Tag Archives: soap

Tried, Tested and Sassy Approved …

2 Dec

Once again, I have ghosted my readers for months. I’m trying to organize myself and my time when it comes to my daily activities:  blog, TikTok, outfit of the day (OOTD), and testing/reviewing new products. Something always seems to come up to push me back a few steps. The usual stuff, you know? Doctor appointments, coffee shop, banking, picking up samples, coffee shop again, etc.

Let’s talk a little bit about the samples or deals that I have fallen in love with after being a test subject. And let me say that these items are—in my opinion—outstanding! More that five stars! The items are from all different categories so be prepared:

Dawn Power Wash Spray, Dish Soap, (Seasonal Scents) – I have been a fan of the Dawn product line for years. When their original scent spray came out, I was blown away. It worked good. Damn good! When I was asked to test a summer Power Spray this summer in a watermelon scent, I was thrilled. And Dawn did not disappoint. The scent was light with distinct watermelon notes that is refreshing during the summer. Because of this review, I was also asked to try a pumpkin spice scented wash during the fall. Yup, they nailed it again. It’s refreshing, not overpowering, and cleans like nobody’s business. I didn’t hesitate yesterday when I was at the market when I spotted a holiday pine scent. It is nice to spray down dirty dishes to make washing easier AND have a nice seasonal smell that freshens the kitchen. (Walmart, $5.94)

Secret Whole Body Deodorant in Peach & Vanilla Blossom — I have been using Secret body products since I was a teen. When this product was offered for me to test, I didn’t hesitate. I don’t usually use spray products in regards to deodorant, but this one intrigued me. And to be honest? It exceeded my expectations. I can spray it on just about anywhere and it works. The scent is so light that it doesn’t make me sneeze or irritate my nose. Plus it doesn’t conflict with any perfume I might be wearing. The aerosol can dispenses a fine, cooling mist that can help with body odor from head to toe. So far this can has lasted me a very long time which is a plus. The price is definitely on point too! I’m looking forward to trying different scents in the future. (Walmart, $4.00)

Soulgazer Lengthening Mascara + Lash Serum in 1 — It is no surprise that I was excited to be asked to test a new mascara. I am always in search of a mascara that wont smudge, flake or irritate my sensitive eyes. Soulgazer Lengthening Mascara and Lash Serum is exactly what I have been looking for. My eye doctor told me earlier this year that I needed to get a mascara that was more gentle on my eyes. It wasn’t long after that appointment that I was asked if I wanted to try a clean beauty mascara for sensitive eyes. WOOT WOOT! It was everything I hoped for and more. I fell in love with it instantly. It definitely thickens and lengthens my lashes making them look almost like I am wearing falsies. It also wears well all day. No smudging or flaking, and it’s is easy to remove. The formula is also safe for sensitive eyes. My eye doctor will be thrilled. In addition to the gentle formula, there are also lash boosting peptides that will make your lashes look visibly longer and fuller in 6-8 weeks. Just what my thin, lifeless lashes needs! I think my search for a new, safe for my eyes mascara has been found. (Sephora, $28.00)

Imusa Talavera Non-Stick Ceramic Frying Pans – Testing cookware was definitely new for me. I have never reviewed anything used in cooking meals, but I will say it was fun! Imusa’s frying pans are insanely good. Their black ceramic non-stick coating is slick and super easy to clean. Seriously, nothing sticks. The cool-touch, wood-look handle is sturdy and solid while looking stylish. The cookware I was sent had a nice multicolor finish with colors that pop. Seriously, nothing sticks to these pans. They are sturdy, simple to use, and cleanup is easy peasy lemon squeezy. I’m considering adding more pieces to my growing collection. I can tell already they will outlast all the pans I currently own. (Amazon, starting at $19.99)

BYOMA Nourishing Body Oil – Body oil is something I like to use to keep my skin extra hydrated & moisturized when it feels super dry. The challenge? Trying to find a nice light, silky body oil any place nowadays. Well, ta-da Sassy. You found one. Or maybe I should say it found me. I was asked to test a product from this brand of body products and when I saw that this oil was an option, I jumped on it. It’s  just what I was looking for. The scent is so light and doesn’t conflict with my perfumes. The formula is lightweight and the body absorbs it quickly leaving my skin soft as silk. There is a lot in the pretty pink bottle so price was on point. And it has a nice pump that is easy to use, even with oily hands. I couldn’t be happier than to have found this product! (Target, $14.99)

