Fall Favorites

 

MAC's Wonder Woman Eye Quad in Lady Justice

This palette is so much fun because of the colors. Some gurus are not big fans of this eye quad but I'm not a guru...I'm a regular consumer and I love it. Blue is supposedly one of the favored  colors this fall - so I intend to mix and match it with some of my other eye palettes. It's a limited edition eye quad...so it's not available on MAC stores anymore but you can always try your luck online! ♥

Mally's Beauty Professional 24/7 Blush System in Light

I love Mally's Beauty Professional 24/7 Blush System Duo 'coz it's a powder and cream blush in one gorgeous packaging. It also comes with its own dual ended brush. The colors are highly build-able...so a little bit goes a long way with this baby. Nars has always been my go-to brand when it comes to blushes but lately...I've been grabbing this palette more often.

 

 

 

 

Product Review: Wildroots Non-GMO Milled Golden Flaxseed

I’ve mentioned in my previous posts that a few years ago, I was a full blown Type 2 diabetic. It took a lot of researching of my own before I figured out what products are good for me…what kinds of food I can eat…and what kind of diet I need to subject myself to.

I was pretty adamant about kicking diabetes out of my life because it’s a pretty tough health condition to deal with. It also has serious complications. Anyways…I’m pretty sure y’all know how that goes.

A few months ago, I finally achieved what I have worked so hard for– freedom from diabetes. The weight loss that came with my healthier lifestyle was a welcome bonus. All the trips to the gym, all the changes I made to my diet finally paid off! Yay! I still have to be on top of my diet and exercise regimen but hey...my clean bill of health is a wonderful surprise and a big deal to me. Just sayin'. =)

One of the things I gave up when I started my low carb diet was bread. However, I did some research and found out that there are alternative ingredients that I can use so that I can eat my favorite breakfast staple again. The recipes I initially found didn't agree with my taste buds...so I tweaked and re-tweaked them until I came up with a concoction that I was happy with.

I posted the carb friendly microwave bread recipe that I'm talking about a while ago but failed to mention what brand of flax seed meal I use. I know there's a lot to choose from out there, but my preferred brand is Wildroots Milled Golden Flaxseed. I am not an affiliate of this company...I didn't get paid to advertise this brand...and I don't even have/use coupons when I purchase this product. Shocking...'coz I love saving money and I adore my coupons. =)



Pros:

• The flavor is awesome! No icky "overly organic" (aka grass flavor) aftertaste.


• Reasonable price. I mean Walmart carries a cheaper flaxseed meal brand BUT it has several grams of unexplained carbohydrates. I won't mention the other brand's name out of courtesy...but I really scrutinize the nutrition information and ingredients of all the products that I buy and eat. Needless to say, unexplained carbs is a big deal to me. Wildroots' carb info is well tabulated/accounted for...and I like it. Actually...I love it. =)


• It's a non-gmo product. Yay!

Cons:

• I don't want to sound biased just because this product is a personal favorite of mine. However, the only beef I have against this brand is the fact that its availability at my local stores is very unpredictable. Now you see it...sometimes you don't. I mean, I always have the Red Bob brand to run to (because it doesn't have "unexplained carbs"...but I love my Wildroots.

If you're very conscious about your daily carb intake and you're looking for products that will suit this particular need...then Wildroots Milled Flaxseed is worth a shot.

Disclaimer:

I'm no health guru, dietician, what-have-you. I'm just a normal consumer and an "ex-diabetic" - it feels so good to say that! I appreciate honest feedback about products that regular people like me use on a regular basis or consider buying. That is why I am paying it forward and giving reviews/opinions of my own on products that I have bought and used. My views and opinions are from a customer/end user’s standpoint.

What's your favorite finishing powder?

My Current Favorite:  Ben Nye

Shade: Banana

Price: Very Affordable

Pros:

• Does not cause breakouts and I am all for that ‘coz I have very sensitive skin.
• Packs up good and makes sure that your foundation and concealer DOES NOT go anywhere.
• A little bit goes a long way….so a small bottle lasts quite a while.
• The color adjusts to your skin shade. I don’t have a scientific explanation for it…it just does. =)
• It is the perfect companion for “face contouring” aficionados.

