daydreaming beauty

escape into my world of beauty!

Tarte Best In Faux Lashes

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*sample for review, affiliate links*

I love lush dramatic lashes. I also don’t do falsies. This mascara is my new best friend! I’m surprised at how easy this lash extending fiber mascara is to use and remove. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I had fabulous results! The Tarte Best In Faux Lashes comes with a mini Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara and a tube of lash extending fibers. It’s very easy to apply, just curl your lashes (if you normally do) and apply a coat of the LCL mascara. Then pat the fibers on as directed, and set them with another coat of LCL. You have lush black lashes that are long and thick!

What I Loved:

  • easy to apply and remove
  • no flakes or smudges
  • not irritating
  • lasted all day
  • helps hold a curl in straight lashes

 


I can’t recommend this mascara duo highly enough! I’ve tried so many mascaras that just weigh my lashes down, but this doesn’t. My lashes are straight and very stubborn. This holds a curl all day without any fiber fall out on my face. Tarte is quickly becoming one of my favorite brands, with a great line of high quality and cruelty free makeup. You can find the Tarte Best in Faux Lashes at Sephora for $19. You’ll get a .10oz tube of Tarte’s popular 4-in-1 Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara and 0.028oz tube of nylon lash fibers. The mascara is vegan and cruelty free, and free from parabens and phthalates.

Have you tried this mascara? How do you like your lashes, natural or bold?

New Hada Labo Skin Care Products

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*samples for review, affiliate links*

You’ve seen my love for Hada Labo here on the blog before. It’s like they knew I was dying for an eye cream from them! I’ve been testing out the newest additions to the Hada Labo skin care line, the Ultimate Anti Aging Facial Mask and Age Correcting Eye Cream. Let me start by saying, I don’t care for sheet masks. I’ve never liked the way they feel and I almost feel claustrophobic when I use them. Weird, I know. That said, I love this brand enough to try their new hyaluronic acid enriched anti aging masks. Boy am I glad I did. They’ve become the answer to my skin’s change of season freak out. One box of masks contains 4 treatments, enriched with hyaluronic acid, soy peptides and vitamin e. Each mask contains 0.7fl oz of serum.

The eye cream has lofty claims, such as hydrating and plumping fine lines and wrinkles and reducing puffiness and undereye circles. Botanical extracts and caffeine firm and lift the area. Collagen and pink silk tree bark extract improve elasticity and texture. The eye cream also claims to brighten immediately with light diffusing technology. I haven’t used the eye cream for 3-4 weeks as suggested for best results, but I can tell you I love this all in one eye cream! I often find eye creams to be lacking, if they have active ingredients, they don’t have enough moisture etc. I’m very happy with this anti aging eye cream, as it gives my dry eye area the extra boost of moisture it needs. I have been using it day and night, and have had no issues with my contacts or sensitive eyes.

Do you have any favorites from Hada Labo?

Pur Minerals Chateau De Vine Lipstick and Gloss

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*pr sample/affiliate links*
Pure Minerals Chateau de Vine
My typical parched lips are so thankful for the moisture rich Pur Minerals Chateau De Vine lipstick and Chateau Kisses lip gloss that I’ve been obsessed with this summer! The formulas are made with antioxidant rich resveratrol from Bordeaux’s  Château des Tourtes winery. The formula promotes anti aging and boasts rich moisture and pigment. The formulas feel comfortable and creamy on, no dryness or stickiness at all. 

Pur Minerals Chateau De Vine swatches

A-Lister, Starlet, Exposed, Foxy (Direct Sun, Shade)

I have A-Lister (vivid pink) and Starlet (classic blue based red) in the lipsticks, and Exposed (rosy tan nude with slight shimmer) and Foxy (coral cream) in the lip glosses. There are 10 shades in the lipstick line, and 8 in the gloss. Each are $18, available at ULTA or Pur Minerals website. Have you tried anything from the Pur Minerals Chateau De Vine collection?

Exuviance Illumination Duo

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*sample provided by Exuviance/NeoStrata skincare and Brand Backer for honest review, affiliate links*

Vitamin C and acids, otherwise known as my skin’s favorite combo. The Exuviance Illumination Duo is comprised of the Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex and the Vitamin C+ Antiaging Booster. I have been using this rich cream and active Vitamin C booster for about a week, and so far am quite pleased. I love Exuviance products I’ve tried in the past, so I was excited to try the Illumination Duo! I certainly can use some extra moisture and brightening these days. I haven’t used the duo long enough for full results, but I’m looking forward to seeing how it works with my skin. I already know that I love active Vitamin C for it’s brightening and acne scar lightening capabilities. Please take a minute to read the more scientific information from Exuviance below.

