Hello 2017

Hello my loves!

With only 6 hours left in the year, I am happy, excited and nervous. This year has gone by so quickly and a lot of good things have happened this year. 2016 for me was pretty great, but I'm looking forward to 2017. I feel like 2017 will be a much better year for me personally because I'll be working on a lot of things for myself. I don't really plan to have any resolutions this year, but rather a few goals and ideas that I want to accomplish in 2017.

In 2016 my son turned 2 years, my family and I moved to a better house in a better location, my brother went on tour to Africa and Italy, my other younger brother has been acing his classes and my baby sister has joined the National Honor Roll. Now, there hasn't been much for myself as I still haven't found a job, but I've been working hard as a stay-at-home mom (being a mother isn't necessarily a job, but mothers do work hard 24/7 with no breaks and no pay. I now know how my mother feels).

I'm looking forward for 2017. I want to work on myself spiritually, physically and emotionally this coming year. I want to do more things such as go out (when the weather is better) instead of being a homebody. I want to cook and bake more than usual. I want to continue looking for a job whether it's in the beauty industry or going back to working behind a desk. I want to get fit and gain weight (yes, there are people in the world who want to gain weight). I want to work on my freelance makeup artistry business and find something new to do business wise. I want to really get into wedding planning (that's a whole story in itself). I want to get closer to God. I want to work on my blog and YouTube channels.

2017 seems to have so much promise for me and I am excited. My son will be turning 3 in Feb. My bae and I will be going on 5 years together. I'll be turning 26 years old. Just a lot of great things.

I'm currently hanging with my bae and our son. I normally go to church with my family, but this year I'll be with my loves watching movies to bring the new year in. I did, however, get my hair done yesterday and it was a change. I got a cut, highlights and red rinse. It's a new look, shorter hair, but I am truly obsessing over it.

2016 goodbye. 2017 hello!!

Studio Gear Cosmetics Prime Objective Face Primer Review

Hello my loves!

Today's post is going to be a review on an awesome product by a company that is absolutely new to me. I was given the opportunity to try out a new face primer. Now, I'm not huge on primers for myself, but I do normally stick to my favorite 2-3 primers. However, this new primer has changed my love and made a home in my heart.

The primer I am talking about is the Prime Objective Skin Perfecting Face Primer by Studio Gear Cosmetics. If you have never heard of Studio Gear Cosmetics I will give you a bit of information about them.

At Home Spa ft Buena Skin & Me Bath

Hello my loves!

Today's post is going to be all about having your own at home spa day or night. I have never been to a spa in all the 25 years of my life, but I've always created my own weekly spa days for myself. I think every woman deserves to feel pampered at least once a week. A day where she can let loose, relax and have much needed me time.

I will be sharing a general idea of how my personal spa days go. It won't be too in depth, but it will be a general step-by-step. Hope you all enjoy watching it!

Okay so now for the actual breakdown...

The first thing I do is clean the tub out. Yes it may sound strange, but I like to ensure the tub is super clean before hopping in it. I take out the bath mat and give everything a good clean. Once the cleaning is done I prepare for a shower.

I shampoo and condition my hair using Organix Coconut Water shampoo and VO5 Moisture Milk conditioner. I wash my body with body wash of choice, in this case it was Avon's Haiku Kyoto Flower, I also use my Summer's Eve Island Splash feminine wash. I shave every time I have a spa day or night.

Once I'm done showering, I hop out, do a quick clean of the tub and then proceed to putting a leave in moisturizer in my hair. After doing that I do a mask of my choice. The day I was recording this I opted for a clay mask. I used the Valentia Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask.

While I let that sit and dry I prepare my bubble bath. I like my bubble baths to be awesome hot, but not scorching. I used the Dr. Teal's Lavender Foaming Bath, my rose scented bath salt, Avon Signature Bath Oil and 2 Lavender Lullaby bath bombs from Me Bath! This makes the bath smell and feel amazing. Thanks to the extra long bathmat, taking baths are much more fun and relaxing.

