Products

Round three. Thanks for visiting and trying out some of my current favorite products! 

As I said in my previous round-up style post in my favorite summer hair products and my favorite summer skincare products one of my favorite things bloggers do is an quick list of current favorites. Just like my previous post this is not sponsored and gives a quick review on some products I am really loving right now. 

The first product I want to talk about is probably a product that I have used longer than any other product. Supergoop Daily Correct CC Cream is a longtime favorite of mine. I received it as a sample in a subscription box about 3 years ago, and have been hooked ever since. I love that it has UVA and UVB protection with 35 SPF in the formula. It is very lightweight, and blends into my skin really nicely when using a blending foam or sponge. I know the price on this one feels a little high, but you use a pea sized amount and it lasts a long time.  I also like that the cream is designed to moisturize your skin so I have never experienced any tightness or flaky patches with this cream.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye is one of my other favorite concealer products.  My sister introduced me to this product after I had Rowan, most likely because I looked like a zombie, and I use it all the time. It is a waterproof concealer that is designed brighten dark circles, and has anti-aging properties….oh the fun of having children that bring products like this into my life… All kidding aside I really like this product because it stays all day, and really does help make my eyes look brighter and less tired- much appreciated on a humid day. I also like that the company has developed 48 different shades of this product to serve a wide customer base. Many times there are 4-5 shades to choose from, and I really like that they have created a product with so many options for their consumers. This is another product where a little does a long way and the tube lasts for a long time. 

What would summer be without pretty nail polish for our toes! My current summer favorites are from OPI. OPI is my go-to nail polish brand. I feel like the color stays longer, dries faster, and does not chip as quickly as other brands. Also, their color names are on point….because that matters too. Currently, my summer favorites are Funny Bunny (right) and She’s a Bad Muffuletta! (left and one of my favorite sandwiches). I think I can squeeze in one more summer pedicure with one of these colors before I get ready to start looking for my fall colors. But, for now, these bright colors are my favorite. 

On to my current favorite body wash-Tea Tree Tingle. It is from Trader Joe’s of all places, and was introduced to me by my friend Melissa (check out her lovely jewelry page). I love the infused scents and botanical elements, and it has become a quick favorite. The fragrance is so refreshing in the morning. Similar to my Origin Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash this body wash is a great morning wake-up because of the teas tree and peppermint. I have come to the conclusion that I really like peppermint type of scents when it comes to skincare. For me there must be a trigger with the scent that gets my brain kick started in the morning. This body wash is not the most moisture intensive, and I normally use a lotion out of the shower, but I love the androgynous crisp scent- plus the tea tree oil helps keep my skin clean and clear. 

Finally, I am excited to share with you one of my favorite summer finds. Have you tried Native deodorant? I had a few friends recommending it on Facebook, and I decided to take the plunge and try it. I was previously using a spray deodorant  that worked ok, but not great. I also wasn’t loving the ingredients in my deodorant. I tried other natural deodorants in the past and they were junk. I do barre class 5 times a week, swim, and run after my kids- I need something that will actually work. I did not have high hopes for Native given my past experiences, but I was proven wrong. Native says that you might need a little time to detox from your old deodorant, but I did not have that experience and it worked well for me from the beginning. I bought the Rose Wine scent and it is lovely (it was seasonal and they do not have it as of today). I also got a travel size of the vanilla & coconut, and it smells great as well. I found that I was smelling good, and it managed the wetness well. I think its impossible for any deodorant or antiperspirant to eliminate wetness completely, but this kept up with it well. Native is cruelty free, paraben free and aluminum free. I am really happy that I found something more natural that actually works really well!  I was browsing the scents earlier today, and think Cucumber & Mint or Coconut & Lime sound amazing.  Since I am really excited about this new find, I asked Native if they would give one of my readers a stick to try! See the rafflecopter below for entry information. The giveaway till run until Wednesday (August 22nd) at 12:00 PM CT.  Native is also offering 10% an order to Cheese Curd in Paradise readers by using the code CheeseCurd10 at checkout! Thank you Native! 

Well, that is the end of my summer product series! Good luck to those who enter the giveaway! Another reminder that the giveaway will end on Wednesday at noon (CT). This contest is only available to those who can receive shipments with in the 48 contiguous states. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

As I said in my previous round-up style post on my favorite summer hair products one of my favorite things bloggers do is an quick list of current favorites. Just like my previous post this is not sponsored and gives a quick review on some products I am really loving right now. 

Last time was all about hair and this time is all about skin.  I am pretty fortunate when it come to skin and have normal dry skin with few breakouts. I have mild rosecea in my cheeks causing me to have a bit of a blush, but it is also a drier and more sensitive part of my face. Up until about a year ago I was using the wipe and toss make-up removing wipes and that was about it besides a cleanser I will talk about more in a little bit. I made the decision that I was not being very good to my skin. At 34 years old and two young kids the wear was beginning to show on my face. I knew that I wasn’t getting enough moisture to my face, and wanted to help reduce developing fine lines without going the route of botox. I am not ruling out botox to give me a little help, mainly with my child induced forehead lines, but wanted to see what improvements I could make with a few small adjustments. I have a few friends that have some maintenance work done, and have had really lovely results so that is still certainly on the table. 

Back to the products. 

I have evolved over time with my facial cleanser. I remember when everyone used the Noxzema pads….and they burned so good. Then it was the apricot scrub, and finally people started doing their own thing. My own thing was using the samples from subscription boxes because I couldn’t find a cleaner I loved. I was sent a sample of Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash and it was love. The cleanser is so gentle, but did wonders for my skin. It has a very light spearmint scent and it is so refreshing in the morning. The product is designed to balance my oily and dry skin. It makes sense why it works so well for me because I have variation in my skin type due to the rosecea. I am on my 5th tube of this product, and am so happy that I found it. A little goes a long way, and I love the frothy lather that build from just a small dab of the product. 

 

My next two current favorites are sprays. One I have been using for about a year, and the other for about 3 months.  Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray is amazing. My sister bought it for me for Christmas and it quickly became part of my night time routine. The spray is infused with rosewater, aloe, and herbs (like thyme!). The spray is designed to moisturize and rejuvenate. I love it in the evening to lock in moisture, and leave me with a lovely scent and soothed skin before bed. I know there are a few other infusions, but I am partial to the rosewater. I notice that my skin is smoother when I use this, especially in the summer because it helps to soothe overexposure and inflammation. My kids are also big fans of this spray, and I catch them trying to steal a spritz for themselves. Because I love this find so much I have a chance to win a bottle at the bottom of this post! 

My second summer favorite spray has only been with me for about 3 months, but I love it.  Primally Pure Everything Spray is my morning pick me up. It is a natural toner designed to soothe inflammatory skin conditions, combat ingrown hairs, and even soothes bug bites.  The spray includes organic lavender hydrosol, organic witch hazel, organic raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral), organic tea tree oil, and organic magnesium oil. This spray has made a big difference for my rosecea and I feel like it preps my skin for the day. I have noticed that my skinis not as red, and that there is less variation of dry to oil on my skin. I can also attest that I have used this on a bug bite and it decreased the itching. I am sometimes skeptical of those claims, but this did offer some relief, but not total. 

 

Finally, I need to talk about my current moisturizer. I am currently using Renewed Hope in a Jar SPF 30 by Philosophy. I struggle with moisturizers because my skin can get intolerant easily if they are too heavy and my face gets a little greasy. It seems odd because I classify my skin on the dry side of the spectrum, but it is just something it has always done. This product is really light weight, and I have not experienced that issue, and have been using it for about 7 months.  What I really like about this product besides the lightweight formula is the SPF. I am outside a lot, and need the extra coverage.  I currently use this product in the morning and at night because I have not found a night moisturizer that was light enough for me. I have found that my skin is really soft with their product. I have also noticed that it has decreased some of my fine lines, and helps keep my skin looking fresh. My skin does not appear as blotchy, and this product is light enough that it does not clog my pores and my skin can breath. I also like that there is not a strong artificial smell or artificial color to the product. When I use it I really feel that I am putting something healthy on my skin. 

Well, that is the end of my summer skin products. I am planning to share one more posts highlighting my favorite summer beauty products! Good luck to those who enter the giveaway! The giveaway will end on Saturday at noon (CT). This contest is only available to those who can receive shipments with in the 48 contiguous states. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One of my favorite things bloggers do is an quick list of current favorites. I like this because it is, normally, not sponsored and gives a quick review on something another person is really diggin’. I can’t tell you how many different products I have tried for this very reason.  I decided that I wanted to share a few of my current summer favorites for my hair. My requirements for beauty products are pretty simple, 1) I want to see the difference, or why bother?, 2) I want it to make me feel good and be good quality, and 3) I do not want a bunch of steps (no time for that).  I have not been compensated for any of these products of reviews, and all opinion are mine. 

I have struggled to find the perfect shampoo for YEARS. As in I never found it. Ever. I always was using whatever because I never really had a product give me a wow factor. I saw an ad for Function of Beauty customizable shampoo and conditioner, and I thought to myself “what the hell”, and gave it a try. I initially ordered the smaller bottles because it is a little expensive, but by my second order I moved up to the larger size. My first order I tried the musk scent, and customized for my hair in late winter- replenish, strengthen, shine, thermal protection, and volume. I have naturally wavy (not cute wavy) normal hair. I also chose the blue/silver color. I loved the products. My hair felt great, and I could see the difference. Once the my late winter blend ran out I made a new bottle (up-sizing the shampoo, but keeping conditioner smaller) to a summer formula. I selected the For-Shore scent (which is intoxicating), and a blend for volume, shine, anti-frizz, soothe scalp, and strengthen.  I spend a lot of time outside and in the water so I wanted something that would keep my hair nice in the summer. The website keeps past blends to it is nice that I have it for reference when I reorder every 3-4 months.  Below is my summer blend which I named “sunshine” (my winter blend was Khalessi). 

 

My next two favorites are my Kenra Platinum Blow Dry Spray and Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo. 

These two beauties are time savers. The blow dry spray is something I just started using this summer and it is amazing. It allows my hair to dry faster, and is an amazing dangler. I went to an outdoor concert a few weeks ago with friends and by the end of the night I could still run my finger through my hair without a snarl.  Because I love this find so much I have a chance to win a bottle at the bottom of this post! 

Dry shampoo is my best friend. I have two little boys and washing/ styling my hair everyday is not happening. This shampoo actually cleans my hair and leaves it soft and tangle free when I use it. I think my record using it without washing if 4 days…. that might have been pushing it for my hair type, but my hair wasn’t gross or itchy. I know there are a ton of dry shampoo products out there, and I have tried a lot of them, but this product I have been using for a few years and adore it. 

My final favorite summer hair item is my Teleties. I was introduced to these by Pure Barre in Green Bay, WI and I adore them. I use the small Teleties, but they make larger ones if you have thicker hair and need a little more hold. The awesome thing about these are that they don’t pull out my hair and they don’t slip. I even wear them in the water and they come out nice and easy. Prior to these I used the black fabric covered bands, and I always felt that they ripped my hair. Teleies also don’t leave the giant hair dent that bands leave. The ties do stretch, but normally return to size overnight, or I will put them in my hot car and they reduce quickly.  How cute are these colors! 

Well, that is the end of my summer hair products love fest. I am planning to share a few more posts highlighting my favorite summer beauty products (and a few more giveaways)! Good luck to those who enter the giveaway! The giveaway will end on Friday at noon (CT). This contest is only available to those who can receive shipments with in the 48 contiguous states.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway