Let Your Smile Shine + Giveaway

Being a routine-oriented person, I have a regimen when it comes to skincare, dental hygiene and my overall health. I've talked about skincare several times here on Martinis & Bikinis along with the "forever" products I use but never really got into teeth talk.

Beauty Faves - Always a Repurchase

From nails to hair, these are a few of my favorite beauty products that are always on repeat.

Favorite Beauty Products

Happy Friday!

Can you believe we're only a week away from the start of February? Selfishly, I'm almost happy January is coming to an end because it seems like I was sick for the whole month with one thing or another.

Friday Fashion Files - Rogue & Vogue

My fashion posts are few and far between these days but I wanted to mix in some cute outfit ideas with L'Oréal's new Signature lip colors I received from Influenster.

My First Stitch Fix Review

I finally caved and signed up for Stitch Fix using a promo code sent by a friend. I received my first Stitch Fix box earlier this month and, while I liked some of the items, I definitely wasn't in love with most.

Home Decor: Modern Style with Functional Design

If you travel quite a bit, you've probably noticed the growing trend with hotels incorporating USB charging plugs into lamps or outlets on the wall. This is the direction modern decor is taking to accommodate for technology and having to charge your phone on-the-go.

Solving Personal Hair Care Struggles + Giveaway

I was contacted by Formulate, a new personal care brand, to test their customized shampoo and conditioner formulas that are created by their chemists specifically for your hair type and needs. The company's concept is very unique and a new-to-me experience. I was all onboard since my hair is not as easy to maintain as it may look.

CoverGirl's TruBlend Matte Foundation & Skim Primer

I love receiving beauty products that actually work for my skin so I can do a rave review after testing for a few weeks and then have the products to use until they run out and I repurchase.

My Worst Pillow

K loves to fall victim to new "breakthrough" products advertised on TV.  Specifically the ones where you have to call now to get some sort of urgent deal, not products from good old faithful Target or Home Depot.

Have you seen the ads for MyPillow on TV? Advertised as "the most comfortable pillow you'll ever own". K immediately wanted one and told his Mom that's what he wanted for Christmas 2 years ago, especially since it was a BOGO deal so I would get one too.

Worst pillow ever and for $80 each!

Even with the BOGO "deal" making it $40 each, these are terrible quality pillows. I know everyone wants amazing sleep so the advertisement draws you in thinking "yes, this is the answer". Nope it isn't. I used the pillow for one night and told K they were all his. I think he realizes now they really aren't anything special.      

My favorite pillows are from Kohl's for under $15 and they are heavenly to sleep on!

The Big One® Microfiber Pillow

As we're on this topic, K saw an Ad on TV for the World's Softest Pajamas and decided this would be a perfect Christmas gift that same year. For "only $80" he ordered this PJ set from Pajama Gram.

They are comfortable but by no means worth the price and are just as comfortable as PJ's I own from Target and Victoria's Secret. Also what's up with the cowlick neck?

I guess the ad's content appealed to men wanting to gift their significant other/family member PJs made out of "fabric that's as soft to the touch as a baby bunny and as luxurious against the skin as the finest cashmere...She'll love you for it." Nope, not worth the price!

That's all for today...

Bubble Away The Impurities

I was lucky to be introduced to the belif Pore Cleaner Bubble Foam which was a new-to-me skincare line and product. What I love about this gel-to-foam wash-off mask is that works for any skin type whether you have oily, dry or combination skin.

New Beauty Voxbox from Target

Another great VoxBox was received from Influenster a few weeks ago filled with some new beauty goodies from Target, which I've been testing and I'm excited to share my thoughts on.

Blackhead Suction Device

I stumbled upon this "Pore Vacuum Cleaner" on Amazon and I'm so glad I decided to purchase it. Costing only $27, it's a steal of a deal and works wonders.

Friday Faves

Yesterday's temps were the lowest it's been since 2010 in Central FL so we're feeling frosty around here and need all the warm clothes to bundle up.  Luckily I prepared early when I found some great sales on cute winter gear which arrived just in time!

Friday's Fave - The "Coolest" Thing in Skincare

I've never tried a tightening gel or firming treatment of any kind so Kate Somerville's Tight'N Cryogenic Tightening Gel couldn't have come at a better time as I approach my mid-30s and the fine lines have started to appear around my eyes and forehead area.

Marc Jacobs Eye-Conic Palettes

I'm a huge fan of Marc Jacobs fashion and have used several of their perfumes over the years - Daisy Kiss, Oh, Lola!, Dot, and I'm currently using Decadence.

Smile Brilliant Teeth Whitening Review + Giveaway

I've tried several different home teeth whitening products over the years that I've liked to varying degrees. None that I can say I loved or had remarkable results. The problem with me is that I've never made teeth whitening a priority in my routine which has left my teeth looking stained and quite dull from coffee, wine, etc. Having very sensitive teeth also limits my options or at least makes me wary of many of the whitening products that don't have a desensitizing factor.

Duncan Hines Carrot Cake

Duncan Hines Perfect Size for 1 is an individually portioned pouch of cake mix which comes in 18 varieties with flavors for morning, afternoon or evening indulgences.

Last Call For a Beauty Haul

Happy Friday friends!

Beauty products have been on my mind lately and Spring is the best season because it brings brighter colors for clothes, accessories, and makeup. Even though I live in Florida - "the land of no real seasons" - different skincare products are needed to deal with the temperature changes and brighter lip colors are always fun.

Today I'm sharing some new products I've stumbled upon along with my tried & true products that are permanently in my beauty/skincare routine.

(The Ulta/Sephora Beauty Giveaway is at the end of this post)

New to Me

I'm so intrigued by the new Bliss Correcting Sticks to even out different tones whether it may be blemishes, redness, or discoloration. They supposedly help soothe your skin before applying tinted moisturizer or foundation. Since I have pink undertones, redness is my main concern.

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Yellow Corrector - Neutralizes redness

Peach Corrector - Corrects darkness and discoloration

Green Corrector - Camouflages redness and covers blemishes
Lavender Corrector - Counteracts dullness and brightens skin

Current Beauty Lusts

Tried & True Beauty Faves

I've mentioned these products before, if not several times, when I share my skincare routine and favorite makeup products.

Tarte Foundation  /  Miracle Complexion Sponge  /  Better Than Sex Mascara

EcoTools Brush Set  /  Gimme Brow Fiber Gel  /  NYX Butter Gloss

Mattifying Oil Free Moisturizer  /  So Totally Clean Deep Pore Toner

Last call for a beauty haul!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Finding Balance for Your Skin Type

Has anyone tried Ole Henriksen products before? This skincare line was completely new to me so I was excited when I received 3 full-size products in the mail to test out. 

Although I have my tried and true favorites when it comes to skincare and hair products, I'm always keen on trying out new and possibly better products especially as ingredients become more organic or refined.

The Ole Henriksen Balance product line is specifically formulated for oily or combination skin so you can get that glow without the icky shine from oil-prone skin. The face moisturizer is particularly unique because it hydrates and mattifies at the same time.

I incorporated these three products into my AM/PM skincare routine over the past couple weeks with no breakouts, no redness, just healthier looking skin. The smell isn't my favorite but I think the natural ingredients keep it from being too fragrant plus these products contain no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.

Key Ingredients

 Green tea, eucalyptus, algae (kelp) and Irish moss: extracts contain natural antiseptic properties which help to absorb excess oil and refine pores.

Salicylic acid + glycolic & lactic acids: help lift and loosen dead skin cells that clog pores.

Neem seed oil: a legendary ingredient in Ayurveda.

Rosehip fruit extract: helps reduce oil production and fights shine while minimizing the appearance of pores (only found in the face hydrator/moisturizer).

Oil Control Toner
A gentle astringent that removes oil and refines pores—without stripping your skin.

Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser
Deeply cleanses and purifies pores reducing excess oil.

Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator
Hydrates, controls oil, mattifies and reduces the appearance of pores.

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. All opinions expressed in this post are true and honest based on testing out the products over a period of time.

Nice to See You Friday

I've been spotty with getting a post ready in time for Friday with my work schedule and other life events but today I have some fun things to share.

Boots, Books, Beauty, Baking & Bands.

All B's...somehow it worked out that way so I'm rolling with it!

Boots
I've bought 3 pairs of boots in the last couple weeks. All black. Maybe a little over the top but after moving and digging through my stuff, I remembered many of my black boots were given to Goodwill since they all had a good amount of miles on them so I'm starting fresh this "winter".

 one / two / three

Books
I'm wayyy late to the game on this but I've been "audio-reading" Eat, Pray, Love this week on my commute. Last week I finished reading The Couple Next Door which was a crazy, mind-boggling suspense book (that I thoroughly enjoyed) but it was time to change the pace and I feel this soul-searching book was the right decision.

image via

Beauty: Hair Products
My hairdresser convinced me a while ago that sulfate-free hair products are the way to go for my color-treated hair in terms of moisture retention and keeping my blonde looking vibrant.

shampoo / conditioner / 10-in-1 Elixir

I was pleasantly surprised when Influenster sent me these three L'Oreal EverPure hair products complimentary for testing purposes because they contain some main ingredients that I look for that are gentle on your hair and are 100% sulfate-free. I've washed my hair a handful of times now using all 3 products and my hair has been silky smooth since. I have to the say Elixir is one of my favorite products for detangling and using as a heat protector since I blow-dry my hair quite often.

Beauty: Lip Products
The Murad Age Reform Soothing Lip Care is quite possibly the most amazing thing that ever touched my lips. My Ethestician introduced me to it last weekend when I went for a facial and I hesitated to purchase the $22 product but I went home I found it for a more affordable price on Amazon.

Baking
I'm always on the hunt for new recipes since we tend to have the same rotation of meals for dinner during the week. K has mastered the art of cooking Chicken Cordon Bleu which is one of my favorite dishes so I was immediately intrigued by this Sundried Tomato and Cheese Stuffed Chicken recipe from SkinnyTaste. I can't wait to try it!

Bands
This one has me the most excited because I don't go to concerts often enough. We have tickets to see Florida Georgia Line this weekend so you already know I'm ready to get the weekend started!

All favorites aside, didn't we just ring in the new year and it's already the last weekend in January?

I hope you enjoy a weekend full of your own favorites.