Hi there, my darlings! So, it's time to make the unfortunate but inevitable announcement--I'm moving out of the US, back to my birth country of India. Whether this is temporary or permanent is still to be seen. As you all can imagine, packing up your whole life and moving to another continent is quite the chore. I've literally had no time to sleep. The only little bit of time I have to relax is while I'm in the shower. So, today's post is all about adding a little extra TLC and hydration to your Winter routine--I mean, a girl just looks great when she takes the time to pamper herself. Here's three brands and their wonderfully hydrating products that are helping me do just that!


HYDRATED SKIN WITH GOLDEN DOOR:

Golden Door is a spa in California, specializing in giving guests an experience to remember. So when they create skincare, you can be sure they know what they're talking about! I've had the pleasure of testing a couple of things from their skincare line:

*Hydrating Cleansing Milk ($28.00--$48.00)

Formulated especially for dry, aging skin, this ultra-moisturizing wash will rejuvenate and re-balance hormonally aging skin as it hydrates and soothes the skin. Effectively removes makeup and impurities. This sulfate-, phthalate-, and paraben-free formula will restore your skin’s youthful glow when used as a part of your daily skincare regimen.


*Hydrating Toner ($28.00–$42.00)

An alcohol-free, deeply hydrating formula designed for dry, dehydrated, aging skin. Gently tones and immediately rehydrates the complexion while it removes any traces of impurities. Leaves the skin perfectly pH balanced allowing all other products that follow to perform at their optimum best. Instantly soothing, this Hydrating Toner creates perfectly clean, soft and comforted skin with all natural ingredients and an amazing aroma that will delight the senses!


*Hydrating Moisturizer ($32.00–$78.00)

This deeply hydrating moisturizer for face and neck was designed for very thirsty skin. Rich in antioxidants, amino acids, peptides, vitamins, Hyaluronic Acid and Shea Butter, this fast penetrating formula ensures defense against harsh environmental aggressors as it nourishes, soothes, rejuvenates and provides 72 hours of moisturization.


Formulated ideally for normal to very dry skin, I found the formula of this trio is little too rich for my combination skin. But I have to say, they feel quite soothing and if you have trouble with dry skin, this line will do wonders for you!




TROPICAL PAMPERING with KEY WEST ALOE:

This brand is all about aloe based products, which I personally love! Aloe Vera has so many uses apart from just healing bad sunburns and I find it so under-utilized in bath and body products. So, I was really excited to try their Mango line:

*Mango Bath & Shower Gel ($6.00)

Transform your shower into a tropical oasis with Mango Bath and Shower Gel made with 30% Aloe Vera that nourishes, moisturizes, and cleanses.


*Mango Moisturizing Lotion ($6.00)

Moisturize your skin with luscious Mango Moisturizing Lotion made with 50% Aloe Vera.


Give me tropical scents any day! I much prefer the fragrance of mangoes and lychees than the ubiquitous apple or pumpkin spice, which really doesn't do it for me! With this duo, I'm able to escape into a tropical paradise from the comfort of my own shower. And at these prices, I can definitely afford it!



Mango Salt Scrub ($30.00)

Revitalize your skin with Mango Salt Scrub made with Dead Sea Salt and enriched with Sunflower and Avocado oils.


Special shoutout for this baby right here! I love this scrub so much! The tropical scent and the immediate hydration from the aloe leaves my skin baby-soft and oh-so-fragrant! A little pricier than the other products in this line but totally worth it for how my skin looks and how much product you get in one of these giant tubs.



TREAT YOUR HAIR RIGHT with MADAM C.J. WALKER:

The very best part about this brand is that it caters specifically to hair types of all kinds, which is a major win for me with my combination, wavy hair! The product I tried is perfect for the Winter hair:

Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture’s Scent & Shine Oil Collection ($26 each)

This collection features three silicone-free and antioxidant-packed lightweight oils. Each product in the line provides different benefits geared toward your styling needs and texture of choice.

Choose from:
  • Brassica Seed Oil to smooth & silken heat styled hair
  • Coconut Oil to add shine and protect against humidity
  • Jamaican Black Castor Oil to hydrate extra dry hair and scalps.
Each oil will refresh styles in between full washes with their subtly scented formulas while providing a conditioning and shine boost for dry, thirsty hair. Perfect for wet or dry styling, each oil can also be blended with other products for a personalized treatment that meets your specific hair needs. The line is cruelty-free and does not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial colors or fragrance, mineral oil, or alcohol.



Brassica Seed Oil:

Scent – mix of spun sugar and red velvet cream

Brassica Seed Oil or Broccoli Oil is a natural alternative to silicone - smoothing, silkening, and softening without weighing hair down or creating buildup. This lightweight oil provides brilliant shine for heat-styled hair, while also acting as a heat protectant. Made with cold-pressed extra-virgin brassica oil, it refreshes in between washes with its luscious scent of spun sugar and red velvet cream. Use sparingly on dry hair for maximum shine and scent, or apply to wet hair for maximum smoothness. Cocktail with other products for an extra boost of moisture.

