16 Apr 2015
by linettefm
in Beauty, Fashion, Health and Beauty, Product testing, Review, Styling, Uncategorized
Tags: and animal-derived ingredient, •Free of mineral oil, beauty, Better lip products, Candelilla Cera, Cera Alba, Ceresine, Chrislie Formulations, Chrislie Formulations: Luv2kiss™ Invisible Lip Liner #Review #Luv2Kiss, CI 77891, Cosmetics, Enhances Any Shade Of Lip Gloss Or Lipstick, Glosses, Innovating Beauty Products, Invisible Lip Liner, Item No. 2011, liners, lip applications, lip colors, lip gloss, lip liners, Lip Looks, Lip Primers, lip product, lip products, lip stains, Lip Trends, lipgloss, lips, Lipsticks, Long-Lasting, Luv 2 Kiss, Luv2Kiss, Luv2Kiss cosmetics, Luv2Kiss lips, Luv2kiss™ Invisible Lip Liner, make up, Methylparaben, Natural Beauty, Net Weight: 0.32 oz (0.9 g), paraffin, Phenoxyethanol, preservatives, Prevents Lip Gloss & Lipstick From Bleeding Or Feathering, Primers, Propylparaben, Review, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, SKU : 2011, Sorbic Acid, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, UPC: 811331022964, Waterproof Formula Creates A Defined Shape To The Lips


Being a make-up junkie (yes, I finally admit it but I’m not seeking help 🙂 ) means that I will try mostly every product line out there to see what they have to offer. Brand names are just like with clothing, quality does not mean it will match the price tag! I have had $15 nail polish chip within 24 hours all because I looked at it funny, while the $0.99 drug store polish, puts up with me baking, gardening, and cleaning and just loses a little shine. I try to remain practical because I just don’t have the time or the energy to start faux sculpting my face with the contouring trend being so hot right now, even though all my friends say they have never gone “all the way” with it! The newest trends also never equate they will stay or even provide you with a positive change. Change is good and welcoming but I don’t want to confuse a new look from what looks best. With that in mind, I am open to trying what a brand has to offer, as long as the ingredients are not overly harsh.
Chrislie Formulations is based in my state of California and they are about bringing the hottest trends and colors at an affordable price. They also have classical colors and cosmetics, so they really fit the bill for anyone while not emptying your wallet of them. Chrislie Formulations focuses on quality products that are easy to use and effective, just like the Invisible Lip Liner they sent from their “Luv2Kiss” line.
I have oodles of liners and lip glosses but like in the kitchen, I keep using the same pot on most days! I would love to tell you I change it around but some liners I own I love the color but dislike how they apply, so I keep them for “just in case” purposes while using the same pinkish-peach color that wears well with the nude tones I use in both lipsticks and glosses. If I want a more intense look, I just add more liner and this may be because my lips is the last thing I address and that means at this point I am close to needing to head out the door soon. I need my last step regarding my lips to work and not be problematic like the lashes on my left-eye because they never play as nice as the lashes on my right eye.

The Luv2Kiss liner I was already curious by what it calls itself, an Invisible liner. I wasn’t sure if it meant clear, close to one’s skin tone, or it just absorbed whatever color was going to be added. I had questions! I thankfully do not have lip lines/wrinkles where I have problems with bleeding but I am very picky when I use a red or darker color. I don’t even want the slightest smudge because on my fair skin, it will show up quickly and I don’t want to look in a mirror 2 hours later to find out I have been walking around looking sloppy!
Luv2Kiss also describes the Invisible liner as a primer pencil, which will keep the color isolated (in place) with no feathering or bleeding, plus will not accent any unwanted fine lines. Keeps your lipstick just like you left it and if I use an eye-shadow primer, why not add a lip one to my routine. I have to line anyways! The description of the product goes further into detail where your lip product will not budge past the liner even if you drink, eat or like the name says….kiss. Me likey!
Directions of Application: Just line the outside of your lips and the long-lasting, plus water-proof formula takes care of the rest. If you want to extend the wear of any lip product, you can apply a thin layer (using small strokes) to the entire lip area for effective staying power.
Ingredients (as listed on the website):
Cera Alba, Candelilla Cera, Ceresine, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, CI 77891. Free of mineral oil, paraffin, preservatives, and animal-derived ingredients.

Verdict:
I approach any product claims with common reasoning. I don’t expect to eat a juicy burger and still have lip stick on and not just that, I tend to remove any lip product before eating to avoid……..well, eating my lip product! Lipstick no matter the price tag is not something I think should be ingested more than we already do from wear. I have lip skin that tends to lean more towards the dry side and I know that can also alter how long any lip product remains vibrant, because my lips are just sucking the heck out them! With that logic in mind, I proceeded to first apply the product by lining the outside of my lips and I then applied on the lips themselves but only to places that have more contact (i.e. where color wears off quicker) like the outside edges and where my lips come in contact more. I give the lip liner a 5 out 5 for ease of application and more importantly, how beautifully the liner glided and applied to my lips. I exfoliated my lips prior but had 2 spots that were not as smooth as the rest but no problem. The Luv2Kiss liner sort of worked like a concealer for lips and masked any imperfections by smoothing them out. That part I did not expect! Next, came the nude lipstick and this is a drug-store brand to see how well the product wears. I usually get 3 hours before needing a touch-up or just plain re-application prior to using the Luv2Kiss liner. This invisible liner left my lips looking the same as they did 15 minutes from when I did my lips. Not only did I get 3 hours but I could still go on without doing zilch! My lips also felt moist and the liner did not over dry the edges of my lips or the delicate skin that was just exfoliated. I fear waterproof products because mascaras of this kind dehydrate my lashes but this liner did not have the same reaction on my lips. I love that! The liner worked as a barrier and extender in my book, plus that means I only need ONE liner to do the job of all others, and it will always match and play nice with any color of lip stain, lipstick, balm, lip gloss, or whatever I decide to wear that day. I can also play and create lip colors (enhancers) like before by using a little shimmer from my eye-shadows and still get a good amount of wear. Sort of makes investing time on how my lips look so worth it!
Retail Price Point: An affordable $9.99 via Chrislie Formulations website for a pencil with a Net Weight of 0.32 oz (0.9 g); Item No. 2011
Connect with Chrislie Formulations and all their Beauty product lines at:

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Chrislie Formulations/Luv2kiss™. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
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03 Apr 2015
by linettefm
in Beauty, Health and Beauty, Natural, Product testing, Review, Styling
Tags: #MakeUpBrushes, 1 Eye Shader Brush, 1 Eye Shadow Base Brush, 1 Foundation Brush, 1 Kabuki Brush, 1 Lip Brush, 1 Precision Eyebrow Definer Brush, 7 pcs ESSENTIAL BRUSHES KIT, Amazon Beauty, Amazon Products, Amazon Promos, angle brush, ASIN: B00SXBZN32, baked eyeshadows, beauty, Beauty brushes, blending brush, blush, bronzer, brushes, Brushes and Applicators, concealer, concealer brush, contour brush, cosmetic brushes, cosmetic tools, dramatic looks, Eye shadow, eye-shadow brush, eyeliner brush, Eyeshadow, face foundation, face powder brush, foundation brush, lip brush, lip gloss, lip stains, lip tints, Lipsticks, luminizer, make up, make-up brushes, Makeup Brushes and Tools, natural and synthetic bristles, natural hair beauty brushes, Powder Brush, Professional High Quality Essential Makeup Brushes, SKU: B00SXBZN32, synthetic bristle make-up brushes, Tools and Accessories., UPC: 616320998943, varied texture of natural fibers, Xtava, Xtava 7 pcs Makeup Brushes Set Kit Stylish Case, Xtava Beauty


I have a large assortment of cosmetic brushes and price point does not guarantee a brush will perform well or even last with proper care. I have had free ones sent by cosmetic companies, brushes I bought a la carte, to full sets I purchased at Costco and let us not forget the make-up counter at department stores. This taught me a lot about how a brush is made matters and where a synthetic one is needed for such application and where a “real hair” one will only do. Some companies blend some of the tips to give you the best of both worlds (i.e. synthetic with real), so I am not closed minded to those either. My motto is to always have two of each style I can count on and if one does not work, it gets used in an art project or if it has no hope (drops every bristle ever put on it’s pretty little head), it gets sent into the trash can. The last thing I want is looking like a cat lady with bristles all over me when I don’t even own a cat!

Xtava is a company I have reviewed for in the past, so when they offered their make-up brushes for review, this was a new territory for me. I have reviewed hair tools but not cosmetic ones and you bet I was eager to see what they were all about!

When the box arrived from Xtava, I loved the carrying case because each brush has a home. I have 3 carrying cases and learned this is the best way to keep the bristles from getting damaged or picking up anything that may be looming in your cosmetic bag, train case or even drawer. It also ends the hunting game in finding the one you need, like that eye-liner (slanted one) that likes to hide because sticks on brushes look all alike when you woke up late in the morning to get ready.
Xtava supplied me with seven gorgeous brushes:
- Large Powder Brush- for foundation powders to setting/finishing powders
- Medium Foundation Brush- that I use for my wet foundation and to blend out any concealer I went to heavy on
- Contour Brush- that can be used as a blush one too and/or with bronzers and luminizers
- Eye-shadow Brush- which is the perfect width to apply shadows, both wet and dry
- Blending Brush- that I use to define the arch above my eye to blending out creases and let us not forget the perfect smokey eye look
- Angle Brush- that saves me money and creates a better look when you use your eye-shadow to create your own eyeliner and/or can be used to set powder/wax on your eyebrows
- Lip Brush- which collapses so if need be and is perfect in size to carry in your purse
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When the brushes arrived, I quickly washed them and set them out to air dry. The following day, I began playing and applying a variety of versions of the same cosmetics I have. I used baked eye-shadows, loose powder to the type you just dab and don’t blend. The eye-shadow brush did well with all, as did the blending one. The blending one was also good at applying concealer and highlighter to the upper arch area of my eye. Both brushes I washed in between uses and after use, and I only saw one shed one bristle onto a towel when I dried it. The tips of the brushes always went back to their original shape each time after use and wash.
When it came to the foundation brush, I tend to blend best with my fingers but always touch up under my eyes with a foundation brush. The Xtava one performed just as well as my $50 one from Prescriptives. I could not tell the difference between the side I used one or the other.
The large powder brush dropped a few bristles (3 whole and one sectioned) but I attribute it to being new. I do not use face powder with tint, but more of a finishing and setting powder that goes over my foundation and only in my T-zone areas. I was happy with the application but this was the only brush out of the entire set that I was luke-warm about. I did not dislike it or love it, but it gets kept just in case my favorite one fails me one day.
The contour brush, I used to apply bronzer to my cheeks and a little on my nose, chin and forehead. I just like to slightly warm up my face but never to achieve any fake-o tan look. The brush picked up each time the proper amount of powder and distributed it evenly.
The angle brush, I used to apply a wet baked shadow to create both a “cat’s eye” and to apply half way to the bottom lashes using dry eye-shadow. The brush did what I told it to do and that is a plus in my book. I know I can always correct using q-tips but I aim when doing my own line, to never need it. I slightly arched the ends and the liner applied beautifully on top. When it came to my bottom lashes, I used a shimmery shadow and opted to not wet the product, again the brush blotted nicely to where I wanted the shadow with zero flecks jumping onto my cheeks. This is my favorite and will be replacing a frayed one of the same kind that needs to go to brush heaven!
Last but not least, the lip brush. I use lipsticks, tints and glosses and sometimes even powder to create the look I want. Half the time I only know I start with a lip balm first to hydrate my lips while I do my make-up and then I throw everything (blotting in between a few times) until I create the look I want. I used the brush and I’m sure with all the above products but I got so much into my make-up, that all I know is I washed it when I finished and then realized, “oh, I was using the new brush”. That is a good thing because it means it did not disrupt “the process” and did what I wanted it to, when I need it to.

