CLICK HERE FOR FREE BLOGGER TEMPLATES, LINK BUTTONS AND MORE! »

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Purple and Grey Smokes

Hi Ladies!

Here is a make up look that I have been LOVING lately.  I was inspired to do this look because everyone is getting excited for fall and using deeper colors but I still wanted to hold on to that last little bit of summer with a pop of a bright color.  I hope you like it! :)  So without further adieu...


What I used:

Make Up Forever HD Foundation, shade #123, applied with a stippling brush.
Sephora Concealer quad under eyes.
Bareminerals Warmth as a contour on my hair line and in the hollows of my cheeks.
Maybelline Fit Me Blush in Light Nude.
Laura Gellar Blush-n-Brighten on cheek bones and bridge of nose as a highlight.
MAC Studio Fix Pressed Powder to set my T-Zone.
ybf beauty Automatic Brow Pencil in Taupe to fill in brows.

Eyes:

Apply Urban Decay Primer Potion all over lid and lower lash line.  Put a matte white shadow all over lid up to brow bone and in the inner corner.  Light pewter shimmer shadow on lid to just above crease.  (I used the "crease" color in the Velvet Crush Maybelline Shadow Quad.)  Then apply a medium purple shade into your crease. (I used a shade from my bh cosmetics 120 palette)  Again from the Velvet Crush Quad, use the "liner" (a dark charcoal grey) shade in your outer "V".  Lastly, apply your favorite black eyeliner and mascara.  I used Maybelline Stiletto liquid liner and then Lorac Mascara.

Lips:


Buxom Big and Healthy Lipstick in Amsterdam (rosy nude) and Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Nude Lustre (peachy nude).

I hope you all love this look as much as I do!  It can easily translate from day to night and would be gorgeous on most skin tones!  Let me know if there is a certain look you would like to see featured in this blog, be it inspired by a photo, celebrity, theme, whatever!  Also let me know if you would like a video tutorial!

Thank you for reading! :)

Aylissa



Monday, August 15, 2011

Summer Favorites

Hey Guys,

I know I haven't posted anything in awhile... so sorry about that!  But here is a quick post about products that I am loving this summer.


Summer Favorites

Summer Favorites by restartmyheart on Polyvore.com

One - MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation - $26.50 - I used to think that powder foundations were horrible, had no lasting power or good coverage.  This foundation has changed my mind!  I use it over a tinted moisturizer on my t-zone to set it and on areas that need more coverage like under my eyes or around my nose.  It covers beautifully without looking cakey, leaves a nice finish and stays put.  I can Zumba for an hour and my makeup still looks good afterward when I wear this.  Love it!

Two - LUSH Figs and Leaves Soap - $7.60/3.5 oz. - BEST.  SOAP.  EVER.  I love it SO MUCH.  You guys know I love Lush products.  This is no exception!  It's all natural (of course) and has figs, glycerin, aloe extract and coconut oil, all of which are very moisturizing.  It also has little seeds in it so it's a gentle exfoliant at each use.  It smells absolutely AMAZING and makes my skin so soft!

Three - OPI in Do You Think I'm Tex-y? - $6-$10 - OPI makes great polishes that are easy to apply and last longer than some other polishes.  This particular one is a gorgeous raspberry pink and is a jelly finish so it goes on sheer at first and then finishes with a yummy jelly like gloss, not super opaque like a cream finish.  It's so pretty and I've been wearing it with everything!

Four - Nexxus Humectress Hydrating Treatment Deep Hair Conditioner (what a mouthful!) - $14 - During the summer our hair gets damaged takes a beating from the sun, the ocean, chlorine in the pools and heat styling.  This stuff makes me say, "What damage?"  You use it like a mask (or just like your regular conditioner once a week) and it makes my hair so soft and shiny.  I have had less split ends (I am NOT as gentle on my hair as I should be) so if you have dry, brittle hair, this stuff is amazing and I highly recommend it.

So those are my summer favorites that I've been using like crazy.  Sorry it took me so long to get another post up.  I just haven't been sure where I wanted this blog to go or how I wanted to go about getting there!  But now I am sure and there will be new content on here way more often so keep a lookout!  Thanks for reading. :)  Hope you enjoyed!

Love,
Aylissa

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Lush Buffy Body Butter

Hellooo Gorgeous!

It has been a long time since I have posted anything.  It's horrible, I know!  I have wanted to but haven't had the chance.  I wanted my next couple of posts to go in a certain order since I've had some requests, starting with a foundation routine video/application tutorial, but my camera isn't great with video and I've been thinking about getting a new one... anyway, I'm back now with a review. :)

Presenting my newest love:

*LUSH BUFFY BODY BUTTER*

Three words:  It.  Is.  AMAZING.  As you all know, I am a huge fan of Lush cosmetics.  They're products are luxurious, effective, natural and fun.   This product is no exception!  So what is Buffy Body Butter?  Well, it is a body bar packed full of moisturizing shea butter and cocoa butter and also has ground rice, almonds and aduki beans to exfoliate leaving skin smooth and soft.

Why do I love it so much?  In the summer months, we all go swimming and hang out at the beach or the pool and inevitably get fried at some point, no matter how much sunscreen we put on.  You know that horrible itchy, flaky stage where your sunburn starts to peel, leaving you looking like you have some skin fungus?  This completely eliminates that whole stage!  I have really dry skin anyway and I always pile on the lotion after every shower and, depending on what I'm doing, a couple of times throughout the day.  When I use this in the shower, the exfoliants scrub my skin and get rid of all the dead skin cells.  You then rinse off the grit and the shea and cocoa butters stay behind.  Using this bar should be the last step of your bath or shower.  When you get out, you pat yourself dry (so that you don't rub the butter off) and then massage your skin to help it absorb the butters.  After using this several times, I have a visible improvement in my skin.  Also, my skin FEELS amazing.  I don't have to use lotion anymore.  My skin is soft & hydrated.

The only negative thing that I can think of is that if your skin is sensitive and you're not used to exfoliating, it can hurt a little if you aren't careful.  It is gritty when you rub it on.   I personally like that, though.  I cannot say enough good stuff about this body butter bar, however.  I love it so much and it's one of my staples now.  Lush continues to surprise me by how innovative and wonderfully pampering their products are.  I am going to be a lifelong customer.  :)

Anyway, I just had to review this product.  I hope you enjoyed it and I hope you get a chance to try this product!  Or any Lush product!  If you do, please comment and tell me about your experience.  For those of you that have tried Lush, what is your favorite product?  Comment below!

Thanks for reading..  missed you guys! :)

Love,
Aylissa

Friday, May 6, 2011

Hello Readers:)

Sorry I haven't done a post in the last week... life has been crrrazy!  I promise I'll have something new up soon, though.  I can't decide what!  What would you rather see first?

a) Foundation/makeup routine
b) Hair extensions tutorial/review
c) April product favorites

Let me know in the comment section and I will get to work on whichever one gets the most votes!  Thanks for reading. :)

Love,
Aylissa

Monday, April 25, 2011

Get a free deluxe perfume sample from Sephora!

Hello Lovelies!

I have a coupon code for you!  Head over to Sephora's website and enter the code "miniscent" at checkout on your order of $25 or more.  Choose from Dior Miss Dior Cherie, Versace Bright Crystal, Issey Miyake L'Eas d' Issey and Bvlgari Mon Jasmin Noir.

I personally LOVE Versace Bright Crystal.

I'm not sure how long the code will last so GO NOW and get something pretty for yourself!  Also, I have a contest in the works for you guys that involves a giveaway so keep your eyes peeled for that!

