Skincare for the Ages #ARKSkincare

Press Sample.  All opinions are my own.

Hello Fireflies!

Age is just a number, right?  Is it really, though?  I may act like a 12-year old, and my knees feel like they're 800 years old - and my skin?  Well, it looks good, but it's still been around for 44 years now.  I'd like it to feel good and look good for a long time to come!

Hydration from Within and Without From #Neocell

Press Samples.  All opinions are my own.

Hello, Fireflies!

I used to think that because I had oily skin, hydration was not a concern for me.  But, the more I learn, and as my skin ages, I realize that you can have dehydrated skin, no matter how much oil it produces!  For the last month, I've been treating my body and my skin with hydration from within, taking NeoCell's Glow Matrix, and also on top of the skin, using Neocell's Collagen Moisturizing Treatment Masque.

A Good Hair and Skin Day From Maple Holistics

Press Sample.  All opinions are my own.

Hello, Fireflies!

Having clear skin and a good hair day can really add to my confidence and put a big smile on my face. So, when Maple Holistics offered me the chance to try a couple of their products that put me in a pampering mood, I was pretty happy about it! 

All About That Clay with Majestic Pure Indian Healing Clay

Product provided for review.  All opinions are my own.

Hello, Fireflies!

Because I'm all about that clay, 'bout that clay *pore cleansing*
All about that clay, 'bout that clay *rash helping*

Let me be pretty clear, I ain't twenty-two,
but I got oily skin, and zits a'plenty, too
I love the clay that helps me to erase
all the big pores and all the blem-ish-es!

Seaweed...It's Not Just For Sushi Anymore! #seaweed

Product provided for review.  All opinions are my own.

Hello, Fireflies!

I have decided that, along with my first love, nail art, my new addiction is finding new (and often unusual) ways to explore beauty.  I never thought that I would love finding strange things to mix up and stick on my face, but here I am!

One of my new favorite brands is InstaNatural, a local Orlando, FL organization, that make all manner of beauty products.  I've put their stuff on my face and hair and body, and it all works great, and usually smells good.

Well, if you like the smell of seaweed, then this smells good, too...

A Matcha Made in Heaven - Matcha Green Tea, That Is! #KissMeOrganics

Product provided for review.  All opinions are my own.

Hello, Fireflies!

This story really starts with Target and Starbucks.  The husband and I used to go on regular Sunday dates to our local Target, and when they put in a Starbucks, it seemed like it would just enhance our date - sharing a nice cup of something sweet, strolling through the aisles...

Except, hubby doesn't drink coffee, so we couldn't share that.  We got a few fruit things, but the calories added up fast.

Then, we found the Green Tea Latte, and the skies opened up, a ray of light shon down, and angels sang.  And now, we can make them at home with Kiss Me Organics Organic Green Tea Matcha!

Instanatural Solutions for Hair, Body, and Face! #deadseamask

Product provided for review.  All opinions are my own.

Hello, Fireflies!

I'm back again with some more reviews of what is quickly becoming a favorite brand of mine - InstaNatural.  And I have some of my fave things from them, too - hair stuff, and a masque.. and a strange oil that is pretty unique!

A Rose Clay Masque By Any Other Name Would Not be Oblige by Nature

Product provided for review. All opinions are my own.

Hello, Fireflies!

Welcome to another episode of, 'Nidia is a Masque Addict'.  Today, we get a little fancy with a French Rose Clay mask with a DIY spin.  If you have sensitive skin, or if you like to customize your skincare, you may want to keep reading!

Racinne Ultimate Aqua Blanc

Hello, Fireflies!

I'm on a journey with no road map when it comes to figuring out my skincare.  Oily skin is both a blessing and a curse at my age.  Oily skin usually means fewer wrinkles.  But, no one, especially at my age, wants pimples.  Acne leaves red and dark marks on the skin that take longer to heal as I age, and environmental stressors can make any skin dull and lackluster.