Verdict:
For $20 the only other set that surprised me and I still have brushes from years later, is a set I purchased at Costco that was being cleared out by a major brand. It’s one of those things I had to grab then because that chance and price point would never come to fruition ever again. It’s nice to know that Xtava does not believe in bleeding the pocket book like so many other companies do. It’s economical and 4 of the brushes performed as well as my expensive branded ones and even my favorite ones. There was no difference other than the price point and I only mind that when it’s a lot and thankfully with Xtava, it’s not. 🙂
Connect with Xtava and all their products at:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Xtava. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

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06 Feb 2015
by linettefm
in Beauty, Drinks, Fashion, Food, Fruits and Veggies, Health and Beauty, Influenster, Product Samples, Product testing, Review, Samples, Styling, Uncategorized
Tags: #Celestial Seasonings, #FrostyVoxBox, #GetAdvanced, #LoveMyECOhairbrush, #McCormickGourmet, #SweetSide, beauty, Brush, brushes, Candy Cane Lane, Celestial Teas, Cosmetics, dry herbs, Dry Thyme, Eco Tools, economical beauty, EcoTools, Eye liners, eye make-up remover, eyeliner, Eyes, foods, Frosty Vox Box, Fruit Vines, hair, hair brushes, Hair tools, herbal teas, Herbs, Influenster Vox Boxes, Kajal, kohl, lips, Lipsticks, Long Hair, make up, McCormick, McCormick Gourmet, No7, NYC Expert Lip, NYC lipstick, NYC New York Color, peppermint, Red Vines, Rimmel, Rimmel London, Sugar Plum, SugarPlum, Target EcoTools, Tea, Thyme, Ulta, Valentine's Day Gift Ideas, Vox Box, VoxBox

I was very excited again to get a VoxBox from Influenster. There is never a box that does not contain a new item to new brands I have never tried. This box was a beauty and food themed box, which really sums up the holiday season. The Frosty Vox Box really brought a little bit of everything from several very know brands:
Was very generous and gave us two products to try out that go hand-in-hand, the Gentle Eye Make-up Remover and the ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal eyeliner. Both products are reasonably priced and that is welcomed after the holiday splurges. What I like about the line is that their beauty items always exceed expectations and they allow me to keep up with whatever new fashion trend and/or look is in, but still be able to keep the lights on!
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Even with the nude colors being in, we still need lipstick and sometimes things get too pale or plain. NYC fixes that by adding a touch of color with their Expert Last Lip line in Sugar Plum. The Sugar Plum color is rosy but also sheer, with a hint of shine but thankfully not super glossy. The last thing you want to do is look back at every picture you took in Winter and your lips are blinding everyone. With Valentine’s Day approaching, this color again fits perfectly with the season……so not just a one holiday and done product.

This is my first time using this line and I was happy that the brush kept my locks nice and smooth, did not create static and was gentle enough to not break or stress my hair. The brush has a nice handle for easy hold and also is nicely balanced, which is appreciated when I do a ponytail look. What I like is how easy it is to clean because even though I use a low amount of leave-in products, the oils I do use can cause our hair tools to create build-up. Dirty bristles is not an issue with this brush!

- No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Sachet
I was so happy when I saw this brand included and before the box arrived. My happiness sort of faded when I noticed this was not even a deluxe sample, but more of a packet with maybe 2 uses if I am lucky. Two uses does not mean I can be fair or even really know about performance. I may be able to share my opinion about the texture, and this product does have a light feel and quickly absorbs. Unfortunately, that is all I can share because results take work and time, plus I’m always willing to give it to a beauty product but that also means I need a little more than 2 applications. 🙂

- Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Decaf Green Tea
Just when I thought I was peppermint and pumpkin out with the holidays, this shows me that a tea can make the difference. This tastes like true peppermint with it’s subtle and refreshing notes, that not only soothe but also calm me perfectly before bedtime. Being decaffeinated allows me to enjoy this selection of herbal tea anytime I want and still get a good snooze in.

