Derma e Hydrating Day Crème

I was recently given a sample of this to try from Social Nature and although I do like it I didn't get a large enough sample to thoroughly test it's long term benefits.  I can say that the texture was nice,  not too light yet not too heavy.  It absorbed quickly into my skin and left my face hydrated for the day.  I have combo skin and I did find that by the end of the day my T Zone was a bit shiny.  Personally I think this cream would be too much for the spring and summer but perfect for the dryer winter months .  I appreciate the fact that it's paraban, sulfate, mineral oil and lanolin free.  All in all I liked it but didn't find it to stand out from the crowd.

*Product sent to me free from Social Nature

It's been a while since I've posted regularly and I'm writing this to let you all know that I have full intentions of kicking this blog up a notch or two!

I would like to see this blog blossom into something great but it will take some time. So I've decided to take the slow and steady approach.  I will be posting weekly,  starting now! My goal is to post at least three times a week but for now I will be posting every Friday evening. 

I'm also pondering a giveaway in the near future to reward you all for sticking with me and helping me to grow.  

Happy Friday everyone ;)

LiveFresh Natural Oil Absorbing Sheets

Nothing ruins a perfectly put together look

than unwanted shine.  I have combination skin and I tend to get a bit oily in my T-Zone.  I take care to powder my foundation but sometimes it's not enough.  Instead of continuously powdering my face and risking the dreaded 'cake face' look I reach for oil absorbing sheets.  I recently was given the opportunity to review LiveFresh Naturals Oil Absorbing Sheets and I'm very happy with them.  They're infused with green tea,  odourless and powder free. They claim to be irritant free and that they won't smudge your makeup.  I used them while wearing makeup and the only thing they removed was excess oil and shine.  These little sheets are quite durable too.  No ripping,  tearing or disintegrating.  One sheet was enough for me to do my forehead, nose and chin.  I probably could've done more of my face if I had of needed to.  They come in a cute pack of 100 and they're just a bit larger than a card which makes them easy to fit into the smallest of purses.  To learn more and purchase a pack click here

*Product sent to me for free.  All opinions are my own.

Glamsense Club~TRESemme Beauty-Full Volume Line

 I recently received my very first glamsense box! I was selected to test and review the TRESemme box.  As you all know I love to test new products so this was very exciting.  What made this experience unique was the fact that I had absolutely no idea what products were in this box until it arrived.  To my surprise the box contained a full size shampoo,  conditioner and styling treatment from the brand new Beauty-Full Volume line.  As someone who has thin,  fine hair this box was perfect!

Speaking of unique, this isn't your typical shampoo and conditioner combo.  With this line you condition first,  then shampoo.  I have never heard of this before and it really intrigued me.  The idea is that conditioner can weigh hair down,  contributing to a loss of volume. This totally makes sense and I have often felt like my conditioner really weighed my hair down.  Having said that I was worried that my hair would end up looking and feeling like I skipped conditioner.  Luckily for me my assumption was wrong!

The conditioner feels like your average conditioner.  It's not too thick,  spreads well and left my hair feeling soft.  After leaving it in for a few minutes I proceeded to step 2,  shampooing.  The shampoo lathers up well and left my hair feeling clean.  My hair felt conditioned although slightly less than it does after traditional washing and conditioning.

Now on to the third step hair maximizer.  Out of the three products I tried from this line the hair maximizer was my least favourite. I have tried using a little of the product, a lot of it and somewhere in between and I didn't get the results I had hoped for. I blow dried my hair upside down and then used a large round brush to try and build volume. I was able to achieve some volume on my lengths but very little at my roots. The volume I did get lasted a few hours before it started to fall flat. In all fairness my hair is quite fine so that could have something to do with it. I did like the way it held my style in place without feeling hard. My hair felt soft and I was able to run my fingers through it.

All in all the concept is neat and the shampoo and conditioner worked as well as I expected them to.  I would purchase them in the future however I won't be purchasing the hair maximizer.

Have you tried this line?  If so what did you think?

Huggies Little Movers | Review

I was lucky enough to be chosen for the Huggies voxbox from Influenster and I'd love to share my thoughts on these great diapers!

My first daughter was a Pampers baby and so was my second (until now!) I tried Huggies with my first but wasn't overly impressed so I stuck to what I knew worked the second time around.  If it wasn't for Influenster I likely wouldn't have purchased them or even thought to try them again.  Honestly,  it's not like I had a bad experience per say,  rather I didn't find them to be any better than Pampers and they were pricier.

So I have to say that these diapers fit good,  really good.  My LO seems quite comfortable and she's able to move freely.  She's very active and learning to walk so fit and flexibility are extremely important right now.

