jenna star love

Hair extensions from ProExtensions.com!

2011-05-08T13:16:00.000-07:00

I am going to a wedding at the end of this month.

I got the dress. I needed the hair!

I really wanted to do a long curled look. Far different than my naturally curly self! My hair is currently a little longer than my shoulders, but I needed that long look NOW.

Extensions to the rescue!

I have owned a set of clip in extensions before just for my wedding, they were 23" in length and $160. I bought them from my hair dresser at the time, she used some of my trimmed off hair to pick the color and bought them for me. I am sure many hair dressers will do this for you if you ask. However, I did not have $160 to spend this time around. On top of it I needed a new curling iron. So my budget was sucked dry.

The pro extensions I bought are the 20" non-remy extensions for $99.00, which I found a coupon code for $10 off. What a steal!! Compared to my other set (which is blonde and useless for me now), I would have to say these are an even better quality. I unfortunately do not know what brand mine were from before.

Pros:

Long (20" was perfect for me, I think any longer would look too fake unless your hair is longer than mine.)
SUPER silky, yet natural. The extensions look like extremely healthy hair.
Blends well.
Color is dead on - amazing since I did not rent one of their color wheels. I just used the photos of people on their website to choose my shade (my hair is about a level 5-4 dark brown right now).
Clips are great quality.
Curls easily and holds curls well.
Fast shipping.
Affordable.
Comes with two small extra clip less strands if you need to test dye.

As of right now, I have no cons. I did buy an extension storage case (which I highly recommend) from Sallys for about $15.

If you guys are looking for some great extensions without spending hundreds, I would highly recommend this company. Check their website out. They offer great customer service. If you need help with color, either do what I did and look through the pics on their site, or 'rent' (you still pay shipping) one of their color wheels. I noticed in some of the photos the extensions looked a little lighter than the peoples hair, so I chose the dark brown. In my opinion, its better the extensions be a little dark than a little light, they just look like low lights.These are almost dead on to my hair. My natural hair has some highlighted areas so obviously that is different, but it matches the darker strands perfectly. I could not be more happy.

Don't hesitate and check them out!

< See the strand of hair above my breast area? That is the longest of my natural hair.

I have never done this style myself before, always went to the salon. I am so happy I can do this!! I used my new curling iron from folica.com, it is the 1" Sedu Clip-less curling iron. AMAZING! I applied the Sedu argan oil heat protectant (my absolute favorite when heat styling my curls out, and I have tried a lot of things!). I blew dry my hair as straight as I could and flat ironed it at night, then in the morning, I clipped in the extensions and curled everything. I did burn my face... HAHA, but I have ever done this before! No worries, I just pay more attention now haha. If you would like more info about how I got the look, or the curling iron please let me know.

What I used in the photos (mind you these were taken at the end of the day):
Skin 79 Diamond Prestige BB Cream
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light Med (to set)
NYX Lipstick in Orange Soda
MAC Patina Eyeshadow
Sephora Black Eyeshadow as Liner on top lash line.
MAC highligher on cheek bones and under the brow bone. (The shimmery part of the Mineralize skinfinish natural/shimmer compact I got at CCO. I still see it there.)
Cover Girl Remarkable Mascara in Black.
Revlon Brow pencil/gel in Dark Brown.
Nars Orgasm blush.

NOTE: I have no ties to any of these companies, this review is completely unbiased.

L'oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara

2011-02-11T23:32:00.000-08:00

Review/My Experience

So, I tried this mascara today hoping for true volume, and I admit the word "collagen" got my attention. For those of you who love this mascara, I am happy for you... but my true one is still out there.

The packaging looks great, very sleek and stylish. More than I would expect from an $8.00 package.

That is where the good points in this review ends.

Upon application, my lashes at first looked lack-luster, then CLUMPY. I mean spider legs clumpy. Some may like this look, I too usually go for some mascara's that some consider a tad on the clumpy side, as many voluminous mascaras seem to be. I am willing to add some clump for some stunning lashes after all. But there is a limit. My lashes didn't awe me, and I think some work with my Last Blast or even Collosal mascaras (both from drugstore as well) would far outperform and not make me look like I partied too hard the night before.

The formula is very wet... and before you say "duh", I mean this in the sense that it took quite some time to dry. I believe this (and the clumpy mess of lashes) was caused by the style of the brush. There is far too much product going on the lashes. The brush literally dropped a mascara dropping onto my cheek during application. Some of you may not mind this, but I like as little work necessary in the morning so I don't want to think about removing excess product from my mascara wand before applying it when I have plenty of mascaras that I can just whip on. Once it dries, I had problems with it flaking on me. My lids can get a bit oily so that may have been a factor, however I have to deduct points because this is not a typical problem I have with most mascaras. A few, but not many.

Now, this is a MAJOR turn off which I experienced, and AM experiencing while I write this post. This mascara seriously bothered my eyes. I took it off after wearing it for about 1.5 hours and my eyes are still burning. When I first applied the product I thought maybe I hit/scratched my upper waterline while applying it since I wasn't used to the brush. It was burning. I thought perhaps it would go away so I waited... BIG MISTAKE! If you ever have or think you are having a reaction, remove the product right away. When I couldn't stand it anymore I took the mascara off, along with 5 eyelashes. Mind you, I removed it the same as I always remove my eye makeup and I do not lose lashes normally. This evening, about 9-10 hours after removing the mascara, when I washed my face with my Cetephil cleanser... 3 more lashes fell out. I now have spaces. I need my lashes!!

Sorry this was such a bash on the product, but this is my honest experience with it today. If you love it, awesome. If you are thinking about trying it, go ahead, but remove it if it starts burning or stinging (or you have any reaction) asap.

Just as an FYI, I do have somewhat sensitive eyes, however most mascaras do not give me any problems. Certain eye creams have given me issues in the past but no mascara that I can recall (unless it was an expired tube! throw your old tubes away!!! VERY IMPORTANT!! Bacteria, bad product performance, and eye irritation are not good things).

All in all, mine is in the trash.
I hope you all have a better experience with it than I did if you do decide to try it out.

Thanks for reading!
Jenna

Spring 2011 MAC Blushcremes!

2011-02-10T23:25:00.000-08:00

So, I don't know if you have noticed, but MAC Blushcreme was taken off the MAC website for the time being to be re-launched this spring. I have heard that the release will be on March 3rd 2011. Just when I was about to go pick up one in Posey, they were off the shelves! Such a bummer...

However, after a bit of snooping... I found THIS!

Yes! The blushcremes' are already on the UK website. I do not know for CERTAIN that these are the colors that will be released to the US, but this is what the website states in the description:

"Luxuriously soft and creamy, this new cream blush tenderly flushes the cheeks or brings them into full-blown rosy bloom. Blends well; layers exquisitely. Gives a vibrant, dewy fresh, slightly shiny look to the cheeks. Apply with a brush or fingers."

Did you pick out the imperative word there? New! Could these be what we are waiting for?

The colors:

Lilicent - Full rosy flesh tone
Posey - Dewy fresh rosey pink
Ladyblush - Demure cool pink flush
Uncommon - Light white rose
Brit Wit - Dirty Plum
Laid Back - Ultra rich chocolate berry

Sample swatches are all on the website.
Please note that the photo and descriptions are all credited to MAC Cosmetics.

I am so glad that some of our favorites are not going to be off the market. As I said, I cannot be certain that these are the upcoming released colors for the US... just a feeling and a UK website ;). Hopefully there will be some new additions as well in the near future!

Jenna

Highlighter Pens - Old products make new trends!

2011-01-19T23:48:00.000-08:00

I have been hearing an awful lot about this highlighter pen, the YSL Touche Eclat. Let's just say it has peaked my interest, but at $40 for a 0.1oz product that I am not sure I will use... I am not sold. So, I am once again like many others looking for alternative options. There are many possible dupes out there, even in the drugstore lines, which have similar packaging. But do they perform? After scouring the internet I have come upon one possible dupe that is within my price range, and I haven't heard many bad reviews.

It is the Boots No. 7 Radiant Glow Concealer. This highlighter pen can be found at your local Target for around $12.99 and is 0.08oz. Slightly smaller, but quite the difference in cost.

