Author: Lindsay

Brand Spotlight: it Cosmetics

For a while there, my love for it Cosmetics was limited to their concealer (and man… do I love that concealer). But after having a chance to try out some of their other goodies, let’s just say I am hooked on the brand.

Hello Lashes! 5-In-1 Treatment Mascara in Black (first mentioned here) is not only a mascara, but a four other products that all work together for killer lashes. Working as volumizing mascara, conditioning lash primer, lash-enhancing serum, lash tint, and a lash comb/curler, this gives blackest black, full lashes. Developed with plastic surgeons, the formula contains peptides, collagen, proteins, acai, jojoba, green tea, and vitamins A, C, E, and B5. The brush goes after every single lash and I love the Magic Wand detailer tip to get lower and corner lashes.

Vitality Cheek Flush Anti-Aging Powder Blush Stain is also a hybrid product. It is actually a cheek stain in powder formula. As a dry skin sufferer, I love having the hydration of a stain. But powder formulas can be slightly easier to blend. The Radiant in Rose shade has the perfect balance of pink and brown to look sunkissed with a little flush. Goodness like plum oil, cherry oil, hyaluronic acid, pomegranate, seaweed extract, grapeseed, aloe and jojoba work to nourish and improve skin. And it doesn’t stop there. Anti-oxidants (so important in these sunny summer months) like Vitamins A, C, E, Acai, Green Tea and White Tea ward off free-radicals. Did I mention this stuff stays on all day!?

And what’s really got me jazzed is the new IT-O2 Oxygen Liquid Foundation. The formula has that dewy, glowy finish I love and is totally buildable. At the same time, it remains weightless and undetectable on my skin. Drops of Light reflecting pigments to help optically blur away the appearance of imperfections. While you wear it, the active ingredients basically work like they are giving you a facial. Peptides, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen work to provide anti-aging benefits. I’ve been wearing the medium shade lightly applied and I get a tinted moisturizer effect – just enough to even but without covering my summer freckles.

And I can’t resist mentioning that, while I haven’t used them, a makeup artist at a photo shoot was singing praises of it Cosmetics brushes last week. Can’t wait to try them out. Anyone had experience with their tools?

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

NEW: Kate Somerville Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment

Just when I was thinking Kate Somerville couldn’t possibly get any more amazing, she comes out with another dream product. Everything in her product line speaks to some need while still being so well thought out. This time, her Dilo Oil checks the box of being 100% natural and is designed for simply healthier looking skin. Who wouldn’t want that?

Natural oils work to improve hydration and strengthen moisture barrier. I’ve found that I get a glow even though it is so quickly absorbed. Over time, it also can improve find lines and wrinkles and even skin tone. It came in particularly handy on my long plane flights last week. I might have slightly gone over the recommended 1-2 drops but my skin still soaked it up with out looking greasy.

Thanks to a nasty summer cold, I can’t really smell. But as I remember it last week, Dilo oil has a slight but pleasant natural fragrance – almost tropical. And if that hasn’t sold you yet… check out this video by Kate telling her story about discovering this treasured Dilo nut!

You can find Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment at KateSomerville.com.

June Favorites

Wow! Did this month fly by. But, it just happened to be an amazing one. From a surprise trip to a spectacular Birthday to some lovely pool time. Check out some of my favorite things I found on the internet this month here:

If you are reading this in an email or reader, be sure to click through to the full post for the full experience.

Nutrisystem Week 31

This week, I gained 1.0 pound for a total weight loss of 33.6 pounds. Talk about discouraging. But…. I have done a little cheating this week. Let’s just say, I might have fallen off the wagon. I indulged in two sandwiches – big ones. And might have had a pretzel in the airport… whoopsie. But, I did run this week. Either way, I knew something was going to need to change. If I am going to meet my goal of 11 more pounds by the end of July, I had to make an adjustment.

So, for the first time in my 30 weeks on Nutrisytem, I enlisted the help of their counselors. Man, I wish I had earlier! They have live chat, email or phone support if any question or concern arises while you are on the Nutrisystem program. And let me tell you, these guys know their stuff.

First, my counselor pointed out that she thinks I’m not eating enough! She’s said it is possible that I am putting my body into starvation mode. The meals, proteins and carbs on the menu are expertly designed for weight loss… she encouraged me to get them all into my daily diet. So, step 1: Eat More!

