Author Archives: shanders89

Sweet & Sassy Valentine 2014

Sweet & Sassy Valentine 2014

Aéropostale
aeropostale.com

Accessorize black flat
accessorize.com

Pink purse
$36 – bankfashion.co.uk

Kris Nations heart ring
piperlime.gap.com

White Leaf neon scarve
$16 – vanmildert.com

Nars cosmetic
beauty.com

Lips makeup
divinecaroline.com

“Happy Halloween” Outfit Inspiration

Happy Halloween

Knit top
romwe.com

Valentino fitted shirt
$385 – farfetch.com

Christopher kane
net-a-porter.com

Black boots
my-wardrobe.com

Owl jewelry
yesstyle.com

Forte Forte chunky necklace
$210 – farfetch.com

Black Cat Laser Die Cut
scrapyourtrip.com

Fall Transition Outfit

Fall Transition Outfit

Chan Luu long sweater
calypsostbarth.com

Dkny handbag
$295 – harrods.com

Coral ring
windsorstore.com

CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ Review

CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ Review

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I have tried many high-end shampoos and conditioners, NONE of them can beat Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy! I’m SURE if you have read my other blog posts you know I have oily hair (and skin). I’m always skeptical when trying new products that can affect the oiliness of my hair and skin. On the other hand, I don’t want the product to “strip” my hair and make it all dry and frizzy.

After using Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy I was very surprised it did not leave a “film” on my hair, it wasn’t fuzzy and dry, it was just… well, clean! My hair is colored and it was like it only made the color more beautiful! It was shinier, but not in an oily way. Just in a clean way. I also use lots of heated tools on my hair and it was just like clear virgin hair (hair that hasn’t been color-treated or scorched with heating tools).

I’ll post a pic of my hair HERE when I have finished using them up, until then here is a photo of my dream hair!

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I’m in the survival mode now because the sample bottles of Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy I received from Influenster are almost empty. YIKES! Need to get to the store and buy more! Speaking of buying it, they are not expensive at all; especially when you are comparing them to other high-end hair treatments. It is like you get high-end treatment for a fraction of the cost and who doesn’t like that?

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CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™

The search for strong, beautiful hair is finally over. Introducing CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™, a new line of shampoos and conditioners that will change the way women care for their hair. 99% percent of hair’s natural strength and beauty comes from the scalp. For years women have been treating the ends of their hair, rather than the source — the scalp. One small change like feeding scalp* can make a big difference. FEED SCALP* with new CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™.

 

NEW CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ is available in a range of six shampoos and five conditioners to meet different scalp and hair needs. The line is infused with Nutrum 10TM technology, a rich blend of vitamins and nutrients. CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ nourishes the scalp, and creates the right foundation for strong, beautiful hair from root to tip. CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ gives women stronger**, more beautiful hair in just 7 days. For more information, please visit our site.

 

Where to Buy

CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ products are available at mass retailers, select drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.

Suggested retail price: $4.99 – $5.99

 

*Disclaimer: refers to stratum corneum

**Disclaimer: Less breakage upon combing vs. non conditioning shampoo

I received the sample size version of this product from Influenster through their Beauty VoxBox program for testing and review purposes. If you haven’t already, go to Influenster.com to sign up for a free account and the chance to review products like these.

Quaker Soft Baked Banana Nut Bar

Quaker Soft Baked Bar – Banana Nut Bread

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I don’t know about you, but I am always running late in the mornings! I barely have my eyes open before I have to be heading out the door. One thing I miss is being able to sit down and eat a nice warm breakfast – maybe some turkey bacon, eggs, toast, and Quaker oatmeal. Unfortunately that’s not an option for a busy wife and full-time student. When I got the Quaker Soft Baked Bar in my Influenster VoxBox I was so excited! Good food always makes me excited (this girl likes to eat)!

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Some of the things I really like about the Quaker Soft Baked Bars are that they are perfect for if you are a girl-on-the-go. When I’m running late, I can just throw one of these in my purse and eat it on the way! If there one available, you can pop it in the microwave for a few seconds and it tastes like fresh, delicious, homemade banana nut bread. Ahhhhhh! I’m drooling just writing this!!! They didn’t skimp on the nuts either which was fantastic! Also, if you are dieting, these are actually pretty healthy too compared to other breakfast bars. I cannot wait to go try the Cinnamon Pecan Bread flavor; I have a feeling I’m going to love it even more because I love cinnamon and pecans (pictured below)!

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Made with real bananas and almonds, Quaker Soft Baked Bars Banana Nut Bread flavor has tasty ingredients and key nutrients to help provide fuel to start your day.

