Review: Freeman Facial Masks

Hi Ladies,

Today I am going to share my Freeman facial mask collection. I have a bunch of different masks from different brands. Some are high end brands and others are drugstore brands. I currently only have 3 different Freeman masks but plan to get more! All of these masks can be found at your local drugstores and are super affordable.

Review: Nume Lustrum

Hi Ladies!

Today I am going to review the Nume Lustrum Curling Wand Set. This set retails for $280.00 on the Nume Site. I purchased this set during a Nume Instadeal on Instagram and only paid $80.00 (plus $12.00 shipping) for it! I was so happy that I waited to get this set. I almost purchased it a few months ago when there was an offer code to get it for $159.00. Good thing I waited! One thing I must note...it took almost a month to receive the product but they took the money out of my account right away. Since I already have a few other curling irons, I didn't mind the wait. Because it took so long to get to me, Nume sent me a free gift to thank my for my patience. The gift was the Nume styling comb which retails for $20.00. The comb helps de-tangle your hair and assist with straightening your hair with an iron. I haven't really used it yet so I can't comment on how it works.

On to the Lustrum....

The Lustrum comes with 5 different barells; 32 mm, 25 mm, 19 mm, Reverse, and Pearl. The heads are interchangeable and lock into place. Along with the barells is a base which is the had piece of the wand. It has an on and off button but no temperature setting. I own 3 Hot Tools curling irons and the Nume gets just as hot and works just as well. It actually heats up in seconds.  It is very light weight compared to my other styling tools. The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't have a little metal clamp that you can pull down to let it rest against instead of putting it on a flat surface.

Review: Real Chemistry*

Hi Ladies!

Today I am going to share with you a skincare line called Real Chemistry. Real Chemistry is a technology based and innovative skincare company that was recently featured in Birchbox. The founder,  Karen Griffin, spent 20 years working in the healthcare industry researching ingredients to help with specific skin conditions. The Real Chemistry line focuses on less harsh ways to exfoliate and products that you can use both alone and with your daily skincare products.

The Real Chemistry line is great for all skin types but also claims to help with a long list of specific skin care issues. Here are the main issues that it is said to improve: dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, fine lines and wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation, Rosacea, and acne. Originally, I was going to test these products out myself. However, since I have no serious skin issues and after reading that this line is supposed to help with Rosacea, I knew that my mom was the perfect candidate. 

My mom has suffered from Rosacea for much of her life. I have noticed that it has got worse over the years. My mom is not the best at taking care of her skin. This was her opportunity to not only learn the importance of skincare, but also improve her skin condition. She was really excited and agreed to try out these products for about 3-4 weeks. I asked her to make sure that she used these products religiously. I also asked her to take detailed notes on her thoughts and opinions of the products. I wanted her to give this product enough time so that we can record before and after results.

Here are before photos of my moms face:

These aren't the best pictures (I can thank my stepdad for that) but as you can see, the Rosacea is mainly focused on her cheeks. She does also have wrinkles on and around her eyes but nothing dramatic. Throughout this review, I will give you a little info on each product as well as my mom's experience with each.

Onto the products:

Daily Serum $92.00

Here is what is said about the serum on the Real Chemistry site:

"Our proprietary MTHV® Complex Daily Serum is a feather-light, protein-rich invisible armor designed to be worn under your everyday skin-care products like moisturizer, foundation, and sun-block.  When used twice daily, the MTHV® Complex Daily Serum assists the body with cellular repair, which promotes the reversal of oxidative stress and damage. Routine use of both MTHV® Complex products will help to diminish dark spots as well as fine lines and wrinkles, enhance the skin’s elasticity, and evens and brightens the complexion."

http://myrealchemistry.com/product/daily-serum/

Here are my mother's thoughts on this daily serum: The daily serum is a liquid formula that is a soft with a little bit of stickiness to it. It soaks right into my skin once applied but takes a minute or so to dry. The serum is very lightweight. When I apply it, my skin turns a little blotchy but I believe it is due to the fact that I have sensitive skin. The redness goes right away after. I really think this serum has improved my skin. I think that it is slowly helping the redness fade from my Rosacea. My face also feels softer than it used to and my cheeks don't feel as dry as they used to.

Luminous 3 Minute Peel $48.00

Luminous 3 Minute Peel Trial Size $5.75

Here is what is said about the peel on the Real Chemistry site:

"The peel is a “Protein Peel”.  It will remove large amounts of excess, dead epidermal cells in seconds.  As the synergistic blend of ingredients is gently massaged into the skin, solids form under the fingertips.  These are a combination of the peel’s protein-binding ingredients and epidermal protein.  99.5% of consumers who tested the product and have experience with dermabrasion and acid peels, reported that the Real Chemistry Luminous 3 Minute Peel was as effective or more effective, but did not irritate the skin like other methods.  This protein peel leaves the skin velvety soft and resurfaced after just one use.  Resurfacing is recommended at least once per week for most skin types."

http://myrealchemistry.com/product/luminous-3-minute-peel/

Here are my mother's thoughts on the peel: When this product is squeezed out of the tube it is a soft texture but once you start to massage the product into your face and neck gritty pieces form. I don't actually see my skin "peeling" but supposedly when you are massaging your face with the product, you are taking off dead skin cells. My face feels really clean after using it. After using this product, my face feels soft and has a shine to it. Its not a greasy shine but more of a healthy glow.