It’s nice to be an official tester of different products on the market. I’ve tried free breakfast foods, lunches & dinners; office supplies; snacks; candles; electronics; you name it.  Many items I liked, others not so much and a lot that are now staples in my home. Until next time…

June Must Haves…

13 Jun


Very often I try to do a favorites list, especially if it is for a new month or season. I’ve decided to really be diligent in consistently listing my five current faves each month. Each fave will fall in a different category so I don’t overload with eye makeup or serums. There will be one new favorite item from the following categories: Skin CareMakeup, Hair & Nails, Fashion and Accessories. Sometimes we will have a BONUS PRODUCT if it can’t fit into a specific category or if it just too fab to be passed over. Got it? Let’s tackle June—

Skin Care:  

Aveeno®️Positively Mineral®️ Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 – When it comes to protecting my skin from the sun, I’m very particular. I like a product for sensitive skin, a mineral SPF, broad spectrum protection, and highly favored amongst the industry experts…you! This tube is everything this redhead needs to keep her fair skin guarded from the harmful rays. It might not be thought of as skin care but the fact is—it is. Big time. Especially areas around the eyes & neck where the skin is its thinnest. Your sunscreen goes on last in your skincare routine. (To see your order of skincare products, click here.) HUGE help!!! Walmart, $22.96

Makeup:  

L.A. Colors Holographic Iridescent Lipgloss in Sugared— I love all things that shine, shimmer and sparkle. Gloss is back right now in a big way, from sheer to highly pigmented. Don’t let the price get you. This gloss serves! Although the colors are super sheer, they give a great gloss topper. I like to fill in my lips with a liner and topping it off with this gloss. Of course they smell & are flavored like cake batter for extra hearts. Hint: If you want access to one, try finding these glosses in Dollar General. The price is right & you can usually get 1-2 shades for $3/ea or less.

Hair & Nails:

CHI Keratin Flex Finish & CHI Enviro 54 Hairspray Firm Hold—Let me be honest, I haven’t used hairspray in well over 5 years. I was styling my hair differently, my salon was using different treatments, it was healthy and I wanted to keep it that way. Recently I’ve been playing around with other fun looks and wanted to keep my hair in place for a few photos. I usually use the Keratin Flex on M-F giving me a soft hold without stickiness. The Enviro 54 is my go-to for all night, weekend looks and to keep my tresses in place for photos without a stiff, glued down look. In the morning I spray my hairbrush with a light conditioning oil to calm frizzies and gently detangle any knots, then apply a light spray of my CHI hold product. I got these in a trail size, but next time I’ll invest in the full size! CHI.com, $9.98

Fashion:

Red—I know it’s not a piece of clothing or a pair of shoes, but it is necessary to know what are the hot colors of the season to create a wardrobe full of chic. If you can spark your trendy skirt with a statement color, you are 2x ahead of the fashion game. And one of the hot colors this summer is red. From deep cherry red to fiery brights, there’s a red for you.  As a redhead, I have tried to incorporate reds into my wardrobe but I never feel they look good on me. I have been told otherwise however. So I started slow wearing black tops with red accents and a subtle red lip. Now? I’ll go full on. What’s nice about the reds this summer is that the color is going to roll over into the fall/winter fashions too. So get all pieces—camis, tshirts, cardigans, etc.—and be ready to layer! Macys Women’s Ruffled Flutter-Sleeve Knit Top, $24.78

Accessories:

Statement Sunglasses—When the retro cat eye glasses came back into the scene, sunglasses went wild. Everything old is new again. Grab a pair of aviators or sleek cat eye bedazzled sunglasses and rock that look. Make sure your sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun and aren’t just pretty. I like to have a pair that are amber to wear with warm-colored fashions. I also have a pair of black rimless sunnies that go fabulous with a fashion forward denim outfits. Go try some on and see what catches your eye. Bad pun. Sorry. SHEIN Women’s Rimless Rectangle Lens Fashion Eyeglasses, $2.06

