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Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Madison Reed Commits to Using "Raw" Photography! #MadisonReed #RawPhotography #WomenOver50 #HairColor

Madison Reed Commits to Using "Raw" Photography

New photos feature women over age 50 feeling confident and beautiful, no retouching necessary

Madison Reed, a prestige hair color brand, applauds the movement toward authenticity in advertising and announces that it is advancing the cause with a pledge to use unaltered, raw photography. In these images, nothing will be adjusted. Hair color will be shown "as is."
With Madison Reed, confident is the new beautiful.
With Madison Reed, confident is the new beautiful.
Going forward, Madison Reed pledges zero alteration of all advertising photography. The company's new mantra? Confident is the new beautiful.
Going forward, Madison Reed pledges zero alteration of all advertising photography. The company's new mantra? Confident is the new beautiful.
Madison Reed's untouched, "raw" photos will be easily identified by a Madison Reed "Real Mark."
Madison Reed's untouched, "raw" photos will be easily identified by a Madison Reed "Real Mark."
"Recently, we had a photo shoot with six amazing women, some of whom are over the age of 50," said Heidi Dorosin, Madison Reed's chief marketing officer. "When we received the digital files, we thought, 'Why alter these photos?' Yes, these women have wrinkles. Yes, they have smile lines. But these are all qualities that made the women even more beautiful to us."
Many brands have vowed to not "materially alter" the appearance of women in their imagery, but that leaves room for retouching. Madison Reed's promise goes a step further. Going forward, there will be zero alteration of all advertising photography. These untouched, raw photos will be easily identified by a Madison Reed "Real Mark." Web pages and packaging showing shades of each color will continue to be digitally altered, so clients have clear expectations of the end result.
From its inception in 2013, Madison Reed – led by Amy Errett, fearless founder and CEO – has challenged the hair-color status quo. Historically, women had two options: purchase a low-quality box from a drugstore or visit an expensive salon. Madison Reed created a third, radically new option: salon-quality hair color delivered to a woman's home so she can do-it-herself in under an hour. But she isn't alone: Madison Reedprovides access to human beings – licensed hair colorists – who are standing by to offer support and guidance via email, website, chatbot and phone.
In 2017, Madison Reed tackled the notion that a salon visit has to be a lengthy, expensive experience. Now open in New Yorkand San Francisco, Madison Reed Color Bars offer fast, inexpensive color services that can be booked online, much to the delight of busy women. The company plans to open more than 20 Color Bars nationwide by the end of 2019.
With the disruption of an entire industry well underway, Errett felt the time was right to challenge conventional advertising in ways no beauty brand has before. The company's new mantra: Confident is the new beautiful.
"Long ago, I decided Madison Reed would never use seductive photography," said Errett. "In fact, I named the company after my daughter to empower her to find her own path, with grace and without apology. So I am thrilled by our decision to promise zero photo alteration in our advertising. This pushes our brand, and the cause, forward. We encourage other beauty companies to join the movement."
About Madison Reed:
Based in San Francisco, Madison Reed is a beauty company revolutionizing the way women color their hair. The fast-growing startup uses technology in conjunction with a team of licensed colorists to help women find their perfect color and deliver salon-quality hair color for under $25. Founded in 2013, Madison Reed started with a simple mission: To create a luxurious prestige hair color made with ingredients you can feel good about. Madison Reed's conditioning, multi-tonal formula is crafted without ammonia, parabens, resorcinol, PPD, phthalates, and gluten. The entire color and hair care line is enriched with argan oil, keratin, and ginseng root to protect and pamper hair. Products can be found online, on mobile, and through select retailers including Sephora, QVC and Ulta Beauty. For fast, fabulous color applied by a professional, visit Madison Reed Color Bars in New York and San Francisco. For more information, click here for a company overview.

Review: philosophy the microdelivery triple-acid brightening peel #philosophy #themicrodeliverytripleacidbrighteningpeel #peel #acids

(product photo courtesy of www.philosophy.com)


12 pre-saturated chemical peel pads/$70.00
I love peels. I have been using them for years to help keep my skin clear, to ward off wrinkles and to brighten up my skin. Lately though, I have been using peels to brighten up my skin and get rid of hyperpigmentation that developed from years of being out in the sun when I was very, very young. When I was five years old I had sun poisoning from a day at the beach in Nags Head, North Carolina and it left me incredibly ill but with a lot of freckles on my face. I have a very pale complexion and I do not tan out in the sun but instead I burn almost immediately. As I got older I tried to stay out of the sun but when I went to Greece on my honeymoon, I got burned very badly again and my in-laws had to put Greek yogurt all over my body to help heal the burn. Yogurt has a lot of lactic acid in it and it really helps to heal sunburns. I was in bed for 2 days with a bad sunburn. I couldn't even wear a shirt. 