Now majority of the time I do a body scrub while in the shower, but on this day I did a body scrub in the bath. I used the Buena Skin Spirulina Scrub which I freaking love!! It has organic green algae, organic spirulina, dead sea salts, jojoba, vitamin e oil, safflower oil and green tea essential oil. This scrub does a great job at exfoliating the skin and it gives a ton of moisture to the body. My only gripe would be the smell. It definitely smells like algae.

Once I'm done with my body scrub I will sit in the bath for about 30 mins to an hour and watch movies, read, listen to music, play games or check out YouTube videos. When I'm out of the bath I use a foot lotion to hydrate my feet and pop on some comfy socks. Then I go to spray my deodorant and feminine spray. Once that is done I use Aloe Vera gel to hydrate the areas I shaved and then use my body lotion of choice.

This is my basic spa routine. There are times when I go all out and groom my brows, do a mani and pedi, but I'll save that for another post.

If you're interested in the extra long bath mat, swing on over to Amazon and grab one.

Hope you all enjoyed this post and video and will try out your own spa routine!

FTC Disclaimer:

I received the bath mat and the body scrub for free in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for my opinions and thoughts.

Apalus Hair Straightening Brush Review & Demo

Hello my loves!

Today's post is going to be a review and demo on an item I've had my eyes on for some time, but never really cared to buy. The infamous hair straightening brush has been making its way around YouTube, so when the opportunity arrived for me to try it out I jumped on it. I'm glad I did!

Today's review and demo is on the Apalus Hair Straightening Brush in model HC03.

This brush blew my mind! I was impressed with how straight it got my hair. Now it doesn't get bone straight, but as a brush it got my hair straight enough to manage and style. Definitely straighter than me just doing blowing out my hair with a comb. This brush allows me to cut my hair care routine time in half.

I like to apply some type of hair oil to my hair (or heat protectant) before putting the brush through my hair. I find that two full passes followed by one quick pass through the hair does the job right for me.

This brush retails for $39.99 USD on Amazon and it heats up to 450 degrees F. I have only tried this on 360 degrees which is the "default" setting. This is an awesome brush and I highly recommend it.

FTC Disclaimer:

I received this product for free in exchange for an honest review. I am not being paid for my thoughts or opinions. These are my thoughts after 2 weeks of use.

SwissVita Cream Cleanser & Eye Cream Review

Hello my loves!

Today's post is going to be a review and demo of the Swiss Vita Laboratories Cream Cleanser and Eye Cream. Swiss Vita was kind enough to send me these two beauties for review and I definitely want to thank them for the opportunity. I have been using both of these items in my skincare routine for the past 2 and a half weeks and I've been loving them!!!

Swiss Vita Cream Cleanser

This cleanser is pretty damn awesome in my opinion! It retails for $23.99 USD and can be purchased on Amazon.

Every day we are exposed to harmful rays of the sun and the dirt and pollution in the air. Recent studies show that pollution speeds up in the development of dark spots, wrinkles, and lines. The very simple process of cleansing your face before going to bed can stimulate your body’s response to fight aging and other skin problems.

Review | Minos Moka Pot Espresso Maker

Hello my loves!

How many of you love a good hot drink? I know I do. Be it tea, hot chocolate or a cappuccino. I'm not much of a coffee person, but I used to be during freshman and sophomore year of college (long nights of partying, studying and cramming for papers and exams -- boy do I miss it...). I do find that I will drink coffee every now and then when the urge does hit me, but not as often as my mother would.

As you can probably guess from the title and the previous statements, this is going to be about an awesome product for you coffee lovers and espresso makers. Minos Living was kind enough to send me their Minos Moka Pot Espresso Maker for review and I am totally loving it to piece. I also did a demo and unboxing on my YouTube channel as well. The one I have is the 3-cup version.

