ULTA Instant Bronze Sunless Tanning Mousse

Hi Loves, Happy Friday!

Yesterday I made a quick stop into my local Ulta and stumbled across their new self tanning line. Of course I had to try it out so I purchased Ulta’s Instant Bronze Sunless Tanning Mousse which only cost $12.99  for 8 fluid ounces of product (such a deal). If you like St. Tropez’s Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, you need to get Ulta’s self tanning mousse ASAP! The results are the same, if not better than St. Tropez’s self tanning mousse. And while you’re at Ulta picking up your amazing self tanning mousse, don’t forget the Ulta Sunless Mitt which is a must have to apply the self tanner. Ulta really did a great job making this product and the price tag just can’t be beat. You apply this self tanner just like the St. Tropez tanning mousse and if you’re unsure on how to apply the mousse for flawless results, click here for my review.

I am sure this product will be selling out quickly as it is truly amazing!

Have a fabulous weekend.

XOXO

Your Beauty Addict,

Trisha

Boscia Tsubaki Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask Review

Hello Gorgeous!

The new beauty product that is the latest ‘must have’ to hit the beauty market is sleeping facial masks. I love face masks so of course I had to try a sleeping mask and I chose Boscia’s Tsubaki Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask to try out first. Tsubaki is from Boscia’s new line and it currently has three products which include the Tsubaki Beauty Oil, Tsubaki Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask, and Tsubaki Cleansing Oil-Gel. I have not tried the Tsubaki Cleansing Oil-Gel, but I have tried the Tsubaki Beauty Oil which I really like.

 Now, if you don’t live in Asia, you’re probably thinking, “what is Tsubaki oil?” Tsubaki oil is the oil from the camellia flower called Tsubaki in Japanese. Traditionally, tsubaki oil has been used in Asia (particularly in Japan) for hair care. It contains several very good emollients and antioxidant-rich non-fragrant plant oils, an excellent source of fatty and omega 3 acids for your skin, which help dry skin look and feel softer and smoother and it provides serious protection against free radical damage, thus preventing premature signs of aging.

Okay, now that the mini history lesson is over, back to my review on the Tsubaki Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask from Boscia. 🙂

Even though Boscia claims this has no artificial fragrance added, it still has quite a strong smell of lavender (after all, it does contain camellia oil). The scent does mostly fade away after time and it didn’t irritate my skin/face at all (keep in mind I do not have sensitive skin and my skin is normal to oily). I don’t like or dislike the scent of lavender in this mask, but if you’re really sensitive to smells, you may not like this product. The texture of this mask is almost like a thick, but runny cream (if that makes any sense) and it soaks right into my skin. Once applied, it has a little bit of a sticky feeling, but it is not bad at all (just make sure you do not apply too much product so that it will all soak into your skin and extra product isn’t sitting on top of the skin, wasting away, and feeling sticky). And that is it; you just go to bed and let the magic happen while you’re sleeping!

In the morning, I was really surprised by this product. My face felt really clean and moisturized. Usually I sleep with beauty oil on my skin and when I wake up, my face is still a bit greasy and I can’t wait to wash it, but this sleeping mask had the opposite effect. My face felt so smooth and hydrated without feeling greasy or tight (some facial masks make your face feel really tight). My complexion was clear and glowing; I couldn’t stop looking at it in the mirror… AMAZING! This mask delivers such an intense amount of hydration, and the effects are immediate and rescued my dull winter skin. Overall, I am extremely happy with this sleeping mask and I highly recommend it. Love it!

Boscia’s Tsubaki Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask comes in a 2.8 oz tube:

This is how the product looks directly out of the tube, lightly blended, and then fully blended/absorbed into the skin:

Where to Buy: Sephora

Price: $34

What it is: A deeply-hydrating overnight sleeping mask that intensely moisturizes and protects to deliver long-term anti-aging benefits and smoother, baby-soft skin.

