Petunia Skincare

Hello Everyone! I hope everyone is enjoying their week so far. I know I have had a really awesome yet interesting one, thanks to Petunia Skincare. It took me as a blogger and beauty student to step out of my comfort zone and into something I had never done before. But before I get into that, let me fill you in a little on who Petunia Skincare the brand truly is. 

Petunia Skincare prides itself for having the best skin care ingredients in their products and backs that information up by real life testing and scientific research. All of their products are produced in small amounts so that each product is fresh and also packaged (an FDA certified facility I might add) under clean and tight conditions. My favorite part about this company; they are made right here in the US! The brand resides in Goleta, California and are a fairly new company which started this past November. They stand out by saying (and I agree) that they are not just "any other generic skincare brand," they actually take the time to create and experiment with products that are proven to prevent aging, protect healthy skin, and avert damage in the future from happening to the skin.

I got the opportunity to try both of the products they currently offer which is their 1.0mm Derma Roller and the Vitamin C Serum + E + Hyaluronic Acid + Ferulic Acid. I think it is a great idea to use both the products together to get the maximum results, but you don't have to. Usually, I would score each item separately but these products truly go hand in hand (I used them together as well) so I will be scoring them as a whole.

The first product is the 1.0mm (this is the needle size) Derma Roller. Now, I am going to be honest, when I first saw the product I was terrified to try it. I thought to myself you want me to put needles where and DO WHAT? ha ha. It really wasn't as bad as it sounds or looks, if you can stand a small pinch to the skin, then you will be able to use this product. For me I have found the best time to use this product is when you get out of the shower (it helps open the pores more; do this with the serum too). Now, you may experience some redness, but this WILL go away. I have VERY sensitive skin so you may not even experience that.

            Before Derma Roller                       After Derma Roller (light redness)

What's so important about this product is it helps open up the pores to get it ready to use the serum (or other beauty products). It says to roll 10 times per area, but I recommend doing what your comfortable with, and then work your way up. If you can handle it, this product truly works. I wish I has one of those up close skin cameras so you could see up close. It made my skin tighter as well as clearer. I was truly impressed. And can you believe that was only after a week!? After a month of this thing my skin should be nearly flawless.

The next product I received was the "Advanced Formula & Highly Concentrated Vitamin C + E Hyaluronic Acid  & Ferulic Acid" AKA Professional Anti-Aging Serum. Now a quick science lesson for those wanting to know. Ferulic Acid is one of the most powerful anti-oxidants and Hyaluronic Acid (which is naturally found in the body) secures moisture and creates fullness. I like to call this serum my little "Genie in a Bottle." Within a week of using this stuff, I significantly noticed the fine lines under my eyes fade. I thought to myself, "Maybe its another product I'm using?" then I remembered... I stopped using all my other skincare products temporarily so I could see how these products worked. Again, if I had one of those special camera's so you could see it, I think you would be surprised as well. I will be updating later how it goes after using it for a month, as well as if when stopping the product do the lines comes back and if so how long after etc. All I can say if you want the proof give it a try! 

Now, I applied this product with my hand (which I wouldn't recommend) or with a cotton ball (which I WOULD recommend). I applied it once a night straight after using the Derma Roller and taking a shower for extra added pore opening. Now the reason you should apply this product at night is because when you put Vitamin C on your skin it will be more prone to burning as well as sensitive to the sun, so keep that in mine when setting up a routine for it. Also, a little bit of this serum goes a long way. Be careful in order not to use too much or you may have a breakout. I noticed when I didn't use as much my skin was just fine and beautiful, but if I used too much or went crazy with it my skin didn't adhere to it. 

Overall, I am happy that I got to try out products from Petunia Skincare and can't wait to see what the future holds for this company. Now for the scoring...there were only two negative things I had to say about the products and that was the slight inflammation and the slight breakout from using too much of the product (which was my fault). But when you compare that to the positives of these products such as the tightening of the skin and the fine lines going away; AH-mazing! This is why I give these products such a high score.

Overall Product Score: 4.6*

If you wish to purchase any of these products you can find their site here: Petunia Skincare. Their Derma Roller is currently $14.99 and their Vitamin C Serum is $26.95. Because they are such amazing products they are actually on back order, but you can go on their Amazon site and purchase them as well, (which are actually cheaper) and if you have Amazon Prime like I do that means FREE shipping! If you would rather take that route you can go to their site here: Petunia Skincare on Amazon. The Derma Roller is $12.99 and their Vitamin C serum is $12.99. You also receive a really helpful E-book (valued at $8.95) after purchasing the serum that has a bunch of helpful hints you can download in your email. 