When I was in my late thirties all of this sun damage started to manifest itself not only as freckles, but as photo aging. That is when it starts to look more like hyperpigmentation than regular freckles. If you are in your thirties or older, you know the difference: the pigmentation is darker and more pronounced than usual. It also starts to come out all over the face in force! Dark spots and discoloration appears more than just freckles. I posted about my recent travails about working on my hyperpigmentation the other day. Well, not only have I been using Vitamin C peels, I have also been using a product from philosophy that is one of the best peels I have ever used. It is called the microdelivery triple-acid brightening peel.

This is one of philosophy's best peels that they have ever come out with. It is a one-step peel that is used after cleansing skin and there is zero downtime. the microdelivery triple-acid brightening peel has a triple-acid formula that dissolves and gets rid of dull, dead skin cells and impurities to help reveal a brighter skin tone. Clarity of the skin appears improved and fine lines are diminished too. But the best thing about this peel is its brightening effects, it has a skin-brightening technology that visibly reduces hyperpigmentation such as dark spots and discoloration. Skin is revitalized, appears luminous and brighter.

To use: first cleanse skin then make sure it is completely dry. Apply pre-saturated peel pad to cleansed, dry skin on face, neck, and décolleté. Can also be applied to back of hands if desired. Let peel sit on skin for a few minutes to allow brightening and 'peeling' effects to occur. Tingling will likely occur on skin. Let sit at least 5-10 minutes before using moisturizer. If uncomfortable, apply a pad soaked with 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 1/2 cup of water and apply to skin to neutralize peel. Use once a week at most.

This product should only be used on the following skin types: dry, normal, combination, oily and acneic skins. If you have sensitive skin, DO NOT USE. It is a powerful peel and contains three alpha hydroxy acids: glycolic acid, mandelic acid and malic acid. Glycolic acid comes from sugar. Mandelic acid comes from grapes. Malic acid originates from apples. All of these are known as alpha hydroxy acids and are very strong. 

I am extremely happy with this product. In two months I will be 47 and let's just say I am not happy with how I feel physically (because I am disabled and overweight) but my skin is looking really good lately. With the products I have been using, my hyperpigmentation is almost completely under control and I have soft, wrinkle free, acne free, young looking skin. If you take care of your skin you can look much younger than your age. Yes, genetics plays a part. But using sunscreen, peels and good skincare plays a part too. My favorite skincare item to use is a peel. And the microdelivery triple-acid brightening peel is one of my favorites because it is easy to use, works incredibly well and is not too strong that it overpowers the skin.

Here is how my skin is looking lately, after using the peel and other products:
(skin after the microdelivery triple-acid brightening peel)
philosophy the microdelivery triple-acid brightening peel comes in a box of 12 saturated peel pads for $70.00. It can be purchased online at www.philosophy.com and is also available at where philosophy is sold. Like philosophy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophy; Follow philosophy on Twitter: @lovephilosophy; Follow philosophy on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lovephilosophy/; Follow philosophy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovephilosophy/  and Subscribe to philosophy on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/philosophy.

Until Next Time~



Marie Papachatzis


(These were sent for consideration) 






Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Review: bump eraiser no more ingrowns #bumperaiser #nomoreingrowns #inrownhair #hairremoval #shaving #waxing #laser

(product photos courtesy of www.bumperaiser.com.au)


The worst thing about hair removal (besides the pain involved when removing it by the root at times) is ingrown hair. Now when shaving, you don't have the pain, but you can still have ingrown hairs. Why? Because hair grows back and gets stuck in the follicle with dead skin cells covering it and it cannot grow out of the follicle, thus it gets trapped in there and becomes infected. Then it forms what is essentially like a pimple. It looks almost exactly the same because hair and pimples form in the hair follicle. Pores on your face are the hair follicle. On the body though we just call them hair follicles. When infected they get red, are painful and also have pus in them. What do you do to prevent and treat them?

bump eraiser is a line from Australia that has been developed especially to prevent and treat ingrown hairs. There are six products in the line: zesty antibacterial wash, cool splash, medi paste, concentrated serum, triple action lotion and exfoliating mitt. These products have been formulated to work on all areas of the body. The key is to prevent the hair from becoming ingrown in the first place, so you do not have to treat it. Because once it becomes ingrown, it is hard to treat and release the hair from the follicle. 

