to look brighter and healthier after consistent once daily use. Highly recommend!

B&BW Body Cream: The Shea Butter + Hyaluronic Acid Body Cream from Bath & Body Works is the best. It is so much better than their regular lotion and I am always impressed by how soft and hydrated it leaves my skin. The only problem? It’s never enough! Every night before bed, I apply lotion to my arms, chest, and stretch mark areas so I go through the bottle quickly. The travel size ones were used up after about five days and the full size was empty within two weeks. Thankfully, I usually get them for free with coupons or close to free when shopping the semi-annual sale so it’s all good. 😀

Pearlessence Serum: The Brightening serum by Pearlessence was a good one and I wish I had more of it. Although it was quite thin in texture, I still felt like it was highly effective in giving my skin that extra boost of radiance. Sometimes a thin serum makes me feel like it isn’t doing anything at all and that wasn’t the case in the slightest. Three pumps was enough to cover my entire face and neck and it took me close to two months to finish the bottle. Combined with my additional brightening products, my skin has never looked better.

Pacifica Lip Balm: The lip balms by Pacifica are, hands down, the best I have ever used and I will never use anything different. I always have to have one by my bedside, by my computer, and in my purse! What this lip balm does in one application couldn’t be accomplished by a standard balm in ten. The Pacifica balms leave my lips hydrated and supple and I have completely kissed chapped lips goodbye since I started using them regularly.

Farmacy Moisturizer: The Honey Halo moisturizer was part of my birthday gift from Sephora and it was really nice! It smelled exactly like honey and a little of it went a long way – it took almost two weeks of twice daily application to finish the travel size jar. My skin felt so hydrated with each use and looked like peaches and cream perfection. It was my favorite part of the Farmacy gift set I received!

Lanoline Eye Cream: Holy WOW was this eye cream long lasting. It took me FOUR MONTHS of twice daily use to finish the jar! This was just a nice eye cream to use and I noticed big improvements. My under eye designer bags cleared up so much, which was a huge win. The delicate skin around my eyes felt stronger and looked more supple and this was, easily, one of the best eye creams that I have ever used.

Talk about a GREAT SUCCESS for beauty empties, amiright?! If you happen to find any of these products when out and about, they all received the Lil Red Stamp of Approval and I just know you will love them too! 😀

Which products did you use up recently? What are your thoughts on any of the above products 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

Sephora Birthday Haul

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Sephora Birthday Haul

Hello!!! Before my birthday month wrapped up, I had to make sure that I did a little online shopping with Sephora to cash in my free birthday gift. If you are a Beauty Insider, you are treated to your pick from three or so travel size beauty bundles and I look forward to it every year! It was the perfect time for me to place an order because I was running dangerously low on one of my favorite hair care products – the Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm by IGK. Two bottles of the hair balm were the only things that I paid for and the rest of this haul was completely free! Check it out:

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^^^ All of these products are from cruelty free brands!

The Haul:

2 bottles of IGK Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm: $29/bottle

Farmacy Birthday Gift: FREE

Goop Glow Vita-C Eye Cream: FREE with $25 purchase

Alpyn Beauty Melt Moisturizer Sample: FREE with purchase

Glossier Cloud Paint Sample: FREE with purchase

Every time I have an amazing Sephora Haul, I always have to mention the merits of making the purchase online. There is typically free shipping for orders over fifty dollars, you get to pick two free samples with every order, and there is a HUGE selection of free product with purchases over twenty-five dollars. You get so much more bang for your buck and I feel satisfied with the money I spent rather than robbed. Hey, you can never go wrong with free!

For my Sephora birthday gift, I chose the skin care set by Farmacy. Every year, the freebie bundle selection usually follows the same formula, just with different brands. There is one for hair care, makeup, fragrance, and skin care, respectively. As I am pretty inflexible with my makeup and hair care, I pick the skin care sets nine times out of ten. Even if I were more adventurous when it comes to makeup, I would still make the same choice because I can never have enough skin care. 😀

Farmacy is a brand that I have heard of, but never tried and I am looking forward to it! This birthday set includes the Honey Potion Plus Hydrating Mask, a moisturizer, and a cleansing balm. I haven’t used a face mask in months so I am most excited to try the Honey Potion Plus. The cleansing balm is one that I could take or leave, but who knows? Maybe I’ll end up loving it! And, of course, testing new moisturizers is always fun. 🙂

For the remainder of my haul, I got a Goop Glow eye cream as my freebie for spending more than twenty-five dollars. Like Farmacy, this is a brand that I am familiar with but haven’t tried anything by. The brand definitely has a name that I wouldn’t soon forget! A moisturizer and blush were my free samples and I have already used the Alpyn Beauty one – it was lovely and would be especially nice for those with a dryer complexion.

I am so happy with my Birthday Haul from Sephora and can’t wait to use all of the new to me products. Keep it locked for a new Face Mask Festivities and swatches from the Glossier blush coming soon!

Which store offers the best promotions? Do you like to shop Sephora in store or online? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

June 2023 Finishes

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June 2023 Finishes

Hello everyone and welcome to my beauty finishes for June!! Johnny and I had a fantastic birthaversary month with lots to celebrate. Now that the festivities are over, it is time to focus our attention on the next big thing: Halloween. It’s never too early for us to start thinking about our other favorite time of the year! This past month, I enjoyed lots of great products with only one dud that came as a surprise to me. It was a serum that I had used religiously in the past, but just didn’t hit the same this time around. Let’s discuss further:

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Would I Use Again?

Evoluderm Micellar Water: YES

Tree Of Life Vitamin C Serum: NO!!!!!

Bath & Body Works Sun-Ripened Raspberry Body Cream: YES

Honest Beauty Calm & Heal Melting Balm: YES

Why/Why Not?

Tree Of Life Serum: Back in 2021, I was using the Tree Of Life Vitamin C serum regularly for several months until I switched things up. I always thought that it worked well, even if it wasn’t my all time favorite. So, when I saw it available at TJMaxx during a January Haul, I instantly added it to my cart. The first time I used it after almost two years, I was taken aback by how much I didn’t like it. The texture of the serum was thick and a decent amount was needed to cover my full face and neck. It also didn’t absorb as well as I would have liked, either. After only three weeks, I completely used up the bottle and my skin had nothing to show for it in terms of a radiance boost. I was very happy to be done with it and now I know that some past used products are better to be left in the past.

B&BW Lotion: Sun-Ripened Raspberry is one of my favorite old school scents from Bath & Body Works and I always have to buy a few lotions or shower gels during their Semi Annual Sales. I don’t use the Body Creams by B&BW too often because they are more expensive than what a full size freebie coupon covers. However, I am VERY impressed with it whenever I get the chance to use it. The shea butter and Hyaluronic Acid base is so nourishing and my skin feels amazing after every use. Any slightly dry patches on my arms feel like they are gone in an instant and it leaves my skin looking and feeling healthy. It took me over three weeks of nighttime use to finish the bottle.

Honest Balm: The Calm & Heal Melting Balm by Honest Beauty was the first product from that brand I ever tried and it was a home run. You can read more about it in my review above, but it is a moisturizer that I would definitely use again. It took about three and a half weeks of twice daily use to finish the jar and I was so sad when I did – it was that good! Highly, highly recommend – especially if you have a dryer skin type.

Even though the Tree Of Life serum sucked, I got to try a new brand out and use an old favorite so this month’s empties were still a GREAT SUCCESS. I am keeping my eyes peeled for more Honest Beauty products every time I go to TJMaxx!

Have you used an old faithful product after a while and been disappointed by it? What is your favorite Honest Beauty product? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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