Charming Tuesday: A Beauty Favorite

Charming Tuesday Product Of The Week: SHAMPOO

Samantha’s Must-Have:

I just recently started using a new shampoo – Aveeno for dry or damaged hair. This was my first time using Aveeno in general, but I had been seeing some pretty great reviews for it online and from friends, so I figured I would give it a whirl. And I’m glad! I think this is my favorite shampoo I’ve used – ever. It smells fabulous, it makes my hair look and feel good, and it really looks like more life is coming back to my very damaged mane. I love how soft it feels and dare I say – shiny? My hair never looks shiny! Really happy with my latest choice, and will be trying the conditioner as well.

 

Sara’s Must-Have:

Over the years, I’ve gone through periods in my life where I have spent a lot of money on hair products- one of them being shampoo. My hair is very fine and often times limp, and I’ve found that a lot of products weigh it down, even though they’re not supposed to. There are two shampoo’s that I purchase on a pretty regular basis. The first one is a generic “cleansing” shampoo that really strips any extra buildup out of my hair, the second one is TRESemme Healthy Volume. I’ve found that this one gives my hair an extra ounce of “oomph” as far as body and volume are concerned, and really helps lock in the moisture.

WHAT IS YOUR MUST-HAVE SHAMPOO? LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW AND LET US KNOW.

Charming Tuesday: A Beauty Favorite

Charming Tuesday Product Of The Week: Perfume

Samantha’s Must-Have:

Just recently I started really getting into perfume. I was never a big in past years, I just would spray some body spray and call it good. I’m not sure how it changed, but now I have seven perfume bottles lining my vanity! My favorite lately has been Bombshell from Victoria Secret. I love the bottle, and the smell is delicious. I always pick this one for a good night out scent – it’s sexy, feminine, and even a bit glamorous.

 

A runner up is a new favorite I received in a Birchbox – Harvey Prince Yogini. The description says it is supposed to keep you calm, like you’re in a yoga class, and I’ll be – I really am call immediately after I put this on! I love the scent, and I use this on days when I am relaxing at home. It’s not one for a night out, but for a chill night at home, this is my new go-to.

 

 

Sara’s Must-Have:

I used to be a perfume person, but I’ve noticed that I can’t handle the strong smells as easily now as I used to when I was much younger. So now, I usually reach for a body spray of some type because they still get the job done, yet not to where they overpower my senses. My favorite by far is Japanese Cherry Blossom from Bath and Body Works. This scent has it all: it is slightly seductive with its floral scent, yet there are touches of fruit and other types of petals mixed in. This has been my go-to fragrance for a few years now.

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FRAGRANCE? PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO LET US KNOW.

 

Beauty Review: Lip Plumping Shop

When I was asked by the Lip Plumping Shop to review their product for the beauty section on CLP, I jumped at the chance. I use many different lip plumping lip glosses, so I definitely wanted to give this a try. I guess I didn’t quite read the concept behind the Lip Plumping Shop when I said yes, because I was surprised a few weeks later when a pink pump arrived in my mail. A bit taken aback, I was wary to try out the device. Putting something over my lips and suctioning them seemed a bit off to me. But because I had agreed to review the product, I gave it shot. Using the lip glosses provided as well as the device, I used the products as directed for one week. And? Well, I actually did notice results! I was surprised, I’ll admit, but it seems the products do work as they say. I stopped using the products after that one week of use though. I’m not sure how comfortable I feel with the suction on my lips and since I have a fairly full pout anyway, I really don’t need something extreme. I will say I let a girlfriend try it out as well and she loves it, so I guess it probably just depends on your comfort level.  If you do try out this unique  product, I just recommend really reading the instructions first before you use it.

