The "No" Zone...My Eyes + Foxbrim Youthful Radiance Eye Cream

Often, I'm very nervous about putting ANYTHING near my eyes. It's hard enough for me to find makeup that doesn't irritate the tears out of them...let alone finding something that I can slather on them without them getting irritated. It's a twofold problem, though. As much as I want to keep my sensitive eyes happy, I also want rid of bags, discoloration, and wrinkles.

The reaction is especially bad with chemicals. Needless to say, I've looked for the more natural route and was happy to see that Foxbrim's Youthful Radiance Eye Cream contained natural ingredients that my skin (and EYES!) would LOVE. The cream includes:

 + Vitamin C & E
+ Green Tea
+ MSM
+ CoQ10
+ Grapeseed Oil
+ Tamanu Oil

From the moment I put it on (not too close to my eyes), I felt cooling sensations. The discoloration was the first thing that I noticed decreasing. The swelling and puffiness went down within a few minutes, and I was very impressed at the speed of effectiveness! Even if I hadn't seen immediate results, the cream was soothing to the skin under my eyes and helped my makeup to cover better.

I was very impressed with the results of using this cream, and suggest that you check it out if you're prone to sensitive eyes!

I received this product free for my honest opinion. It did not influence my opinion. 

Something TOTALLY New: Organic Deodorant Creme by Bella Naturals

Normally, I'm open to trying a lot of new things, so long as they're within the range of products that I've used before. Facial serums, hair growth vitamins, and conditioners are examples of products that I review pretty regularly. When the opportunity arose to review an organic deodorant creme, I hesitated to apply just because I had never tried a creme deodorant. However, I was really interested in the idea of using an organic deodorant, so I gladly accepted my free product.

When it arrived, the first thing that I noticed was how strong the scent was. If I would change anything about the product, I would have much preferred to have it in a floral or fruity scent. The vanilla mint scent is wonderful, but it's not a common deodorant scent. It's very strong, but I didn't find it any more overwhelming than someone chewing a minty gum.

The deodorant came in a small jar that reminded me of a Carmex jar. It has a screw on lid and easily opens and closes. The product inside is a thick, white creme and has the consistency of melted deodorant (I hope I'm not the only one who's left it in a hot car...), but a little firmer.

The only other thing I would change about this product is to have it easier to get out. Now, it isn't an issue, because my container is full (a little goes a LONG way!). When I've used it more, the level will go down, and I'll have to reach further into the container to get to the product. This will be messy, as I'll have to stick more of my fingers in. I think a push-up bottom in a tube would be a fantastic idea for this product. That would eliminate the mess and getting the deodorant all over consumer's hands.

Once I applied the deodorant, I noticed that it had a cooling sensation. I liked it! :) It went on smoothly and evenly.

At this point I have to add: organic deodorant won't work immediately. Non-organic deodorants clog the pores of your skin, so it takes about a week to detox. For me, personally, I decided to detox over spring break because I knew it could get ugly. After detoxing and exfoliating a few times, I tried the deodorant.

My results: as long as I'm not doing anything extremely strenuous, it works perfectly. On days that I'm not active, I noticed that it did a decent job of keeping me from stinking. However, once I ran, I believe it sweated off, and I became a nasty, stinking, mess.

Typical deodorants keep you from sweating or they use tons of chemicals to mask the scent. The concept of organic deodorant is that it fights the bacteria that is sweated out.

The ingredients listed are: Organic Shea Butter, Organic Arrowroot Powder, (Vegan), Organic Sunflower Oil,  Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Aluminum-Free Baking Soda, Organic Peppermint Essential Oil, Organic Vanilla Extract, Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil

So...as a healthier alternative, I will wear this deodorant anytime I'm not running or at the gym. I know that, ideally, I would go straight organic, but mostly organic with few exceptions is much better than having deodorant on 24/7 that contains aluminum! For those days that I have to get active, I'll look for an aluminum-free alternative with a little more punch. Although I know that this deodorant will have chemicals and unnatural additives, I just can't stand sweating the deodorant off and smelling bad. 

Lalune Naturals Organic Lip Balm Review!

