More on skincare...

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So, I just wanted to update you guys on my "everyday" skincare routine.  Well, basically fill you in on the products I use.  I use the word "routine" loosely, as I won't even pretend like I have some day and night time ritual that I follow religiously.  I don't.  If follow it about 75% of the time, I'm happy.



Anyway, the picture above basically what I use on my skin on a daily (or almost daily) basis.  I'm all out of the face wash that I've been using the most recently, which is this one.  So, I've been using a liquid African black soap that I'd gotten at my local health food store.  I use the facial cleanser with my Clariasonic Mia 2 once or twice a day.  After cleansing my face, I use this Valentia Even Glow Vitamin C serum that was sent to me months ago to try.  This serum is suppose to even skin tone, increase glow & radiance, and reduce fine lines.  I can't attribute all my skin improvements on this Valentia serum, but I can say that it has done well as part of my line up.  So, after the serum, I apply a moisturizer to my face, neck, and decolletage.  At night, I apply the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair moisturizer--of which I can't rave enough about.  This stuff works WONDERS!  Seriously, if you're over 30 years old and are not using a moisturizer at night that contains retinol, you are doing a disservice to yourself.  It totally makes the skin look younger, gives it a glow and definitely reduces fine lines and wrinkles.  This is the one product that I do make sure to use almost every night.  Now, in the mornings after cleansing my face, I moisturize with the Neutrogena Oil-Free moisturizer that has SPF 35.  If you do use a moisturizer that contains retinol, it is imperative that you use a moisturizer during the day that has at least an SPF 30.  I won't go into why here.  Just trust me on this.

Non-edited photo.
Oh and I've still been using the Exuviance peel about once every couple weeks.  This has made a big difference in the texture of my skin as well.

So that my friends is my current skincare routine in a nutshell.  Feel free to ask me any questions if you have. Be sure to check out more Valentia products HERE.

Have a great weekend!

This is a sponsored post. Vitamin Serum provided by Valentia.

Exuviance #PeelChallenge

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I get a lot of questions about my skincare regimen. I haven't really shared much, because I hadn't had much of a real regi.  I'm pretty lazy with it actually.  BUT, I've been on a quest to step it up.  I never had skin issues as a teen, nor when I was in my 20's.  Things have been a' changing ever since I crossed that 35 yr mark, however.  I've notice changes in my skin's texture as well being prone to minor breakouts more often.

So when I got the sample Exuviance Performance Peel in the mail, it was perfect timing.  I'd been doing research on light at-home peels and have had a couple sitting in my cart on Amazon for a little while.  I've kept postponing because there are so many to choose from--TCA, glycolic, lactic acid, AHA, etc.  Since I had the Exuviance Performance Peel in hand--I thought "why not?"



I'm not going to go over the details of the peel.  All the information you need is here.  I just want to report back that it works. No lie.  I even had to go buy more for myself, so that I could try it a second time. The sample I'd gotten was only for one application.  All I can say is the second application was the charm for me.  It erased some really fine lines I have on my forehead, and tiny laugh lines. I'm not on needing-botox-level with the fine lines yet, but I'm all for trying to prevent them and prolonging the inevitable for as long as possible.  It is recommended that you use the peel up to twice a week.  I'm using it once a week for now, and will reduced that even more after about a couple more weeks.  I've been having an issue with whitehead breakouts on my forehead recently. They've been totally cleared. 

So, aside from that, I've tried to be more diligent with my skincare regimen and even bought myself a Clarisonic Mia 2 face cleansing brush.  I will be doing a post on that soon as well. 


#peelchallenge Exuviance Performance Peel

I suggest if you are having some minor skin issues, like like acne, blemishes or fine lines--give a gentle at-home peel a try...even if you don't try this one.  Just do your research first.  It has made a big difference for me!

HAPPY MONDAY!


This is a sponsored post. I was provided free samples to review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Holiday Smoky Eye

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Okay, I have to be honest with you guys.  I may seem like a "girl's girl" for the most part....but I'm really kind of not.  Confession: I don't really know how to put on make-up.  I dabble a bit and am able to do what's necessary for me to look nice when stepping out, but really, I have no real skill and I find it a bit intimidating.

I've been slowly making an effort to learn get better, and when I was sent this Studio Gear Smoky Eye Holiday palette, I has happy to have something else to practice with.  This palette truly has everything you need to achieve the perfect smoky eye, and I love how it comes with "instructions" of sorts.  It definitely came in handy!

studio gear smoky eye holiday palette

studio gear smoky eye holiday palette

The end result, I was pretty happy with.  This was my first try.  The camera's flash sort of washed out some of the "smoky-ness" (I promise it was there), but I'm sure the next go 'round I will get it right!  I truly do appreciate the dramatics of a true smoky eye and think it's perfect for those holiday events.  Wish me luck that I get it down pat before I have to step out in my party dress later this month.

By the way, the blush color is PERFECT.  I may make this my go-to blush.

Studio Gear Cosmetics is offering my readers 10% off their purchases by using the discount code: SGHOLIDAY at checkout.  Be sure to take a look at their products at www.StudioGearCosmetics.com.  They have all of your beauty needs! I look forward to reviewing some of their other stuff!

Hope your weekend is going well!


*This is a sponsored post, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Butter Me Up

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Hey guys, I was actually wanting to put up an outfit post today, but a case of the "lazies" got me again.  Instead, just thought I'd do a quick review.



I was in Trader Joe's the other day and while at the checkout counter, I saw this sitting on a shelf.  Hey, the sign said $4.99, so I thought "why not?".  I am a body butter lover, but as many know, all body butters are not created equal.  I usually stick to The Body Shop body butters, but they are quite pricey.



I'm telling you...this is just the same as The Body Shop's coconut body butter.  I kid you not!!  It's wonderful, heavy yet light, and the smell is divine!  And for 5 bucks, I say!!!!  I'm going back to get more today actually.  You never really know what items will stick around at TJ's, so I say go get'em while they're hot.

*NikG*

Purty Persimmon

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I got a few questions regarding my last style post asking me what lip color I was wearing.  Not one to spend a bunch of money on make-up I hardly wear, I'm happy to tell you guys that it was Wet n' Wild Mega Last Lip Color in "Purty Persimmon".  It's a lovely bright orange-y red--more orange than red to me in real life than is showing in these pictures.



These Mega Last Lip Colors only cost $1.99 at your local drugstore.  I really like this line, and they have several nice colors to choose from.  It's very matte (and dry), but that's what gives its "lasting" capabilities.  So, make sure you use a lip balm prior so your lips won't look dry and cracked.


 The color actually goes on heavier than what you see above.  I had blotted a lot of it off.  Anyway, I have a couple other colors in my stash as well.  I'm sold on them!

Have a great one!

P.S.  You've asked and you shall receive!  I plan to do a skincare post soon.  As I'm getting older, I've definitely had to step it up, so stay tuned for that.





New Favorite Thing...

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So I want to do a quick post on my latest "favorite thing".  It is probably nothing new to most of you, but I can't help that I'm almost never the first to arrive at the party. haha  Anyway, I am crazy excited about Ulta's Red Carpet Manicure Kit!  As I've mentioned in other posts, I use to wear acrylic nails.  I stopped wearing them ages ago because I just never felt like had the time to go get them done and then keep up a regular schedule to get them filled in.  I guess that's just what mommy-hood does to you.  When I do have free time, the last thing I want to do is sit in a nail shop.  *hands back my girly-girl card*  Now pedicures are another story.  I can get my toes "did" and maintain them myself for a while, but nails--(fake) nails are a commitment.  So I broke up with them.

I started exploring other ways to keep my nails looking nice.  Of course, I could just polish them, though I don't know about you, but regular nail polish only lasts like 2 days (if that) on my natural nails.  I tried the nail polish "stickers" by Sally Hansen and KISS.  The SH brand would actually chip by day 2 or 3.  The KISS were heavier and I got them to last a week, but the colors/prints were a bit "out there".



So I'd been hearing about the (fairly) new rage, gel manicures from people I know getting them done at salons.  It peaked my interest, but again, I'm not a regular-go-to-any-salon kind of girl.  After some research, I found out about Ulta's Red Carpet Manicure kits.  Well I finally got around to buying it, and all I can say is....WOW.  I'm sold!  I love it!!


I've done 2 "manicures" myself, and all I can say is that I would not care if this polish only lasted 3 days.  The no drying time alone is totally worth it to me.  Before you get alarmed, the polish lasts longer than 3 days.  I've gotten over a week worth of wear.  Keep in mind, there are little tricks and tips to doing these gel manicures just right to maximize the "wear time" on them.  Just do a search on YouTube, there is plenty of information and tutorials there.  It only takes me like 30 minutes to do, if that, and let me repeat:  NO DRYING TIME.


The kit comes with all of the supplies you need as well as an LED nail light.  Oh, and it costs 80 bucks.  I'd happened to have a 20% off coupon code when I bought it, so I got it for a bit less.  I used that savings to buy another polish color to come along with it.  They have lots of colors!  The kit comes with a red color (shown in the pics) called "Red Carpet Ready".



The photo above is from Saturday night, day 3 of the nails!

Overall, I definitely think this kit was worth the money.  I am one happy girl!  You can get the kit HERE.




"We wear the mask..." ~Paul Laurence Dunbar

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Nope, you're not seeing a ghost...and no, I'm not toying with the idea to become a mime!  This is me trying out this facial mask that I picked up at my local CVS.  The brand is Montagne Jennesse and they come in an assortment of "flavors".  I found these on Amazon.com as well, but at a higher price.  In the store one packet cost me only $1.99.  While shopping, these little guys caught my eye and after looking at the ingredients--I decided to give it a try.  This particular one is Aloe Vera & Willow, but it's base is clay, including illite (Mediterranean clay), bentonite and kaolin clays.  Other things that stood out to me were green tea leaf extract, Dead Sea salt and ginseng root extract, among other natural ingredients.

Let me just say, I'm glad that I took pictures of the clay mask when I did (it was still wet), because once that baby dried--I couldn't move my face at all!! haha  I felt a slight tingling sensation as well.  After about 15 minutes, I rinsed it off and I have to say my face felt so FRESH and TIGHT.  I'm assuming that may mean that it shrunk my pores a bit which is always a good thing.  Now I can't wait to try some of the others flavors!  My skin feels amazing!

This is definitely Nik-Approved!  Go check out your local drugstores and see if they carry these. At $1.99, what's to lose?

P.S. I may even look for a mask that is not in single servings as $1.99 could eventually add up over time if used regularly.  I'll let you guys know when I find a winner.

Beauty Buff: Revlon Custom Creations

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Let me start off by saying, I am NO make-up guru and don't "do" a full face very often, but when the situation calls for it, I will wear a little foundation with some mascara, a little blush, etc. I've always prided myself on being a "natural" beauty, but there comes a time (and age) that every woman should learn a little bit about make-up and how to enhance what she has. Plus, no matter how "natural" of a beauty you are, make-up gives a polished and sophisticated look that is a must when the occasion calls for it. Contrary to what you see on YouTube and other sites on the net, you don't have to spend a ton of money on make-up, either. There are plenty of drugstore brands that do the job just as well. Which leads me to my current favorite foundation: Revlon Custom Creations Foundation...



I use the Custom Creations in 060 Deep.  What I like about this foundation is that it works great by giving a nice light coverage.  What makes this product one of "my favorite things", is that it creates "custom" shades.  In the summer, I tend to be outside A LOT, whether it's working out, taking my son to the park or pool, or whatever--I get really tanned.  Instead of having to go out and spend more money on a darker shade of foundation, I just click my Custom Creation to a darker shade.  As autumn and winter come up on us, I'll eventually click back to a lighter shade.  I think this is really convenient and am surprised other make-up companies haven't thought of this.

The only downfall, is that the 060 Deep seems to be the darkest shades that is made in this line.  I consider my skin color to be a light brown shade that gets a darker medium brown during summer, so my only complaint is that Revlon has seemed to have left out my darker skinned sistas.  Maybe if this line gets more popular, they will expand the shades.

Also, I use this foundation to make my own tinted moisturizer.  I basically mix (70/30) of my favorite facial moisturizer with this foundation.  Works great!