So, when I got the chance to try a few products from the Racinne Ultimate Aqua Blanc series, I was excited to see if it could improve the look of my skin.

After cleansing and toning (I used my own cleansers; there is a cleanser and toner in this series which I did not try,) it's time for the Ultimate Aqua Blanc Concentrate serum. 

You know how they have "new car smell" and everyone knows what that is? They should have "expensive skincare smell" too.  I don't know what it is, but there is something about putting on a product that has that particular fragrance... it's not even something I can put my finger on. It's a level of intensity, too.  It's light, fresh, unobtrusive.... classy.  These products from Racinne have it.  Maybe it's playing Jedi-mind tricks on me, but when I smell that scent, I think I'm getting something good.

This serum is thin, but not runny, with a slightly milky look to it.  It contains niacinamide, which my MUA friends tell me is a real skincare workhorse.  It also has lotus stem cell extract, aloe vera, and cucumber extracts to brighten and soothe the skin.  It absorbs quickly, and leaves the skin soft and ready for the next treatment:

The Ultimate Aqua Blanc Boost is both a moisturizer and a brightener.  It also contains the lotus stem cells and niacinamide, and is formulated without hydroquinone.

My oily skin tends to not like very rich creams, and this one is moisturizing without being heavy.  You can see in this picture how it compares to the serum.

I used these products twice a day after cleansing, and in the morning I didn't have to wait to apply my makeup, which I like.  Having to wait for my products to absorb can be a deal breaker for me.

The last product I tried was the Brightening Masque.

I've discovered a new and deep love of all things masque this year, but this type was a new one on me.  It's a creme-like masque that you apply all over your face, let it absorb for about 15 minutes, and then you pat in whatever residue you can, and rinse off the rest.

I've done sheet masques that you pat in the residue and I've done clay masques where you rinse off the hardened clay, but this is a new one on me. It wasn't unpleasant or anything, just strange.

I never applied it so thickly that there was much to tissue off afterwards.  I rather wish it retained that white pigmentation so I could remember to rinse it off afterwards.  I can see forgetting that you have it on!

It's gentle enough to use twice a week.  I would alternate it with some of my favorite deep-cleaning masques, too.  

My overall impression? I really liked these products.  Everything from the packaging to the fragrance and texture reads luxury, but the prices are not exorbitant.  The serum and lotions absorb quickly and, especially at first, feel like they're doing something.  They don't hurt, but you can feel a tingle. After this trial, I still have some dark spots, but I think my skin is brighter, less ruddy, and more luminous. 

If you'd like to try Racinne for yourself, they have inexpensive trial sizes, and their site does say something about free samples.  They also have deals of the week (the masque is half off this week, from $36 to $18!) and promotions.  As of this writing, they have a 20% off code, and also some purchase rewards options, as well as free shipping with a certain amount of purchase.

For more information, you can find Racinne on Facebook, Twitter, and their website.

Gorgeous..and Delicious Hair with Insta-Natural Argan Oil Hair Mask #InstaNatural

Hello, Fireflies!

My name is Nidia, and I'm a hair masque addict.   I admit it.  I love them, and so does my hair.  So, when I got a chance to try InstaNatural Argan Oil Hair Mask, of course I did.

First impression: yes! packaging seal.  I'm not too worried about my hair masque becoming contaminated, but it helped keep my product fresh and safe while being shipped to me from Amazon.com.

Second impression: creamy, soft, nice scent - but not overpowering.

I like that this mask is full of natural and organic ingredients - and who doesn't love Argan oil in their hair?  It's a miracle oil for those of us with dry hair.

A deep treatment starts with as little as 5 to 15 minutes.  And, if you'd like to, you can use this as a daily conditioner without weighing down your hair. 

I saw lots of interesting ingredients like horsetail, known for strengthening hair and nails; aloe, a great healing agent, and lots of oils and butters, like jojoba, avocado, olive, linseed, primrose, coconut, and shea butter.

