I received my items from Package Free Shop that included the Leaf razor and Kooshoo organic hair ties. There will be a separate review for the hair ties once I’ve had more time with them. I bought the shave bundle (in gold), which saved some money, and used some points to lower the price further. I’m glad I did.
Continue readingreview
FinalWipe Update for Backers
The following is an update for anyone who backed FinalWipe and what to expect.
Continue ReadingFirst Look at FinalWipe (save your money)
Something came in the mail today! I was really excited. It was the FinalWipe bundle. I had seen this on Kickstarter (was not a backer, though), and was intrigued. I loved the idea of having antimicrobial, bamboo wipes. I noticed that they were organic cotton, instead of the silver ion-infused bamboo, and the container was nice with a bamboo lid. Figured that’s all that had changed. Boy, was I wrong. Now, people have been using rags and cleaning solutions for awhile, prior to the toilet paper we all know and (most of us) use. So what makes this different?
The Tiny Tower
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Since having a spinal fusion I have needed to use a laptop stand to keep from constantly looking down. For years I took one with me, the folding table type, everywhere I went. I still use it, but now it stays put in the house. When I would travel, the biggest issue was with its size. I always had to be mindful of where I sat. During conferences I would have to make sure using it would not get in anyone’s way. Because the legs angle out, it takes up far more room than it should. That being said, I loved that the computer would be at the perfect height and that it was relatively portable. Yes, it was bulky, but it did the job. Ultimately, I needed one that was more travel-friendly and space-saving.
Zero-Waste Beauty with Ethique
Our friends at Ethique sent us some amazing zero-waste, sustainable, eco-friendly hair and body care. Everything they offer comes in compostable/biodegradable packaging, making their products truly zero-waste! And, a portion of profits go towards charities, such as The Orangutan Project and International Animal Rescue. If only all companies were as transparent. Now, on to the review. Continue reading
Liquid-Free Travel
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Whether you are going on a road trip, or flying the “friendly skies”, the last thing you want is for your liquids to explode. Okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but you know what I mean. You have everything packed, and let’s say you’re taking a flight, which can be stressful enough. You get to the screening area, and unless you have TSA Pre-Check, you will need to remove your liquids bag. Unbeknownst to you, the shampoo cap came unscrewed, leaking product all over everything. Just when things couldn’t get worse, there is a small hole in the bag, and the shampoo has leeched out into the bin. You’re out of shampoo, have to wash out the bag and wash off its contents, and now you have a bin to clean. There is a line of people behind you, and the feeling of holding people up just adds to the current stress level. Continue reading
Face: Revlon + Crowdtap
First off, a big thanks to Revlon and Crowdtap for the products in this post. I recently received four face products to help create the perfect photo-ready look: Revlon Photoready™ Pore Reducing Primer, Photoready™ Brightening Primer ($12.99 and up at Ulta), Revlon Insta-Blush™ in Nude Kiss ($12.99 at Ulta), and a 4-in-1 Blending Sponge ($7.99 at Ulta), (list provided by crowdtap.com). Continue reading
Valentia: Night Revive Retinol Serum
I have been using Valentia‘s Night Revive Retinol Serum for a little over two months. It is meant to hydrate and rejuvenate skin, while fighting wrinkles, for a youthful, glowing look. The serum comes with a drop applicator, and has a watery consistency. The formula absorbs fast, and can be added to your nighttime moisturizer or used alone. If you choose to apply this during the day, be sure to use an SPF. You always want to protect your skin.
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| I’m sorry. I cut of the top of the bottle, but you can see the dropper lid in the photo to the right. |
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| Bottle, dropper cap, and serum. |
In the time I have been using the serum, I have noticed a difference in my skin’s texture. It feels smoother, and my face always feels fresh when I wake. Since the weather has been all over the place, my skin has been flaky and dry around my hairline as well as at the start of my eyebrows. This serum doesn’t deliver the amount of moisture my skin currently needs, so I combine two to three drops with No. 7 Beautiful Skin Night Cream in Dry/Very Dry. It is recommended to apply the serum two to three times per week until your skin adjusts. Then, you can increase use to every day or every other day.
