Summer-ize your Skin! // Tree Hut Giveaway!

Today I want to show you why I love Tree Hut, and spoil you guys with another giveaway! I have a few lined up, so make sure to follow my blog via Bloglovin or subscribe to my newsletter. It's easy and you will always be the first to know. Here we go!

Local and organic! 

Each Tree Hut product will do what it says and, as always, their products will be produced in their facility right here in the USA. And most importantly, all Tree Hut products contain Certified Organic Shea Butter to help pamper your skin at home to bring out your natural beauty.

(I was provided with a free product for my review. All opinions are my own. I would never endorse a product I don't like or believe in. If you use links in this post, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full Disclosure) 

Tree Hut sent me two sets of sugar scrub and body butter. I've  had a hard time deciding which one I want to try, and which one to give to one of you! I ended up using this one:

VIDEO: Influenster MegaVoxBox Unboxing

I want to do more videos from now on - and when I received my MEGA VoxBox I won from Influenster, I knew I had to do an unboxing video.... But see for yourself.



If you haven't done already, please subscribe to my channel HERE! (and click the "bell" so you won't miss any new videos.)

Pour Moi Skincare // Giveaway! // Win a BIG Beauty Package - PLUS Sunglasses

A few weeks ago "Pour Moi" sent me three of their products to test. Pour Moi’s Climate-Smart™ skincare effectively counteracts the various climate challenges your skin faces, and restores natural moisture balance and more healthier barrier functions. Consistently. In all places. In all seasons.

(I was provided with a free product for my review. All opinions are my own. I would never endorse a product I don't like or believe in. Full Disclosure) 

Remember, I moved from Germany (kinda like NY state climate) to southern Arkansas (hot & humid almost all year long). So I needed a whole different skin care. I'm using the Tropical Climate line (Day Cream & Night Cream), and the balancer for a few weeks now, and I love it! My face feels fresh and hydrated without the greasiness and heavy feeling of my old skincare.

"Pour Moi" was nice enough to send me another set to raffle off on here! I added a whole bunch of other beauty items, and even a pair of sunglasses to make it a nice giveaway package. So make sure to enter your info in the Rafflecopter on the bottom of this post to be entered in the pot. You can come back daily to earn more entries. Good luck!

I believe in Primping at Leisure and wearing Lipstick

I still get Influenster VoxBoxes every once in a while, and after (probably) YEARS of just getting sample sized things not really worth my time sitting down and blogging about them, lately they are stepping up their game.

A few weeks ago I recieved the LUXE VoxBox (I shared it on Instagram here, here, and here), which was full of wonderful full sized products, and earlier this week I had this one in my mailbox: The Laura Mercier Velour Extreme VoxBox. It came with two lipsticks.

"I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick."

~ Audrey Hepburn

I'm picky when it comes to lipsticks - if they wear off soon or feel heavy/greasy on my lips, I'll not use them. I was sent two shades, "QUEEN" and "RUTHLESS" of the Velour Extreme Matte Lipsticks in the "Laura Mercier VoxBox" from Influenster, and love them! They stay on great! Well - they stay on, but...

The Best Way to Clean your Beauty Blender Sponge

Start with wetting the sponge. Here you have two options. Either hold it under warm water or place it in a bowl of warm water. Whatever you chose, make sure that the sponge is soaked for at least 5 minutes. Don’t use any soap and don’t wait for the water to become muddy.

(If you use links in this post, I may earn a commission. Full Disclosure) 

Spoonge picture by Mrsiraphol - Freepik.com / graphic by me

Black Toothpaste? Yes, Please!

The second I posted a picture of this toothpaste on Instagram, my blogger-buddy Ina (check out her Blog and Instagram, please) commented: "Toothpaste matching the colour of my soul 👹😂" 
Yep, same here, girl!!

I'm trying to avoid chemicals, especially when it comes to cosmetics. Flouride is not the best stuff out there, and we all know that. Or should know it. Then again, as long as there are still people out there drinking "Mountain Dew" and eating "Velveeta", I feel a little on the hopeless side trying to educate anyone in a healthier lifestyle.

Getting Things Straightened Out... My Hair!

I live in southern Arkansas. Pretty close to the border to Louisiana. So if there's one thing we have almost throughout the year, it's humidity. Aka you can't really have nice hair. Frizz alert. I've had a raggedy old hair straightener. Since I've had to leave my good one in Germany when I moved over here (110/220V struggle), I bought one for cheap at TJ MAXX first thing (still being broke from moving across an ocean and stuff). But that thing was ripping out so much hair plus I couldn't set the temperature I wanted.

