Top Beauty Myths Quashed!

Happy Monday Ya'll!!

Do you have at home remedies and passed down secrets from your mama and grandma?  Or maybe things your friends swear by? Most of us do. We also were told things as children that might not have been 100% true, too.  Like, "Your face will freeze like that" :) Today I thought I would shed some light on some old wives tales, momisms and beauty myths!

1. Chocolate causes pimples
Not washing your face, getting your period and other stressing factors will cause breakouts but there is no scientific evidence to support that eating a Hershey bar will give you a mountain on your face!  In fact, dark chocolate is actually full of anti oxidants which are good for you!  So go ahead and eat the candy bar :)

2. Brushing your hair 100 times before bed will make it grow (i.e. Marsha Brady)
I actually remember my Nany and I talking about this one night.  Back in the day it was thought that by brushing your hair and pulling the oils down from your scalp to the ends it would help it to grow.  Nowadays, if you have oily hair it is best not to brush it that often because of breakage and all that bad stuff.  Genetics and extensions are the only things guaranteed to make your hair longer :)

3. Sliced cool cucumbers treat puffy eyes
This glorious little gem of a secret is 100% true!  You can also use tea bags (cooled down, of course) to reduce puffiness.  It may not work after watching The Notebook though :)

4. Toothpaste gets rid of zits
I don't know why we as young girls were ever told about this.  Sure, most toothpaste has menthol in it which is a drying agent and can help dry out zits in a pinch.  But toothpaste is for teeth and not for skin so you can end up irritating your skin and causing the zit to stay around much longer than leaving it alone or using tea tree oil (see below).

5. Tea tree oil gets rid of zits
Okay, this is more of a modern idea than an old wives tale but this method of clearing zits is actually true, just make sure your product contains at least 10% of tea tree oil to actually be effective or use tea tree oil itself but diluted with either aloe vera gel or water.  It is potent stuff!

6. Vaseline makes your eyelashes grow
Hmmmmm, vaseline makes your eyelashes grow.  Doesn't that just sound weird to you? The moisturizer may help dry, brittle lashes get stronger but there is no proof that this is actually a true method of making them grow longer.  This can however give you whiteheads on your eyelids from blockage and cause puffiness of the eyes, so use at your own risk.

7. Hot water opens pores and cold water closes them
This one hurt for me to realize was a myth.  I liked the idea of thinking I was steaming my pores open, cleaning them out and then slamming them shut with a cold splash to the face.  But pores are not muscles that can open and close.  Steaming them can help loosen the gunk in them (now you know what sebum is) and cold water can help tighten your face but that's about it.  So no, ice cubes don't shrink your pores either :( It is an overall good idea to wash your face with lukewarm water.

8. You can use baby powder as dry shampoo
This is true! It absorbs the oil on your scalp which is essentially what dry shampoo is doing but I recommend cornstarch instead.  It can be messy though and I suggest adding a touch of cocoa powder if you have dark hair.  Make sure to brush out thoroughly.

9. Mayo makes your hair shinier
This is true.  I actually used to do this one all the time.  And I don't even eat mayo, bleck....I would glob it all on my hair and wrap it in saran and put a towel over my head.  But nowadays there are so many products out there that will help you achieve shine much easier :)

10. Pump your mascara to get all the product out
No, no, no.  This gets air in the tube and can breed bacteria.  Gently twist and pull the wand out. You can use some saline solution or aloe added to the wand to get down to the last drop :)
 
11. Using the same shampoo all the time is less effective on your hair
Negativo (I think that's a word).  It will always have the same effect, all the time.  Don't let the hair care industry get in your head :) If your shampoo seems less effective, it could be that product overload or buildup on your hair is to blame.

12. Spray perfume in the hair and then walk into it
This one is great.  I mean, maybe we did this because we thought it would not be as strong? Well, if you are using expensive perfume, this is a big no no.  If it is only landing on your clothes, then it is evaporating before that guy you have a crush on can even smell it.  Perfume should always be applied on your pulse points to last the longest :)

I hope these were helpful to you :)

What are your favorite beauty myths?

Let me know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!

July 2014 GlossyBox-Spoilers Inside!!