Charming Tuesday: A Beauty Favorite & Giveaway

Charming Tuesday Product Of The Week: Lip Product

Samantha’s Must-Have:

I don’t wear a lot of lipsticks, because I actually realized years ago I have very sensitive lips. Many times after wearing a lipstick I will break out around my lips. Lip gloss and chapstick luckily don’t have the same affect on me, but I still minimize what I put on just in case. One product that I have recently fallen for and am happy to report has yet to cause me to break out is the Jouer Lip Enhancer. I received a sample of this in my November Birchbox, and recently purchased a full-size. I had used lip plumper’s before, but couldn’t get over the sting that would come along with use. The burning and tingling sensation was so bad I quit using them all together. But there is no discomfort with Jouer, and it still gives me a lips a noticeable boost. It also moisturizes the lips and makes them silky soft, and I love the light pink color to it. Just enough color but not overpowering. One of my favorite beauty products!

Sara’s Must-Have:

I am a self-obsessed lip gloss junkie and on most days, I have at least eight in my purse. My go-to brand for lip gloss has always been MAC because I love the color selection and the quality of product … but the MAC Clear LipGlass beats them all hands down. With the perfect amount of shine, this product plump’s lips easily and can be worn by itself, over a colored lip gloss or lip stick, or even just a liner. My preferred method is when it is worn by itself. I have never found another product that works as well, offers a glassy-shine, and hydrates all in one. This is my go-to lip product when dressing up.

 

Now, when dressing down, I am an avid chapstick user. I have one in my purse at all times and also one on my desk at work. I just love having hydrated lips … some people actually think that I may be addicted, but if it’s wrong, then I don’t want to be right. I used to keep things simple and use Aveeno or a basic Blistex on my lips, but a few months ago, Maybelline introduced their new Baby Lips collection. I am obsessed with the hydration that they offer and the subtle selection of colors. My favorites are the clear and calming Peppermint and the pink-hued Cherry Me!

Chick Lit Plus will be giving away one Maybelline Baby Lips color of your choosing. Please leave a comment below and tell us what your all-time favorite lip product is and we will select a winner at random by 6:00AM Friday Morning. Good luck!

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED AND A WINNER HAS BEEN SELECTED. CONGRATS AMY ORVIN! PLEASE CONTACT CHICKLITPLUS@GMAIL.COM WITH YOUR MAILING INFO AND YOUR SELECTED COLOR.

Charming Tuesday: A Beauty Favorite

Chick Lit Plus is kicking off a fabulous new feature called “Charming Tuesday” on our website. Every Tuesday, we will choose a beauty product and narrow down our absolute favorites, often times featuring a giveaway of one (or two) of our beauty “must-have’s”.  So, check back every Tuesday to see which products make the cut.

Charming Tuesday Product Of The Week: Foundation

Samantha’s Must-Have:

My favorite foundation hands down is Almay’s Smart Shade, Smart Balance. I wrote a post on Almay products and highlighted this foundation way back in December of 2009, and it is still a staple in my bag. I remember when I first bought it and squeezed some product into my hand, freaking out because it was white. I didn’t understand that it literally blends into your skin, matching your skin tone perfectly. So not only do not I have to worry about those pesky lines showing, but this foundation also balances your skin so you don’t get oily or dry throughout the day. I absolutely recommend this product!

http://chicklitplus.com/category/chicklitplus/style-fashion-beauty/page/7/

Sara’s Must Have:

Living in Texas, it can be difficult to wear foundation most days because of the extreme heat in the summer. In the past, I have usually used a tinted moisturizer pretty much year round, but during pregnancy,  I felt like I needed a little more coverage than what a tinted moisturizer could offer. So, naturally, since I am a huge fan of Bobbi Brown makeup in general, I thought I would stop in and give them a try. Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed. This foundation did it all- the weightless coverage helped even out my ever changing skin tone, minimized the appearance of pores and blemishes, and helped my super-dry skin stay hydrated. Plus, there is the added benefit of UV protection. I highly recommend this foundation to anyone looking for a smooth applying, never cakey (or dry) foundation for their skin that still provides a natural (almost tinted moisturizer like) feel.

Please leave a comment below telling us what your “must-have” foundation is and stayed tuned for Charming Tuesday next week.

Charming Tuesday: A Beauty Favorite & Giveaway

Chick Lit Plus is kicking off a fabulous new feature called “Charming Tuesday” on our website. Every Tuesday, we will choose a beauty product and narrow down our absolute favorites, often times featuring a giveaway of one (or two) of our beauty “must-have’s”.  So, check back every Tuesday to see which products make the cut.