Exuviance Illumination Duo combines the power of our nighttime transformer, Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex, with the 100% pure active formulation of Exuviance Vitamin C+ Antiaging Booster for a potent antiaging cocktail that combats the visible signs of aging.

Give your skin a beauty boost! Mix Vitamin C+ Antiaging Booster with Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex before bed. The Vitamin C amps up the effects of the Evening Restorative Complex for a potent antiaging cocktail that acts as an evening transformer for all skin types.

– Evening Restorative Complex is clinically proven to improve overall skin texture, tone, and appearance
– 90% saw smoother skin after 4 weeks of using Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex
– Vitamin C+ Antiaging Booster amps up the effects of the Evening Restorative Complex, helping to fade the look of dark spots while improving firmness and smoothing wrinkles

The powerful Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Gluconolactone in Evening Restorative Complex decreases lines and wrinkles, evens skin tone and improves roughness and texture. Lactobionic Acid – a potent antioxidant – inhibits wrinkles from forming, plumps and firms the skin, and enhances clarity. This bionic blend of PHAs, along with botanicals and Vitamins A, C and E, delivers full-strength anti-aging benefits without drying or irritation, even on the most sensitive skin types.

The 100% pure active formulation of Vitamin C+ Antiaging Booster contains Vitamin C, an essential co-factor in collagen synthesis, known for its power to strengthen skin’s matrix, improve firmness and smooth wrinkles. Plus, we’ve added our patented super antioxidant, Aceta-C™, to enhance the natural antiaging effects of Vitamin C, amplifying its skin-protecting and pigment-evening effects. Together, they help fade the appearance of unwanted dark spots, and strengthen skin’s defenses against future discoloration and signs of aging.
Find at Exuviance online or ULTA Beauty for $77 for the duo (purchased separately, it would cost you $120)

Exuviance  on Facebook, Twitter and Google+

Shea Moisture Superfruit Renewal System

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*pr sample from BrandBacker, opinions my own*

With all the bleaching, toning and lightening I have done to my hair this summer, this Shea Moisture 10 in 1 Renewal System couldn’t have come across my desk as a better time. I’ve been a long time fan of the Shea Moisture hair and body care products, so I was excited to try the newest addition to their line. This sulfate free line is rich in antioxidants, biotin and Marula Oil to encourage hair to be stronger, healthier and more resilient.

As always, the Shea Moisture line is cruelty free and made with certified organic ingredients.  They are free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, paraffin, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance and color and DEA. The 10-in-1 Renewal System claims to give hair the following benefits: age defying, color protection, sulfate-free, hydration, nourishing, softening, anti-stress, manageability, revive body and not add build up.

The Hair & Scalp Serum is a serum conditioner hybrid, in my opinion. It’s a dual phase product that you must remember to shake to incorporate the oil and watery ingredients. I had best results with this using it as a scalp massage treatment, and pre wash treatment. You can use this as a leave in serum, but it left my hair a little weighed down when I used it that way.

For maximum benefits, leave the serum on for an hour before you wash with the shampoo. I found the shampoo to have a gentle lather, lightly fruity scent and it left my hair soft even before conditioning. I really like the Hair Masque, which is a thick and creamy butter that does wonders on my dry hair! I leave it in as long as possible, and use it 1-2 times per week. It provides a hefty dose of moisture, without weighing my hair down.

Have you tried the new Superfruit Complex from Shea Moisture? Any other favorites from the brand? You can find Shea Moisture Superfruit Renewal beginning this fall at ULTA with a price of $10.99-12.99.

Be sure to check them out on social media! Shea Moisture website, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Beauty Box Five August 2014

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*affiliate links, pr sample*
Beauty Box Five August
This month’s Beauty Box 5   theme is “Radiant and Remarkable” for the end of Summer. Check out what I received in my August box:

Purlisse Pur Protect spf30 1.7oz
La Fresh Travel Lite Makeup Remover Wipes
Nanacoco Lip Gloss
Novex Brazilian Keratin hair treatment
Style Essentials nail polish

Too be completely honest, this box was a little bit of a let down. Mostly, that’s just because the nail polish and lip gloss aren’t colors that I gravitate towards. The Purlisse spf lotion is something that I received in several other subscription boxes. I won’t use the Makeup Remover Wipes since my skin is having a freak out moment currently. The Novex hair treatment is right up my alley, as my color treated hair loves Keratin products. I’m looking forward to trying this out! The Nanacoco gloss formula seems great, but the color I got is a beige-tan shade that is just ick. The Style Essentials nail polish is a clear base filled with black and white bar and hex pieces.
I’m usually pretty pleased with my Beauty Box Five subscription, so I’m sure next month will be better. I know some of the other nail polish and lip gloss shades are different than the ones I received.

