Review: T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel

I love using witch hazel as an astringent!
I started using witch hazel as an astringent about a month ago. Within that time, I can tell such a difference my in skin tone. Witch hazel is great for oily, irritated, red, damaged, blemished or inflamed skin. Being away at college has made my skin go a little crazy: some days it's fabulous, some days it's a blemished hot mess! I blame my bad skin days on a college diet (lots of frozen dinners) and lack of sleep. Since using witch hazel, my skin looks so much better, but I still get the occasional blemish during "that time of the month." Disclaimer: witch hazel does have a fairly strong scent. It smells kinda like a bonfire (burning firewood). When I first started using it, the smell disgusted me, but I don't notice it bothering me anymore. It took me about a week to get used to the smell. Also, T.N. Dickinson's witch hazel does have 14% alcohol in it but I haven't noticed that it's dried out my skin.

When I apply and how often...
I've incorporated witch hazel in my everyday skin care routine. After I remove all my makeup, I put some witch hazel on a cotton ball and go all over my face and neck. I was surprised after using this that I was never getting off all of my makeup- now I know I am. I don't always use witch hazel in the morning...only if my skin has been more oily than usual (Note: I have combination skin). After witch hazel, I apply my moisturizer, as usual.

Hope yall don't mind the houndstooth scarf. There was a glare on the clear bottle.

The claim...
"Our 100% natural astringent gently cleanses and conditions skin without removing essential moisture."

The price...
It's about $4 at Wal-Mart and about $6 or $7 at the drugstore (prices may vary by location).

Daily Dose of Pretty...

• I've finally rotated my closet to my fall wear. While doing that, I went through all my clothes- spring/summer and fall/winter- that I'm going to give away/donate.
• Last night I made the best pork chops EVER! Ross really enjoyed them, too!
• Is anyone else amazed at how fast October went by?! I can't believe November will be here in a week and a half.

What are some of your skin care favorites?

Review: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Night Renewal Cream

Hello, everyone! I feel like it's been ages since my last post, but my classes have been so crazy that I haven't had a chance to blog. 

I am so in love with the Palmer's Cocoa Butter Night Renewal Cream. I bought this about two (maybe three) weeks ago and I can tell the biggest difference in my skin. At 24, I never thought I needed a specific night cream. To me, it seemed like something for maturing skin. However, a few weeks ago, my skin was awful, dry and dull. I purchased this night cream from Wal-Mart for $6.47. It retails for $8.47 (prices may vary by location), but there was a $2 off coupon on the box so I got it at a cheaper price. This night cream contains 2.7 oz of product. Also, Palmer's does not test on animals!

The claim...
This fast absorbing anti-aging formula is loaded with targeted skin firming and smoothing ingredients. Powerful antioxidants and peptides work together with Cocoa and Shea Butters to leave skin soft, smooth and radiant. The unique combination of these ingredients provides a luxurious cream to maintain moisture levels throughout the night for smoother, softer skin.

Beneficial Ingredients... 

• Cocoa and Shea Butters: deeply moisturize and nourish 
• Retinol: encourages skin's renewal
• Peptide Complex: supports skin structure and integrity
• Vitamin E: powerful antioxidant
• Aloe Vera: soothes and calms skin
• Milk Proteins: helps improve skin's texture and tone
• Evening Primrose: soothes stressed skin

The claim and benefits are listed above in case this is too small to read. 

My Thoughts...

After the first use, I could tell a difference in my skin; it was so much softer and continues to improve with each use. I really love that it absorbs so quickly. Whenever I used it for the first time, I wasn't sure if I liked that because I was concerned that it wasn't properly moisturizing. But, now, I love the fast absorption because I know that my skin truly is locking in that moisture. The box claims that there's a fresh white lily fragrance. If you're sensitive to fragrances, this might not be the product for you. I really enjoy the smell and have noticed the more I use this night cream, the more I get a faint whiff of Cocoa Butter...which I really like.

Daily Dose of Pretty...

• I have a review that will be up in a day or two on Witch Hazel and how I've incorporated it in my skin care routine. 
• Ross is coming to see me tomorrow! I can't wait! (:
• I talked to my grandmother the other day and found out she and my aunt made 21 fire balls for (around) New Years. I will post pictures of fireballs and what they are in a few months whenever we throw them. Yeah, I'm pretty excited about it! 
• I've picked out my classes for my last semester at Troy! I cannot wait to graduate in May and get a big girl job! (:

What is your favorite night cream?

My First Blog Award!

It might sound crazy, but I feel like I've been accepted into the cool club!

Neha gave me the "One Lovely Blog Award!" I just started blogging about a week or two ago and I already feel like I've made friends in the blogging community. (:
Thanks, Neha for thinking of me! You made my day! :)









The Rules...

• You may thank the person who nominated you...It's optional... :)
• Add The One Lovely Blog Award to your post.
• Share 7 things about yourself.
• Pass the award onto the people who u think deserve this award (not more than 15 people)

Seven Things about myself...