BONUS PRODUCT:

Freshly Picked Blueberry Whipped Soap Sugar Scrub—Its really important that you exfoliate your skin head to toe in the summer. When it comes to your body, you want to treat yourself to a sweetly scented bath treat to keep your skin clean and soft after a day in the sun. This absolute delish smelling lightweight cleanser and exfoliator is gentle on the skin with all natural ingredients and stimulates your senses with a tasty scent that screams summer. I will be getting the whole set (body cream and bar soap) of this scent soon! Kingsofcloutco.com, $13.99

Summer is here and we need to be ready. Are you? Sort out that closet of unworn winter items, summer items that just don’t jazz you anymore, shoes & sandals that hurt your feet and worn-out accessory purses and get ready for the beautiful season of summer. Have any questions? Pop me an email! 

Till July?……

 

Drug Store Items Tattoo Owners Must Have

25 May

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Ok, you’ve heard it all about tattoos this month. The who’s, the what’s, the where’s and the why’s. So now it’s the time where I do a little product recommendation. Usually, after you get your ink, your artist will give you enough ointment (A&D usually) to get you through its healing time. Always remember, a packet of ointment goes a long way–“you don’t have to save the world with the stuff.” But soon after, you will need some basic drugstore necessities to keep your ink at its best. Here are the top items you should get even before you get the art:

image1. Antibacterial Soap. Sounds like a given but you need to put a little thought into this. Bath and Body Works lovers, you’re going to need to slow it down for a while. When it comes to a good antibacterial soap, less is best. In fact, less is NECESSARY. No dyes, no perfumes, no foo foo flowers. Soap, people. Just. Plain. Soap. Save the grapefruit and sweet peas for after you’re healed. Now? Just the basics. Sassy suggests:
Dial Original Antibacterial Foaming Hand Wash or Colgate-Palmolive Antibacterial Soap

image2. A Good Lotion. Once you’ve healed, it’s imperative you keep the skin soft. The softer it is, the truer the color and design will stay. Again, perfumes and dyes are drying and you want to avoid anything that’s going to tighten up the skin. Sure, there is nothing wrong with wearing your favorite lotion, fragrance or glitter where it makes you feel sexy. But if where you feel sexy is now covered with a big, plasma-draining rose (sorry so graphic), you are going to want to avoid to avoid putting it there for at least a few months. Definitely put the moisturizer on before bed too. That’s when skin cell turnover is usually at its fastest. Sassy suggests: Eucerin Original Moisturizing Creme and Curel Fragrance Free – Original Lotion for Dry & Sensitive Skin

image3. A damn good sunscreen. This is where things get a little tricky. Because your skin is essentially burned when it is tattooed, it can easily burn more when it is exposed to direct sunlight. Wearing a good sunscreen over your ink is essential, especially if you cant cover it with clothes. Again, you really want to avoid dyes, fragrances and any alcohol-containing product. You want to get at least an SPF50 for the best coverage nowadays. Remember when you thought a 15 was high? Yeah… ummm… like SO yesterday. Between the protection of your tattoo and the prevention of skin cancer, most people will tell you to get an SPF of 50 or higher in a broad-spectrum sunscreen. You need to reapply it frequently especially when in water or are sweating (read here http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/beauty/sun-care/how-often-apply-sunscreen.htm for great sun care info). Don’t cheap out on your sunscreen–and use it like you ARE trying to save the world with it. You should apply a shotglass worth all over, whether it be oil or cream! Sassy suggests: Neutrogena® Pure & Free® Baby Sunscreeen Lotion SPF 60+ and Coppertone® Tattoo GUARD™ Lotion SPF 50 Sunscreen

See? There is no need to worry that you wont be able to find the items you will need to keep your new art looking fresh and new for a long time. Your neighborhood drugstore should have all of these things you will need. Make sure of one thing: when you open your products, write the date on them. All skin care products–especially sunscreens–begin losing their main properties and begin breaking down from bacteria in about a year. Instead of using more and hoping for the best just go out and restock! Your skin and your tattoo will thank you.
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