8.4 fl.oz./250mL $24.99
This product is a wash that is used to cleanse the skin and remove excessive oil to help prevent the occurrence of ingrown hairs, bumps and breakouts. It is great for the face. This is a good product for men to use on their beards or for women who wax their lips. It can be used all over the body though. This contains Tea Tree Oil, which is a natural antiseptic to help reduce ingrown hairs and the irritation associated with them. It also contains refreshing and zesty Orange Oil, which purifies and leaving it clear and smooth. It's ideal for use before and after all forms of hair removal, is suitable for the whole family, is vegan friendly and comes in a handy pump bottle for in-shower use. For best results use with the bump eraiser Exfoliating Mitt. What is great about this is that it is non-drying to the skin, even though it is for oily skin. I have dry skin and I found it okay for my skin. It also has another antibacterial ingredient, salicylic acid, which is often used in acne products to help keep acne at bay. This is a good ingredient to help keep ingrown hair pustules at bay too. 

4.2 fl.oz./125mL $24.99
This is a refreshing solution to use on the skin after shaving and after IPL/laser treatments. It helps to soothe shaving rash and helps to prevent ingrown hairs from developing. Cool Splash is a great solution to use on hot, red, itchy, irritated skin that occurs after hair removal and does it not sting the skin. It has natural fruit acids that help soothe the skin and reduce the appearance of redness. Ideal for use on the face, neck and chest but suitable for all parts of the body. Recommended for use after shaving, laser or electrolysis. Vegan friendly. Use as required. Just splash on after showering or after hair removal. Make sure skin is dry first. This product contains glycerin, citric acid, malic acid and chamomile. Glycerin is a moisturizing ingredient. Citric acid and malic acid are the two fruit acids. Citric acid comes from lemons and malic acid comes from apples. Chamomile is good for soothing the skin, it has azulene in it which helps to reduce redness.

4.2 fl.oz./125mL $24.99
If you have particularly sensitive skin, then I recommend using bump eraiser concentrated serum. This product is a no-sting treatment that helps to calm sensitive skin after all forms of hair removal. It prevents, ingrown hairs from developing and soothes shaving rash. Also, this product helps to treat ingrown hairs. It has been formulated with natural fruit acids to help to reduce ingrown hairs by gently exfoliating skin cells that can block hair follicles and prevent the cycle of natural hair growth. It is suitable for all areas of the body. To use: first shake well. Then apply after showering or when required, apply to the skin, massaging in a circular motion until fully absorbed. Vegan friendly. Because it is for sensitive skin, I would make sure to try a patch test first before using. It does contain natural fruit acids, which are AHA's. It contains citric acid and malic acid, which I mentioned earlier are from lemon and apples respectively. These can cause reactions in those with sensitive skins. However I am sure when they developed this product they took into consideration the percentage of acid and how much to use for sensitive skins. This serum also contains glycerin, which helps to moisturize the skin. I find this serum very soothing to the skin and really helps to help prevent and treat ingrown hair.

4.2 fl.oz./125mL $24.99
This product works on 3 levels to help retard hair growth after hair removal. It contains natural extracts and actives that weaken the already exposed hair follicles. With regular use, hair becomes thinner and finer. So, after every hair removal session, the discomfort of hair removal decreases and becomes less painful. With this, it also helps to reduce ingrown hairs and bumps. triple action lotion is ideal for especially coarse and strong hairs, such as those in the bikini region or for people who have very thick, coarse, strong hairs on their body. It is suitable for all areas of the body though. For best use, apply twice daily for two weeks preferably after a hot shower or bath, then once a day until desired results have been achieved. Different hair types will have different 'processing' times, so be patient. Do not apply until at least 12 hours after waxing. Vegan friendly too. *Check with your doctor if you are suffering from any skin condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding before using this product. 

I have very thin, translucent hair on my legs, so I decided to start there, and noticed results in as little as two weeks. In the bikini region it takes a lot longer though, and definitely needs at least 3-4. I think this is a great product that is really worth the money to have around. It is their star product and is the main draw of the line. Just to have anything that makes hair grow back thinner and weaker (without a prescription) is a winner in my book.

1 fl.oz./30mL $19.95
medi paste is a highly concentrated spot solution that treats ingrown hairs. Not only does it help to eliminate ingrown hairs but it helps to eliminate razor bumps and pimples too. It reduces redness and swelling while preventing infection. This product has been scientifically formulated with Tea Tree Oil, Triclosan, Vitamin A and Salicylic Acid to draw out the infection and kill the bacteria rapidly without causing trauma to the skin. For fast results use a band-aid over the problem area, as this will speed up healing. It is suitable for all areas of the body. To use: apply twice a day to clean, dry skin on the affected area or as often as needed for up to 7-10 days. If you have sensitive skin, do a test patch first. *Check with a doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

I love this product, because not only does it help treat ingrown hairs, it treats pimples too! My daughter had an ingrown hair that she used this on, it was infected and it cleared it right up. She had been having issues with it and and didn't know what to do until I gave this to her. I even helped get the hair out of the follicle for her. Sometimes they curl right under and cause infection that is very painful. This product is perfect for that. But you still need to make sure to prevent the infection in the first place and that is what all of these products are for! I used it on a pimple I had and it cleared up overnight. I was shocked. I am keeping this around for good. Great product. 