Charming Tuesday Product Of The Week: Conditioner

Samantha’s Must-Have:

I really found a winner when I bought Herbal Essences None of Your Frizzness Conditioner. I purchased the conditioner separately the first time, but have since bought the shampoo as well and think they are both fabulous. I’ve always been a big fan of Herbal Essences, but this conditioner really had me excited the first time I bought it. It smelled wonderful (though I haven’t run into a HE product that hasn’t) went on easy and really did make my hair frizz free. With so many products out there that boast results that I never see, I was thrilled that this one really worked. I definitely recommend Herbal Essences, and especially None of Your Frizzness if you deal with frizzy hair.

 

Sara’s Must-Have:

I have very, very thin hair … so most of the time, I don’t even use a conditioner because it really weighs my hair down. But, whenever I feel like my hair needs the extra moisture, my go-to conditioner is Aussie’s Moist 3 Minute Miracle. This product has been a long standing favorite of mine for YEARS (and my mom has also used it for as long as I can remember too). Now, what makes the 3 Minute Miracle so…miraculous you ask? Well, in my opinion, it is in the Australian aloe and jojoba oil that it contains. So, if you’ve been swimming in chlorine, dying your hair too frequently, or just need a deep conditioner …. give this bad boy a try! I promise you won’t regret it.

Chick Lit Plus will be giving away one Moist 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner. Please leave a comment below and tell us what your all-time favorite conditioner is and we will select a winner at random by 6:00AM Friday Morning. Good luck!

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED AND A WINNER HAS BEEN SELECTED. CONGRATS AMY ORVIN! PLEASE CONTACT CHICKLITPLUS@GMAIL.COM WITH YOUR MAILING INFO.

Beauty Review: Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Mousse

As much as I complain about my hair (seriously, how many of you have heard me gripe?) there are some good things about it. I’m a lucky one that can wear my stick straight thanks to a great straightener and some fab products, and I can also do the scrunchy/curly look if I skip conditioner. It’s nice to have these choices, and I get a lot of compliments either way, so I like to switch it up. In order to do the scrunch look, I do skip the conditioner like a mentioned, and then I just use a mousse to hold the curls. I have used a Tresemme mousse in the past, and was pretty happy with that. I went through a phase of buying a lot of Herbal Essences products, and also picked up their Body Envy Volumizing Mousse. I’m pretty darn happy with it, and would recommend this product. It doesn’t make my hair feel really heavy like some can do, and it’s not too sticky either. It holds my curls well and even has a nice smell to it. This is something I would buy again!

Rating:

Beauty Review: Pantene Pro-V Flat to Volume Shampoo and Conditioner

We all know my hair is frizzy. I complain about it – a lot – and review a lot of anti-frizz products on here. But I also have another problem – it’s flat! It can be so lifeless no matter how hard I try to bump it up. I decided to try out a shampoo that could possibly help bring some life back to it – and even got the matching conditioner to really give it wham. I chose Pantene Pro-V Flat to Volume. Basically, it says it will inject volume in hair and make me look flawless like their hair models do on TV and in ads. Maybe it didn’t say that last part, but that’s what I was hoping for.

Well, it didn’t really work on normal girl hair. It didn’t make my hair look or feel any worse, but I definitely don’t see any sort of boost in volume. I don’t think I’ll buy this shampoo/conditioner set again either, because I didn’t see the results I wanted.

Rating:

Charming Tuesday: A Beauty Favorite & Giveaway

Chick Lit Plus is kicking off a fabulous new feature called “Charming Tuesday” on our website. Every Tuesday, we will choose a beauty product and narrow down our absolute favorites, often times featuring a giveaway of one (or two) of our beauty “must-have’s”.  So, check back every Tuesday to see which products make the cut.

Charming Tuesday Product Of The Week: Facial Cleanser

Samantha’s Must-Have:

One of my favorite always-have-on-hand cleansers lately is Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue Fresh Cleansing Foam. From the first time I tried this product I knew it was going to be a hit for me. It’s refreshing, doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry or tight, and works. I actually use the moisturizer as well, and picked up the cleanser because I was so impressed with the moisturizer. Though I am known for liking to try different things, I will always have a bottle of this cleanser in my bathroom cabinet.