So I guess you can tell how happy I was when HSI Professional sent me one of their top notch straightening flat irons to review! Here's what all came with it:

Whoop Whoop GIVEAWAY Time! // Win a Black Mask & Starbucks Bucks, Beaches!

Howdy and HAPPY TUESDAY!!

I love the internet. I love blogs. I love funny cat videos. And I love stuff like THIS - I bet we all have seen the videos of "black masks gone wrong". The one below is most definitely my favorite:



I was brave, and tried it myself. You know what? I do not have ANY idea what the hype is all about. I applied the mask, pretty thick, let it dry for about 30-40 minutes, and peeled it off. It does stick a little more to your skin than your average peel-off mask. But it is not as bad as people make it look on the internet. And the cleansing effect is just amazing. I would share a picture of all my ex-blackheads, but I'll spare you.

...yea...had to do the Hitler beard. Sorry. :oD

The mask leaves your skin super smooth, trust me! My friend tried it, and she said the same. She even put it on her man, and he is still alive, so man up everyone!

Ok, I was a little worried though to be honest - I mean, all the videos are pretty ummmmmmmm intimidating. So I decided I will just let 2 readers of my blog be the judge!

Oil-Free Moisturizers that Can Give You Acne-Proof Skin

You may have oily skin that is prone to acne, but that doesn’t mean your skin is safe from dehydration and dryness. It’s actually the opposite; if your skin isn’t moisturized enough, then it gets thirsty. And if the skin gets thirsty, it retaliates by producing even more oil which causes even more breakouts. It’s the vicious circle of acne in which you shouldn’t engage; just feed it water and let it “drink.”

If your skin is overly oily but dry, then you may think that the best solution is to go for an oily moisturizer to feed your skin. However, that may only make things worse; instead of going for an oil-based moisturizer, you might want to go for something water-based – or anything else other than oil. To make your skin acne-proof, you may want to try these moisturizers that everyone seems to love.

1. CONTEXT Oil-Free Daily Moisturizer

Moisturizing properties and a 15 solar protection factor: what else could we ask for? While this does not contain oil per-se, it has something that is just as good and nourishing: shea butter and manuka honey. Instead of “oiling” up your skin, these ingredients will properly hydrate it without making it shiny.

It’s actually the cinnamon extract that prevents the skin from producing an excessive amount of oil. It will keep the complexion nourished while absorbing the “bad oils” so that you won’t go through any more breakouts.

Plus, the moisturizer is reinforced with green tea extract, a powerful antioxidant that will keep your skin safe from free radicals – the very factors that cause acne. It contains vitamins C, A, and E within the formula. So, you have the perfect recipe for an acne-proof skin. Not to mention that the product also fights premature aging.

This is a fantastic moisturizer that will give your skin a natural glow, without having to undergo drastic dermatological treatments.

2. EVE LOM Oil-Free Moisturizer

Product Crushes // GARNIER Micellar Water and MAYBELLINE Primer

First of all: This is not a sponsored post. I just always check out blogs and YouTube when I'm looking for great products, so why not sharing stuff I LOVE on here as well? Maybe someone finds my little review at one point, and likes them as much as I do. Saving you some research aka time.

So here are two of the products I currently can't live without:

"MAYBELLINE Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser" Primer

If you are into makeup/cosmetics you know: You can spend a FORTUNE on primers. I've tried at least five, and none of them were really worth the money. Being a little frustrated and cheap, I gave the "MAYBELLINE Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer" a try, It's a pretty small tube, and it's around $6.
It. Is. Amazing. You only need a tiny tiny bit of it to apply on your face. First it looks and feels like Vaseline the second you get it on your finger. But on your face it dissolves super fast, leaves your skin smooth, and really does erase your pores! This will be my go-to primer from now on. Hands down beats everything in every price segment! Give it a try - nothing to lose! Well - $6. But trust me, you'll love it.