I am very happy with all of the bump eraiser products I tried. All of them worked very well. And they are worth the expense if you do a lot of hair removal. These products can be purchased on www.amazon.com in the United States. Like bump eraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BumpeRaiser and Follow bump eraiser on Twitter: @BumpeRaiser.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis

(These were sent for consideration)








Monday, February 26, 2018

Review: MyChelle Perfect C PRO Speed Peel #MyChelle #PerfectCPROSpeedPeel #VitaminC #Peel

(product photo courtesy of www.mychelle.com)

1.26 fl.oz./35mL $32.50
It is winter. If you want to brighten up any hyperpigmentation from last summer as well as renew skin for spring, now is the time. Winter is the perfect time to renew skin and get rid of last summer's damage that was done by the sun. 

I have the perfect product for you too. It is MyChelle Perfect C PRO Speed Peel. This amazing jar contains fast acting 25% Citrus Fruit puree peel and has been formulated with 10% L-Ascorbic Acid blended with L-Lactic Acid, Plant C-Stem and Retinal to deliver youthful, glowing skin. The Citrus Fruit puree peel brightens the skin, exfoliates and unclogs pores. L-Ascorbic Acid is Vitamin C, which helps to brighten up the skin. L-Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that also helps to brighten skin and also helps to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores and renew the skin. Retinal is a Vitamin A derivative that is another exfoliant to help brighten, renew, exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. After using this peel, skin will glow and look amazing. After several uses, hyperpigmentation will be lightened and skin will look brighter than ever before. This product has been made without any GMOs, gluten, parabens, petroleum, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, ureas, artificial fragrances, and artificial colors. It is vegan and cruelty-free. 

How To Use: for evening use only. First apply a thin layer to face once per week after cleansing. Make sure to avoid the eye area and do not apply on broken or irritated skin. Only leave peel on for 1 minute at the most. Tingling is likely to occur. Remove thoroughly with cool water. Post-treatment redness is very common and will subside in time. If it does not, apply a little bit of baking soda mixed with water to face and leave on for a few minutes, then rinse off (do not rub on skin). The peel color will darken over time. Due to the professional nature of this product, a patch test is definitely recommended before using.

I love this product. It is a wonderful way to brighten up winter weary skin and to get rid of hyperpigmentation any time of the year. If you have skin that needs renewal during winter due to having been in the sun during summer and ended up with a lot of damage, this is the perfect product for that. I have been trying to get rid of hyperpigmentation that was done from many years ago. And I have succeeded. Working hard on my skin for months now, using this peel and MyChelle Perfect C Serum 25%, I have turned back the clock on my skin. Yesterday I posted a photo of my skin after I had used a mask. Well that photo was not only due to the mask but due to months of work on my skin. I will show you again. 



I am about to be 47 and my skin is in its best shape ever. I have removed a lot of the surface sun damage and my skin is looking pretty good. It has taken a while. But I have also, undone some fine lines too. No Botox. This is me without any makeup on. The MyChelle Perfect C PRO Speed Peel does wonders for the skin. It really does. 

The MyChelle Perfect C PRO Speed Peel retails for $32.50 and is available online at www.mychelle.com. MyChelle products are also available in stores across the country, look online for store locations.  Like MyChelle on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/MyChelleDermaceuticals; Follow MyChelle on Twitter: @mychelle; Follow MyChelle on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mychellebeauty/; Follow MyChelle on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mychellebeauty/ and Subscribe to MyChelle on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/MyChelleSkinCare

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis
I Am THE Makeup Junkie



(These items were sent for consideration)











.



Sunday, February 25, 2018

Review: MEMEBOX I Dew Care Disco Kitten Illuminating Diamond Peel-Off Mask #MEMEBOX #IDewCare #DiscoKitten #IllumingatingDiamondPeelOffMask

(product photo courtesy of www.ulta.com)

2.87 fl.oz./85 mL $23.00
I am a person who adores masks. I have tons of them. And I try to use one at least three times a week. Masks can help to clear the skin of impurities, they can hydrate the skin and and help to brighten the skin; but those are just a few of the things that they can do for the skin. 

One day I ordered the MEMEBOX I Dew Care Disco Kitten Illuminating Diamond Peel-Off Mask from Ulta Beauty online. I love MEMEBOX and used to order things from the website all the time. I had to stop because it was getting out of control. This mask is so much fun and very interesting. It is a pearlescent, shimmering mask that you paint on the skin and wait about 20 minutes for it to dry so that you can peel it off to reveal brighter, more beautiful skin and a clearer complexion. 