What do you think about these products? Would you be open to trying a Derma Roller or have you tried one of these before? Feel free to leave any questions or comments in regard to Petunia Skincare, I love hearing your feedback! And as always: Remember to stay beautiful by STAYING YOU!

*overall rating is based on a 5 point scale based off of product, pricing, texture, application, and longevity.

Ipsy - May 2014

Hello Everyone! I hope all of yall are having a good week so far. It's my favorite time of year here in South Carolina; a mixture of spring and summer. I think Ipsy is feeling it as well because the theme this month (as you can tell by the bag) is FRESH PICKS! So, I figured I would mix the pictures up as well into my personal "Fresh Picks." 

If you don't know what Ipsy is its a beauty subscription bag designed just for you (by taking the beauty quiz) for $10 a month. The $10 also includes shipping. Beauty Guru Michelle Phan curates the bags, and you generally receive 5 items. 

If you wish to sign up you can sign up through my personal referral link here: Ipsy Sign Up

You receive a makeup beauty bag each month from Ipsy. This was for the month of May/ Now lets see what's inside...

Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask

"The Therapy Session Hair Mask deeply conditions, repairs and strengthens dry and damaged hair. 
Argan Oil nourishes and revitalizes, while Keravis Protein drastically increases hair’s strength and elasticity. 
The results are hydrated, soft and manageable hair." I love hair masks and this one is no exception, 
not to mention it has a beautiful Argan Oil scent. It also great for people who dye their hair a lot, 
good to try if your looking to fix any damage it has caused. 
S/N: According to their site this is a FULL SIZE product worth $12! 

Hang Ten Classic Sport SPF50

"Protect and nourish your skin with our clear, lightweight, naturally scented sunscreen. Provides maximum water resistance and full body coverage against harmful UVA/UVB rays." This is not a usual product you would expect from Ipsy, but I don't mind it every now and then. It is also a very useful item, with my light skin tone I easily burn so it will defiantly get used.

Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub

"Improve the appearance of your skin with this gentle yet effective Microdermabrasion Scrub, only from derma e®. This formula buffs away dull surface cells, diminshes the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars, and absorbs excess skin oils with an exclusive crystal blend including Dead Sea Salt and Volcanic Sand (rich in Silica). Enriched with natural astringents Lime and Lemon Peel plus antioxidants Grapeseed and Vitamin E, this pro-grade treatment retexturizes skin, leaving it soft, smooth and younger-looking." Ever since I started getting interested in getting my Esthetics degree, I have been obsessed with learning about Microdermabrasion. This scrub truly works for getting dead skin off and the appearance of wrinkles. I would love to order more, and possibly do a review on their other products since they are so well made. 

Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo in Moonbeam and Unicorn

"The Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo are coconut infused mineral eye shadows that are a perfect addition to any makeup collection. Packaged in a beautiful travel ready recyclable container, these exclusive duos are customized just for ipsy! These shades can be found in the Pacifica Mystical and Charmed Palette. Smooth application with gorgeous color pay-off." I wasn't able to find any of the duo's on their site, but if you look at the palette's (in the link I provided in the name) they have the color's in their different palettes. There were two different duo's you could receive the first one was a light and dark shade of brown called Celestial & Opal, the other set was this one. I couldn't be happier with these colors since I never really like browns and what you call natural colors. These are great eyeshadows, but you HAVE to wear primer or its just too light to see. That's the only really complaint I have about it, it lasts for a long time though.

Pur~lisse Pur~Moist Hydra Balance Moisturizer 

"Achieve beautiful balance with the Pur-lisse pur~moist hydra balance moisturizer. Gently smooth over face day or night after cleansing and toning. Glides on like a gel and hydrates like a cream and never greasy. Hydates your skin to create a perfect canvas for makeup application. Dries down to a healthy glow. " S/N: I originally received a product from Olive Natural which I am sure was a great product, but I have wayy too many lip balm's. So what I did was trade with a very nice girl named Shelby (shout out to her!) for this wonderful product. If you don't receive the products you want I would recommend trading; it went great for me! Back to the product....I love it! My face is so dry all year-a-round and this product works wonders for it! I am so use to having to use facial lotion 2-3 times a day (yes, its that bad!), but with this product I put it on at night and I'm good to go. The only down-fall about this product is it's $55.00, but like I said its an amazing product so I truly believe its worth it.