Which hair type is it good for
  • Straight
  • Wavy 
  • Curly
  • Coiled
  • Tightly Coiled

While I'm grew to love the Coconut Oil spray, especially since it smells very little like coconuts and everything like dessert, my favorite is the Brassica oil. A little on my brittle ends before I shower and my hair feels so much softer and more manageable. I don't even need conditioner! And the best part really is the sweet scent!




So there you have it, my darlings! Which of these products caught your eye? Do you have a favorite product that you add to your Winter routine? Tell me in the comments section below!







****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****
This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx on behalf of Single Edition Media




Hi there, my darlings! Thanksgiving is over, Black Friday is over and now even Cyber Monday is officially over. But I bet there are a few of you at least who still haven't gotten all your holiday shopping done. Well those of you are in luck! I have a few products to share today that are perfect for gifts, that too in a variety of budget ranges, courtesy of BabbleBoxx


ChapStick® Total Hydration Conditioning Lip Scrub

Formulated with formulated with naturally sourced ingredients, such as Sugar Crystals, Maracuja and Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and Vitamin E, this scrub not only exfoliates but conditions too! My lips get pretty chapped during the colder months and a good exfoliating scrub like this one is just what I need before I can wear all my favorite vampy matte shades of lippie. A little goes a long way with this little tub so this is a total Winter lifesaver! Plus I love the Peppermint flavor! Perfect as a fun, affordable Stocking Stuffer!


Newly added to the Chapstick family and the Total Hydration line, these lip balms are the first-ever tinted lip balm from the brand. Formulated with 100% naturally sourced ingredients, such as Rosehip Seed Oil, these tinted mositurizers enhance your lips' natural hue while keeping them hydrated and soft. Available in 3 pretty shades, Coral Blush, Merlot and Rose Petal (swatched from left to right in the pic below), they add a light wash of color that's perfect for those casual days. Another great Stcking Stuffers idea!


  • Top: Lady Apple Sorbet, Mara Strawberry, Pink Grapefruit
  • Heart: Peony Petals, Sun-kissed Jasmine, Bleeding Heart flower
  • Base: Sandalwood, Skin Musk, Coconut Wood

I've seen this fragrance all over social media and have been dying to try it! Created in collaboration with Katy Perry, this whimsical and flirty "floriental" fruity fragrance opens with notes of Lady Apple Sorbet and Mara Strawberry blended to perfection with the freshness of irresistible Pink Grapefruit. Totally up my alley, I'm completely in love with this bright, fun, flirty scent! Available at Walgreens for a STEAL!


Have I mentioned lately that I have combination hair? That tends to get greasy really fast near the crown but my ends are so sadly dry? Well, that gets much worse in the Winter when the cold really does a number on my ends. This perfecting hairspray was a fabulous addition to my Winter haircare routine as it lets me controls just how much or how little I need and exactly where to apply it. Infused with pure, cold-pressed marula oil, the flexible, layerable Rare Oil Perfecting Hairspray replenishes hair while you style your hair and adds instant taming, softness and manageability with protective antioxidants and oleic acid. So go on, give the gift of great hair this Holiday season!


I have been a big fan of Dr. Brandt's BB cream for quite awhile now so I was really excited to give this revolutionary new product a whirl. The 3-D Filler Mask is unique in that it counteracts the effects of gravity, particularly in the lower half of the face and visually plumps and revolumizes to smooth out pesky laugh lines for a fresher, more youthful look. Use is simple! After your usual cleansing routine, just brush on the mask in an upward motion from chin to cheeks using the included self-sculting brush. Add a little extras to the hollows or lines in your face. Wait til it absorbs completely and follow with your usual moisturizer. I've already used it a couple of times at night before bed and woke up with plumper, touchably softer, radiant skin in the mornings. A wonderful addition to the skincare routine of a beloved mother, aunt or any woman who loves great skin! Raises hand! She'll thank you when her skin looks and feels like a million bucks!

But wait, you don't have to spend a bundle for great skin! Dr. Brandt is offering 20% off the 3-D Filler with the code BABBLE3D. Grab it while you can!




So there you have it, my darlings! Have you finished your Holiday shopping? Did any of these products make it on your list? Tell me in the comments section below!








This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx on behalf of Single Edition Media


Hi there, my darlings! How was your Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping extravaganza? I'm, sadly on a no-buy, so I'm hoping to live vicariously through some of you! Speaking of Black Friday, Zoya Nail Polish and Treatment had one heck of a deal, huh?! I hope you all grabbed everything on your wishlists! If not, here's a few more to add to that never-ending list--presenting, the Enchanted collection for Holiday 2016!