Love,
Aylissa

P.S.  Want to show me you love me?  Help me promote my blog by recommending me to your friends.  Link me in an email or something like that.  It will be much appreciated!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Current Foundation Review (Nars & Maybelline)

Hi there:)


So on my other blog, someone requested that I do a review on my current foundation, so I decided I'd go ahead and put it on here for you guys as well.  Right now I use two different ones for different things... Nars Sheer Glow in Punjab and Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse in Natural Beige.


Current Foundation Review


NARS Sheer Glow - $42


Pros - Easy to apply and blend, wide color range, feels light on the face, stays put, looks great.
Cons - Dries kind of fast so you have to apply faster than some liquid foundations, and it’s pricey, have to use concealer for blemishes.


I LOVE, let me repeat, LOVE this foundation.  It feels light on my face and not at all cakey, even when I layer it.  It’s advertised as having a glowing, satin finish.  I wouldn’t say this makes you glow, though.  The coverage is light to medium and almost sheer.  It doesn’t have any shimmer, which for me, is great.  I use this foundation when I want lighter, more natural coverage.  It looks really natural and pretty and can be dressed up or down, depending on what eye/cheek/lip makeup you choose.  I wouldn’t use it without a primer and I do have to use a concealer with it when I have blemishes.  I also have to set it with powder on my forehead, otherwise its gets shiny after a few hours.  While it does dry fast, I apply with a stippling brush and buff it in, so I’ve never had any problems blending or applying it.  I think this is a great foundation for those with combo to dry (but not flaky) skin.  It doesn’t look good on flaky skin.


Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse Foundation - $8


Pros - Cheap, easy to apply and blend, moisturizing, great coverage, stays put, beautiful finish, doesn’t irritate sensitive skin.
Cons - Very small color range, bulky packaging.


I was really impressed with this foundation.  I didn’t expect much because I am usually disappointed with drugstore foundations.  This one, however, is wonderful.  I like to use it when I want more coverage or if my skin is feeling dry.  It has really good medium to full coverage all on it’s own without feeling cakey and it stays on all day when used with a primer.  It’s not a mousse.  It has a creamy consistency.  I don’t have to use a concealer with it.  It covers redness really well and moisturizes skin also.  I have combination skin with oily, normal, and dry areas, and it works beautifully for me.  My sister has extremely sensitive skin and this didn’t irritate it or break her out.  She loves it as well.  I’d still recommend setting it with a powder.  The color range is terrible but if you can find a shade to match you, I think you’ll love this one.


So that’s my review, I hope you enjoyed it.  If you’d like a video tutorial or have further questions, let me know in the comment section! :)


Love, 
Aylissa

Thursday, April 21, 2011

April Birchbox!!

Hello, you beautiful people!

It's been a few days since I've posted anything so I thought I'd show you what I got in my April Birchbox shipment!  For those of you that don't know what Birchbox is, it is a monthly subscription to a company that sends you a box of deluxe samples to try once a month.  It's $10 a month and so worth it!  It helps you try new products with less waste.  The packaging is recyclable and if you don't like a product, you only spent a couple of dollars and you don't have a full size container of it to go to waste. The samples I got this month are great!  Most samples you get from other companies are usually only good for a one-time use, but as I said, these are deluxe samples and they're huge!  Anyway, here it is, my April Birchbox:

THE PACKAGE!

Getting excited!!

YAY!

And here is the haul:)

This months focus was going green because April is a reminder that we should be mindful of our environment and the effect we have on it.  From left to right, first we have LIVE GRN Eau de Parfum in Earth.  Made from biodegradable and sustainable ingredients, this lush scent is laced with jasmine and sandalwood.  Smells awesome!  Very earthy-chic. :) 

Next we have Zoya Nail Polish in Jules.  Zoya's lacquers are super glossy and this versatile shade is a shimmery gold.  So pretty!

Third is Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel and Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer.  Natural fruit acids dissolve even the most tenacious dead cells for an immediately brighter, smoother complexion.

Fourth we have Lavanilla, The Healthy Body Butter.  It's made from all natural shea and cocoa butters an smells delicious with its lavender and vanilla scent.

