Bonny & Blythe {Giveaway}

Be sure to enter the Loot Crate Giveaway here!

After receiving some very disappointing news from a groundhog yesterday, I have some good news for you today. It's giveaway day (!!!) This week's giveaway is sponsored by Bonny&Blythe, a cruelty-free health and beauty line that specializes in affordable spa-quality high-end skin-care treatments, all designed to help battle the effects of aging.

They are especially proud of their Anti-Aging Duo, which consists of the brand's C, E, & Ferulic Serum (for women and men) and its Age-defying Eye Serum, both of which have been scientifically proven to maintain healthy skin throughout all of life's stages. And they'd like to give one of you lucky ducks a chance to try out the duo for free (plus a little extra PayPal cash just because)!

In a nutshell, these serums pack a serious punch:

Vitamin C, E, Ferulic Serum

• Restores skin elasticity
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Promotes collagen synthesis
• Protects against further UV damage
• Reduces skin discoloration due to UV damage
• Reduces redness and evens skin tone
• Promotes wound healing
• Clears acne and helps prevent future breakouts
• Moisturizes and nourishes skin

Age-defying Eye Serum

• Promotes skin nutrition
• Reduces eye puffiness
• Improves dark circles
• Promotes protein synthesis and cell replication
• Reduces/prevents wrinkles and fine lines
• Accelerates skin renewal

Just check out these before and after results.  Mind officially blown...

Before using Vitamin C, E, Ferulic Serum

 

After using Vitamin C, E, Ferulic Serum for 6 weeks

 

With the help of @FemaleBloggerRT, Bonny&Blythe is giving away $25 PayPal cash and Bonny&Blythe Anti-aging Duo for Women or Men (you choose). 

Make sure to check out these other great bloggers co-hosting the giveaway with me.

Chelsea / Sarah / Morgan / Kali 

Good luck!

The duo includes Vitamin C, E, Ferulic Serum and Age-defying Eye Serum. The giveaway will close Feb 18. Giveaway open to US residents only. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

UniWigs Extension Review & Tutorial

A little while ago I received the pretty, brown/pink ombré clip-in extension above to try, courtesy of UniWigs.  I've never worn extensions before, so I was a little lost as to how to go about putting it in my hair (spoiler alert: it is ridiculously easy).   Luckily I was able to take it with me when I visited my sister, who's an amazing hair stylist.  (Really, the girl's got talent).  She walked me through it and even showed me a helpful little trick for all of us fine-haired ladies (see step 2).  Sadly the extension was a tad too big for my abnormally tiny head, so I enlisted the help of my lovely friend and proud owner of a normal sized head, Amy, for this tutorial.  (Thanks, Amy!  You're a peach!)

My impressions of the extensions:  Besides the beautiful color, they're really soft and smooth, they look realistic, and appear to be very well constructed.  They come with these little snapping clips sewn into the extension (you'll see them below), that literally make applying the extensions a snap!

Let's get started.  All you need is a comb and your extension.  Here we go.

Step 1. Since the extension is just one long piece, you're going to want to part your hair horizontally wherever you'd like to apply the it.  Clip it up and out of the way (or if you forgot to grab a clip, just ask your friend to awkwardly hold her hair out of the way for you).

Step 2 (optional). If you have fine hair, gently tease it right near the part to give the extensions a little more to hold onto.

Step 3. Open all of the clips along the extension.

Step 4.  Beginning on one end of your head, slip the clips one by one into the teased hair, and snap them closed.  Move horizontally across your head, inserting clips and snapping them closed as you go.  

Done! ....almost.....

As you can see, the extension didn't quite blend in with Amy's hair, so I decided to make a side fishtail braid to mask the transition between the real hair and the and faux.  

In retrospect I should have taken my tiny head into consideration when choosing this one-piece extension, or at the very least checked the measurements.  UniWigs also offers extensions that come as several smaller pieces, which I think would have worked better for me.  I love that this extension is so easy to apply, and I also love that it can be worked into so many different hair dos (like maybe a top knot or a funky braided side bun).  My verdict: I'd recommend it.  Just make sure to check the measurements first, and keep in mind that if your hair isn't the right color or length, the extension may not blend in when you wear your hair down.

Disclaimer: I received extensions from UniWigs in exchange for my review.  All opinions are 100% my own.

Hi I'm Kym & I Suffer From Allergy Face...

This post brought to you by Zyrtec. All opinions are 100% mine.

It happens to the best of us.  We're feeling fine, loving life, and then the season changes and - bam! - allergies.  For the majority of my life I was one of the fortunate, allergy-free.  But just a few years ago I began developing them, and lucky me, I tend to get allergies at the end of summer; ie. right around now.  In fact just last week I woke up and began a week-long routine that consisted of sneezing all day, alternting between wiping my nose and blowing it, and having eyes so watery I looked like I was watching the last scene of Six Feet Under on repeat.  (Anyone else turn into a big mushy mess over that episode?)  I was convinced I had caught a cold, and it wasn't until I was remarking to a friend that I had cold-like symptoms but otherwise felt totally fine that she said, "Are you sure it's not allergies?"  Duh.  (I'm three years into this whole being allergic business, and apparently still can't distinguish allergies from a common cold).   

Something I picked up on real quick, though: having allergies is annoying.  As if constant sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes aren't enough, we also have to deal with what is lovingly referred to as Allergy Face.  In a recent poll, half of women have missed an event because her allergy face made her look too bad to leave the house.  Really, allergies?  That is pretty uncool.  Look at the stats below.  Infographics don't lie. 

No one likes allgergies, but looking like you have them makes the whole deal even worse.  Luckily, Zyretec is here to help.  Check out this video for some Allergy Face beauty tips.

Thanks to Zyrtec, not only can we feel better while suffering through our allergies, but we can look better, too!  For more info, be sure to Check out Zyrtec on Facebook.  And if you have any other tips for combatting Allergy Face, please be sure to leave them in the comments!  As an allergy-newbie, I can use all the help I can get.

 

bareMinerals Passionate for Pastels Giveaway

The Urban Decay Giveaway has ended.  Did you win?  Click here to find out.  If you didn't, don't fret because there's another one!  Once again, I'm teaming with Le Chateau des Fleurs to bring you this giveaway (open worldwide!).  Good luck!

It is summertime, it is hot outside and I am passionate for pastels. Enjoy this fabulous Ulta Passionate for Pastels giveaway from LeChateauDesFleurs:

Passionate For Pastels includes bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 4.0 in The Sweetest Thing, Flawless Definition Mascara in Black, Sorbet Blush, Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Go Getter and a cosmetic bag.

Click after the break to learn about the sponsor and to enter for your chance to win!

Urban Decay Naked Palette Giveaway

Today I've teamed up with LeChateaudesFleurs & RainShadow Labs to bring you this awesome giveaway.  Good news - it's open worldwide!

This long, lean, seductive case is packed with 12 gorgeous neutrals.  Shades range from delicate champagnes to dark, gritty gunmetal, with names like Darkhorse, Virgin, & Buck.  There's also a wide range of textures: everything from glitter to shimmer to matte.

About the Sponsor

RainShadow Labs

RainShadow Labs provides the highest quality wholesale cosmetics. They offer lotions, washes, cremes, candles, soaps, gels, essential oils and so much more. 

Visit them here.

Featured product from RainShadow Labs: 

AEWR Turbo Wrinkle Smoothing Treatment

The name says it all. If there is one turn back the clock product that every person over 25 with skin should have, this is it.  Restore firmness, heal sun damage, increase hydration, erase wrinkles, smooth texture, nourish at the dermal layer, minimize irritation, increase skin brightness and even out skin tone.

Enter to win the Urban Decay Naked Palette: Open worldwide. Ends 7/8/13. Entries will be verified. See Rafflecopter for full Terms.
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Beauty Bit: Messy Side Bun DIY

I don't know if I've mentioned this, but my sister is a pretty kick ass hair stylist.  Sometimes when we go out, I ask her to help me with my hair and she'll whip up this sculptural, funky side bun that I love.  I never saw how she did it, and always assumed it was just a whirlwind of backcombing, hairspray, and talent.  Well, that part's true, but even though the end result looks intricate and fancy, you don't actually need the talent to pull this off.  The backcombing and hairspray are necessary, but skill is totally optional.  After we made this tutorial and she broke it down step by step, I realized that even someone inept at doing her own hair (me!) can pull this off (evidence that I was able to accomplish this feat all on my own here).

1. Gather your supplies.  You'll need some hair elastics, bobby pins, hairspray, and a teaser brush or comb (for backcombing your hair).

2. Pull your hair into a low, side pony and secure with an elastic.  3. Gently backcomb the ponytail, leaving a small section un-teased.  Don't backcomb too tightly; you want the hair puffy & fluffy.

4. Braid the un-teased section of hair & secure with a small elastic.

5. Begin sculpting the backcombed hair into a bun shape, securing in various places with bobby pins.  Don't worry about perfection, this is most definitely a messy-is-better kind of deal.  Leave the braid out of the bun for the time being.

 

6. Wrap the braid around the bun and secure with a bobby pin or two, taking care to hide both the pin & the end of the braid into the bun.  7. Spray with hairspray for a stronger hold.

A huge thanks to my super creative & talented sister, Jen, for sharing the secret of one of her go-to hairstyles.  If you're in the Ft. Lauderdale, FL area, be sure to stop by The Factory Salon and ask for her.  I promise you won't regret it.


Linking here.

Beauty Bit: Caviar Manicure DIY

If you've been lurking around Sephora or some of the beauty counters at department stores, you've inevitably seen the new-ish "caviar" manicure.  And while it looks amazing (and might I say perfect for a holiday party?), I find the price to be a bit ridiculous.  I mean, $25 for a bottle of nail polish and some beads?  Please.  Just because it has caviar in the name, doesn't mean it should have a price tag to match.  Here's how to get the same exact effect for way less.  And it's super easy.

I found this container of microbeads at Michael's for about $3.  You'll also need a small tray to catch the beads (I used the kind that comes with Chinese take out).

1. Paint one coat of an opaque polish on your nails and let dry. 

2. Apply a second coat of polish to nails.  

3. Position the tray under your hand, and while the polish is still wet, shake some of the beads onto your nail.  Don't worry about the excess beads falling off; they'll be caught in the tray.  

4. Press the beads firmly into the nail to ensure a longer lasting bond.  If your polish dries quickly, I recommend doing this process one nail at a time.

5. Top with a clear coat to seal in the beads.
6. Using a small funnel, or piece of paper rolled into a cone (leaving a small opening at the bottom), pour the extra beads from the tray back into the container.
7. Admire your mani, and give yourself a pat on the back knowing that you didn't get suckered into spending 25 smackers on your nails.  Smug sense of self-satisfaction optional.

A word of advice: Do your nails the day you want to wear them because this is not the strongest or sturdiest of embellishments.  If you use your hands for anything - anything at all - the beads will start falling off.  You have been warned.

Beauty Bit: how to style a top knot

This is one version of how I style my top knot.

This hairstyle is so easy, it barely needs an explanation.

But in case you're into that sort of thing, I've included instructions below.

1.Pull your hair into a high ponytail and secure with an elastic.  2. If your hair is fine, you may want to back comb a little for some volume. (Yep, I back comb with brush.  I told you, I'm a rebel.)  3. Divide the pony in half (this doesn't have to be exact).  4. Tie the halves in a basic knot.  5. If your hair is long enough, tie it a second time.  6. Secure the ends with bobby pins (I like to cris-cross two pins because it's a more secure hold).

Easy peasy!

Revlon Review

This post brought to you by Revlon. All opinions are 100% mine.

**It's important to note: According to Peta, Revlon conducts animal testing.  When I agreed to review the products, I was under the impresssion that they were a cruelty-free company.  But during fact checking for this post, it became apparent that they are not.  Therefore, I cannot in good conscience recommend the purchase of any of their products.  As a compassionate consumer, I never buy cosmetics that have been tested on animals.  Please be assured that I will never let another oversight like this happen again on this blog.  To search for cruelty-free companies, please click here.**

I was recently given the opportunity to participate in a product review for the Revlon Expression Experiment.  They sent me a whole bunch of makeup to play with.  Check it out:

There were face & eyelid primers, nail polish including base coat & top coat, 3 different kinds of lipstick, and 2 eyeshadow palettes (which come with handy illustrated instructions on the back).

The face and eyelid primers are just...ok.  The face primer promises to smooth & soften the skin, reducing the appearance of pores and fine lines.  All I really noticed was that when I put it on my nose, it made it a little less shiny for a about a half hour.  As for the eyelid primer/brightener, it didn't do much to help keep my eye makeup in place on these uber hot summer days we've been having.  But I did apply it to the bow of my lip as a highlighter to make it appear fuller. 

The nail polish, specifically the base coat, was the most impressive product by far.  The orange polish and top coat are your average orange nail polish and top coat.  But the base coat completely rocks.  I will say that it leaves a strange, musty smell that somehow manages to last about 3 days, but it's an odor most people probably wouldn't notice.  I just happen to be blessed with a keen sense of smell.

Lucky me?

Anyway.  As an experiment I put base coat only on one hand, and left it off the other.  I think the results speak for themselves.

Usually my nail polish chips within 2 days - 3 if I'm lucky.  So when my nails still looked almost perfect after 9 whole days I could hardly believe it.  I'd never been a base coat kind of girl before, but you better believe I'm going to start taking the extra 5 minutes to apply it before I paint my nails.

As you can see, the lipsticks, while all in the same shade of red, are of varying intensity of pigmentation.  I liked the lip butter the best - it was very moisturizing, and I think it's a universally flattering color.  

The lip gloss was a little too sticky and shiny for my taste.  

The lipstick is very pigmented, and looked too intense until I blotted most of it off.  After that, it left a pretty stain of color behind.

I had been most excited to try the eye shadows.  The colors look bold and interesting, but after using them I've come to the conclusion that they are anything but.

 

 The shadows aren't very pigmented, and I had trouble getting the colors to show up on my eyelids at all.  The only way to get them to show up at all was to use them wet, and still it was just barely visible. In the photo you see, I had applied them wet, and used many, many layers.  The highlighting colors (yellow in the grey palette, and green in the blue palette) didn't even show up on my lids, no matter what I did.

If you like a (very) light wash of barely visible color on your lids, then go with these.  But if you like your eyeshadow to actually show up, this is not the palette for you.

Makeup can be such an empowering tool for women - it can help us feel prettier and in turn, more confident.  Want to show me how you express yourself with makeup?  Post your looks on Facebook using the Revlon Expression Experiment application and leave me a link in the comments section.  I'd love to see what you come up with!