Sunday, January 10, 2016

Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen - No.2 BlackBlue
















The creamy eyeliner goes on smoothly but smudges very easily. After a while, the satin finished eyeliner just melts away and disappears away. The pencil sharpens nicely but the cream eyeliner sometimes melts and gets stuck in the sharpener or just breaks off. The eyeliner is enriched with vitamin E and natural mineral pigments and is paraben, mineral oil,  and preservative free. The eyeliner is a beautiful blue black color with a hint of glimmer.

Friday, January 8, 2016

Julep Nail Polish - Anne

















The bold nail polish is violet creme color. It goes on with a bit goopy/thick and has a little streaky. I got roughly 3 days before I got chips. A cute color, perfect for the Spring or when you need a pop of color in the Winter.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

RosaPacific 19 Real Neck PT Whitening and Anti-Wrinkle









As the trend for face and sheet masks continue, it only make sense to have a mask for the neck region. As one of the many, I usually apply lotion and take diligent care of my face but forget to show the same love to my neck. Which is probably the reason why fine lines and wrinkles on the neck is the one of the first precursor of aging. I came across this mask, which I believe came in one of my MemeBox purchases and I thought I should take the time to show my neck some love.  The bio cellulose mask is made with fermented coconut juice. Coconut juice is known for its high absorptive powers and hydrating (and quite tasty!) Like many face masks, it comes with two protective layers and it can be applied to the neck region for around 30 minutes. I tried applying the mask standing up but it kept falling off. I found it easier to apply the mask and lie down (although, it was still a bit slippery). There was a slight cooling sensation and it does leave skin with a sticky film. You can wash off the extra serum or rub it in. I just rubbed mines in hopes to get rid of my neck lines (it didn’t). Unlike, facial masks  -- the whitening and anti-aging effect isn’t apparent after one use. However, my neck did feel softer, smoother and was well hydrated. I am not sure if I would get this product again but I might try another neck mask in the future.

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Book Review - Harvest of Rubies (Harvest of Rubies, #1) by Tessa Afshar

Photo Source - Amazon
A woman who speaks, reads and write multiple languages, manages complex accounts along with solving mysteries -- that's completely unheard of! Thanks to the counsel of her cousin Nehemiah, Sarah was able to work as a senior scribe for the Queen. Sarah has a knack for picking up every nuances and elegances of the written word. However, how great Sarah is with the written word -- she still struggles with the spoken word.  Known for her inability to filter the truth; Sarah can't help always getting herself in trouble especially in a male dominated world.

In exchange for helping the Queen, Sarah is engaged to an admired and wealthy noble that is used to having his way. With two different worlds clashing, will the couple be able to survive the differences? Sarah who has lost her faith in God and constantly feels unloved, insufficient, and alone while Darius has his own demons. The story entwines a love story with believing in God and faith. The book moves very quickly in the beginning but I feel like the ending was a bit drawn out.  I believe, this was because to lead into the next book. A good and touching story for everyone who ever felt alone to know that there is someone always out there who does care for you.


**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book for my honest opinion**

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Book Review - The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster by Scott Wilbanks

Photo Credit - Amazon
A heartwarming tale of misfits coming together to find a place where they belong. Separated by decades, two woman who impose isolation on themselves find comfort in each other's company. A single mysterious item, connects the two lonely hearts in more than one ways. With each letter, the pair begin to bond when an article alerts Annie to a murder. She concocts a plan to prevent the murder with the help of her kindred friend along with a cast of misfits.

Little did she know, her plan is not only destined by faith but unleashes a whole new mystery. With each of the endearing and complex characters being drawn to each other and connected. A sweet endearing story with a lot of twists and turns, that will keep you in suspense page after page. The story kept me stuck to the edge of my seat compelling me to read faster than I could to find out how the story will end.

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Book Review - A Reason to Stay (Texas Gold #3) by Kellie Coates Gilbert

Photo Credit - Amazon

A tender book with a message for love, healing, faith, and  being lost. Faith Marin was like many other people, she had goals and ambition. She made plans for herself and set out to accomplish them one way or another. She had her dream job and a handsome/loving husband, as well. What more could Faith possible ask for? Well, it turns out not everything is that straightforward. While, considering divorcing her husband, something tragic happens and leaves Faith helpless. Faith was never one to depend on others wasn't sure what to do. 

The story first starts off at the present time and then while Faith is coping in the hospital, the past and present weave through the narration to show hints of her marriage. At her marriage's breaking point, Faith learns to put others before herself and how to accept love and help from others. The riveting ending will not leave a dry eye as it teaches, how to fight and protect the things that matter the most to us. To change a evil life changing act into a way to show us what really matters in life. An engaging story which feels "real", although the story sometimes has a bit of fluff. It's a good read to make anyone's heart melt (especially the ending).


** Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion**

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Kai by Gaye Straza Nightlight Fragrance Candle - Life







The all natural candle is made with a mixture of soy, palm and coconut wax. With an eighteen hour burn time and is paraben, sulfate, phthalate and phosphate free. With scents of tropical gardenia and exotic flowers that fills the room with an intoxicating scent even when not lighten. It has fresh and sweet that just lingers. I might splurge and get the full size.
 

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Altchek Dermatologist MD DePuff Eye Pads Soothing Hydrator





The eye gel pads promises to hydrate, smooth fine lines and wrinkles while minimizing puffiness. The eye pads are enriched with retinyl palmitate, phyto collagen, vitamin E, glycerin, aloe vera and allantoin. The eye pads went on easily and came off without leaving a sticky residue. After one use, I didn’t notice any difference in terms of fine lines and wrinkles but my skin was smooth, soft, less puffy, and nicely moisturized. A definite fun treat to do while watching TV or to using it in the morning after a “fun” night.

Friday, December 25, 2015

100% Pure Honey Cream Wash Gingerade












The natural body wash is formulated as a nourishing cream instead of being a gel. The product sometimes settles, so they recommend before application to give the bottle a good shake. The plant based formula is formulated without sulfates, detergents, artificial fragrances, dyes, and chemical preservatives. The no lather cream had a citrus-y scent with a hint of ginger. Personally, I like my showergel to provide copious amount of lather or at least provide some hydration to my skin.