Fun fact: I have issues with dry skin. In the winter, it's AWFUL. Usually, lotions will take care of it for at least a couple of hours. I have found that body butter is the very best thing to stay relieved for long periods of time (12 hours or so). Even when I've taken care of my skin, there's still the problem of my lips. I'm very picky when it comes to my lip balms, and my countertop is to show for it. I've got at least ten lip balms/ChapStiks that I've used once and left because they were too greasy, too medicated, the scent was awful, or worst: they left a terrible taste in my mouth. Another issue I have is balms making my lips look maroon instead of pink. I'm not sure if it's the ingredients or an allergic reaction, but even clear ChapStik makes my lips look darker. I've used all natural lip balms before, but I don't have them anymore. In my world, that means that they were good. That being said, I decided to review a free package of Lalune Naturals' Organic Lip Balm.

When they arrived, I noticed first that the box that they were in was a rough brown cardboard box printed with a simple black label. I LOVE it, from a graphic design standpoint! The flavors, ingredients, brand, and USDA Organic Certification are all clearly marked on the box. When I opened the package, I was pleased to see that each balm scent was marked with a different color. This makes them easy to tell apart. Next, I smelled them. The scents are light and airy without being overwhelming. The undertone of the scent is very earthy and natural. It doesn't smell like chemicals and I LOVE that.

The final, and most difficult test was use. Remember, I'm picky. I decided to use Vanilla Bean first (other scents include Asian Pear, Peppermint, and Raspberry). The balm went on smoothly and easily without any pressure. At first, I felt like the balm was greasy but it VERY quickly began to absorb. As it absorbed, the dry, cracked skin on my lips softened up and now they feel AMAZING! There isn't really a taste to these balms, but the scent is great. It's noticeable, but barely.

 I think the best part is: my lips LOOK healthy! And that problem with having maroon lips that I mentioned before? Not a problem! My lips look plump, pink, and slightly shiny. It's FANTASTIC for use with dramatic eye makeup. I'm VERY satisfied with these balms! They're the BALM (bomb...get it?)!

Cellulite Be Gone! Body Merry's Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream

I've always, always, ALWAYS had a body image issue. I think the problem is deep-rooted in the fact that I was overweight as a kid, and my classmates let me know it. From the time I was in Elementary school, I've struggled with my weight, my skin, my hair, EVERYTHING! And when I say "struggle", I don't mean that I couldn't keep it under control. I mean that no matter how "pretty" whatever aspect was, I still lacked the self-confidence it took to realize that IT DIDN'T MATTER what people were constantly thinking of me.

Flash forward to my first day of college. One of the events on campus was to be a splash party and I knew this a month or so in advance. I. Was. Horrified. I was 17 going into a campus of hundreds of kids my own age and older. To go to this party, I'd have to wear a swimsuit bottom (you KNOW it was the short type!). I immediately ran out to get cellulite cream, as my sister had made a comment about it as I was swimming that summer (thanks, Hailey!). I could NOT let that happen again! I picked up the Equate Cellulite Lotion (Wal-Mart brand) and began using it. It didn't take long for my thighs and arms to start bruising. Yes, BRUISING! I'm not sure what it was in the formula, but my doctor said that the bruising would go away, but I had to STOP using the cream. It had thinned out my skin and veins. On the plus side, nobody saw my cellulite because they were too busy wondering if I'd tell them about Fight Club.

When asked to review a free sample of Body Merry's Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream, I had instant flashbacks to the bruising caused by the other cream I'd tried. I decided that it was worth a shot (I'm over the self-consciousness of cellulite...but hey...it wouldn't hurt to get rid of it!). I decided at the first sign of bruising, I would stop use, and compare the ingredients between the two formulas. Luckily, I never bruised! There are a few other good things about the product, though. For one, it's doesn't stink or smell chemical-y. The formula glides on, doesn't make a mess, and absorbs quickly. Body Merry's products always supply a generous amount, and this cream is no different. A little goes a LONG way for me, so I know this tub will last a long while. The lid is easy to get on and off (don't you hate it when a lid is cheaply made and it skips the track??) and the label is professionally designed. It's very eye-catching!

I know that a product like this will have to work over time, so I will write an update at a later date. For now, though, my skin is left feeling soft and smooth and firm. I'm seeing a gradual difference, but the most I've seen is in my arms. They are much firmer. Overall, I have to say it's a winner! I mean, I didn't bruise and my skin! ;)

Livewire Beauty Eyelash Curler Leaves Lashes...ELECTRIFIED!