- Blends Well
- Easy To Apply
- Easy To Take-off
- Lightweight
- Natural Looking
- Smooth

"GARNIER SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1" Cleanser & Makeup Remover

Having weird skin (some parts oily, then some parts dry...pimples every now and then...ugh) finding a makeup remover that doesn't completely kill your skin is tough. This product is around $9 and totally worth every cent. "GARNIER SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1" was awarded The Best Cleanser of 2016 by Shape Beauty - and this product deserves it! It really feels like washing your face, no oily residues, just clean skin. If you don't know what micellar water is, here you go:

According to board-certified dermatologist Hadley King of Skinney Medspa, micellar water is made up of micelles (tiny balls of cleansing oil molecules) suspended in soft water. “The idea is that micelles are attracted to dirt and oil, so they are able to draw out impurities without drying out the skin,” she says. Therefore, micellar water can be used as a facial wash, makeup remover and moisturizer all in one.

- Easy To Use
- Effective
- Gentle
- Non-greasy
- Soothing

What are products you can't live without?

 

Sometimes I just can't People...

I worked a lot lately. At my full time job, my blog, and doing the social media management. I don't sleep much... Last week I've had two nights of only 2 hrs of sleep...

After working yesterday (Thanksgiving) as well, I decided to treat myself to something nice today, and ended up at the nail salon to get my nails done for the first time in months. I was just too cheap to do it lately. $35 is a lot of money... But today I really wanted to treat myself to something, get a little pampered and went to the salon I used to go to. 

After waiting for about 40 minutes, it was finally my turn. I picked 2 colors I liked, and then this girl started with my manicure. First of all she started off with a very very bad job cutting the cuticle and getting my nails in shape. 

Then she started putting on the shellac... And I stopped her right away. I picked a purple polish. And what ended up on my nails was Barbie pink. I showed her the sample, told her the number, she went to the shelf, started polishing again - RED!! WTF!! 

And - this happened once more with the contrast color I picked for my ring finger. I picked something black/purple-ish. She started using something green.

At this point I was already very much pissed off. I used to go to this salon twice a month and I was always happy.  But this girl pissed me off. When I told her my nails looked as bad as if I tried to do it myself at home she just said "Oh, you can do your own nails as well?"

NO!!! I can't do shellac at home, but every "paint job" I did on my own looked better and more accurate than what she did!

So I told her to just remove everything she did up to this point, and that I was just ready to leave and VERY unhappy. (Yes, I still tried to use medium nice words and didn't kill anyone. Win!) Honestly, my 15 year old niece would have done a better job.

THEN she wanted to use the this drill machine to remove the polish! At this point I really freaked. Don't you dare removing the polish AND half of my fingernails with that machine! "But with the acetone it takes 10 minutes!". Ummmmmmm sooooooo? 

When I told her I want to leave, she got a little pissed off. OBVIOUSLY started talking bad about me in Vietnamese. Then another lady came to the rescue, and did my nails all over again. 

2 hours of my precious time wasted. Plus mood ruined. Thanks... 

If I ever get my nails done again in this town, I will go to another place... They just pissed me off big time. And I didn't even get a discount.

After the salon I went to the office and got some more work done.

So this was my Friday. Hope yours was better!

 

VoxBox Review: TREsemmé Beauty-Full Volume Collection.

Honestly, I feel a little weird posting this. Somehow EVERYONE out there praises every single product they get for free, especially when it comes from Influenster in a VoxBox.

You know me - you I'm not that way. If I don't like a product, I'll let you know. See here, and here.

So this time I received the

Organic Cosmetics Review: Eternal Youth Exfoliating Scrub by Valentia

After sending me this awesome clay mask not too long ago (check out the review HERE) Valentia hooked me up with another product. This time I received the "Eternal Youth Exfoliating Scrub". Especially during the summer, I love using exfoliating scrubs. This one is good to use on you face and body, which is awesome! But since I've just got another body scrub, I will use this gem on my face only.

Testing the scrub started with a bummer. Well - for me. I really don't like the scent - which is supposedly the scent of white and green tea. I've asked a few friends, and everyone liked it! But it's just not for me. I've used it anyway, and I didn't regret it!

The texture of the scrub is jelly-ish consistency, with visible exfoliating grains. Not too rough! And honestly, while applying it on my face, the scent didn't even bother me anymore. We all use how to use a scrub. Just in case you don't: just grab a scoop full with your hands or a washcloth, rub it in a circular motion around your face, and when you are done, just rinse it off with warm water.

I love the effect the scrub has. It leaves my skin feel really nice and hydrated.

  

Here's what Valentia has to say about their product:

VALENTIA'S ETERNAL YOUTH EXFOLIATING SCRUB is more than just your ordinary beauty scrub. It is rich in natural ingredients that provides hydration and rejuvenates your skin to help keep your face looking young and radiant. Let's have a look at these natural ingredients: 

ALL NATURAL BUTTERS: Specialized moisturizing ingredients including three different types of tropical butters hydrate dry skin, helping to repair signs of aging that leave skin dull and lifeless. Aloe Vera, a nutrient rich plant firms and hydrates skin leaving it feeling smooth and looking luminescent all day long. 

VITAMIN RICH INGREDIENTS: Nourishing vitamins such as A, B1, B2, D and E work to smooth rough and uneven skin, combat the signs of aging and softens skin. Anti-inflammatory properties from white and green tea give skin a smooth, youthful glow. 

REFRESHES & REJUVENATES: Antioxidant-rich green and white tea fights wrinkles, dry skin and other signs of aging, while Jojoba beads gently scrub away dead skin without damaging healthy skin cells. The result is brighter, tighter skin. 

ANTI-AGING PROPERTIES: All of our natural ingredients work together, creating a powerful formula that fights the signs of aging. Obliterating free radicals through a deep cleanse, this scrub will leave skin feeling like new. Dry and sagging skin will be firm and moist so you look your age...or younger! 

REMOVES TOXINS: A gentle scrub releases toxins and free radicals that work to leave skin looking dull, grey, and lifeless. Cleanse and rejuvenate skin regularly to keep it looking vibrant, fresh and youthful. 

Valentia believes in the power of nature and therefore we proudly treat nature with the utmost respect and care. Inside every Valentia product you will find ingredients that are organic, natural, toxin and paraben­free, made using sustainable energy, vegan friendly, animal cruelty free, and made in the USA. 

Our experts have scientifically formulated products that are highly concentrated with only the most potent natural medicines, meaning a little goes a long way. In our firm conviction that everyone deserves self­care and to have access to luxury skincare solutions, we always keep our products priced fairly. 

Enhance your skin care routine today. Treat yourself to Valentia's Eternal Youth Exfoliating Scrub and experience the benefits for yourself.

And now for the obvious disclaimer: "I received these products complimentary from Valentia for testing purposes."

Yep. Free stuff for me to try and then review... because I'm Batman.

 Check out my amazing sponsor:

Fighting Wrinkles & Dark Circles

Let's face it. I'm 33 - about to turn 34 in June. I work a lot, I sit in front of a Monitor a lot. I am outdoors enjoying the sun, a lot. And I laugh a SUPER lot. All this shows around my eyes. I'm noticing those little wrinkles around my eyes, and some mornings, dark circles. Very dark circles. I might be "old", but I'm still trying to have some fun every once in a while, and staying up way to late sure shows the next morning. Especially around my eyes.

So I was happy to get the chance to test the "The Amazing All-Use 3D Eye Lift Eye Cream" by Swissvita. I was testing it for 2 weeks now, and want to share the results with you today.

The use is easy - I mean we all know how to use eye cream, right? I applied the cream (it's actually a GEL) every morning and night after toner, taking a pea-sized amount and applying it onto the skin around my eyes. Tap tap tap with light pressure... or massage gently with finger pulp. Done.

You can definitely feel an instant lift. Which is awesome, especially in the morning! Looking at my before and after pics, I can tell that at least the dark circles disappeared a little. Wrinkle-wise, I am not sure. My wrinkles are not intense enough, yet. Which is a good thing, right??

If you want to give it a try, you can order the cream on Amazon.com. Just click HERE or on the picture below.

Here's what Swissvita has to say about the "The Amazing All-Use 3D Eye Lift Eye Cream"

A YOUNGER-LOOKING YOU: Swissvita Micrite 3D All Use Eye Cream contains ingredients that are backed by many scientific studies. This eye lift eye cream has components known for their revolutionary healing effects. They also help increase collagen levels to keep skin younger-looking.

SAY GOODBYE TO DARK CIRCLES: Periorbital dark circles are common to people who lack sleep or are tired. Age and genetics are also some of the reasons for getting these unsightly shadows under your eyes. No matter, our uniquely formulated product is known for visibly reducing the appearance of dark circles. It brightens and targets signs of fatigue around eyes and diminishes puffiness.