So what makes these highlighter pens (often claimed to be concealers... but the jury is still out on that one) different? Simply put: no shimmer. Highlighting can be amazing for your complexion as we all know. You are able to change the appearance of your facial features, contour, and define certain areas and give yourself a glow. However, many highlighters also have an uncanny ability to make you look like a disco ball. Now, onto that concealer claim, the reason I hesitate to consider this a concealer is this: for those of us who need some REAL concealing (blemishes, etc.) this isn't complete coverage. Having said that, I do want to point out that these types of brightening pens could be a great addition to that concealer that was too dry or didn't do enough for your dark under eye area. If you find that your concealers are not cutting it under the eye, but don't want to get a super full concealer that can look cakey, I would say give this a shot! When I used to work on people with bad dark circles, I noticed that layering on more heavy concealer was NOT the answer. The point of concealing is so that people DON'T notice! Mixing your concealer (on the back of your hand with a concealer brush) with a brightening product such as these will do wonders without the heaviness. The light reflecting and brightening properties in these products will bring light to the area and diffuse the darkness. For those of us who just need a little pick me up, these are for you too! Brightening the eyes is a great way to enhance your look without looking like you are wearing much, or anything if done right!

A third contender: The Clinique Airbrush Concealer for approx. $19.50
From what I can tell, this one seems to have a bit more coverage than the other two. Since I am mostly looking for it to highlight, I don't think I will be going this route. I did want to mention it as it does have positive reviews and has even been mentioned by celebrity makeup artist Lisa Eldridge as one of her all time favorites. You can see the video here.

I cannot wait to get my hands on this product. What about you? These products have been around for years but are really getting popular as of late. Have you tried them? If so, let me know your thoughts!

Thanks for reading!
Jenna

Shu Uemura 1.6oz. Cleansing Oil FREE with ANY order!

2010-08-25T12:07:00.000-07:00

Good until August 31st, 2010 get a FREE 1.6 fl. oz. cleansing beauty oil classic with ANY order. Promo code at checkout is ILOVESHU

This is a great way to try this beauty favorite in it's classic formula. The site also has FREE SHIPPING over $50.00.
If you need some inspiration on what to get, here are a few of my recommendations:
A cult favorite, the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler $19.00
Shu Uemura Glow On Blush in Peach 44 at $23.00 (I am really into peach blushes right now! This color has amazing reviews.)

Shu Uemura Deep Sea Water Facial Mist in any formulation $24.00 (shown in mint)
"Eight herbal aromas formulated with Depsea Water provide a refreshing, relazing feel with a fine mist that gently wraps the skin. New pump update achieves a finer mist for enhanced comfort. Suitable for all skin types." - Shu Uemura website.

Happy shopping!

Possible Blush Dupes? List - No pics

2010-08-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

I found this list in a forum so don't quote me on these! Someone seems to have gathered a great list of possible dupes. The rest of the forum was not in english so I don't know who to give credit to :(

Benefit Dandelion = BE Clear Radiance, MAC Well Dressed, Almay Petal, Maybelline Seashell Pink

Benefit Georgia = Jane Blushing Earth, L'Oreal Charmed Peach (more pigmented)

Benefit 'I Lotus'ed You Looking' shangri-la sheer = MAC Pushup Pink or Lavandah! e/s

Benefit 'You've Got Some Nirvana' shangri-la sheer = NARS Desire

Bloom Coy sheer color cream = Stila Gerbera (more pigmented)

Bloom Hibiscus = BB Pale Pink, Cargo Catalina, NARS Mata Hari, Stila Legally Blondewarm palette blush

Bloom Rosebud = NARS Orgasm (lighter, less pigmented), UD X

BB Blushed = Jane Blushing Orchid, L'Oreal Sugar Plum blush delice

BB Bronze Shimmerbrick = TBS Bronze shimmerwave (less shimmery, less pigmented)

BB Pale Pink = Cargo Catalina, MAC Pink Swoon, Pink Glow, Shu P Pink 30

BB Peony = NARS Mata Hari

BB Pink Rose = Lancome Rose Fresque

BB Pink Shimmerbrick = TBS Blush shimmerwave (less shimmery, less pigmented)

BB Rose Shimmerbrick = Aveda Touch of Plum

BE Clear Radiance multi-tasking mineral powder = Benefit Dandelion - see lookalikes

BE True all over face color = UD X Body & Soul Flamingo = MAC Angel

Body & Soul Locket = Cargo Molokai, MAC Bard-O, NARS Amour

Bourjois Lune D'Or = Body Shop Golden Pink, Milani Luminous, NARS Orgasm, RevlonSunflash

Cargo Catalina = LORAC Pink (sheerer), NARS Mata Hari

Cargo Mendocino = NARS Outlaw

Cargo Molokai = Body & Soul Locket, MAC Bard-O, NARS Amour (more brown)

Cargo Panama = Stila Belle (matte version)

Cargo The Big Easy = NARS Orgasm (less peach, pinker)

Cargo Topeka = Maybelline Wind Blown, MAC Margin, NARS Lovejoy

Chanel Caprice = Maybelline Mauve Pulse, Rimmel Pink Rose

Chanel Reflex = NARS Deep Throat (very similar but Reflex more pigmented)

Chanel Tempting Beige = Jane Blushing Rose, Lorac Plum, L'Oreal Rustica

Chanel Whisper = MAC Angel, Jane Blushing Blossom

Fresh Ivory Dust = WnW AOS

Guerlain Abricot D'Or = Cargo The Big Easy

Hard Candy Cheekie = MAC Pink Swoon, NARS Desire

L'Oreal Charmed Peach (d/c) = Jane Blushing Earth

L'Oreal Color Of Hope blush delice = MAC Plum Foolery, NARS Sin

L'Oreal Ginger Snap blush delice = NARS Lovejoy

L'Oreal Pink Flush blush delice (LE) = L'Oreal Sugar Plum blush delice

L'Oreal Raspberry Sorbet blush delice = Milani Mango Tango, Rimmel Pink Rose

L'Oreal Sugar Plum blush delice = BB Blushed

Lancome Pink Parfait = NARS Orgasm (see lookalikes)

Lancome Shimmer Pink Pool = Sue Devitt Belize (more plummy)

Lancome Rose Fresque = BB Pink Rose

Lola Nibble = Stila Cameo

MAC Angel = Body & Soul Flamingo, Almay Petal, Maybelline Seashell Pink

MAC Bard-O = Body & Soul Locket, Cargo Molokai, NARS Amour

MAC Blushbaby = Annabelle #44, Neutrogena Blushing Mocha

MAC Celebrity Pink = BB Pale Pink (almost identical), Cargo Catalina, NARS Desire or Angelika

MAC Coral Cast gel stain = MAC Peaches (powder version)

MAC Cubic = Jane Blushing Petal, Lorac Rose, Stila Fade

MAC Cute = MAC Well Dressed (shimmery, more pigmented version)

MAC Fleur Power = CG Rose Silk

MAC Foolish Me = MAC Style (less bright)

MAC Honour = MAC Trace Gold (warmer, less frosty)

MAC Hushabye = Annabelle #28

MAC Ice pressed iridescent powder = MAC Pink Flurry sheer shimmer powder (chunkier texture but more
pigmented)

MAC Lillicent blushcreme = Stila Lillium CC (less pink)

MAC Margin = BE Joyous Jennifer, Cargo Topeka, CG
Cappuccino, NARS Lovejoy, Rimmel Apricot

MAC Mountain High = MAC Plum Foolery (shimmery version, slightly lighter)

MAC Peaches = Rimmel Apricot, NARS Gilda

MAC Pink Glow (d/c) = MAC Pink Swoon, BB Pale Pink

MAC Pink Lure gel stain = Benefit Benetint

MAC Pleasureflush mineralized skinfinish = MAC Little Madame e/s (same color but smoother texture),
MAC Porcelain Pink skinfinish (warmer, more coral toned)

MAC Plum Foolery = NARS Sin (Sin plummier, less rosy)

MAC Porcelain Pink mineralized skinfinish = MAC Little Madame e/s, Pleasureflush skinfinish (both cooler-toned), MAC Pink Bronze pigment applied lightly

MAC Pretty Baby beauty powder = MAC Angel, Benefit Dandelion

MAC Rose Quartz (d/c) = MAC Dame (side by side, look practically identical but Dame hasslight shimmer)

MAC Salsabelle CCB = Tarte Tipsy

MAC Style = MAC Foolish Me (brighter), NARS Torrid

MAC Subtropical gel stain = Pout 'Flushed Pink' flushed blush

MAC Taffy sheer shimmer powder = MAC Trace Gold blush (smoother texture)

MAC Trace Gold = MAC Honour (cooler, more beige, frostier, lighter), MAC Taffy sheer shimmer powder(chunkier glitter)

MAC Variety = NARS Taos

MAC Well Dressed = Jane Blushing Pink, WnW Naive

NARS Amour = Cargo Molokai (less brown)

NARS Angelika = Lancome Pink Pool (warmer, darker)

NARS Antibes multiple = WnW (#721) Scandalous blush stick

NARS Cannes multiple = NARS Sin blush (powder version)

NARS Copacabana multiple = WnW (#724) Flirt blush stick

NARS Crazed = NYC Darling Donner

NARS Deep Throat = Rimmel Apricot (v. similar color but DT more glowy, fine-milled)

NARS Desire = Hard Candy Cheekie, MAC Pink Swoon, Pink Glow (Desire lighter than both)

NARS Exhibit A = MAC Orange Alarm CCB (cream)

NARS Gilda = MAC Peaches, Sephora Peche Apricot

NARS Lovejoy = Cargo Topeka, L'Oreal Ginger Snap blush delice, MAC Margin (lighterand pinker)

NARS Maldives multiple = WnW Just Peachy blush stick

NARS Mata Hari = BB Pale Pink, Bloom Hibiscus, Cargo Catalina, Stila Legally Blonde warm palette blush

NARS Orgasm = Bloom Rosebud (darker, more pigmented), Bourjois Lune D'Or, Jane Blushing Earth Sheer, MAC Style (slightly peachier), Milani Luminous, Revlon Sunflash e/s, Body
ShopGolden Pink

NARS Outlaw = La Femme Crystal Cafe

NARS Portofino multiple = WnW (#722) Coy blush stick

NARS Sin = Flirt Urge, L'Oreal Mauvelous, MAC Plum Foolery (rosier), MaybellineMidnight Mauve

NARS South Beach multiple = WnW Brazen Babe blush stick

NARS Taos = MAC Variety

NARS Torrid = MAC Style, Sue Devitt Los Angeles (non-shimmery version)

Shu P Pink 30 = BB Pale Pink, Cargo Catalina, MAC

Have you guys ever tested these out? What are your thoughts? I have recently become a Nars Orgasm convert myself. It has been a long time since my last post! I have some hauls and I was thinking of posting a blog sale, would anyone be interested?

Laneige at Sephora!

2010-05-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

I am certain I am not the only one who has wanted to try out the Laneige line from Korea. I am a bit late on this news, but I thought some of you might find this interesting as well. From AMOREPACIFIC website comes this article:

"LANEIGE appeared for the first time to French women through Water Sleeping Pack promotion on last 17th. Beginning with entering 50 Sephora shops in France at the same time on the coming April 1, sales will be expanded to 150 shops until the second half of this year. Besides, it is supposed to enter the Sephora shops in other European countries like Spain and Italy. LANEIGE will meet female customers in France with hit products like Power Essential Skin Refiner and Water Sleeping Pack Plus, and basic products including Water Bank Line as a moisture care product and Perfect Renew Line as an early functional product for anti-aging. Mr. T. Jaugeas, the general manager of Sephora in France, said, “Sephora is one of the best cosmetics distribution chain stores that introduces only high quality premium products worldwide, so a new brand must go through very difficult conditions to enter there. LANEIGE has already been successful lots of times in Sephora shops in Asia. It came to appear to European markets for the first time out of Korean brands with the judgment that its simple and deluxe design of container, fresh perfume and moist feeling of use must be attractive to European women.” Aeran Gu, the LANEIGE brand manager and a team leader, said, “Now that the portion of imported cosmetics is gradually increased out of the entire cosmetics, it is very significant for LANEIGE, one of Korean native brands, to advance to France, so called the home of cosmetics. LANEIGE, a brand its possibility proved already as a global brand, is expected to be fairly successful in all over the Europe as well as France. Beginning to enter Sephora in France this time, LANEIGE will propagate Asian beauty to the whole world.” Appearing for the first time domestically in 1994, LANEIGE began advancing to overseas market by entering Sogo Department Store in Hongkong in April 2002, thanks to domestic customers’ love. Now it runs about 212 shops in 13 countries and receives great love as a global brand. LANEIGE is confident that it grows as the most successful beauty brand that enters the European market for the first time out of Korean beauty brands, based on the advancement to Sephora in Europe this time. "

Exiting news! I hope Laneige comes to the US soon as well!

CHECK HER OUT!

2010-05-03T09:45:00.001-07:00

Confession: I am OBSESSED with YouTube. I am on there every single day.

I have long thought I had dry skin, if you believe you do too, watch this video! That link is for a video made by YouTuber TheMasteresthetician, I am loving her videos so I wanted to share her with you guys. If you are interested (which I know you are) in skin care check her videos out.

That is all for now! Happy YouTube surfing!

Also, she was super quick to answer questions I posted so if you have skin questions I am sure she will help you out.

Dove Hair Care Free Sample - Daily Treatment Conditioner!

2010-05-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

Hey fellow blogsters, check out Dove's Website and try a free sample of Dove's new Daily Treatment Conditioner! This is only valid for US residents. You have a choice of the two formulas and you do not have to sign up for anything to get the free sample. Don't you love free stuff!

I decided to try the Dove Treatment Conditioner after reading PONIKUTA's review, you can check it out here.

New! St. Ives Green Tea Facial Scrub!

2010-05-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

While at Target to pick up St. Ives Apricot Scrub for my husband, this little new gem caught my eye. I decided to get this instead. Now, it is about the same price (approx. $5-$6 reg price if I recall) as the big tube of Apricot Scrub, but it's almost 1/2 the size... When I got home that night, I tried it out and upon squeezing it out I was very pleasantly surprised! One thing I do not like about the Apricot Scrub is that I feel the large Apricot pieces are too harsh on my skin. This Green Tea Facial Scrub has very fine exfoliating parts. Which I love love love! I do not like the Apricot Scrub, and whether you like the Apricot Scrub or not, you should definitely try the Green Tea scrub out for yourself. I ended up keeping it for myself and now since my husband has found it I am now trying to hid it. LOL. As far as results go, St. Ives says "Clears breakouts and reduces redness Salicylic Acid Acne Medication With 100% Natural Green Tea", I have not noticed a huge difference in acne. I still have acne and I still get acne, there is less but there is no for sure way of me knowing it was this or my acne treatment... However, I did have some red marks from a past breakout that were taking forever to fade and I do believe this helped in that department. My husband loves it too. It did not dry out my skin, which I have been having a problem with now that I just moved to Colorado. I bought this in Michigan, and I did not see it at the Target in Colorado... so if you see it, grab it!

Here are the ingredients. I got this image right off the St. Ives website - I love that they have this readily available!

LOVE: Lush Porridge Soap

2009-11-17T11:39:00.000-08:00

Introducing my new love: Lush Porridge Soap!I have always been a fan of Lush, but this soap is the TOPS. If you haven't tried it, do. I have quite dry skin, and the winter months coming are not kind to me. This soap makes me feel clean, mildly exfoliated, and not dry (but not AT ALL filmy either). Sure, there may be some porridge around the tub once I am done, but a small sacrifice to pay. It smells comforting, at first in the store I was not so impressed (probably because when I walk into Lush I am usually overwhelmed) but I heard a YouTube review on it and thought I should give it a go. To my old fave, Figs and Leaves, I am sorry but I hope you two can get along. Love this soap! Try it! Oh, and it's great on a shower fluff too! Great suds! TRY IT!! (Also, fyi, if you are going on a trip it's easy to cut a slice off slip it into a sandwich baggy and go! No worrying about shower gel spills!)

Price: I spent $16.00 on a humungo slice, the rate is $5.95 for a 3.5 oz. bar.

Natural Beauty DIY: Weather Protection Creams

2009-11-17T10:54:00.000-08:00

Winter is on its way! Here are a few easy recipes to protect your skin from the harsh winter weather. Choose the best for your skin type!

Water Based Cream (makes 2 oz.)

1 tbsp. Grape Seed Oil
1 tbsp. Jojoba Oil
1 tsp. Beeswax
2 tsp. Rose Water (or Lavender Water, your choice.)
1/4 tsp. Borax

Heat the oils and Beeswax in a double Boiler until melted. In a separate container, heath the Rose or Lavender water, then add the Borax until it's dissolved. Once the two mixtures are around the same temperature, mix the water mixture into the oil using a whisk or spoon. That's it! Keeps for 1 month.

Oil Based Cream (makes 2 oz.)

2 tbsp. Sweet Almond Oil
2 tbsp. Jojoba Oil
1.5 tsp. Beeswax
10 drops of Carrot Seed Oil (some alternate recipes substitute this for German Chamomile Oil or Calendula, your choice.)

Heat the Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil and Beeswax in a double boiler until melted and mix them well. Add your Carrot Seed Oil (or substitute), mix, and pour it into a jar. This recipe keeps for up to 1 year!

**Tip: Remove the oil based cream before spending time in heavily heated rooms or a gym workout, otherwise you may sweat underneath the cream and create shiny skin and clogged pores.**

Optional Additives for your skin type

**These additive amounts are measured to add to a 2 oz. sized cream.**

For Dry Skin

15 drops of Aloe Vera concentrate
10 drops of Calendula Essential Oil
2 drops Coriander Seed Essential Oil

For Normal Skin

10 drops Vitamin A oil
10 drops Vitamin E oil (also great for mature or fairly dry skin)
5 drops of Orange Essential Oil (Vitamin C is commonly used to brighten the skin)

For Broken Capillaries

10 drops German Chamomile Oil, Vitamin E Oil or Blue Cypress Essential Oil

Hand Cream

Use the Water Based Recipe and add Vitamin E and A as well as either German Chamomile or Calendula Essential Oil to your cream and apply several times through the day. The Vitamin E and A will prevent infection if your hand has tiny cracks or wounds.

After Shower Body Cream

Using either Recipe, add Aloe Vera to leave the skin healthy and and elastic.

Recipes taken from: The Complete Guide to Natural Healing

Natural Beauty DIY: Moisturizing Sun Protection Lotion

2009-11-17T10:03:00.000-08:00

Some fellow Bloggers have been talking about using a sunscreen 24/7 to protect the skin. While this may work for some, others (especially with more sensitive or acne prone skin) may find a traditional sunscreen too much for all the time. You may know that Avocado oil, Sesame Oil and Shea Butter are great for natural moisturizing but did you know that they also contain low amounts of SPF sunscreen? However, this recipe is not intended to replace sunscreen as a whole. While they do provide protection, they only have a limited amount of UVA/UVB filtering abilities. So you will still need a stronger sunscreen during the day.

Ingredients:

3 tbsp. unrefined Sesame Oil
1 tbsp. unrefined Avocado Oil
1 tbsp. unrefined Jojoba Oil
1 tbsp. Sweet Almond Oil (tip: I love Sweet Almond Oil, others use Walnut oil instead but I have found Sweet Almond Oil to be more widely available.)
1 tbsp. Shea Butter
2 tbsp. Cocoa Butter
1 tbsp. Beeswax
1 tsp. Soya-lecithin liquid
2 tbsp. Aloe Vera gel (great as moisturizer and sun care)
2 tbsp. Rose or Lavender water (calming to the skin)
1/2 tsp. Borax Powder
20 drops Carrot Seed essential oil (good for sun care and anti-aging.)
3-5 drops Coconut fragrance oil (Any fragrance oil is optional. This is not recommended if you have sensitive skin or are sensitive to fragrances.)

**This list of ingredients is a guide, not a rule! Play around! However, don't play around with citrus oils in this batch, you may love the scents but citrus oils such as lemon, orange, lime, or bergamot may cause reactions when exposed to the sun and reduce the sunscreens effects.**

Instructions:

1. Melt the Sesame, Avocado, Jojoba and Sweet Almond Oils with the Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter and Beeswax in a double boiler over medium heat until they are melted.
2. Add the Soya Lecithin and stir until they are all blended, then remove them from the heat.
3. In a small saucepan, gently warm the Aloe Vera Gel and Rose or Lavender water, then stir in the Borax Powder until it is dissolved. Once dissolved, remove from heat.
4. When the oil and water mixtures are still warm to the touch and around the same temperature (does not have to be exact, you don't actually need to measure the temp. just estimate.) set the small saucepan into a bowl of ice. Drizzle the oil mixture while mixing rapidly with a small whisk or a spoon (it helps to have a friend help you out here unless you are great at multitasking). Soon, you will have a cream.
5. Add your Carrot Seed Essential Oil and Fragrance Oil (if you used one) and blend them in well.
6. You are done! Now you'll need somewhere to store this great mixture you've created, a tight sealed jar works well, and refrigerate.

**You MUST keep this mixture refrigerated to keep it from spoiling. It won't go bad immediately if you leave it out for a bit, just don't forget about it. A batch, refrigerated, should keep for about 3-4 weeks.**

Taken From: The Complete Guide to Natural Healing

Haul-a-liscous!

2009-08-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was at the Lush store and fell in love with their "Gorgeous" facial moisturizer ~ I loved everything except the $85.45 USD Price tag!! Ouch! So, determined, I went online to find reviews and a few people mentioned that they ordered from the UK site and had it shipped to the US, and saved a ton of money! The Lush prices are less when you buy from the UK online store - even including shipping! So, I had to try it out! My package arrived in about 10 days - not too shabby!

I love the packaging! The best part, is once you open the box a wave of Lush scents flow out in the air... so nice! Also, I was really happy to see that they are true recyclers:

There was actually a whole play program in the box! Haha, I was pretty surprised. One bad part about the packaging I have to mention: glitter... ?! Why glitter?! I had to try and get it all off the bottles before using them.. which didn't work so when I used it the glitter got on my hands then my face... it was only a few specks but still... why?

What I ordered:

Gorgeous face moisturizer and Breath of Fresh Air toner.

And guess what it cost!?
Total with shipping: 41.14 Euros... which is about $59.33 USD... I bought both items PLUS shipping for less than just the moisturizer cost in the US. I am PUMPED haha! Hopefully Lush does not catch on... I will be buying much more now that I know this!

I have only been using these for a couple days, but so far so good! Normally every toner I use dries me out but this one is fantastic! Also, I had a few zits that are beginning to clear up nicely - much faster than usual - since switching over to these.

Next, I ran over to Sephora to see what goodies I could find... and I found the Natural Beauty 7 Piece Natural Complexion Collection in Fair. The one thing I have to say about this set is that I was in between colors... a common problem when you buy everything together. However, as I have never tried Tarte and was curious - as well as the intrigue of getting $157.00 worth of makeup for only $54.00 - I was moved to give it a go.
It also comes with this great bag! I love plastic bags, they may not be the prettiest but they are so easy to clean and I can make a mess sometimes!
What you get:
- 1.16 oz Clean Slate T5 ™ Infused Natural Primer
- 1 oz ReCreate ™ Natural Anti-Aging Foundation with Wrinkle Rewind ™ Technology in Ivory
- 0.19 oz The Eraser 4-in1 Natural Concealer in Fair
- 0.15 oz Provocateur Pressed Mineral Powder in Fair
- 0.15 oz Mineral Powder Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess
- Travel Foundation Brush
- Reusable 7 Recyclable Makeup Bag

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens (all)
- Preservatives (Primer)
- Propylene Glycol (Primer, Concealer, Powder, Bronzer)
- Petrochemicals (Primer, Concealer, Foundation, Powder)
- Phthalates (Primer, Concealer, Foundation, Bronzer)
- Sulfates (all)
- GMOs (Primer, Concealer, Powder, Bronzer)
- Triclosans (Primer, Concealer, Powder, Bronzer)

What else you need to know:
All products are free of fragrance, talc, MEA, DEA, TEA, and animal testing.