So, what did you think of this month's "Fresh Picks" Ipsy bag for May? Do you subscribe to Ipsy, and if not what's been keeping you from doing so? I would love to hear what you got in your bag this month, along with your questions and comments. Feel free to leave them below!

Remember to always Stay Beautiful, By Staying YOU! xoxo.

Testing It Out - Beauty Box 5 May Edition

Hello Everyone! I hope all of you are enjoying the start to your weekend. Today I want to share with you a new beauty box I came across that I was given the opportunity to try. Beauty Box 5 is a monthly subscription box that includes 5 products each month (hence the name) for a $12 charge. I think it is a wonderful box for people beginning to get into beauty products or wanting to get into the beauty box subscription world.

If you decide you like what I received in my box and wish to sign up for beauty box 5 you can do so HERE.

Montagne Jeunesse Glacial Cooling Face Mask - "Cleanse pores and strengthen your skin's natural barriers with this mud-infused fabric mask. After washing your face, apply the mask and give yourself 10-15 minutes of serious relaxation!" I really enjoyed this mask. I have tried I think just about all the facial masks that Montagne Jeunesse has to offer, and this is defiantly one of my favorites. What I like the most about it is that the mask itself folds out into a paper mask, so its very easy clean up after you get done using it. I also loved the way it made my skin feel after using it.

Just Being Sexy Body Bronzer - "Looking for the perfect sunless tan? Look no further! This ultra-hydrating bronzer has a beautiful pearl-esque finish that works on all skin types and leaves your body looking toned and smooth!" This was the one product in the box I did not care for. The big reason I didn't like this product is because someone as light-skinned as me cannot pull this off. It was way to dark and I end up having to wash it off immediately after putting it on. About the only fake tanning product I will use anymore is Tan Towel. If you are of a dark skin tone this product may work for you it just was not my thing. The other little thing I didn't like about this product is the fact that it was in a foil packet. They give you a lot of product in one packet but it dries out if you don't figure out a way to seal it.

BH Cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadow Palette - "Ideal for your favorite clutch, this little palette is all you need for touch-ups or creating a soft, romantic eye on the fly. BB5 Tip: Upgrade a demure gold and copper look with a pop of moody purple for a little mystery." This was my favorite product in the box, but sadly I already had it. I ended up giving this to my mother-in-law, whom I sure will get good use out of it. This is a wonderful Palette and you can create some really pretty looks with it. The colors are bold and while primer is always recommended, you don't have to use it with these colors. I hope that one day I can get the other two palettes to put in my collection.

La Fresh Travel Lite Facial Cleansing Wipes - "Packed with aloe vera, cucumber, chamomile, marshmallow and tea plant botanical extracts these, hydrating, oil-free facial cleansing wipes work with all skin types." I have used these in the past, and I love them. You truly can never have enough make up remover wipes. So these were very much welcomed into my household.

Avenno Positively Nourshing Calming Body Wash - "Treat yourself to a luxurious and calming clean! This creamy lavender-scented body wash will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, while soothing your senses." I was really impressed with the way this body wash felt and smelled. Believe it or not, I haven't used many Avenno products in the past. Not because I didn't want to just because I've never really seen them in stores. So next time I am at the store I will keep my eye open for Aveeno. I would love to try their other products, because this one was wonderful.

I think this is a truly awesome box, and I see that you tend to get your money's worth. I however won't be signing up just because frankly I think my husband would kill me if I signed up to another subscription box...haha.  But maybe one day Beauty Box 5 will allow me to review another box in the future, and I will change my mind. 

So, what do you think of Beauty Box 5? Do you think it would be something you would be interested in signing up for? If you subscribe, what did you receive in your box? I love to hear your question and/or comments so leave them below! And remember STAY BEAUTIFUL by STAYING YOU! :-D

Yuzen - Summer 2014

Hello All! I hope everyone is doing well. When I opened my mailbox today I wasn't sure what I receive. I've been waiting on products from companies as well as a couple of subscription boxes. To my surprise Yuzen box came today! If you haven't heard of me talk about Yuzen box its because it only comes out 4 times a year (but totally worth it!) It runs $33 a month if you would like to subscribe (they don't currently have a referral program) and you can sign up HERE. 

