Fresh Beauty Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence Review

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post.

Not Sponsored: I've been testing out the Fresh Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence (Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Harrods) and I now understand why so many people love this product. When I first patted this onto my (clean) skin, I wondered where the bells and whistles were. It was cool & refreshing to my skin. It quickly sank into my skin (very little drying time), but that was all. Well, give it a few minutes and look in the mirror. Your skin will look a lot plumper (without any stinging or sensation). It will feel super soft. Your skin will look hydrated and have a beautiful natural glow. I am impressed. I'm loving essence and serums. I feel they are excellent in helping the rest of your skincare do its job. This essence helps fight pollution and signs of aging. It increases moisture and luminosity. I wholeheartedly agree. Its a leave on formula that contains, kombucha (helps to smooth, increase luminosity, and protect against pollution and free radicals for younger-looking skin), fermented sweet black tea (moisture and luminosity), mandarin peel extract (helps promote a beautifully uniform complexion), Kigelia africana fruit extract (helps smooth the appearance of skin texture), Hyaluronic acid (works to attract and seal in moisture for supple skin). My dry, sensitive and reactive skin really loves this so I will be implementing this in my skincare regimen. I had no adverse reaction. The only negative is that the plumping and everything else only lasts for a day, so you will have to use this on a daily basis. But you'll have fuller & plumper skin. You will achieve a more youthful appearance. It's a win-win! This essence comes in 3 sizes. I purchased the smallest bottle just to see if I would like it and I love it.

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff) 
  Fresh Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence is Supersweet

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Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Rescue Mask Review

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post.

Not Sponsored: I received this deluxe sample of Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Rescue Mask from the last order I placed from Fresh. I can tell you right now, it is MOISTURIZING! That is the key thing to remember and overall achievement of this mask. I've been curious about their Lotus Youth Preserve Collection for awhile. The collection consists of a mask, moisturizer, night cream, eye cream, eye gel and radiance lotion. The Lotus Youth Preserve Collection promotes moisture and my dry skin is down for anything that offers moisture. Fresh harvests actual Lotus flowers. Their juice is extracted as soon as they're harvested (on site) to make these skincare products. The Lotus Youth Preserve Rescue Mask (Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Sephora) is very cool (temperature wise) to the skin. Its a 5 minute facial. This mask has kombu seaweed, red algae and lotus seeds (buff and refine). It dries down almost clear. You're left with the exfoliating bits of the lotus flower. It rinses off easily. You're left with hydrated skin. What kept me from giving this mask a Supersweet rating, depends on your skin type. I see everyone liking this mask except oily skin types. Also if you have sensitive skin the lotus seeds used for buffing and refining may irritate you. I have dry, sensitive and reactive skin. My skin did well with this mask, BUT if I could take those Lotus seeds out I would. I've recently tried another comfort mask. You may remember my review of REN's Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask. It doesn't have that exfoliation bit, as in this one. So because of that is why I would personally go with the Ren mask. Both are excellent. Depends on your sensitivity to those seeds. Luckily this mask comes in two sizes so you can test wear it before committing to the full size jar. Also, the scent is clinical. So don't worry about the floral aspect. Very good mask!

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff) 
  Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Rescue Mask is Sweet

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Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum Review

Not Sponsored: On Wednesday of last week, I reviewed a moisturizer called Gokujyon Lotion. It was sent to me by my fabulous friend from Little Luxury List. I felt the Gokujyon Lotion (moisturizer) was more like an essence/serum and I found it to be really good. A second product she sent me was a serum by Innisfree, called Green Tea Seed Serum. I thought this product was interesting. When I initially saw this serum, I thought about tea tree oil. Tea tree oil works really well as a healer and antiseptic. Green tea originated in China (source) and has a lot of health benefits. I drink it from time to time, but I've never tried it in skincare. On the packaging, it states it will "deliver abundant moisture and nourishment deep into your skin." Innisfree goes on to say, that it is " a concentrated serum [that] delivers hydration and anti-oxidants from a balanced blend of Jeju green tea extract and green tea seed oil for sufficiently hydrated skin and a healthy looking glow." Its consistency reminds me of a water solution. Its very lightweight. It has a soft plant-like scent. It feels very nourishing to the skin when applied. It also dries down quickly. My skin felt nourished, hydrated and soft. It also felt plumper. I also found out it will dry up a pimple. LOL I would describe it overall as a very soothing serum.  I've heard about Innisfree, but have never tried their products. So my results were really good using this serum.

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff) 
  Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum is Sweet

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Hada Labo Asia | Gokujyun Lotion Review

Not Sponsored: My good friend from Little Luxury List Blog, sent me some Asian Skincare products to try the beginning of this year. I'll be reviewing Hada Labo's Gokujyun Lotion today (it can be purchased in the USA through their official usa website). She mentioned that this product was beneficial for dry skin, which I definitely have. I love trying Asian skincare and makeup. Its been awhile, but I've tried brands like Holika Holika, Skin Food, Tony Moly and more. Asian skincare hasn't always been easily accessible, but is becoming more so. Asians definitely lead the way (among so many things) when it comes to skincare! Many American and European brands have adopted many of their philosophies. I'll give you a full description for the product below, but to me its like an essence or serum. You cleanse your face, press/pat this solution into the skin and if needed apply a moisturizer. This says "lotion" but in fact it looks like a water solution. It dispenses like droplets of water. It's very lightweight. It feels very hydrating when applied to the skin. It feels very nourishing. There is a little "stick"after applying this product, but it eventually dries down after about 5 minutes. After using this product, my skin looked hydrated and plump. My skin also had a nice glow to it. I'm just starting to try essences and serums, so I don't have a lot to compare this to. I just purchased Fresh's Black Tea Kombucha, but have yet to try it. Hada Labo describes this as a moisturizer! It does moisturize, but again I see it more as an essence or serum. I'm really pleased with my results! Glowing skin. Plumper skin. Soft skin. Nourished skin. Those are really good results. I don't like the little sticky feel that I get in-between the process, but the results outweigh that feeling. The price point for this is also amazing. This can be used either day or night. I'm definitely keeping this on my bathroom counter. As I try other similar products, I will definitely keep you abreast to how they compare. But I love my results and its really good. Don't be afraid to purchase it. Below is the information/directions on their website.

Instantly hydrate your skin. HADA LABO Goku-jyun Clear Lotion should be used after washing with HADA LABO Goku-jyun Face Wash and serves as the foundation to your moisturizing routine. While it looks clear like a toner or makeup remover, it’s actually a moisturizer that helps prepare your skin for better absorption of other HADA LABO products. In fact, the HADA LABO Goku-jyun Clear Lotion can be used as a standalone moisturizer. Or, if you feel your skin needs additional moisture after it has absorbed the HADA LABO Goku-jyun Clear Lotion, follow it with the HADA LABO Goku-jyun Serum, HADA LABO Goku-jyun Milk, or HADA LABO Goku-jyun Cream—or a combination of all three, depending on the level of your moisturizing needs.

Instructions for Use: After removing your makeup and cleansing with HADA LABO Goku-jyun Face Wash, pour a nickel-size amount of the lotion into your palm and rub between your hands to warm. Using the HADA LABO patting technique, gently pat onto your face and neck until it is thoroughly absorbed. Wait until the product is fully absorbed to apply any additional moisturizers or to apply makeup. Use twice daily after washing face.
Size: 5.7 Fl oz (170 ml)

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff) 
  Hada Labo Asia Gokujyun Lotion is Sweet

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Murad Skincare's 30th Anniversary & City Of Hope Partnership Murad Hydration Collection Overview

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post.

PR Sample: Hey Everybody! Murad is celebrating their 30th anniversary this month (June) and in honor of this will be partnering with City of Hope, a California based cancer treatment and research center. For every product purchased from the brand's Hydration line from June 1st - June 30th, Murad will donate one of their beloved SPF products to City of Hope, with a minimum product donation of 20,000 units. Beyond this donation effort, Murad will be presenting City of Hope with $40,000 to help further their treatment and research of cancer. To commemorate this special partnership and the brand's 30th anniversary, the Hydration line will be available in limited-edition packaging for a fresh new look and feel. I was sent three products from the collection. Thanks Murad! An overview of each product is below. I've been very interested in their Hydration & Prebiotic products, so let me try these. I'll have a full review for you in about a month. There are a couple more products I'm interested in from this collection, so I'll add them to my review. What a fantastic cause! Remember, you have until June 30th!

Murad | AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
(can be purchased at ULTA, Nordstrom, Selfridges, Dermstore, Birchbox, Macys, Harrods, Murad)

AHA/ BHA Exfoliating Cleanser ($39) This intensive cleanser polishes away dullness and impurities with three exfoliating agents—Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Glycolic Acid—and Jojoba beads revealing a smoother, younger-looking complexion.

Murad | Prebiotic 3-in-1 MultiMist
(can be purchased at ULTA, Nordstrom, Sephora, Macys, Dermstore, Murad)

Prebiotic 3-in-1 MultiMist ($32) A peptide-rich, hydrating mist that replenishes with prebiotics to balance skin’s microbiome for healthier-looking skin. This 3-in-1 formula features hydrating sugars to moisturize and refresh skin, while a yeast peptide helps lock in hydration. A multi-tasking biopolymer complex primes and sets makeup.

Murad | Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30
(can be purchased at ULTA, Selfridges, Dermstore, Sephora, Macys, Murad)

Invisiblur Perfecting Shield ($65) Blurs. Primes. Protects. Skincare meets makeup in this non-comedogenic, colorless hybrid primer that flatters any skin tone. A skin-perfecting blend of mushroom peptides treats as Soft-Focus Complex primes for up to 12 hours of flawless makeup wear, visibly reducing the appearance of pores, fine lines and uneven texture. Invisible SPF shields against UVA/UVB damage without streaks or a white cast.

More Murad Hydration Products

Murad | Perfecting Day Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30

(can be purchased at Nordstrom, Sephora, Macys, Dermstore, Harrods, Murad)

Perfecting Day Cream SPF 30 ($56) Provides essential hydration and broad spectrum sun protection to dry skin. Moisturizers restore suppleness and ease lines while powerful antioxidants boost protection against free radical damage.

 

 Murad | Night Fix Enzyme Treatment

(can be purchased at Nordstrom, Dermstore, ULTA, Sephora, Macys, Murad)

Night Fix Enzyme Treatment ($70) Repair skin overnight to visibly minimize fine lines, boost hydration and revive radiance. This chronopeptide and tri-enzyme treatment, in sync with the body’s circadian rhythm, supports natural repair for renewed skin vibrancy. Encapsulated aroma technology prepares the senses for deep, restful sleep for healthier-looking skin by morning.

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What Tech Do You Need to Become a Fashion Blogger?

Blogging is one of the most popular ways people express themselves today, with more and more people starting up their own individually run blogs on a range of topics, from food to fashion and beauty. There are lots of different things to consider when first starting up your own fashion blog, such as choosing a domain name that will be a good representation of you and your blogging market, choosing a web host and designing your site. However, once you have all of the initial set up out of the way, you will then need to start thinking about what equipment you will need to create high-quality blog posts which will bring in more readership. So to help you get started, here are some pointers on choosing the right tech to help you with your blog.

Good quality, multi-purpose camera
A good, multi-purpose camera is one of the biggest and best investments you can make when it comes to blogging, as blogging relies greatly on visual media. While being a capable writer is definitely an important part of having a blog, much of the most popular content on blogging platforms utilize the more visual components of blogging, such as step-by-step tutorials with pictures, or video content. This is especially true of fashion blogging, where a high-quality camera is important for everything from shooting details on clothing, to taking pictures for makeup tutorials and creating video content for vlogs.

If you’re unsure of what you will need, then sites like www.choosist.com can help you to find the right camera for you. Depending on your budget, you might just want to find a simple, compact camera that is small and easily transportable. Alternatively, if you would like to make a bigger investment towards your blog, then an interchangeable lens camera may offer a lot more flexibility and creative scope for your content.