Specs

3-Cup version - $79.95 USD
6-Cup version - $89.95 USD
Weight - 1.7 pounds
Dimensions - 6.8 x 4.6 x 4.5 inches

The classic Moka Pot has had the same look since it was first created in 1933. It’s beautiful and artistic, but the Minos Moka Pot brings authentic, romantic coffee to the modern age with an elegant, streamlined, upscale design. The smaller rim at the top also makes it safer to use with less risk for spillage.

Classic aluminum stovetop Moka Pots are known to last for years. The Minos Moka Pot is made from heavy stainless steel, which is much stronger and can withstand heat much more than aluminum. You can expect your Minos Pot to not only give you delicious, artisanal Italian-style coffee, but also continue to do so for a long, long time.

With the Minos Moka Pot, you get switchable, multi-colored handles that come in yellow, blue and pink. Change it around based on your preference any time you want. And while Moka Pots are known to last a long time, their handles are often the first to break or melt due to intense heat. Now you’ll have instant spares for if the handle breaks

Unboxing & Demo

Review

I absolutely love this Moka Pot a lot (it's my first one). It makes making a cup of coffee very fun. I find that its pretty easy and I can brew a good 3-4 cups of coffee a day before having to change out the espresso or coffee grounds. The Moka Pot is absolutely stunning in and of itself. The interchangeable handles make for a fun way to brighten up your mood or even cute decor. It's easy to clean up and use (watch my demo on how to brew). This does have a bit of weight to it and it does get extremely hot, so when using, brewing and transporting make sure you hold it tightly but without burning yourself. It does keep my coffee pretty hot for a few hours so it's great to brew early in the morning and have sitting around for at least 2-3 hours before it gets cold.

If this sounds like something you're interested I highly suggest you go and grab yourself one or as a gift for a friend. Check it out on Amazon.

FTC Disclosure

This is a sponsored post. I received this product for review by the company through Tomoson. I am not being paid. Everything written is my honest thoughts and opinions.

Review | L'Reve 24K 60 Second Instant Facial Lift Serum

Hello my loves!

Today's post is going to be yet another glorious skincare review. This is on a new product and company for myself. I have never heard of L'Reve Cosmetics so when the opportunity was presented for me to try out a product from them I jumped on the wagon to do so. L'Reve Cosmetics is a Miami based ultra-premium skin care retailer serving discerning consumers worldwide. They specialize in and offer one of the most complete lines of guaranteed effective, luxury skin care products designed to help keep your skin looking healthy and youthful for many years to come.

The product I received is their 60 Second Instant Facial Lift Serum. It retails for $29.95 USD and you get 0.5 fl oz of product in a gorgeous silver and pearl colored thick plastic container. There is a pump that comes covered so there's no accidents. I love the pump! Not only is it flush with the container, but it does not pump alot of product out. Literally, a pea size amount which works great for me.

L'Reve Says

Review | Valentia Fresh Mist Calming Toner

Hello my loves!

Today's post is a review on the Fresh Mist Calming Toner from Valentia Skin Care. You all know how obsessed I am with their skin care products. Not only are their products affordable, but they have that luxurious feel as well.

Their toner retails for $20 USD and you get 4 fl oz of product in an amber colored plastic bottle with a black spray. This should last about 4-6 months according to their website, but I do about 3-4 sprays depending on how I feel that day so I'd say for me it may last 2-3 months.

I've been using this product for two weeks now. I did receive this product for free courtesy of the company, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Valentia Says

This skin calming toner is the essential step after cleansing and before moisturizing in order to clean pores, balance facial pH, and rid skin of any remaining dirt or makeup. Nano Structured Water enriched with Magnesium, and Vitamin C in this toner dissolves away facial impurities and refreshes stressed out feeling skin. Witch Hazel and Tea Tree Oil keep skin clear of unsightly blemishes to minimize pores, for an all over clear complexion. This toning elixir is the perfect addition to freshen up any skin care routine.

Claims

Review | Valentia Night Revive Retinol Serum

Hello my loves!