Now onto the amazing items in the box this month...

HUGO NATURALS Handcrafted Vanilla & Sweet Orange Soap - "a truly special, handcrafted blend of all-natural essential oils and botanical extracts that gently clean and deeply condition the skin. Creamy lather and the rich scent of natural vanilla and sweet orange extract create a luxurious experience in bath or shower." What I loved about this soap is the amazing smell to me it smells almost like an orange creamsickle. It is also vegan & gluten free! I think this is the perfect gift for my mother-in-law being I don't use a lot of solid bar soaps so it will be passed on to her.

AROMAFLAGE Botanical Fragrance & Insect Repellent - "is a combination of exotic botanical fragrance and effective insect repellent. Warm cedar wood, silken vanilla, tropical citrus, and nourishing Vitamin E combine naturally so you can live an eco-chic outdoor lifestyle while staying bug-free. Perfect for weddings, cocktail parties, tennis matches, and all your other favorite outdoor activities." I love that this product is not only a fragrance but an insect repellent as well! This is going to be perfect when my husband and I go camping. 

KERSTIN FLORIAN Lavender Body Spray - "is a light moisturizing spray with soothing lavender and aloe extract, blended with nourishing jojoba oil and vitamin E to leave skin soft and glowing. Helps to relieve dry and parched skin and help heal, soothe, and calm all skin types. Mist onto skin daily and massage lightly, after showering or whenever your skin needs extra moisture." Besides Sweet Pea, lavender is one of my favorite scents. I have used Kerstin Florian products in the past (thanks to yuzen), and I especially love the way they perceive the lavender smell. It is also gluten free, CRUELTY free, and organic. So I think this is a win, win.

KNEIPP Balancing Lavender Herbal Bath - "is a highly concentrated bath treatment with aroma-intensive natural essential oils. It calms nervousness and enhances well-being to help combat mental fatigue. Lavender is a well-established remedy and is regarded as one of the most versatile essences to balance the emotions, lift the spirits, and restore strength and vitality." I was SUPER excited to receive this product, not because I take a lot of baths but because I take a lot of showers. I have this thing for the shower you can put oils in that will disperse into the water to create a spa like experience so this is perfect (not to mention its lavender...hehe). 

MYCHELLE DERMACEUTICALS Ultimate Lash and Brow Serum - "is enriched with Myracle Peptide Complex, a highly concentrated serum that strengthens and conditions lashes and brows, helping them look visibly fuller, thicker, and longer. Apply once daily to eyebrow area and base of upper lashes (where eyelashes meet skin) from the inner corner to the outer edge." Next to the lavender oil this is the best product in the box! I have recently become a junkie when it comes to fake eyelashes, so I am willing to try almost anything to make my lashes grow. This one product goes for $62.50 worth almost twice for what you pay for the box, so if it works this is a home run. We will see the weeks to come, but I have heard great things about it.

SHAMANUTI Seaweed Toner - "is rich with minerals and antioxidants that scavenge free radicals and improve skin cell structure and performance. It restores pH balance, removes residual makeup or cleanser, tightens pores, and prepares your face to better absorb your moisturizer." It's like Yuzen read my mind because I have been on the hunt for a new Toner. I recently just ran out of mine and love how this helps to restore pH balance. It also has no parabens, petroleum, or sulfates.

SENCHA NATURALS Pink Dragonfruit Mints - "transport you “beyond the tea bag,” with just three mints providing the same amount of beneficial antioxidants as one cup of green tea. It doesn’t get more exotic than a hotpink fruit named after dragons—this lightly sweet, sub-tropical cactus fruit and a dash of natural ginger make a uniquely delicious mint that is truly the stuff of legends." This product to me was the most intriguing. I didn't think I would like the taste of these mints, but they are wonderful! They taste to me just like tic tacs and look like green tea leaf's. I also love the fact that 3 mints = 1 cup of green tea antioxidents. I hate green tea but love the fact I can get the same benefits of it through these mints. Good thinking Yuzen!

So, what did you think of Yuzen box this month? Do you subscribe and if so what is your favorite product in the box? I love hearing your questions and comments so feel free to leave the below! =) 

A Quick Annoucement...