This mask contains Pearl Powder to gently exfoliate the skin and to brighten the complexion. Diamond Powder boosts elasticity and removes impurities from the skin so that it is illuminated instead of looking lackluster. Rice Bran Extract delivers vitamins to moisturize and improve skin's texture, while superfood Oat works as an anti-oxidant to keep skin healthy and strong. To take this mask to another level, a White complex of Lily, Jasmine, Orange Flower, Elder Flower, and Magnolia replenishes the skin with rich vitamin content so skin is noticeably softer and skin tone is more even looking.

To Use: begin with cleansed skin. Apply a generous, even layer of the mask using a silicone brush or fingers. Leave on for 20 minutes. Once mask has completely dried, gently peel off starting from the outer edges. No need to rinse off. Use in the AM or PM 2-3x per week.

(video courtesy of www.ulta.com)

What I love about this mask it how much it brightens the skin and how soft it made my skin. I love this mask. It is definitely now one of my favorite masks. Prior to using it my skin felt soft and my skin looked good, but not as good as it did after using it. It was a wonderful result. You know how sometimes you get great results with some products and so-so results with others? Well, this product gives you phenomenal results. It really brightens the skin, leaving the complexion looking just great. And it is no wonder, because this comes from South Korea, where they are obsessed with skin that is snow white and beautiful. They take skincare very seriously over there and love to get rid of hyperpigmentation. So do I! I have been trying to get rid of mine for years now as I had years of sun exposure when I was younger. Now I am paying for it and have been using products that help and my skin looks a lot better. 


Below I will show you a photo of me wearing the mask and of my skin after the mask. 

(wearing the  I Dew Care Disco Kitten Illuminating Diamond Peel-Off Mask)


(skin after the  I Dew Care Disco Kitten Illuminating Diamond Peel-Off Mask)

I will be 47 in two months. This is my skin and how it looks for a 47 year old woman. I use a lot of Vitamin C, Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid products as well as AHA's. I think my skin looks pretty good for someone who is about to turn 47. I still have some hyperpigmentation but all in all, I am doing well on that front. This is what I look like with no makeup on. I have to color my hair today. I just recently became divorced and moved. I have been under a lot of stress too. But my skin does not show it. And this is what my skin looks like after using the I Dew Care Disco Kitten Illuminating Diamond Peel-Off Mask. I highly recommend this mask for any skin type. It is a great mask that will work on any skin, help with just about any concern. It is good with impurities, brightening and hydrating. What more do you need?

The MEMEBOX I Dew Care Disco Kitten Illuminating Diamond Peel-Off Mask is availble at Ulta and Ulta Beauty stores. It retails for $23.00. 

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Review: skin 2 skin care Anti-Wrinkle Night Recovery #skin2skincare #AntiWrinkleNightRecovery #NightCream

(product photo courtesy of www.skin2skincare.com)

1.7 fl.oz./50mL $78.00
Night cream is very important to add to your routine once you reach a certain age. Usually about late 20's to say 30 years old. This is usually when you start to see the first signs of aging, if you are like everyone else. That is because like most people you will have had your share of sun exposure, environmental aging and genetic aging. Hopefully you will not have smoked, as that will add a few years to the equation. Adding a night cream to your skincare regimen helps the skin do a few things. First of all the skin regenerates overnight and flushes out toxins from the skin. That is why the skin always kinds of looks and feels kinds of blah in the morning. When you add a good night cream to your regimen it helps to add in some good ingredients that are anti-aging and that will help to aid the skin in repairing itself overnight.

skin 2 skin care Anti-Wrinkle Night Recovery is a night cream that helps your skin recover from daily environmental stress aging. It renews dry and sensitive skins and can provides essential healthy skin nutrients. This cream is ultra-hydrating, has intense moisturizers, calms redness, helps skin sensitivity and controls wrinkles. The cream also renews dry, flaky skin too. It contains an advanced plant powered anti-aging formulation, with 7 high performance actives, 32 anti-oxidants along with super anti-oxidant EUK 134 (Eukarion-134), S2S Nutrition Complex, including redness and sensitive skin regulators. Anti-Wrinkle Night Recovery also contains: S2S HITS™ (Hydrating Infusion Therapy System), ultra-hydrating WildPlum Harvest™, Australian super-fruits Kakadu Plum, Illawarra Plum and Burdekin Plum that improve skin's hydration up to 60% in 30 minutes, 128% in 30 days and more in the long term. In addition to those ingredients is Rose Hip Oil, which is full of vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids that help to repair the skin’s surface, hydrate during the day, get rid of itchy skin, reduce scars, fine lines and correct hyperpigmentation. Another wonderful ingredient is Gatuline® Drema Sensitive to get the red out of hypersensitive and reactive skin, it also inhibits irritation, swelling and accelerated skin aging.

Some other great ingredients in addition to those are the following: S2S Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, which is a super-antioxidant, helps to repair the skin, get rid of redness and scarring. Chronoline is a wrinkle defying peptide that helps to decrease the appearance of deep wrinkles. Allantoin is a plant ingredient that helps to soothe the skin. Lanablue is an extract of blue-green algae and a natural effective Retinoid alternative for smoothing the skin that has been proven to be a powerful wrinkle reduction alternative; after 21 days of use there were no Retinoid side effects such as redness, dry skin, sun sensitivity and irritation. S2S Bio-Active Complex are 'super' extracts that provide nourishment, vitamins, omegas, anti-oxidants, anti-irritants, toners, tightens, brightens, and blemish control. Shea Butter is a wonderful hydrating and moisturizing ingredient. Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant molecule that holds 1,000 times its own weight in water. It helps to draw moisture to the skin. Vitamin E is a Vitamin and anti-oxidant that is moisturizing and helps to get rid of scarring helps to get rid of free radicals that can cause wrinkles. 

There are no "bad" ingredients in skin 2 skin care Anti-Wrinkle Night Recovery such as parabens, petroleum, mineral oil, paraffin, phthalates, sulfates, PABA, synthetic colors or fragrance. skin 2 skin products do not contain any animal ingredient nor do they do any animal testing. This jar is enough for a 3 month supply. 

I like this night cream. I found that it does a good job of hydrating and moisturizing the skin. It is best for dry and sensitive skins, it is not for normal, combination or oily skin types. As my skin has been dry recently, it made a good match. I don't have any wrinkles currently. Although I do have some hyperpigmentation. My skin has been somewhat itchy because it has been dry from the cold winter months. This cream has been helpful for that, as it is soothing. After looking at the ingredients in this cream, I do think it would be a great cream for those with anti-aging issues. Especially for someone who is just starting out with using a night cream. I would highly recommend this cream for someone to prevent wrinkles and prevent aging issues such as lines, hyperpigmenation and uneven skin tone. I would also highly recommend this for those with sensitive skin as it has a lot of great ingredients in it for itchy, red, irritated skin. It is very soothing to the skin. All in all, this cream is a wonderful choice.

skin 2 skin care Anti-Wrinkle Night Recovery is available for $78.00 per 1.7 fl.oz./50mL jar. Like skin 2 skin care on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Skin2SkinCare; Follow skin 2 skin care on Twitter: @skin2skincare and Follow skin 2 skin care on Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Skin2skincare.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis

(This item was sent for consideration)









Friday, February 23, 2018

Review: alba botanica hawaiian detox frothy scrub anti-pollution volcanic clay #albabotanica #hawaiiandetoxfrothyscrub #antipollutionvolanicclay #scrub

(product photo courtesy of www.albabotanica.com)

9 oz./256g $8.99
To finalize my series on the alba botanica hawaiian detox products I've tried, today I am going to cover one of my favorite products. Everyone needs a good scrub, even if you have sensitive skin you can use a gentle scrub on your skin. This scrub is not for sensitive skins. If you are having trouble with clogged pores or breakouts, then this is a great product for you.

alba botanica hawaiian detox frothy scrub anti-pollution volcanic clay is a wonderfully light, lathering detoxifying scrub that helps to rid skin of clogged pores, as it detoxifies deep down into the skin leaving it feeling silky smooth. It has the extraction power of real volcanic clay, an enticing blend of nourishing torch ginger, soothing lotus flower and biodegradable buffing beads to deliver a soft scrubbing of the skin. This scrub can be used on the face or all over the body to help rid it of dead skin cells, breakouts, keratosis pilaris, etc. It also soothes skin as it detoxifies. 

This scrub is hypo-allergenic, so should not cause any allergic reactions. It has been made with 100% vegetarian ingredients. Also it does not have any: synthetic fragrances, harsh sulfates, artificial colors and no parabens or phthalates.  One of the best things is that this scrub has not been made with  any plastic microbeads that harm the environment. 