Last but not least, we have a little extra gift, Bloomin Seed Paper.  You can plant this paper and grow wildflowers! How fun is that!?

So there you have it.  My April Birchbox shipment.  For anyone looking to broaden their beauty horizons, who love surprises, and just want to try new products, I highly recommend subscribing to Birchbox.  It's so much fun and you get to discover great stuff every month!

Have any of you subscribed to/fallen in love with Birchbox like I have?  Let me know in the comment selection below!  I hope you all have enjoyed this post!

Love,
Aylissa

P.S.  Coming soon - a review on my current foundation!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Pretty Spring Makeup!

Ahh, makeup... one of the finer things in life. :)  I absolutely love doing makeup, whether it's a friends or my own.  I think that all women are beautiful, and certainly makeup enhances that beauty in a physical way, but there's something about it that makes us feel beautiful.  It makes us walk with a little more attitude and carry ourselves a little higher.  For me, makeup gives me more confidence.  Even if I'm only wearing a tinted moisturizer and some lipgloss or some powder and blush, I feel more put together and prepared to face the day.  That brings me to today's post!  This particular makeup look makes me feel pretty and feminine.  Here's a pic:

Peach and Purple

It's a simple enough look to achieve, but I love it for spring.  The colors are bright and fun but not overbearing.  It's fresh and feminine and looks great on all skin types.

To get this look I used for the face:
  • Face primer
  • NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Punjab (applied with stippling brush and buffed in)
  • Pur Minerals All Over Glow Bronzer for contouring the hollows of my cheeks, my jaw line, temples, and hair line. (Contouring these areas with a bronzer brings the light to the center of the face for a healthy glow)
  • Rimmel London Blush in 010 Peach on the apples of my cheeks and then blended back.
  • Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl highlighter on the bridge of my nose and cheekbones.
  • Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Crush
  • Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss in Nude Luster
For my eyes:

  • Urban Decay Primer Potion
  • The shimmery white cream shadow from the Revlon Illuminance Quad "Seashells" on my inner eye/tear duct area to make the eyes appear brighter, wider, and well rested.
  • Maybelline Eyeshadow in Vanilla to highlight brow bone.
  • A plum purple out of the BH Cosmetics 120 color palette over the entire lid and then a darker, deep amethyst in the crease and along my upper lash line.
  • Upper lash line is lined with the Physicians Formula liquid eyeliner pen.
  • Lower lash line is lined with black eyeshadow.
  • Covergirl Lashblast mascara on eyelashes.
It sounds like a lot but the full face only took me about 5 minutes, a little more if I'm being slow about it.  But there you go, my go-to look this spring.  I hope you get a chance to try it out and I hope you've enjoyed this post!  Would you like a video tutorial?  Comment below to let me know!  I would appreciate any feedback or requests you may have. :)  

Coming soon - my April Birchbox shipment!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

DIY Masks to Keep Your Skin Beautiful Year-Round, Part 2

Hello Gorgeous!

Here is Part 2 of the DIY Mask Series.  Last time I talked about a peachy, creamy mask to keep us glowing throughout the warm summer months.  Most of us have our best skin in the summer, but it's our winter skin that we tend to worry about.  For me, my skin can get dry, flaky, and dull from the cold, harsh weather.  And since we don't go outside as much, we get paler and our skin lacks that dewiness that naturally comes with summer.  Well this mask helps to combat all of the above with the added benefits of reducing scarring and acne.  This mask is easy, cheap, and 100% natural!

Green Tea, Honey, & Cider Vinegar Mask


Face Mask

You will need:


1 tsp apple cider vinegar (NOT WHITE)
2 tsp cooled green tea (3 if your skin is sensitive)
6 tsp sugar
1 tsp honey

Mix all of the ingredients together putting the honey in last.  Apply on to your clean face with your fingers and GENTLY rub in a circular motion for 1 minute.  Leave the mask on for 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water and pat dry.  Put on some moisturizer and that's it! :)

The benefits breakdown:

Apple Cider Vinegar - Contains alpha hydroxy and amino acids to gently break up dead skin cells.  Also has malic acid to break up scar tissue.  Vitamins A, C, & E  repair damaged skin cells.

