Neulash: The Lash Gem!

Its been no secret that up until 2 months ago, I was at war with my lashes.  Whether it was the mascara I was using, the daily wear of false eyelashes/glue or the weather (totally kidding), they were sparse, short, would not hold a curl, stick straight - and stuck straight out!  I asked for recommendations in some of my videos and a common response was Neulash.  I did some research, read awesome reviews and loved the fact that it was so easily accessible (Macys, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom).  I loved the fact that I didn't need a prescription from my dermatologist and the price point was great compared to others on the market.  I was SOLD!  2 months later, {SPOILER ALERT} I am SO happy to report that not only does this stuff deliver, but the difference is dramatic!  I'll let the pictures do the talking.....(please forgive the scary eyeball photos and lack of makeup.  I wanted to show you them clean and without any makeup enhancing my eyes or lashes.  

My lashes today!

I am OBSESSED with this stuff!  I cannot believe what it has done for my lashes and I never want to be without it!  Its so nice to see a product deliver in such a short time!  Just a few things to note....I have not experienced any adverse reactions, the application process takes all of 30 seconds and is in the form of a thin eyeliner brush, and I apply it every night before bed.  If any of you are having eyelash woes....put this little jewel on your list for Santa, I promise you and your lashes will be so glad you did! 

Allegresse 24K Gold Golden Touch Night Cream

When I was contacted by the folks at Bibasque asking if I would be interested in trying products that contain 24K gold, I couldn't respond "YES" fast enough!  24K GOLD people!  I love the jewelry, but I never knew I could actually WEAR it-like on my face!  I have been using this religiously at night for 3 weeks now, and I am quite impressed both with the product and the results!  The most noticeable effect is how my skin looks & feels in the morning.  To say it feels like silk would be an understatement.  It literally feels like I went to sleep and had a facial done and woke up with the awesome results you can expect from a good quality facial.  Smooth, perfect-looking and blowy skin that is as soft as a baby's bottom.  My skin also appears smoother and evened out as well.

The consistency of the product is a thick, rich cream that glides on effortlessly.  Its almost as if I want to keep adding more (don't be fooled, a little goes a long way), it feels that good. It also has a very soft and subtle, yet extremely pleasant smell!

Aside from the 24K gold that it contains, it also includes botanical extracts, and different essential and natural oils.  A HUGE bonus is that it is free of parabens, mineral oil, sls, petroleum and synthetic color.  All of the yummy ingredients are said to help skin appear firmer, improve elasticity and lift your whole look.  All you have to do is sleep and the product does the rest.   The only negative I see is the price point, which is quite steep.   I know a lot of people are huge fans of La Mer's infamous cream, but I could never justify the price for a product that contains mineral oil.  Point being, if you are looking to treat yourself to a luxury face cream, make it one that is full of all the good things and free of all the bad.

Now for the BEST NEWS! Not only do I have a 50% offer code to offer my readers, but I am also giving one away for FREE!  Enter ALLEGRESSE50 at checkout for 50% off any order and you can enter the giveaway below and check back here in a week when I post the winner!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Love Affair with GlamGlow Supermud Mask

Where do I even begin with this product? After hearing all the buzz and rave reviews on this, I felt compelled to try it out for myself.  And so my love affair with GlamGlow's Supermud began....

The first time I tried this I saw immediate results - and that my friends, is something I can't say about too many products.  It has a spa-like menthol and black licorice smell which I really do enjoy (and I HATE black licorice).  I apply it with a flat synthetic brush and find that it helps to distribute the product more evenly and waste less.  Once you apply it, it immediately starts to harden (literally, good luck trying to smile) and dry.  It dries completely in about 7-10 minutes and as it starts to dry, the magic begins.    I was shocked  horrified to see the amount and size of the pores all over my face. I guess I never looked that closely to my skin before to notice them all, but after using this, well I am quite aware of their existence!  It wasn't even completely dried yet and BOOM they were everywhere!  Whats even better is the amount of dirt that came out of them.  While some may think this part is gross, I happen to love seeing the spots all over my face in a sick and twisted way.  It was fascinating and if I'm being honest-freaking AWESOME!

Taken right from GlamGlow's website - "NEW ACNECIDIC-6™4.4% the first 6-Acid AHA & BHA Blend for mind-blowing faster results. NEW Pore-Matrix™ with Activated-X Charcoal & New K17-Clay™ for deep pore vacuum extraction, encapsulation & seemingly poreless skin."

SPOILER ALERT - Scary Pictures Ahead....

Feel free to click on the pictures (at your own risk) to really get a close look of all the beautiful pores and dirt removed on my face thanks to this baby!  All of those "pieces" are who  knows what, but my guess is dirt, grime and everything else that has been stuck deep inside my pores for a long time.  After I rinsed it off with warm water, my skin felt super soft and very supple.  I couldn't wait to do it again and counted down the days for my next treatment.  I was even more amazed the second time around to actually see less dirt and smaller pores!  Needless to say, I am forever a fan and will continue to not only repurchase it, but shout it from the rooftops to everyone and anyone.  I've even gotten my husband hooked!  Oh, and if you can't a few days to do your next mask, you can actually use it as an overnight spot treatment - amazing!

Have you guys tried this? What are your thoughts?

xo,

Michele

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes!

As soon as I heard Hourglass was set to release correlating blushes to their ever-so-popular Ambient Lighting Powders, I could not WAIT to get my hands on them!  They released 6 different shades of blush each of which has a corresponding lighting powder swirled in with color and baked.  They look very similar to MSFs from MAC. The packaging is a smaller version of the powders and set in gold rather than bronze.  To compare, each blush retails for $35 and contains .15oz., whereas the powders contain .35oz and retail for $45. I decided to go with Mood Exposure and Diffused Heat.  I thought these were the most "bang for your buck" as far as color payoff.

I use the Diffused Ambient Lighting powder on a daily basis (major HG status), so it was only natural for me to go with the partnered blush.  It is described as a "vibrant poppy" and let me tell you-it.is.freaking.gorgeous.  It is definitely one of the more pigmented of the 6 and gives off a very bright coral color on the cheeks.  I love that if it goes on a little too dark I can go right over it with the powder to "diffuse" the color and soften it a bit.  I have been waring it a ton, however I think it will look even better on sun-kissed tan skin.  Spoiler Alert - his will most likely be in every month's favorite's video throughout the summer!

Mood Exposure is a gorgeous deep neutral flush.  It is described as "soft plum".  However, it doesn't really read plum on my skin.  I would describe it as more of a dusty rose.  I would put it in the same family as Tarte Exposed or NARS Douceur.  I think it is a must have Fall / Winter color, but its definitely one I would feel completely comfortable wearing in the Spring and Summer.  I find myself reaching for this when I just want something more natural or on days where I want to skip the bronzer but still want some defined cheek bones.

It fascinates me that these blushes give off such a glow to the skin, without any kind of shimmer/glitter/satin finish.  I have been switching between these 2 for the last 3 weeks and have had no desire to reach for any other blush (and if you've seen my blush collection, you will know how serious my love affair is)!  I'm thinking I may need to go back for Radiant Magenta eventually, but I'm not really into the other 3.  I swatched the others in store and they didn't have a great color pay off  nor do I think they would show up too well on my skin-especially with a little bit of a tan.  If I'm paying $35 for a blush, you better believe I want the blush to actually show up!

Have you picked up any of these blushes recently? If so, which are your favorites?

December 2013 Favorites!

Here are all the goodies I have been loving for the month of December!  What were some of your go-to products and loves last month?




Products mentioned

What I'm Wearing in this video