Lighting equipment
The natural lighting in the environment you’re shooting in isn’t always going to produce the best quality content; while some lighting issues can be fixed during the editing phase, it is better to try and counteract any issues before you take your photos. For example, a diffuser can be great for softening the effect of direct sunlight, which can cause strong shadows in your photos. Equally, on dull days when there is less natural light, a reflector will bring more light onto the subject of your photographs.

Choosing a laptop
Not everyone will have the means to buy a new laptop specifically for blogging, but if you’re looking to upgrade, then it is worth considering looking at features which will make your life easier as a blogger. Individual creative minds work differently, so think about looking for laptop features which will compliment your working style. For example, some people work better with the option to use a touch screen (though, alternatively, you might want to consider buying a separate drawing pad appliance), whereas others prefer a traditional mouse and touchpad. Additionally, if you’ll be travelling a lot and using your laptop on the go, then going for a lighter laptop with less hardware might be the best option for you.

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Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum Review

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post.

Not Sponsored: I first tried Mad Hippie back in 2017. I was really impressed with the quality of their products (especially their cleanser & vitamin a serum). They also have a palatable price point. Lately, I've been trying a lot of skincare with Vitamin C. Well, Mad Hippie makes a Vitamin C Serum. So, I thought this would be a great time to test out this serum. This serum contains Vitamin C & E (discoloration & wrinkles), Ferulic Acid (has an antioxidant effect when combined with vitamin c & e), Hyaluronic Acid (skin plumping), Konjac Root (soften & smooth skin while forming a protective barrier), Chamomile Extract (soothes & calms the skin), and Clary Sage (a toner & astringent that helps eliminate overly dry or overly oily skin). When I saw that one of the ingredients in this serum was  ferulic acid, I was scared to try it.  My skin did not react well to these products and ferulic acid was one of the ingredients. But amazing enough, the ferulic acid in this product didn't bother me. So maybe it was the combination of retinol + ferulic acid or just the retinol that didn't agree with me (in the other products). I'm just glad I didn't have the same reaction. This serum has a light citrus scent and is lightweight in texture. It immediately goes into the skin. It feels really good. After applying this, your skin will have a beautiful natural glow. That is where the magic stopped for me! Glowing skin is all I achieved. My skin never plumped. It never felt nourished. Hydration was temporary. This serum did nothing for my dry skin. After trying vitamin c products from REN, Fresh and Sunday Riley, this serum just doesn't compare. The quality is definitely less. With the others, my skin plumped, glowed, discoloration and fine lines diminished. The price points for the brands I listed above are definitely a lot more, but well worth the benefits that you will SEE.

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff) 
  Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum is Bittersweet

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The Body Shop: Banana Body Butter, Banana Body Yogurt and Banana Shower Cream Review

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post.

Not Sponsored: I reviewed The Body Shop's Banana Body Butter last year (ULTA). You can tell I'm a fan, because here I am buying it again this year! It has definitely become a Summer favorite for me. I'm happy to say it still has the same great banana scent, is nourishing to my dry skin and still LIGHTWEIGHT. I also picked up The Body Shop's Banana Body Yogurt (just out of curiosity and to compare)(ULTA). Its consistency is just like creamy yogurt you would eat. It also has a great banana scent and is lightweight as well. If you don't know whether you should purchase the body butter or the body yogurt, ask yourself how much moisture your skin needs. If you have dry skin, I think you will benefit more from the body butter. If your skin requires less moisture, go with the body yogurt. The last thing I picked up was The Body Shop's Banana Shower Cream. It has a different banana scent than the body butter and yogurt. To me its more like banana cream pie (lighter scent). I personally was hoping it would have the same strong banana scent as the other products, but oh well. It's not bad, but the scent is much lighter. The shower cream however, performs really well. It lathers and provides excellent moisture. If you want the scent to last, you will have to pick up the body butter or yogurt to go along with it. The Body Shop also has a banana hair collection, I'm currently testing it out. But I will tell you ... if you have dry hair and need moisture, you will love their banana hair mask (ULTA). It is very nourishing.

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff)

The Body Shop | Banana Body Butter - Supersweet

The Body Shop | Banana Body Yogurt - Sweet

The Body Shop | Banana Shower Cream - Bittersweet

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