Cruelty free, and made right here in Central Florida!

The first time I used this, I went over to a dinner party that evening, and as I was hugging my friends hello, they all pulled me back in for another hug, taking a deep whiff, and exclaiming, 'you smell amazing!'

It wasn't my perfume.  It was my HAIR.

Truth.  It smells like a subtle, delicious caramel or butterscotch to me.

I love how soft and shiny it leaves my hair, too.  It's got great slip, rinses clean, and there's plenty in the jar for many applications - even with all of this hair!

If you'd like more information about InstaNatural, they can be found on Facebook, their website, and on Amazon.com. 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

I Know Why Superheroes Wear Masques

Hello, Fireflies!

My name is Nidia, and I am a masque-aholic.

I admit it.  I used to never see the point.  I started off with peeling masques - the gateway masques.  Then, it was the harder stuff, the clay masques.  I'm even experimenting with snail extract masques.  It's a problem.

But they feel SO GOOD!

After trying the original Glam Glow masque (see my initial review HERE), I knew I needed to find a budget-friendly alternative.  I didn't think I was ready for a DIY version, but after seeing Laura's recipe on My Newest Addiction, I did a little research and found another recipe on The Twisted Horn, and some more recommendations on the Amazon.com reviews for the clay.

Here's the recipe I came up with:

Lit From Within's DIY Clay Masque

1/4 cup Bentonite clay
2 Tbs water
2 Tbs Apple Cider Vinegar (organic, with mother)
8 capsules of activated charcoal
1 Tbs coconut oil
goo scraped from 1 leaf of fresh Aloe Vera (about 1 tsp)
3 drops of lavender essential oil
4 drops of clary sage essential oil

Mix it all together in a sandwich baggie, and it's no-mess.  You don't even have to open the charcoal capsules if you don't want to - they dissolve in the Apple Cider Vinegar!

Pro-tip:  Use a synthetic-bristle brush, like a foundation paddle brush, to apply the masques.  You'll get a nice, smooth, even application, and you won't be cleaning the mess out from underneath your fingernails.  

I do like the cooling sensation of the original peppermint and eucalyptus oils, but this version is more calming.  I may add in some peppermint oil next time.  I've applied two masques so far from this batch, and there's probably at least two more.  I'm keeping it in the fridge.

For comparison, I rehydrated my left-over Glam Glow masque and tried it again.  My version is definitely missing the pulsating, tingling feeling that I believe comes from the peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils.  Mine is also missing the leaves and grit, which I don't mind at all.

I mean, what is the deal with the leaves?  It makes me feel like this masque was scooped up from the forest floor, complete with leaves and twigs.

Another supposed dupe for this masque is the Queen Helene Mint Julep mud masque. I love this masque, and it's usually under $4.

I have also found some other fun masques.  This is the Gargamel masque, made from smushed Smurfs:

Ok, not really, but it could be.  It's the Freeman Feeling Beautiful Dead Sea Minerals Facial Anti-Stress Mask.  Say that five times fast.  I don't know if it actually did anything for my skin, but it is relaxing.  And, the hubby and I got a good laugh over my blue hue.

On another home-spa day, I did a hair masque and a face masque at the same time!

I'm wearing a self-heating conditioning cap on my hair, over my Kimble Beauty conditioning hair masque, and a Secret Key Snail Repairing sheet masque on my face.  Witness my first sheet masque.

My head was so warm, and my face was so cool.  Feel the sensation!

What are you favorite masques?  Do you DIY?

Kimble Beauty

Hello, Fireflies!

I have been *obsessed* with masques lately.  Face masques, and hair masques.  I love them.  I love that feeling that comes with pampering myself.

I was fortunate to get to try Kimble Beauty Brazilian Nut and Acai Berry conditioning hair masque through BrandBacker.

Kim Kimble is a celebrity hair stylist, salon owner, star of LA Hair, and now the creator of her own line of products.  Her parents were hairdressers, and she's been doing hair most of her life.  So when she got to do it her way, I think she got it right!

