Vitality Vox Box

Hi everyone! I got another VoxBox in the mail from Influenster, and I thought I would share the contents, as well as my quick, initial review of the products. You like product reviews right? ... Right?!

Here is an overview of the box. I am pretty sure everything is in this picture ... Sometimes I get excited and start using things before I take my pics! Bad habit, I know :(

This is the informational card that comes in every box. It explains a little about the product, gives the retail prices, and also gives you a quick 1-2-3 guide at the top to remind you to participate in the badge challenges. I don't see these posted enough, so here ya go :)

This is my favorite product from this box, so I will start with it. (No, this isn't my picture.)

It is the softlips cube. 

First off, they gave me a $1/1 coupon, and I do love my coupons :)

Secondly, the formula works. It's smooth, no smell, a little bit of vanilla flavor... But it also keeps my lips moist or unchaps them. (Is that a word?)

The company info sheet says it's a 5-in-1 formula that is supposed to hydrate with Shea butter, replenish with vitamins A,C and E, smooth, protect with SPF 15, and shine. Yes, it does all that.

The cube packaging is nice to encounter after all the EOS eggs, not to say I don't like the egg shape. But. Change once in a while keeps us young.

This is my least favorite product. (Again, not my pic) I LOVE my sweet tea. They sent me an unsweetened tea ... So I just don't like it. Moving on to the facts, now.

There are zero calories in the unsweetened tea, also zero of everything else, including sugars. The ingredients are brewed tea and citric acid. Caffeine content is 30mg/8 fl oz. serving size is 8 fl oz and there are 2.5 servings. 

Oh! This is a Lipton product.

I would love to try the other flavors, but this unsweetened tea is one I avoid. No sugar, no go.

Moving on!

Here is a product I never would have tried on my own. It's the bikini ready energy gummies. In the sample pack, I was sent 2 gummies. This is a product that doesn't make any sense to me ...

In the ingredients, there is coloring, flavoring, acids ... but it doesn't mention vitamins or anything like that. Plus, they don't really taste that good, once you get past the sugar. 

I didn't notice a change in energy. I won't invest in these. Next product.

First aid kit material! Yes!

Unfortunately, I don't burn myself (except for my tongue). Thus, I haven't had to use this.

Its supposed to help heal minor burns, rawness, and stop itching.

And finally ...

My second favorite product! (Since you should always end on a positive note)

This is the Elizabeth Arden flawless future serum.

There wasn't much in the way of instruction, but it did explain what the formula is supposed to do. It is supposed to even skin tone and reduce the look of wrinkles, among other thing. The evening of skin tone is what I'm hoping it will do for me!

Cons: There is an odd smell to it, but it isn't terribly strong.

Pros: It acts like a primer.

It has helped keep my morning oil down.

3 pumps on the sample covered my entire face.

That's all, folks! If you have more questions, want to contest me, etc., leave a comment below! Have a great day ^.^

An Overview of the My Makeup Collection App

General

I use the My Makeup Collection app almost everyday. I used to walk through the shops and end up spending more than I meant to all the time, when I already had similar products at home. The wishlist is also handy for my husband (who never really knows what to get me for gifts) – now I get products I actually wanted. 

It’s also really good to show how much I am using which products in looks. I can click to tag the products and then check how many looks use the product. It helps me see what products are the most versatile, which is terribly handy.

App Customization

When you are using the My Makeup Collection app, it can be useful to customize it to make sure you are getting the most out it. Firstly, you can add any of your favorite brands by going into the brand view in the top left corner, then clicking on a “Add a New Brand”. You can also Add New product types to include new products you try or other useful tools you use. 

The video is here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48udTCo4b08

Why to use a makeup tracking app

Most women find that they have makeup that they don’t use or have stashed away somewhere from an impulse purchase. Researchers think that women don’t use up to 70% of the makeup that they purchase.  Lots of the time the makeup we buy is so similar to items we have at home its effectively a dupe. By keeping a track of the items you want, and what you have already you can prioritise purchases and get the makeup you really want. 

My Makeup Collection || Part 2

Hi friendlies!!! So, yesterday I went over how to catalog your makeup, as well as a few tips on the program and uses for it. If you missed yesterday's post, let me catch you up!

My Makeup Collection (http://mymakeupcollection.com/)

is a new, free app that lets you catalog your makeup and document your looks, which is what we are going over today. Its super easy to use and terribly helpful (especially if you like to do e.l.f. hauls like I do!!!)

Here we go :D

To create a look, click on the "+" symbol on the top right. Take a picture, or upload one from your phone. I suggest uploading as the in-app camera is a little wonky. 

After you have a picture uploaded, its now called a "look". When you are scrolling through the images, they will appear squat (like the image on the right). Don't worry, though, as everything clears up when you tap on it. See? (image on the left)

Once you have tapped on it, you can add items from your catalog that you used in this look. Tap on the "Add New Tag" banner.

That's all there is to it!!! The hard work will be in adding your entire collection to your new catalog, but it was worth the time for me. Plus, it has made shopping more fun ... especially online and magazine shopping.