Today's post is going to be a skin care review on an awesome and interesting serum. As you all know, I've been reviewing a ton of Valentia Skin Care products and today's post in no different.

Valentia is a company that is cruelty free, vegan friendly, uses 98% natural ingredients, made in the US and uses sustainable energy. The company sent over the Night Revive Retinol Serum and I can't explain the excitement. I was definitely on the hunt for a new moisturizer since I had just ran out of my old moisturizer.

For $35 USD you get 1.18 fl oz of product in an amber colored glass with a dropper. As usual the label is simple and elegant -- white with gold foiling and black wording. The serum is a white with a bit of an iridescence to it. The serum smells absolutely lovely citrus smell which is pleasant to my nose. The consistency is very liquidity, but not as fluid as water which I appreciate because it won't get too messy.

I've had this product for a month and have been using it twice a week and sometimes three times a week.

Valentia Says

Review | Buena Skin 100% Pure Shea Butter

Hello my loves!

Today's post is going to be a review on Buena Skin's 100% Pure Shea Butter. A great product that's great for skin, hair and nails.

I've been enjoying this product for the past week and few days. I normally stay away from Shea Butter because they tend to be overly greasy for me. However, this shea butter is amazing! First off, this product shipped with great packaging. The product itself is hard and grainy, but I found that warming it under hot water for a few mins helped to loosen it up. After I was able to loosen up the shea butter I grabbed a bit of it and warmed it in my hands. It melted within minutes and hydrated my hands. It does feel greasy, but it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a greasy feeling. The smell is similar to that of play-doh, but not too strong.

I really love this product. I've used on my skin after a shower, on my hair, on my son's hair and on my cuticles. Such a great product. Highly recommend it!

If you're interested in trying this product go grab you one from their Amazon page. You won't regret it!

FTC Disclaimer

I received this product at a discounted price, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not paid for this review.

Review | Valentia Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer

Hello my loves!

Today's post is a review on an awesome moisturizer. I was able to yet again work with the phenomenal company Valentia with the release of their newest skincare product. I have reviewed numerous products from them (all of which I love and highly recommend), so I was super excited when I got the chance to review this.

Valentia is a company that is cruelty free, vegan friendly, uses 98% natural ingredients, made in the US and uses sustainable energy. The company sent over the Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer and I can't explain the excitement. I was definitely on the hunt for a new moisturizer since I had just ran out of my old moisturizer.

Marc Jacobs Glowstick Unboxing

Hello my loves!

Today's post is an unboxing of the Marc Jacobs Glowstick thanks to Influenster. I was very ecstatic to receive this voxbox because Marc Jacobs is a brand I always wanted to try out personally (outside of my freelance makeup kit).

I loved how it came in a all black box with white writing to mirror the box packaging of the product really nice. I also appreciated the mini pamphlet that was included on highlighting the face. To see the unboxing, skip ahead to 9:09 in the video below.

This retails for $42 USD and can be purchased on the Marc Jacobs site or Sephora. It comes in a gorgeous sleek white container with 0.49oz

Marc Jacob Says

Maybelline Vivid Matte Review

Hello my loves!

Today's post is a review of the Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid lipsticks that I received from Influenster. I was so excited when I got this product in the mail because I've been interested in trying them out myself for some time.

Inside my Voxbox I received a card with all the necessary information as well as two shades. A nude in Nude Flush and a red in Rebel Red. I have swatched both (in video), but I've only been wearing Nude Flush because it's my absolute fave (lip swatch below)!

The main statement for this collection is "sensuous feel, saturated color." I definitely agree that you get both saturated color and an sensual feeling on the lips. There are 10 shades available retailing for $7.99 USD.

Maybelline Says

Review | Valentia Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask

Hello my loves!

Today's post is a review on a phenomenal clay mask. I was given the opportunity to review another product from Valentia skincare. They were kind enough to send me this product for free, so I definitely want to say thank Valentia for that. Valentia is a company that is cruelty free, vegan friendly, uses 98% natural ingredients, made in the US and uses sustainable energy.