The very first thing I noticed and loved was the dispenser.  First of all, it was safety sealed, which I like a lot.  Secondly, it's not a jar!

So many hair masques come in jars, and then they get all full of hair, and the jar gets slippery, and it's a mess.  This is clean and nice, and the product looks fresh every time.  The texture is thick, with a gel-like consistency.  It has a subtle nutty fragrance.

I also received this *totes adorbz* shower cap, which is sold separately.  It's really roomy, and fit all my hair, wasn't too tight on my head, and had structure to it.  I've only really used thin, floppy shower caps before.  I don't wear curlers, but this cap would definitely fit a set of rollers under it if you had your hair up but needed a shower.

I feel glamorous... flossy, flossy!

Right now, I haven't had a hair cut in a long time, so my ends really are damaged. It's just a part of having curly hair - it tends to be dryer and prone to breakage.  Also, the curls break up light waves, so it doesn't look as shiny as straight hair.

I put on the masque, covered my hair, and gave myself a mud spa treatment while I waited for the conditioner to do it's thing.  After about 10-15 minutes, it rinsed out easily and cleanly, and my hair felt light and soft!

Kim Kimble may be a hairstylist to the stars, but her products are priced reasonably! If you click HERE to go to the online store 701 NYC, the cute showercap is currently priced at $14, plus there is a 10% discount if you use the code hair10!

Her many other products can be found on her website, where this masque sells for $13.99.  Her shampoos and conditioners are also priced similarly.

Do you use hair masques?  What do you look for in one?

FutureDerm Face and Hair!

Hello, Fireflies!

Have you heard of FutureDerm? They did a collaboration with two beauty bloggers, Phyrra, and Jen from My Beauty Bunny.  When their products went on sale, I bought them!

GlamGlow Review!

(My #NailArtForNubs post on a green waterfall goes live at 9 Eastern!)

Hello, Fireflies!

I won something! Holy frijole, I won a GlamGlow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment from Ivory and Olive!

I feel like the next contestant on The Price Is Right! Come On Down!

I love the packaging for this, even though it deceives you a little bit into thinking you're getting a bigger pot.  It's so cute, though!

Here's the hype.  It's a quick 10-minute masque that tightens and tingles and gives you that Hollywood glow.

It's green, and kinda lumpy.  There are things that look like leaves in it.  I didn't notice any smell, and it was easy to apply with my fingers.

Here's the scary part.  Me, sans makeup.  On the Interwebs for all eternity.  *holds breath*

It only gets better! Here's the masque, freshly applied.  I don't know how many applications I'm going to get out of the little jar, but there are several, I'm sure.  I was surprised I didn't use it all in one masque!

This treatment is definitely tingle-tastic! You can feel it working, tightening, and tingling.  

While I was waiting for the masque to dry, I was also doing my nails.  My husband shared that he thought it was funny that I looked like a zombie, yet was talking about glitter.  Even zombies love glitter!

I'm not smiling in this next pix, but it's not because I'm not happy.  I *can't* smile.  I can't move my face!

I used my rubbery cool The Body Shop facecloth to remove the Glamglow.  It came off fairly easily, but I did have to rinse a few times to get off all the dried bitties.

My skin felt amazing.  My husband (who took all these pix for me) said he could tell a difference.  Can you?

After this, I put on a serum and moisturizer, some mascara and a lippie, and went shopping.  No foundation, no concealer, no BB cream, no powder, no blush, no eyeshadow.  I felt radiant!

If you'd like more information about GlamGlow, you can find them on Facebook or their website.  Please check out my friends Ivory and Olive on Facebook and their blog, too.  Thanks, ladies, for the awesome prize and GlamGlow experience!

(The GlamGlow was a prize won in a giveaway, with no expectations of a review.  All opinions are my own.)

Stay tuned! My #NailArtForNubs post on a green waterfall goes live at 9 Eastern!