 Environmental Rescue Mask (Box of 3) $68.00/1 Rescue Mask $25.00

Here is what is said about the Enviornmental Rescue Masks on the Real Chemistry site:

"The ingredients in the firming serum infused into the intensive once-a-week fabric mask and daily-use pump, are incredibly unique.  Proteins are the building blocks of life and the foundation of our technology.  Our proprietary MTHV® Complex contains Metallothionein (MT) and Hirudin (HV).  MT is a powerful, organic anti-oxidant “power protein”, which can scavenge oxidative, free radical damage from the surface of the skin.  HV is a natural blood thinner, which when applied topically, thins and disburses red lines under the skin which are actually blood particulates, allowing the body to reabsorb them.  Hirudin can also enhance cellular perfusion and blood flow, assisting with the removal of toxins trapped under the skin.The mask is worn for approximately 20 minutes once per week, optimally immediately following exfoliation using the Real Chemistry Luminous 3 Minute Peel.  

http://myrealchemistry.com/product/environmental-rescue-mask/

Here are my mother's thoughts on the masks: This mask is a fabric/paper mask  saturated in product. I had a bit of an issue working with it since I have never used these types of masks before. I didn't want to get it in my face or eyes and had a little bit of an issue getting it on. You had to leave this on for about 20 minutes. After using this product I massaged it into my skin. My face felt soft after using it.

 Here are after pictures of my mom:

These photos were taken about 4 weeks after using these products. 

Overall, my mom really enjoyed using these products. She said that she can notice a difference in her Rosacea. The redness has faded a bit and she believes with continued use, that it will fade even more. She doesn't expect the redness to completely go away in only a few weeks. She also mentioned that she isn't as oily around her nose anymore. Her favorite product is the Daily Serum and she plans to purchase another bottle once the current one runs out.

* I was sent these  products for review purposes. However, the thoughts and opinions in this post are my own. I am always 100% honest in my reviews for all products discussed on my blog.

Have you tried any products by Real Chemistry? Post your comments below!

Comparison: Too Faced Melted Lipsticks vs L.A. Girl Glazed Lip Paints

Hi Ladies!

Today I am going to do a mini review and a comparison post on the Too Faced Melted Lipsticks and the L.A. Girl Glazed Lip Paints. I have read that the Glazed Lip Paints could be possible dupes for the Melted Lipsticks so I decided to grab some and test them out.

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Candy and Fig $21.00

Candy

This is a hot coral/pink with blue undertones.

Fig

This is a mauve/purple color.

The Melted lipsticks are insanely pigmented. They are super creamy and are very easy to apply. I love the felt tip applicator that the product comes out of. It makes it very easy to apply. These lipsticks apply wet and eventually dry with a matte finish. I do feel that they take a really long time to dry which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I did find that if my hair brushed against my lips, the color did transfer onto my face. That is one thing I didn't like about how long it took to dry. Also, if you eat while wearing this, make sure to check your lips after. The lipstick did transfer to my chin somehow one day while eating lunch lol. I didn't find them really drying on my lips but after eating and drinking, you do need to touch up the edges a bit. This has great wear time. I would say it lasts about 5-6 hours without touch up. If eating it will still last but will fade a bit. The lipstick does leave a stain on your lips afterward. Overall, this is an amazing product and I can't wait to pick up more colors!

L.A. Girl Glazed Lip Paint in Bobmshell, Coy, and Blushing $4.00

Bombshell

This is a fuschia/pink.

Coy

This is a light purple/violet.

Blushing

This is a mauve/purple color with a hint of pink.

I found these products at  Five Below for $3.00 each! They had all the original set of colors but I decided just to pick up these three. Right off the bat, I noticed that these lip paints were way more liquidy that the Melted lipsticks. They are on the watery side but are still very pigmented. They have a slight minty taste/smell to them. I felt that these lip paints were a little harder to get an even application with. I also had a hard time getting a clean and straight line on the edges of my lips. This could be because of the applicator. It is just a slanted plastic tip with a hole in the middle. The lip paints apply glossy and stay that way. They do not dry matte. The wear time is 3-4 hours. I had a bit of an issue with getting these glazes on my teeth as well. Once the paint touches your teeth, it gets all on them. I suggest doing the finger trick where you put your finger in your mouth and make an O with your lips while pulling your finger out. Sounds sexual but it is a good way to get rid of access lipstick/gloss to avoid getting it on your teeth :). Even though I had a few issues with these glazed lip paints, I still really liked them and think that they are worth the price. My favorite color of the 3 is Coy.