-5g Fiber*
-20% daily value of 5 B Vitamins
-6g of Protein
*Contains 3.5g of total fat per serving

Where to Buy

You can find Quaker Soft Baked Bars at most major retailers.

Suggested retail price: $3.29 for a box of 5 bars

ALSO, be sure to go “like” their Facebook page and DEFINITELY follow them on Pinterest (they have all kinds of amazing recipes you can repin)!

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I received the Quaker Soft Baked Banana Nut Bar complementary through the Influenster VoxBox program for testing and review purposes.

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color

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If you have read any of my prior blog posts you know that Sally Hansen is one of my go-to nail polish brands. You could say I am a Sally Hansen FREAK! Not only nail polish, but other beauty products as well! In my Influenster Summer Beauty VoxBox I received the Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color in Indigo Blue. This stuff is SO cool! There is definitely never been anything like magnetic nail polish before.

I’m the resident (self-proclaimed) nail design star where I live, so all the girls always watch what designs I have on my nails. One Sunday a girl I go to church with came up to me and showed me her magnetic nails, she had them done at the salon. They were beautiful, but there’s no telling what she paid to get them done. So I was so excited to see one of the latest trends in my Beauty VoxBox. The Indigo Blue is so perfect for summer because the “magnetic waves” look like ocean waves… eeeehhhh SO CUTE! It’s so effortless too! This could EASILY transition into fall with jewel tones always being popular that time of year! This is super trendy, but it is just so different that I think it will be a trend that lasts a while! Below you can see a photo of my Indigo Blue nails!

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They look like they took lots of time and effort to do, but it literally took minutes! I hope you go out and try this product because it is really so neat! If blue is not your color, they come in a variety of other colors, as seen below.

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MORE INFORMATION:

NEW! Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color is summer’s hottest nail trend that allows you to create a gorgeous 3-D nail art effect in just seconds. This unique formula has been specially developed with metallic particles – just hold the built-in magnet over wet polish to reveal a unique design on the nail. Seal with a topcoat for extra shine! Learn more at www.sallyhansen.com

EASY HOW-TO STEPS:

STEP 1
Shake and Apply 2 coats

STEP 2
Hold Magnet for 10 seconds over wet nail polish

Instant Attraction!
Let dry and seal with a top coat for extra shine

Where to Buy

Available at chain drug stores, food stores and mass merchandisers nationally.

Suggested Retail Price: $9.99

I received these products complimentary to test through the Influenster VoxBox program. If you haven’t registered at Influenster.com you should definitely go check it out!

Always & Tampax Always Radiant Collection

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My mother used Always products when I was growing up, so that’s what I naturally started using too. I have tried other brands, but I always end up going back to Always! They may not come in a little black box, but they are good quality products that provide reliable protection.

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The new Radiant collections from Always and Tampax have overhauled designs with pink, purple, and radiant shine! The actual product wrappers have been revamped as well with new discrete disposal advancements. These are not just pretty packaging though, the radiant versions are of the same great quality like their classic product lines.

My only complaint… I WISH the Tampax came in a “Light”, the regulars are too absorbent for me.

The Tampax & Always Radiant Collection is available at retailers nationwide.

Suggested retail price:  Varies depending on product and product size.

If you want more information you can visit the website of Always and Tampax

I received this product complementary for testing purposes from Influenster.

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration™ Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30

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I’m pretty sure I have mentioned in previous blog posts that I have oily skin. I do NOT like wearing lotions (even though some smell so magnificent) because they just make me feel too oily. It is like they just sit on top of my skin all slick and nasty! I also highly dislike wearing sunscreen. I know sunscreen helps protect your skin from the harmful damaging rays of the sun and keep you from looking like a leather couch when you get old, but they are just stinky!

I received the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration in my Influenster Summer Beauty VoxBox and was dreading having to try it because it was a sunscreen AND a lotion in one product, GROSS!

I tried it the first time by just using it on the tops of my hands (the official testing area for potentially undesirable products). It was good, not oily or slick or greasy… hey, it smells pretty good too! I then applied it to my elbows, knees, arms, and legs. Oh my goodness, I have been converted. I have been using it almost daily! Not only is it a great lotion, but it has an SPF! I’m getting my lotion fix with the added benefit of sunscreen.

The photo above is the 2 oz. version I received to test through the Influenster Beauty VoxBox program. It has a SPF of 30, it is also available in SPF 12 and 50!

 

With its ultra-luxurious hydrating silk ribbons, Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration™ lotion sunscreen nourishes and pampers skin while providing broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, and 12-hour moisturization when out in the sun.

 

 

Where to Buy

You can find Hawaiian Tropic products at most major retailers.

Suggested retail price: $8.99 for a 6oz bottle

Sheer Cover Review for Influenster

Sheer Cover Concealer in Light/Medium

Before you scroll down… WARNING… images of girl without tons of makeup on her face may frighten young children, douche bags and the faint of heart. You’ve been warned!

Ok, I’m exaggerating a little. Hardly anyone looks good without makeup on, I am aware of this fact. In the pictures below you’ll see me before any make-up, after applying foundation and Sheer Cover concealer, then with full color make-up (ie. blush, eye liner, lipstick etc). I applied my foundation first (as I always do), THEN apply my concealer. My theory is that “your foundation should be your foundation, then anything that needs covered after foundation, can be concealed… with concealer, duh.” Simple theory. It has worked for me so far and it makes logical sense, so why change it? The foundation I’m wearing can be purchased at any drugstore. It’s cheap, ivory in color and has light-medium coverage; basically what I’m trying to say is that it’s nothing special. Anyone can buy it anywhere. THIS review is on the concealer!

Image from Influenster.com

Firstly, if you’ll notice this concealer contains two sides. Each side holds a different color in the same general shade family. I received the “Light” which is the lightest shade Sheer Cover offers. This is so you can blend the two tones together to make a perfect match to your skin tone. I love this duo tone concept!

I used Sheer Cover on the “darker” and “redder” areas of my face such as under and around my eyes, around my nose, the corners of my mouth, acne scars on chin and cheeks, and between my eyebrows above my nose.

The Pros: Coverage is pretty good (not absolute full coverage, but good for a sheer coverage product, it builds really well), has nice packaging, very cool and practical duo tone concept (why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?)

The Cons: Kinda on the oily side. I would definitely recommend to someone with dry skin. If you have oily skin you may want to test it before purchasing to make sure it can hold up to your skins oiliness. I say this because some people have oily skin, but not bad enough to not try this product and others have a hard time using lightweight products like this Sheer Cover concealer. So, if you have major oily skin you may want to pass on trying this and stick with whatever you’re using or find something made for extra oily skin. Other than that, give it a shot, it pretty good.

My Conclusion: I went in thinking I would not like this concealer because it is sheer coverage (as the name implies), so I wasn’t expecting an absolute full coverage job. But it actually surprised me. It actually covered pretty well considering I’m used to using a heavy, cakey, full coverage, camouflage concealer. I would definitely recommend if you only have mild skin discolorations (such as under eyes, around nose, corners of mouth or acne scars). It is a bit on the oily side so I would recommend this product MORE for people with dry skin. Great summertime concealer!

I put more information about this product below and links to the Sheer Cover website and a link to read other reviews on this product.

Visit Sheer Cover’s Official website at http://www.sheercover.com
Also, check them out on Twitter @sheercover
Sheer Cover Duo Concealer
Sheer Cover® Concealer is perfect for all skin types and tones. Our concealer is a customer favorite offering a custom blend for the various shades on your face and covers up imperfections. It not only covers up the look of dark circles, blemishes, redness and age spots, it also moisturizes with Jojoba and Allantoin.

It instantly conceals blemishes, dark spots, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone – we’ve got life’s little imperfections covered!

KEY BENEFITS:
Instantly covers skin imperfections for a flawless, natural look
Variable coverage – sheer and creamy perfect for under eye circles or more opaque for blemishes, dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Easy application – glides on, won’t pull or tug at fragile skin
Enriched with natural, moisturizing Jojoba to help nourish and restore the skins’ natural moisture balance
Allantoin helps calm and soothe sensitive, irritated skin
Provides antioxidant protection from free-radical scavengers
Dermatologist-tested

HOW TO USE:
Using fingertips, concealer brush or a cosmetic sponge dab a small amount of concealer on area to be covered. Blend well. Start sheer, adding layers to increase coverage. Wear alone, under or over makeup. Let dry before applying makeup.
Where to Buy:
Customers can visit www.SheerCover.com or call 1-877-489-2035 to purchase Sheer Cover.
$29.95 for the concealer (non-member price) and $29.95 for the introductory system, which also includes the Duo Concealer.

Disclaimer: I did receive this product complimentary to test through Influenster’s VoxBox program, but all opinions are my own. I hope people can tell by my “not always positive” reviews that I’m being honest about what I think of the products I receive. Also, ANYONE can sign up to receive an Influenster VoxBox, you don’t have to have “connections” to be eligible. It probably helps to have all or a combination of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Instagram accounts. Just sayin.

Never Leave Neon

Never Leave Neon

Michael Kors neon dress
$1,995 – net-a-porter.com

Platform booties
€400 – youheshe.com

Orly Genger black necklace
$277 – glam-net.com

Yves Saint Laurent eyeliner
$29 – barneys.com