Cons:

• Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist was lovin’ this product oh-so-much…so it’s almost always out of stock
• If you like the “super matte” look…this is the product for you. But if you like the “dewy and natural” look, you might need a finishing spray like MAC’s fix plus or Skindinavia’s finishing sprays.

Disclaimer:

I am not a makeup artist or a beauty product expert – never claimed I was. I appreciate honest feedback about products that regular people like me use on a regular basis or consider buying. That is why I am paying it forward and giving reviews/opinions of my own on products that I have bought and used. I’m just a regular consumer/makeup fanatic and my views and opinions are from a customer/end user’s standpoint.

Glade Expressions...on My Makeup Station (hey, it rhymes!)

I am a "smell good" aficionado as much as I am a makeup fanatic! I thought it was pretty sweet that Glade Expressions' Lavender and Juniper Berry diffuser matches my black and white themed makeup corner.

The wonderful thing about being a BzzAgent is the fact that I get to try out products so I can give my honest opinion about them, share my insightsto my blog readers and gauge if I'll re-purchase them. Thanks BzzAgent and Glade!

For the complete product review, please click on this link.

My DIY Makeup Station

I've always wanted my own Makeup Station...and because I have a wonderful husband, I finally got my wish! This was fairly easy to do (according to him) and because we basically re-purposed an old vanity, the project ended up costing under $30.

I love my clutter-free space...being the neat freak that I am. Now all my palettes, brushes, makeup, accessories and all that good stuff, have their own designated spaces/drawers. =) Needless to say, I love my husband's handiwork!

 

 

 

Affordable Fragrance Collection for Your Home: Glade Expressions

I finally got my first “homework” as a BzzAgent and I was (still am) stoked!

PRODUCT NAME:

Glade Expressions

SCENT AND VARIATIONS: Four Stars

I must admit…I am in love with Glade Expressions’ scents because it does not trigger/aggravate my sinus allergies and it lasts longer than other leading brands. My personal favorites are the “Pineapple & Mangosteen” and “Cotton & Italian Mandarin” scents. They smell so clean and so luxurious and I find these scents relaxing…not suffocating or over the top. I know…I have a very picky nose. =)

In addition to the scents that I have already mentioned, they also have Lavender & Juniper Berry and Fuji Apple & Cardamom Spice. However, I have yet to find these scents because for some reason, the stores in my area favor Febreeze over Glade. They have Febreeze galore all over the place but carry very minimal Glade products. Oh well…I have two more Walmarts and one more drugstore to visit and hopefully they have the last two scents that I am very excited to get my hands on and try!

The only reason why I didn’t give this product five stars in the “Scents and Variations Category” is because they only have several variations. I dunno about y’all, but I am very adventurous when it comes to “smell good stuff” for my home. I love being able to pick from a wider range of scents and my choices all depend on my mood, the season, etc.

PACKAGING: Four and a Half Stars

Personally, I love how their oil diffusers look like because it echoes my design preference. It’s sleek, straight to the point as far as aesthetics go and it’s not bulky/clunky. Also, I love the fact that it doesn’t look kitchy at all. I also like the fact that their Fragrance Mists are “refillable” because that equates to “more affordable”. I’m a big fan of recycling and reusing stuff that I regularly use in my home and I applaud Glade for incorporating these features in this collection.

PRICE: Five Stars

Glade Expressions’ oil diffusers retail anywhere from $5-$8. Their Fragrance Mists retails for $3-$4…I think. My local Walmart was having a special on these items and were selling them for $5.98 for the oil diffusers and $2.98 for the Fragrance Mist Starter Kits. Like I mentioned earlier, both items are reusable…and refills are pretty cheap. I personally think that I am getting a lotta bang for my buck on these products. . For the quality of the product that you’re getting…it’s definitely worth your while.

FINAL VERDICT:

I can honestly say that I would buy these items again when I run out. I am not just stating this because I got them for free because hey…being a Bzz Agent is all about airing out your honest opinions about products. So yeah…TWO THUMBS UP for Glade Expressions!

Product Review: Glade Expressions

 I finally got my first “homework” as a BzzAgent and I was (still am) stoked!