Ok...we've all seen the horror story pictures of eyelash curlers with EYELASHES STUCK IN THEM! THAT was enough for my stomach to turn and for me to say NOPE to the concept of the eyelash curler. I can't tell you how many of these awful images I've seen. I considered putting one or two in this post...but I'm trying to turn you on to the idea of Livewire's Eyelash Curler...not completely put you off. Plus...the thought of looking at those images again makes me absolutely nauseatingly sick. So...we'll pass. You're welcome.

Needless to say, when my best friend Renea told me that I NEEDED a pair, I kind of fought it for a while. I wasn't interested in having my eyelashes ripped out in bulk by being stuck in a tool that I would most likely have to pull off of my face myself. However...my logic was that if she had been using a 20 year old pair that had worked fine....and she said that Livewire's curlers were amazing...I'd trust her. Do you hear that Renea?!? I trust you with my eyelashes!!

I applied to test Livewire's pair, and was sent a promotion code for a free product in exchange for my honest opinion.

Well...here it is! The fantastic thing about reviewing products is that, even if I don't like it, I can't be punished for giving a negative review. Luckily, I don't have to with this tool!

The very first thing I noticed was that the curlers fit comfortably in my hand. I have larger hands, and it's often hard to handle short handled brushes and other tools. Even with a squishy silicone-like (rubber?) cushion inside, my fingers fit the handles perfectly.

Then, moment of truth. You can bet I was nervous! After applying my mascara, I raised the eyelash curler to my lashes, squeezed gently, and let go. And guess what? I still had my eyelashes! Talk about relief! The movement and motion of the curler was extremely fluid and the rubber inside of the curler (where your lashes go) was very smooth. It didn't take a hard push to curl my lashes, and I liked that. It definitely makes me more comfortable in using it.

Overall, the design is sleek and the metal absolutely shines. It's a beautiful tool, and it yields fantastic results.

What's something that you've tried that you were afraid of? Did you end up with positive or negative results?

Foxbrim 100% Pure Argan Oil Review!

Hey, hey everyone!!

As some of you may know, from reading my previous posts, I used to be VERY mean to my hair! I would straighten it obsessively (multiple times a day) and I would straighten it while it was WET if I hadn't already spent literally 30 minutes under the "hi" setting of my blow-dryer! Over the years and years of damage, my hair had become brittle, dry, split, and in just all-around terrible condition! Pair that with the fact that I like dying my hair and pulling it up into a tight ponytail and you have a recipe for disaster!

What can you do once so much damage has been done?

Well...to begin with: STOP THE HARMFUL TREATMENT! Blow your hair dry on "low", allow it to air dry, wear it down, deep condition after you've dyed, limit straightening to a couple of times per week. Furthermore, treat your hair NICELY! Stopping the damage is a BIG step...but to reverse it, you're going to have to ADD to it!

Enter Foxbrim's Argan Oil products.

Normally, I'm opposed to anything OIL going near me. I'm a naturally oily person. SOMETIMES I can go 24 full hours without feeling disgusting. Most of the time, though, my hair is oily enough that I need to wash it daily. My skin: WORSE. So ADDING oil to the equation was not something that I wanted to do. HOWEVER...having dry, broken, and straw-like hair fell even higher up on my list of "don't like"s.

Reluctantly, I decided to work the oil into my shampoo and wash clean. I blow-dryed my hair, and, to my total surprise, my hair was VERY soft and manageable! I didn't have split ends sticking out everywhere because, additionally, I used the oil to smooth down my flyaways! A TINY TINY drop went a long way in smoothing my hair.

I will say that...if I use this product, I CANNOT skip a day of washing my hair. While it does a LOT of good, it doesn't keep the oil at bay (of course...because it is...you know...oil).

An added benefit that I noticed is that it makes my nails look hydrated, smooth, and clean. It softens cuticles as well.

Sometimes I review products and decide that they aren't to be a permanent part of my regimen. However, Foxbrim's Argan Oil Products are totally welcome because I can see the good that they've done for my hair. I don't want to make lofty claims, but my hair seems to be growing faster (BECAUSE it isn't breaking off...not because it is a hair growth stimulant).

You can buy this product here. 

Overall, I'm very impressed! What do you think? Have you used an Argan oil product before? 

Retinol Surge Moisturizer Review - Body Merry!

Hello, hello, again! :)

Yesterday, I reviewed a great little product (Azure Naturals Rosehip Oil), and today I wanted to continue my skincare streak with a review for a moisturizer I picked up via Tomoson! This particular moisturizer is from Body Merry.

