I have an abundance of hair products as I am always trying new things. I always try to use up old products before I start using new products but that is not always the case. I recently used up a shampoo and conditioner set so I thought it would be a great time to do a little review on them.
For my birthday I picked up a few new items – the deep conditioner and the leave-in listed below (because of great recommendations for them) and since I heard so many great things about them I thought why not go ahead and share my experience with them as well.
This shampoo works well on my hair. It is not too stripping and I like that there is a nice tingle on my scalp when I’m using it. It suds up nicely but as I said it doesn’t strip my hair of its natural oils which I absolutely love. I don’t like when I use a shampoo and it makes my hair feel crispy and dry.
I absolutely love this leave-in conditioner. The scent is soft and pretty. The first time I used it was on almost dry hair. It left my hair not only smelling amazing but feeling amazing too. My hair was so soft and it gave my curls a little bit of definition but not stiff at all.
The second time I used it for a braid out. I applied it to damp hair in sections and again my hair felt super soft and was left with a light, sweet scent.
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you decide to purchase something featured here. This commission will be invested back into hertaintedlips.com as well as help me buy a cheap bottle of wine or some Starbucks. For more information please read our disclosure page.
As they continue to get launched I keep getting introduced to new indie brands on social media. Sometimes on Twitter but a lot of time there is buzz around them on YouTube and Instagram – for me, especially Instagram. I thought it would be fun to do some reviews on some of the products I have been using from these brands going forward. One of the brands that I was introduced to by my sister is Haus of Gloi. Here are some of the products that I have used from them so far.
Twice Is Nice Soft Bubbling Scrub by Haus of Gloi
This scrub was gifted to me by my sister. It has a pretty smell – to me it smells like buttery almond cookies. I love that it isn’t too abrasive. It does what it says – bubbles up a bit once you add some water so it is more of a soft, bubbly scrub.
It leaves my skin feeling smooth and soft even after one use. I would definitely purchase this just based on the scent alone but also for how smooth it makes my skin feel and the fact that it is not abrasive.
Summer Perfume Oil in Flutterby by Haus of Gloi
This was also gifted to me by my sister. The website describes it as “Clean cotton, warm summer winds, and linden blossom” and for me it gives off soft scent of fresh flowers. It is a very pretty scent. Something to wear on a summer evening.
The scent is fairly long lasting. and it is something I would purchase.
One thing I noticed on the Haus of Gloi website was that they come out with new products/fragrances so it is good to check back on their website for new fragrances. My sister and I plan on hopefully trying one of their new scents soon.
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you decide to purchase something featured here. This commission will be invested back into hertaintedlips.com as well as help me buy a cheap bottle of wine or some Starbucks. For more information please read our disclosure page.
This post started in June but it wasn’t completed until the beginning of July since I was still in the trying new things phase and wanted to be able to share the most information about the products that I’m reviewing. I hope that the waiting period gives you the best reviews I have to offer.
For background on my skin it is fairly oily around the t-zone. I have noticed it has been getting oilier more than usual lately and I have been getting breakouts on my chin and lower jaw area so those are things I want to work out in regards to my skin care routine. I also have some dark spots here and there that I want to not only brighten a bit but I also want to prevent future dark spots as well.
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion (Ultra Light): I used this lotion just on my nose and cheeks as these areas have randomly been dry and peeling a bit lately. I liked that it went on smoothly and wasn’t too thick. I also like that it didn’t leave me with an white/ashy looking face – something that is important to me with having a medium to dark complexion. It left my skin smooth and soft to the touch without being oily/greasy. Overall I would use this product again.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel: I received this as a sample and I am absolutely in love with it. It makes my skin feel so fresh and soft while keeping it ph balanced. I initially tried it the first couple of days without putting my daily lotion on for hours to see what it did to my skin. It gave it a slight blur – my pores and skin looked smooth and it kept my skin from getting slick and oily for hours.
This foaming gel is not to pricey so it may be something I purchase in the future. I am trying to use up the products that I have now before purchasing replacements though.
Nerium Age-Defying Day Cream: I was gifted this day cream and I really like it. I’ve been using it off an on for months but it wasn’t until recently that I actually used it daily so I did not see the results I was hoping for. My skin feels nice and smooth after using it and it evened out my texture (aside from this strange dry patches that I have randomly getting). Great for under makeup – doesn’t leave you greasy.