I grow our own thyme but sometimes the cold snap we get decides I did not need that plant, so I always have thyme in dry form. I also like to add dry ingredients with fresh ones because the flavor profile does change and even sometimes is preferred over the fresh (i.e. oregano) kind. This jar arrived and I was happy to have more thyme and then looked at my thyme and even though it was not an aged bottle, my thyme was lacking that nice color, aroma and started to feel ashamed about how pretty the McCormick Gourmet one looked so I set it free and left this new bottle in it’s stead.

Not all can be winners and this was one again taught me all because it says cherry, it does not mean even 1% of a real cherry is in it. Not the juice, I would have even been happy with cherry skin at this point but these vines are fruit lacking and sugar is all they bring. I even chuckled when it came to vitamins and everything was 0%. I know it’s candy and even for some a snack, but let me sin with something at least partially real. I think the cherry needs an asterisk or maybe it should be called wanna-be cherry or sugar vines. It has no preservatives but then again there is nothing real to preserve!

Final Verdict-
Influenster always delivers an array of products that make me re-look at what I buy, own or even want. I brought economical beauty brands back into the mix and just like my clothes, my fashion looks now are like my beauty products……in all price ranges! I’m happier this way and that is really what matters. These Vox Boxes are always a hit even when I get some so-so products because trying is really the only way to know and share with others! Thank you again Influenster for another Vox Box experience!
- #FrostyVoxBox
- #GetAdvanced
- #Rimmel
- #SugarPlum
- #CelestialTea
- #LoveMyECOhairbrush
- #McCormickGourmet
- #SweetSide
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Influenster. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
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05 Oct 2014
by linettefm
in Fashion, Health and Beauty, Product Samples, Review, Subscription Boxes, Uncategorized
Tags: #Fall2014, #FallBox, #WalmartBeauty, #WalmartHaul, anti-aging, Antioxidants, beauty, Beauty Boxes, CG, Clear Condition, Clear Shampoo, Cosmetics, Couture, Cover Girl, Covergirl, CoverGirl Cotinous Lipstick, creams, deodorant, face cream, Fall 2014, Fall Fashions, Fall Looks, Fragrances, hair, hair care, Juicy Couture, L'Oreal, Lip colo, lip gloss, Lipsticks, Looks for Fall, Loreal Revitalift Triple Power, lotions, make up, Microsculpting cream, Moisturizer, Olay, Olay Regenerist, Perfume, Review, Revitalift, Secret, skin care, Skin care regimen, Vintage Wine, Walmart, Walmart Beauty Box. Wrinkles

To stay honest and fair, I rarely share on my blog items I paid for unless it’s like a super duper deal. These events are a rare occurrence and has to pair up with it being a deal. Pocket books should stay full and this subscription box will not cause a ding either.
Walmart has a beauty box service. I know, it’s news to me and it’s just 5 bucks. I have spent more in the clearance bins at stores and then I don’t even know why I brought half the stuff home to begin with. I seem to plan these great projects in the store and once I pay for my clearance bin deal, I get amnesia (aka- a case of the lazies). Let’s just say my crafting gets me in trouble but the best part, this is all beauty related and the stuff that comes with known names versus that questionable $1 bubble shower gel that smells good but makes my skin itchy! 🙂


Just $5 every 3 months and this is what the Fall box came with:
- (1) Olay Regenerist MicroSculpting Cream Moisturizer on 0.5 ounces
- (1) Loreal Revitalift Triple Power in 0.5 ounces
- (1) CoverGirl Continous Color lipstick in 425 Vintage Wine
- (1) Secret Clinical Strength in 1.6 ounces
- (1) Juicy Couture Perfume Sample in spray form .05 ounces
- (1) Clear sample packet of Shampoo and Conditioner

Yeah, all the above and just $5! No shipping and handling fees, just 5 bucks 😀 Sign-up and give it a try and hopefully the Fall box is still available and even the box itself is nice and thick, perfect for reusing and storing future sample and goodies that hopefully comes before we say goodbye to 2014.
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23 Jun 2014
by linettefm
in Beauty, Family, Fashion, Health and Beauty, Home, Influenster, Living, Movies, Nails, Product Samples, Product testing, Review, Uncategorized
Tags: #EverlastingFrench, #KissNails, #LaborDayMovie, #NIVEASkinFirming, #PlayOn, #RetroGlam, #SoftlipsCube, 2014 looks, Affordable Beauty, affordable lip balms, affordable lip sticks, affordable make-up, balms, Better Lip Health, Blu-Ray, Body Lotions, Cat eye, chapped lip repair, Co-Enzyme Q10, Co-Q10, Cosmetics, Coupons, creams, current look trends, current make-up trends, CVS, Drama, DVD, Eyes, Fake Nails, fashion, Faux Nails, films, French Nails, French Tip, Fresh Mint, gloss, Hydra IQ, Hydrate lips, Hygiene, Influenster, Jason Reitman, John Brolin, Kate Winslet, Kiss, Kiss Nails, Kmart, Labor Day, Labor Day Movie, Labor Day Movie Pie Air Freshner, lip balms, lip balms with SPF, Lip care, lip health, lip therapy, lips, Lipsticks, Lotions that firm skin, make up, manicure, manicures, mascara, Mascara Review, Moisture, movies, Nail Art, Nails, Nivea, Nivea products, Nivea Skin Firming Hydration Body Lotions, no clump mascara, Paramount Movies, Paramount Pictures, Platex, Playtex, Playtex Coupon, Playtex Fresh Balanace, Playtex Sport + Odor Shield, Playtex Sport with Odor Sheild, Pomegranate and Blueberry, Protect Lips, Retro Glam, Retro look, Rimmel London, Rimmel London Beauty, Rite-Aid, Scandal Eyes Mascara, ScandalEyes, skin care, Skin Firming Body Lotion, skin h, skin regimens, Skincare, Soft Lips Cube, Softlips Cube, SPF 15 lip, Spring Fling Vox Box, Spring Looks, SpringVoxBox, Summer Looks, tampons, Target, The Labor Day Movie, tone and firm lotions, Vanilla Bean, Vox Box, VoxBox, Walgreens, Walmart

Another great Vox Box from Influenster and this one had a little bit of everything. Even though Summer just arrived, this Spring Fling Vox Box has you prepared to take it on and look as beautiful as ever doing it!

- Rimmel Londom Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara
The new ScandalEyes Retro Glam Mascara by Rimmel London, has a great brush that distributes a non-crumbling and free of clumps formula evenly to your lashes. The delivery of the mascara via the nicely shaped bristles, gives you a look you can build-up or down. The even coats lets you glam your eyes with intensity for a bold look or you can just apply a light coat for a nice and classic finish. I also feel when the formula sets, it tends to hold the curl up through out the day and your lashes do not feel ultra stiff or heavy. Pair it with a “cat eye look” and a bold lipstick, you get a gorgeous look that never fades and is perfect for summer. I have been using a smokey bronze shadow and a thin wing tip at the end to get that copper-ish glow and I pair it with a nice nude colored lipstick. Great and an easy daytime look! You also can’t beat the $5.99 price tag! A water-proof version is also available in case there is a beach or a pool in your future.
Connect with Rimmel London:

- Kiss Everlasting French Nails
Each packet comes with 28 nails in 14 different sizes that lasts a recommended 7 days. You get Kiss’s “no chip nail ” technology, which is easily applied in less than 10 minutes and this includes fitting to make sure you have the nail size that suits your finger nail best. No waiting to dry your nails, you literally glue and go! The glue is gentle to your natural nails but strong enough to hold the nail in place. No one wants a flying nail no matter how gorgeous they may look, but with Kiss Everlasting French, you are free of “nail attacks”. I love the peachy pink colored base that has a nice tone that matches any skin color beautifully. The white tip has a pleasant hue but not so white that it looks unpleasant or to intense. The box supplies you enough nails to get 2 applications and for the cost of under $6.50, you can get a salon look without the price tag. Any girl’s dream and you can find the Kiss Everlasting French nails in Flat or Regular nail arches, which come in a Medium length. Available in stores like Target, CVS, and Walgreens to Rite-Aid and Kmart. Pick-up yours today to get a classic that never fades and that includes the nail polish in this case too!
Connect with Kiss and their nail collection:

The lip balm advertises a 5 in 1 lip care system. Think BB cream but for your lips! You get protection from future damage with the SPF 15. The formula helps Hydrate and Replenish moisture. You get Smoothness for that kissable look and a touch of shine. All that protection in a cute looking cube! I would rate the shine as low ,so you get more of a natural sheen that is not super glossy with zero tint. I liked the new Pomegranate Blueberry and because it’s in cube shape, I could easily find it when needed and it also stacked well with my other items in my purse. I used it both as a primer and protection under my lipsticks/glosses, but it performed well alone too. The product retails for a fair price point of $3.49 and you also have the choice of Fresh Mint or Vanilla Bean if the Pom & Berry is not your thing.
Connect with SoftLips:

- Nivea Skin Firming Hydration Body Lotion
A lotion that has skin toning properties and also improves skin’s firmness and all in as little as 2 weeks. With bathing suit and bikini season in motion, I don’t want my skin to be in motion too. Nivea’s lotion has Co-Enzyme Q10 and Hydra IQ that deliver rejuvenating properties and also helps your skin retain deep and moisture longer. You won’t see my complaining if I can get skin improvements out of a bottle and especially firming and toning. It does not replace a work-out but it definitely softness my skin and with the extra hydration, I did notice a plumper feeling, which gave me a tighter/firmer look. They say to drink water to keep hydrated and this helps with smoothing out wrinkles…..well, Nivea’s new Skin Firming Hydration formula is a nice cool glass of water for your skin and gave me satisfactory results in all fields. No irritations and even after shaving, plus 2 weeks is a cinch when it comes to waiting to see results. The body lotion comes in two size, a 2.5 ounce bottle for $2.49 and a 13.5 ounce bottle for $10.99.
Connect with Nivea:

- Playtex Sports Fresh Balance
Playtex has added a new variety to their Playtex Sport’s line, which now not only gives you the same protection no matter what the day has ahead but also the option of Odor Shield. Odor Shield technology helps neutralize odors for that extra protection. A box of 18 tampons retails between $3.99 and $4.99 and the new Plus + Odor Shield is available in all absorbency/sizes.
Connect with Playtex:

Paramount’s Pictures movie release, which features Kate Winslet and John Brolin. This drama is directed by Jason Reitman and is about a single mother that picks up a wounded man and offers him a ride. The man ends up being an escaped convict and the novel based movie depicts what the duo must choose, as they get to the know the stranger and Police edge closer. Available on Blu-ray and DVD for just $19.99. I was sent a nice little pie shaped air freshener to commemorate the movie’s release!
Connect with the movie Labor Day:

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Influenster and the above mentioned companies. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
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05 Jun 2014
by linettefm
in Beauty, Health and Beauty, Product testing, Review, Uncategorized
Tags: 3D Eye Make-up, 3D make-up, Affordable Beauty, affordable beauty lines, affordable lip sticks, American Manicure, Beach Bum, beauty, Beauty Collections, Beauty for Less, beauty lines, Black Pen, Blue, brow gel, Brown, Cat Eyes, Coffee colors, Coffee to Glow, Colour & Go, Cosmetics, Day looks, dry eye shadow application, economic, Effects nail Polishes, Essence, Essence Beauty, Essence Cosmetics, Essence Eye Collection, Essence Eye liners, Essence Lip Collection, Essence Lip Lines, Essence Mascara Review, Essence Mascaras, Essence Nail Pen, Essence Nail polishes, Essence Nails, Essence Spring 2014, Eye Compacts, Eye Duo, Eye liners, Eye Pallets, Eye Pencil, Eye shadow, eyebrow gel, eyebrows, eyeliner, Eyes, eyeshadows, fashion, French Manicure, French Manicure and Pedicure Pen, French tip pen, Frosted Apple, Give me Nude Baby color, health and beauty, Hot Scorch, Irresistible Vanilla Latte, Italian Cosmetics, Jewel Up Ocean, Kajal, Kajal Pencil, Lash line, Lash Mania Reloaded, Lash Mania Reloaded Mascara, Lash Mania Reloaded Review, Lashes, lip collections, lip colors, lip gloss, lip glosses, Lip stick, lips, lipstick, Lipsticks, Long Lasting Eyeliner, Made in Italy, make up, Make-up looks, manicure, Manicure and Pedicure Pen, mascara, Mascara Review, Metal Glam, Metallic, Miss Peachy, Miss Peachy (67), Nail, Nail Art, Nail decor, Nail Designs, Nail pen, Nail Pens, nail polish, Nail polishes, Nail Tattoo, Nail trends, Nail trends for Spring, Nailpolish, Nails, Natural looks, Night Out looks, Nudes, Pallets, Pedicures, Product testing, Review, Sand Polishes, Shimmer, shimmery lips, Smoky Eye, Sparkle, Sparkle & Sand Effect, Spring 2014 collection, Spring Colors, Spring Looks, style, tattoo pen, Ulta, Ulta Coupon friendly, Uncategorized Tags: 156 me & my lover, Uncategorized Tags: 3D Due Eyeshadow, Wet eyeshadow application, White Polish, White polish pens

Product Retails for about: $2.99

I did not wear any foundation around my lips or lip liner in these pictures but thankfully the subtle shimmer takes attention away from all that. They say a good mascara and a good colored lipstick can be used when you are in a hurry and out the door! You know those mornings you hit the off button versus the snooze button, and this peach with a touch of coral hues would do the trick. Easy to apply and not long wearing, but once you gather your thoughts and make it to work, you can touch-up and smile like nothing happened. The nice part is when it wears down, you are left with super soft lips that look beautiful.

Connect with Essence and their entire beauty collections at:

I received the above product free of charge from Essence. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

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05 Jun 2014
by linettefm
in Beauty, Fashion, Health and Beauty, Product testing, Review, Uncategorized
Tags: 3D Due Eyeshadow, 3D Eye Make-up, 3D make-up, Affordable Beauty, affordable beauty lines, American Manicure, Beach Bum, beauty, Beauty Collections, Beauty for Less, beauty lines, Black Pen, Blue, brow gel, Brown, Cat Eyes, Coffee colors, Coffee to Glow, Colour & Go, Cosmetics, Day looks, dry eye shadow application, economic, Effects nail Polishes, Essence, Essence Beauty, Essence Cosmetics, Essence Eye Collection, Essence Eye liners, Essence Lip Collection, Essence Lip Lines, Essence Mascara Review, Essence Mascaras, Essence Nail Pen, Essence Nail polishes, Essence Nails, Essence Spring 2014, Eye Compacts, Eye Duo, Eye liners, Eye Pallets, Eye Pencil, Eye shadow, eyebrow gel, eyebrows, eyeliner, Eyes, eyeshadows, fashion, French Manicure, French Manicure and Pedicure Pen, French tip pen, Frosted Apple, Give me Nude Baby color, health and beauty, Hot Scorch, Irresistible Vanilla Latte, Italian Cosmetics, Jewel Up Ocean, Kajal, Kajal Pencil, Lash line, Lash Mania Reloaded, Lash Mania Reloaded Mascara, Lash Mania Reloaded Review, Lashes, lip collections, lip colors, lip gloss, lip glosses, Lip stick, lips, lipstick, Lipsticks, Long Lasting Eyeliner, Made in Italy, make up, Make-up looks, manicure, Manicure and Pedicure Pen, mascara, Mascara Review, Metal Glam, Metallic, Miss Peachy, Nail, Nail Art, Nail decor, Nail Designs, Nail pen, Nail Pens, nail polish, Nail polishes, Nail Tattoo, Nail trends, Nail trends for Spring, Nailpolish, Nails, Natural looks, Night Out looks, Nudes, Pallets, Pedicures, Product testing, Review, Sand Polishes, Shimmer, Smoky Eye, Sparkle, Sparkle & Sand Effect, Spring 2014 collection, Spring Colors, Spring Looks, style, tattoo pen, Ulta, Ulta Coupon friendly, Uncategorized Tags: 156 me & my lover, Wet eyeshadow application, White Polish, White polish pens

Product Retails for about: $0.99
Being new to the Essence eye pencil line, I trusted the formula because of my past experience with the Long Lasting Eye Pencil and I was so right! I could use the eyeliner and without a hiccup you get a nice smooth line that did not break or bump when applied. It just flows with the shape of your eye and no tugging on the skin. I usually do best on my first strokes, so this gave me a flawless liner that looked beautiful. The blue color is gorgeous and perfect for a day at the beach or for me, a day by the pool. This is a pencil you will be happy with and I purposely broke the tip to see how well it sharpens and it sharpened as smoothly as it applies. I again use it and no breakage or pieces dusting off that turn into smears (ooooh, can that ruin a perfect look). At a dollar a piece…….again, I want to kick myself for spending more on eyeliners that did not work half as good as this one does!
Connect with Essence and their entire beauty collections at:

I received the above product free of charge from Essence. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
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08 May 2014
by linettefm
in Beauty, Fashion, Health and Beauty, Product testing, Review, Uncategorized
Tags: 156 me & my lover, 3D Due Eyeshadow, 3D Eye Make-up, 3D make-up, Affordable Beauty, affordable beauty lines, American Manicure, Beach Bum, beauty, Beauty Collections, Beauty for Less, beauty lines, Black Pen, Blue, brow gel, Brown, Cat Eyes, Coffee colors, Coffee to Glow, Colour & Go, Cosmetics, Day looks, dry eye shadow application, economic, Effects nail Polishes, Essence, Essence Beauty, Essence Cosmetics, Essence Eye Collection, Essence Lip Collection, Essence Lip Lines, Essence Mascara Review, Essence Mascaras, Essence Nail Pen, Essence Nail polishes, Essence Nails, Essence Spring 2014, Eye Compacts, Eye Duo, Eye liners, Eye Pallets, Eye Pencil, Eye shadow, eyebrow gel, eyebrows, eyeliner, Eyes, eyeshadows, fashion, French Manicure, French Manicure and Pedicure Pen, French tip pen, Frosted Apple, Give me Nude Baby color, Hot Scorch, Irresistible Vanilla Latte, Italian Cosmetics, Jewel Up Ocean, Kajal, Lash line, Lash Mania Reloaded, Lash Mania Reloaded Mascara, Lash Mania Reloaded Review, Lashes, lip collections, lip colors, lip gloss, lip glosses, Lip stick, lips, lipstick, Lipsticks, Long Lasting Eyeliner, Made in Italy, make up, Make-up looks, manicure, Manicure and Pedicure Pen, mascara, Mascara Review, Metal Glam, Metallic, Miss Peachy, Nail, Nail Art, Nail decor, Nail Designs, Nail pen, Nail Pens, nail polish, Nail polishes, Nail Tattoo, Nail trends, Nail trends for Spring, Nailpolish, Nails, Natural looks, Night Out looks, Nudes, Pallets, Pedicures, Review, Sand Polishes, Shimmer, Smoky Eye, Sparkle, Sparkle & Sand Effect, Spring 2014 collection, Spring Colors, Spring Looks, style, tattoo pen, Wet eyeshadow application, White Polish, White polish pens

Product Retails for about: $4.99

Wand’s brush
I used this mascara in all the pictures! I love the brush and formula. I know they say non-department store mascaras perform the same or even better but that has not always been the case for me. I will find a great formula but it would come with a lousy brush and I have resorted to using a brush from another brand to make it work. I sort of did not really like having to wash it each time after use. Essence got both right and it all comes packed in one tube! Yes!!!! Finally, because black icky hands in the morning made me cringe at thinking of washing that wand again. The formula on the Lash Mania lengthens and also plumps your lashes, but without a fake-o look. I look like I was born with naturally long lashes. I only applied one (heavy) coat first, then the second coat used mostly for directing and setting the lashes. I did not want to obscure the eye shadows I was testing but when I was done taking pictures, I did apply a good 2-coat application and you can get some long looking lashes that are minus the clumps. Me-likey 🙂

Lash Mania Reloaded Mascara with Metal Glam Frosted Apple (03) from the Essence Spring 2014 collection
Connect with Essence and their entire beauty collections at:

I received the above product free of charge from Essence. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
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08 May 2014
by linettefm
in Beauty, Health and Beauty, Nails, Uncategorized
Tags: 156 me & my lover, 3D Due Eyeshadow, 3D Eye Make-up, 3D make-up, Affordable Beauty, affordable beauty lines, American Manicure, Beach Bum, beauty, Beauty Collections, Beauty for Less, beauty lines, Black Pen, Blue, brow gel, Brown, Cat Eyes, Coffee colors, Coffee to Glow, Colour & Go, Cosmetics, Day looks, dry eye shadow application, economic, Effects nail Polishes, Essence, Essence Beauty, Essence Cosmetics, Essence Eye Collection, Essence Lip Collection, Essence Lip Lines, Essence Nail Pen, Essence Nail polishes, Essence Nails, Essence Spring 2014, Eye Compacts, Eye Duo, Eye liners, Eye Pallets, Eye Pencil, Eye shadow, eyebrow gel, eyebrows, eyeliner, eyeshadows, fashion, French Manicure, French Manicure and Pedicure Pen, French tip pen, Frosted Apple, Give me Nude Baby color, Hot Scorch, Irresistible Vanilla Latte, Italian Cosmetics, Jewel Up Ocean, Kajal, Lash line, Lash Mania Reloaded, Lashes, lip collections, lip colors, lip gloss, lip glosses, Lip stick, lips, lipstick, Lipsticks, Long Lasting Eyeliner, Made in Italy, make up, Make-up looks, manicure, Manicure and Pedicure Pen, mascara, Metal Glam, Metallic, Miss Peachy, Nail, Nail Art, Nail decor, Nail Designs, Nail pen, Nail Pens, nail polish, Nail polishes, Nail Tattoo, Nail trends, Nail trends for Spring, Nailpolish, Nails, Natural looks, Night Out looks, nude nail polish, nude polish, Nudes, Pallets, Pedicures, Review, Sand Polishes, sheer nail polish, sheer polish, Shimmer, Smoky Eye, Sparkle, Sparkle & Sand Effect, Spring 2014 collection, Spring Colors, Spring Looks, style, tattoo pen, Wet eyeshadow application, White Polish, White polish pens

Product Retails for approximately; $1.99

This color of nail polish is not your typical nude/sheer and actually gives your nails a touch of shimmer. It’s very soft and think of a white colored pearl effect, minus the rainbow hues. I was able to test out and this polish in an easy one-coat application. You get nice settling and an even finish due to that unique brush Essence uses. You can also build up and intensify the white color by adding a second coat. The picture reflects how many coats I used and the #2 nail looks whiter because I used a thin first coat and a thicker second coat. Nail #3 is three coats, all thin and waiting in between for the polish to dry. I experienced a quick dry and by the time I completed polishing on my tenth nail, I could start again. 10 minutes under a fan and this testing was done with zero clear top coats, base or ridge filler polishes. Essence’s nail polish also lasts and you can’t beat the price point of $1.99 a bottle! The 2 buck price point makes the Essence Colour & Go Nail Polish line great when it comes to those trendy colors you want to try and are unsure about, to even using them as part of your Nail Art formulas.

Connect with Essence and their entire beauty collections at:

I received the above product free of charge from Essence. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

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08 May 2014
by linettefm
in Beauty, Fashion, Health and Beauty, Nails, Product testing, Review, Uncategorized
Tags: 156 me & my lover, 3D Due Eyeshadow, 3D Eye Make-up, 3D make-up, Affordable Beauty, affordable beauty lines, American Manicure, Beach Bum, beauty, Beauty Collections, Beauty for Less, beauty lines, Black Pen, Blue, brow gel, Brown, Cat Eyes, Coffee colors, Coffee to Glow, Colour & Go, Cosmetics, Day looks, dry eye shadow application, economic, Effects nail Polishes, Essence, Essence Beauty, Essence Cosmetics, Essence Eye Collection, Essence Lip Collection, Essence Lip Lines, Essence Nail Pen, Essence Nail polishes, Essence Nails, Essence Spring 2014, Eye Compacts, Eye Duo, Eye liners, Eye Pallets, Eye Pencil, Eye shadow, eyebrow gel, eyebrows, eyeliner, eyeshadows, fashion, French Manicure, French Manicure and Pedicure Pen, French tip pen, Frosted Apple, Give me Nude Baby color, Hot Scorch, Irresistible Vanilla Latte, Italian Cosmetics, Jewel Up Ocean, Kajal, Lash line, Lash Mania Reloaded, Lashes, lip collections, lip colors, lip gloss, lip glosses, Lip stick, lips, lipstick, Lipsticks, Long Lasting Eyeliner, Made in Italy, make up, Make-up looks, manicure, Manicure and Pedicure Pen, mascara, Metal Glam, Metallic, Miss Peachy, Nail, Nail Art, Nail decor, Nail Designs, Nail pen, Nail Pens, nail polish, Nail polishes, Nail Tattoo, Nail trends, Nail trends for Spring, Nailpolish, Nails, Natural looks, Night Out looks, Nudes, Pallets, Pedicures, Review, Sand Polishes, Shimmer, Smoky Eye, Sparkle, Sparkle & Sand Effect, Spring 2014 collection, Spring Colors, Spring Looks, style, tattoo pen, Wet eyeshadow application, White Polish, White polish pens

Product Retails for approximately: $2.49
Finally, an art pen that works as it should! The pen dispenses a beautiful white colored nail polish, which dries quickly. The flow of the polish is steady so you can easily control how much you want. Coverage evens out nicely and you can even do designs, so this pen for your nails is not limited to a French Manicure. I enjoyed using it and was able to get a white perfect tip with ease on my first try.

I found using Essence’s “Give me Nude, Baby (152)” gives you a nice perfect finish and also fills in any voids, for a flawless look. The shimmer is soft so you get a nice day to night look that is classy and different from the typical pinks with white French Manicures. I never thought of buying a pen and usually would “free-style it” but I always goofed on one or two nails and needed a redo. No errors means I can finish quicker and no awkward moments while trying to take off the polish of the nails you error on, while keeping the ones you are happy with untouched.

Connect with Essence and their entire beauty collections at:

I received the above product free of charge from Essence. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
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