See why I wanted to try it?! I was practically FORCED! Haha.
If you have tried any of these let me know what you thought. The only thing I am not too happy about so far is the colors, but I have only swatches so we'll see how it looks all over the face hmm.

UPDATE::::: I LOVE THIS SET!!! I want to buy another. After trying on my face, wow, the colors match better than all my other products! The bronzer is GREAT especially for light skin tones (which can be hard to find). The powder doesn't dry me out at all - which has NEVER happened before!! I love love love this set!! The brush is a bit prickly... but again you are getting such a great deal on these full size products still soooo worth it!!! L O V E !!!!

Then, the MUA gave me these samples! {FYI I am a total Sample Whore! I have no shame}

My final destination was the Benefit counter, I love benefit but I have only tried a handful of their products. Then I fell in love:

I have been looking for a longer lasting glow, and these two hit the bell and then some. First of all, you are able to use them in so many places - especially the High Beam. I love love love! The Posie Tint gave me the perfect baby doll glow I have been searching for without the shimmer. Mine is in Rose I believe (I can't find it on the bottle, but I am quite sure). Once I get the courage to actually make some sort of tutorial I will have to show you all the Jelly Donut using these two products. Basically, you take High Beam and make a circle on the apple of your cheek, then use Posie in the center and blend. It's gorgeous! For some extra highlight, use high beam under your brown and in the inner corner of the eyes for a great lite glow! Muah! Gorgeous!!

And of course some sample whoring:

Have a great week loves, if you would like more of a review of anything I mentioned please comment below!

XOXO

Jenna

Quickie Review: Burt's Bees Radiance Day Lotion SPF 15 and Night Creme

2009-07-24T08:56:00.000-07:00

Burt's Bees Radiance Night Creme

What the company says:

How it Works

While you sleep, nourishing Royal Jelly naturally replenishes your delicate facial skin with essential amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins and key minerals. Almond oil deeply moisturizes while rosemary and pine tree extracts stimulate skin for an invigorating overnight treatment.

How to Use It

In the evening after cleansing and toning, smooth a small amount of cream over clean, toned face and throat, using gentle, upward strokes.

Featured Ingredient

Royal Jelly — Very nourishing, royal jelly is made of nectar, pollen, flower parts, vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients. It is a very precious, mysterious substance that honeybees produce for the queen bee.

Ingredients: Water, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, stearic acid, glycerin, tapioca starch, cholesterol, lecithin, fragrance, royal jelly, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, citrus medica limonum (lemon bioflavonoids) peel extract, equisetum hyemale (horsetail) extract, humulus lupulus (hops) extract, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, pinus strobus (pinetree) cone extract, beta-carotene, vegetable oil, sodium borate, xanthan gum, chlorphenesin, phenoxyethanol.

My opinion:

Pros: 98.2% natural. Affordable, 2oz. jar for $18.00. Royal Jelly is great - packed with 34 amino acids! Very fast results (first week) without any irritation to my skin (many products irritate my skin for the first week of use, dunno why, but no irritation with this product, yay!). Iridescent creme adds luster to the skin, easy to apply, long lasting (both in quantity and the fact that my skin did not feel dried out by morning), does add radiance to the skin and would be great for someone with normal to dry skin who is looking to just begin using radiance products to add luster to the skin. I have to say when I first started using this stuff I was wowed. A week or so into using the product and my skin was much brighter and luminous. I even noticed a difference in my under eye area with fine lines - my special problem area. I really really loved it. After my first jar... I began to notice the cons...

Cons: I am a person who loves to slather on cremes, haha, don't do it with this! If I use too much, I wake up and there is somewhat of a 'film' on top of my skin. If you wipe this film, you get a bunch of rolled up product all over... yuk. You really have to make sure you do not use too much. After my first jar, it seems that this product could only take me so far on the radiance wagon. It still works, but the results seem to have plateaued. I would not recommend this if you get a lot of acne or clogged pores since this is such a rich creme, and I believe it is not non-comedogenic, so it may clog pores. I did not notice this to the point it bothered me, but I did notice a little in the chin area, like everything else it may be different depending on your skin.

Still, I am not going to swear off this product, as long as I use a light amount it does moisturize very well and I would consider repurchasing again. I think it is great for someone who wants to see a little 'boost' in their skin.

Burt's Bees Radiance Day Lotion SPF 15

What the company says:

How it Works

This wonderfully natural day lotion is specially formulated with royal jelly, one of nature’s most nourishing substances, to help renew and enhance skin’s natural radiance. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide provide broad spectrum protection to reflect the sun's harmful UVA/UVB rays, which are associated with premature aging. So you get younger looking skin, naturally.

How to Use It

Gently smooth over your face and neck after cleansing each day for radiant, sun-protected skin.

Featured Ingredient

Royal Jelly — (See above.)

Ingredients: Active Ingredient: titanium diosice (2.55%), zinc oxide (3.0%)
Inactive Ingredients: water, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, glycerin, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, sucrose distearate, royal jelly, sucrose stearate, acacia senegal gum, calendula officinalis flower extract, hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) extract, hydrastis camadensis (golden seal) extract, xanthan gum, lecithin, citric acid, fragrance, chlorphenesin, phenoxyethanol.

My opinion:

Pros: Royal Jelly is wonderful and I like that it's 98.22% natural. The fact that they used Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide instead of chemical sunscreen is a plus. It's affordable at 2oz. for $18.00. I did not notice any certain scent in either of the products and my skin did not get irritated at all.

Cons: I didn't see a difference in my skin with regards to radiance and my skin got dry around noon. SPF15 is ok... if you plan on using sunscreen as well. SPF 15 won't protect you much, especially if you don't use enough of it. I try to think of SPF protection like a thin sheet of fabric, if you stretch it too far, you can see through the holes. If you spread your sunscreen too thin, you are not getting all of the protection. A quote from www.mercurynews.com says "Consumers should worry more about wearing enough sunscreen, several doctors say, rather than how high their SPF is. Skimp and you lose. To get the SPF advertised, you must use a full shot glass on your body. That's an ounce, which means a three-ounce tube should last, at most, a few outings." Now mind you, they are talking about the body, not the face, but the same concept applies. I do not feel protected only using an SPF of 15. Therefor, these two reasons (lack of adequate hydration for my dry skin and low SPF) I will not be purchasing this again. The hydration may be fine for someone with skin that does not need much, but I do so this was a no go for me. I should have known, since I normally need creams instead of lotions for my dryness.

Overview:

All in all, if you are interested in this line from Burt's Bees, I recommend trying the Radiance Kit for $15.00. That is the best value and you get to try everything. The results are pretty fast on all the products I've tried so the smaller sizes you get in the pack should help you decide what you like. I've tried from this line: Serum, Night Creme, Day Lotion, Lip Shimmer, Exfoliating Body Wash, and the Exfoliating Body Bar. I've liked most of them, I wouldn't put any on my kill list to say the least haha I think they are definitely worth a look if you like Burts Bees or more natural products. As an added bonus, all of the Burt's Bees lines are free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and petrochemicals. I recommend all of the Burts Bees lines to anyone with somewhat sensitive skin. And, I like that they list the exact percentage of the product that is natural, instead of some general statement like "Natural"... any one could put that even if only 1% of the product is natural, so the percentages are very helpful.

I hope this review helps you in some way haha, if you have any questions leave a comment below! And don't forget to follow by clicking the button to the right of the screen. Thanks!!

I hope you all have a great weekend! Talk to you soon! XOXO

Jenna

p.s. I know I had a haul (ohhh and it was a goodie) but my camera quit on me so currently I am in search and save mode. Hope to share with you soon!

These girls need to lighten up...

2009-07-10T05:54:00.000-07:00

... literally.

What is the difference between this...
and this?...
I'd say about 30 years or so - if that. Sexy, right?