Green Tea - Contains natural antioxidants the remove free radicals (the molecules responsible for aging and skin damage) from the skin.

Sugar - Acts as a natural exfoliant and the glycerin in it helps hydrate.

Honey - Honey is a natural acne treatment.  It is anti-inflammatory, redness reducing, and also helps the skin to retain moisture. It also makes the skin firmer which makes skin look younger.

This mask has worked wonders for me with it's anti-acne and hydrating properties.  It helps my skin to look fresh and dewy, even  in the cold winter months and has reduced some of my acne scarring.  I hope all of you can benefit from this article and I hope you love the mask as much as I do!  Let me know what you think below! :)

Love,
Aylissa

P.s.  Coming soon - one of my favorite makeup looks for spring!  Check back often for new articles!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

DIY Masks to Keep Your Skin Beautiful Year-Round, Part 1

Hello Gorgeous!

What is something that is cheap, fun, and leaves you feeling refreshed and fabulous?  Face masks!  Using a face mask at least once a week has many benefits for your skin.  In general, they leave your skin feeling softer and with a more healthful appearance.  Sometimes we use them as a soothing indulgence, a treat, a break from our hectic lives.  Other times they have targeted application for things like anti-aging or acne, pore refinement, deep cleansing, moisturization, increased elasticity, and the list goes on and on.  What I would like to share with you today is one of two masks that I use year round to keep my skin healthy.

This one is great for spring and summer months.  It's called the Peaches and Cream mask.  Already sounds pretty and delicious, right?

                  Peaches and Cream Mask


What you need:

1 ripe peach
2-3 tbsp heavy cream
Some uncooked oatmeal (optional)

Mash peach with a fork into a bowl and add cream.  Mix well.  Add oatmeal (if you so desire) to the desired consistency.  Apply to face (or entire body if you like!) and leave on for 15 minutes.  Rinse well with warm water and pay skin dry.

This mask is great for the warm/hot months of the year.  Peaches are full of enzymes that naturally soften your skin and this part of the mask also leaves your skin smelling yummy. :)  During summer, since we're out in the sun a lot, our skin cells darken and die, sometimes leaving us with flaky, uneven skin.  The natural alpha-hydroxy acid in cream helps us to shed that old skin to reveal new, healthy skin.  This mask is pretty messy, and that brings me to the optional oatmeal.  You can add some oatmeal to make the mixture a little thicker and more manageable, and it only brings added benefits!  

Oatmeal has long been used by mothers to soothe their children's skin ailments such as chicken pox.  Also, we see oatmeal as an ingredient in many products for sensitive, dehydrated, or easily irritated skin.  This is because oatmeal naturally draws out impurities and deep cleans without drying or irritating the skin.  In this recipe, it also serves as an exfoliator.

So if you would like soft, rejuvenated, yummy-smelling skin, try this mask!  If you try or are going to try this mask, please let me know what you thought in the comment section below!  I hope you've enjoyed this post!

Love,
Aylissa

p.s. DIY Masks to Keep Your Skin Beautiful Year-Round, Part 2 coming soon so stay tuned! :)


Monday, April 4, 2011

A favorite spring outfit :)



One of my favorite, go-to outfits in the warm spring and summer months is a white cotton dress, turquoise earrings, gold bangles, cowgirl boots, and a peachy glow on my cheeks (perfectly achieved by Nars Illuminator in Orgasm).  It's versatile enough to wear it out shopping in the day time and then to dinner in the evening.  I like to wear my hair in a loose fishtail braid, or down in loose waves.  This outfit really has that earthy, breezy, carefree feel to it... which is what spring is all about! :)

Get the look here:

Delia's Lace Shirt Dress
Ariat Cowgirl Boots
Nordstrom Gold/Turquoise Earrings
Nars Orgasm Illuminator
JCP Gold Bangles


Sunday, March 20, 2011

Lush Cosmetics Review

Lush Review

For those of you that don't know, LUSH is a UK based cosmetics company that sells hair care, skin care, bath, and shower cosmetics.  All of their products are made from essential oils, fruit, vegetables, and synthetic ingredients, none of which are tested on animals.  Many of their products are vegan as well.  Their focus is to make effective products using all natural ingredients. 


