Rimmel London Lasting Finish Foundation --- putting through the test

Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25 hr Foundation

**Quick Decision Facts**

• Applied beautifully and evenly with fingertips
• Full coverage
• Leaves skin with a flawless effect, hiding imperfections
• Ultra smooth feel
• Extremely comfortable wear
• Did not irritate my sensitive skin
• Serum really seemed to smooth things out & kept skin from drying during the day without becoming oily

 Ruling

Rimmel London's website says this is an "Instant perfect coverage that feels extra comfortable and lasts all day" and

• "Lasting Finish 25 Hour Full Coverage,our first long wear foundation with comfort serum for feel good, flawless skin that stays put morning to night.
• Stay-true makeup applies smoothly and evenly, concealing dark circles and imperfections. 
• Leaves skin looking flawless all day long. 
• Transfer resistant for up to 25 hours. 
• New skin-friendly comfort serum for instant hydration, lightweight and extra comfortable wear all day. 
• Vitamin E helps provide additional skin barrier from free radicals"

Real Chick's Ruling: I can't vouch for 25 hrs, but I can for 11 hrs! And I have to say, it remained the same coverage throughout that 11hrs (the only reason I look a bit shiny is because my dumb butt forgot about testing out the foundation and put on an SPF, and SPF's and flash photography are not friends!*Side note: do not wear an SPF on your wedding day, or any photo day) All other claims are true!!!

1) First applied         2) 6 hrs later         3) 5 hrs later = 11 hrs total

Report

This has been my 'go-to' foundation for almost a month now. It doesn't seep or settle into fine lines and I find I only have to use under eye concealer because it conceals pretty much everything else.  It stays comfortable throughout the wear, I never feel any type of irritation or just that feel we all get sometimes at the end of the day when the only thing we need to do is "get this crap off my face!"  Yep, didn't experience that with this foundation which is a big plus for me!

I put it through the ultimate test the last week, my husband and I rode our motorcycle to the beach. So, not only did it last through an 8 hr ride(going and back home), but it lasted through a bit of a rain shower, sweat, humidity, ocean and your basic after 'beachy' gunk feel. *I wore Neutrogena's Ultimate shield SPF70 sunscreen under it, and did NOT get burned, which is a miracle for me with a day at the beach! Review coming soon!* 

I highly recommend to try this foundation out, I believe dry to combination skin types would benefit from it the best. If you are more oily prone, I would say try topping it with a matte finishing powder, as it has a serum in it which gives a fresh dewy but not shiny look.

Thank you for checking out this review!!! Please check out our other reviews on here and our Facebook Page for more goodies! Also, getting a pretty awesome pile started for give-aways, but need to get a few more likes on FB and on here before I can start, so C'mon! share this post! Who doesn't like free stuff!!?!?

>>New reviews posted every week day!!!<<

**Subscribe to this blog & 'Like' us on Facebook to be entered to win contests and give-a-ways!!!

~All products shown, mentioned, or reviewed are purchased by me. I will ALWAYS give my complete honest answer! Just a reminder: We are all different, so what works for one may not work for someone else or vice-versa

Oils for your face!?....don't be shy! They're actually great!!!

Oils for your face!? Say it ain't so!

No, it's not anything new, but most people (me included) tend to shy away from oils because we automatically think, greasy, break outs, and clogged pores. But that's with mineral oils!

I learned that facial oils actually revive your skin! Giving a healthy glow, smooths out fine lines and wrinkles, helps with acne(wait, what!?), helps with oily skin(again, what!?), AND hydrates hydrates hydrates!!
I jumped feet first into the oil craze 2weeks ago after some major months of research and I have to say, until you actually use it, you will not believe it!



I have been using Josie Maran's Pure 100% Argan oil and immediately my skin looked healthier and had a glow. Ofcourse there was a bit of shine, but hey it's a freakin' oil people! I recommend using this at night, it soaks into your skin, and gives you truly radiance in the morning! I know we hear that about a lot of products, but this really does, and did not break out my sensitive skin. It has helped with dryness from these winter months and also from starting a retinol. But also has not made my oily areas even more oily. It's actually balanced and calmed my skin.


Facial oils come in all different types that cater to your needs: oils for oily prone or dry skin, oils for more mature skin for extra plumpness,oils that help with discoloration & scars, the list could go on.