{I realize everyone ages... but everyone does not age into having the ability to camouflage themselves on a brown leather sofa.}

I am not saying lighter skin is better. I am saying your natural skin that is taken care of is the best skin you will ever have. No matter what color your skin may be, it's beautiful. Take care of it. This is my personal story and feelings.

I used to tan - a lot. I am half Middle Eastern and have European, but I grew up with my middle eastern side (my mother). I looked at my family with their tan skin and dark features, I looked adopted. I, born with blond hair (now naturally mouse brown) and blue eyes, light skin you can see through. I would look in magazines with tanned goddesses parading around in their bikini's, the 'popular' girls. I had to be tan. As my hair changed to brown, I had to be blond. And I was for a long time. I loved it, everything about it. I spent a fortune on $99/month tanning subscriptions and $100 bottles of tanning lotion with bronzers and self tanners. It was a way of life. If I wasn't tan, no one would like me - not even myself.

Then, it dawned on me. As much money and time I spent tanning and fake baking... if I ever stop for even a few weeks... it went away. My tan always eventually fades. All of my time and money was going down the drain - literally... I would shower and you could see the self tanner come off (for this reason I even gave up swimming pools in fear my tan would melt away - yes, it happened. The chlorine took my tan off and turned the towels orange-brown when I got out... mmm sexy.)
What was I wasting all my effort on?! My skin was getting worse! I got my first wrinkle at the age of 20. I had been tanning for 6 years at that point. I have to say I had a lot of reasons for my obsession, I looked better, I looked thinner, I had a vitamin D deficiency so my doctor said it would be a good idea, I had to wear less makeup since the tan covered my veins. I was getting wrinkles at 20 years old. All of a sudden, those 'reasons' quickly became excuses.

I tanned because I was insecure.

I stopped and for a while I dabbled in just using self-tanners. I liked it... for a little while. Then I got sick of the stink, of the blotchy-ness when I would try to get it off. I even tried the tinted lotions, but I still tired of having to double my routine of lotions just to have a hint of a tan.

I decided to be myself ~ my natural color. This was a big step for me and I was/am very sensitive about it. For reference, if you are familiar with MAC Cosmetics, I went from an NC40 to and NC20 (actually the MA said NC15... but my body is slightly darker than my face so I wear NC20 instead). It took me 6 months of my tan fading to get back to my natural color. For a while I wondered if it would ever end haha.

Now, people say things like "Get some sun! You look dead. You look sick. Are you healthy? You looked better before. I like you tan."... In part, I was right. People truly do not like me because I am not tan anymore. I once had a woman grab me and start shaking my body saying "You look sick! Are you alright?! What's wrong with you?!". That same woman explained to me that I have to be tan because that is how I was when I got married. I find when I am one-on-one with someone they tell me it's pretty and I look nice. But, when we are with groups who want do some pale-hatin' they are right with them "She's afraid of the sun! You need to be Bronze!". I am not going to lie, sometimes it's hard for me to be strong. That was partially why I started blogging, I was meeting all these beautiful girls who were looking at beauty for the long term as I wished to ~ they are absolutely gorgeous, and they give me the strength to brush off the comments of others. I am not just saying this - their skin is radient, their look is so beautiful it's hard to believe. The confidence is astounding and contagious. If they can be beautiful in their natural skin why can't I? This is why I have made dedication to care for my skin now and stop abusing it. A tan isn't beautiful, it's skin damage, and one day we will all pay for it. Some much more than others (i.e. ever heard of skin cancer?).

Oh and just an FYI to those who use "the safe tan" self tanners (if you insist), use them only at night. The ingredients in most self tanners make you far more sensitive to sun damage for hours after application. To those who believe tanning beds are safer, using a tanning bed for 20 minutes (level 1, standard not high pressure) is equal to a whole day out in the bright sun. Take it from me - it will age you. You will look far worse in the long run.

So, if you know someone who has made a similar vow ~ don't be a jerk and just congratulate them, they have a lot more guts to stand out than those tanaholics (more than you realize - and it's not as easy as you think so keep your insecurities to yourself.)

Like I said, this is my personal story, I would love to hear yours.

{P.S. I will try to find a picture of myself before so you can see the difference!}

I will talk to you all soon! A haul is coming! XOXO

Quickie Coppertone NutraShield Sunscreen Lotion Review

2009-07-08T05:36:00.001-07:00

This is just a quick review of this sunscreen lotion, I am not going to get into WHY you should ALWAYS wear sunscreen (in this post anyway). I've been using this for about a month now so I feel I can give you a proper review.

Here is what Coppertone.com says:

Coppertone^® NutraShield™ SPF 70+ with Dual Defense™

Helps prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun
Enriched with specially selected antioxidants to promote natural skin repair
Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic; won't clog pores
Fragrance free
Appropriate for everyday use
Designed for women
Waterproof
Durable broad spectrum, photostable UVA/UVB protection
Dermatologist tested

The verdict...

Pros: Packaging is very nice for sunscreen, the curves in the bottle make it easy to handle and apply. I did not detect a scent at all. Didn't get on my clothes. SPF 70 is great, I like using a higher SPF so I know I am protected. With lower SPF you have to worry about "Did I apply enough?" because if you spread it too thin, you're not getting the full SPF you think you are getting off the bottle. Did not irritate my skin at all - this is a big plus for me because many sunscreens make my skin very irritated. The lotion is white when it comes out but it blends into the skin very nicely and is no longer visible (even in photos). I did not test the waterproof factor but I am guessing it is pretty good, it stayed on no matter how hot it was outside and for those of us who may not live in hot areas, it heats up easy in the hands for application. Hydrates the skin and makes it look smoother in my opinion, I agree with everything Coppertone claimed above and I do think this would be good for someone who needs an everyday sunscreen... if you don't mind the cons...

Cons: Takes too long to dry. I have dry skin and so sometimes I like feeling lotion on my skin, but not sunscreen. Everything was sticking to me for a good 10-15 minutes after application (granted I slather a lot of sunscreen on). Things were sticking to me I had no idea were even around me, like fuzzies from my shirt & whatnot. Yuk. A big CON is if you are looking for something that will keep you from getting darker, this may have helped a bit... but it fails in my opinion. I went to the beach for about an hour and a half (at peak sun) and yup... I was a little darker. Perhaps not noticeable to many, but I did get tanner on my arms and body (I am 1/2 Lebanese and Maltese so I do tan easy - I do not burn so take that into account).

I am almost finished with the bottle and I like it just fine, mostly because it didn't irritate my skin which is the biggest problem I have with sunscreens. I hope this was some help for those of you thinking about this product! If you are interested there is a $5.00 coupon for this product on Coppertone's website as well.

Talk to you soon!
XOXO
Jenna

Quickie Bihada (sara) Mask Sheet Review

2009-07-04T19:38:00.001-07:00

Hi loves! A few days ago I was able to re-try the Bihada mask sheet (sara). So... yeah the first time I used it I definitely did it wrong. It was so much better this time, I am so glad I tried again! The mistake I made was skimming through the directions which go as followed:

1. Wash face and treat with toner or lotion first.
2. Line mask with eyes and mouth, and place onto entire face.
3. Leave on for 5-15 minutes.
4. After removing the mask, massage remaining fluid into skin.

What I did my first time around *don't try this at home*:

1. Wash face.
2. Line mask with eyes and mouth, and place onto entire face.
3. Leave on for 15 minutes.
4. After removing the mask, gently rub remaining fluid all over face and go to sleep with the rest of the fluid in a layer on top of the skin.

No wonder it did nothing the first time, I just woke up with a bunch of liquid still on my face (eww.)

Now that I have done it right, here is the verdict:

Review~

Packaging: I love the packaging of this product, it's super cute and the package is easy to open. There was plenty of fluid as well.

Process: I realize I am not the target consumer for this product, and that was apparent since the mask didn't fit me very well. [read: my nose was too long and too protruding and therefor was not all the way covered and my eye area was too big. I didn't mind the openings for the eye area being too small, but the nose was inconvenient.] After the mask is on I found it quite refreshing, there was no stinging nor did the mask slide no matter how much fluid was on the mask. TIP: you really need to MASSAGE your face - for a long time - to get the fluid to be absorbed. Thankfully I had no plans but if I did I would have had to rinse it off because it took so long. The massage, however, did end up being my favorite part. I rarely get to indulge in a facial massage and this fluid was great allowing me to really give myself a good (long) massage.