 

A runner up that I actually just recently started using is Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Cleanser.  I received a sample of this product in my March Birchbox, and became immediately addicted to it. It’s a little on the runny side, but if you apply with a washcloth or round it isn’t so bad. To me it smells like apples, and leaves my skin feeling super smooth. It also really did a great job at clearing up some lingering acne marks. I will be buying the full-sized product from Birchbox.

 

Sara’s Must-Have:

My all time favorite face wash is Origins Checks and Balances. My skin is pretty normal and I’ve never really had issues with acne, but I have noticed that when I do, this face wash cures it all. It is a very gentle, frothy face wash that will leave your skin feeling clean, refreshed, and perfectly hydrated … plus the scent is very fresh and appealing. A plus? My  husband uses it too! The only downside to this product is the cost.

 

My second favorite is Biore Acne Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser. This product has an oil-free formula and helps guard against any acne blemishes, leaving behind fresh, clean skin. One of my favorite things is that the cleanser itself promotes a very “icy” feeling, and it is perfect for those mornings when I have a hard time waking up or right after working out at the gym. Plus, now it has soothing lavender to help calm my skin!

 

Chick Lit Plus will be giving away one Biore Acne Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser. Please leave a comment below and tell us what your all-time favorite face wash is and we will select a winner at random by 6:00AM Friday Morning. Good luck!

Thank you to everyone for participating by this contest is now closed. The Winner is Courtney Turner. Please send an email to chicklitplus@gmail.com with your address!

March Birchbox Review

Once again I’m behind on getting my Birchbox review up. This review is for my March box, which is one of my favorites yet! Some of my must-have beauty products were in here, and I felt like this was my most personalized Birchbox to date.  Sign up to receive your own box and read below for my reviews!

“Birchbox delivers the best products and the best insider secrets, without any fuss. Every month Birchbox members will receive a curated box of luxe beauty samples. Each box will span beauty categories and deliver exciting products that fit into both your day-to-day routine, and into those days when you want to turn up the drama a notch.”

 

1. Color Club Neon Nail Polish – Neon is all the rage in fashion right now. From clothing, shoes, and yes – nail polish – this is the trend to get on board with. The color I got is a greenish turquoise, and I tried this on my toenails first and loved it! The colors in this family also include bubblegum pink, fluorescent orange, purple, electric blue, yellow, and magenta. I would buy more of these!

 

2. Harvey Prince Yogini – The scent is designed to help keep us calm and the stress at bay – like being in a yoga class. I must say, each fragrance I have received from Birchbox is spot on in the description. My first whiff literally made me feel like I was sitting on my yoga mat. It’s hard to describe it, but it truly does smell…calming. I love this product!

 

3. Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Cleanser- I love trying out new cleansers, and this one definitely hit the spot! The scent is just what the name says – juicy – and I could feel it working on my skin. I used it twice a day for four days in a row, and could see an improvement. I would buy this full-sized product.

 

4. Lulu Organics Lavender + Clary Sage Hair Powder- I have been using dry shampoos for the past few months, but haven’t found one that I was a big fan of. Usually they leave my hair feeling gross to the touch and weighing everything down. This powder is a lot lighter, and smells nice in my hair. I would recommend others to give this one a try.

 

5. stila Smoky Eye Shadow – I was introduced to stila products through Birchbox, and they have become one of my favorite brands. I just recently purchased their tinted moisturizer at Ulta, and am loving it. The three pack I received is for the classic smoky eye. It shows clearly what is the base, the lid and the liner, and gives the instructions on how to achieve the smoky eye on your own. Love it!

 

6. Tea Forte skin-smart Teas – I won’t lie – I haven’t tried this yet. I am not a fan of tea, and though I set this on my countertop to make sometime, I just haven’t been able to try it yet. Though the descriptions make them sound pretty awesome – containing “mega-high levels of antioxidants to repair your skin from the inside out,” I just haven’t got around to try them out yet. But I will! Who knows? Maybe this will be the product to change my mind about tea.

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