1.  LUSH Trichomania Solid Shampoo 
Trichomania Solid Shampoo is said to use creamed coconut in a solid bar to cleanse and moisturize dry, damaged hair.  It is also supposed to make your hair more manageable.


I have to say that even in one use, I fell in LOVE with this shampoo.  It was the first solid I had ever used, and because I bought it on a whim in the store based solely on the smell, I was really skeptical as to how it would live up to its description.  First of all, it does smell AMAZING.  It smells like creamy, coconutty deliciousness.  One whiff and it transports you to an island in the sun. :)  It lathers pretty easily rinses away just as easily.  After drying my hair, it felt SO AMAZINGLY SOFT.  I have naturally straight, dark hair and Trichomania left it soft, shiny, and tangle-free.  Now that I've been using this shampoo for a few weeks, I have noticed that my hair is easier to straighten and holds curl better as well.  One of my favorite things about this is that I have to wash my hair less.  I'm not sure why this is, but my hair does not get greasy as quickly as with any other shampoo.


As far as value goes, this shampoo is great.  It comes in chunks and you pay by weight.  The lady at the store said you get 40 to 60 more washes per ounce than liquid shampoos.  AWESOME!!  I've been using it for several weeks and you can barely tell based on how much I still have left.  I 100% recommend this to pretty much everyone.


2. Lush American Cream Conditioner


LOVE the smell of this stuff.  It has strawberries, honey and vanilla in it to create a delicious creamy fruit cocktail for your hair.  You don't have to use much for max effect.  It does condition your hair and leave it feeling really clean.  That's the main thing that I'm discovering I love most about LUSH products.  They leave you feeling so clean without any residue or overpowering smells.  This conditioner is light enough for everyday use and rinses out easily.  I wouldn't say it revives really, really damaged hair, though.  If you have normal hair with some dryness, this would be great for you.  But if your hair is REALLLY dry and damaged, I would try something a little more conditioning.  Overall though, I'd recommend this conditioner.


I hope this review helped you out and I can't wait to try more LUSH products!


SHOP LUSH HERE >>> http://www.lushusa.com/shop



H2O Plus Review

H2O Plus Review


I would first like to start by saying that my skin is combination.  My forehead is oily, my cheeks are normal, and my chin and nose are extremely dry.  Also, I am not being paid for this review.  I bought every product I have by H20 Plus and these are my true thoughts.  I do feel like some of the products are a little pricey.
Starting left, going right… :)

1. H2O Plus Hydrating Booster - 0.85 fl oz - $30.00
Description: Time-released moisture supplement that rescues dehydrated skin. An advanced, oil-free, time-released moisture supplement that rescues dehydrated skin by boosting hydration 60% upon application. This hydrating skin saver amplifies the performance of any moisturizer by effectively priming the skin for maximum moisture absorption while preserving skin’s natural moisture barrier and smoothing fine lines. Our exclusive Sea Mineral Complex and phospholipids deliver Omegaplankton and hydrating marine extracts of wakame, sea fennel and sea lettuce to deliver moisture retention for up to 24 hours.
Review:  I love every H2O Plus product and this is no exception, but this particular product is one what I am not OVERLY impressed with.  With that said, it does /almost/ everything that it promises.  It does amplify the performance of the moisturizer I use (which is also H2O Plus) and make it last longer.  It also seems to prime the skin for your moisturizer.  It’s very moisturizing in itself and I use it after my cleanser and before my moisturizer.  All it takes is two dots to cover your face.  Then when I put my moisturizer on top, my face feels soft, smooth, and hydrated.  This product does prolong the effects of my moisturizer, so I would say that it maximizes moisture absorption.  However, it does not prevent me from having to apply moisturizer more than once in a 24 hour period.  Keep in mind that I have combination skin so this product may affect you differently.  Would recommend for those with dry skin.  But if you don’t have any dryness problems or if your moisturizer keeps you hydrated already, it’s not worth the money.