So, even though the camera is a little goofy, the is a force to be reckoned with (plus one that already works). As always, if you have any questions, please don't be shy!

My Makeup Collection App || Part 1

Hi everyone! Today and tomorrow I will be doing a review of the new app "My Makeup Collection". There are two major parts to this free app: 1) documenting looks and 2) cataloging your makeup. This post will be about cataloging, since you have to be able to catalog to complete a look page.

The purpose of this app is to be able to have your entire makeup collection at the tip of your fingers, that way you aren't purchasing duplicates, items you hated, etc.

To start off with, you have to choose the category of makeup: eyeliner, foundation, lipstick, lip gloss, etc. There is also the option to create your own category.

Next, you can take a picture of the item (or a swatch and the item, like I did) and input the name and the brand. You also do a quick review of the item (just a simple 1-5 star rating with a quick description). 

One neat thing about this app is that there are different colored dots that you can use to further categorize your items. For instance, you could use the dark purple for items you never want to purchase again, neon purple for your favorite items, and light purple for items you want to send to friends.

Here is a screenie of three of the items I input. See the different colored dots on the far right of the name?

This is really handy when going to the store or browsing pintrest, too! You take a picture of an item you want and fill out the form like normal. Then, you tap "want it!", and that item is added to your wishlist! I like to use this when I go out pamper shopping ... that is, going out with x-amount of money to spend on just me. Instead of impulse buying, I can pull out my phone and see what it was I was really wanting to buy.

Have an admirer or a sister? The app allows you to share your wishlist to Facebook, Twitter, and through email. I am considering using this for my twitter for when new makeup items are featured in Glamour magazine ... then I can share my thoughts with all y'all :D

Wait, wait ... one more cool feature!

Okay. Here it is.

Ready?

Great :)

The app lets you post your reviews (with the ratings, the rant, and the swatches/photo) directly to you blog. All you have to do is allow it access on the blog. Bedazzle me if that's not a time saver!

Overall, its very easy to use. I would suggest taking your photos before you go to catalog it, though. For some reason, the images come up a little blurry if you take them in-app. I like that there are no restrictions on how many numerals I can put in a title or review. Of course, I also love that it's free ^.^

Come back tomorrow and find out how to document your looks!!!

Nail Art || Watermelon Nails #4

Polishes used:

Pink - Sinful Colors "Island Coral"

Green - China Glaze "Four Leaf Clover"

Light Green - E.L.F. "Mint Cream"

Black - Revlon Nail Art Chalkboard "Study Date" (black end)

How To

This is probably the easiest way to do a watermelon nail look. It works great as an accent nail or as a full manicure. You will want a dotting tool, pencil, or toothpick.

Step 1: Apply a whitebase coat.

Step 2: Apply the pink coat. Leave a french-tip. Don't worry if it looks messy on the edge, we will be cleaning it up later.

Step 3: Apply the green tip, remembering to leave a white line (as thick or thin as you design).

This is where you can use the dotting tool to add white to clean up the edges of the green and pink layers.

Step 4: Add the black polka dots with your clean dotting tool.

Step 5: Optional Add lighter green straight lines with the dotting tool.

Don't forget a top coat!!!

This isn't my favorite look, but it is nice for working with the dotting tool and the different layers/color.

Why Women Will Never Ditch Their Make Up Bag

Why Women Will Never Ditch Their MakeUp Bag

Looking good inspires many women to feel good about themselves. Some of them prefer being all natural whereas others love using artificial enhancers like permanent perfection makeup. There is so much variety involved in make up! You hear a lot from make up creators about how they talk about make up to women, creating an ideal that doesn't exist, but we women still buy into the ideal that it is enough to make us feel good about ourselves everyday.

Here are just a few reasons so many women can't live without make up. Which reason do you associate yourself with?

It Disguises Flaws

Makeup masks any imperfection that an individual might have. For example, when concealers are properly applied on the face, darker spots often found below the eyes can be concealed. Foundations often disguise flaws very well. 

It Enhances Appearance

With makeup playing a big part in catwalks trends, makeup creators often use these trends to appeal to everyday women. Some women are inspired to copy catwalk trends which allows they to feel creative and portray another part of their personality. 

It Augments Definition

Makeup adds definition to the desirable facial features. Cheekbones and eyebrows are popular ways of augmenting definition. Lip liners help accentuate contour and regain fullness of the lip shape.

It Boosts Confidence

Individuals who are sensitive and overly conscious of their body flaws can rely heavily on makeup. However, with makeup, all these blemishes will be masked, forgotten about enough that you feel nobody notices them. For many women, putting on makeup is an essential daily routine that they cannot skip. Many of them cannot go a day face-naked, because it gives them confidence knowing that they look attractive.

It Exhibits a Person's Sense of Style

Wearing make-up enables you to display your sense of style to the world. It also allows you to play around with different exotic colors and shades to create your own personal style.

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The beauty industry is among the industries with the highest number of jobs globally. The demand for beautician services is constantly growing worldwide with the majority of clients being women. Professionals who offer these services are in high demand everywhere. Having a Hair and Beauty NVQ Accreditation is highly desirable to employers when looking to join a salon to start your career. 