Result: After the fluid was absorbed I was ready to get along with my day. Everything I applied thereafter seemed to go on even more flawlessly than usual. My makeup even looked far more radiant. My skin felt like it had a face lift, as if I even held my eyebrows a bit higher. It was 'taught', though not tight in the least. My skin was very hydrated afterwards and I felt great the rest of the day. Although, I do not know if this was the result of the mask, or the 20 minute massage my skin was treated too. I have to say, the massage was amazing (not to toot my own horn haha) I think I will have to incorporate more massages into my routine!) The next day these results unfortunately greatly decreased, but I think it would be nice if I kept the mask & massage routine up (if I had the time). I did not notice a change in my skins imperfections. Before the mask I had a few small pimples and they were still there after the treatment and the day after so I do not know if this would help those with problematic skin - even though the girl on the packaging says "Oh dear! Your skin is too terrible! Let the pearl & hyaluronic acid condition your skin from deep inside, just like my beautiful skin. O-HOHOHO" haha. I do think this was quite moisturizing, but not much help in ridding the skin of impurities.
I will be venturing deeper into the mask sheet world soon, so stay tuned! If you have any recommendations I would LOVE to hear from you. Please leave a comment below (fyi, you do not need to be a blogger to leave a comment.) As always I will talk to you soon and don't forget to follow me!!

XOXO
Jenna

Quickie Tsubaki Hair Care Review & {Haul}

2009-07-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

Hi! I hope everyone is doing well ^__^
I just stopped by the Japanese shop by my work and picked up a few treats I thought I would share with you!
To start off I would like to tell you about this hair care I'm loving right now. I have been using the conditioner for a few weeks and I really like it so yesterday I decided to get the conditioner and deep treatment as well. It's the Tsubaki hair care line. I have fine curly (very curly), dry, damaged hair (from coloring). I'm using the Tsubaki Golden Repair Shampoo and Conditioner and the Tsubaki hair mask. These are made by Shiseido in Japan. I am absolutely LOVING them. I usually have to have two completely different sets of hair care depending on if I want my hair curly (how i wear it 90& of the time) or if I want to straighten it. This is the first line that works for both. It doesn't weigh my hair down and it feels so soft afterwards!! The shampoo is not drying at all, which is very important because you do not want to completely strip the hair. I just used the treatment and WOW, my hair was so soft after only one use! AND I hardly needed to use any product at all. Usually my hair eats conditions like no ones business but a tiny tiny amount of this went a long way and I am soooo impressed with the results!! I would say these are equal to the best salon products I have used, and I have never found these results using any drugstore hair care. I have used A LOT of hair care lines and this one is my new HG. I've used everything from Pantene to Kerestase. I love the Tsubaki line. I will probably keep a few other sorts around just for a change sometimes but I enchourge you to try these out. They probably won't work for everyone (just like anything else) but if you have hair like mine, dry or with damage, I really like these products.
This is the regular size Tsubaki Golden Repair shampoo. There is also a large size which comes with a pump. I bought this for $9.99 at my local Japanese grocery. The large size conditioner also comes with a pump (not shown) for $19.99.
This is the Tsubaki Hair Mask with Tsubaki Oil. This was $27.99. (For me this is worth the price, I was spending the same amount on Bumble and Bumble Deep treatment and had to use far more product in one use.)
The texture is very nice, a very light cream that is easy to smooth through the hair.Ok, now onto the other items! Just a few goodies I picked up.
Some Meiji Gummies!! Gummy candies are my FAVORITE! These are so yummmm.... Also, as you may know Japan adds Collagen to many products. The Meiji gummy candy has collagen added to them - believed to help slow down the body's natural aging process by smoothing out the wrinkles of the skin, reducing cellulite and even restoring damaged hair. I don't know about all that, it would be nice though! haha. I do know that these taste really yummy, especially the pineapple one :D
Why did I get more Pocky??? I am beginning to have a problem... haha
Here is a little notebook I purchased.
Look at the inside! So cute!! There were some characters on the tops of the pages too :DA pack of nail art jewels I am excited to try out. Cute little bows.
I also bought this set of Hello Kitty rhinestones. I want to put the apple on my iPod. Think that would be nice? I love sparkly things haha.
Finally, I purchased a few more things from Bihada. I got 3 of the bath soaks. Has anyone tried these? I love the look of the packaging, we'll see how they work. I don't take many baths so I will have to make an effort to use these up.

And a Bihada sheet mask (Sara), this is the second time I am going to try this mask out. This was the first sheet mask I tried and I found it very convenient and refreshing but I will have to try it again because I didn't see a real difference in my skin after it was finished. I will try again and we'll see.

I found this picture online, the package has this oil that you massage over your face after using the mask. I could not get the fluid to actually rub into my skin, I will try again because that was my first time and I may have done something wrong haha. I'm really looking forward to trying it again.
Until next time I hope you enjoy the long weekend!! Please follow my blog by clicking the "follow me" button on the right side of the screen. Thanks!
XOXO Jenna

Part 2 of my first {little} Haul

2009-06-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I wanted to continue my last haul with a few things I didn't get to as well as a few things I got last night.
First off, a few weeks ago I re-ordered my Missha M Perfect cover BB Cream in #23 [natural] on Ebay. I am not going to get into detail about what a BB cream is as so many bloggers have already done so. But, I have to say I really like this BB Cream! It's very light and not drying. From other reviews, I would not recommend this BB cream for Oily type skin. I have dry skin and I like that it keeps my skin supple. Many other reviewers have said that it oxidized on them, and it does the same for me. I don't find that I mind it since I use a powder foundation over it which slightly corrects the tone. It gives good coverage [more than a tinted moisturizer and just shy of full coverage foundations]. This is the larger 50ml size (I bought the 30ml last time, and it lasted me a very long time. Now I know I like it so I got the larger one.) I believe it cost me around $19.50 with free shipping.
With my order the seller included some great samples!! Yay!! She also included the Missha BB Boomer sample [not pictured because I couldn't wait to use it! Sorry!]. I did like the BB Boomer and I hope I will get to try it again, I don't know if it helped with the BB Cream but it did give my skin a radiance before using the BB cream which I liked and the BB Cream glided on a bit easier [this would be very beneficial to those of you who find BB Cream a bit thick to blend]. The BB Boomer has a slight iridescence to it, very nice. Look at all the other samples!!! I am in love!!
Also on Ebay I purchased some random false eyelashes for fun & going out. Of course, the glue was no good, each came with an individual glue but there was not enough hold nor enough glue for both eyes haha. I will stick with the DUO eyelash glue. You always want to make sure you have a reliable eyelash glue so there are no "oops... my eye is falling off" moments at dinner and no one find your feathery Caterpillar in the salad dish. Be aware of your eyelashes girls! haha
I had to find some sort of powder that wouldn't cake my dry skin and would still set my BB Cream [in my experience Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream MUST be set with powder... I tried not to and it definitely needs to be set with a powder or it will not stay if you live in a humid area]. I used the Bare Minerals makeup before and I thought I'd try it to set my BB Cream and it worked like a charm! Wonderful, it corrects the color slightly and still gives you the natural look without any caking. Also, I purchased the Hydrating Mineral Veil for extra staying power, which has a bit of iridescence that reflects a small amount of light [not shiny at all but very natural]. One thing I must say is that by using these powders over the BB Cream I lost the dewy effect of the BB Cream completely... My color in the foundation is Natural Beige. [Foundation is the black container, Mineral Veil is the beige.]Then I stopped by my local Japanese shop and picked up a few goodies I didn't mention last time. I got a Bihada sheet mask, in Rumiko. These are so cute!! I am just getting into the convenience of sheet masks and I am loving them so far. I have not tried this one out yet. I believe it was $6.25 in the store.
Also from the Japanese shop near me I purchased a Cosmetic case (It could be a pencil case, I am not sure but I am using it for make up haha) and a matching wallet. I fell in love with these the moment I saw them!! I don't remember the priced but they were between $10.00-$20.00 each.
Picked up a few of my staples at CVS. First, Maybelline Volume Express mascara in Very Black 3x volume. I have tried the 7x volume and it was way too clumpy. This one gives me great volume without clumps. Also, can't really beat the price! When I have the extra cash I go for Benefit Bad Gal in Black, but this is my day-to-day favorite I have been using since high school. It also comes in curved or straight brush. It was $7.49 [but I got it on sale BOGO 50% off].
Another favorite of mine is Nivea body creams and lotions. This one is great, it's the Skin Firming Moisturizer with Q10. I used to sneak this from my Mom haha. Remember, I have dry skin, I love Nivea skincare because it is so rich and my skin doesn't feel tight for hours and hours. ~Love~ I think it was $10.50 or so at CVS. Skin feels great after first night of application. I will add that if you put this on at night like I do, you will still feel a little on you in the morning. I like this but some people like moisturizers that absorb quicky which I would not recomend this product.

