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Stressed Skin? Calm it Down with These Skincare Products

April 15, 2020/0 Comments/in Beauty, Lifestyle, Product Reviews, Skincare /by Glasgow Skinner

If you’re like us, then you probably thought your skin would be at it’s best since having to take a break from pore-clogging makeup; and like us, you’d be wrong. Although staying at home has given our skin and pores a break from foundation, setting sprays and powders, our skin seems angrier than before. This anger, of course, leads to breakouts. What could be causing our skin to protest it’s “bareness”? Is it revolting against not being dressed up in makeup? No! The answer is stress. The stress of being fearful of catching Covid-19, hearing about the deaths of friends and family, the inability to find the groceries you need, unemployment, etc has us all stressed out. And this is how stressed skin reacts.

Speaking to other beauty lovers, it seems our skin is all reacting the same way. We’re experiencing dry, cracked lips; blemish and breakouts; and of course, extremely dry hands. So how do we fix this? By taking some real time out for self-care. Now is the time to treat your skin to some calming and pampering skincare products to combat the effects of these stressful times. Check out the stressed skin savors we’re currently enjoying from nügg Beauty, Merle Norman Cosmetics, and MasqueBAR.

nügg Beauty

nügg’s commitment is to its consumers during this time. nügg products can be found at grocery stores such as Whole Foods, Target, Meijer, and Giant Eagle – making it very convenient when you are picking up food for the week. If you’re sticking to online shopping only, you can find their products on Amazon and www.nuggbeauty.com. The brand is offering 20% off their entire site and also including a free Deep Clean Face Mask with all purchases.

Merle Norman Cosmetics

A brand that was started during the Great Depression, Merle Norman Cosmetics has been at the forefront to help Americans during difficult times. During World War II, the brand was a supplier of camouflage sticks and lubricating oil. Their Ultra Rich Hand Cream, $25.00, is exactly the ultra-rich formula you need to nourish, hydrate, and protect hands, nails, and cuticles after the numerous handwashing.

Today the brand is producing World Health Organization approved Hand Sanitizer in two sizes: 3.4oz for $5.00, and 6oz for $10.00. This fragrance-free, 80% alcohol-based, quick-drying formula helps reduce potentially disease-causing germs. Merle Norman Cosmetics is offering free shipping on all orders of $50.00 or more.

MasqueBAR

It’s known that masking is a timeout of daily life. And when life is anything but routine, masks offer a quick break with exponential benefits. MasqueBAR offers a wide variety of masks from natural to product/solution to fun opportunities for parents and kids. The cost is small but the payoff is big. MasqueBAR is offering 30% off everything on www.masque.bar.

Are you experiencing stressed skin? What products are you using to combat the effects?

Spring fragrance for men: Valentino Uomo Born in Roma

Spring Love: Valentino Uomo Born in Roma Fragrance

March 19, 2020/0 Comments/in Beauty, Lifestyle, Product Reviews /by Glasgow Skinner

Although it certainly doesn’t feel like it, today is the first day of the spring season. So happy first day of spring everyone. While we all would typically be out and about enjoying the season of renewal, most of us are hunkered down at home. We’re here to tell you that although the times may seem dour, there are lots of wonderful things to look out for. One of which is an enchanting spring fragrance, Valentino Uomo Born in Roma.

Valentino Uomo Born in Roma was launched in 2019 and created by Antoine Maisondieu and Guillaume Flavigny. The Spring fragrance for men (or women), boasts aromatic sage and smoked vetiver to give the classic Valentino couture signature. It is then shaken by a cool vibrating facet of mineral salt and spicy ginger to give the fragrance an unmistakable edge.

The Valentino Uomo Born in Roma (shown above with the Donna Born in Roma, is available for $95.00 on www.valentino.com), was born in a blend of Violet leaves absolute and smoked vetiver. A classic until the infusion of minerality; the spice of ginger, the mineral salt, and the radiance of a modern woody note. Both fragrances are sophisticated and modern accords that are inspired by Roma itself. The city where elegance has always intertwined with modernity, where classicism is magnified by edgy and vibrant life. A delicate subtle and yet unforgettable chemistry that has now been captured in gorgeous bottles.

The striking bottles are designed with the iconic Valentino stud, inspired by Roman architecture. The woody and spicy fragrance boasts a very pleasant dry-down that lingers. You’ll definitely find yourself cozying up to your significant other a lot more. Valentino Uomo Born in Roma is available now in two sizes, 1.7oz/50ml, and 3.4oz/100ml.

Have you tried or gifted this fragrance yet? What are you thought on these fragrance notes?

Soapcreek Company: Artisan Soap That’s More Than Just Eye Candy

March 14, 2020/0 Comments/in Beauty, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Product Reviews, Skincare /by Glasgow Skinner

During this time of uncertainty and fear, the masses are buying up all hand sanitizers. The funny thing is, we’re not seeing the same reaction for soap. Maybe you guys are already stocked up or you’re just not buying because soaps are made from ingredients you’re not fans of. Or maybe you’re all looking for great-looking soaps that will love your skin. Today we’re going to introduce you to a wonderful organic soap company that leaves out synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other harsh chemicals. Instead, the artisan soaps from Soapcreek Company are made from sustainably-sourced essential oils, natural clays, minerals, butters, and herbs sourced both locally and worldwide. Plus, they’re wonderfully decorative.

Not only are the hand-poured and hand-mixed Soapcreek Company soaps are available in a wide variety; 21 glorious artisan soap offerings to be exact. We had the pleasure of experiencing four of these large and luxurious 6 oz bars. These four included:

Island Citrus – your skin and your senses will love the combination of hydrating Mango butter, fresh coconut milk, citrus essential oils and a touch of sweet balsam. This combination rejuvenates, brightens, tones, softens, soothes chapped, raspy, or sensitive skin.

Lavender Honey – calm and refresh your skin at the same time with this dual soap bar. Soothing Aloe and French Clay, along with a layer of raw honey holds moisture, relaxes, soothes and heals the skin. Floral lavender oil with a hint of citrus controls sebum.

Carrot Honey – this gentle bar features Carrot puree, making it high in vitamins A and E to nourish your skin. The honey holds moisture, while goat milk nourishes your skin. We’re currently enjoying using this amazing soap; we love the invigorating touch of clary sage oil, a great antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory that’s perfect for stress reduction.

Orange Honey Blossom – this earthy soap combines rich Cocoa Butter and honey with exfoliating orange peel to make it a moisturizing treat. The addition of Ylang Ylang, bergamot, and sweet orange essential oils relieves anxiety and brightens dull, oily, or wrinkled skin.

Each award-winning Soapcreek Company artisan soap retails for $9.99 each on www.soapcreek.com. Indulge in each scent all day by pairing it with accompanying body products like the Body Buttercream, Cane Sugar Whips, Hand & Body Emulsions, and more.

MUA Carolina Gonzalez Welcomes New Lash Innovation, KISS Falscara

March 8, 2020/0 Comments/in Beauty, Lifestyle, Product Reviews /by Glasgow Skinner

Kiss is set to do for the eyelash category what it’s done for nail polish – make it easy, convenient and affordable for all. With the launch of their KISS Falscara, they are disrupting the expensive lash extension industry with eyelash wisps that are easy to apply, comfortable, and look amazingly natural.

To celebrate the launch, we attended a lash master class hosted by Celebrity Makeup Artist Carolina Gonzalez. She taught us how to achieve the perfect las look in minutes. The KISS Falscara Starter Kit, which includes BOND (to prime & prep lashes), WISPS (with a unique microband and featherlight fibers), SEAL (to remove residue and lock WISPS in place for all-day wear), and an APPLICATOR (for optimal WISP placement).

What makes the KISS Falscara wisps so wonderful (aside from being incredibly affordable)? They go under your natural lashes (not above them) and results as beautiful as lash expensive extensions. They’re also reusable up to 3 times. The KISS Falscara Kits ($19.99) come in three lash styles – Lengthening, Volumizing, and Lifting lashes. These three lash styles, just like the Bond & Seal ($9.99) and Applicator ($5.99), can be purchased separately at $6.99 each.

In 3 easy steps, you’ll on your way to fabulous lashes. As you can see from the above photos, the difference in lash length and volume is very noticeable. Check out how easy it is to apply because if you can apply mascara, you can use Falscara.

Step 1: Brush a light coat of BOND on natural lashes.

Step 2: Use the included Falscara APPLICATOR to pluck a WISP from the tray. Pick up a WISP from the middle-outer end for optimal control and application. One by one, gently place the WISPS underneath the base of your natural lashes, slightly away from the waterline.

Step 3: Dab on a thin coat of SEAL under WISPS (this final touch eliminates any sticky residue and holds Falscara WISPS in place)! Do not apply mascara before or after Falscara. To prolong the life of your APPLICATOR and WISPS, after use wipes off any BOND residue with rubbing alcohol or makeup remover.

To Remove: Use Falscara Eyelash Remover as directed, or gently peel wisps off from under lashes. Pro tips: Watch the how-to video on www.kissusa.com.

Indonesian Beauty Secret: Juara Rice Facial Cleanser

Juara Rice Facial Cleanser: The Indonesian Beauty Secret

March 4, 2020/0 Comments/in Beauty, Product Reviews, Skincare /by Glasgow Skinner

As some of you may know, I very recently moved; while I’m ready for all the fun and adventure my new apartment will bring, I found myself playing scavenger hunt with my beloved skincare products. Because I still have several boxes to unpack, I made the mistake of buying a grocery store facial cleanser (one for acne as the stress of moving was breaking me out). Big mistake because my skin ended up paying for it in the end. Luckily, I was rescued (and currently healing), thanks to rice water, specifically the Juara Rice Facial Cleanser. If you’re not yet familiar, rice water is Asia’s best-kept secret. Rice water is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It boasts ferulic acid (an antioxidant) and allantoin, an organic compound that helps soothe and heals the skin.

After just one use of the Juara Rice Facial Cleanser, my tight and dry skin felt clean, softer, and smoother. This sulfate-free, lightly foaming cleanser removes all traces of makeup and dirt without stripping skin. Thanks to its combination of gentle, effective cleansing agents, Vitamin-rich Rice Bran and Candlenut Oil, your skin is left refreshed, hydrated and revitalized. Inspired by the traditional rice water rinse common in Indonesia as a softening and brightening treatment, the Rice Bran softens and smoothes skin while the Candlenut Oil moisturizes and helps mend rough, chapped skin without clogging your pores.

Our skin was left feeling soft, smooth, and clean without the dryness that’s plagued while using the grocery store purchase. It’s even gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin, as well as acne break-out prone skin. This rich in natural Vitamin B cleanser also helps soothe skin and reduce redness.

The Juara Rice Facial Cleanser is 100% vegetarian. It is Dermatologist-tested, free of Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, mineral oil, gluten, artificial colorants, and harsh chemicals.

The 4.5oz/133ml bottle of Juara Rice Facial Cleanser is available for $29.00 on www.amazon.com and www.juaraskincare.com.

NEW Fragrance Launch: Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Dew

March 3, 2020/0 Comments/in Beauty, Lifestyle, Product Reviews /by Glasgow Skinner

Have you ever experienced the scent of rain or snow in the air? Have you ever indulged in the smell of morning dew? We love those scents because it reminds us that we are connected to nature and are a part of it. One waft of the new Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Dew fragrance and you will quickly become connected to the upcoming Spring season. You’ll find yourself completely surrendering your senses to the fresh, floral notes of Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Dew.

Fans of sweet fragrances will adore its blend of three accords and appreciate it’s fresh lightness. The three accords include:

The Delicate Dew Accord: a dewy fresh and sparkling rose with a hint of vibrant pink pepper (Dewy Rose Accord – Rose Essential Essence – Rose Oxyde).
The Sensual Accord: a feminine orris with an almondy addiction (Orris Concrète – Heliotrope Accord – Cashmeran).
The Second-Skin Accord: a soft and enveloping musk with creamy vanilla notes (Hedenolide Musk – Ambrette Seeds Absolute – Vanilla Bean CO2 Extract).

With crisp, sparkling and succulent top notes of Pear Accord and Bergamot Essence, Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Dew captivates the senses with a first Delicate Dew Accord featuring its star ingredient of the Dewy Rose Accord, which smoothly opens to a floral, sensual heart highlighted by iridescent, musky addictive nuances from the Ambrette Seeds Absolute. The precious Dewy Rose Accord captures a rose that grows in water infused with transparent dew for a scent that melts like water on your skin.

A garden rose from the tea rose family, the Dewy Rose is a hybrid rose conceived from breeding hybrid perpetual roses and tea roses. Growing in water, the result is a magnificent flower tinted with rosy and white striations, which continue to unveil their beauty – petal by petal – from Spring’s first moments to Autumn.

The second, Sensual Accord is accented with a tea facet enhanced by the feminine Orris Concrète LMR note – rich with its powerful, floral trail. This new opus reveals both an addictive and sensual dry down, where the Heliotrope Accord’s almondy, floral, balsamic and vanilla-scented notes blend with the woody, ambery, musky sensuality of Cashmeran.

The third and final Second-Skin Accord is illuminated by Hedenolide musk; Ambrette Seeds Absolute and Vanilla Bean CO² Extract brings the iconic Flowerbomb core scent full circle with its iridescent and musky addiction.

Viktor&Rolf refresh their fragrance universe with this new light, sensual yet powerful dew mist that applies as a delicate and natural second-skin, that naturally accentuates and compliments. Like a subtle drop of moisture on a rose petal from the morning dawn, Flowerbomb Dew silkens over fresh, dewy skin. It ushers in a new day, a new opportunity, an exploration of the senses, a transformation and a return to essentials.

Get a 1.7 oz/50ml floriental musky perfume for women for $115.00 on Us.Viktor-Rolf.com.

Zodica Perfumery: Your Zodiac Scent and Fragrance Soulmate

February 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Beauty, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Product Reviews /by Glasgow Skinner

Have you ever wondered about the essence of your zodiac sign? Or what it would smell like? When it comes to dating and even friendship, we take birth or zodiac signs very seriously. We use our signs to describe our personalities and find our perfect mates, so why not use it to find our perfect fragrance. That’s the whole idea behind Zodica Perfumery. The small-batch, artisanal line of celestial-inspired fine fragrances each reflect the emotion and season of its sign, as designed by founder Kristi Moe.

The fragrances from Zodica Perfumery are designed to be worn in three ways: by your sign, by the season, or by attraction. You may embrace your sign, reflect the current season, or attract the sign’s intention into your day through scent and spoken-word. You may remember we highlighted them in our Valentine’s Day fragrance gift set feature.

We had the wonderful pleasure of attending the press launch of Zodica Fragrances to discover the pairing of our astrological signs with the perfect fragrance notes. Would Zodica perfectly capture the essence of Scorpios? The short answer, yes!!

We already knew what fragrance notes we were attracted to – sweet, oriental, and spicy. As soon as we smelled the Scorpio Crystal Infused Zodiac EDP, we knew it was perfect. The “Scorpio zodiac perfume captivates dark Autumn with a fierce oriental theme.” This blend of Tuberose, Ylang Ylang, Rose, Patchouli, and Oak Moss would be the exact same fragrance we’d purchase for ourselves. As an intuitive sign, we love the fact that the Scorpio fragrance is infused with Black Obsidian crystals. This crystal helps to unearth shadows and clear negative energy. In fact, each Zodica Fragrance is infused with crystals and a poem; the poem is meant to be spoken before wearing to unleash the inspired intention into the universe.

As previously said, each perfume is paired with a poem meant to be spoken and unleashed into the universe. We enjoyed an amazingly calming and mind-clearing meditation class with sound vibration at the wonderful Inscape Studio.

All 12 zodiac signs are available in the following products:

50ml Crystal Infused Zodiac Perfume, $125.00 – this sprayer is removable so you can refill the travel size and eventually remove the stones to use in meditation or Reiki.

8ml Gift Set Twist & Spritz, $40.00 – a travel size perfume housed in an unbreakable container.

Hair Perfume Serum, $34.00 – a hair serum that adds shine and scent that lasts all day. It features a natural UV filter and vitamins to protect and nourish dry hair. It prevents fading in color-treated hair and boasts Argan oil moisturizes that defrizzes hair. This multitasker also doubles as a dry body oil.

All Zodica Perfumery fragrances are handcrafted in the USA with organic ingredients. They are all cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free.

Makeup Lzunch: Revlon X Ashley Graham Never Enough Lip Collection

NEW Revlon X Ashley Graham Never Enough Lip Collection

February 14, 2020/0 Comments/in Beauty, Collection Previews, Product Reviews /by Glasgow Skinner

Beauty addicts know, when it comes to makeup, enough is never enough. This is why we’re excited to dive right into the new Revlon x Ashley Graham Never Enough Lip Collection. This versatile lip collection from the Brand Ambassador offers shades that can be worn alone but beg to be mixed and matched for a variety of intensities, textures, and finishes.

Ashley’s sophisticated style shines through each component. Get ready for luxe glossy packaging, shimmer caps, and Ashley’s silver-foiled signature. After the success of the limited edition Revlon x Ashley Graham Lip Kits in Worship and Unapologetic, Ashley and Revlon expanded the collection, featuring her favorite lip products in diverse shades. The lip collection features glosses in soft, everyday shades, high-impact kits and lip colors for dramatic lips that do all the talking.

Revlon x Ashley Graham Never Enough Lip Super Lustrous The Gloss ($8.99)

Boasting a high-shine formula, Ashley curated 6 all-new, soft, everyday shades that take any look to the next level. Infused with Agave, Moringa Oil and Capuacu Butter, your lips will shine with a soft, natural finish. You’ll need not worry that they will feel sticky or tacky. The 6 shades are Fiery Spirit, Wild One, Flourish, Vibrant Soul, Feelin’ It, and Into The Bloom.

Revlon x Ashley Graham Never Enough Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor ($9.99)

Ashley’s favorite Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color gets 6 all-new limited-edition dramatic shades that work for everyone. The lightweight liquid lipstick has a lush, moisturizing feel with a 100% wax-free gel formula and plush doe-foot applicator. The 6 shades include Hot In Here, Ride or Die, Rocking Red, Keep It Real, Loud And Proud, and Red Affair.

Both the lip gloss and lip color collection are available this month on www.revlon.com and www.walmart.com; Look out for it on www.amazon.com and drug/mass retailers nationwide in March 2020. The limited-edition Worship and Unapologetic lip kits are available now.