radha beauty Fractionated coconut oil *REVIEW*

I received a 16 oz bottle of fractionated coconut oil from Radha Beauty through BrandBacker to review in exchange for my honest feedback.


                                                                            (image via radha beauty)

Hey Y'all! Its been a while since I've been able to blog, but I have so many great things to share with you! I'm really enjoying this fractionated coconut oil. I have used the cold pressed coconut oil  for a lot of things and I've found that the fractionated coconut oil is more convenient for how I use it.

I like to use it in my hair after my shower to keep my hair from drying out since I bleach it blonde.
Recently I found out I had a food allergy (yay!!) and I used the oil to soothe my dry, itchy skin.
It also makes a great facial moisturizer.

Aroma therapy oils- I've mixed my essential oils with this, I love it! I will  be ordering some lavender oil to mix with this.

Cuticles- never spend a ton on a small bottle of cuticle oil. My manicures look great after using this.

Makeup remover- I like to use this to remove my mascara and eyeliners and its easy on my sensitive skin.


If you look on pinterest there are so many things you can do with this bottle of coconut oil!

             DIY COCONUT OIL FOAMING SOAP
 
    4 TABLESPOONS OF CASTILE SOAP OR MILD SOAP
    1 TABLESPOON FRACTIONATED COCONUT OIL
    1 CUP DISTILLED WATER
     ESSENTIAL OIL (OPTIONAL) I think lemon or lavender would be great!
     FOAMING HAND SOAP DISPENSER great way to recycle those dispensers!

  Fill an empty foaming soap dispenser 1/2 of they way with distilled water. Add the castile soap,fractionated  coconut oil, and essential oils. Add a little more water, if needed. make sure to leave enough room at the top for the pump. Place pump on top and tighten. shake well to combine and enjoy!

I am going try this after I am finished with my bottle of foaming hand soap.

Another thing that I liked was how helpful and great their customer service is at Radha Beauty. They even emailed me several ideas and recipes to go with my coconut oil.

I have to say that I really enjoyed making the switch to fractionated coconut oil and I will order this once my bottle runs out.

You can purchase it here on amazon

Have you use fractionated coconut oil? What are some of the ways you have used it?

Thanks for reading !
XoXo,
Phelicia

Youth Express Eye Gel + 2 bonus products #review

This is post is sponsored by Brand Backer and InstaNatural. I received these products free in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinions.

Hello again!! so I have been trying three products from InstaNatural they include:
1. Youth Express eye gel 1.7 oz
2. Youth Express eye serum 1 Fl oz.
3. Advanced Action Retinol Moisturizer 3.4 oz

                                       These products stay on my makeup table!

You can buy the Youth Express Eye Gel here


Youth Express Eye Gel
here is  a  description from their site:

Youth Express Eye Gel contains a potent combination of ingredients for maximum results. Hyaluronic Acid hydrates the skin and plumps it up with moisture, while Matrixyl 3000 firms the skin and Plant Stem Cells enhance its strength to protect against sun damage and other external aggressors

Diminishes Dark Circles & Puffiness - This gel provides all around care and protection to the eye area. This powerful formula will help reverse the signs of aging and revert your skin back to its natural youthfulness. It will help you tackle dark circles, eye bags, crow's feet, fine lines, sagginess and puffiness so you can obtain a healthy and radiant appearance.

Safe and Natural Ingredients - We are proud to use natural ingredients in our product with NO parabens, sulfates or alcohol. It is also full of organic ingredients and safe to use on ALL skin types.

Apply to your cheeks and forehead as well to moisturize your skin and prevent premature aging. Improve your tone and texture to attain a smooth and brilliant complexion. Made in the USA in our FDA Registered Facility to ensure top quality for our customers.

The eye gel is nice! It doesn't have a scent and it goes on so smooth and dries quickly and is not sticky or oily. I use it under my makeup with no problems.  I  use it on my eyes, under my eyes as well as my cheeks and my forehead. One pump of the product is enough to cover these areas. 
The directions say you can use it night and day which is what I do and you can actually use it on your entire face to fight against the signs of aging which is pretty good!
For $19.97 I feel like this is a steal for such a great product. I have sensitive skin and I have not had any problems.
I do have a small wrinkle under each of my eyes while they are not noticeable to others I see them and I have noticed that they are going away which makes me HAPPY! :)


The second product which was a bonus product is the Youth Express Eye Serum
you can buy the serum here
here is a description from their site

Powerhouse Formula – With a combination of Vitamin C, Plant Stem Cells, Astaxanthin, Kojic Acid, Caffeine, Hyaluronic Acid and more, InstaNatural’s Eye Serum is uniquely formulated with innovative key ingredients to help reduce bags, wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin and more.

