Brighten Your Complexion

Since it’s now officially fall (even though with this heat it doesn’t feel like it!), it’s time to repair the damage from the summer and prepare for the colder months! I like for my skin to look and feel good when I don’t have makeup on. There are tons of brightening products in different forms (serums, creams, lotions, etc.) on the market right now and it’s hard to know which one is right for you and which products actually work.

I have been seeing great results from Lotus Moon’s Natural Skin Brightening Complex. Formulated to treat sun-damaged skin and hyperpigmentation, I have noticed that my skin tone has evened out well after using the product for about two months every night.

The price is also very right on this, as it is $44.95 for a 1 oz. bottle. The scent is pretty strong but after a few minutes on my face I can’t smell it anymore (plus the benefits of this outweigh the scent). It has a serum-like texture. I put this on after cleansing and before moisturizer.

Ingredients:

Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Alcohol Denat., Aqua (Distilled Water), Glycerin, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil.

Lotus Moon is an eco-friendly line that is not a gluten free product line. I do not use only gluten free products on my hair and skin.

MAC Lightscapade Mineralize Skinfinish (MSF) Highlighting Powder Review

I have been really into highlighting powders for a while. They are such fun products to use and are so versatile. I missed out on some amazing holiday products last year (Ahem, Laura Mercier Rose Rendezvous and Guerlain Meteorites Cruel Gardenia to name a couple) and I've tried to make up for that.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Lightscapade, described by MAC as "Soft candlelit beige with multi-dimensional shimmer" is a gorgeous highlighting powder. MAC’s MSF powders are one of my favorite makeup products to use. I cannot tell you how excited I was to see that MAC brought this back since I missed out on it before! Lightscapade can help you achieve the perfect day to nighttime glow. Since this is such a light shade, a little touch of highlight here and there really stands out nicely.

MAC’s MSF powders last a long time and you get a great amount of product for the money. A little bit of this powder goes a long way. It retails for $29 for 0.35 oz/10g.

MAC Fix + Review

MAC describes Fix + as "An aqua-spritz of vitamin and minerals, infused with a calm-the-skin blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber, topped off with the fresh, natural, energizing scent of Sugi. Adds radiance, finishes makeup. Spray it on. Skin drinks it up!"

I purchased MAC Fix + before and really didn't think I needed it. Although I enjoyed spraying it over my makeup as it feels and smells nice, I didn't think it was a necessity. I recently repurchased the new travel size to try it out again and realized how much I missed having this. It completely takes away the powdery makeup look and helps my makeup set it into my skin. It is quite pricey as it is an extra step for doing your makeup, but if you purchase the bigger size it will definitely last you a long time as it only takes a few sprays to set. It's really refreshing and I love using it when I travel.

Have you used MAC Fix + spray?

 The 1 fl. oz. size (pictured) retails for $10 and the 3.4 fl. oz. size retails for $20.

Rumor Has It...

According to a department store customer service rep, MAC Lightscapade Mineralize Skinfinish is now a permanent product in their collection! Lightscapade is a "soft candlit beige" highlight powder that was previously launched in prior collections as a limited edition item. Sadly, I never purchased this item in the past, but it's on it's way to me now! My review and swatch will be coming soon. It is currently available online at Nordstrom and Macy's.

Have you heard about Lightscapade MSF becoming a permanent item? Do you like MAC Lightscapade?

Photo Credit: Nordstrom

Treat Your Lips with Jack Black and L'Occitane Lip Balms

For the longest time, my fiancé refused to own any kind of lip balm. I repeatedly told him he didn’t know what he was missing (as I have to have at least two lip products with me at all times!). Then I heard about the infamous Men’s Jack Black Intense Therapy lip balm. I bought him the popular flavor “Natural Mint” and he doesn’t travel anywhere without it.

 

Now, even though this is a “men’s” lip balm, women still love it too. I have tried my fair share of lip balms in a tube and in the last few months have really loved using the Jack Black lip balm, especially the “Lemon & Chamomile” flavor. I also got my sister hooked on this kind!

 

Another one of my favorite lip balms in a tube is L’Occitane Shea Butter lip balm. L’Occitane has some great products, and this is definitely one of them. This not only moisturizes, but seems to soften the texture of your lips as well.

I like using Jack Black lip balm more when I'm out in the sun because it has SPF and the L'Occitane lip balm when I'm inside.

 

The pros of Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm:

·         It has a nice, thick gel consistency which lasts on your lips for a couple hours at a time

·         It has SPF 25

·         It comes in 7 different scents: Original Natural Mint, Lemon & Chamomile, Vanilla & Lavender, Grapefruit & Ginger, Black Tea & Blackberry, Mango & Mandarin, and Shea Butter

 

The cons of Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm:

·         Some of the scents are very strong, so make sure you smell the testers before purchasing

·         I wish the tube was a little bigger, it comes with 0.25 oz

·         You have to purchase at Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, or other department or beauty stores, drugstores do not carry Jack Black

·         It is $7.50 for a tube, but a tube should last a couple of months

 

The pros of L’Occitane Shea Butter Organic Lip Balm:

·         It has a slightly thicker texture than Vaseline

·         Softens and moisturizes lips

·         It comes in a big tube (0.5 oz)

 

The cons of L’Occitane Shea Butter Organic Lip Balm:

·         Currently, the only places I have found that sell this are L’Occitane online and boutiques and Nordstrom

·         I have to reapply after about an hour or two

·         It is $12 for a tube but should last for a long time

 

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow No. 22 Pale Barley Review and Swatches

This was my first Burberry beauty purchase. I had to order this because my local Nordstrom doesn't carry Burberry cosmetics, and I couldn't have been more excited about finally getting it!

The No. 22 Pale Barley sheer eyeshadow comes in beautiful signature Burberry check packaging with a pouch. The case has a mirror and comes with a sponge eyeshadow applicator which is a major plus! This instantly became one of my favorite eyeshadows. The texture is buttery smooth and the color is beautiful on. It reminds me of brown sugar, it's a great every day eye color. The swatch on the left represents more of the true color. It definitely gives a "sheer" wash of color, it is not densely packed with color, but it lasted all day.

Burberry eyeshadows retail for $29 and come in 25 colors. Currently there are also 4 additional eyeshadows in the Fall/Winter collection. All of the colors are beautiful, I will be purchasing more!

Have you tried Burberry eyeshadows? What's your favorite color?

Follow Me on Instagram

 

My username is: Sammercedess

See you on there!

 

Photo Credit: Instagram

 

 

Amy's Gluten and Dairy Free Pizza

My good friend has to go on a trial gluten and dairy free diet. As I have heard of more people having to do this, I will be researching more food options that are free of both gluten and dairy. One thing I did notice at Target (Seriously, is there anything Target doesn't carry now?) is Amy's gluten and dairy free pizza. I have yet to try this.
Has anyone tried it yet? What were your thoughts on it?

5 Reasons to Watch "Bunheads" on ABC Family (If you haven't been already)

1) The name of the show is fun to say and has yet to get old

2) It was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, the creator of the beloved Gilmore Girls

3) The characters are quirky and lovable

4) Michelle (Sutton Foster) has an awkwardness we can all relate to

5) The ballerinas' references and wit are very entertaining

The season finale is next Monday, don't miss out!

Hey guys! I'm sorry I haven't posted in such a long time, I have been busy and graduated with my Bachelor's Degree. I have missed blogging and cannot wait to start again. Expect many more posts to come!

Go See...21 Jump Street

A movie with Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill? I was at the movies Saturday night faster than you could tell me the show times. Turns out, this movie completely delivered. In this 1980's TV show-turned movie remake, Schmidt (Hill) and Jenko (Tatum) are not the most professional cops (who knew it was so important to know the Miranda Rights?), so they are sent to "21 Jump Street" to go undercover to bust a drug ring in high school. Schmidt was a dork in high school and Jenko was a cool jock, but 7 years later, things have changed! From when Schmidt and Jenko make their first "arrest" until the very end, you will be laughing and so shocked that you may be catching yourself from laughing too loud (not that this happened to me). Brie Larson, Dave Franco (Yes, James Franco's little brother!), Ice Cube, and Ellie Kemper are also fun additions to the cast.

Photo Credit: Sony Pictures

Gluten in Cosmetics and Hair Products

After doing further research regarding gluten in hair products and cosmetics, I have learned a few important things since my last post. There have been doctors and gastroenterologists who state that gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin. Many cosmetic and hair product brands also do not clearly state their ingredients on their labels, which makes sense if the gluten in their products won't affect people with an autoimmune disease. There are obvious concerns with lip products, if you lick your lips you can consume the product in small bits at a time, I have written several hair care and cosmetic lines, and about half of the companies respond with clear answers on where their ingredients are derived from.

I also rest completely assured on the subject as I just read an article in Oprah Magazine that a gastroenterologist of the University of California in San Diego said topical products do not affect people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. My mom and I personally have not experienced any issues using hair products, lotions, or cosmetics that contain gluten. So, enjoy your hair products and makeup (except for maybe lip products with gluten) without the hassle of checking the label!

Start the New Year off with a New You

Yoga is not only a relaxing way to get fit, it teaches you balance while incorporating strength and mind exercises. And nothing is better than accomplishing these benefits in the comfort of your own home. I am really enjoying Mandy Ingber's DVD "Yogalosophy" and Ashley Turner's DVD "Element: Power Yoga." Mandy Ingber is Jennifer Aniston's trainer, so we all know she knows the key to looking great (After all, Jen Aniston was named the hottest woman of all time). Her exercises are pretty challenging, but she has a great sense of humor so it eases the burn. Ashley Turner's DVD features more calming exercises, but you definitely feel the strength conditioning she incorporates. I have only been rotating these DVD's the last couple of weeks and am already feeling the difference.

"In Time"

"In Time" puts the phrase, "Time is money," into a literal perspective. Justin Timberlake stars in this science fiction/action movie where time is your currency and if you don't use it wisely, it can run out before you know it. Everyone gets 25 years to live, and once you reach that age, you will look like that forever and you have to earn the time you have left however you have to in order to survive. Will Salas (Justin Timberlake) and his mom (played by Olivia Wilde) live their lives one day at a time, down to bare hours and minutes. When Will gets accused of killing Henry Hamilton (Matthew Bomer), a man who had lived a long life and still had a century left to live, he decides to take on the system that is beyond corrupt. Amanda Seyfried stars as Sylvia Weis, an heiress willing to help Will at any cost. "In Time" makes you appreciate the time you have with the ones you love and may make you rethink what you want to make of it.

Photo credit: 20th Century Fox

Sulfate-free

Now that summer has passed, it's time to get to work on your hair after those hot summer days! L'Oreal has several sulfate-free haircare systems that are reasonably priced. I'm currently loving the "Ever Strong" products. After the first use, I could instantly feel the difference in my hair, and after a month I am a true believer that sulfate-free hair products really do make a difference. My hair now feels well hydrated and the sulfate free products absorbed in my hair more than any other products I have used. If you color your hair, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioners are best so you don't strip your hair and they help you take care of the damage the color does. I suggest using the mask a couple times as a conditioner at first to get a jumpstart on treating your hair. Members at Ulta can use promo code "18593" for 20% off your entire purchase online or in store you can use this coupon.