Leopard Lace and Cheesecake: October 2014

Friday, October 31, 2014

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Hi Ladies!

Happy Halloween! Being one of my favorite holidays, I wanted to share some pictures from my party this year.

HAVE A FUN AND SAFE HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!

-Tanya xoxo

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Review: Derma MD Skincare and GIVEAWAY*

Hi Ladies!

Today I am going to share with you a line of skincare products by Derma MD. Derma MD was founded in 2001 by Sheila Malmanis. She is a licensed aesthetician and former L.P.N. who currently owns has her own skincare salon as well. Sheila works with chemists to create high quality products that produce results.

Let's move on to the products:

Vitamin C Milk Collagen Booster $129.00

Here is what is said about this product:
"A high level concentration of multiple antioxidants and vitamin C, work synergistically to improve elasticity,promote new collagen and protect skin from sun damaging rays. Antioxidants, pycnogeol, resveratrol, and ascorbyl palmitate work synergistically to reduce inflammation, lighten appearance of hyperpigmentation, improve appearance of broken capillaries, inhibit collagen degredation,and increase elastin. Skin is firmer, more luminous and younger looking."

Benefits

Slow down collagen breakdown
Improve skin elasticity
Increase moisture retention
Reduce lines/wrinkles and deep furrows
Protect

http://www.dermamdskincare.com/products/vitamin-c-milk-collagen-booster

This vitamin c serum smells like citrus and is so refreshing when I apply it in the morning. It is light, not sticky or greasy, and absorbs right into my skin. I can't really say much about its claims of increasing the elasticity my skin and make me look younger because I don't suffer from saggy skin or wrinkles. I do like that it has a bunch of vitamins and antioxidants to protect and improve my skin in general. I do think my face has looks a bit more luminous but at the same time I have never had BAD skin.

Niacinamide Pore Refining Serum $69.95

Here is what is said about this product:"Gel based formulation with anti-aging ingredients to help shrink the pore size, increase hydration and improve texture of skin, leaving skin more vibrant, healthier glow & improves clarity ."
Benefits

Reduces appearance of large pores
Improves skin texture
Hydrates

http://www.dermamdskincare.com/collections/serums/products/niacinamide-pore-refining-serum

This product is supposed to be used nightly before bed. It is another light serum that is clear and not sticky or greasy. It has no scent to and absorbs quickly into the skin. I tend to have enlarged pores around my nose and on my forehead. I do think that they have shrunk a bit while using this product.

D Zip Zapper $18.95

Here is what is said about this product:
"Apply this roller ball onto area of irritation, and see the blemishes start to diminish almost instantly."

Benefits

Reduces bacteria count
Clears up blemished/problematic skin
Hydrates
Non-irritating, non-drying

http://www.dermamdskincare.com/collections/acne/products/d-zit-zapper

When I first used this on a couple breaks outs, I didn't think it worked as quickly as I hoped. However, I started getting two breakouts around my nose and once I applied this product for a couple days, the pimples never popped up. They went away. I think that this product is better for pimples that aren't

At-Home Microderm Face Exfoliant $36.95

Here is what is said about this product:

"More than just an ordinary exfoliant! Corundum crystals, same as found in microdermabrasion equipment combined with anti-aging ingredients work synergistically to exfoliate, hydrate, soften and smooth the skin. The combination of antioxidants, soy & olive oil work together increasing moisture retention and protect skin from environmental stressors. No irritation and or down-time. Used 3-4 times weekly, skin feels smoother, silky and has a more vibrant appearance. Excellent for heels and elbows to soften callouses & help repair broken fissures."

Benefits

Fights free radicals
Gently exfoliates dead skin cells
Reduce roughness of callouses and broken fissures
Improved texture
Improves appearance of dark spots

http://www.dermamdskincare.com/collections/exfoliants/products/copy-of-micro-peel-creme

I love this microderm scrub! I have used other scrubs similar to this. The micro crystals really do a great job at exfoliating your skin. My face feels super soft and clean after using this scrub. It doesn't have a particular scent. The exfoliant can be abrasive if you put a lot of pressure when scrubbing. I like using it this way because I feel like it gets your face cleaner and softer. For people that don't like abrasive exfoliants,you can apply with less pressure when scrubbing your face.

Avocado and Pumpkin Revitalizing Masque $58.95

Here is what is said about this product:
"Allow your face to exfoliate dead skin cells NATURALLY with gentle enzymes of pumpkin. Unlike strong acids, the combination of pumpkin with avocado, leaves skin looking younger, and hydrated. Now you can have that professional mask right in your own home, without the expense."