How to Look Beautiful Naturally + Recipes

Hi all my friendlies!!! I had so much fun writing my last "essay" that I thought I would do it again! This time, I want to talk about looking beautiful naturally. Here I gooooooo........

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How to Look Beautiful Naturally - 4 + 1 Essential Tips for a Flawless and Bright

Make up certainly comes in trends. If you open up a magazine or look around, there are dozens of examples constantly marketing make up brands, telling women that the next big longest-lash mascara is made by them. If you are a regular wearer of make-up you will understand that sometimes you wish you didn't rely so much on make-up. However, sometimes it can be provide a fun way to look different from your everyday self.  If you ever dare to go bare, there are a few tricks to help you discover the real, natural you, and it doesn't mean to throw all your make up in the bin; it is about making your make up go a long way and looking at yourself and appreciating what you have got. You can look sexy and youthful at the same time. You can do things like covering up one blemish instead of your whole face or use a lipstick and nothing else. I admit that I have had to spend many hours in the mirror experimenting (along with researching ) for the best natural products to become a reflection of my true self.

So. Let's embrace what mother nature gave us and learn how to look more beautiful with these simple tips and tricks without a full bag of make up!

Exfoliate Your Skin Regularly

Exfoliating is truly under-rated, but you should do this twice weekly. Not once, twice. Your skin pores store tons of dirt, dust and cosmetics over time, which is why you need to carefully exfoliate your skin on a regular basis. Exfoliating your skin helps you eliminate the dirt and dead cells from your skin, thus improving its appearance, keeping sebum production at minimum and preventing acne. To your delight, there are countless scrubs you can possibly make at home, using ingredients you have already in your kitchen. 

Try this simple recipe:

Mix two tablespoons of honey 

with one tablespoon of brown sugar 

and apply this scrub on your face, massaging gently.

Easy peasy!

Make sure to use a scrub only two times a week, otherwise you risk damaging your skin and removing its natural protective hydrolipidic film that prevents infections and other undesirable outcomes.

Wake Up Tired, Puffy Eyes with Cucumber

Many of us experience restless nights every now and then and we wake up with tired, puffy eyes and dark circles under them. You might be tempted to reach for your beauty bag and pick up the concealer, which will help you even the skin tone, mask the puffiness of your eyes and make your face look more awake. But what if there is a simpler solution for these two common issues? Wake up your puffy eyes with iced cucumber, which you can keep in the fridge overnight to be fresh and efficient. Apply it directly to your eyes and leave it there for a couple of minutes. Your face will become brighter and more awake instantly, with no makeup needed.

Zap Blemishes with Arnica and Tea Tree Oil

When blemishes appear, there is a simple way to successfully get rid of them: anti-inflammatory arnica and antibacterial tea tree oil. Again, you might want to reach for your concealer or primer to mask them, but this will not be as efficient as completely removing them. 

Try this recipe:

Mix half a teaspoon powdered arnica extract 

with one tablespoon of tea tree oil. 

Apply this mixture directly where your blemishes are using a cotton pad. 

Use this treatment at least once a week, and you will notice your skin getting more B-E-A-Utiful over time.

Moisturize Your Skin Everyday

For your skin to look youthful and beautiful, moisturizing is a must. However, you don’t need to buy those expensive products you’ve seen in magazines to obtain a smooth, firm skin! – not only are they completely inefficient, but they can cause more harm than good. Ridiculous. Making your own moisturizer is definitely a better option, and thankfully, you need only a few ingredients.

Try this recipe:

Try mixing one tablespoon of coconut oil 

with one teaspoon of olive oil, 

a teaspoon of aloe vera gel 

and half an avocado (mashed). 

Use this mixture every day, and your skin will become brighter, smoother and younger in no time at all!!!

(Why didn't mom ever teach us this?!)

Use Face Masks for Absolute Beauty

Beyond moisturizers, anti-blemishes remedies and scrubs, you certainly need to use face masks to achieve a perfectly beautiful and youthful skin. There are hundreds – even thousands – face masks you can make at home, with ingredients that range from olive oil to watermelon, avocado, coconut oil, aloe vera, plain yogurt and even cosmetic argyle. Depending on what you want to attain, you should use ingredients accordingly. To moisturize your skin, 

Try this recipe:

Mix half a cup of mashed avocado 

with one tablespoon olive oil, 

one tablespoon plain yogurt 

and some aloe vera gel. 

To make a mask that can fight off acne, try mixing a tablespoon of cosmetic argyle powder with half a cup of mashed avocado, 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice and half a cup of mashed watermelon.

Voila!!!

By using these simple tricks, which are available on You Tube, your look will improve over time, and the best part is that you will never have to invest money in expensive and totally inefficient products again. If you really need to reach for the make up bag, try limiting what you use and wear a pretty pink or reddish lipstick to instantly add color to any complexion.

Chic Beauty Academy courses include make-upand beauty training where Sam has studied to become a make up artist putting her skills to the test for photo shoots and weddings.