Though I like it, I probably wouldn’t purchase it based on the price. I have another lotion that I prefer over this since it has SPF in it and I like how my skin feels after using it consistently. I just wanted to use this bottle up since it is a great product.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask: I don’t usually use lip masks – I think I’ve owned maybe one ever. Well my lips have been extremely dry and peeling lately – something I thought I had fixed with my lip scrubs and lip treatments. I guess just like the skin on the rest of your face, the skin on your lips can change with the weather as well.
Since I wanted to try something new my sister let me try this lip mask. I wasn’t expecting anything spectacular, however, I was pleasantly surprised by how it made my lips feel. I wore it overnight and in the morning my lips felt soft and supple. They were still peeling a bit, however, they felt very soft which I absolutely love. I would like to use it more often to see if it continues to helps with the dryness that seems to happen just overnight so I may be scooping up a container of my own soon.
Revlon Kiss Exfoliating Balm in Sugar Mint: I absolutely love this exfoliating lip balm. It has a sweet taste to it instead of tasting waxy or medicinal. I have been using it daily since my lips have been drier than usual. I put it on like regular lip balm and then go over it using a circular motion on both of my lips.
This lip balm has tiny sugar crystals that scrub away dry skin and I love that it is non-abrasive. I love that it is a stick so I don’t have to stick my finger in a container – it is also small enough to toss in your purse. I would definitely purchase this again.
What products have you been trying lately?
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you decide to purchase something featured here. This commission will be invested back into hertaintedlips.com as well as help me buy a cheap bottle of wine or some Starbucks. For more information please read our disclosure page.
If you knew me a few decades ago you would have known that I was OBSESSED with KISS brand acrylic nail kits. Once I discovered them I ditched all the other press on nails and they were a special treat for me to get. They were my favorite brand of nails for many years!
A few times while walking around CVS (Longs Drugs in Hawaii) I saw that they came out with a cosmetics line called Ruby Kisses. I saw the line a few times because it was prominently displayed on an end cap but I didn’t give it much attention other than a quick look over. Well the other day I noticed that it was sold down significantly and one of the eye shadow palettes that had caught my eye in the past had only a few left so I went over to check it out. Once I saw the prices I got excited!
I love to try new products but if they are expensive I will usually see if anyone I know has tried it or watch/read reviews online to see what other people have said. I was able to find a few reviews that had positive or neutral responses and since the prices were so fantastic (plus I had a CVS coupon on makeup) I decided to grab a bunch of products to try them out.
This is what I purchased:
Ruby Kisses Never Touch Up Matte Finish Setting Spray OK. I have always been weary about setting sprays because from my experience they often dry with a powder finish – which is fine if your skin isn’t brown which makes it looks like your skin is ashy. However, this spray settled on my skin nicely and really gave my makeup some extra staying power. I sprayed it a little too close to my face the first time so I had to kind of dab it off as it streaked down my face but the next time I used it I sprayed from farther away and gently patted it into my skin with my fingertips while in front of a fan. Love this product and would definitely purchase again.
Ruby Kisses Break of Dawn Dear Diary Series Eyeshadow Palette Loved the colors in this palette. Nice, smooth texture with decent pigment.
Ruby Kisses Small Eyeshadow Brush I’m forever buying makeup brushes. I refuse to purchase an expensive set mainly because for some reason I always end up misplacing them and finding them weeks later after I purchased a replacement. This brush did its job and totally worth the price that I paid for it.
Ruby Kisses 24 Hour Eyeshadow Magic Primer If you like Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, this is a more affordable alternative. My eyeshadow lasted long, not as long as Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, however, it lasted nearly as long. The only thing that made me not like it so much is if I use too much I can see it under my shadow as it doesn’t blend into my skin (color) as well but overall this was a good deal for what it does.
Ruby Kisses Perfect Precision Lip Liner I have used this lip liner so much that I actually need to purchase another one. Went on smooth and kept my lipstick from feathering. I also used it under a gloss for some added staying power and color and it worked well with glossy formula as well.
Overall for the price and quality of the products they are something I would purchase again. They are affordable, have a beautiful color selection and I found myself using most of the products more than one time. KISS has not failed me yet!
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you decide to purchase something featured here. This commission will be invested back into hertaintedlips.com as well as help me buy a cheap bottle of wine or some Starbucks. For more information please read our disclosure page.
I received a jar of Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask by Valentia at a discounted price in exchange for an honest review. Product ingredients and directions are from the company, however, my experience and commentary is my own.
Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask by Valentia benefits:
– Reveals softer smoother skin
– Reduces fine lines
– Locks in skins moisture
– Boosts collagen production
– Increases skin radiance
My Experience
I used the Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask by Valentia on the dry patches that I get on my face and it did make those areas seem fuller/plumper than usual and my skin looked smoother as well.
What I liked about the mask was that it wasn’t too heavy and it was a cool golden color which was totally unexpected. It has almost a custard consistency and you can use just a little or a lot depending on how much you need. I also liked that it wasn’t oily or greasy feeling on the skin as a lot of moisturizing or hydrating products are.
The mask also has a pleasant scent and as noted on the jar – there was a tingling sensation. It was more of a cooling feeling. After wiping it off with a damp, warm cloth my skin instantly felt smoother. Even though it is marketed for facial skin, I even tried it on my elbows to see what would happen and again – smoother skin was the result.
Ingredient List and benefits
– Silk Protein Amino Acid Blend: These natural miracles increase moisture content and help in the production of collagen and elastin which decreases the appearance of visible lines.
– Botanical Hyaluronic Acid: Penetrates deep into the skin to secure moisture and plump skin from within.
– Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil: An anti-aging wonder berry that results in fewer fine lines, diminished sun spots, more even skin tone, and firmer more supple skin.
– Japanese Green Tea: Contains catechins that provide anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-irritant effects to the skin.
– Aloe Vera: This botanical moisturizers skin and fight aging by improving skin firmness.
Directions for using Valentia Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask:
Apply to face avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 15-30 minutes. A slight tingling sensation is normal. Use a damp cloth and warm water to remove.
I have used several of Valentia’s products and have yet to be disappointed with the quality and results that I have had with them. Their Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask is no different.
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you decide to purchase something featured here. This commission will be invested back into hertaintedlips.com as well as help me buy a cheap bottle of wine or some Starbucks. For more information please read our disclosure page.
Are you tired of of your skin looking tired? Well I sure am. What this means is I am always on the lookout for great products that will take my skin to another level. My skin has aged fairly well, however, there are still problems that I have which I know I can work on if I choose the right products. Here is another product that I have added to my skincare routine that I am loving right now.
Valentia Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer
I was given a bottle of Valentia Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer from lovely people at Valentia in exchange for an honest review. All comments are my own. This review is Powered by BrandBacker
From the brand: Valentia Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer is a lightweight fast absorbing cream that illuminates skin while providing all-day hydration.
According to Valentia their Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer will:
– Lighten dark spots
– Restore skin radiance
– Even skin tone
– Diminish fine lines
– Provide all-day hydration
Why I wanted to try Valentia’s Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer:
– I have dark spots in certain areas of my face
– I want my skin to look more radiant and less dull
– I have some fine lines on my face (crows feet and smile lines)
Key Ingredients in Valentia Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer:
– Botanical Hyaluronic Acid: Floods skin with moisture, supports skin elasticity, and plumps skin from within.
– Kojic Acid: Controls melanin production and prevents dark spots.
– Safflower Oil: Repairs skin’s natural moisture barrier and provide superior skin protection.
– Shea Butter: Infuses skin with a myriad of vitamins and nutrients for superior skin hydration and nourishment.
– Ginseng: Boosts skin firming collagen, fights wrinkles, and gives the skin a brighter and more energized look.
What I loved about Valentia’s Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer:
– The scent was pleasant without being overwhelming. Some products tend to have a very strong scent and can even make me feel ill. The Pure Glow Moisturizer had a very nice scent to it.
– It absorbed quickly. I am a busy woman and sometimes I have to rush through my skincare routine. The easier something gets absorbed into my skin the easier it makes it sometimes.
– My skin felt amazing. The first time using it my skin felt super soft and supple. No yucky residue and I just wanted to touch my face. lol
– Dark patches faded. I can really see some of the dark patches on my face fading.
– Fine lines around my mouth evened out a bit. I have had smile lines for awhile and this moisturizer smoothed them out.
Overall I really enjoyed being able to try Valentia’s Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer. I was a little worried because I prefer lotions over moisturizers, however, the product was light and not too heavy for everyday use. I do feel that my skin looked less dull and brighter than normal after several uses. It also sat well under my makeup which was a big bonus.
Of course, with all skincare products what works for me may not work for you but I hope that you enjoyed this review about this particular product. Valentia has several other products that may work well with you and your skincare needs as well.
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you decide to purchase something featured here. This commission will be invested back into hertaintedlips.com as well as help me buy a cheap bottle of wine or some Starbucks. For more information please read our disclosure page.