Benefits

Exfoliates
Reduces appearance of fine lines
Increases moisture retention
Reduces appearance of redness
Fights free radicals

http://www.dermamdskincare.com/collections/exfoliants/products/copy-of-diminish-lightening-brightening-creme

This mask smells amazing. I don't know if it smells like pumpkin or avocado per say but it smells really good. It doesn't go on as thick as my other masks and takes longer to dry however, my skin does feel nice and clean after using it.

Enzymatic Cleanser $35.75

Here is what is said about this product:
"The mild enzymes of pineapple and papaya combined with chamomile and additional plant extracts, will gently digest dead skin cells leaving it soft, hydrated and feeling fresh. Enzymes are non-abrasive to the skin."

Benefits

Digest skin cells leaving skin soft & smooth
Removes makeup
Soothing & calming
Moisturizing-non drying
Reduces razor bumps when shaving

http://www.dermamdskincare.com/collections/cleansers/products/copy-of-enzymatic-cleanser

This gel cleanser smells exactly like pineapples. It foams up a little on your face once you add a little water. Its refreshing and doesn't feel like its still on your skin after washing it off. I do feel that my skin looks and feels soft and smooth after using this cleanser.

Peptide Eye $62.95

Here is what is said about this product:
"A formulation that provides results! Combined with Vitamin K and special anti-aging peptides such as Hyloxyl™ and Eyeliss™ that target puffiness and dark circles. Acetyl hexapeptide-8 is found to relax facial contractions which help to lessens appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additional ingredients hydrate and leave a more younger smoother contour to eye area. Used twice daily, eyes look less puffy, younger and more vibrant."
http://www.dermamdskincare.com/collections/eye/products/peptide-eye

Benefits

Proven Clinical studies (56 days)

52% less puffiness

62% improvement in smoothing of eye contour

19% lightening of dark circles

This eye cream is light and has a creamy gel-like consistency. It smells almost like cupcakes or vanilla which is really delightful! I don't find it to be greasy and it absorbs into my skin after a minute or so. I don't have puffiness or wrinkles under my eyes but I do have dark circles. I have noticed a little lightening but it obviously it doesn't work overnight. Overall, I think that this is a great eye cream.

Glamur Lip Plumper in Baby Doll and Peach Bellini $25.95

Here is what is said about this product:

"Have the full, plump & voluptuous lips without costly injections. No gimmics, just RESULTS! Glamur LIP plump works to increase hydration causing a plumping of the lips instantly with the ingredients niacin and spheres of hyaluronic acid...Glamur continues to increase collagen levels with peptide and retinyl palmitate. Used twice daily your lips will increase lip size within 30-45 days, and have an on-going effect. Additional anti-aging ingredients will provide a Lip care treatment that will exfoliate, reduce lip lines and condition as they protect...Your LIPS cannot be without Glamur! Lips will feel soft, supple and sexy all day long! SAFE & EFFECTIVE! "
Benefits

Increase blood flow-lips appear fuller instantly
Reduces lip lines
Increases volume of lips
Exfoliates
Conditions and soothes dry flaky lips
Increases moisture retention-keeping lips moist

http://www.dermamdskincare.com/collections/lips/products/lip-plump-baby-doll-1

I am not a fan of lip plumpers because of the tingling sensation. That being said, these lip plumpers show results in less than a minute. The colors don't really have a color and are on the sheer side. I would suggest using as a lipstick topper if you want more color payoff. They are not sticky and have a slight sweet scent. I didn't use these consistently so I can't comment about the long term results. But like I said, short term, it definitely makes your lips look plumper.

Here are before and after pics of my lips with and without the lip plumper:

BEFORE

AFTER

As you can tell, my top lip is significantly plumper. The bottom one is a little plumper.

Overall, I really enjoyed trying out all of these products. I think Derma MD is a great skincare line with some really great products. They smell delicious and are high quality skincare products. My favorite items are the At Home MicroDerm Face Exfoliant, Pumpkin and Avocado Revitalizing Mask, and Peptide Eye Cream.

Sign up for Derma MD's email list on their website for a 40% off promo code to use at checkout. http://www.dermamdskincare.com/

Want to try out all of these items yourself? Head to the rafflecopter below for a chance to win most of the items above! The giveaway will run from October 30th through November 13th. The winner will be contacted on November 14th and will have 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This is for US only.

Have you tried any products by Derma MD? Which products interest you the most? Post your comments below!