Since my move, my skin has been up in arms, meaning it has been breaking out a lot because of stress and everything. This scrub has really helped me a lot because it has helped clear out my skin. I have been cleaning and unpacking which leads to a lot of sweat and grime and I have been breaking out on my chin lately. I have been using this scrub to help combat this as well as the keratosis pilaris on my upper arms that I have had my entire life. It works very well for that too because it helps clear out the dead skin cells that clog the hair follicles (pores) that cause the problem in the first place. After using skin is soft and lovely. It really is a wonderful scrub. I am very happy with it. It is going to come in very handy over the spring/summer months when my skin is in limbo all the time. To use: scrub gently over face and body in bath or shower. Can be used for daily or for several days in place of body wash.

alba botanica hawaiian detox frothy scrub anti-pollution volcanic clay retails for $8.99 and is available online at Amazon and TargetUse the store locator page to find a location near you. Like alba botanica on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/albabotanica/; Follow alba botanica on Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/albabotanica/ and Follow alba botanica on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/albabotanica/?hl=e.
Until Next Time~
Marie Papachatzis
I Am THE Makeup Junkie

(These items were sent for consideration)










Review: alba botanica hawaiian detox cleanser anti-pollution volcanic clay #albabotanica #hawaiindetoxcleanser #antipollutionvolcanicclay #cleanser

(product photo courtesy of www.albabotanica.com)


6 fl.oz./177mL. $9.00
Yesterday I did a review on alba botanica's hawaiian detox towelettes. I mentioned how much I really liked them. For a long time I have been a fan of alba botanica products, especially the hawaiian line. Their products are very nice, they contain good ingredients and their products are great on the skin. Today I am going to continue the review of the detox line with the cleanser.

alba botanica hawaiian detox cleanser anti-pollution volcanic clay is a great cleanser for any skin type, but is especially good for normal, combination to oily skins. It is detoxifying as it helps get rid of the pollutants that your skin (specifically the pores) gets clogged up with thus causing your complexion to become a mess. Powerful volcanic clay helps to extract all the gunk from the the pores, clearing away problematic impurities while an infusion of torch ginger and yerba mata help to rebuild the skin's natural defenses. Aloha, bright, clean, clear skin! The cleanser is also rich in anti-oxidants to help fight off free-radicals. 

This cleanser is hypo-allergenic, so it is good for even sensitive skins too. It has been made with 100% vegetarian ingredients. Also it does not have any: synthetic fragrances, harsh sulfates, artificial colors and no parabens or phthalates. To use: Massage a dime sized amount of cleanser into a frothy lather over damp face and neck, Rinse and be happy that your face is clean and detoxified.

I love how this cleanser feels on the skin. It has a nice rich lather, but does not strip the skin of its natural moisture barrier, so it leaves the skin feeling nice and clean but not dry and parched. My skin was "detoxified" meaning after using it for a long time I noticed a difference in how my skin looked, my pores looked smaller and I did not have as many problems with blackheads, small pimples or breakouts. 

alba botanica hawaiian detox cleanser anti-pollution volcanic clay retails for $9.00 and is availble online at Amazon, Target, Vitacost, and Walmart. Use the store locator page to find a location near you. Like alba botanica on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/albabotanica/; Follow alba botanica on Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/albabotanica/ and Follow alba botanica on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/albabotanica/?hl=e.
Until Next Time~
Marie Papachatzis
I Am THE Makeup Junkie

(These items were sent for consideration)









Thursday, February 22, 2018

Best Hair Tips For Girls With Natural Curls #MayaSmith, #TheDoux #CurlyHair #Hair #HairCare


                   BEST HAIR TIPS FOR GIRLS WITH NATURAL CURLS
International Stylist and Curl Master Creator of The Doux
Gets Real About Real Hair 




People with wavy or curly hair are always looking for new products, tips and tricks to lock in their desired look. Whether they want to blow it straight, create looser curls or maximize their tighter coils, Maya Smith, Celebrity Hair Stylist, salon owner and creator of The Doux, the “Indie” haircare line with cult following now available at Target, is truly the master. Here she shares her best tips for girls with curls who want to revel in their natural hair and create a style they love.

Understand the battle between oil and moisture.
The first thing people must understand is that there are opposite things going on at the same time. “Due to the shape of curly haired strands, the hair tends to be under moisturized. On the other hand, the curly haired scalp can get very oily. Managing these opposite demands is the struggle of girls who wish to keep their curls. The key here is knowing how best to address both,” explains Maya who led the movement for women to transition from relaxers to natural curls.  

Be gentle when washing curly hair.
According to Maya, kinky, thick, coiled textures tend to appear “tough” and strong enough to withstand heavy manipulation. “In my experience, these hair types are actually the most delicate, and should be handled with care, she recommends.”

Step One: Pick your products wisely.
Maya applied over 2 decades of research and development based on working knowledge of hair texture and listening to what people wanted. “I created The Doux™ SUCKA FREE Moisturizing Shampoo and FRESH RINSE Moisturizing Conditioner as the one-two step that delivers both deep cleaning plus exceptional nourishment necessary for styling.” It’s now available in Target stores and the full product line is available online at www.thedoux.com.