2. H2O Plus Sea Mineral Scrub - 4Fl Oz - $18.00
Description:  A mildly exfoliating, oil-free scrub to sweep away dead surface cells and dulling impurities with Carrageenan, Multivitamin Complex and Hydrating Marine Blend.
Review:  GREAT exfoliator.  It is gentle enough to use every time I shower (almost everyday) and it does what it says.  The round beads don’t irritate my skin but they take away dead skin cells and leave my skin feeling softer.  Would recommend for all skin types.*  Worth the money for sure!! *If your skin is sensitive, I would only use this a few times (3 or 4) per week.

3. H2O Plus Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment - 1.7 Oz - $34.00
(AKA Moisturizer!)
Description:  An oil-free gel that delivers deep hydration while diminishing the appearance of fine lines with phospholipids, multivitamin complex and moisturizing marine botanicals.  It rapidly plumps and restores depleted skin, helping to distribute vital daily moisture.
Review: I cannot say enough good things about this moisturizer.  It. Is. AMAZING!  Plain and simple.  It is by far the lightest, yet most hydrating moisturizer I have ever tried, and I have been through them all from drugstore brands to high end brands.  I love the fact that it is a gel.  It deeply hydrates and nourishes my entire face, especially my dry areas, without making my oily areas more oily.  It’s so nourishing that my redness goes away, my acne isn’t as bad, I NEVER have flaky skin anymore, and my face feels softer and firmer after every use.  I LOVE how my skin feels hydrated and spoiled.  This product is SO wonderful.  And p.s., it smells awesome! :)  I would recommend to EVERYONE, young or old, male or female.

4. H2O Plus Face Oasis Cleansing Water - 8.25 Fl Oz - $24.00
Description:  A water-light oil-free cleanser infused with hydrating marine algae to gently wash away impurities while softening skin with provitamin B, moisturizing marine botanicals and Sea Mineral Complex.  Its technologically advanced foaming liquid effectively breaks down make-up and dulling impurities without irritation, restoring skin’s natural radiance.
Review:  Once again, can’t say enough good things.  This cleanser is mild, yet powerful.  It is almost the consistency of water and the first time I ever pumped it into my hand, I thought that I had just wasted $24 on water.  I was SO wrong!  I was absolutely floored at how well it removed makeup and impurities and cleaned my face.  It completely melts even the thickest makeup (even MASCARA!!!!) away without a trace.  AND, it’s gentle.  It’s the first cleanser that hasn’t irritated my skin at all whatsoever.  It’s magic in a bottle. :)  Would recommend to everyone on the planet.

5. H2O Plus Sea Results Overnight Perfecting Peel - 1.3 Fl Oz - $34.00
Description: A gentle, oil-free liquid peel that helps to resurface the skin and reveal a healthy glow with glycolic and salicylic acids.
Review:  This is a pretty interesting product.  It does a lot of good stuff!  The salicylic acid controls my acne and has really cleared up my skin without drying or irritating it.  It also clarifies your skin tone and diminishes the appearance of fine lines.  I would also say that this products helps your skin regenerate better because it acts as a peel, removing dead and dying skin cells, paving the way for new, bright skin cells to come up, providing a more youthful, dewy appearance.  I would recommend this product to anyone looking for clearer skin, or for those looking for a product with anti-aging benefits.