This collection consists of 6 polishes--4 vibrant Pixie Dusts, one intensely shifty metallic and one shifty, shimmery metallic. Across the board, both formula and application was divine--the Pixie Dusts are so fabulous to work with! They were fully opaque in 3 easy coats, except for Waverly which needed only two. The swatches below show 3 thin coats, 2 coats for Waverly, with 2 thin coats of topcoat on the first and middle fingers and no topcoat on the ring and pinkie fingers for the sake of comparison. The shimmery metallic was a easy, buildable 3-coater and the swatches show just that, no topcoat. Finally, the shifty metallic was the surprise unicorn--ONE coat for full opacity. Shown with topcoat on the index and middle fingers and no topcoat on the ring and pinkie fingers. Ready for those swatches?!


Alice is described as "a captivating periwinkle with magenta and blue sparkles in the exclusive Zoya PixieDust Matte Sparkle formula". So pretty, I love this shade!










Elphie is described as "a bewitching emerald green with a sugary green sparkle in the exclusive Zoya PixieDust Matte Sparkle formula". This is the perfect Holiday green!










Lorna is described as "a luscious berry with a sugary sparkle in the exclusive Zoya PixieDust Matte Sparkle formula". One of my faves of this collection, I love it with AND without topcoat!










Olivera is described as "a spellbinding color-flip metallic with an indigo base and a green and purple shift". So incredibly mesmerizing, this shifty one-coater is a true chameleon!








Saint is described as "a whimsical color-flip metallic with a periwinkle base and magenta shift". Definitely whimsical, the shift in this is so hard to capture but oh-so-pretty in the right light!










Waverly is described as "a brilliantly deep sapphire blue with blue sparkles in the exclusive Zoya PixieDust Matte Sparkle formula". Such a richly pigmented, gorgeous blue!










So there you have it, my darlings! The Zoya Enchanted collection for Holiday 2016 is available now on Zoya's website HERE for the price of $10 for a full-size, 0.5 oz bottle or $60 for the set of 6.


Don't forget to follow Zoya through the social media outlets below :

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Pinterest
Youtube
Blog


Which of these gorgeous shades are YOUR faves? Did you pick any up during the Black Friday sale? I would love to hear from you in the comments section below!











****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****


Hi, my darlings! Happy Thanksgiving! I know everyone is probably in a food coma, myself included, but Black Friday is just a few hours away and I NEED to share what my girl Cameo of Cameo Colours Lacquers will be up to! She'll not only be launching her Winter Evolution quartet but also have an exclusive polish available! So, take a look!


November Fog is described as a "gray crelly with scattered holographic sparkle, strong gold sheen, gold flakes and bronze micro flakes". Smooth easy formula and application--the swatches below just 2 easy coats topped with 1 thin coat of Glisten & Glow's HK Girl topcoat. Now this is a gray I can get behind!










Matterfied!






December Frost is described as a "clear base with a strong blue sheen, full of silver holographic micro glitter and micro flakes, with blue-purple ultrachrome flakes". Fantastic formula and application--the swatches below just 3 thin coats topped with 2 thin coats of Glisten & Glow's HK Girl topcoat. Now, even with 3 coats, you may see a hint of visible nail line. Don't let this deter you because this is just too gorgeous not to have!










With flash!




January Embers is described as a "deep brown, full of red to copper shimmer, bronze, red, and copper microflakes, orange-gold crystal flakes, and a slight scattered holographic sparkle". Lovely formula and application--the swatches below just ONE COAT (!) topped with 1 thin coat of Glisten & Glow's HK Girl topcoat. One-coaters are magical, especially with those hidden flakies that pop out at just the right angle!










Mattefied!






February Sky is described as a "an icy blue semi-linear holographic base, sprinkled with silver holographic micro flakes". Fabulous formula and application--the swatches below just 3 thin coats topped with 1 thin coat of Glisten & Glow's HK Girl topcoat. Such a pretty, bright blue!










With flash!




The Black Friday exclusive is aptly named Black and Blue Friday is described as a "shimmery black gunmetal base with black and blue micro glitters, clear holographic glitters, and blue fantasy flakes". No issues at all with formula and application--the swatches below just 2 easy coats topped with 1 thin coat of Glisten & Glow's HK Girl topcoat. You can grab this polish free with purchase over $35 OR can be purchased for $9/bottle on its own.










Mattefied!






So there you have it, my darlings! The Winter Evolution quartet from Cameo Colours Lacquers will be launching on Black Friday at 11 am CST/12 pm EST on her site HERE for the price of $10.50 for a full-size, 15 mL bottle.


 Remember to follow Cameo Colours Lacquers on FACEBOOK and on INSTAGRAM for more swatches and the latest info!


Which are YOUR faves in this quartet? Tell me in the comments section below!








****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****
Back to Top