The company sent over the Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask. I enjoy playing with different types of masks because they give me the chance to pamper myself. I always make sure to have at least one to two days of me time, which includes a pamper session for myself.

For $25 USD you get 4 fl oz which can last about 5 months if used once or twice a week. Valentia has stunning packaging with their white and gold box and simple font. I love how elegant it looks without being over done or overwhelming in look. The mask itself comes in a white Polypropylene container with a gray and gold foiled label.

The clay mask is a nude-gray color and smells absolutely stunning -- fruity and tart. I've used this mask 4 times to thoroughly form an opinion on how this product feels and performs.

Valentia Says

Not your ordinary mask, this clay mask removes excess dirt and oil from the skin caused by makeup, environmental toxins, and everyday contaminants. Kaolin Clay helps pull dirt and oil to the surface, offering a deep cleanse that leaves skin clean and clear. Added Hibiscus and Cranberry Fibers make this mask unique, providing an extra layer of skin exfoliation, leaving skin feeling and looking smoother, and softer. This Detoxifying Clay Mask reverses and clears away skin damage, giving you stronger, firmer and healthier skin.

Six Claims

Mother's Day Jewelry and Review Giveaway from Glamulet®

Hello my loves!

Mother’s Day is coming!!! It’s time for us to show the love to our moms, grandmothers, aunts and sisters. Glamulet has beautiful charms that are the best choice to reveal the femininity within them.

About Glamulet
The Charms Brand Glamulet was launched in 2014 to offer to every woman a new range of trendy and elegant quality jewelry at an affordable price. We believe that every woman should be allowed to express herself and to feel pretty. We design glamorous Charms and Bracelets and we use quality materials to manufacture them. Each woman can mix and match the Charms to create her own Bracelet.

The New Mother's Day Collection

Review | MAKE Beauty Cosmetics

Hello my loves!

Today's post is a cosmetic review. I was given the opportunity to review two makeup products from MAKE Beauty. They were kind enough to send me the products for free, so I definitely want to thank them for that. MAKE cosmetics is not tested on animals and it's hypoallergenic.

I received the Silk Cream lipstick in Taffy and the Matte Finish eyeshadow in Alabaster. These were absolutely fun to play with!

Look using the MAKE lipstick and eyeshadow.

About MAKE Beauty
MAKE believes there are no beauty rules. That each individual is driven by an artistic approach to their own personal reality. That it's beautiful to be inspired by your imagination. To embrace a whimsical approach to life. To be outspoken, intelligent, confident and un-self conscious.

MAKE encourages creative self-expression as individuals everywhere color their world. Our beauty products are designed for personal experimentation with rich formulations and rare palettes in an unconstrained range of colors, finishes and textures.

MAKE is made in our hometown, New York City. It is paraben-free and never tested on animals. 10% of sales are donated to the We See Beauty Foundation, supporting women-led, worker-owned cooperative businesses across the Americas.

Silk Cream Lipstick in Taffy

Review | Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum

Hello my loves!

Today's post is a review on an absolutely amazing facial serum. I was given the opportunity to review another new product from Valentia Skin Care. They were kind enough to send me this product for free, so I definitely want to say thank Valentia for that. Valentia Skin Care is a company that is cruelty free, vegan friendly, uses 98% natural ingredients, made in the US and uses sustainable energy.

The company sent over the Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum. As I said before in a previous review, serums are now an essential part of my skincare regimen. They provide me with extra moisture and nutriment for my skin. Trying new serums out is always a plus!

For $35 USD you get 1.18 fl oz of product to use which can last about 2 months if you use about one to two pumps. As normal, packaging is flawless. The serum comes in their signature white box with gold foil trimming and logo. The serum itself a white lotion consistency with a beautiful citrus scent. It comes in a glass bottle with a white pump and clear top. As I always say, Valentia's packaging is simple, classic and chic.

Valentia Says

Review | Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation

Hello my loves!

Today's post is a review and "unboxing" of the Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless foundation that I received through Influenster. Maybelline came out with 8 new shades and 4 of which are geared towards WOC (women of color). I was so excited to get this because I normally buy the shade 322 Warm Honey, which sometimes is just too light for me or 330 Toffee which was sometimes a bit deep for me. I'd even mix those two shades just wear the foundation, but thankfully they came out with new shades!

The shade I received for this review is 332 Golden Caramel. This is by far a perfect match for me and I'm so in love with it. When I first apply it, it does come off a bit too yellow, but it oxidizes with time and blends seamlessly with complexion.

I don't find myself having to apply more than 1.5 "coats" of this foundation and I do so with a kabuki brush that's either flat or rounded. It gives me an airbrushed look. This foundation dries pretty quickly, but I do get a tiny bit of transfer when using it. This foundation does not irritate my skin whatsoever and it definitely keeps my skin matte without making it appear dull or dry.

Check out my video for more on my thoughts of this foundation! I also have a tutorial coming this Wednesday in which I used this foundation for you all to, so stay tuned for that!

Review | Valentia Royal Rose Hydrating Serum

Hello my loves!

Today's post is a review on a phenomenal facial serum. I was given the opportunity to review another new product from Valentia Skin Care. They were kind enough to send me this product for free, so I definitely want to say thank Valentia for that. Valentia Skin Care is a company that is cruelty free, vegan friendly, uses 98% natural ingredients, made in the US and uses sustainable energy.

I received the Royal Rose Hydrating Serum. I have a soft spot for serums ever since I worked in cosmetics sales. They are now essential to my routine and I'm always looking for new ones to try -- especially hydrating ones.

Review | Oz Naturals Super Youth Eye Gel

Hello my loves!

Today's post is a review on awesome eye gel that I've been loving for the past month! I was given the opportunity to review a product from Oz Naturals skincare line this month and after hearing so many good reviews about it I definitely wanted to give it a try. Oz Naturals was kind enough to send me this product for free, so I definitely want to say thank you to them for that. Oz Naturals is a company that is cruelty free, vegan friendly, uses 96.9% natural ingredients, made in the US, kosher certified and eco-friendly. What more could a girl ask for?

I received the Super Youth Eye Gel. I am always on the hunt for a good eye gel for the spring and summer months because they don't feel heavy AND they give a cooling sensation when applied.

This eye gel retails for $17.49 USD with 0.5 fl oz of product and can be purchased on Amazon. I have seriously been enjoying this product so much. This comes in a classic white glossy bottle with a pump that makes it easy for application. The eye gel is clear in color and it does have an algae and kelp sort of scent because those are two products within the ingredients, but it does dissipate rather quickly.

Quick Tad Bits

Review | Valentia Skin Care Eye Cream & Hydration Mask

Hello my loves!

Today's post is a review on an amazing eye cream. I was given the opportunity to review two products from Valentia Skin Care this month and after hearing so many good reviews about it I definitely wanted to give it a try. Valentia was kind enough to send me this product for free, so I definitely want to say thank you Valentia for that. Valentia Skin Care is a company that is cruelty free, vegan friendly, uses 98% natural ingredients, made in the US and uses sustainable energy.

I received the True Glow Eye Cream and the Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask. I am addicted to face mask and I am always on the hunt for an effective eye cream.

True Glow Eye Cream

St. Ives Influenster Voxbox

Hello my loves!

Today's post is about the St. Ives voxbox I received from Influester to review. If you have not heard of Influenster before it's a website and an app where you can sign up for free to review some awesome products ranging from food to skincare to makeup and more. Influenster is not a gimmick. You sign up -- for free. You get a box full of products -- for free. You get free shipping. The only thing that is required of you is to try the products and give your honest opinion. So definitely sign up!

St. Ives is a brand that I have tried and enjoyed. I've tried their Apricot scrub and I have a love/hate relationship with that product, so I'm beyond excited to try these products out.

Why I love St. Ives?