Diminishes Dark Circles & Puffiness – Caffeine provides a stimulating constricting effect that helps to reduce puffy, tired-looking eyes. Meanwhile, Niacinamide and Kojic Acid work to prevent pigmentation from forming to lighten and fade away those stubborn dark circles.

Reduces Wrinkles & Fine Lines – Other ingredients in the blend – such as Vitamin C, Plant Stem Cells, and Astaxanthin – serve to strengthen skin and reverse existing damage, while Hyaluronic Acid locks in moisture to help plump up skin and diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Lightweight Yet Effective – InstaNatural’s Youth Express Eye Serum is lightweight so it absorbs easily into the skin to quickly deliver antioxidant benefits, and it can be used under makeup as well. Each bottle contains no harmful parabens, sulfates or alcohol

This serum smells so good! that's the first thing I noticed. It smells citrusy if that's even a word :)
. The serum dries fast and does not leave a oily or sticky residue which I love because its easy to wear under my makeup.

The directions say to wash and pat your skin dry then apply a toner. Apply  the product under your eye from the inner to the outer corner. This product is my savior towards the middle of my work week when my eyes are swollen and puffy and dark. It gives me a refreshed, vibrant look.
Honestly you will not find another product like this for only 21.95 that is all natural and cruelty free.

The last thing I was able to try was the Advanced Action Retinol Moisturizer
you can purchase it here
a brief description from their website :

Maximum Strength Retinol – With a 2.5% concentration of Retinol (Vitamin A), InstaNatural’s Retinol Moisturizer provides a strong dose of this renowned anti-aging antioxidant to deliver optimal results. It is the Perfect Night or Day Cream to Reduce Wrinkles and Other Signs of Aging – Hydrates Skin and Restores Even Skin Tone & Texture for a Youthful Radiance

Reduces Blemishes and Breakouts – Vitamin A has also been known to help with blemishes. By removing dead skin and unclogging pores, Retinol can help control breakouts so you can achieve a clearer, smoother, flawless complexion. 

Hydrates Skin – InstaNatural’s Retinol Moisturizer formula contains a creamy blend of nourishing ingredients, such as Jojoba Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, and Shea Butter, which keeps skin well hydrated. Once applied, the retinol cream will leave your skin feeling soft and supple throughout the day.

Before I started using InstaNaturals products my skin was horrible. all of my pores were clogged especially on my cheeks and chin area. Ever since I started using the different products I have received my skin has been looking so much better! my pores are releasing all kinds of gross stuff and the retinol cream has hydrated my skin and helped reduce the dark spots that were left behind from my blemishes.
You can use this in the morning and night but it is recommended that if you have sensitive skin to use it only once a day. Distribute a small amount on your face and rub it in a circular motion let it dry before you apply your makeup. This also dries fast with no oily or sticky residue
A little of this product goes a long way. I use a pea size amount for my face and neck. For 25.95 this is a steal for the amount of product you receive!

              my skin is clearing up I love it!

This product shows to be out of stock on their website but you can buy it from InstaNaturals amazon page here


I am very pleased with the products and the results I have had in over a week. If you have been fighting with your skin like I did in the past I recommend that you try these products and also check out all the other products they have to offer.

Have you tried these products from instanatural? If so, comment below and let me know which products you have tried if you haven't what products are you interested in? I'd love to hear from you!

Thank you for reading and I will be back soon with more reviews!
XOXO,
Phelicia

November Beauty Subscription Boxes *REVIEW*

When the first of the month rolls around I can't help but to feel all giddy inside!
I have been an Ipsy subscriber for a year now, beautybox5 I've been with for about four months and this month was my first box from Birchbox.

What I love about these beauty subscriptions is that I get to try a handful of products for 10-12 dollars a month (each) so one product pays for the whole bag! You really cannot beat that! I  have found so many companies that I fell in love with and I would not have known about them without these beauty subscriptions. To name a few would be pop beauty, be a bombshell, jcat... the list could go on and on.

Ipsy:10.00 a month
What you get: a makeup bag and 5 beauty products to try. Once you try your products review them and earn points, which can buy you more products! They also have something called : "IpsyME" they offer products at a discounted price just for ipsy members. I will show you what I received this month.

From left to right: Be a bombshell cosmetics eye base in the color submissive, IT cosmetics bye bye under eye full coverage anti-aging waterproof concealer in neutral medium, Temptu highlighter in pink pearl, J-cat wonder lip paint in the color red potion and the last product I received was Marc Anthony oil of morocco argon oil volume shine hairspray 

*Bombshell eye base: this is a light gold shimmery base that looks great alone or under eyeshadow
* IT cosmetics concealer works great under the eyes and or covering pimples scars etc..
*Temptu highlighter: I'm not sure about this product I used it one time and it left a streak so I will have to watch a video on it and see if I'm using it correctly. It is a liquid so its a new concept to me.
*J-cat lip paint is a great product its a bit dark for me but I like it, I wish it was a matte stain I'm thinking of maybe blotting and putting powder over it so it will be. but a great product either way.
*Marc Anthony hairspray leaves a soft hold with a light scent.

                          And for the Ipsyme event that I scored last week for $18
 
This was such a great deal and I love all of these products!

Beautybox5:$12.99

I love this whole entire box also!
What you get: from left to right, DenTek floss picks&case, dove deep moisture body wash, HASK macadamia revitalizing shine oil, L'Oreal Paris nail color, Laura Ashley body butter,  This box is a bit more than the other two at 12.99

*DenTek floss& case is such a great product I toss these in my bag for when I'm on the go.
*Dove deep moisture body wash smells great and leaves my skin soft.
*HASK macadamia revitalizing shine oil is such a great product I love to rub this on the ends of my hair while wet.
*L'Oreal nail polish this gold color is gorgeous! it dries fast and has just enough sparkle
*Laura Ashley body butter smells great and leaves my skin soft.


and my first box so far... Birchbox! $10.00


What you get: from left to right (back, The balm cosmetics cindy lou manizer highlighter, Dr Jart ceramidin cream,
Gilchrist & Soames Spa Therapy body wash, Amika perk up dry shampoo,Juice Beauty green apple peel, and Jusin's chocolate almond butter

*The balm highlighter is such a pretty color I fell in love with it when I first swatched it!
*Dr Jart ceramidin cream smells great and keeps my skin bright looking and moisturized.
*Gilchrist and Soames body wash smells great!
*Amika perk up dry shampoo : I was really hesitant to try this because all dry shampoos leave a nasty white residue on my hair and make my hair feel dirtier than what it was to begin with. With this product I didn't get that feeling and it smells so good
*Justin's chocolate almond butter was delicious!!! I ate it by myself and with my apples mmmm!


                                 Referral Time!!!
Do you want to try these boxes but don't want to be on a looong waiting list? Use my links below!
Ipsy: http://www.ipsy.com/r/1k2a?sid=ipsypoints&cid=general

Beautybox5:http://www.beautybox5.com/?u=14262

Birchbox: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/1w2q8

sheer cover review

Hello!
I was one of the lucky bloggers to be chosen to review the sheer cover beauty line. This is what i received
in my package, (plus a secret tip i read in the brochure the last picture, ill explain that later.)

Perfect shade mineral foundation- $33.00 preferred customer $23.95

Studio foundation brush -$44.00 preferred customer $29.95

Conceal and brighten trio -$34.00 preferred customer $24.95

Studio concealer brush $19.00 preferred customer $14.95 

Sun-kissed bronzing minerals 37.00 preferred customer 26.95

Studio bronzing brush- 31.00 preferred customer $23.95

Lengthening Mascara $27.00 preferred customer $19.95

Lash extending fibers $22.00 preferred customer $16.95

Base perfector primer 2.0 fl. oz $99.00 preferred customer $64.95

Kabuki brush- $39.95  preferred customer $ 27.95

You can connect with  Sheer Cover on their social media sites including : facebook,youtube, twitter,pinterest and google circles. 

 To order you can call 877-859-8901 or from their website: www.sheercover.com They have different kits you can chose and customize.

my skin is all over the place, my skin is dry and oily in places, my cheeks are red and sensitive, i have big pores (yay) uneven skin tone, i think i have every unwanted skin problem LOL.

  

The past few days my cheeks have been very sensitive but you can tell the perfect shade mineral foundation covered the red spots up perfectly. My shade was a bit light on me I'm usually classic or ivory next time i will order nude instead of frost. 

Remember the trick i was talking about in the first picture? In the brochure that came with my kit it said you can mix the mineral foundation with your moisturizer so i tried it and it worked really well. then i used the mineral foundation by itself as a powder and i like how it came out. I will say when my skin is as sensitive as it has been the past few days the kabuki brush i received seemed to be too rough for my cheeks which irritated me even more so i used another kabuki brush i already had that was softer for my cheeks. 