-Tanya xoxo

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This is a sponsored giveaway. I was sent these products for review purposes. However, the thoughts and opinions in this post are my own. I am always 100% honest in my reviews for all products discussed on my blog.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Memebox Scentbox #4 Floral*

HI Ladies,
Today I am here to review the Memebox Scentbox #4 Floral. For those of you unfamiliar with Memebox, it is Korea's #1 Beauty Subscription Box. Memebox (pronounced "mi-mi box") is named after a Korean doll that is the beauty idol of many young girls in Korea. They decided to spell it Me-me to emphasize that beauty is about oneself or "me". The great thing about Memebox is that you are not forced into signing up and paying for a monthly subscription. You can get them as often or as spaced out as you want. On the Memebox site, they have all of their available boxes and upcoming boxes (and there are a TON) up for grabs! The boxes range in price from $19.00-$32.00 a box plus shipping. You can also order bundle boxes which are two boxes at a discounted price. They have sales on some of their boxes and often have discount or $ off codes.

Memebox carries 4 main types of beauty boxes: Memebox, Memebox Special Editions, Superbox and Luckybox.

Here is what is said about each:
"Memebox:
The original Memebox comes packed with 4 - 8 full-size products and deluxe samples. Boxes in each Memebox series always contain the same products, and contents vary from hair and body products, to skin-care and makeup products.

Memebox Special Edition:
Memebox special edition comes packaged with 4-8 full-size products and deluxe samples under its own theme. Memebox special edition is designed to meet various concerns, beauty trends, and also seasonal needs.

Superbox:
Superbox was inspired by our Memebox lovers, looking for full-sized products catered to specific needs. Each Superbox series comes with its own theme, designed to target particular concerns, or collaboration with our favorite brands!

Luckybox:
We created Luckybox to give everyone a different and unique box full of our favorite products for you to feel like the luckiest person in the world! Every Luckybox is unique and is filled with 4 - 8 full sized products and deluxe samples carefully curated from Korea to give you the best experience and widest exposure to a range of products!"

Lets move on to the Scentbox:

Memebox Scentbox #4 Floral $15.00

This Memebox is focused around floral scented products. It is still available on the Memebox site for purchase.

Review: Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Eyeliner and Precision Micro Eyeliner

Hi Ladies,

Today I am going to review two Rimmel eyeliners. The first is a potted gel eyeliner and the second is a felt tip eyeliner. Both are very affordable and have their pros and cons.

Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Eyeliner $5.99 at Walgreens

Here is what is said about this gel eyeliner on the Rimmel site:

• Up to 24 hours of rich, intense colour that doesn't flake, smudge, smear or run.
• Easy to apply, glides easily
• Professional brush for complete control to draw the lines you want

Available in 4 shades: black, brown, purple, and blue "

http://us.rimmellondon.com/products/eyes/scandaleyes-gel-eye-liner

This gel eyeliner is very pigmented and goes on smooth. It is a little sticky when you first apply it however, it dries normal. I have worn this on several occasions and it lasts all day long with no smudging or fading. I really enjoyed this liner. One thing that I didn't like about this eyeliner was the brush that came with it. Its not the worst brush in the world but the tip is rounded and I found it difficult to draw an even straight line. I use my own flat tipped liner brush to use with this.

Scandaleyes Precision Micro Eyeliner $5.99 at Walgreens

Here is what is said about this felt tip eyeliner on the Rimmel site:
"• Ultra fine applicator draws a super precise line
• Intense colour lasts up to 24 hours
• Waterproof and smudge-proof"

http://us.rimmellondon.com/products/eyes/scandaleyes-micro-eyeliner

This liner is good if you want a super thin line. I felt that it applied a little watery but it wasn't the worst liquid liner I have tried. When I was drawing on the liner, I felt that I had to keep going over it several times to try to make the color solid and darker. It was taking the liner underneath off when I was drawing over it. I found that I had to let the first layer dry before adding more color to it.

Here are swatches of the liners:

Left: Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Right: Scandaleyes Precision Micro Eyeliner

Overall, I definitely prefer the first liner better. It is a nice switch up from my Kat Von D liquid liner. I would recommend the Scandaleyes Gel Eyeliner however the Precision Micro Eyeliner was kind of a miss for me. This is just my opinion so someone else might hate the gel liner and love the micro liner. These are cheap enough for you to try out both during a BOGO 50% off sale at the drugstore.

Have you tried either of these eye liners? What are your thoughts on them? Post your comments below!

-Tanya xoxo

Friday, October 24, 2014

Shaping My Brows with Tryst Studio*-Week 4

Hi Ladies!