 Benefits of using oils:

• Most face oils are natural, so they nourish the skin with antioxidants and fight free radicals
• Being natural also means they are gentle
• Oils are lipophilic (fat loving) they pass through the lipid layer of the skin faster, preventing water loss and plumping skin with moisture
• Diminishes fine lines and wrinkles because of the ability to plump the skin
• Treats acne prone skin
• Reduces oil production 
• Hydrates dry skin
• Excellent way to get vitamins quickly into the skin

Oils benefit all skin types! Oily, Dry, Combo, and sensitive!

*If you're oily and acne prone: this actually works with your skin, because technically your skin is dry so your body is making more and more oil because you’re overdrying it. If you’re not giving your skin any oils, it’s working overtime to create its own, hence the heavy oil production. As soon as you add oil to your skin regiment, it will calm down, heal, and produce less oil.

*If you're more dry prone: this is amazing giving you an extra boost of hydration! Facial oil is crucial for stopping the cycle of dry skin.  

How to use:

As said above, I recommend using an oil at night, not only for the over-night effect but also, when mixing an oil with your daytime sunscreen the oil could dilute the SPF protection.

When applying, you want to use the oils AFTER your moisturizer!!! because the oil creates a barrier that's sealing the moisturizer into the skin and not making the air dissipate it. If applied before, your moisturizer wouldn't be able to get through the oils, therefore defeating their purpose.

Apply oils by patting, not rubbing! Rubbing will just combine your moisturizer and oil together, but patting actually puts it on top to seal in everything.

How to choose an oil for you:

**Higher-priced oils are less refined, less (if at all) processed, and are purer. Less-expensive oils can have additives, byproducts of refining, and even bleaching processes. Less-processed means better quality oil, so basically with oils you get what you pay for.
BUT the good news is you only need a tiny bit, so it lasts for quite awhile!

Here are seven skin care oils  that are the most popular, and they come highly recommended by experts!

**If you have normal dry skin or occasional dry spots, your skin will benefit from ANY oil (obviously except Grapeseed). So no need to worry about which one is best for that purpose, look for other things you would like to benefit from. (Helpful hint if you're dry or you just don't have any other special skin-care needs; I would say get the Argan oil! Not only are you hydrating your skin, but as an extra perk, you're keeping it from aging.)

Now, for EXTREMELY dry skin:
*When saying extremely dry, I'm talkin' super dry, like, 'I've been outside in the desert and/or Antarctica for a week' dry. !!!*
Experts have said Extra Virgin Olive Oil helps. You only need a TINY bit (and make sure you cleanse your face the next morning), but says it does wonders for incredibly dry skin.

Grapeseed Oil:
Best For: Oily skin
Grapeseed oil actually helps regulate your natural oil production. Plus, it has a ton of antioxidants, including the skin-brightening vitamin, vitamin C.


Tea Tree Oil:
Best For: Acne
Studies have found that using 5% tea tree oil is as effective at treating acne as using 5% benzoyl peroxide. Dermatologists recommend it because it is a gentle, natural alternative to harsher acne treatments. Best used as spot treatment.

Argan Oil:
Best For: Anti-Aging
This very rare oil contains a high concentration of vitamin E and fatty acids. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects your skin from premature aging and repairs damaged skin. Argan Oil is more stable in sunlight than other oils, so you're safe to wear it during the day if you chose to, without the worry of getting overly burned/exposed.

Chamomile Oil:
Best For: Sensitive/Irritated Skin
This oil soothes redness and irritation in seconds; it has amazing anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for people with rosacea.


Black Currant Oil:
Best For: Skin Repair
This oil is great for after a laser treatment, too much time in the sun, or even from wind-burned. It's an amazing repair treatment because it's rich in fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory properties. It even works on eczema!

Dilo Oil:
Best For: Firming
This is rich in omegas 3, 6 and 9, which plump up fine lines and give skin a fuller look. 

Rose Hip Seed Oil:
Best For: Discoloration (from scaring or uneven skin tone) 
It contains: essential fatty acids, an antioxidant (vitamin C), and a natural retinol (vitamin A). It's ideal for protecting your skin as well as increasing cell turnover.

Even though this wasn't a review, I still hope you enjoyed getting some information to better your skin. I seriously say try it out, you will never know if you'll love it without trying it! 

Thank you for checking out this post, if you would like more info on skin care you can go Here! And please check out our other posts & reviews! 

*Don't forget to like our Facebook Page for freebies and more goodies!!!

Foundation Dupes: Drug store VS High End

Happy April 1st!

No, this isn't an April Fools joke, but thought it would be appropriate to do a 'dupes' post on some foundations. Now, if you're thinking "what the crap is she talkin' about!?" Lol, it's ok, dupes are the cheaper equivalent to a high end product. A lot of the time, you get the exact/almost exact color, consistency, finish,&look with a drugstore price.


I have been playing with high end makeup these past few days and trying to find what drug store foundation gives the same/almost the same feel, finish, & overall look. I was not disappointed in my findings! I found a drugstore foundation I actually like better than the high end one!






So starting off with my favorite dupe:

  Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation Mattifying Oil Free

$55

 

**Quick Decision Facts**

• Applied beautifully with fingertips
• Blended like a dream, didn't need any tools - just fingertips
• Gave a true flawless finish 
• Full coverage
• Had great staying power! 

1) First applied        2) 3 hours later      3) 4 hours later     4) 3 hours later = 10 hrs total wear

Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25 hr Foundation

$6.99

**Quick Decision Facts**

• Applied beautifully and evenly with fingertips
• Full coverage
• Leaves skin with a flawless effect, hiding imperfections
• Ultra smooth feel
• Extremely comfortable wear
• Did not irritate my sensitive skin
• Serum really seemed to smooth things out & kept skin from drying during the day without becoming oily

 Ruling

Rimmel London's website says this is an "Instant perfect coverage that feels extra comfortable and lasts all day" and

• "Lasting Finish 25 Hour Full Coverage,our first long wear foundation with comfort serum for feel good, flawless skin that stays put morning to night.
• Stay-true makeup applies smoothly and evenly, concealing dark circles and imperfections. 
• Leaves skin looking flawless all day long. 
• Transfer resistant for up to 25 hours. 
• New skin-friendly comfort serum for instant hydration, lightweight and extra comfortable wear all day. 
• Vitamin E helps provide additional skin barrier from free radicals"

Real Chick's Ruling: I can't vouch for 25 hrs, but I can for 11 hrs! And I have to say, it remained the same coverage throughout that 11hrs (the only reason I look a bit shiny is because my dumb butt forgot about testing out the foundation and put on an SPF, and SPF's and flash photography are not friends!*Side note: do not wear an SPF on your wedding day, or any photo day) All other claims are true!!! I actually preferred the Rimmel over the high end Hourglass foundation.

1) First applied         2) 6 hrs later         3) 5 hrs later = 11 hrs total

These two are the only ones I have put through the claims test so far, the others were just to see what felt, looked, and wore like each other.

 Dupes

*Each high-end foundation had the same texture, feel, wear, look, etc. as the drugstore version. Some with only slight differences & some were the exact same.*

                    Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk              CoverGirl NatureLuxe liquid silk

$62 VS $4.95

                    MAC liquid                                                          Revlon Colorstay

$27 VS $8.89

       Estee Lauder Double Wear                   Revlon Colorstay (offers a bit more coverage)

$37 VS $8.89

NARS Sheer Glow                                                                        Loreal True Match (lasts longer &                                                                                                   holds oils better, click to see my review)

                   $45 VS $5.99 - 7.59

Giorgio Armani Maestro                                 Loreal Magic Nude

$64 VS $6

 (owned by the same company, identical in texture)

MAC Mineralize SkinFinish                                       Physician's Formula Mineral Wear

$32 VS $11.49

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder                                           CoverGirl TrueBlend Minerals

(offers a bit more coverage)

$39 VS $7.94

I will be doing more dupes soon! Please check out other reviews here and our Facebook Page for more goodies!

>>New reviews posted every week day!!!<<

**Subscribe to this blog & 'Like' us on Facebook to be entered to win contests and give-a-ways!!!

~All products shown, mentioned, or reviewed are purchased by me. I will ALWAYS give my complete honest answer! Just a reminder: We are all different, so what works for one may not work for someone else or vice-versa

Skin Care 101 --- The Basics & some tips for beautful skin

Finally Friday! Whoop Whoop!!!

So instead of a review today, I thought I would talk some on skin care. Now, I know a lot people know these things and are set in there ways, and that's totally A-OK! This is NOT some post saying 'you need to do this' or 'use that' or blah blah blah, I just thought that it would be nice to have either 1) a refresher of information or 2)if you are new to skin care(or like I was, pretty clueless & overwhelmed), learn what benefits your skin.

 It's never too late!

I know I slacked off on skin care in my early to mid 20's and am kicking myself for it! But it is never too late to start taking care of the one thing people see the most!!! 

You may have scaring or discoloration or damaged the crap outta your skin throughout the years but here's the good news, if you start taking care right now, it will not get worse. There are TONS of products out there designed specifically to those issues and most work great.....ofcourse, if it is extremely bad it will not completely take it away but why wouldn't you want to atleast make it better/less visible!?

Why am I doing this?

7 or 8 months ago I pretty much 'woke up' about "hey this is my skin, I need to take care of it" and have been obsessed and on a skin care kick ever since, with amazing results!

I never really had much knowledge other than wash, or wipe with a makeup remover cloth(which,to my surprise, wipes should not be your only removal aid, I'll explain further down).

I was overwhelmed by all the products, didn't know what to use first or what was the best for my skin, or what to use with what(like serums and oils). I figured my research and findings could possibly help someone else out or just refresh your skin-care knowledge.

I found out, to be honest, it's trial and error and will change from time to time because our body and the environment changes. But once you get the basics down, know your skin type, and how your skin reacts to certain products then it's smooth sailing my friends!

Story time

haha jk, My previous skin-care habits (and maybe you're guilty of it too)

So just a bit of background...

• I was extremely bad about not washing my face every night. If I had makeup on, I would use a hot washcloth to wipe it off and hit the hay. Whoops...
• Oh and I NEVER took my mascara off! How bad is that!?
• I occasionally would give my face a good washin' when I remembered but really, I just wiped and went. No wonder I always had breakouts!
• I would just wake up, put on make-up and be out the door(also, my makeup applying skills consisted of extremely fast,ruff pressing down with a brush and powder)

Now the Good Stuff

Okay, now that I have already talked your ear off (or wait, how would that work on here,maybe exhausted your eyes,lol) and probably bored you.....WAKE UP, it's time for the good stuff!

I will give a step-by-step guide of which products to use in which order, and then a more detailed description of how-to use it, why/if you need to, and tips for each step.

Let's start with morning skin-care routines:

• Cleanse
• apply a serum (optional)
• apply under eye cream (doing this before your moisturizer helps give you a barrier if you're using a moisturizer with retinol in it.)
• MOISTURIZE!
• Apply spot acne medication if needed (doing this after a moisturizer helps protect that area from getting dried out by the benzoyl peroxide &/or salicylic acid)

Nightly routine: Remove makeup before cleansing, OR if you wear a lot of makeup, start out with an oil cleanser(bc it will remove all that eye makeup as-well) and then cleanse with a regular cleanser for a true clean.

If you just wear the regular makeup or want to do it the regular way here's those steps:

• Remove eye makeup
• Clean off makeup with a cleansing wipe(either pre-moistened  or a dry one you wet)
• Cleanse (either by hand or with a facial cleansing item, like a clarisonic)
• Apply under eye cream, balm, etc.
• MOISTURIZE!
• Pat on an oil (optional, but very beneficial and your skin will thank you)

Extra optional steps to better other skin needs

• Hydrate your lips (balm,serum,cream,butter,etc. whatever gives hydration)
• Don't forget the hands! That is the first thing that ages!!! And use SPF on them because think how much the sun hits the tops of our hands while we drive!

Descriptions, Info & Tips 

First off, know it is extremely important to cleanse every morning and night. Even if you do not wear makeup; sweat, bacteria, dirt, and pollution in the air get into our pores through the day and need to be cleaned out in-order to prevent break-outs,dullness,dryness, etc. 

Some skin types may not like being washed twice a day (ex: over dryness) and for those types it is best to use a cleansing water in the morning and doing the actual cleansing wash at night.

Make-up removal:

It is best to use a make-up removal wipe to take off all of your make-up because basic cleansers alone do not thoroughly dissolve sunblock or long-wearing makeup.

DO NOT have the wipe as your final removal step!! Those wipes may take everything off but many have harsh chemicals and preservatives that can cause irritation and dryness if not washed off the face. The safest is to use a natural product or something from the Simple line. But always, always, always cleanse afterwards! 

• Begin with eye makeup removal: holding eye makeup removing solution on a cotton pad on your eye for 10 seconds so it can dissolve your mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow, then swipe
• With a facial cloth, start with the center of your face, removing the makeup as gently as possible
• Even use the back if needed, until it wipes clear

Cleansing:

Any cleanser is great. There are plenty of different types to choose from, it's just trial and error to see which one your skin likes best.

• **For a TRUE clean, count to 60 while massaging into face and neck. It gives the best, fullest clean.(I know it seems like forever but it truly makes sure all dirt and oils are thoroughly removed) 
• Rinse with lukewarm water because it breaks down residue better than cold and isn't drying like hot. 
• Wet a washcloth and pat all over face and neck, do not rub, it will cause irritation.

>**Apply what ever products you use directly after cleansing, while your skin is still damp and pores are open!**<

Optional would be applying a serum right after cleansing, it penetrates deep into the skin and sets it for your moisturizer

MOISTURIZE moisturize MOISTURIZE!:

It is crucial to moisturize your skin if you care anything about it's hydration, aging, and over-all appearance. Whether it is a day cream, night cream, BB cream, any type of moisturizer helps nourish your skin. I have recently gotten into the specialty moisturizers like those with retinol in them. I will be doing a retinol post soon showing how they are actually amazing for your skin! 

Oils:

These are optional but extremely beneficial for your skin! I am working on a post now for Monday about oils and how they work with our skin.

It is best to use an oil AFTER applying your moisturizer because it actually locks in that moisture and is a barrier so the air doesn't weaken it's features.

Posts on Oils, retinols, eye creams and more coming very soon!

 

I hope you found this informative! If you would like more skin-care posts like this please comment or like this post and I will gladly do more(I love it!)

Please check out my reviews and our  Facebook Page for more goodies!

>>New reviews posted every week day!!!<<

Stay tuned for more great products!!!

**Subscribe to this blog & 'Like' us on Facebook to be entered to win contests and give-a-ways!!!

~All products shown, mentioned, or reviewed are purchased by me. I will ALWAYS give my complete honest answer! Just a reminder: We are all different, so what works for one may not work for someone else or vice-versa

L'oreal True Match Foundation --- *Putting it to the test*

 Hello Lovelies!

Getting behind on my postings because I'm trying to catch up and spending all my time trying a ton of new products out these last few days!
And here's one I tried yesterday. Yay! Puttin' foundation to the test is one of my favs!!

*COMING SOON*(..."to a theater near you",ok, ok I couldn't help myself) I just got in a huge Sephora order with all types of products. So really awesome things coming soon, more drug store and now high end products! =)

L'oreal True Match

Super - blendable foundation --Light Ivory W2

 **Quick Decision Facts**

• Medium coverage
• Had to apply a powder on top, it was too 'dewy' looking,after that it looked perfect
• Didn't seep or enhance fine lines and creases
• Had a great staying power
• No fragrance
• Held up 9hrs with no shine & only a tiny redness visible
• Not easy to blend(I was using a damp beauty blender, I will try just fingers next time)
• Comes in 33 shades, including warm,cool, and neutral tones
• Claims to have precision match but it was a bit too light for me

 *Ruling*

L'oreal's website claims: "With patented color technology, True Match™ Makeup precisely matches your skin’s tone and texture." "Formulated with Precise Match™ Technology so you can control coverage and fine-tune it. Ultra-pure formula contains no oils, fragrances, or pore-clogging fillers, so all you see is beautiful, radiant, flawless skin. With Vitamins A and C, wheat germ and grape fruit extract to keep your skin nourished, protected and healthy."
 Real Chick's Ruling: I have mixed feelings about this foundation. I feel the claims for the true shade match is just the fact that there are 33 of them; no special technology. It is true however that there are no fragrances, oils, or clogged pores. Wears beautifully! For a more detailed description, read below in the Report.

 1st: Freshly applied     2nd: 3hrs later        3rd: 6hrs later = 9hours total wear
After 9hrs I was surprised to have no shine and just a tiny bit of redness under my nose(but I think that's mainly from me getting over being sick) This held up extremely well throughout my errands on a pretty hot day.

Report

Putting the claims aside, I feel this is a great foundation! It has great staying power and didn't seep into fine lines nor 'move' during the wear. BUT they make claims for a reason and you expect them to live up to 'em.

I feel they go on and on about this 'precise match technology', when really it's just 33 shades and you choose what tone you are and go from there....not any 'changing' within the product when it is on your face. I know for a fact that Almay's Smart Shade Foundation does change when applied to the face. It truly works with your skin tone, heck it even comes out white at first, then blends into your own tone.......THAT is how a true matching 'technology' should work, not them making 33 shades and having the consumer pick a shade and then calling it a 'technology'.

So, will I wear this again? Yes! Would I recommend it? Yes! But I still feel it's crappy the way companies draw you in with such high claims...you never know which is true, and you hardly come out lucky(like with this one) when they're not and end up with just a sucky product.

So besides the 'true match' claim, I really liked this foundation. I used a beauty blender to apply it with and it took forever to blend, maybe it does better with fingers. Also, for me, it gave a dewy/wet look that I thought may dry while I was getting ready but it didn't so I applied a loose translucent powder on top, and that worked perfectly!

Thank you for checking out this review!!! Please check out the others on this blog and also our Facebook Page for more goodies!

>>New reviews posted every week day!!!<<

Stay tuned for more great products!!!

**Subscribe to this blog & 'Like' us on Facebook to be entered to win contests and give-a-ways!!!

~All products shown, mentioned, or reviewed are purchased by me. I will ALWAYS give my complete honest answer! Just a reminder: We are all different, so what works for one may not work for someone else or vice-versa

Maybelline 24hr Color Tattoo Eyeshadows ---HOT or NOT!?

OH how I've missed ya'll!!! <3

Thank you for being patient with me while I have been sick...this one hit me hard! I am back in action and ready to roll! 
***Have some giveaways coming up, so make sure you like our Facebook Page and for an even greater chance, subscribe to this blog! Giveaways will be more frequent the more likes we get!!!


Now, back to the good stuff!

Maybelline 24hr Color Tattoo Metal Eyeshadows

Silver & Gold rush

**Quick Decision Facts**

• Color shows AMAZINGLY
• No fall out
• Does not crease
• Easy to apply - applied best with fingertips
• Eyeliner applied right over it without any product pickup or smudging 
• Did not even need primer
• Does not irritate sensitive eyes or contact wearers 
• Stayed on 11hrs without smudging or fading 

*Ruling*

Maybelline's website says "Ink technology creates 24HR wear shadow for our most intense, long-lasting color saturation." "Cream formula glides on without creasing and keeps color vibrant."
Real Chick's Ruling: I can't fully say this will last for 24hrs but it DID last 11hrs for me without budging, so I believe it's safe to say it could possibly! All other claims have been true! I 100% recommend these! I'm gettin' me some more of these suckers!

11hr difference and the longer I wore it the better it looked!(please do not judge the face, it was a foundation fail!)

Wore this one for 9hrs! I applied the color tattoos silver in the inner corner, stopping at mid lid. You can tell the darker color on the crease and middle lid (L'oreal infallible eyeshadow) began to fade. But good 'ole color tattoos stayed put!

This was the look with the silver. I have somewhat hooded eyelids, so my eyeshadow sometimes does not show, but this (especially in person) showed beautifully.

I say go out and 'getcha some! I know I am! They have different types as well, like a matte version called the leathers.

Thank you for checking out this review!!! Please check out the others on this blog and also our Facebook Page for more goodies!

>>New reviews posted every week day!!!<<

Stay tuned for more great products!!!

**Subscribe to this blog & 'Like' us on Facebook to be entered to win contests and give-a-ways!!!

~All products shown, mentioned, or reviewed are purchased by me. I will ALWAYS give my complete honest answer! Just a reminder: We are all different, so what works for one may not work for someone else or vice-versa

UPDATE: my MIA staus

Hey ya'll!

So sorry it's been so long since I have posted a review. Wanted to tell you why I've been missing in action these few days; I have bronchitis, on top of a sinus infection, on top of a double ear infection...so needless to say, I've been down for the count. I am starting to feel kinda like a human again,lol, so very soon I will be back to posting everyday! Didn't want anyone thinking I was stopping my blog! Oh no, this has become an obsession lol. So please bare with me a few more days and I'll be back at it....right now though, I just took my antibiotics and prednisone and hopefully will be unconscious the rest of the day lol.

Love you all!

*Thrifty Thursday*- deals from Rite Aid,Target,CVS, & more

 Happy *Thrifty Thursday*!

Not many great deals this week, hopefully this Sunday will bring us better ones! =)

Rite Aid:

Physician's Formula
Spend $15 or more, get $10 in UP rewards


BIC Flex 4, Hybrid and Soleil Disposables on sale $5.99 --$1 UP reward purchasing one
 - $3 off (1) disposables in SS 3/8 coupon
Pay = $2.99 out of pocket
Get $1 UP reward when you purchase one
Making your razors $1.99 after coupon and reward


CVS:

Clean & Clear --MONEY MAKER
Buy Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser 1 oz. (travel size) $1.19
Get $8 Extra Bucks when you purchase 3 (travel size included!)
Pay = $3.57 out of pocket
Get $8 extra bucks.....that gives you a $4.43 Money Maker!

Walmart

BIC Sensitive Razors 12-Count – $2.82
Use (1) $3 BIC Coupon found in 3/8 SS
Final Cost= FREE

Target:

SoftLips Cubes - on sale $3.14

Deal ideas:
Buy (1) Softlips cube at $3.14
-$2 off (1) coupon in paper SS 3/8 or at Smartsource's website
= $1.14 for 1

OR an even better deal!

Buy (2) Softlips cube = $6.28
-Use (2) $2 off (1) from paper SS 3/8 or at SmartSource's website
PLUS - $1 off $5 or more Target Coupon
=1.28 for both! That's $0.64 each on a regular $3.49 item!

 TRESemme Hair Care Products on sale $3.99
$5 gift card when you purchase 4

Deal idea:

Purchase (4) TRESemme Hair Care Products
-(4) $1.50 off one in SS 3/8 
Pay = $9.96 out of pocket
Get $5 gift card, making it $4.96 for 4!

Colgate Optic White toothpaste on sale $3.99
Get $5 gift card when you purchase 3

Deal Idea:
Buy (3) Optic white toothpastes
- use(3) $2.00 off (1)  optic white coupon at coupons.com
Pay = $5.97 out of pocket
Get $5 gift card,  making it $.97 for all 3!

*First Impressions* Some Hits & Misses

Happy Humpday Love Bugs! 

Welcome! Today is all about those First Impressions! 

I've got a good pile of new things I have just tried and wanted to share some of what I will be purchasing again! 
This is basically me trying out new skin care/hair care/etc. items for the first time and giving you honest feedback of how that product performed. I do this with make-up as well in my HOT or NOT posts ;-)

First up is something that surprised the heck 'outta me!

 

L'oreal Total Repair 5  Restoring shampoo and conditioner

I purchased this bc of a deal going on at CVS, assuming it was going to be just like all the other shampoos I have used. I WAS WRONG!

• Both shampoo and conditioner have a very nice light scent, not so strong that it smells like you sprayed perfume in your hair.
• Nice texture for both. Shampoo gave a great lather and the conditioner silky smooth
• I did not feel/see the effects of these products until my hair dried...then BAM I was bombarded with all kind of results:

• 1st: my hair was noticeably bouncier than it's ever been(no lie or exaggeration, it really was!)  
• 2nd: It just 'felt' healthier, it was just more silky,not coarse, shine
• 3rd: My ends noticeably looked better after the first use. I used it again last night and this morning they look even better, so the product continues to work more and more with each use.
• 4th: my hair stayed cleaner for longer. I am lucky with my curly hair and can go every 2 days(or sometimes longer,let's not kid ourselves) without washing my hair, I do get greasy after a few days but I found between the 2 times I have used this, it never did get greasy or flat! My first wash was LAST Tuesday(don't judge me, was seeing how long the product would last) and then again Yesterday(THIS Tuesday), and I have to say, it could have gone longer! It never got greasy, stayed shiny & bouncy, and never looked dull or flat! But seriously, it had been a week, I needed to wash my hair,lol 

Needless to say, this is something I will be buying again and again!

 Sticking with the shower stuff, I'll just follow with these 2 body washes:

 

Caress Evenly Gorgeous - exfoliating

It's really nice, don't get me wrong, but I guess I was expecting a bit more exfoliating crystals than it contained. But it's still a decent product. I think I will be trying a different 'flavor' next time around.

It feels to me the same feeling I get with my Bath & Body Works Signature scents body wash...just a plain body wash. No special softness after the shower, but also was not drying. I have heard rave reviews over Caress and maybe I just didn't pick the right one, I'll try more and see if it's any different!

Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash

I check out Target and Walmart websites for samples, and score pretty awesome things! This is one of the samples I got from Walmart.

• It has an extremely smooth and rich texture
• gives an all over silky feel to your skin
• Truly feels as though it is nourishing it, even after washing off and drying, leaves skin feeling very smooth.
• Usually by the next day my elbows will start to get a little rough, but after using this and following with AMBI creamy oil lotion, I'm still extremely smooth. I believe this wash would have a lasting effect even if you did not apply lotion after your shower, it's just that extremely nourishing. (Ever since high school, I ALWAYS moisturize after a shower,during the middle of the day, and before bed. Is there an addiction anonymous for lotion users!?)
• Has a nice light fragrance, and I do believe they have some fragrance free as-well

I will be purchasing a bigger version of this wash because it truly has made a difference in one use of how my skin feels.

Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion for very dry skin

It's a really nice product....WHEN YOU REMEMBER TO USE IT! By the time I finish up my shower, I've forgotten this step,lol. BUT when it is used, you do feel the difference. It gives a moisturizing feel after you've dried off (which it should bc they even put a warning on it saying not to use it on the bottom of your feet or you may slip,lol wow...yea it's true, it gets pretty slippery, but it's worth it).

>Battle of the hand lotions!<

First up:

 

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand cream

• It's a nice cream once it warms on your hands, but until it does that, it leaves your hands very sticky! Usually I have to apply it, let it sit for a few minutes, then massage into hands because it's just too sticky to move when first applied. 
• I didn't see or feel immediate results like it says it does. 
• I put it on at night and did not feeling it in the morning. 
• Also, the spin cap is pretty annoying, please if you're gunna do hand cream, give us a pop cap, that we can use one handed!

Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Hand Cream

This stuff is BY FAR the winner!!!

•  It is so rich and creamy that you can sit there and just massage into your hands for as long as you want. 
• It absorbs quick, but leaves you feeling hydrated and nourished without being greasy. 
• My husband and I both felt and saw results immediately. After 3 days it healed his extremely cracked skin and kept it hydrated throughout his work day(without being slippery). 
• It has 'positive ions' that help keep moisture attached to the skin so the lotion stays even through washing your hands. 
• I have even gone a few days without using it and can tell the difference it has made in my hands. 
• Can apply at bedtime and still feel it the next morning
• HAS A POP TOP, YAY! One handed things are my friend,lol!

Hope you enjoyed some of these First Impressions. I did not want to do too many and it seem like a book to read,lol, so I broke it down to a few now and a few later. Thanks for checking us out!

~Make sure you also check out my reviews on here and Real Chick's Reviews Facebook Page (with deals and FREEBIES)!

 

*>New Reviews are posted daily!<*

 

**Don't forget to 'like' our Facebook page and subscribe to the blog to be entered into the monthly giveaways!!!!

  

~All products shown, mentioned, or reviewed are purchased by me. I will ALWAYS give my complete honest answer! Just a reminder: We are all different, so what works for one may not work for someone else or vice-versa

CoverGirl Outlast All-day lipcolor --- All day!? Putting it to the test!

Hello Lovelies! 

Hope you had a great Sunday Funday and are gearing up for a fan-freakin'-tastic week ahead!

I have come to find out that my favorite thing is putting products to the test! Why make the claims if you can't back them up..ohh that's right, to sucker us into buying them,lol. Some products are true to their claims, while others are only semi true and some just flat out lie! I cannot wait to see what products to-come fall into each of these categories.

CoverGirl Outlast All-day Lipcolor

Bronze Beauty

**Quick Decision Facts**

• Beautiful color with little application
• Dries fast (is very sticky after drying,top coat recommended)
• Top coat gives a gloss effect, while soothing your lips
• Once dried, color does not come off on top coat applicator 
• Tested 10 minutes later, did not come off on paper towel, hand, or glass
• Gets dry after an hour, re-applying top coat is a must(if you go too long without applying the top coat, it gets flaky and gritty)
• Did not stand up to it's 16 hr claim
• Started coming off after first meal, was barely there after second meal

*Ruling*

The box and online claim it "lasts up to 16 hrs, through breakfast, lunch, and dinner."

Real Chick's Ruling: Really!? 16 hours, through 3 meals? Sounds too good to be true and it is. It started coming off after the 1st meal. Then after the second, it was barely showing, only visible on the very top outline. It does great when not eating or drinking...I believe you could get a good 3 - 4 hours of full, lasting color. NOT 16 and after 3 meals!

Report

Usually with a lip product with any staying power, it dries out your lips during and after. Surprisingly, afterwards my lips were not dry and screaming for moisture. I did have to keep applying the top coat every hour or sooner, which became a hassle. The color never came off on any object(napkin, cup, etc.) throughout the time wearing it, it only faded from the lips.  I do not recommend planning to use this for a long period of time(6+hours) with the trust that it will hold up; it won't! BUT, If you are looking for a really nice lipcolor to stay put for a few hours, then this one is the ticket! They have a beautiful selection of shades, and this color was gorgeous on!

Check back soon because there's more products I've been putting to the test!  

 

 

 ~Thank you SO much for checking out this review! Make sure you also check out the other reviews and Real Chick's Reviews Facebook Page (with deals and FREEBIES)!

 

*>New Reviews are posted daily!<*

 

**Don't forget to 'like' our Facebook page and subscribe to the blog to be entered into the monthly giveaways!!!!

  

 

 

 

 

~All products shown, mentioned, or reviewed are purchased by me. I will ALWAYS give my complete honest answer! Just a reminder: We are all different, so what works for one may not work for someone else or vice-versa