Review: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil Face

Sometimes, I receive some pretty crappy products for review and other times I receive some AWESOME ones.  I'm so glad to say that this one falls into the latter category.

Since being pregnant, I've become very familiar with Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula products.  I love the Stretch Mark cream, the Self-Tanner is just amazing and I can now add another product to this list: the Skin Therapy Oil Face.

For those that follow this blog often, you know how much I like face oils.  I love the heaviness of the product, the richness of the oil and the many many invigorating properties of the different types of oils blended into one.  This one, though, in addition to minimizing lines and wrinkles also works wonders on fading acne scarring, which makes me SUPER happy.  It's done wonders and I've only been using it for just under a week now.

With every oil, there is a slight downside.  The greasiness.  Be prepared to put this on your skin and not go to bed right away as your skin needs some time to absorb it fully.  For those that aren't used to using an oil, it might feel a bit heavy but do give it some time to soak in and that feeling will go away.  I should also mention the smell of the product which, to me, smells like roses.  I know a lot of people prefer their skin care products to be unscented but this one has a gorgeous smell, if you like roses.

All in all, for an oil that ONLY costs about $10 it's fabulous.  I highly recommend it to everyone.

Stay tuned friends, as I will be posting about AN AMAZING GIVEAWAY tomorrow.

    

Spoiled for Christmas

I was absolutely spoiled this year for Christmas.

I thought I would originally take pictures of what I received but thought it might take a bit of time so wanted to highlight some of the main items I was lucky enough to receive.

From left to right, I received a brand new Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 Nook from the hubby, some beautiful diamond stud earrings, a few Sephora gift cards (YAY!), a 3 lipbalm set from Eos, Rouge Dior Lipstick in 644 ( one of my favorite colors), a box of Ferrero Rocher chocolates and the No7 Serum.

Presents aside, I was so entirely thankful to have spent Christmas in Ontario with my husband's family.  Though the trip was short, it was so amazing to see everyone.  I did, though, miss my family immensely.

What did you get up to for your holidays?  What did you get from Santa?

    

Happy Holidays from Red Lip Gloss

Last year, on this day, Allan and I were on a beach in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, enjoying the sun, sand and all the seafood we could eat.  This year, we're spending the holidays with our family in Ontario and we've also added Little Bean to the mix and couldn't be more grateful or excited.

From our family to yours, to you my friends, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.

I'll be resuming posting on the 29th!!

    

DIY Beauty Fridays: A Coconut Oil How-To

I have become something of a Pinterest junkie.

I truly had no idea how many great things people are "pinning."  It's still a fairly new concept to me but, man, there are so many cool treasures you can find.

Like today's DIY beauty post, for example.  This amazing how-to guide was found on Pinterest but comes from an interesting site called Health Perch.  Full credit goes to them for posting this amazing guide about coconut oil and all it's uses.

Check this out.  You will be occupied making beauty products for DAYS!!

Happy Friday Ladies!

    

FOTD: Simple Pregnancy Glow

So far, being pregnant has been fairly interesting.  I've got to buy the most comfortable clothes I've ever owned, I can eat (mainly) what I am waning and I get to sleep more than I ever have before.  However, one major issue has popped (literally) up during this stage and that is pimples.

My skin, usually clear, is not so much anymore.  I am finding, though, with the right products, my pimples aren't as noticeable which makes me happy.  My typical everyday work face is as follows:

Face

Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Protector BB Cream in Light/Medium

Youngblood Ultimate Concealer in Fair

Younique Mineral Touch Pressed Powder in Organza

Benefit Coralista Bronzer

Mark Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes

Benefit Bella Bamba Pink Face Powder

Eyes

Youngblood Brow Artiste in Dark 

Benefit Sunbeam Luminescent Complexion Enhancer

Younique 3D Fiber Lashes Mascara 

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara as a base 

Lips

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural in N50

What do you have on your face today??

    

Drugstore Beauty Must-Haves: Under $20

Drugstore Beauty Must-Haves by redlipgloss

I have slowly become a beauty product snob.

In my twenties I was MORE than happy to use drugstore beauty products for all my beauty needs.  However, since becoming a thirty-something gal, my skin is not as happy with cheaper products which can really put a dent on my credit card.  There are, though, some drugstore items I can not live without.

Batiste Dry Shampoo - This has been, and always will be, my go-to dry shampoo.  You don't need very much to have your locks smelling great and feeling less greasy.

Dial Coconut Water Body Wash - I love the smell of this body wash and how moisturizing it is.  But the smell, ladies.  If you like coconut, you will love this stuff.

L'Oreal True Match Foundation - I am a BB Cream girl but when I break out or need some extra coverage, this foundation has never steered me wrong.  So many colors to choose from, goes on silky smooth and just works for pale gals.

Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer - I bathe in this stuff during the summer months.  How great is it that you can smell like the beach by spraying your moisturizer on you.  So convenient.

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - I have been using this stuff over my BB Cream for years now.  It's light, matches my white skin and seems to last a good couple months.  Plus it's a bargain!!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Stain - Okay, so I call this a Chubby Stick because it reminds me of the Chubby Sticks that Clinique has, for half the price.  The colors are great and they wear well.  I keep about 3 on me at all times.

ELF Lipsticks -  The nude colors are brilliant especially when you have a smoky eye.  Plus, they cost about $3.  Amazing deal.

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara - As you all know, I've raved about this mascara plenty and it's been in my roster for years (I've since discovered Younique and it's now my favorite).  This mascara though is perfect for traveling or if you are out of your go-to expensive brand.

L'Oreal Light Infusing Primer - Oh ladies, if you haven't mixed this with your favorite BB Cream or foundation, you have to. It gives you a bit of highlighting without looking like you're too made up.  I am such a sucker for shimmery things.

Soap & Glory Scrub of Your Life - I typically make my own body scrub as it's easy and natural but in a pinch, this is my go-to scrub.  It smells delicious and works like a charm.

ESSIE Nail Polish - Love this brand and the price point.  It's a polish that seems to last on my nails and the colors are brilliant.

What drugstore beauty products can't you live without??

    

L'Occibox by L'Occitane and It's Finally Mine!!

On December 1st, each year, L'Occitane launches a holiday box filled with goodies for the glorious price of $20 CAD or $15 USD.  Yes, folks, you heard me right.  You get this beautiful box, filled with all the sample sized L'Occitane products you could imagine, for the small little price.

It's no wonder I can never seem to buy them online or in store.

HOWEVER, this year, ladies, it's MINE.  It's all mine!!!  I finally got my hands on this gorgeous little goodie-filled box.  YAY for me.

Check this out.  There are things wrapped in tissue paper AND items in a little orange cosmetic bag...What could possibly be in them?

Wrapped in the tissue paper (from left to right) you'll find an Ultra Rich Lotion, the Precious Cleansing Foam, the Arlesienne Velvet Hand Cream (which smells like roses), the Amande Supple Skin Oil and 2 samples of the Divine Cream.

Then, in the adorable orange cosmetic bag you'll find (from left to right) a nail file, a Shea Butter Had Cream, an Almond Hand Cream, a Verbena Hand Cream and a Cherry Blossom Hand Cream.

Seriously, you have to run out right now and get your sample pack.  The are only available until the 24th of December.....okay, so GO!

    

Do You Know When to Throw Out Your Beauty Products?

My name is Christina and I am a beauty hoarder.

I hoard lipstick, gloss, hair products, palettes and everything else that can be bought at Sephora and the like.  Do I follow the rules about when to throw out my beauty products??....not usually.

There are, however, things I DO replace consistently: mascara (every three months without fail), concealer (every year) and eyeliner (every year, sometimes before).

Do you know when to throw our your old beauty products?  If not, check out this handy dandy guide.

    

DIY Beauty Fridays: Homemade Relaxing Muscle Oil

I'm sore all the time.  This is truly something I've learned while pregnant.

I mean I am a very active person and work out a lot so sore muscles are not new to me however, being pregnant makes you feel like you have sore muscles without working out.  Seriously, my hips are getting wider, my knees ache in the morning and my back is always throbbing.

I've been told this soreness will pass BUT in the meantime, I need something to help with the achiness.

Homemade Relaxing Muscle Oil

2 cups almond or olive oil
2 TBSP dried coarsely ground ginger
24 drops eucalyptus oil

Place oil and ginger in a slow cooker for about 6 hours.  (if you don't have one, use a saucepan on very low heat).  Turn off heat and let cool.  Strain through a cheese cloth and add in oil once strained.  Use on sore body.  (Store in a cool place).

This is great stuff.  I've used this a few times in my life and it always made me feel. I will definitely be making a batch of this tomorrow.

    

Best Christmas Gifts of 2014: For Your Gal Pal

I love Christmas, more than any other holiday.  I love the lights, the trees, the food, the snowmen but my absolute favorite part is buying other people gifts, especially knowing you've found that perfect item!!  There is something so great about buying that perfect present for that special person.

These items have all been on family and friend's lists this year.  Check them out:

Christmas Gifts 2014 by redlipgloss featuring a lip gloss

Soap and Glory Soap for the Best Gift Set - Okay, if you've never tried an S&P product before, you need to run out and buy one ASAP.  No matter what it is you buy, (lotions, soap) their products are just out of this world.  $20 CAD for the set.

Urban Decay Naked on the Run Palette -  I may or may not have picked this up for a certain best friend of mine for Christmas (wink, wink).  She LOVES Urban Decay and especially loved the color combinations in this little palette.  $62 CAD from Sephora

L'Occitane "Beautiful Hands" Set - I have been a lover of the L'Occitane line for a number of years.  Their creams are very luxurious and keep my extra dry hands moisturized all winter long.  $34 CAD from Nordstrom

Buxom Full Bodied Lip Gloss (any color) - I ranted and raved about this product last night.  Long lasting, kissable colors that aren't sticky AND plump up your lips while you wear it???  Yes, please.  $22 CAD from Sephora

Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes Mascara - Have you ever wanted to try eyelash extensions?  Well, for half the price, and without the hassle, you can apply a special mascara that gives you that look.  This mascara has been raved about all over the internet.  It's no wonder there are so many replicas of it.  $35 CAD from My Site

Ole Henricksen Total Truth Eye Cream - Ole Henricksen has been a staple in my beauty regime for a few years.  This eye cream is great for people who aren't used to using one daily because it smells great and is mild for use around the eyes.  $56 CAD from Sephora

Happy shopping!!

    

Fall Haul from Sephora

For those that don't know, I have a MAJOR palette obsession.

Truly, it's bad.  There's something so special about a little kit that has EVERYTHING you need to create a beautiful smoky eye, or a kit that contains everything you need for a trip abroad.  I've tried to explain this obsession to my husband, Allan, and for some reason he just doesn't get it.  He doesn't understand why I need specific palettes for each look or why I have lip palettes and eye palettes and palettes that are lips and eyes combined.  So, I've stopped telling him that I've bought a new one and instead, hide it under the bed for a week or two and then slowly rotate it into the mix.

My recent Sephora haul consists mainly of, you guessed it, palettes and a couple other neat things I found.  I got the Sephora IT Palette (aka the Color Spectrum Eyeshadow Collection), the Sephora Spring in Soho Eye, Cheek and Lip Palette, the Buxom Lip Polish in "Christina" (how fitting) and the Pinch Minimergency Kit for Her.

Check these things out!

The Sephora IT Palette is gorgeous.  The colors inside are vibrant, bold and stunning.  I find myself drawn to jewel tones and when I saw this one on sale for 50% off, I knew it was destined to come home with me.

Inside, the palette has a highlighter and a base on the left hand side.  The colors from left to right (top row) are Rich Chocolate, Radiant Pink, Brilliant Yellow, Magnetic Aqua.  From Left to right (bottom row) are Bold Bronze, Prismatic Purple, Iridescent Green and Blue Crystal.  The black and white on the far right are the two eyeliners in the package.  Along with a few brushes, this palette is perfect for creating tons of different eye looks.

The Sephora Spring in Soho is awesome because it's small enough to keep in your purse AND has two different levels.

The first level is full of your eye shadows and brushes.

The second level, contained in a slide-out drawer, are the lip colors and the blush.  Too cute.

For those of you that have not tried a Buxom lip gloss, you have to go out right now and get one.  They are magnificent because they aren't sticky, they have amazing staying power and the have a lip plumping agent in the gloss.  I love that tingly feeling especially if it's because my lips are looking more full.  I grabbed my namesake gloss and absolutely love it.

Last but not least, is the Minimergency Kit by Pinch.  This little kit contains all of the following items: a bandage, a safety pin, earring backs, a deodrant towelette, nail polish remover pad, stain remover, clear elastics, lip balm, an emery board, a tampon, hair spray, clear nail polish, dental floss, a mending kit, breath freshener, double sided tape and some aspirin.  And the package is so tiny (hence it pictured next to my lip gloss container.)  I like it so much that I am petrified to use anything in it!

What items have you been buying recently?  Any great palettes?

    

Creating Fabulous Eyes with Younique

I was first turned on to Younique by a friend of mine who had recently begun selling the line.

I'd heard a lot about the mascara and knew I wanted something that created more volume, length and texture as my current mascaras seemed to be lacking.  I purchased the mascara and was absolutely amazed at how great the product really is.  It not only lengthens, extends and makes your lashes appear more voluminous, but it creates a whole different dimension to your lashes.

I was hooked.  Selling the line only seemed like the next natural step.

And, I've been doing just that.

Younique is a natural line, one that does not use parabens or fillers, and all the products being sold are just really good.  It's one of those things that once you try, you just have to keep trying new products from the line because they just work, really well.

There's a reason the line sells over 15,000 mascaras a day!!
If you are looking for some new products or want to try a line that's ACTUALLY good for your skin, check out my site at https://www.youniqueproducts.com/ChristinaMuir

Fabulous Eyes with Younique by redlipgloss featuring SkinCare beauty products

    

DIY Beauty Fridays: Body Pimples and Aspirin

I've posted about the miracle of aspirin on pimples before but bringing this up again because I am breaking out.....on my back.

Pregnancy makes things go haywire.  The added hormones coursing through your body has different effects on everyone and, for me, I get pimples on my back or other odd areas.

I pulled the aspirin trick out, to hopefully rectify this little "pimple problem."  For those that didn't know, aspirin works wonders on drying a pimple out and literally reduces the size tenfold, without having to pop it which causes scarring.

Aspirin Trick for Pimples

1 uncoated aspirin
2 drops of water

Let the aspirin dissolve in the water mixture, or if antsy, crush the aspirin slightly, add the water and make a paste.  Apply to clean skin and only on the affected areas.  Let dry 10 - 15 minutes and wash off with a clean warm washcloth.  Immediately apply moisturizer to the area.  Go to bed and wake up with a very small red dot!!

This trick is used all over the world and truly works.  I highly recommend you trying it.  For those that have already, what did you think?

    

Style Inspiration: Blake Lively

I cried the day my skinny jeans wouldn't do up.  Honestly, I know how silly that sounds but I was truly upset.  Two weeks ago, I had to buy my first (two) pairs of skinny maternity jeans and I almost had a conniption fit in the dressing room.  I didn't understand the sizing and the big panel at the top of the jeans scared me.

And then I put them on....

And realized how great they truly are.  Not only are they unbelievably comfortable but you no longer need to suck your tummy in when walking around.  I even got to buy the same size that I usually am in non-maternity jeans.  I've realized how absolutely in love with them I am and am still not to sure if I will ever go back to non-maternity jeans....I'm quite undecided.

Blake Lively is stunning normally but, pregnant, she is a rare gem.  Her bohemian flare has not dissipated since being pregnant and I can truly say that her pregnancy style is my inspiration.  Now, if only I had the money to shop where she shops.....

    

Winter Pregnancy Glow by redlipgloss featuring lips makeup

Quiz cape coat
29 CAD - houseoffraser.co.uk

MERONA Jordyn Slvls Ruffle Top
23 CAD - target.com

H&M MAMA Skinny Jeans
45 CAD - hm.com

H&M dark brown booties
45 CAD - hm.com

Chloé leather hobo shoulder bag
370 CAD - therealreal.com

Green pendant
32 CAD - etsy.com

NARS Cosmetics lips makeup
43 CAD - liberty.co.uk