I was going through subscription withdrawal as always towards the end of the month and voila! My July 2014 Glossybox has arrived! Glossybox is a mix of beauty, hair and skin care from deluxe brands that always comes with at least one FULL size product.  It is $21 a month.  This month one of the full size products was $45 which is more than double the cost of the box, so always well worth it in my opinion.  Sign up HERE!

I always love getting the nice boxes they send  because I have used each box for something :)

This is what I saw when I opened it.....

They always include a nice pamphlet with the full size price of each item and how to use each item.  Ipsy is the only subscription I get that actually doesn't do that.

I love surprises so I never look at the sneak peeks of what we are getting when they are posted on social media BUT this month I did see one on accident but was super happy!

GlamGlow YouthMud Tinglexfoliate Treatment Mask!!  I have had this sample several times from Sephora and love it.  It is a wonderful mud mask that cleans out pores and tightens skin.  It is made with French Sea Clay, Green Tea Leaves (there are actual pieces in there) and Volcanic Pumice Rock.  I use it several times a week.  There is a small and large size you can test out at Sephora.  Get it HERE.

Now, the star......

Skin, Inc. Anti Aging Serum.  This bad boy right here is $45!!!!  It says it will promote elasticity and log lasting hydration improving the quality of my skin.  Um, SCORE!! :)

Philip B Detangling Toning Mist.  They have sent Philip B products before and they are great.  This will remove unwanted residue and deposits (like facial toner) and because it has apple cider vinegar in it, it will increase shine by sealing the cuticle.  I was worried about the smell, but it says it goes away after a minute, so we will see!

MITCHELL and PEACH Body Cream.  I am British, enough said....whenever I get lotions like this or smells like this (this has English honey, cocoa powder and shea butter), it always brings my grandmother right there next to me.  She always comforted me and this smell is just like her.

Malin+Goetz Mojito Lip Balm.  Another full size product, valued at $12!!  First thing I thought of was drinking a mojito so I guess that was a good thing :)  That is the flavor, duh and says it will protect, hydrate and offer some shine without stickiness!

And there ya have it!

I was sad that there was no makeup this time but I was happy with 4 out of 5 so I think this month was a good box.  Last month's box was incredible so I will give them some slack!

Were you happy with your Glossybox this month?

Have a great day!

Friday Flash Giveaway-Mario Badescu & Murad Skin Care Samples

TGIF Everyone!!

It has been a busy, busy week!!

So today I want to share some skin care samples with you to help your skin detox!!

Mario Badescu is one of the TOP skin care lines and is used by many celebrities.  They NEVER test on animals (which will make or break me buying a product) and use all natural ingredients.  Plus if you love the samples, they are all available at ULTA!

They sent me samples a few months ago and I loved them all!  And now, they have sent me more samples to share with you!!

Today's giveaway will include:

Strawberry Face Scrub
Special Cucumber Toning Lotion
Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15
Cucumber Tonic Mask
Enzyme Cleansing Gel
Ceramide Eye Gel

You can read more about the skin care line HERE and while these samples are for all skin types, they have products targeted for specific concerns or problem areas.

Also, I am including some Murad Acne Clearing samples. It is a 6 day regimen and you should see clearer skin after the first 72 hours!

Enter today and Good Luck as we will have a winner chosen later today at 4:30 Central Time!!!

Also, remember that the BIG Beauty Package giveaway will happen at 200 likes and we are almost there!

a Rafflecopter giveaway




Have a great day!!

Simple Skincare Line Reviews

courtesy of Simple website

As you know, I am the Queen of free samples.  Quite a few months ago, I received a free sample of a lotion from a brand called Simple.  I had never heard of them before.  Growing up, I had always seen my mother using Oil of Olay, so when I started buying my own moisturizers, that was my go to product.  :)

But once I tried Simple, everything changed for me.  I used to have combination skin but as I get older (ugh yes it is happening whether I like it or not), my skin is turning more oily and less combination....so finding a skincare line that won't turn my face into a major oil slick is very important to me.

After I tried the moisturizer and saw how it made my skin look both with and without makeup, I was hooked....so I researched the entire line.  Here is a snippet from their website and you can read more HERE.