A random item I purchased was the Jonathon Stylist Curl Creme... umm... yeah... I tried this 4 times so far. I think it would be alright in a low humidity setting where you don't need a lot of hold or definition... haha. Not me! It kept my curls very soft but it didn't provide any hold or tame frizzies... $26.00 at Ulta. This is just my opinion though, the saleswoman said a lot of people like it so I tried it. It does smell good, much like a beauty salon.

Next is the Matrix Biolage Protective Hair Oil. So far I am really liking this. It protects your hair from the environment and sun damage and gives hair a nice very natural shine to it. Also I found the spray nozzle was able to apply the product very evenly. I recently dyed my hair brown/red and I'm using this everyday. Available for around $8.00 at salons. And finally, some pretty storage!! Yay!! Don't you just love storage!!? I purchased these at Target. The smaller purple ones were only $2.50 and the larger green was $6.99. I had so much fun arranging my things in these... I am such a dork but I was pumped haha.

Until next time! Please hit the "follow me" button on the right of the screen to follow my blog.
XOXO
Jenna

Boys Before Flowers {aka Boys Over Flowers}

2009-06-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

WOW. I do not think words can express how much I LOVED this show. This was my first experience with a Korean drama, if they are all this good I am HOOKED.

For those of you who have not heard of BOF here is the description: Jan Di is an average girl whose family owns a dry cleaning store located near the luxurious and well known Shin Hwa College. Jan Di meets the four richest and most spoiled boys known as the F4. After saving a boy from jumping off the roof of Shinhwa High School, she is admitted into the school on a swimming scholarship. Jan Di tries to avoid confrontation with the F4 at all cost because she knows what happens to those that stand against them. However, when Jan Di's friend, Oh Min Ji, accidentally gets ice cream on the leader of the F4's shoes, she's forced to declare war on the leader of the F4, Goo Joon Pyo.
That description gives no justice. I absolutely fell in LOVE with this show... I couldn't stop watching them. In fact, there was more than a few days when once I would get home I would just watch... and watch... and watch. I couldn't stop!! I was so sad when I reached the end of the series I waited a whole week to see the last one. BUT Alas! I will probably just watch it again. In fact, I will probably purchase the DVD haha [much better than watching it on my little laptop screen]. Oh, and did I mention that the guys in this show are amazingly gorgeous? Sure, they are rich and this show is a total fantasy but I would watch them in a drama acting as filthy garbage men they are so gorgeous. The girls are quite pretty themselves, but this is my personal review haha. There was nothing about this show I didn't like, I loved everything. I am just sad it's over... :::long overdrawn sigh::: SO, those of you with more drama experience than myself.... what should I watch next?
btw - Kim Hyun Joong [one of the main characters... perhaps my favorite] is as you all know in the band ss501. I cannot stop singing along to "U R Man". Am I going crazy? I don't even speak Korean...

First Post! First {little} Haul!

2009-06-24T22:32:00.000-07:00

My first post! I am so excited, today I could hardly wait to get home to start, and I don't even know where to begin! Please bare with me, I am a total nubbie to blogging so I am sure to make a few mistakes. I just want to share what I have learned and things I am still learning and products I have tried. Maybe someone will benefit from it.
So, to start off I would like to post my first {little} haul! There are a few products from different places I've gotten in these last 2 weeks. I will try to do as many reviews as I can ^_^

Too Faced Retractable Kabuki Brush made with "Teddy Bear" synthetic bristles. $28.50 at Ulta. I love this brush! It's soooooo soft! It's so pretty too! It's great to carry in your makeup bag and I find it to be the perfect size for blush.
Oh... it's soooo glamourus.... [[hahaha I cannot believe I am doing this...]]
Speaking of blush! hehe, I bought the new Lorac Baked Matte Satin Blush in Exposed. This is the perfect color to give my skin a 'pop' and it lasts all day while I am at work which is great - no touch ups. It's a very natural pinkish glow. When you look closely at the product there is a bit of shimmer but you don't notice it on the skin, it's light reflecting in a good way but not shiny or sparkly. I absolutely LOVE this blush! The color is very build-able which I love for day to night. $24.00 at Sephora.
A swatch for you guys indoors:Another swatch in the sunlight:One of my new absolute favorite things is this B & C Apple Lip Cream! So cute!!!! DO YOU SEE IT!! SO CUTE! To confess, I only bought it because of the packaging, but after using this for a few weeks I can't go without it! It stays on your lips sooo long and it smells delicious! I have been using it at night, and I wake up and those lines you get in your lips from dehydration are much much smoother. I love this product! I bought it at a local Japanese grocery store but you can also find it online here. On that site it's $6.20, I think I bought it for $8.99 in the store. This is what the description says: "B & C Apple Lip Cream contains apple extract, Carrot Extract, Hyaluronic Acid and vitamins A & C, effectively repairing the lips." Apparently it is pretty popular in Japan.
Now, I am a little late on this, I couldn't believe I almost missed it. Shu Uemura came out with a limited edition collection of Cleansing Oils in collaboration with famous manga artist Moyoco Anno, they are GORGEOUS. I have never tried the cleansing oil, so I was a good girl and went online to check reviews. From what I hear this is pretty great stuff. So, I headed over and picked one up! It's got quite the price tag at $75.00 for 450ml. The one I chose is White Recover EX+ which is for brightening the skin tone. I am a sucker for packaging so to me it was worth it, even if I end up filling it with something else when I am done haha. We'll see though, I will try to do a review w/pics soon!

Ok, so it is getting late and I have a few more goodies but they will have to wait until next time. Sorry! So... how was my first post?? haha, I will not make you answer that...
Bunners has been checking me out for a while now... I think he needs some attention....
Alright loves, I am off. Oh! If you like what you see, please stalk me by pressing the "follow me" button on the upper right side of the screen. I hope you enjoyed and I will see you soon!

jenna star love

Hair extensions from ProExtensions.com!

L'oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara

Spring 2011 MAC Blushcremes!

Highlighter Pens - Old products make new trends!

Shu Uemura 1.6oz. Cleansing Oil FREE with ANY order!

Possible Blush Dupes? List - No pics

Laneige at Sephora!

CHECK HER OUT!

Dove Hair Care Free Sample - Daily Treatment Conditioner!

New! St. Ives Green Tea Facial Scrub!

LOVE: Lush Porridge Soap

Natural Beauty DIY: Weather Protection Creams

Natural Beauty DIY: Moisturizing Sun Protection Lotion

Haul-a-liscous!

Quickie Review: Burt's Bees Radiance Day Lotion SPF 15 and Night Creme

How it Works

How to Use It

Featured Ingredient

How it Works

How to Use It

Featured Ingredient

These girls need to lighten up...

Quickie Coppertone NutraShield Sunscreen Lotion Review

Coppertone® NutraShield™ SPF 70+ with Dual Defense™

Quickie Bihada (sara) Mask Sheet Review

Quickie Tsubaki Hair Care Review & {Haul}

Part 2 of my first {little} Haul

Boys Before Flowers {aka Boys Over Flowers}

First Post! First {little} Haul!

Coppertone^® NutraShield™ SPF 70+ with Dual Defense™