Review: Tree Hut Shea Sugar Body Scrub in Brazilian Nut

Review: TREE HUT SHEA SUGAR BODY SCRUB IN BRAZILIAN NUT

Hello =) So, I was really really ecstatic about this post because I bought a new mini camcorder today for my Youtube channel, and I was going to share with you the video of my makeup collection. BUT I can't because the software is a joke so I have to take it back to Best Buy.

Anyways =) I have a lovely review on Tree Hut Body Scrub instead. When I will be doing reviews, I will first use a scale of 1-5, in a variety of areas just to safe the blabbing =)

Cost- 5 ($7.00)

Smell- 4 Vanilla Sugar with Brazilian Nut..don't like the nut part.

Packaging-3 Can Spill in shower

Effectiveness- 4 Don't use everyday

Availability- 3 It isn't consistently available everywhere

This is a lovely body scrub. The smell is really strong. What I like about this is the sugar grains do not start to melt, so I can really scrub off my dead skin cells.

This product has many uses I have found, and it isn't a product I use everyday..as follows.

USE 1: If I am out of St Ive's Apricot Scrub, and it is an exfoliating day, I will mix a LITTLE bit of this stuff into my cleanser. Do not rub hard, or too long because the grains are harsh on your skin. BUT all in all, a great alternative when im out of apricot scrub and don't feel like going to CVS. I usually follow up with a great moisturizer to avoid dry, scaly skin

USE 2:I found it helpful to bring this to the beach. It might sound foolish but the salt water irritates the skin on my feet, and causes them to flake and dry out, if they start to flake...I simply take this product from my beach bag, scrub the area gently and rinse. =)

USE 3: My favorite use of all! Some time passed, I was very interested in buying Tarte Sugar Lip Exfoliator, which looks like a lipstick and retails at around $20.oo. I could not see spending this much money on something with absolutely no pigment...So, I tried this instead..and I think this is an excellent alternative to achieve sexy smooth lips.

Usually after a shower, after I brush my teeth. I will brush my lips=) I find this stuff works better than the old toothbrush trick. Apply a little bit to your pointer finger, and massage in circular motions, be gentle! These grains are harsh!.... for application I would use my finger, a softened cosmetic sponge, or a piece of netting from a bath puff works awesome.. using a toothbrush was too harsh for me =/ After that, I rinse it off...and finish with a Chapstick Original before bed. This keeps my lips soft all day.

This is all I have come up with so far..but great versatile product that usually costs $7.00, depending where you shop. Below I have listed websites where you can find this product.

www.ulta.com

www.walmart.com

I purchased mine at Shaw's supermarket on sale, but I am not positive it is on the website. Just be on the lookout next time you are shopping.

Happy Blogging Darlings!!! xoxoxox

Lipstick Talk =)

Hi, so I'm trying to build my lipstick collection. I've never really been a lipstick kind of girl, guess I am growing up ( lol) Well I never realized all the different formulas cuz when I used to think of lipstick I thought of a dry look with harsh color... until one day I figured out haha...it can make juicy lips =0

So I am building a collection with nudes/peaches, pinks, and bricks...mainly. I'll start with nudes.

Nude- For nude collection I have so far.... 1. MAC lustre lipstick in Hug Me
2. Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick in Crush
3. Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Lipstick in Shh ( Peach)

Pink - 1. Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick in Pink Champagne
2. MAC lustre lipstick in Snob
Brick- 1. Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick in Temptation
2. Loreal Paris Endless 8 hour lipcolor in Fired Up


I know I don't have that much yet..just restarted my makeup collection and threw a lot of old stuff out =)
Rimmel London lipsticks are awesome! They cost around $7.00, and they are dewy and moisturizing..only thing is I don't recommend buying this in a highly pigmented shade like temptation ( which is a brick red) the color bleeds like crazy no matter what primer, concealer, or lip liner I use...I would recommend purchasing colors like red from higher end brands with a matte finish. From my experience red lipsticks with a dewy finish run and look too messy.

I wanted a brick lipstick....Selena Quintanilla was my inspiration for them..a beautiful Tejano popstar who passed away in 93...I haven't found the exact color she used to wear because it was discontinued...( Chanel Lipstick in Brick)...the dupe that I have been satisfied with is the Loreal Paris LipColor in Fired Up...paired up with a cherry gloss and lipliner...it is very similar to Selena's Look! I was excited. It didn't run cuz of the matte formula.. and it was eleven dollars. I'm still on the search for that perfect Selena lipcolor..and I plan to take a skip to Sephora to look at higher end brands with better pigmentation. A lip stain would be lovely!

My favorite lipstick has been Victoria's Secret V.S Lipstick in Shhh....it looks very peachy but also very wearable...aww and when I get bronze in the summertime.. this look is head turning especially on olive/ tan skin... I used this lipstick on my friend Chelsea who has light beige skin, and the lipstick looked completely different. I love pairing Shh... with navy liner...and a subtle peach blush..my new favorite blush like this is Nars Blush in Gina....

yeah Im done blabbing for today =)

Hair Blabber =) Hair Disaster!

Hi, I know I am doing two logs in one day =) I felt the sudden urge to talk about my hair, and how far it has come and all of that jazz . I will start from September to now.

Hair History: I have long, thick hair that is naturally curly. I am about a 3A. I don't relax my hair, but I do highlights and color, along with consecutive heat styling.

I had done one of the biggest hair mistakes a girl could do, dye her hair black. It took me a little over a year to get rid of this madness. So I started with the picture above. That was my starting point. Went to Regis salon, Naively asked for a light brown..and she said I could start to transition instead. She put caramel highlights in the hair, and I liked the rich look. WAY to expensive. The highlights faded quickly...So I went again...to a different salon which I love called Leonard's and Julie put a dirty blonde color...I just wanted to break up all the black. BUT she cut me bangs when I definitely didn't want them....ended up the bangs picture.

So, then Chrissy finally got to my hair...of Leonards. She removed the black with a soap cap the little bit that was remaining...and went over it with a shimmery warm light brown, and then golden highlights. A tad drying to the hair, but my hair wasn't damaged! Ended up with the top photos. That is how I usually wear my hair, not entirely curly..sort of tousled/messy. I finger blowdry and use a Chi Flat Iron for random waves.

My Mission: To grow out my layers, side swept bangs, and just hair in general =) So, I've been trying out different products. Here is my list of them since September!

1. Bed Head Moisture Maniac Shampoo and Conditioner

2. Victoria's Secret So Sexy Shine Serum

3. Victoria's Secret So Sexy Detangler

4. Victoria's Secret So Sexy Hairspray

5. Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave In Cream

6. Carol's Daughter Tui Hair Smoothie

7. Paul Mitchell " The Detangler"

8. Biosilk Shine Serum

9. Biofusion Olive Oil Deep Conditioning Treatment

10. Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner

11. Infusium 23 Leave in Conditioner

12. Loreal Paris EverStrong Overnight Repair Treatment

13. Loreal Paris StudioLine Springing Curls Mousse

14. Victoria's Secret So Sexy (Curl Enhancing) Gel

15. Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Hairspray.

16. Organix Coconut Shampoo and Conditioner

Yeah!! I know I know quite a lot of products, but I never used them all at once haha..played around with them!

Body Talk =)

Hi, I decided to do a post today on some body talk/body image issues. I'm in college and have gained an extra five lbs =( I don't get how tho, Bummer. Let me share with you my background.

I have never ever ever ever did I mention ever? ...have been a skinny girl. As a child I was chubby and practically developed overnight. I lot of people thought I had an eating disorder because I went from round and chubby cheeked to having an actual shape so quickly.

I've been doing the same type of exercise sinc I was three. Don't mean to sound lame, but Ballet and other forms of dancing have been the only way I feel physically active and satisfied with my body. As for eating, as a child I was always a snacker, give me the chips! But as I got older I actually hate to snack and have to force myself to. ( Don't be fooled girls I am a big eater)

I decided I wanted to do Beauty pagaents, and hey if I got in shape enough possibly model. So, I have been exercising five times per week....and on a very strict diet....

Example here....

Mon, Wednesday, Fri, - Bicycle 15 mins, elliptical half hour, Walk on incline half hour
Tuesday Thursday- Walk for 15 minutes, elliptical half hour, Run Half Hour....and a Pilates Series for the abs with leg lifts , crunches, and coxic sits.

Eating example...

Mon. Breakfast- 3 scrambled egg whites cup of green tea...Jelly on a wheat pita
Snack- Stoneyfield Lemon Yogurt
Lunch- Chicken Zucchini Salad with Olive Oil cup of skim milk
Snack- Cooked Kashi Go Lean Oats, with a cup of tomato juice
Dinner- Chicken Vegetable soup ( homemade) slice of wheat Bread, Kiwi Salad
Snack- Water with Lemon, Raspberry Tea, Sugar-Free Cherry Jello or Pumpkin Seeds


This plan has been extremely unsuccessful. My goal is to get fit and feel healthy, but during this period it did nothing but make me feel sluggish, stressed, and terrible,
I'm used to working out so it isn't the vigorous workout schedule...It is the food i think
I did this for two months, and veggies and fruits don't help me feel energized. I have a feeling I might have over did it with the diet.. =( Doing this plan hasnt helped my self esteem or energy .Although continuously drinking water with lemon throughout the day has helped tremendously, this is something i havent dropped.


So I have decided to revamp my plan, so my life doesn't revolve around food..
Im doing the same gym routine, only going 3 times per week.

As for a meal plan...im going to go with something like this instead...

Breakfast- Banana Bread Oatmeal, Hot Apple Cider
Snack- Blueberry Nutri Grain Bar with Fuze Slenderize Tropical Punch
Lunch- Chicken Breast sandwich on wheat with Chicken Orzo Soup, Skim Milk
Snack- Stoneyfield Yogurt, 4 Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies
Dinner- Whole Wheat Chicken Alfredo with Brocoli and Zucchini
Snack- Orange, and V8 Fruit Splash..

So Far, this has helped me. I don't feel as deprived...

As I said, I have never been a skinny girl, I am a size 7 or 28 in jeans, dress size 8 and mostly medium in shirts and stuff. I am 18, and I feel my body changing a little more..I have never had hips, I have always had a bigger upper body ( boobs, bigger built) and a smaller lower body. Although now I notice I am forming an hourglass type figure..and theres nothing I can do even if i wanted. I am 5'6, and usually around 138- 142 lbs is where I feel most comfortable..I am one of those ppl that are a lot heavier than they look and all...I will be happy if I reach 138 again, I have to learn that I am never going to be skinny and everyone has there own body type, if i feel bad about my body still, then I am not going to do pagaents. It's not fair for other people to make me feel bad about my body. Its ironic because I am eating crab rangoons while Im typing this, must want to lose weight so badd... haha

Before you lose weight, it is important you feel good about yourself already. If that is your reason you want to lose weight, you are more likely to fail. I have an unhealthy relationship with food...that has probably developed from the diet plans above...I go from eating tiny tiny portions..to binging. Horrible for you! I know I don't have the willpower to be skinny, and I am not going to ruin my metabolism by pursuing it anymore. I don't want my life to revolve around food...I'm in college, and food is always, always around!

My weight has been skyrocketing lately...and I am not sure what to do about it, but always remember, everyone has there own body type, and you better be proud of it, because if you aren't proud of your body, nobody else will be.

Its not about the size 2 girl in that tight black mini dress, its the way that size 2 girl carries herself in that size 2 mini dress. Remember, Confidence is everything! Don't let anyone make you feel inferior because you don't look like them! This goes for skinny girls, thicker girls, everybody!

Violet Smokey Eyes

Hey all, this is one of my favorite looks I've done. As you can see this isn't a recent photo, since I had jet black hair and now have light brown. With the light brown hair, this look doesn't have the same effect, but it does wonders for my green eyes. Here's How!

1. Start off with a clean face. Apply Victoria's Secret Soft Focus Foundation with a foundation sponge. My shade is deep 10.

2. Apply NYX concealer (jar) with a concealer brush to the whole lid and on delicate skin below the eye. I used a concealer brush from the Sonia Kashuk Breast Cancer Collection. My shade is medium. ( try to go a shade lighter than your skin tone)

3. Apply Neutrogena Eye Duo in Sweet Dusk with applicator. I applied the burgundy shade all over the lid. Save the lighter shade for later!

4. Apply Loreal Hip Shadow Pigments in Beckoning all over the lid to just below the browbone. Use an eyeshadow brush. I used Sonia Kashuk. Blend well to avoid any harsh lines with this strong metallic violet color!

5. Line the top of the eyes with a smokey black pencil. I used Clinique Quickliner for eyes in Really Black. Apply to bottom lashline and smudge with Q-tip ( or slim makeup brush)

6. Apply a mascara. I used Smashbox Bionic Mascara in Jet Black. 5 Coats of this stuff for drama!

7. As a primer for the lips, I used good ol Chapstick Original.

8. Apply Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick in Crush ( A peachy Nude color, if you don't have this one any nude lipcolor will do!)

9. Apply a peach highlighting powder. Georgia Peach by Benefit is good, but hadn't had the cash for it, so I used New York Color Color Wheel Mosaic Powder in Peach Glow.

10. Lastly, I applied with my Bare Escentuals Full face Brush.. Cargo Water Resistant Bronzer in Golden Bronze.

Sounds long, and time consuming but this look really isn't once you get the hang of it!

Violaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa =)

My Updated Skin Routine

Hey all! I decided it would be great to share with you guys my skin routine. I noticed in that jumbo sized picture of me I like the look of my skin..Only i cannot remember what I was using on my face at that time because it was sooo long ago!

MY skin type- I always suffered from oily skin, but it is beginning to clear up as I am aging. (18) thanks =) Now my skin is balanced, my forehead used to be my oily spot, but now my cheeks are my oily spots...yes weird i know. I get the occasional breakout..usually only hormonal..and only on my cheek area.... So this is what i have been doing for total skin control.

Five days a week, when I wake up I wash my face with Mark That's Deep Purifying Cleanser.

Over the weekend, I use St Ives Green Tea Cleanser with Salicyic Acid ( for acne control)

Twice a week, I exfoliate with St. Ives Apricot Scrub...the one with hydro. acid for skin renewal

2-3 times a week, depending on my skin... I use either Mark Shine Fighter Mask or Mint Julep Masque by Queen Helene

As for moisturizers, I don't use them a lot because my skin is sensitive to them and tends to break out...my skin stays really soft and hydrated without them, so why put more junk on my face that I don't need...But if I am going for a dewy makeup look, where I want the eyeshadows to really "melt" into the skin, I use a moisturizer. I use a moisturizer with SPF if I am really into the sun. I tried moisturizing before bed, seemed like a great idea, but it just lead to breakouts for me. I go to bed with fresh skin so it can" breathe".

My moisturizer is Mark See Things Clearly Brightening Moisturizer. It makes the skin look really dewy! And the light reflecting pigments catch your cheekbones and contour =)

Controlling my acne has been trial and era. I usually use this routine, but at times for maybe a week perhaps when i have gotten my skin to the greatest condition I can get it...I switch to a mild mild non scented facial bar.

This is where people go wrong. Slapping on every skin product they can find. Every acne product they can find. Every zit shrinking lotion. These products have ingredients that aren't exactly kind to your skin. Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicyic Acid have "drying up" properties. This is what they are supposed to do. Problem is, when acne is gone and your still using them..it can actually worsen the skin from my experience.

Proactiv did not work for me. I can't stand using a cleanser that smells like "medicine"

Neutrogena Acne products made my skin horrible, tight, and dry. Suffered from whiteheads. Overexposure.

Nature's Cure was a joke =)

It's only when I switched to regular cleansers when my skin started to improve. Although, I like to sneak in some concentration of acne med..that is why i use St Ives Green Tea Moisturizer... the concentration is not as high as acne products, just enough to keep skin clear...and just in case this baby only washes my face twice a week.

Me, being a makeup freak, its hard for me to say this, but sometimes you just gotta cut the makeup. Don't get me wrong, I have a huge makeup collection, but that doesn't mean I wear it everyday. Not wearing foundation one day won't kill you. It will still be there when you open your train case the next morning...it will not grow legs and run away.

For a mild mild milddddddddd cleanser I switch to when I'm not throwing all this crap on my face...I like African Shea Butter soap. Coastal Scents offers it for a reasonable price (range)

http://www.coastalscents.com/

Sometimes the prettiest skin doesn't come from using all the latest creams and cleansers. For me, the trick is to use what is only needed for my skin...and products with low concentrations.

If it sounds more natural to me, ( apricot, green tea) I am more likely to buy it. whether that means it is natural, thats a different story.. =) It works for me though. Also, stay hydrated with water helps. I usually guzzle down an Evian a half hour before bed. Keep your system clear on the inside!

Below I have Posted Websites you can find my mentioned products.

http://www.meetmark.com/

http://www.stives.com/

http://www.sallybeauty.com/ ( Mint Julep Mask here)

http://www.coastalscents.com/ ( Shea Butter Soap from Ghana)

I hope you enjoyed this post, If any one has any skin related questions, I would be happy to help you from my experience, although I am no dermatologist. ( Keep in mind, I have a peculiar skin type as well)

doll inspired look quick, easy, enjoy =)

1. Start off with fresh, clean skin. Apply Bare Minerals Prime Time Primer all over the face.

Little goes a long way!

2. Apply BareMinerals Mineral Veil all over the face. I used the full flawless face brush by Bare Escentuals. Just swirl, tap, and buff on!

3. Apply your BareMinerals Foundation. I use the pot Medium Tan for all over face color, and the tan pot to contour my nose, by drawing a faint line with my Bare Escentuals Concealer Brush, and blending it with my pinky finger.

4. For the eyes, I dusted Covergirl eye enhancers 1 kit shadow in champagne(710) all over the lid

5. For the eyes, I created a subtle winged line with E.L.F Liquid Liner in Black..After I let that dry, I applied E.LF Liquid Liner in Pearl behind the black line which was applied near my lashline, but do not wing out this line. You should have two lines on your lids..black and white following.

6. Highlight the Brow bone with an eyeshadow applicator. I used Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow in Brulee..Trace over the brow bone with the shadow, and blend with finger.

7. Now time for mascara. I used Rimmel London Max Flash Volume Mascara in Black. I put three coats of this stuff. For anyone looking for a great mascara, Rimmel London has a lot of great mascaras for cheap! The average Rimmel Mascara is 7 bucks. Better than Smashbox. Better than Clinique. Not better than Diorshow though lol...anyways

8. For the blush, I did a layered look... First, apply Nars Blush in Orgasm...I used a Bare Escentuals Blush Brush. Do not blend well. You want it to resemble the concentrated circles of pigment you would find on your typical doll. After that, I layered CoverGirl Cheekers Blush in Classic Pink. For fairer skin tones, You can skip the Nars Orgasm step, I just did it because my warm skin tends to clash with all the pink..and since Orgasm has a peach undertone it helps cast out the sallowness.

9. For the lips, I did a simple, yet effective look. Make sure you apply to moisture rich, clean lips. I applied a thin layer of concealer...only because I wanted the frosty pink color to show without using lipstick or color. I used Coastal Scents Camoflage Concealer Palette with a Bare Escentuals Concealer Brush. Pick out a shade lighter than the natural pigment of your lips. Then I applied Maybelline New York Color Sensational LipGloss in Pink Perfection.

VOILAAAAAAAAAAAAAA =)

MAC Haul =)

Hi.... so I was bored today and decided to go on MAC.com to buy a few new products that I don't necessarily need..but decided to buy anyways lol... Here goes...

1. MAC powder blush in Springsheen

2. MAC Plush Lash Mascara in PlushBlack

3. MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC 42

4. MAC Lipstick in Hug Me

I've been blush shopping lately and I've been looking at different options. I'm sick of all the stupid hype about Nars..it's like everyone forgets there are other brands out there. I was looking for something similiar ( NOT A DUPE!!) to Nars Orgasm because Nars Orgasm is the only current blush I wear right now, since I like the idea of the shade I came across MAC springsheen! I'll tell you how I like it soon =)))

I've been wanting to try different high end mascaras, but I hate wasting money on them because I see no difference...Like my first purchase Smashbox Bionic Mascara ( $19.00) SUCKED!!! excuse my language lol..ha. But um yes purchased it at Sephora and can think of many drugstore mascaras that work way better. This MAC one was 13.50, so that's not too bad to repurchase on the regular, hopefully its a winner!!!!!! I'll let you know =)

I've heard bad things about MAC foundations, how they break you out and all, especially if you have acne prone skin. I've always thought as myself as someone in this category, but perhaps I'm growing out of it. Only products I use on my face are St Ives Apricot Scrub, St Ives Green Tea Cleanser, or Mark Deep Cleanser..and not all in conjunction with another...and my skin is completely clear. Never did believe in using 7,000 products on my face. Maybe it will work for me!!

lastly, I got MAC lipstick in Hug Me, a Nude peachy pink shade, that reminds me of my regular lipcolor. Not really into dramatic looks lately. So ive been shopping for a lot of neutral products...oh ya and yes peach blush does my cheekies wonders =0 It should work nice. Always did steal mommies and aunties MAC lipsticks when I was younger..

I'll let you guys know how all this stuff has worked for me ! tune in =)