ABOUT US

Simple® is a complete range of facial skincare products perfect even for sensitive skin. The Simple® brand knows that what is left out is as important as what is put in when it comes to gentle, yet effective skincare. The complete Simple® range has 18 products, including cleansers, moisturizers, eye care, and wipes. All Simple® products have no dyes, artificial perfumes or harsh irritants that can upset skin and contain skin-loving ingredients and added vitamins for natural, healthy-looking skin. Simple® products are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and pH balanced. Simple® is sold in all mass retailers, drug stores, grocery stores and online for a suggested retail price of $5.00 - $13.00.

I knew I wanted to stop using toners that were made of alcohol and other harsh products that were stripping my skin and burning my skin and knew this was the new line for me.

Here are the products I use when I can't afford my Caudalie :)

This is the perfect at night moisturizer.  It is nice and rich but skins right into your skin and you wake up still hydrated. $9.97 at Walmart.

This is the perfect day moisturizer for under your makeup.  It is a gel and is cooling when you put it on, so that really helps in the morning :) $9.97 at Walmart.

The cleansing wipes are perfect for those nights you can't make it to the sink or before tanning or a work out (yeah we know which one I use them for)! $5.79 at Walgreens.  They also have wipes in exfoliating!

I also love the Exfoliating Cleanser ($7.29 at Walgreens), Soothing Toner ($7.29 at Walgreens) and the Eye Makeup remover ($7.29 at Walgreens).

Here are all of the products that they offer.  You can find them at ULTA , Walgreens, CVS and Walmart.

I have gotten a lot of my friends to already switch based on my reviews of them (and the love it, too) so I hope if you are in the market that this will be something that you will try.  You can also create an account on their website for coupons or specials and they do send out free products for testing once in a while, too!! Creating an account online will also let you fill out a questionnaire to help you determine which products would be best for you.

I was in no way compensated for this review :)

Just wanted to share the good stuff with ya'll.

What skin care products are you currently using?

Will you try Simple?

Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day!!

Caudalie Overnight Detox Oil Review

The other day I wrote a post about the Caudalie Anti Ox contest I won.  I talked about all of the wonderful products they sent me.

Well, let's go back a bit further (after all it is throwback Thursday)......in my Birchbox a couple boxes ago, I had gotten a sample of the Caudalie Overnight Detox Oil.  I know it is quite popular nowadays (although this tradition began years ago) to rub oil on your face for cleansing and healing purposes.  Read more here.

I, myself, have oily skin so I truly thought it would not benefit me.  But, as I usually use all of the products I get in my beauty boxes, I tried it.

Cue the singing birds and falling hearts....I FELL IN LOVE!!

This product is 100% plant based.  It supports new cell growth and eliminates toxins.  Basically, that means it makes me prettier then I was when I went to sleep :)

This is the first time I have bought the full size bottle.  You can, too, here.

I had some breakouts when I tried it and they were gone when I woke up.  No other product have I ever used, has given me such dramatic, instant results.  And isn't that what we all want?  We want what we want when we want it??  Um, yes please!

I had no idea how to use it when I first got the small sample so I just rubbed a bunch on my face because that seemed like a good idea :)

The full size actually came with instructions so now I can pretend I know what I'm doing.

Even though this is expensive, a little is all I need so it will last me while.  I also read some reviews and this really got me excited:

Research results:
In a 28-day clinical test on 21 volunteers, after 1 application every night:
- 86% saw detoxified skin
- 100% saw recharged skin
- 100% saw skin recover more easily 
- 95% saw smoother skin
- 100% said it adapted to their skin type

In other words, I have a lot to look forward to!  It has a very distinct smell, like woodsy, herby, earthy smells.  But it actually grows on you.  It can be used alone or before your moisturizer.  I think it is so moisturizing on it's own though. My skin is supple, bright and clearing up more and more every day. I say clearing up because once I stopped using the sample I was using, I immediately noticed a difference!

Plus it's French and makes me feel really fancy and who doesn't like that? I 100% recommend and love this product.  If you got one in your Birchbox and haven't tried it, try it! Hopefully I will get another sample soon and I can give it away in my next giveaway :)

My next upcoming skincare post will be about another brand that I like very much and is my go to when I can't afford Caudalie.  That is Simple.  A few of my girlfriends have already switched to it so I am excited to share with ya'll!

What are your favorite Caudalie products?

What oils do you use at night?  I'd love to hear your ideas!

Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day!