Hey Everyone! I hope all of yall are doing well. Sorry for the delay, I am waiting for beauty products to come in to review. I promise either tomorrow or Saturday I will have some brand new beauty posts for you. While your at it how about give me some ideas and comment below with what you want to see next! I will choose one of your ideas and blog about it. 

Now on to the quick annoucement...

I'm not one to usually do this, but I took a chance off of a dare and have recently entered the Milani's "What Do Your Lips Say About You?" contest and was hoping if its not too much trouble you could spare a vote. All you have to do is click on THIS link and click "LIKE" at the top of the picture. Easy Right? Below is an example of the picture.

And you know what if you have a contest feel free to post it on here and I will vote for you as well! WIN WIN, Right?

Remember to stay BEAUTIFUL and ALWAYS Stay YOU! Each and everyone of you are beautiful in your own way. 

Glossybox - April 2014

Finally, its here! It's that time of the month again. The long awaited Glossybox, I'm not sure why but this month I was particularly excited about it. If you don't know what Glossybox is, it is a monthly subscription in which you pay $21 a month (sometimes cheaper so check for discount codes first!), and you get a selection of usually 5 beauty products to your door each month. What I love about Glossybox is the value is always higher than the price of the box, and you truly get your money's worth. If you wish to subscribe you can do so by going to my link HERE to subscribe. 

Now onto the box! 

Ciate London "Mojito" Paint Pot - "Ciate uses a combination of professional and lovingly chosen high performance formulas. The beautiful and sophisticated packaging an encourages an incredibly artistic and effortless nail painting experience." Each color that the subscriber got was different this month, and there were 12 different options! Overall, I am very happy with the color I got its a color I can truly say I do not have this color in my collection, and I can't wait to use it at the salon. It's the color Mojito, and its a very fitting lime color and may be a tad lighter then in the picture but pretty close. Glossybox can send me Ciate nail polish every month, and I will be happy. Its one of the few polishes I can say that about. Not only are they wonderful polishes but really hard to get in the US, since they are a UK product. Full size: $10 (this is a full size product!)

Caldrea Body Wash - "Emerge from the shower with smooth, radiant, and renewed skin! Infused with brightening, free-radical fighting angelica root and linden flower extracts. Caldrea Body Wash is a perfectly sudsing, softly scented way to greet the day." The scent of this body wash is suppose to be aloe water apricot, but to me I smell just aloe and no apricot. I rather like the smell of aloe, but if you do not then I doubt very much that you will like this. Not my favorite body wash but it gets the job done! Full size: $18 for a 11.5 FL OZ bottle this however is 1 FL OZ. 

Aqua Spa Relax Body Creme in Lavender+Chamomile - "Lavish skin with an ultra-rich conditioning body lotion that banishes dry skin while diminishing the signs of aging with Marine Youth Complex. Relax your body and mind with an aromatic blend of lavender and chamomile for calming relief." I don't know how Glossybox knew but lavender and chamomile are my two favorite scents together! They got this lotion dead on too it smells exactly like it says. I will be using this tonight after getting out the shower, because it just so happens I just ran out of lotion as well. FULL SIZE: $10 for 9 OZ. and this is 2 OZ.

Lasplash Cosmetics Eyeshadow Sealer/Base - "This product intensifies color and provides extra protection against smears and smudges for flawless 12-hour wear. Apply a very light coat of the Sealer/Base to the area intended for glitter or shimmer (across entire eyelid and up to the brow bone). To avoid creasing, use only what is on the wand." I have been on the hunt for a new eyeshadow base, and I am really liking this brand. It doesn't cost that much, and I think it works as well as some of the higher end brands. I also like how you know exactly how much to use. Full size: $9.00 for a .3 FL OZ (This is a full size product!!)

Bellapierre Cosmetics Super Gloss in Vanilla Pink - "This lip gloss is made with natural ingredients and enriched with vitamin e, jojoba, avocado and sunflower waxes. It is infused with a natural plumper, which helps minimize fine lines on and around the lips." I love the feel of this lip gloss on my lips, and the color is perfect for my light skin. I also like the fact that this has healing properties in it as well. FULL SIZE: $24.50 for .32 FL OZ (And this is amazingly full size!)

So how did you enjoy Glossybox this month, and what was your favorite product in the box? And if you don't subscribe, what is keeping you from doing so? I love hearing your comments and feedback so please feel free to leave them in the comment box below! :-D