PRODUCT NAME:

Glade Expressions

SCENT AND VARIATIONS: Four Stars

I must admit…I am in love with Glade Expressions’ scents because it does not trigger/aggravate my sinus allergies and it lasts longer than other leading brands. My personal favorites are the “Pineapple & Mangosteen” and “Cotton & Italian Mandarin” scents. They smell so clean and so luxurious and I find these scents relaxing…not suffocating or over the top. I know…I have a very picky nose. =)

In addition to the scents that I have already mentioned, they also have Lavender & Juniper Berry and Fuji Apple & Cardamom Spice. However, I have yet to find these scents because for some reason, the stores in my area favor Febreeze over Glade. They have Febreeze galore all over the place but carry very minimal Glade products. Oh well…I have two more Walmarts and one more drugstore to visit and hopefully they have the last two scents that I am very excited to get my hands on and try!

The only reason why I didn’t give this product five stars in the “Scents and Variations Category” is because they only have several variations. I dunno about y’all, but I am very adventurous when it comes to “smell good stuff” for my home. I love being able to pick from a wider range of scents and my choices all depend on my mood, the season, etc.

PACKAGING: Four and a Half Stars

Personally, I love how their oil diffusers look like because it echoes my design preference. It’s sleek, straight to the point as far as aesthetics go and it’s not bulky/clunky. Also, I love the fact that it doesn’t look kitchy at all. I also like the fact that their Fragrance Mists are “refillable” because that equates to “more affordable”. I’m a big fan of recycling and reusing stuff that I regularly use in my home and I applaud Glade for incorporating these features in this collection.

PRICE: Five Stars

Glade Expressions’ oil diffusers retail anywhere from $5-$8. Their Fragrance Mists retails for $3-$4…I think. My local Walmart was having a special on these items and were selling them for $5.98 for the oil diffusers and $2.98 for the Fragrance Mist Starter Kits. Like I mentioned earlier, both items are reusable…and refills are pretty cheap. I personally think that I am getting a lotta bang for my buck on these products. . For the quality of the product that you’re getting…it’s definitely worth your while.

FINAL VERDICT:

I can honestly say that I would buy these items again when I run out. I am not just stating this because I got them for free because hey…being a Bzz Agent is all about airing out your honest opinions about products. So yeah…TWO THUMBS UP for Glade Expressions!

Freedom...

Guilt Free...just the way I like it.

 

 

 

I am now officially an eBay Top Rated Seller!

I love my patrons...

I love providing excellent customer service...

I love making sure that my buyers are happy...

...and I love eBay!

YAAAY!

Coastal Scents' 6 Contour Blush Palette Review

 I bought several Coastal Scents palettes and items a few weeks ago but never had a chance to blog about any of them 'til now. I have been having too much fun with them...so I totally forgot about doing this review.

PRICE: FIVE STARS

You can get this palette for under $20 and you get a LOT of product for that price too!

QUALITY: FOUR STARS

I love the fact that the product is highly pigmented but it is a wee bit on the chalky side. However, it is "build-able" and easy to work with and you can easily work around the "chalkiness" of the product. Setting sprays like the one made by Skindinavia addresses this too.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: FOUR STARS

Coastal Scents have good customer service people. It may take them a few days via email before they get around to contacting their customers regarding whatever issues they have...but unlike the big cosmetic players out there - they WILL contact you. I don't always have the time to wait on the phone for customer service inquiries...so email is my best buddy - for the most part.

I gave their customer service four stars because their website's kinda uuuh...wack-o. Also, I never received any confirmation/tracking information from them...which led me to snoop around their site for details. I dunno if tracking info is important to any of y'all...but it is to me! Anyways, I am a technical person and for me to get all confused because of their "My Account" page's set-up says a lot. It was impossible for me to track my purchase/s because of how the website responds.

I dunno...maybe it was just a glitch in the system but I haven't been on their website as of late to check if it's gotten any better. *shrugs*

WOULD I PURCHASE THEIR PRODUCTS AGAIN?!

Most probably. This palette is not as "affordable" as most drugstore finds that I've encountered (e.g. NYC, Wet N' Wild, etc.) but I am pretty satisfied with the quality of the stuff that I purchased.  As previously mentioned, you get a lot of product for the amount that you spend - ergo, you get more bang for your buck!

My skin has not reacted to the ingredients of this palette either - and that is a very big deal to me, as I have very sensitive skin. I'm pretty much a happy camper right now.

Thanks, Coastal Scents!