• I am very close to my family, friends, and of course, my boyfriend! :)
• Pointed silverware creeps me out...like when the handle comes to a point. I have my own "safety silverware" at Ross' because I don't like using the other kind.
• Nasty teeth and rank breath freak me out! With that being said, I have an slight obsession with brushing my teeth. I seriously brush about 6-8 times a day. It used to be worse until my dentist told me to chill out or not have enamel by the time I'm 25 or 30. 
• I love food! I'm a savory, not a sweet! :)
• I love to go out with friends, but I'm usually a homebody.
• Ross and I have really been into wine lately. We think we're so fancy because we now have legit wine glasses and cute wine stoppers.
• I love animals! :)

And the award goes to...
BudgetBeautiful

Daily Dose of Pretty...

• So excited to go home tomorrow and see my family!
• I went to the movies last night ($1 movie night!) with some friends. Well, actually, me and my old roommate saw something else because she didn't buy a ticket early for House at the End of the Street and they were sold out. So, we went to see Dredd and it was really good. When it first started, we were like oh gosh, a guy movie...but we both really liked it. 
• I have been obsessed with PSY's Gangnam Style and I've about got the dance down! I need to ask my friend from Korea what he's saying.

TAG: Pretty in Pink (for Breast Cancer Awareness Month)

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

I've known several women who have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer, as I'm sure many of you have, too. Even though Cervical Cancer hits closer to home- my mom lost her battle to Cervical Cancer October 27 2009- I remember getting up with her early on a Saturday in October to participate in Curves Breast Cancer Awareness walk. We participated in the walks for three years and I met the sweetest people and heard some inspiring stories. Since pink is the awareness color and a lot of people wear pink in October for awareness,  I thought it would be fun to create a tag and share our favorite pink beauty and fashion items.

Tag questions...
What is your favorite pink eyeshadow? I absolutely love the pink shade in the Walking on Eggshells trio by Wet-n-Wild. This is probably my favorite eyeshadow trio I have. I've repurchased at least three  or four times. EmilyNoel83 has duped the pink shadow to MAC'S Naked Lunch. Watch her video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YILFQeZZ5SI

What is your favorite pink blush? Elf's Blush  from the Studio line in Fushia Fusion. This is a gorgeous bright blue-pink that goes on matte. I know there is shimmer in the pan, but I don't find that my brush picks up the shimmer. Also, some really pink blushes can pull a little red on me and I like that this one doesn't. Elf's blushes are crazy pigmented (as you can see) so a little goes a long way. I think it's pretty obvious that I really like this blush!

What is your favorite pink lipstick? I recently purchased the NYX lipstick in Fig and I can already tell it's a favorite. The color is so opaque. I like this color because it's a natural-pink lipstick that packs a punch.  Oh, and the best part...these are only $3.99 at Ulta. *Picture below of me wearing NYX's Fig.*

What is your favorite pink lipgloss? My favorite is NYX's Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Beige. I have no idea why they named this lipgloss Beige when it's obviously pink, but nonetheless, it's amazing. Once again, the NYX lipglosses are so pigmented and I love the scent.

What is your favorite pink nail polish? This one was very hard, so I thought the best thing to do would be to choose the shade I wear the most because clearly that means I love it. Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear nail polish in 23- Fushia Power is a pretty classic pink. This is not a unique shade, but it's a color I wear a lot.

What is your favorite pink piece of clothing? I'm not super crazy about the high-low trend, but this sweater was the exception! This was great during the spring months when it was still a little chilly from winter. Because October is all about pink and Breast Cancer Awareness, I'll definitely wear this again...and I'm still obsessed with bright neon colors. 

People I Tag...

• EmilyNoel83 (from BeautyBroadcast)
• Crystalis007
• Michelle1218
• Hollyannnaeree
• Neha Mishra

Daily Dose of Pretty...

• I had a wonderful time in Auburn this weekend visiting Ross. On Friday we ordered pizza and just stayed in and on Saturday we made homemade lasagna and he bought us a few bottles of wine. After dinner, he took me to the movies for a date to see Lawless. We thought it was a great movie! 
• I talked to one of my besties today! I was thrilled we were able to catch up...it's been months since we've talked! 
• I also talked to my sister today and I get to babysit my niece and nephew this coming up weekend. I cannot wait! My niece is talking up a storm and my nephew just started walking not long ago! :)

Fixing to leave and watch Lawless. 

Face makeup: Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation in 100 Ivory, NYX HD concealer in CW02 Fair, Maybelline Age Rewind in Brightner, Elf Blush in Mellow Mauve (contour) and NYX blush in Summer Peach.

Eye makeup: Revlon Colorstay Quad in 500 Addictive, Elf Cream Eyeliner in Black and  Maybelline The Falsies mascara in Very Black

Lips: NYX lipstick in Fig

What are your favorite pink products?