Here are swatches of all the lip products and colors above:

L-R: Melted Candy, Melted Fig, Blushing, Coy, and Bombshell

The verdict: I do not think that the L.A. Girl Glazed Lip Paints are dupes for the Melted Lipsticks. Though they both have amazing pigmentation, they are very different in all other aspects.  In terms of colors, some of the shades may be very similar to one another. For example, the Melted Fig and Blushing. They are very similar colors. The Melted Violet and Coy may also be very similar. I have only tried the ones mentioned above so I can't say for sure. Regardless, I highly recommend both products but the Too Faced Melted Lipsticks are most definitely my favorite of the two!

Have you tried either of these products? What are your thoughts on them? Post your comments below!

-Tanya xoxo

What's in My Travel Makeup Bag?

Hi Ladies!

As you all know, I went to Mexico on vacation this summer. I wanted to do a quick post sharing with you which beauty products I brought with me on my trip. I will only be showing the makeup products that I brought. This post would take far to long to add in the skincare and hair products too.

 Face Products:

Urban Decay Primer Potion, Rimmel Stay Matte Primer, Rimmel BB Cream in Medium/Dark, BB Cream in Medium, Matte BB Cream in Medium, Nyx HD Photogenic Concealer in Beige, Nyx Dark Circle Concealer, and MAC Paint Pot in Painterly.

Th reason I brought so many BB Creams is because I knew the my skin tone was not going to be the same when I first got to Mexico and the day I left. I am so glad that I did this because after one day there, the medium was already too light. 

Face Powders:

 Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder in Bronze 03, Motives 3 in 1 Contour Kit, Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Silky Beige, and bareMineral Loose Powder Foundation in Tan.

Cheek Products:

Milani Baked Blush in Red Vino, Luminoso, Berry Amore, theBalm Hot Mama, and Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Memorable

I obviously didn't NEED all these blushes but I'm pretty sure I used all of the besides the Tarte blush/

Eye Palettes and Shadows:

 Motives Mavens Element Color Box, ColourPop Cosmetics Beach Please Quad, Too Faced A Few of My Favorite Things Palette, and Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette.

I was pretty proud of myself only bringing 4 palette/sets. I have SO MANY shadows and palettes. I actually used every everything that I brought too.

Eye and Brow Products:

 Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara, Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper, Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Zero, Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk, Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl Kajal Liner in Nude, Nika K Liner, Nyx Eye Pencil in Teal, Anastasia Clear Brow Gel and Dipbrow in Auburn.

I used MOST in this picture aside from the two teal eyeliners.We can't forget my eyelash curler!

Lip Products:

Nyx Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Beige and Dolly Pink, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey, Too Faced Melted Lipstick in Melted Candy, Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon in Sucre, Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick Duos in Violet/Palomino and Lychee/Musk, Bite Beauty Luminious Cream Lipstick in Granache, Nyx Butter Lipstick in Hunk and Pops, Nyx Xtreme Lip Cream in Natural, Rimmel Kate Matte Finish in 104 and 109, MAC Rebel, Kinda Sexy, and So Chaud, Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquer in Big Bang and Celestial, and Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Lines in East End Snob, Clear, Red Diva, and Innocent.

Last but not least, my favorite, lip products! Of course I went overboard packing these. We all know how many that I carry around on a regular basis.I actually emptied out my purse and narrowed them down before my trip. I think I did a pretty good job CONSIDERING my obsession. I clearly didn't wear all of the lip products from above. The ones that I remember wearing are the Revlon Just Bitten, Bite Beauty in Sucre, Violet, and Granache, MAC So Chaud, and Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquer in Celestial. I can't remember the rest.

Anyways, I hope that you enjoyed this post!

Do you think I went overboard with my makeup packing? Or did I do good? Post your comments below!

-Tanya xoxo

Blog and Tweet Odyssey Cruise and Boston Bloggers Summer Soiree

Hi Ladies!
I have a new type of post to share with you! I recently attended my first blogger events and I wanted to share them with you. As you know, fellow beauty blogger El from The Beauty Isle is also from Boston. We have become great friends though blogging and she has attended quite a few local events. She has asked me to go to events in the past and I talked myself out of it. I finally worked up the courage to go to one with her.

The first event that I attended was hosted by Blog and Tweet Boston. El got a special invitation to come for a special blogger cruise on the Odyssey Boston. Only 12 bloggers were invited to this event. They were allowed to bring a guest with them. El was nice enough to ask me to join her.

August Favorites

Hi Ladies!
I can't believe its already time from another monthly favorites post! Sadly, this summer flew by but I am looking forward to the fall season ahead of us. I tried out a TON of new products this month. I actually liked a lot of them which made picking my favorites for this month kind of hard.

After narrowing it down, here are my favorite products for August: