Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from Evian Spray via BrandBacker & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.

When you think of Evian, chances are you think about natural mineral water in bottles to drink. Particularly since Evian's natural mineral water, which is known for its journey that starts as rain and snow high atop the French Alps after which it filters for over 15 years through glacial rock and sand to a deep underground catchment just outside the town of Evian-Les-Bains, France, seems to have been around forever. So it may take you by surprise (or it may not) when I tell you that Evian also makes a facial spray from their natural mineral water. 

Evian Facial Spray was originally introduced in France in 1962 at the request of doctors for use on burn patients. It was the first facial water spray in France and was introduced as the first facial spray in the United States in 1978.

This dermatologically tested and hypo-allergenic facial spray is by far the most refreshing thing I have ever applied to my face. The Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray is made of pure, soft, natural mineral water with a totally unique mineral balance, and contains a neutral 7.2pH; making it extremely compatible with the human body. This spray is suited to all skin types, even those with the most sensitive skin can use it. 

Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray can be used in several ways. In the morning and evening, after cleansing to remove excess cleanser and harmful tap water, (wait a few moments and pat excess dry before applying moisturizer to seal in the added hydration), to help set your makeup, (hold the can twelve inches from the face and spray for 2-3 seconds in a circular motion for a lighter mist - doing this will allow the skin to be rehydrated and refreshed without removing makeup and also helps improve the performance of all color cosmetics), after shaving as a replacement for toners or after-shave lotions, after sports or working out (my favorite way to cool down!) & after swimming to help remove ocean salt or pool chlorine. It's even safe for use on babies bottoms (it is pure water after all). And the 1.7oz. container is TSA approved for air travel! 

 

I have to say that I never would have thought that I would love a product like this as much as I do. Particularly this one because it is genuinely pure. It's just what I need after a great workout to help cool down & it's one of the first things I go for after I wake up in the morning. And I really have noticed a difference when I "set" my makeup (even though I don't really do my makeup very often).

Keep up with the latest from Evian Spray on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest & Instagram. 

 

Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Vitamin C Facial Toner & Eye Gel from InstaNatural

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from InstaNatural via BrandBacker & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.

InstaNatural is quickly becoming one of my favorite beauty lines. I've had the pleasure of trying several of their products & none of them have managed to disappoint. Actually, quite a few (if not most), have already replaced my usual brands. 

InstaNatural offers a range of beauty products focused on using natural & organic ingredients. 

This Hyaluronic Acid Serum can be used twice daily after using a toner (if applicable).

 

 Premium Hydration Hyaluronic Acid Serum

I've raved about my love of Hyaluronic Acid in the past, but this serum takes my love affair to a whole new level! Hyaluronic Acid works wonders on your skin. It is used for moisturization (it can sustain up to 1,000 times its weight in water), as well as protecting your skin from harmful UV rays and to help reverse the look of aging by strengthening & firming your skin. 

I've been using this for a short while now & I've noticed some big changes. Most notably on a few patches where my skin tends to dry out much easier in the winter months. Usually I can put the red blotches that eventually appear from having itchy, flaky skin, at bay for a few weeks, but they always appear eventually. But since I've been using this Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Green Tea, Vitamin C & Jojoba Oil; my skin has been amazingly hydrated! 

 

Cleanse face & them lightly spray Vitamin C Toner, allowing to dry before applying moisturizers & serums.

Pore Tightening Vitamin C Facial Toner

This all-in-one hydrator is leaves your skin feeling refreshed like non other! Each pump helps to neutralize free radicals & neutralize the skin (Vitamin C), purify oily skin & tighten pores (Witch Hazel). Better yet, that a toner will actually allow your skin to absorb moisturizers & serums more effectively. 
 

I was never really big on toners for some reason, but now I couldn't imagine my beauty routine without one. I think that's mostly because this particular one is in a bottle with a spray pump, vs. one without. And the scent, although slightly orange-y, is also mixed with the antibacterial scent of Tea Tree Oil (one of my favorites!). Let's not forget that it really does help my skin absorb moisturizers & serums, reaping the full benefits. 

For optimum results, use twice daily.

Youth Express Eye Gel

  Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Plant Stem Cells, Peptide Complex & Matrixyl 3000; this clear gel helps to dramatically enhance the tone of your skin surrounding your eye. 

Not only am I a fan of how cool the gel feels when I apply it around my eye area, but I'm also a fan of the brighter tone I have around my eyes. I used to always have a darkness, mostly underneath my eyes, but in the couple weeks that I've been using this, the area seems to have lightened up. It's also made a difference in the crow's feet that were just starting to settle in, by making my eyes appear more firm & plump. 

All InstaNatural products come with a 100% LIFETIME SATISFACTION money back guarantee! Not to mention FREE STANDARD SHIPPING on all orders over $25! 

  

Keep up with the latest from InstaNatural on Facebook, Twitter & Google+. 

Youth Express Eye Serum from InstaNatural

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from InstaNatural via BrandBacker & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.

I have been noticing something different when I have my picture taken lately...my eyes. They always had what I called "smile lines" underneath (my mom always told me I smiled with my eyes too, which meant that it was sincere). But now they're more like "smile puffs" since I've hit the big 'ole 33. As if I wasn't a fan of having my picture taken in the first place. 

So what's a girl to do aside from dodge every oncoming camera shot she can see coming her way? 

 " Our serum contains an advanced Peptide Complex - along with Plant Stem Cells, Matrixyl 3000, Astaxanthin, Kojic Acid, Caffeine, Passionflower, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamins C and E - which help to deliver exceptional results to the under eye area, resulting in a decreased appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles and puffiness."

I'll admit that I was taken aback by the orange serum at first, but after noticing it dried clear, I loved it! Why? Because with the orange hue, I could easily see if I was applying it evenly or not. Better yet though, I loved the results! Of course I still had a bit of a puff, but nowhere near what I had just 15 minutes earlier. 

Another aspect I love - it can be used morning and night! Perfect for when I happen to watch a sappy movie, which results in a full on ugly cry, which results in me waking up looking like I got punched in each eye. Now I can wake up looking "normal" (whatever that is), even after an ugly cry. 

The Youth Express Eye Serum is super easy to apply. Simply apply a small amount to your fingertips & gently press in a rolling motion, under each eye - starting at the inner corner & ending at the outer corner. That's it! 

InstaNatural offers a range of beauty products focused on using natural & organic ingredients.

All InstaNatural products come with a 100% LIFETIME SATISFACTION money back guarantee! Not to mention FREE STANDARD SHIPPING on all orders over $25!  

Keep up with the latest from InstaNatural on Facebook, Twitter & Google+. 

Cellulite Cream, Age-Defying Moisturizer and Stretch Mark & Scar Cream from InstaNatural

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from InstaNatural via BrandBacker & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.


Do you ever get that feeling like a company made their products just for you?! That is how I feel about InstaNatural & this particular line-up of products. 

 It didn't take very long for all three of these products to make it into my daily routine! 

Be sure you rub this cream onto dry skin, twice a day, for optimum results.

Premium Enrichment Cellulite Cream


Made with a one-two punch of Caffeine (tones & tightens) & Retinol (repairs & restores), this thick cream seems to work wonders! All while thoroughly moisturizing with the light scent of Cocoa & Shea Butters.

  I've only been using this cream for a little over a week & can already see a difference. It's a subtle one, but it's definitely there. I can't wait to see what the long term use looks like! 

Be sure you rub this cream onto dry skin, twice a day, for optimum results.

Powerful & Nourishing Stretch Mark & Scar Cream

I have to say, that I somehow managed to never get a stretch mark until I had my third child. But I did manage to get plenty of scars from one thing or another, here & there. Which is why I was a bit excited to try this.

 Made with Cocoa Butter, Rosehip Oil, Mango Butter (all for nourishment & packed with antioxidants), Vitamin C, Grape Seed Oil & Evening Primrose Oil (for skin repair & moisturization), this cream has a soothing, light scent. Although I've only been using this for a short time, I have noticed a slight difference with my stretch marks & scars. But the most noticeable difference, is the suppleness of my skin! 

For normal to oily skin, use moisturizer after cleansing & toning, morning and night. For sensitive skin, use only at night.

Youth Express Age-Defying Moisturizer

Made with a combination of MSM (Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane, a naturally occurring compound found in all living creatures), Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Rosehip Oil, Cocoa Butter & Jojoba Oil, this moisturizer does just that. But far better than I've ever tried. 

The best part, aside from evening out your skin which leaves you with a flawless texture & tone, is the fact that you can use it anywhere. Although I do use this particular moisturizer as a facial moisturizer 98% of the time, I also use it where I have those rough dry patches that winter brings me every year. Making this quite the multi-purpose moisturizer! 


InstaNatural offers a range of beauty products focused on using natural & organic ingredients.

All InstaNatural products come with a 100% LIFETIME SATISFACTION money back guarantee! Not to mention FREE STANDARD SHIPPING on all orders over $25!  

Keep up with the latest from InstaNatural on Facebook, Twitter & Google+.

Work It Wednesday: Crave Naturals & a Giveaway

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from Crave Naturals & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.

You might remember me raving about the Whiplash Eyelash Curler or the Precisio Slant Tip Tweezers from Crave Naturals. Both of these products quickly became favorites and my old eyelash curler & tweezers found their way into the trash. And after the arrival of Crave Naturals remaining products, my hair brush & an old mascara wand that I used to separate my lashes followed suit. 

I love the design of this brush!

Glide Thru Detangling Brush 

I may have just chopped my hair into a long angled bob (previously it was past my waist), but that doesn't mean that I'm immune to knots. Furthermore, I have two daughters who try to evade getting their hair brushed as much as possible because they both tend to get knots easily. Well, at least they used to evade me.

I'm used to having to clean out a fair amount of hair after brushing my own. But with this Glide Thru Detangling Brush, there's really not much to clean out aside from a few strands, which I'm going to credit to the design of the brush itself along with the alternating length of the bristles. It's also easy on the scalp, which is why it's so perfect to use on children. 

This brush can be used on all hair types, wet or dry.

Brow & Lash Kit

This kit is everything I need in one when it comes to grooming my brows & lashes. This 4-in-2 kit contains a Lash Perfection Comb & a Duo Ended Masterpiece of an angled brow brush & a spoolie. 

Now I am by no means an expert when it comes to eye makeup, but I am trying to learn. (Better late than never, right?) So it's somewhat nice to know that I've been doing it all wrong all along! The Lash Perfection Comb does wonders to help de-clump my mascara when I put it on, but I had no idea I could use a spoolie on my eyebrows to help soften up the look. 

Mirage Argan Oil

Let me just say that I'd like to know where this Mirage Argan Oil has been all my life! I love the versatility of it since it can be used on my hair, skin & nails. And it even comes with a a dropper along with a spritzer so you can dispense it accordingly. 

I wish I could tell you my favorite way to use this 100% Organic Argan Oil imported from Morocco, but I don't have one. That's because I use it in so many! 

To bring shine to my lackluster hair, I wet my hair, apply roughly a quarter size & let it sit for about ten minutes before washing & conditioning as usual. For those wonderful rough, dry patches I get (mostly on my elbows & ankles), I spritz on a bit of Mirage Argan Oil for some intense hydration. And let's not overlook the fact that my cuticles are in love! 

One lucky winner will receive the Whiplash Eyelash Curler & the Precisio Slant Tip Tweezers from Crave Naturals! 

The giveaway will conclude on at 12:00 a.m. est on Tuesday 12/16/14. Winners will be announced via rafflecopter & in a separate blog post which will be published no later than 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday 12/16/14. Winners will also be notified via email & announced on the Smith and Blessings facebook page. Winners will have 48 hours to submit information, which will then be passed on to Crave Naturals for distribution of product. If 48 hours has lapsed, a new winner will be picked & then will also have 48 hours to submit their information. Smith and Blessings is not responsible for prize shipment.
 *Giveaway open to U.S. residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

All products are available on Amazon. 

   

Keep up with the latest from Crave Naturals on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ & Tumblr.

New Makeup Kits by ONE DIRECTION Kits! & a Giveaway! #makeupby1D #thelookscollection #markwins

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from Makeup by One Direction via BrandBacker & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.


I know when you hear something about One Direction, makeup is definitely not the first thing that comes to your mind. But it should! 

Introducing new makeup from One Directions, just in time for the holidays! 

Liquilights Glow Gloss

These sparkly glosses are definitely my favorites out of the collection. Enriched with natural oils & vitamin E, they do a great job at keeping my lips hydrated, all without leaving a tackiness that most glosses seem to have. And I have to give bonus points for the light vanilla taste.

And if you happen to be in UV black light, this gloss will change before your eyes! 