ERASE EYE WRINKLES: Improve skin firmness and elasticity with our high performance eye cream. Contains multiple active ingredients that nourish and heal discolored skin, fine lines and wrinkles. This natural skin tightener enhances your skinÕs biochemical properties, giving you an eye-lifting, youthful effect that makes your skin look younger and healthier.

SAFE TO USE: For your safety, this product adheres to the strictest standards of consumer regulations. This 3D all-use eye cream was made with your utmost safety in mind as it is additive-free, alcohol-free, sulfate-free, fragrance-free and paraben-free. We took out the dangerous chemicals found in many other eye cream products, so you are ensured when applying to your skin.

INTELLIGENT PACKAGING: This product comes in an aluminum sealed package for your protection. Plastic containers are not used to ensure the quality of the product, prevent the risk of product contamination and to maintain the effectiveness of the active ingredients. The container is also tested to withstand high temperature. Easy to use. Just open the cap, squeeze a sufficient amount on your fingers and apply generously on desired areas.

And now for the obvious disclaimer: "I received these products complimentary from Swissvita for testing purposes."
Yep. Free stuff for me to try and then review... because I'm Batman.

 Check out my amazing sponsor:

COVERGIRL VoxBox Review pt.1 // Plumpify Mascara

I was lucky enough to receive the "COVERGIRL" VoxBox from Influenster. Since I use the CoverGirl "Smoothers SPF 21 Tinted Moisturizer BB Cream + Sunscreen" and "CoverGirl Ready, Set Gorgeous Fresh Complexion Powder Foundation" daily, I was exited to give the new products a try.

In my box I found the "Plumpify Mascara", and the "Oh Sugar! Vitamin Infused Lip Balm".

_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Today I want to let you know how I liked the "Plumpify Mascara"

Due to really watery eyes, I usually use waterproof mascara, but I have already checked, and there actually is a waterproof version of it as well. The first thing catching your attention must be the really odd shaped brush. It looks as if it grabs even the tiniest lashes.

Then the first bummer... I opened the mascara, and the smell is overwhelming. It smells REALLY chemical, and not really like anything you want to have right next to your eyes. For review purposes, I put it on anyway (oh the things I do for my lovely readers...)...

BEFORE

AFTER

The brush might look impressive, but it sure needs improvement. It feels as if the actual bottle is not made for the brush. You pull it out, and it"s FULL of mascara. Try to get it back in there... yea... no...
If you take a look at my before/after picture above, you will see it turned out pretty decent.

BUT:

Bottom Line

• I don't want this chemical smell every morning
• If it smells chemical, it must be pretty much chemical, right?
• That brush/bottle hassle... Nope.

And now for the obvious disclaimer: "I received these products complimentary from influenster for testing purposes."
Yep. Free stuff for me to try and then review... because I'm Batman.

Beauty: My daily MakeUp Routine

After posting my Firmoo.com review, a lot of you guys sent me mails, asking me about my pink lipstick:

I don't wear it every day, but I really love it. It's "Wet n Wild", and I found it at Walgreens for $2.00 on sale. It lasts super long! It looked a little bit too intense for my taste while I was still blonde. But now with the darker hair, I LOVE it!

And since now we started talking about makeup, I wanted to share the products I use every day:

I was a little shocked to see all this :oD since I don't consider myself a chick. But here is what I use:

• Manhattan 2 in 1 (Powder & Makeup)
• bronzing powder as blush (essence)
• eyebrow pencil (p2 from Germany... almost gone...)
• eye-shadow (p2) light color and brown or teal -> OR eye-shadow pencil LA Colors 
• waterproof mascara (Jane)
• lipgloss (Jane - various colors depending on the mood)

A huge expat problem for me was: finding new makeup I like. In Germany I was mainly using store-brand stuff, and since the day I started using makeup, "Manhattan" was my go-to brand. Especially the "2 in 1". It is just awesome... And now my last little bit is gone... Even though it says they have a branch in New York City, I can't find this specific makeup anywhere. Not online. Not offline.

So today I've spent a looong time at Walgreens, trying to find something similar. I ended up with the Covergirl "ready set GORGEOUS". The texture felt like my good old Manhattan product, and the color fits my teint very well. I hope, after a couple of days, I will still like it. We will see...

Do you have any awesome makeup suggestions for me? What are your go-to products? 

  Check out my amazing sponsor:

„This commercial isn’t real, neither are society’s standards of beauty.“

Fotoshop by Adobé from Jesse Rosten on Vimeo.

AWESOME!