Secondly, my counselor pointed out that, because I was running, the “SmartCarb” portion of the program was even more crucial. She encouraged me to add some orange juice into my diet to fuel my workouts. Did she say orange juice??? It is one of my most favorite things! So I am thrilled to have that as a SmartCarb option, especially right before an exercise session.

Lastly, also related to my running, she wasn’t surpised that I had hit a plateau since I had started hitting the pavement. In fact, I met another Nutrisystem member who also experienced this problem. The counselor pointed out that I was gaining muscle and those muscles were also retaining water. I was thrilled that she said most runners push through this plateau after about five weeks – the amount of time I’ve been running.

So, while this week was a gain, I have learned so much. I am excited to hit the grocery store and Nutrisystem meals with great gusto and I still believe I can hit my goal by July 31st!

Check out last week’s Nutrisystem post here.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting Nutrisystem.

Disclosure: As part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem has provided me with complementary meals in exchange for my honest thoughts on the Nutrisystem plan. The opinions expressed in my posts are strictly my own. No other compensation is being given.

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AVON Mega Effects Mascara

Ready to fill your mind with wonder, awe and maybe a little bewilderment? The Internet has been abuzz with the newest mascara launch from Avon. And naturally, I had to know all about it (read: get my paws on one of these monsters).

Don’t be scared, my beauties. Be excited. Once you get the hang of application, you will be smitten with the long-lasting, dense and dramatic lashes. First, a little instruction. Pop open the cover and wiggle the tab to move the brush through the formula. Remove the brush.

I like using the natural shape of the brush to first coat the major/center section of my lashes. I’ve found this helps separate and lift. Then, letting the brush self-adjust, I move to get the inner lashes and outer lashes. What pleases me most is the consistent application of product from root to tip.

My only beef (if you call it a beef) is that this stuff stays on FOREVER. It takes a bit of elbow grease for me to remove. But I love that it stood up to a day at the pool last weekend. The larger amount of product deposited results in a high-volume application. I like combing through mine afterwards for an even more doll-like effect.

This is sure to be an iconic mascara and is definitely worth picking up, especially for 10 bucks! Make sure you get on the waiting list here!

How I Stay Looking Rejuvinated

I’ve been particularly focused on looking rejuvenated lately. While I have been having the time of my life… I do acknowledge that I have just hit the 3-4 birthday. All in all, I have been pretty darn lucky avoiding those dreaded crow’s lines and under eye bags, but I know I need to step up my game if I want to keep it that way. Also, as a sufferer of hypothyroidism, my eyebrows can become a little….well, sparse…. around the outer corners. I am a huge believer in full brows adding a healthy and youthful appearance. Lastly, that bright, even and glowing skin keeps me looking fresh. So, these three winners from ReVive, NeuBrow and Tata Harper are keeping me in business:

NeuBrow by Skin Research Laboratories (of NeuLash fame) delivers that same potent serum that works so well on lashes, but this time to my weakened little brows (okay… they aren’t little or weak, but let’s keep it that way). The serum is powered with Dual-Weight Protein Complex™ and Keratin to nourish brows. Bioengineered polypeptides, a combo of amino acids works to improve shine and strength of existing brows. Biotin helps protect from further damage.

I’ve been focusing applying the formula to the outer ends of my brows twice a day for the past three weeks. And I’ll be darned, I am fuller, shinier and stronger. In fact, I am even finding myself having to tweeze more often. But I will take it!

ReVive Intensité Volumizing Eye Serum is one of those breakthrough products, powered by such cool technology, I just can’t resist touting it. ReVive is known for its Renewal Epidermal Science (RES technology) which works to rejuvnate and volumize delicate eye area. The skin filler works to fill in the “hollows” that can make us look so tired. I love the instant wide awake look this can give in the morning. And the nourishing formula heals and soothes that delicate and dry skin around my eyes.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask has become my go-to treatment when I need to spark up some dull skin. While it works great for those with blemish-prone skin, I’ve found it works well on my drier and hyperpigmented skin as well. Tata’s all-natural approach is loud and clear in this mask with Pomegranate Enzymes, Pink Clay, Willow Bark Extract, Which Hazel, Aloe Vera and Beet extract.

The Willow Bark brightens any dullness I have and adds a rosy blow. The Pink Clay helps clear pores. And you get a great dose of antioxidants, particularly helpful in the summer, with Which Hazel. Just apply and thick layer, wait 15 minutes and voila!