What it is formulated to do:
This signature, lightweight botanical blend of tsubaki oil (camellia oil), wakame (Japanese sea kelp), and rice bran oil hydrates, smooths, and protects for the appearance of firm, youthful skin. Serine, an amino acid, locks in moisture, ensuring maximum hydration as you sleep. It acts as an anti-aging moisturizer and preps skin for better absorption of products.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:

– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Phthalates

Suggested Usage:
– Massage onto cleansed, dry face and throat with gentle circular motions.
– Leave on overnight and rinse with water in the morning.
– For best results, cleanse with Tsubaki Cleansing Oil-Gel and follow with Tsubaki Beauty Oil.

Happy Friday my loves. Have a lovely weekend!

Your beauty addict,

Trisha

XO

Flawless Skincare Routine – Simple Steps to a Flawless Face

Hello Gorgeous!

Great skin is smooth, even toned, and dewy. To get those results, you need an effective daily skincare routine in place.

My journey to flawless skin is an evolving process. People ask me often what products I use so I thought I would share my current routine and products with you.

Everyone’s skin type and concerns are different and I know that I probably put a lot of products on my skin (I am a total product junkie), but I am really loving my current results from my nightly routine and I hope you will too.

Nightly Skincare Routine – Simple Steps to a Flawless Face:

• To remove all my makeup and surface debris from the day, I use Neutrogena make-up remover cleansing towelettes (love these)

• To deep clean and improve skin texture and prepare for product absorption, I use Ulta’s Dual Action Cleansing System (I bought this instead of the Clarisonic cleansing system to save some money and I LOVE it–highly recommend it). This little gadget really minimizes pores and helps to improve so many other skin concerns.
  

• You want to use a gentle face wash/cleanser with the cleansing system. You can use any product you like as long as it is gentle (you do not want to use an exfoliating face product with the cleansing system because it will be too harsh when paired together). I am currently using Soap & Glory’s Peaches and Clean 4-in-1 wash off deep cleansing milk.

• I wash off the extra product from my face by using an extra gentle cleansing sponge (the cleansing system tends to get messy and the face sponge really comes in handy).

Now it’s time for the fun stuff… Skincare products! My new favorite line for face care is Kiehl’s!

• Once my face is squeaky clean, I apply two products together.

First I add Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate to my face

Second, directly after I apply the above concentrate, I apply Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate

When I pair these two products together, I achieve amazing results! It feels great on my skin and the next morning my face always looks flawless!

• Lastly, don’t forget eye cream! I use Travel Size StriVectin-SD Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles

And there you have it, my flawless skincare routine. Just stick with it and the results will be well worth the extra five minutes each day.

XOXO

Your beauty addict,

Trisha

Dermaplaning and Glycolic Acid Peel to Reveal Younger Looking Skin

Hello Gorgeous!

Recently I pampered myself and went to my favorite medical spa to get a Glycolic Acid Peel (my favorite medical facial). During my consultation with one of the spa’s licensed aesthetician’s, I was introduced to something I had never heard about before called Dermaplaning. I immediately thought this had to do with Microdermabrasion, but it is a completely different treatment so I was instantly intrigued to learn more.

What I learned: Dermaplaning is a non-traumatic method of skin rejuvenation, a “manual exfoliation” performed using a scalpel (yes, a real surgical blade is used) on the skin and is sometimes referred to as skin blading because you’re essentially blading the skin’s top layers, fine facial hair (peach fuzz), and skin imperfections. This treatment also stimulates new skin development. Dermaplaning removes the out-most layers of dead skin cells leaving the skin immediately smooth, supple, and vibrant. Dermaplaning (or skin blading) is generally most effective right before a facial because it helps to enhance the absorption of chemical peels and treatments. Sounds a little scary, doesn’t it?! This process is painless and very safe. There is no down time associated with this treatment. Dermaplaning can be done as often as every two weeks, although it is usually done when fine facial hair starts to grow back, which is generally in one month’s time. And NO, despite popular belief, the hair does NOT grow back thicker! Usually, you can see a difference in the skin after the first treatment (I did) and all skin types can benefit from Dermaplaning.

My treatment experience at the medical spa (what to expect): After the licensed aesthetician finished Dermaplaning my face (which only took about 10-15 minutes and my face felt amazing afterwards), she prepped my face for a facial. She used 30% medical grade glycolic acid and left the peel on for 2 minutes (if I wouldn’t have done the Dermaplaning, the peel would be left on for 3 minutes). This facial peel is not painful, but you will experience a mild degree of tingling or a slightly itchy sensation. Usually the aesthetician will fan your face to help with the sensation you may experience, but upon neutralizing the peel, the skin feels fresh and smooth without discomfort. After my facial she used my favorite face lotion Nia24 to complete my treatment (to learn more about Nia24 CLICK HERE and read my full review). My face felt and looked flawless after Dermaplaning and the Glycolic peel (better than it did when just getting a Glycolic peel done on its own).

Benefits of a medical facial peel: Now you may be wondering what the benefits are from a Glycolic peel. Medical spa facials are used to improve a wide variety of skin conditions that include fine lines and wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, sun-damaged skin, freckling, age spots, scaring, and help eliminate blackheads. Treatments stimulate production of collagen and improve the elasticity of skin resulting in smooth, supple and vibrant skin for a youthful and radiant glow. Medical peels also improve the tone, texture, smoothness and appearance of skin. This medical peel on a periodic basis helps to maintain skin health and appearance.

What to expect AFTER a chemical peel: It is important to remember that everyone’s skin is different and will react differently to chemical peels. After a chemical peel, the skin will look a little sunburned. Depending on the strength of the peel and skin sensitivity, redness may fade within hours or last up to a week. Skin may lightly peel (microscopic peeling) over the next 1 to 14 days and new skin will appear. Your skin may feel dry and flake a bit. There isn’t any downtime needed with glycolic acid peels, so you can still go to work or out to a social event shortly after the peel. The small amount of side effects of the peel can usually be covered up with makeup. After a glycolic acid peel, you might not see the expected results immediately. This doesn’t mean the peel didn’t work! It simply takes time for your skin to recover and heal from the peel, so it will take time for your skin to show any improvements. Your skin will usually look better a week after you get the peel. If, however, your skin still doesn’t look any better after a few weeks, you might have to get a stronger peel the next time. It is also very important to keep in mind that sun exposure after a chemical peel can cause unwanted side effects, including hyperpigmentation, so you should stay out of the sun for a least a few days and be sure to use good SPF.

Dermaplaning and a Glycolic medical peel is truly my new favorite combination of treatments. The exfoliation process is fool-proof and overall, I think Dermaplaning the skin is a great way to treat your face before a facial as it really enhances the absorption of peels since it removes the dead skin cells and stimulates the surface of the skin, skin formulations are absorbed more efficiently and results are remarkably improved with this added benefit. And don’t be afraid that the hair will grow in thicker. It won’t. Only flawless skin will be revealed!

Remember that these types of treatments should be done by professionals only. A consultation is essential. Your dermatologist/aesthetician will take in account and discuss complete medical history with you to determine what treatments will be most beneficial. Your medical history can have a tremendous effect on what you see after a chemical peel. After a consultation and a physical exam that includes a close look at your skin, your dermatologist/aesthetician will tell you if a chemical peel will help diminish the signs of aging that concern you and if a chemical peel is right for you.

Your Beauty Addict,

Trisha

Xo

Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tanning Liquid Review

Hello Gorgeous!

As you probably know by now, I love self-tanning products. Usually I prefer a mousse tanner, but I recently discovered Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tan Liquid and I am hooked! You may think liquid tanner sounds greasy, but I assure you, it is not! It glides effortlessly on to the skin and absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving a gorgeous sun-kissed glow. The color does not look fake or orange when applied properly and one application lasts a week. The best part… this tanner comes with a free mitt for application (always use a tanning mitt, never bare hands)!   I apply the tanner before bed (leaving it on overnight) and by the morning, I’m left with a bronzed-brown tan that doesn’t look like it came from a bottle! Even though Fake Bake claims this product is transfer resistant, it still transfers a little, so I would not recommend leaving it on throughout the day.  Remember to moisturize everyday to make your tan last with even color.

Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tan Liquid combines ease of application with intense professional color development.

Details: Flawless is applied with a professional mitt (INCLUDED) in effortless gliding strokes for a perfectly even tan. The dual function cosmetic bronzer assists in making the application even easier (shows-where-it-goes) providing an instant golden tan. The fast drying, fast absorbing formula is transfer resistant, so can be worn throughout the day. Formulated with Fake Bake’s exclusive triple tan formula (DHA boosted by DMI & Erythulose) for an intense tan that lasts longer. Suitable for all skin tones and skin types. Pleasantly fragranced with a tropical scent. No artificial preservatives or parabens.

Flawless Self-Tanning Liquid size: 6oz

Directions: Spritz Flawless onto the velvet side of the mitt and apply to clean skin (don’t apply direct to skin). Apply in long gliding movements, covering all your body and face. Leave on over night and wash off in the morning to reveal a golden tan.

Price: $25, Ulta

Pros:

– Dries quickly

– Easy to apply

– Creates even tan

– Non greasy (even though it’s an oil)

– Natural looking tan

– Doesn’t smell bad

– Long lasting

– Fades evenly

– Good value

Cons:

– Messy (liquid drips on bottle)

Would I recommend this product? Yes!

I definitely recommend Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tanning Liquid to anyone who wants to achieve a beautiful bronze tan.

XO

Trisha

75 Beauty Tips Every Girl Should Know

Hello Gorgeous!

How beautiful you look and feel will affect your self-confidence, social interactions, work performance and overall health. While true beauty comes from within, below are 75 important tips you can add into your daily beauty routine to keep yourself healthy–on the inside and the outside.

1. Smile often. A woman is most beautiful when she smiles.
2. Vitamin C has long been known to prevent aging. Pack your fruit basket with lemons and oranges to look youthful.
3. Eating guava, carrot, apple and cucumber regularly can prevent yellowing of teeth.
4. Massage sesame oil on your heels overnight if you have cracked heels.
5. Strengthen your hair and nails with daily supplementation with vitamin biotin.
6. Retinoid skin creams used regularly in consultation with skin expert help reduce wrinkles as well as stretch marks.
7. Exfoliating your facial skin daily with a dry brush can help improve circulation, reduce puffiness and eliminate dead skin.
8. Cracked heels are mainly because of poor foot hygiene and wearing tight foot wear.
9. Keep your feet soft and get rid of the cracks by simply wearing cotton socks at night.
10. Make sure you remove your mascara before going to bed. Allowing it to stay on your lashes can cause them to break.
11. For lustrous hair, regularly massage your scalp with oil and load up on vegetables and fruits
12. A healthy diet, exercise and staying hydrated are best for fighting cellulite
13. Massage some almond oil into your eyelashes each night to help them grow thicker and longer.
14. Use a wide toothed comb to evenly spread the conditioner through your hair.
15. To look slimmer in pictures, don’t face the camera head on. Look at it at a three-quarter angle with 1 shoulder facing forward
16. A brighter blush shade can help you look younger in contrast to a dull shade which can make your face look muddy.
17. Use a colorless lip balm before putting on lipstick or gloss. It helps provide an even and crack free surface for smoother application.
18. Fruits and vegetables, soy, cocoa and fish can help you look younger and stay fit as well.
19. Nail biting can be due to stress and boredom. Get over it with yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or squeezing a stress ball.
20. Always wash your face after a workout. Sweat can clog pores and worsen acne.
21. Use lukewarm water while washing your hair. This allows the scalp to retain moisture and prevents hair from looking lifeless.
22. Apart from being great for your heart, green tea with all its anti-oxidants is superb for your skin
23. Avocados reduce the damage caused by UV rays and can be used in face masks as well
24. A ripe papaya left on the skin for 30 minutes help tone up the skin considerably and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
25. Overzealous scrubbing of face can make you look older. Make sure you’re gentle.
26. Having your coffee later in the afternoon rather than first thing in the morning can help you feel fresher through the day.
27. De-stress daily. It can be the key to a healthier body, skin and hair.
28. Expressing gratitude for every small thing you have can be a great way to feel good.
29. Your outlook on life and what you choose to do with it account for 40% of your happiness; this includes friendships and work.
30. Live with love! 20 minutes of talking and being with your partner daily makes you healthier and happier.
31. Brush hair from roots to ends nightly. This distributes natural oils throughout the hair shaft and gives hair a healthy sheen.
32. Treat your eye area gently. This is the most delicate part of your face. Cleanse with care; blot, never rub.
33. Always use your ring finger to apply moisturizer or concealer to the eye area. It puts the least amount of pressure on the skin.
34. Don’t touch your face unnecessarily. Breakouts can be caused by your own fingers.
35. To stop makeup from fading during the day, apply a primer before your foundation.
36. Get lips soft and smooth by using a damp, warm washcloth at night to rub off the flaky dry bits; follow with a coat of lip balm.
37. The best time to apply lotion is right after a shower or bath, when skin is still damp.
38. Beautiful skin starts from within. Include lots of vegetables, fruit and water in your daily diet.
39. Exfoliate with a body scrub once a week to slough off dead skin cells that make skin look dull. When skin is freshly exfoliated, lotion and oil are better absorbed.
40. Improve circulation in your legs and lower the risk of unsightly veins by elevating your feet when resting.
41. Apply polish starting at the pinky, working toward the thumb to avoid dragging your hand across wet nails.
42. To prevent hair color from fading, use a deep conditioning treatment weekly or bi-monthly.
43. Make sure you hydrate your skin and put on a face primer
44. The #1 reason for flaky mascara is that the formula is too dry or old. Make sure to close mascara after use to help keep its moisture.
45. For clear skin, look for a cleanser with salicylic acid.
46. Sunscreens that claim to provide “all-day protection” and “water resistance” are not reliable; don’t be fooled by these claims and reapply all sunscreens at least every two to three hours.
47. When self-tanning, use a tanner with color. It will give you instant color before the effect and it will show you exactly where you put the color and where you may have missed.
48. For the summer months, you don’t want to be caked down in foundation so try a tinted moisturizer instead.
49. To make curls last, make sure hair is completely dry before you begin with the curling iron.
50. Always wash your makeup off before bed. That morning-after look has never been a good one, for anyone.
51. Always use a moisturizer with SPF in the morning. Even in the winter!
52. Clean out your makeup bag at least once a year to get rid of old products that may be expired or you no longer use.
53. Remember, always use clean makeup brushes to fight against potential bacteria and breakouts!
54. During the summer, wear chapstick or lip gloss with SPF.
55. Use your concealer as a base on your eyelids.
56. Exfoliate before applying self tanner to get rid of dead skin. Tanning products tend to cling to drier areas.
57. To minimize pores, use a pore-minimizing facial wash followed by a toner. Make sure the toner is alcohol-free so it won’t dry out your skin.
58. The healthier you are, the healthier your hair! Take a daily multivitamin with Biotin to help hair grow.
59. Get a “dewy glow” using a highlighter or illuminator above your cheekbones and on the brow bone.
60. To contour cheeks, use a matte powder (a few shades darker than your skin tone) with an angled brush. Blend on temples and under cheekbones.
61. When using a cream product, lock it in by using a translucent powder over it.
62. For makeup that lasts all day and night, use a makeup-sealing product/setting spray.
63. To help you find the right shade of foundation, choose the product you think is closest to your color and try it on your jaw line in natural light. You will be able to easily compare it to your neck’s color to see if you need to go for a different undertone, lighter or darker.
64. Splurge on items that are important to you. If lip gloss is really your thing and you fall in love with a gloss that‘s $40, buy the lip gloss and treat yourself.
65. To reduce unwanted shine, use a moisturizer that mattifies your face, that way you get the moisture your skin needs without looking greasy.
66. Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to get rid of any product build-up that may have occurred during the week.
67. Use a pumice stone on your feet after you shower to keep your feet baby smooth.
68. Hydrate your under-eye area with an eye cream to prevent puffiness and bags.
69. If you often find yourself being too tired to wash your face at night, keep makeup removing wipes in your night stand to prevent a runny mess or morning break out.
70. The best way to get rid of ingrown hairs is to exfoliate, which rids the skin of dead cells and allows the hair to break through the surface.
71. To keep hair color vibrant longer, use shampoos and conditioners formulated for colored hair.
72. Drink plenty of water daily.
73. Bronze all over for a natural glow.
74. Protect your skin from the sun everyday.
75. Be yourself and enjoy your life!

XOXO

Trisha