Sign up with Beauty Box 5 to receive 4-5 monthly samples of your favorite beauty brands – Click Here!

Katniss Beauty box 5

What? You didn’t get a cat in your box??

Mess-Free & Easy Suncare with Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen!

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Thanks to Colorescience for sponsoring today’s discussion!

Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen

Colorescience Sunforgettable in medium

Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush is the most convenient sun protection I’ve ever come across. Sunforgettable is a finely milled mineral powder housed in a makeup brush, that gives you gentle and effective UVA/UVB protection. It’s so easy to apply, by sweeping the brush over your face and body. The gentle formula is water resistant up to 80 minutes, doesn’t rub off on clothing, is odor free and non irritating to the eyes and safe for children. If you are a parent, you know how difficult it can be to get sunscreen on your kids before they race out for a swim in the pool, or to play at the beach. Not to mention, how gross you end up getting once it’s time to reapply!

Colorescience Sunforgettable mineral sunscreen

Since receiving the Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush, I haven’t been without it! My kids even love to use it, so there is no issue getting them to use spf! Right now Colorescience is running a buy three get one free deal. I’m planning on picking up more of these handy brushes, so that I can leave one in my purse, keep one in the car, and leave one at the Lakehouse!
Colorscience Sunforgettable mineral sunscreen is available in SPF 30 and 50. Shades available are fair, medium, tan, fair shimmer, medium shimmer, and tan shimmer.

 

Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum

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*sample provided for honest review*

I test a LOT of products out for the blog, and I can easily say that this is hands down one of my favorite products EVER. I started using this eyelash serum in April. I agreed to a 16 week trial. The serum can be used once or twice a day, and I chose once a day. I wear contacts, and I didn’t want to take a chance with irritation. I used to have lush, full, long lashes up until a few years ago. When I first got sick with Lyme Disease I went through all kinds of crazy hair loss, including losing a whole patch of lashes on my bottom left eye. It’s so weird and random, but my body just does crazy things sometimes.

I really missed having long lashes, and I was excited to try the Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum. The website claims to double length and volume of your lashes in 6 weeks. The majority of the serum ingredients are natural, and it’s made in the US. I have some pictures from before, during and after. I saw results after 4 weeks, the first changes were in volume, and new lashes growing where my bald spot was! After 10 weeks I was amazed at how long, strong, and voluminous my lashes were. Before I started, my lashes were brittle, and after the Fysiko serum, they felt much less so.

Fysiko before pic

This is my BEFORE Fysiko Lash Growth Serum. Notice how few lashes I have towards the outer edges. Don’t mind the foamy mask. That’s my Ellen Lange skin peel!

After 4 weeks of using Fysiko Eyelash Serum once per day

Ok, below is a pic of the 10 week mark. I have eyeshadow and liner on but NO mascara. For reals. LOOK AT THOSE LASHES.

After 10 weeks of using Fysiko Eyelash Serum once per day

After 16 weeks of using Fysiko Eyelash Serum once per day

fotd blonde

The final two pictures are with one coat of Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara.

You can purchase the Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum for $139 per 8ml tube. That should last 6-8 mos+ if you are using it twice a day. I still have a LOT left in my tube. I haven’t tried it on eyebrows, but the website claims it will help brows as well. What do you think, is this a serum you’d try?

FYSIKO EYELASH GROWTH SERUM INGREDIENTS
Information/Ingredients
Active ingredients:
-Bio-Peptides and Amino Acids: Help to repair and strengthen fragile eyelashes and eyebrows.
-Vitamin E, Olive oil, Thyme, Biotin, Soy Protein : Natural lash enhancers.
-Sodium Hyaluronate: Promotes hydration and helps eyelashes and eyebrows appear shiny and strong.
-Methylamido Dihydro Noralfoprostal: Promotes healthy lash follicles for full growth potential.
-Panthenol: Helps eyelashes and eyebrows last longer by making them more flexible.
Fysiko’ EyeLash Growth Stimulator’s List of Ingredients:
Water, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Sodium Lactate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Proline, Yeast Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Biotin, Hydrolized Soy Protein, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Hexapeptide-11, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Thyme extract, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Arcyostaphylos Uva Ursi (Bearberry) Leaf Extract, Olve Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate,Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) Polysorbate 20, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sorbitol, Triethanolamine, Methylisothiazolinone, Methylamido Dihydro Noralfaprostal.
Find Fysiko on social media – Fysiko Facebook and Twitter
*contains affiliate links*

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