I disclosed in my Rosehip Oil review that I tend to have very oily skin. Like...BAD. BUT...it's only oily on my cheeks, chin, and forehead. Other places (such as the top of my chin, the sides of my nose, and around my eyes) tend to be very DRY. Sometimes, to the point of being chapped. So what do I do? If I moisturize enough to ease the pain of the dryness, I'm a greaseball! If I don't moisturize, I'm still oily but I also have dry, flaking patches!

I knew I needed to find a moisturizer that wouldn't make me oilier and that would provide just enough moisture for those problem spots.

Enter Body Merry's formula.

My concerns with a Retinol moisturize were basically that it would be pumped full of chemicals. In the past, I've avoided them, even though I've heard great reviews. All it took was a little research to find that the company boasts:

"The formula does not contain any harsh chemicals such as Parabens, Sulphates or Phthalates. The moisturizer is made in the USA in an FDA registered and GMP compliant facility. It is not tested on animals."

Good enough for me! And I love that our furry friends don't have to suffer!

The moisturizer, when coming out of the pump bottle, is very thick. That being said, make sure you use it conservatively. There's no reason this one container shouldn't last months! I barely used half of a pump for my face and neck and felt VERY well covered!

Satisfied with the research, I slathered on. And yes, just like the Rosehip oil...I over did it. When applied CORRECTLY, this stuff works great! I wasn't too oily, as I expected from such a thick moisturizer, and my problem spots instantly became smoother and didn't hurt! I felt that it somewhat kept my oil under control and it definitely eliminated the shine that I so hate! I did notice a cleaner looking complexion, but as for if it firms, plumps, etc, I feel like I need to give it a little more use to be able to tell for sure. So, be expecting an update on this post...but I'm expecting great things! Overall, I am happy with this product!


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Azure Naturals Rosehip Oil - Professional Strength - For Skin and Hair!

Hey, guys! I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving! As for me, I took some time to just NOT THINK about ANYTHING! It's really nice to have QUIET after having to match-wits with middle school students daily! (Disclaimer: I love my job and the kids...but they are SMART! :) I'm proud...but it can be exhausting keeping up! Haha! So over the break I took time to really get to know some products. One of those was Azure Naturals Ultimate Rosehip Oil. Now, if you know me...you know I'm somewhat impressionable. If someone has tried something and liked it, I WANT TO TRY IT! I had heard about the benefits of Rosehip oil, but I wanted to experience first hand what it would do for me. So for a week...I used solely the Rosehip oil to see what it would do for my complexion.

Here are my observations: 

EcoTools Deep Cleansing Pure Complexion Facial Sponge: First Impressions Aren't Everything!

Thanks to PinchMe, I received my BEST YET freebie box! At first I was pretty bummed that I had only received one item: the EcoTools Deep Cleansing Pure Complexion Facial Sponge. When it arrived, I ripped it open and was pretty disappointed to feel that it was HARD as a rock.

"There's NO way I'm using this thing on my face", I thought. 

But then...I saw that it supposedly got softer when wet. What the heck? It was worth a shot.

I initially used this sponge in the shower, and had NO hopes for it. However, once I got the sponge wet, it almost melted in my hands. It's really squishy and almost slimy feeling. But in an AWESOME way!! 

Here comes the part where I fangirl.

What makes this product SO amazing is:

1. It's soft. It doesn't scratch your face up like you'd expect. It literally looks like a lava rock when you open it.
2. The shape. The shape of this sponge is genius! It's rounded for an easy grip, has a pointed "top" to get in spaces beside your nose, under your jaw, etc. The flat bottom side is broad and allows for quick, thorough coverage.
3. LATHER! I KNOW that my bottle of face wash will last FOREVER with this sponge. Just a TINY amount of face wash goes a REALLY long way with this sponge. Imagine my surprise the first time I used it and used a FULL PUMP of facewash. Now, I barely press down on the pump and it's PLENTY. You're going to be saving money on face wash because you're wasting less!
4. I LOVE how my face feels after I use this sponge. Compared to just using my hands to wash my face...my face feels MUCH cleaner and ZERO percent oily! I almost cringe to think about using just my hands again! The level of clean that this sponge provides is phenomenal. For me, this is a NEED IT product that's right up there with toilet paper.

WHAT IS THIS WITCHCRAFT?!  

You can purchase this sponge for yourself here. With a price like that, you can't beat it! ESPECIALLY once you feel how CLEAN your face is gonna be!!