I'm back to give you guys an update on my brow transformation with the help of Tryst Studio! To see my other three posts, you can click HERE. After my last visit to Tryst, I was told to come back in two weeks. I was allowed to pluck stray hairs but needed to stay away from the areas that needed to grow in (the inner start of my brows, the tail of my brows, and the thickest part). Because I was not able to make it into the studio at the two week mark, I came in a couple days early.

Here are my brows after almost 2 weeks of growth:

I have continued to use the Rapid Lash on my brows each night. As you can see, the inner part of my brows are starting to grow in nicely one one side but needs a lot more growth on the other. My left brow needs some thickening on the end but has filled out nicely on the base. My right brow needs a bit more work. I have always struggled with my right brow. The left always looks nicer.

7th Annual Emerging Trends Runway Show hosted by Synergy Events Boston

Hi Ladies!

I'm back to share with you my experience at my very first fashion show! Just a warning, this is a very picture heavy post. The fashion show took place during Boston Fashion Week. I'm sure most of you have read my previous post about The 7th Annual Emerging Trends Runway Show hosted by Synergy Events. If not, you can learn more about the show and what it entails HERE.

I was given the opportunity to cover the show as "press" which was really cool. Having a press ticket allowed me to interview the designers and check out their collections the day before the show. You can check that post out HERE.

I was also able to get into the show early and check everything out before the doors opened to the public.

Review: Ipsy Glam Bag October 2014

Hi Ladies!

I'm back with another Ipsy Glam Bag review! I'm so excited that October is here! My husband and I LOVE Halloween and all the fun that comes along with it. Although I have not been able to do all the thing I usually do around this time of year, I am having a Halloween Party which is cool. For those of you unfamiliar with Ipsy, it is a monthly beauty subscription service. For $10.00 a month, you get 4-5 deluxe to full size beauty products. To learn more you can check out my previous Ipsy reviews on my Subscription Reviews tab at the top of my blog. The theme of this month's bag is "Beauty Candy". I was expecting to see Halloween themed items or colorful bright colors. This was not the case but I really don't mind either way. I was really happy with my bag last month so I had high hopes for this month.

Lets move on to the items that I recieved!

Emerging Trends Runway Show: Meet the Designers

Hi Ladies,

I recently attended the 7th Annual Emerging Trends Runway Show during Boston Fashion Week. I got to attend the show as press. One of the perks was getting the opportunity to meet with the designers the day before and interview them. I also got to preview their collections.

Below are the designers that I met with and little bit of info about each.

MAJ by Jamie Johnson

Jamie is from Anchorage, Alaska.
She is completely self taught and started sewing at age 12.
MAJ was created in 2007 and was her initials backwards.
Coincidentally, MAJ also means "hip" in the dictionary.
Her collection consists of even gowns and cocktail gowns.
The colors in her collection were inspired by the Alaskan sunrises.
She uses a lot of leather in her last collection.
Her favorite dress in her collection is the light pink dress with white leather.
Emerging Trends is her first fashion show outside of Alaska but her 4th show in total.
She had 30 pieces in her spring collection.
One fashion show that she was in was to raise money for Awake, which is a foundation to help abuse women and children.
Jamie's goal for the show is to sell her collection to fashion buyers and boutiques.

Review: Anastasia Beverly Hills Amrezy Palette

Hi Ladies!

As many of you know, I gave away the Anastasia Beverly Hills Amrezy palette in my one year giveaway. When I was purchasing the palette, I decided that I couldn't buy one for my giveaway without purchasing one for myself too! Then I wouldn't be tempted to keep the other palette for myself!

I believe this palette was limited edition because I can no longer find it on the Anastasia site where I purchased it. The palette was $29.00 which was an awesome deal in my opinion. The palette comes with 5 shimmer shadows and 5 matte shadows. They palette contains mostly neutral/warm shades with a couple pops of color. The shadows are super pigmented and blend like a dream. They last all day with minimal to no creasing. My favorite colors in the palette are Glisten, Caramel, and Emerald.

The Resolute Beauty Blogger October 2014

Hi Ladies! Beauty Bloggers Shalunya from Shalunya and Boyet and El from The Beauty Isle teamed up to create The Resolute Beauty Blogger. They wanted to do this to not only stay on track with their Beauty Blog Resolutions for 2014 but also to give other beauty bloggers the chance to join in on the action.

Here are my goals and updates on each:

What's in My Closet?: Fall Edition Part 2

Hi Ladies!

I'm back with part two of What's in My Closet? Fall Edition. This is a continuation of my fall wardrobe haul in part one. I have also mixed in items that I already owned as well. To see Fall Edition Part 1 CLICK HERE.