This little jar contains all sorts of effective ingredients such as: Retinal (Vitamin A), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, and Olive Oil Squalene. Want to know more about the ingredients? You can read the full ingredient list here. If you are unsure about how your skin will react, I suggest doing a patch test on a small area. Should your skin react negatively, discontinue use. The serum is currently on sale for $35.00/35mL (normally $59.99). You can keep in touch with Valentia on Facebook or Instagram for updates, new products, and promotions.
Stay beautiful!
**I received this product in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Powered by BrandBacker**
Valentia: Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer
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| My bottle had a misprinted date. I did contact them, and everything was worked out. |
I have been using Valentia products for some time. This review is for their Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer ($25.00/4oz here). Normally my reviews are done after 30 days, but there has been a lot going on, which I will address in a different post. Therefore, this has been about two months in the making. After my typical day and night cleansing routine I apply this combined with their Night Revive Retinol Serum. The pump controls the amount of product dispensed. Typically I use two to three pumps. Texturally, this lightweight moisturizer feels similar to a light lotion, and has a slightly citrusy-floral scent. I don’t find that it makes my skin oily after it is applied, but every skin type is different. This moisturizer absorbs fast, and I have noticed that my face looks more even, but I don’t really feel a difference. Ingredients like kojic acid, Vitamin E, shea butter, and green tea work together to help brighten, moisturize, and protect all skin types. If you would like to read the full ingredients list, click here. You can also stay in touch with Valentia by visiting their Instagram and Facebook page.
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| The amount from one pump. |
Since the weather has been changing, my skin is starting to become more dry along my hairline and at the start of my eyebrows. I hate it because it looks like I’m peeling. How do I combat it? Well, most use Clarisonic a couple or few times per week. I use it daily, as it does most of the work. If I don’t use Clarisonic for a couple of days, my skin gets worse. That being said, I also need a stronger moisturizer. I couple Valentia’s Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer with No. 7 Beautiful Skin Night Cream for Dry/Very Dry Skin. They keep my skin hydrated and the dryness lasts for about a week. Prior to this regimen, it would last for at least a month.
What are your weather-changing skincare go-tos?
Stay beautiful!
**I received this product in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Powered by BrandBacker**
RevivHair Placode Booster Serum Review
Thanks to RevivSerums and BrandBacker, I was able to try out RevivHair Placode Booster Serum. My hair is thin, but I have a lot of it. Due to medications, my hair has been falling out, and I have issues with my scalp. Whenever the weather changes, my scalp goes crazy, and it takes a medicated shampoo to help things. This serum is supposed to encourage new hair growth, strengthen hair against breakage, and help problem scalps. The serum contains various peptides and act ingredients that are meant to revitalize, strengthen, etc. You can read more about the product here. The box includes enough for 30 days and a syringe, and you have to use it daily for best results.
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| Day 1: My hair is a bit frizzy (thanks to the weather). The pictures were taken with an iPhone 7 Plus w/flash. |
I used the product at night, after I showered. After drawing 1mL into the syringe I applied it to my scalp. The serum was cooling, but only for a few minutes. I worked the serum in with my fingertips, giving my scalp a nice massage. I washed my hands, rinsed out the applicator, put the lid back on the vial, and went to sleep. In the morning, on days I wouldn’t shower after waking up (sometimes I shower at night and then in the morning) I would style my hair as usual. Because of the texture of the serum, I expected my roots to be oily, but they weren’t.
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| End of Week 4: Instead of having my hair up, I put it down. It looks like there was no change, but it definitely feels fuller. |
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| After the end of Week 2: My hair looks lighter than it is. I can’t see a difference at all, but my hair did start to feel different. |
While my hair didn’t (and doesn’t) look different, I do think that it feels thicker. The change in thickness was something I noticed about a week in. Don’t expect results overnight. It has not affected the hair loss, and I didn’t really expect it to seeing as the loss is due to medication. If you are sensitive to smells, the serum has that slightly sweet, generic haircare scent. You will also want to read the ingredient list and ask any questions in case your scalp is sensitive. I wonder how my hair will be since I have stopped using the product. My assumption is that my hair will return back to the way ti was since the treatment isn’t being maintained. The site recommends maintaining treatment three times per week after the first 30 days. Overall, the product did most of what it said it would, though I don’t really see any difference. On the plus side, my hair does feel fuller.
The serum system is currently on sale for $44.00 (normally $79.00). Have you tried this? Let me know your thoughts on hair revitalizing serums.
Stay beautiful!
Darphynia's Diary 
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