Step Two: Prep for shampoo.
Maya’s professional instructions for curl mastery begins with rinsing hair thoroughly with water for a minimum of 30 seconds. “This helps to eliminate any water-soluble product buildup, such as hair gel or heat protectant. It also helps you save shampoo! Assuming you’re shampooing in the shower, letting the water run over the hair in a downward motion helps prevent further tangling, and allows the hair shaft to swell and the curl pattern to fully rebound.” For those with extremely thick hair, Maya suggests separating hair into 4 sections prior to wetting the hair for increased manageability.

Once the shampoo is applied, Maya recommends light manipulation at the scalp, going from the crown of the head to the nape of the neck. “Squishing” the hair up toward the scalp is a no-no. “Shampooing this way can cause unforgivable tangling and matting. I recommend repeating the shampooing process at least once.”

Step Three: Condition and comb through like a pro. 
If your scalp was properly shampooed, conditioning is easy. “This time, you’re focusing on your thirsty ends first, working upward toward the scalp. Gently detangle with a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush (our favorite is Felicia Leatherwood’s “Brush with the Best” detangling brush) before rinsing, starting at the ends, working up toward to the roots. Remember to rinse with cool water which snaps cuticles shut, locks in moisture, makes your hair shinier and reduces frizz.”

When it comes to “co-washing” or “conditioner washing” Maya equates the popular trend to washing your clothes with fabric softener. “In my experience, co-washing causes build-up on the hair, coating the cuticle and impairing the hair’s natural ability to absorb water. Oils, waxes, and product residue harden on the hair shaft, making it more brittle and less porous over time. When the hair can no longer effectively absorb water, the elasticity of the hair is compromised, leaving the hair “crunchy” and stiff, where it is more likely to break. The result is hair that feels dry and brittle, no matter what product you use to moisturize it,” explains Maya. 

One of the things Maya Smith and her team of stylists are known for is their ability to restore hundreds of their clients’ curls, simply by getting them to trade in the co-wash for a gentle, pH-balanced moisturizing shampoo, like The Doux’s SUCKA FREE which properly cleanses hair of product residue. “Once you have the hair thoroughly clean it “drinks” up the necessary amount of moisture, and returns to its natural softness,” Maya clarifies.  

Avoid alcohol and kick the crunch to the curb.
Styling products high in alcohol give curls a crunchy feel.  They suck up every last bit of moisture.  Hair spray tends to contain the most alcohol, while gels, mousses and anything that provides hold or lift come in second. “I recommend water-soluble gels that don't feel sticky on your skin, and aerated mousses or foams that resemble beaten egg whites, to give hair fullness, control, and non-brittle curls,” Maya says.

She adds that she created The Doux so it can be used on hair that is worn curly or straight. “Our clients purchase one set of products, and apply them differently to achieve the style they want. If you’re rocking curly hair today, you’re using The Doux’s Mousse Def and Bonita Afro Balm for softness and definition, and The Light for shine. If you’re wearing a blowout, you’re still using the same products, but applying them less liberally, and using the shine mist as a heat protectant. It’s super simple and easy to follow once you’ve seen the results each of them deliver,” Maya explains.


Blow-Dry with a diffuser or hooded dryer.
Maya’s first choice for curly styles is to air dry. “If you don’t have the time to air dry then dry with a diffuser or hooded dryer on a low heat setting.  A regular blow dryer nozzle disrupts the curl pattern and focuses hot air on one small section at a time while a diffuser, dries curls evenly for a full, uniform look,” she explains.  

Maya recommends always applying a heat-protecting product, then flipping your head upside down using a diffuser at the roots and mid-length making sure to dry the area completely to lock in volume. “It’s important to leave the ends for last, and leave them only semi-dry. Air drying the ends is your best option.”

Care for the curls you were born with!

About Maya Smith:
Maya Smith is an International Master Stylist and Founder of The Doux Salon and haircare line now available in Target. With over two decades of styling experience Maya dedicated two decades to cracking the code on curl care, maintenance and expert styling. When it comes to caring for one’s natural hair and styling it, Maya is the best there is.

While still in high school, Maya got her hair cutting license and graduated from beauty school. Soon after graduating high school, Maya began following her passion and worked as an assistant for celebrity stylist Tracy Johnson. She learned from Johnson and progressed as a hair stylist for celebrities and entertainers. Years later the military wife would relocate to Germany, where Maya opened up her first salon The HoneyComb, a mecca for textured hair care for women from all over Europe, The UK, and as far as Africa. Maya's unique system of textured hair styling sparked the development of The DOUX® haircare products, first launched overseas, and distributed throughout Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. 

Currently, Maya leads a carefully selected team of stylists at The DOUX® Salon in Macon, Georgia and on Christmas Eve 2017, celebrated the arrival of The DOUX® in Target stores nationwide. Maya Smith, wife, mom of 5 and savvy business woman is an example not just for women of color but for all women who believe their gifts can impact the world, striving for entrepreneurial endeavors with grace, ease and hustle.

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