6. H2O Plus Green Tea Antioxidant Face Complex - 1.7 Fl Oz - $35.00
Description: Soothing moisturizer that helps calm and protect sensitive skin from environmental exposure with Provitamin B, Multivitamin Complex and Triple Tea Complex.  Green tea soothes irritation and reduces blotchiness while strengthening skin’s natural defense barrier.
Review: I was actually disappointed with this product.  I have very sensitive skin and after using all of the products mentioned above, when this product came out, I was super excited because they advertised that it was “ideal for sensitive or delicate skin”.  It’s true what they say when they say, “Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke.”  For me this product did the opposite of what it promised.  It burned when I put it on, which made my skin redder, and it did not hydrate as well as the Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment.  In my humble opinion, the only thing this moisturizer has going for it is it comes in a fun package, and it smells great.  Otherwise, I would not recommend it.

7. H2O Plus Urban Defense Facial Cleansing Milk - 7.5 Fl Oz - $26.00
Description:  A gentle, calming cleanser for sensitive skin to neutralize irritants without drying with Oxysomes, Anti-Pollution System and Triple Tea Complex.
Review:  This is a great cleanser.  It is gentle and it cleans effectively.  It doesn’t dry you out or irritate your skin.  I don’t have anything negative to say about it, but I don’t love it enough to rave about it either.  It’s only adequate in comparison to the H2O Plus Cleansing Water.  I would recommend this product to anyone, but I’d recommend the Cleansing Water over it.

8. H2O Plus Eye Oasis Moisture Replenishing Treatment - 0.5  Fl Oz - $24.00
Description: A fast-absorbing, oil-free intensive hydrating treatment formulated to target the delicate eye area with phopholipids, multivitamin complex and moisturizing marine botanicals.
Review: This is a good eye-area product.  It does absorb fast, and it firms, soothes, and hydrates.  It feels really nice.  For me, it has made my dark circles much better.  Also, the amount you get in the tube may seem small for $24, but it does last a really long time because you don’t need much to cover the entire eye area.  I would recommend this to any ladies looking to firm up the eye area, or just for those looking for a soothing treat for your eyes. 

Well ladies, if you’re still with me, I hope you enjoyed, or at least can benefit from, this review.  I absolutely love H2O Plus products and I will never use any other skincare line for my face again.  I’m hooked!  I love how this company focuses on natural ingredients from the sea.  I also love how you don’t need much of the products to get the maximum effect, so even though the initial price is higher than drugstore brands, the quality is also higher and they last a long time.  I recommend H2O Plus products to anyone who is not satisfied with their current skincare regimen! :)  All future reviews will be much shorter, but I had a lot to cover! 

Shop H2O Plus here >>> http://www.h2oplus.com/

An Introduction

Hello Gorgeous!

I would like to formally welcome you to my blog.  Welcome! :)

This blog is going to be dedicated to a few things that I am passionate about.  Hair, makeup and fashion.  I love shopping and doing hair and makeup.  I have since I was really little.  I am always so excited to tell my family and friends about the new products I have recently found that I either love, hate, or forget. Beauty blogging should be a great outlet for me!

Usually when researching a product before I buy it, I turn to the internet to find honest reviews of those products from real people who went out and spent their hard-earned money just like me.  That is what I hope to provide my readers with...  honest reviews of a wide range of beauty products that they will hopefully find helpful in making their own purchases.

As I said earlier, I love doing hair and makeup.  It makes me so happy to be able to help people look, and in turn, feel their best.  Beauty is as much from the mind as it is from the eye, so if you feel beautiful, then you are beautiful.  I want all of my readers to feel gorgeous! So through this blog, I also hope to provide my readers with tips, tricks, tutorials and my own product recommendations to help those that read it.

I really hope that you all find somethings helpful in the posts to come.  Feel free to leave me feedback, product review requests, makeup/hair tutorials you would like to see, and topics you would like to read about.

Thanks for reading!
♥, Aylissa

P.S.  All opinions are my own.  Also, I bought every product I review with my own money unless otherwise stated. :)