Swaggable: Belegenza ILLustrious Shampoo & Cleanser #Review

 

I do not receive that many items when it comes to hair products, but so far the Belegenza line makes any room they are in smell so nice and clean. I have never heard of the brand but I always welcome anything new when it comes to hair care. I have very long hair that is a mixture of normal and fine in texture but not flat or thin…..it’s really just too much hair if you ask me. I pick-up static like a balloon would (frizz central) and the only two positives I can find is it does not break easily and so far no grays (yet) 🙂 You know how people have combination skin problems, well I have those too but also combination hair ones. At least I’m consistent!

I have been using Carol’s Daughter products and very happy but I’m always hunting for something different or better.

I read up on Belegenza and their products on-line. Belengenza’s (bel-a-jen’-za) name is made up of two Italian/Latin words, where Bel meaning beauty and Gen for genesis. The company’s website was very informative and they make hair products that fit everyone’s needs. Their products are gentle but effective and very in tune with nature and using natural ingredients.

Belegenza ILLustrious Shampoo & Cleanser: The shampoo is uses natural extracts that are derived from fruit and vegetables. You have anti-aging extracts like Sugarcane, Apple, Green Tea, Nettle, Sage, Rosemary, Comfrey and Rhizome Root. You also have Castor Beans, 3 types of Seaweeds and Vitamin E and Vitamin B6. No wonder it smells so good but the scent remains welcoming, not over perfume-y. The shampoo is also color safe and free of salt and sulfates. Nothing really synthetic or at all damaging to your hair or scalp. So far I really liked their ingredients and they use an Aloe Vera base versus just selling you products that are just mostly water.

Ingredients as listed on their site:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate (Vegetable based) , Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (Coconut based), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Coconut based), Hypnea Musciformis (Hawaiian Seaweed) Extract, Gelidiela Acerosa (Gulfweed Seaweed) Extract, Sargassum Filipendula (Red Mapleweed) Extract, Sorbitol, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate (Coconut based), Glycol Stearate (Vegetable based) , Honey, Secret Salon Ingredient, Silk Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Rhizome/Root Extract, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Pyridoxine HCL-5-Phosphate (Vitamin B6), Panthenol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Sorbic Acid (Rowanberry distillate), Polyquaternium-10 (Cellulose/thickener) , Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium EDTA(Mineral chelator), Citric Acid (Lemon), Phthalate-free fragrance.

Performance: The product lathers up really good and even though I do not have color or chemically treated hair, the shampoo worked wonders. My hair was left feeling clean but not stripped. Very calming scent while you shower and a clean welcoming natural fragrance is left when hair dries. I liked how my hair not only looked but felt. The frizz level was very low and my hair just looks healthier. I tried both a natural (air) drying and then the second time used a blow dryer, again happy with both results.

Price Point: $22.00

I was satisfied and happy with the shampoo and it actually made me curious as to how a more suited for me formula would perform from Belegenza’s line of hair care products.

For more information on the above product or to view the full Belegenza line, please visit:

• On-line- https://belegenza.com/product/illustrious-shampoo-cleanser/?add-to-cart=100
• Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Belegenza
• Twitter- https://twitter.com/Belegenza
• YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/user/Belegenza

 

I received the above product free of charge from Swaggable and Belegenza.  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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Waxelene: All Natural Petroleum Jelly Alternative #Review

I have walked by it so many times, passed the Waxelene on the shelf at Bed, Bath & Beyond….that I think the little buzzing bee on their packaging teases me at this point. Thankfully, Waxelene took pity on me, that or the bee reported me for stalking, but nonetheless……I have my own Waxelene tube now.

What is it?
Waxelene is a blend of Organic Soy oil, Beeswax, Natural Vitamin E oil and Organic Rosemary oil. Pretty simple but sometimes the simplest things are the best.

Let’s talk about the day I receive the tube via mail:

I somehow burned my arm taking a bundt pan out of the oven. I would love to say it was when I was pulling the pan out and the mitt was too short but this was plainly me not paying attention. I was using a toothpick to check for doneness and rested my arm against the pan’s edge. I did not feel it until it was too late, and it left a nice slash shaped mark on my arm. I tried ignoring it, but the burn turned into an itch that hurt when scratched. The following day my scar looked like a cat got the best of me! Being that it was where my skin’s arm is the brightest white in color….I was not only upset by my lack of attention so that I was now sporting this boo-boo, but the scar just stood out. For some reason this burn dehydrated my skin in that area so the scar and surrounding tissue had a nice leather skin pattern…..I went from looking like a cat beat me up to then turning 1% lizard. I finally heard the bee from Waxelene buzzing from the box!

I try it and feel relief and realize I’m at day 5 now from my bundt attack. The itch is no longer there and I look less crusty when the Waxelene is applied. You still see the darkness but I left my lizard-like ways in the past. I shower and notice that my lizard-ness is really openings that are cracks, and bleeding a little. Bundt 1, and Me 0! I continue applying the Waxelene and notice a little goes a long way. No residue or odor left behind and it looks matte when rubbed in. By day 9 I am 0% lizard but have a scar that is lifting. I peel like a snake and underneath is a pinkish colored scar but light in color. I apply for 1 week and a half in total and by the last day, I have a very faint mark that just looks like I leaned against something…..very faint in color and barely visible.

I would love to say this was my first time having an oven “oopsie” but let’s say sometimes things attack….like that jumping salmon fillet when my cookie pan (which I no longer own) decided to jump and twist without even being touched. I thought I was a fish catcher and learned that fish fillet pieces are better left where they land than trying to catch to save who knows what. Wish I had Waxelene then. The tube came with a card that lists dozens of uses like-

For:

• Dry Skin
• Chapped lips
• Anti-Chafe
• Make-Up
• Diapers (for rashes or as a diaper cream)
• After-Shave
• After-Sun
• Eczema
• Dry Spots
• Lengthens Perfume life
• Hair dye (barrier)
• Nail polish (barrier) and also un-stick nail polish bottles
• Tattoos (barrier)
• Pets (from paws to hot spots)
• Stops Rust
• Control wild eyebrows
• and let’s not forget the new one, “Bundt Pan Attacks”.

Waxelene is also Cruelty-free, made in the U.S.A., free of Hydrogenated oils, free of Sulfates, free of Mineral oils and parabens. An all-natural product that is simple and works. Not greasy and colorless, so you are not left with a shiny residue that you spread around. The Waxelene bee is kind and I recommend you pick up a tube today! You never know when pans jump and attack 🙂

Stalk…..I mean visit the Waxelene Bee at:

• On-line- https://waxelene.com/
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/waxelene
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/waxelene

You can also find Waxelene at many retailers like Bed, Bath & Beyond, CVS, Whole Foods to Sprout’s Markets and many more.

I received the above product free of charge from Waxelene.  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.

Epic Blend: Finally a Lip Balm that Works #Review #EpicBlend

I reviewed the hemp products from Epic Blend in the past, which came as part of a beauty box, and the company was kind enough to send me their entire line and then some to share :). Epic Blend has 3 collections to choose from:

• More Moisture Collection– They use seven moisturizers like organic shea butter, organic coconut oils, organic sunflower oil, organic castor oil, organic beeswax and a non-GMO vitamin E. You also have flavors to choose from like grape, green apple, cherry and even unflavored. This line gives your lips that extra punch of moisture without feeling greasy or looking overly shiny. My lips can still breathe and if your lips have damage from chapping or just dry from the wind or the sun, you get rapid repair. I felt the More Moisture collection made up for the times I forget or just plainly neglect protecting my lips. Epic Blend’s More Moisture collection forgives me for being not the best caretaker of my lips and I love not smelling like a medicinal oddity. I used to purchase every product on the market that promised to repair and make my lips healthier, to only just masking the problem while I wore the balm. Epic Blends products don’t do that! Who wants to also smell like you rubbed a muscle ointment on your lips……that’s just not very kissable 🙂

 

• Vegan Collection– Epic Blend makes product to fit everyone’s needs and this line is 100% plant-based and free of beeswax. The base product is candelilla wax, which is a plant (shrub) and the wax is extracted from the leaves and stems. The final product is a very smooth balm that just glides beautifully over your lips. Epic Blend adds organic coconut oil, organic sunflower oil, organic cocoa butter and non-GMO vitamin E. There was no skimping on the quality to meet vegan standards and even though I am not a vegan, I would not pass up this lip balm. The flavors available are Wild Berry and a Pineapple-Mint variety. Your lips are left supple and not only feel wonderful, but are left healthy without a greasy feeling.

 

• Hemp Collection– This is the lip balm that brought me to the party! The one that made Epic Blend a name in our household and the one I touted as the go-to for ending the cycle of chapped lips, dry lips, or if there is anything you dislike about your lips….try Epic Blend. The Hemp Collection by Epic blend uses hemp seed oil, which has antioxidant properties, is super nourishing, and is quickly absorbed by the skin. They round out the formula by using coconut oil, sunflower oil, beeswax, and a non-GMO vitamin E. You get to choose from Vanilla, Mint, Coconut and Citrus Kick. They also make a limited-edition flavors in Banana and Chocolate Rum…..the Choco-Rum as I call it, is just heavenly in scent!

 

Price Point: A 4-Pack of Lip Balms is just $12.00, or $3.49 per flavor.  Your lips are worth it and at $3.49 a stick….it’s for a lip balm that actually works and not only looks great, but feels luxurious.  Give them a try!  They even have a “happy guarantee”, but it’s really impossible to be unhappy with Epic Blend because they stand by their products.  All products are petroleum-free, gluten-free, non-GMO and not tested on animals (cruelty free).

Many lip balms have odd colors (dyes, tints, food/bug based colors, ect.) that is not something a guy wants to use, or a that a gal wants to have to fight off if they want to wear a certain color of lipstick. Epic Blend is free of that, it goes on clear and leaves a natural matte look on your lips. It’s seriously non-reactive, so much so that I use it every time I apply lipstick or gloss as a base. My lips remain protected but because they are healthy and not sucking out the life of whatever I apply, my lipstick and lip glosses last longer. My lips are finally healed and look normal, something I did not think was possible. If I skip a day of use….it’s okay because I have healthy lips that can take it. I never thought I would get off the cycle of needing to smother my lips with creamy and oily concoctions to look normal. I spent so much on what I call “premium broken promises” because my former balms had a hefty price tag and promised to end the dry lips I had but all they barely did was mask it. My lips peeled and just were left unhealthy. I disposed of all my balms and I only have Epic Blend now! I highly recommend using any of their lip balms because I would have just overlooked them and would have missed out on being happy with my lips. Have Happy Lips with Epic Blend and you will not be disappointed with the results!

Pick-up one or several flavors of Epic Blend at:

• On-line- http://www.epicblend.com/
• FaceBook- https://www.facebook.com/epicblend
• Twitter- https://twitter.com/epicblend
• Instagram- http://instagram.com/epicblend
• #EpicBlend

I received the above product free of charge from Epic Blend.  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.

BeautyBox5: Monthly Subscription Beauty Box 5 Review ; Beauty in a Box

I have been interested in subscription box programs and have committed to some from Allure and especially their seasonal (quarterly) boxes. I wanted to try something on a smaller scale because that also means a smaller price point, which is welcoming on a monthly basis.

BeautyBox5 costs just $12 and that includes shipping. No surprises or fluctuating price points, just $12! I already love this part because it takes a bit of the fear away from committing.  You also get added perks, like exclusive discounts from the brands featured, so if you like an item….you will be able to purchase it at a special price. That again falls in the “love-it” category!

So let’s get started in opening this already pretty on the outside turquoise colored box…..

Item #1: H2O+ Plus, Spa Sea Lotus Body Wash

I received a generous sample of 1 fluid ounces making this a nice deluxe sized bottle. The scent is Sea Spa Lotus and advertised as uni-sex. I quickly get my guinea pig (hubby) and ask him to test it out with me because very few products come to this house that I can share. The product’s fragrance is strong but welcoming because it has a pleasant scent. I washed my hands and notice as my Husband did, you are left with a nice scent but most of all, you do not lose your skin’s moisture like you do with hand soaps. Lathers up nicely and no film is felt on the body and hands. Definitely an item I would purchase and the standard bottle from H2O Plus, retails for just $17.00 for a 12.5 fluid ounce size.

• Visit H20 Plus at- http://www.h2oplus.com #h2oplususa

Item #2: Nubar Cuticle & Nail Oil

Included is a green colored bottle measuring 0.25 ounces and you know nail and cuticle oils tend to go far. I am glad I received this because I am not happy with my current brand. I tend to dehydrate my nails by using acetone to remove those glitter based polishes and my cuticles…….well, I pretend I don’t have any so I do not have to address their issues 🙂 My denial is not working out. Now even sleeping with lotion drenched hands in cotton gloves is not fixing my dilemma overnight. I also have been informed that sleeping with a “mime” is not something my husband appreciates. At-home manicures are something I do not want to skimp on and especially after Santa brought me so many nail polishes, so I give Nubar a try. The elixir is advertised as having Jojoba oil, Vitamins A, D and E, so I am liking the natural approach already. My green colored bottle is labeled as Green Apple and you get a very faint smell of the fruit, but mostly the oil just smells clean/fresh. The brush is on the stiff side, which is smart because I can apply oil to target areas without wasting or making a mess. The oil is thin but stays where you apply, no dripping off or travelling anywhere. I treat both my cuticle and nails by just applying small amounts and I like that the brush does not even waste a drop when it travels from the bottle to my nail, and back and forth….sort of makes me wonder how easy this is and why I did not do it sooner. One of the reasons has been that my former oil was messy and left a residue on my actual nail. Nubar has more than just oils and gorgeous nail colors, so I definitely added them to the “buy list” because I’m loving this cuticle and nail oil! A 0.5 fluid ounce bottle retails for $10.00 and they have other scents like Vanilla, Passion Fruit & Grape.

• Visit Nubar at- http://www.bunubar.com #bynubar

Item #3: Swissco Bath and Body Shower Exfoliating Gloves

These are pink in color so I can’t be called a mime in the shower! The gloves are easy on the skin while making the job of removing dead skin cells a breeze. I love that you can target areas like the ankles easily and because my fingers curve better than my shower poof, I can exfoliate between my toes!!! They also stay on and I find I use less shower gel than I did with the mesh poof, so I waste less! I make sure to rinse them off well, hang them, and they are dry and ready to use the next time I shower. Swissco, has so many products from these gloves to beauty items so get ready to spend some time on their site. I also like the price point of just $5.00 for a pair.

• Visit Swissco at- http://www.swisscollc.com #swisscollc

Item #4: Jergens Daily Moisturizer

Jergens is a brand that we always have in the home from their body moisturizers to their specialty lines, like products for dry skin to target areas like hands and feet. Included was a 1 fluid ounce bottle of their Daily Moisture lotion for dry skin. My skin tends to not retain moisture in the colder months, so I go through lotion quicker and especially if it’s not formulated to fit my needs. I used the Jergens Daily Moisture and found the formula lasted very close to the 24-hour hydration they advertise. The moisturizer soothed my skin and calmed irritations well after shaving, plus it costs less than my current brand. The scent is light and undetectable once applied and this bottle is the perfect size to have by the sink. Jergens retails the lotion at $6.99 for a 21 fluid ounce bottle. Add a coupon and you are golden!

• Talking about coupons, get a $1.00 off here- http://www.jergens.com/promotions/default.aspx
• Visit Jergens at- http://www.jergens.com #jergensus

Item #5: Epic Blend Hemp Coconut Lip Balm

I love coconut and I have owned hemp based products in the past but have never tried a lip balm. First, I must share that when I opened it, the balm smells like coconut but not the type they use like in car fresheners…..real coconut. I wanted to bite it! Now that I got that part out of my system and I applied the lip balm, it goes on silky and smooth and yes, I smell that coco-licious scent that is heavenly. I would say I miss the sun if I did not live in California! The product covers well but feels light, so you do not feel like your lips can’t breathe. It works and nicely moisturized my lips and when it wore down, my lips remained soft and replenished. Epic Blend labels this as an organic balm and that’s important with all the unhealthy stuff we tend to put on our lips for beauty’s sake. It’s nice to be able to treat my lips nice for once! It get’s better, petroleum free, non-GMO, gluten free and they are even kind to bunny rabbits…..not tested on animals. The product retails at a friendly price too of $3.99 for .15 ounces of balm.

• Save here- By using Code BB5 before 03/31/2014, to get 25% off sitewide
• Visit Epic Blends at- http://www.epicblend.com #epicblend

**Bonus** Item #6: That Awkward Moment Compact Mirror

I know I said 5 items but then BeautyBox5 added more so I am not complaining!  The compact encourages you to check out the movie trailer for, That Awkward Moment Movie.

• Movie Trailer- http://www.thatawkwardmomentmovie.tumblr.com

I highly recommend BeautyBox5 because I rarely find subscription boxes a positive experience when it comes to item selections, but you can see that this one not only included new products, but products that work well.  Yes, I have lip balms, lotions and nail products but I can say that I found new items to buy because they performed better than what I currently use.  BeautyBox5, helps broadens your brand experience because tunnel vision with anything is not such a good thing to have, so give them a try today!  It’s just $12.00 and that includes shipping….no funny stuff with them!

Connect and Subscribe with BeautyBox5 at:

• On-line: http://www.beautybox5.com/
• Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/BeautyBox5
• Twitter- https://twitter.com/BeautyBox5
• Pinterest-  http://www.pinterest.com/beautybox5/
• YouTube- http://www.youtube.com/beautybox5

I received the above product free of charge from BeautyBox5.  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.