•Through the Dark - Electric glitter poppy lip gloss that glows to neon red-orange under UV light

•Kiss You - Orange glitter rush lip gloss that glows to neon yellow under UV light

•Taken - Powerhouse glitter pink lip gloss that glows to neon orange under UV light

Rock Me Nail Kit 

Sadly, I'm definitely not a pro when it comes to applying nail color. Add three kids to the mix (which means that I'm always trying to hurry) & my already amateur looking nails could probably pass as being done by my oldest. Which basically means that there are no photos of my painted nails since I still color outside the lines. But I have to tell you that I love how smoothly these nail polishes glide on! 

These quick drying Neon UV Reactive Nail Varnishes come in three colors.

•Happily - UV iced blue glitter

•Moments - UV neon pink

•Diana - UV 3D holographic (my fave!)

The Rock Me Nail Kit also comes with UV reactive glitter! You can lightly sprinkle the glitter over your wet polish for a subtle effect, or go heavy for more sparkle. 

•Kicks - UV snow cone blue glitter

•Not Afraid - UV electrified pink glitter

•Star - UV holo glitter

Electro Glam Mascara

I have to say that this mascara is just not my cup of tea. I'm more of your basic black kind of girl when it comes to my lashes. Although these can double as hair mascara for brightly colored highlights, I haven't gone anywhere lately that I could really rock the look. (Although I'd love to!) But I do have to rave about the clumpless & even application of these heavily pigmented mascaras! 

• Why Don't We Go There - Shock of blue

•Does He Know? - Pinkest of pink

•Story of My Life - Amped canary yellow

Celebrate youth, style & the uninhibited lifestyle of a new generation.

Enter to win a limited edition makeup set by One Direction! 

;

Makeup by One Direction (created by Markwins) is available in Macy's, Dillards, Boscov's, Stage Stores, Beauty Brands and Lord & Taylor.

Keep up with the latest from Makeup by One Direction on Facebook.  

Work It Wednesday: No Fuss Holiday Hairstyles

I don't know about you, but I'm always looking for the best No Fuss Holiday Hairstyles come this time of year. You know, for those couple days where I actually do my hair, but somehow only have five extra minutes to get ready. 

Luckily for you, I've already been scouring Pinterest! 

See this pin!

See this pin!

See this pin!

See this pin!

See this pin!

See this pin!

See this pin!

See this pin!

See this pin!

Which hairstyle is your favorite?

Work it Wednesday: Beauty Hacks You Need to Know

With the holidays fast approaching, women everywhere will be rushing between the office, the mall, home for dinner & out for holiday parties in no time at all. Which leaves less time to make sure you look your best every step of the way. So here are some beauty hacks that you need to know! 

• Use coconut oil as a conditioning hair mask, before washing your hair that looks overly dry. 
• You can also make your own leave-in conditioner by combining 1 part of your favorite conditioner with 3 parts water in a spray bottle. 
• To tame frizzy hair, smooth a bit of hand cream through your tresses. 
• For static, use a dryer sheet. 
• You can use conditioner in place of shaving cream.
• Use coconut oil on a cotton pad to remove makeup.
• Use apple cider vinegar as a toner, especially on your T-zone if you're prone to breakouts. 
• Blot an oily face with a coffee filter.
• If you have the time, steep two tea bags & place them over puffy eyes for 10 min. 
• Apply Vaseline or coconut oil onto rough & dry feet before putting on a pair of socks & going to bed. 
• Have your perfume last by applying it to your "hot zones" - inside your wrist, at the base of your throat, behind your ears, inside your elbows & behind the knees. 
• For fuller looking lips, add a drop of peppermint oil to your favorite lip gloss. 
• Use a dab of lipstick on your cheeks as a cream blush. 
• Create your own gel eyeliner with an eyeliner pencil & a lighter. 
 • Keep your lip color in place by holding a tissue lightly over your lips & dust with some translucent powder.
• Use a white basecoat to make your nail color pop. 
• Last minute mani? Dip your nails in cold water for 2-3 min. to speed the drying time. 
• Instead of taking all the time to remove glitter polish, use some Elmer's glue as a base coat & just peel it all off. 
• Keep your bobby pins in place by spritzing them with some hair spray first & making sure the bumpy side is to your scalp. 

2+1 for Brows from Paula Dorf Cosmetics

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from Paula Dorf Cosmetics via BrandBacker & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.

I'm not a fan of having my picture taken, but when I do, someone always says it - "Where did your eyebrows go?". I never really paid attention to them before, aside from tweezing them. But as my hair is getting darker, my eyebrows seem to be disappearing. At least in pictures. 

When I had the opportunity to try 2+1 for Brows from Paula Dorf Cosmetics, I was both incredibly nervous & excited. The last thing I wanted was to end up on one of those eyebrow fail memes floating around the interwebz. But the thought of trying something different quickly won over. 

I opted for the neutral shade since I'm not quite a blonde anymore, but not a brunette yet either (and definitely not red.) To me, the shades looked a little dark, but palettes always look dark to me. So I took a deep breath, said a little prayer that I wouldn't make myself look like Bobo the clown, dipped the Paula Dorf Brow Brush into the powder colors & then the wax, then carefully applied it to my brow. 

I was amazed at two things. One, it was seriously simple to apply even though I had never done it before. And second, it looked great! The color is just slightly darker, which is noticeable in pictures, but not that far off to the naked eye. I had the hubs take a picture with just one brow to show you. (Sorry for the filter, I forgot about what time it would start getting dark after daylight savings ended & the hubs comes home right around the same time. And I'm awful at selfies. And please overlook the huge bags.)

My brow color lasted for the rest of the day too (& would most likely last all day had I applied it first thing in the morning). Better yet that it came off easily with my regular makeup remover. 

"Paula Dorf Cosmetics is a high quality collection of brushes and color cosmetics. Paula Dorf products are admired as the best in the business by fellow professional makeup artists, celebrities & most importantly, makeup lovers around the world. Our makeup philosophy is to empower women and is captured best in our signature phrase: Become your own makeup artist®."

2+1 for Brows from Paula Dorf Cosmetics (ARV $26), come with two flattering colors (0.07oz ea.) & one light wax (0.017oz). Use the code: BROWBRUSH to receive a free Brow Brush with your purchase. 

Keep up with the latest from Paula Dorf Cosmetics on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest & Instagram.

Work It Wednesday: ENJOY Hair Care & a Giveaway!

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from ENJOY Hair Care & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.


Have you ever noticed how amazing your hair always looks after you leave the salon? It doesn't matter if you just get a trim or the full cut & color, there's always that special manageability to it. Of course your stylist has magical powers that literally breathe new life into your hair (*wink wink*). But the products they use play an important role too. 

I love the star design the bottles make sitting next to each other.

I had the pleasure to try the Luxury Shampoo & Conditioner from ENJOY Hair Care, which is sold only at salons nationwide (check here for a salon near you). The Luxury line is sulfate free, meaning that it lacks the inexpensive chemical that provides extra cleaning power & bubbly lather. But don't let that fool you, the shampoo alone has a rich lather & really gives your hair a deep down clean all the way to the hair follicles. 

Luxury Shampoo

Even from the first time I used this creamy shampoo, I could tell a difference. I did have to get used to not needing as much as other shampoos or else I would end up with a crazy amount of lather. But my hair never felt weighed down, if that makes any sense. But the best part was how clean & moisturized my hair felt - like I just had it washed in the hair bowl at the salon.

Luxury Conditioner

This has to be my favorite conditioner I've ever used. It is a bit thicker as far as the consistency goes, so it took me a bit to figure out how much to apply & where to, on my long locks. But I quickly figured it out & the end result was amazing. My long locks didn't need an extra detangler and were soft & shiny. Not to mention my bad hair days became few & far between. Well, at least the ones where I actually decided to style my hair. 

And as an added bonus, the Luxury Shampoo can double as a great body wash if need be, and the Luxury Conditioner makes an excellent shaving cream. Because we all have those moments when we run out of them in the shower. (And the Luxury line is much nicer than reaching for your hubs body wash or shaving cream.)

Want a little luxury of your own?
  

One lucky winner will receive the Luxury Shampoo & Luxury Conditioner from ENJOY Hair Care.
 

The giveaway will conclude on at 12:00 a.m. est on Thursday 11/13/14. Winners will be announced via rafflecopter & in a separate blog post which will be published no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday 11/13/14. Winners will also be notified via email & announced on the Smith and Blessings facebook page. Winners will have 48 hours to submit information, which will then be passed on to ENJOY Hair Care for distribution of product. If 48 hours has lapsed, a new winner will be picked & then will also have 48 hours to submit their information. Smith and Blessings is not responsible for prize shipment.
 *Giveaway open to U.S. residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Keep up with the latest form ENJOY Hair Care on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest & YouTube.