This foundation is easy to use and blend. I seen a travel brush with a tube you can put the mineral foundation in. You turn the brush facing down and it puts the foundation in your brush for you. I think i would like that better. It would save you time and if you're messy like me it'll cut down on fall out .

The sun-kissed bronzing minerals is really pretty and it also has a highlight in it. I love how easy and smooth it goes on.

The lengthening mascara plus extending fibers was my most favorite part of this kit. It seems like the older i get the thinner and shorter my lashes are becoming. The mascara and fibers made my lashes so long and thick people ask me if I'm wearing false lashes. 

This was only one thin coat of each. This stuff is awesome and cheaper than other brands i have seen online.

The concealer and primer work really well. i use both every day. The concealer trio makes me look fresh and well rested which is  great when i work nights, since i am very fair skinned under my eye gets dark really easily

All in all i loved everything the only thing i had a problem with was the kabuki brush the past few days only on my cheeks.



SheerCover is giving you a chance to win a years supply of sheercover! head on over to their website and enter for your chance to win, I already have!

Enter Here : http://www.modernmom.com/contests/sheergiveaway/

Have you ever used mineral foundations/ makeup before?
What do you currently use? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading!
XOXO.

Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream

I was super lucky to receive Olay's fresh effects BB cream in my influenster sunvoxbox free of charge from infuenster for testing purposes.

This Tinted moisturizer offers 6 skin care benefits:

• Refreshes skin instantly
• Brightens for a radiant glow
• Evens tone with a splash of sheer color
• Hydrates for 24 hours
• Smooths for softer feeling skin
• Protects against UV damage with SPF 15

You can read more on their website: www.olayfresheffects.com

I was able to test this product for a week while i was on vacation at the beach. I was really surprised how well it stayed on my face and kept me from getting sunburned. i did skip it the last day of vacation and my face ended  up getting sun burnt so yes it does work! I just found out the hard way.

My skin care routine is fairly simple unless I'm going out. Being a mom and the only girl in my house i either have to wake up or get ready before anyone wants to go anywhere or get ready super fast! with Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream i am able to do that. To show you i uploaded my vine video to YouTube so i can show you on here.

my skin is fair and my cheeks are sometimes red from my rosacea. I really liked that the BB cream was light but also covered up my imperfections as well. If you are someone who needs a better coverage this is a great product to use under your foundation as well.

I have tried many BB creams and i have to say i really like this product. Some of the BB creams i used in the past were too watery or felt like sand paper.

 

my before and after shot

my husband and I on the beach

                                 i used the BB cream under my foundation for more coverage in the picture


This product retails for 12.99 for a 2.5 fl oz tube. it can be purchased online  www.olayfresheffects.com and http://www.amazon.com

Have you tried Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream yet? If not, What are you waiting for??!!

Thanks for reading
XOXO
Phelicia

Fing'rs Edge Nail Strips Review

Hello I hope all of you had a wonderful and safe Sunday. I want to say thank you to all of my new followers i really enjoy meeting and following new bloggers :)

So today while i was cooking a recipe of my grandmother (goulash) I had a huge dilemma. I totally forgot that on Thanksgiving my can opener broke! I was so mad haha :)   I try not to eat canned or processed food but my recipe called for tomato juice and stewed tomatoes.  Anyways, so i had to run out to our local Family Dollar store and as i was walking to the kitchen aisle for my can opener these beauties caught my eye



So cute right!?!  They were only 3.00 so I was like what a STEAL!

Here are the directions I am tired (okay okay and LAZY, don't judge) so i took a picture instead of typing them. Hey, whatever works right?




They were pretty easy to apply. I am going to say that this brand and the KISS brand i used before they both fit some of my nails weird. I didn't have enough of the sticker to cover the sides of my nails but I'm thinking maybe my nails are just a crazy shape, I'm not sure ill have to google more reviews. Its not noticeable so I'm not complaining.

Here is my finished product:


Don't pay attention to the shiny mess around my cuticles I added a top coat to make the stickers last longer I just haven't washed my hands to take the polish off my skin.



I would  give this 4 stars out of 5 only because when i filed them off  the sticker kind of wanted to peel off where i had filed and because the pinkie sticker was way to big for my finger but then again like i said i probably just have crazy shaped nails :)

Here are the KISS brand nails that i did last week.




You can find the KISS brand at Dollar General I didn't see them at my Family Dollar.

What is your favorite nail trend this fall?

Thanks for reading!

XoXo Phelicia