As for leaks,  we haven't experienced one yet. Not even overnight. Awesome!

From a price point of view they are competively priced and I see that the economy size box has the exact same amount of diapers as Pampers for roughly the same price.  Not sure when that happened.  They used to cost more,  but apparently that has changed!

Thanks,  Influenster!  Now #IChooseHuggies

Have you used Huggies before?  Let me know your thoughts below!

*Product was sent to me free for reviewing/testing purposes.  As always my review is 100% genuine

December's topbox (benefit cosmetics) | Review

Last month (late post I know!) I received the benefit privé box from topbox and I couldn't be happier!  The box included deluxe size samples of gimmie brow in medium deep,  roller lash mascara, they're Real! mascara, they're Real! remover and the NEW they're Real! mink-brown tinted lash primer.  Great set right!?

First up,  gimmie brow.  I received the medium deep shade which I thought would be too dark, however it works as long as I'm light handed.  As I've been trying to grow in my brows (with little success) this was great to receive.  It darkens and adds some volume which I so desperately need.  I'm used to using traditional pencils and powder so this took a few tries to get right.  Although this shade does work I think I would go a shade lighter if I were to purchase the full size.

On to the mascara.  I have always loved they're Real! The lift,  length and separation is amazing.  I've rarely experienced any clumping and even after applying multiple coats there's no flaking.  Is it pricey?  Yes a bit, but it truly is a great mascara.  I found roller lash to be pretty similar however there was a bit more curl to my lashes.  Truthfully you can't go wrong with either one.

Now what I'm sure you've all been waiting to hear about.  The brand-spanking-new they're Real! mink-tinted lash primer!  This stuff rocks!  Seriously tho,  it is awesome.  It can be used alone or under mascara to boost its abilities.  It's tinted mink brown so you can wear it alone for a natural (but better!) look.  You get natural colour,  definition,  length and separation all while having soft, feathery lashes.  The fact that it leaves your lashes soft is a major selling feature for me.  If I decide later on in the day I'd like to wear mascara I can layer it on top and I'm good to go!  I was using Estee Lauders Little Black Primer but after trying the new benefit one I will definitely be switching!

Finally,  they're Real! remover.  Honestly,  I wasn't too impressed.  Does it work?  Yes it does but not any better than the drugstore brands.  I still have to soak my lashes with it,  wipe,  soak again and then wash my face.  I likely won't be buying this anytime soon.

This was my first privé box from topbox and it was a really good one!  I can't stress enough how awesome topbox is.  If you don't have a subscription believe me when I say you're missing out!  Click here to learn more about topbox,  purchase a limited edition box or sign up for the waitlist.  If you would rather not wait,  contact me to skip the waitlist ;)

Boost the heat in your home this winter | Nikko Lighting Ceramic Heater Review

Winter is on its way (sigh) and with it the need to stay warm.  Unfortunately for us our house is poorly insulated and the furnace just can't keep up.  To stay extra cozy we rely on portable heaters to boost the warmth in our home.  We have tried many different brands and have had many fails.  Too slow to heat up,  cords that get hot,  the list is endless.  Recently we were given the chance to review a heater by Nikko Lighting and I have to say I'm impressed!

Features and details of the Nikko Heater

• PASSED THE STRICT UL SAFETY TEST
• 1500 Watt Ceramic Heater / 5200 BTU / Heat Output Up to 120F Degree
• Three heat settings Low, Med, High 
• 1X Fan Speed
• Power Protection Light
• Automatic Thermostat
• 52 DBA Motor
• Ceramic elements,  no need to fuss with changing bulbs

So how does it stack up?  Read on and find out!

On a particularly cold night last week I decided to put this heater to the test.  I plugged it in,  cranked it to high and went to brush my teeth.  When I returned a few minutes later the room was quite warm.

I then decided to touch various parts to see if they were hot (dangerous I know) and all that was hot was the front. The cord,  sides and back were all safe to handle.  This is a huge plus and makes me feel safe using it.

When I attempted to pick it up by the handle located on the back it shut off until it was safely grounded.  For safety reasons you should never move it while it is on (nor should it be placed on tables).  Having said that,  its good to know that if it were to be knocked over it will shut off.

The little knob inside the circle (bottom right) is the tip over switch

It isn't overly loud however it does cause a bit of vibration on the floor.  Definitely not a deal breaker and something to be expected.

This heater is exactly what I needed and I highly recommend it to anyone who needs/wants to warm up their home or office.

To learn more or to purchase your own Nikko Lighting heater click here

*Product was sent to me free for testing/reviewing purposes.  As always,  my review is genuine.