Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Dermagist - Review and Giveaway

I received product for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.


It wasn't until just a few years ago that I really started taking care of my skin.  As I noticed the fine lines and undereye circles, I became more aware of the importance of using products to moisturize and repair my skin.  As I've tried out and tested different products, I've noticed some are more effective than others.

Dermagist, a company with a commitment to industry scientific advancement, has a product line of anti-aging and daily skin maintenance formulas.  The company takes known, brand name ingredients and combines them into unique and specialized formulas.  In addition, Dermagist has introduced Metahylate®, a one-and-only blend from the scientists at Dermagist. 


I was given the opportunity to try the Instant Effect Lifting Serum from Dermagist, a skin formula that claims to instantly tighten skin comfortably with no film.  Plus, with powerful peptides like Matrixyl, it targets wrinkles long-term.  This instant-effect product undertakes a two-pronged approach. First is the instant effect it provides on wrinkles and lines. The second aspect is that it aims to help the wrinkles on a long term basis by saturating them with replenishing, specially engineered moisture particles.

I've been applying the Instant Effect Lift Serum daily for a couple weeks now onto my face and neck.  Pumping out a couple of dollops, I apply it onto freshly washed skin.  The serum is milky white in color and goes on clear.  It doesn't take a lot for a single application.  After using it for some time now, I've seen noticable changes in my skin.  The fine lines are less visible and there's more softness.  When it's applied, the serum quenches my face and feels like it's been saturated with moisurization.  The bottle itself is rather small and the price for the product is a little pricey.  With that said, I can see an improvement in my skin's texture and a little goes a long way.  



Win It!

One person will win Instant Effect Lifting Serum ($79 ARV).

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA and Canada.  If you have previously won a Dermagist giveaway, you are not eligibile to win this one.*

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Gatsby-Insired Makeup from Rimmel London - Giveaway

I received no compensation for this post.  I will be receiving products for review.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.


The long-awaited film, The Great Gatsby, has opened and the beauty inspiration from the film did not disappoint. From subtle, baby-pink nails to deep berry lips and flirty, long lashes, Rimmel London has all of the beauty essentials you need to create a 1920’s-inspired makeup look.

Paint on a flawless canvas with Match Perfection Foundation. Offering traceless coverage and perfectly flawless skin under any light, the SPF 18 foundation is the perfect first step in achieving the perfect complexion. $8.99

Smooth on Rimmel’s Stay Matte Pressed Powder, which contains natural minerals to control shine for up to 5 hours and helps to diminish the appearance of pores. $5


Take your lashes from day to night, whether you’re going for a flapper-esque fringe or a more subtle look with Rimmel’s Glam’Eyes Day 2 Night Mascara. The 2-in-1 cap contains a daytime formula to lengthen and define, and a nighttime formula to thicken, adding oversized volume. $7.99

Rimmel’s Moisture Renew Lip Colour contains three super moisturizes to hydrate lips and leave them up to 60% smoother, as well as SPF 18 to protect. To get the deep, wine-stained look of the 1920’s, try Burgundy Shine or Berry Queen. $6.79

Finish your look with perfectly subtle, polished tips. Rimmel’s Lasting Finish Pro Nail Lacquer in Pink Bliss is the perfect shade to recreate the flawless nails of the 1920’s. $3.99

Win It!

Three people will win Gatsby-Inspired Makeup from Rimmel London that includes:

Match Perfect Foundation
Stay Matte Pressed Powder
Glam'Eyes Day 2 Night Mascara
Moisture Renew Lip Color
Lasting Finish Pro Nail Lacquer in Pink Bliss


a Rafflecopter giveaway

She's One Smart Cookie

Emma's hard work at school has paid off.  She received a medal for high honors.  Gotta say I'm quite proud of her!

Monday, May 20, 2013

4-in-1 Detoxifying Cleanser from Biore - Giveaway

I received no compensation or product for this post.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

With all we do throughout our day, the word “multitasker” doesn’t begin to describe most of our busy lives. So why shouldn’t your facial cleanser follow suit? Bioré’s 4-in-1 Detoxifying Cleanser cleans, tones, detoxifies, refreshes and truly does it all – just like you.

This unique, oil-free self-foaming cleanser wipes out over 93% of impurities, dirt and oil to leave skin healthier-looking and refreshed. “The easiest way to get on a good skincare regimen is to use effective multi-purpose products, like Bioré Skincare’s 4-in-1 Detoxifying Cleanser—cutting down on the products you use can help you stick to good skincare habits,” says Bioré consulting dermatologist Dr. Sapna Westley.

Win It!

Three people will each win Bioré Skincare 4-in-1 Detoxifying Cleanser.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Crest & Oral-B Pro-Health Stages and America's ToothFairy - Giveaway

I received products in exchange for this post.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

New to your local Walmart are toothbrushes and toothpaste that feature the fun-loving monsters from the upcoming movie, Monsters University. Children can start and end their days with Sulley and Mike while keeping their smiles bright and healthy!
Look for these NEW Monsters, Inc. Crest & Oral-B Pro-Health Stages products in your local Walmart:

Crest Pro-Health Stages Monsters, Inc Toothpaste

Makes brushing fun and provides effective cavity protection in a mild gel formula.

Make sure that children under 6 years old use a pea-sized amount, and instruct them in good brushing and rinsing habits (to minimize swallowing).

Oral-B Stages Monsters, Inc. Toothbrush

Designed for kids ages 5 to 7 years, the Stages 3 Monsters, Inc. Toothbrush helps kids brush their best!

At this stage, molars start to grow in while some baby teeth are lost. Kids can brush, but they’re still learning good technique. Sometimes they brush only one side of teeth, and they can’t always reach back teeth.

The Stages 3 Monsters, Inc. Toothbrush

Helps protect tender gums

Surrounds and cleans teeth

Helps kids reach their back teeth

Fits little hands still learning to brush

Makes brushing fun with Monsters, Inc. characters!


Monsters Can Be Fun and So Can Trips to the Dentist With These Tips from America's ToothFairy!

Fear of the unknown can have a negative impact on a child’s feelings toward their dental visits. Ensuring that your child is familiar with the dental practice and the people that are going to help them keep their smile healthy will ease their fears and make the dental visit go smoothly.

Visit the dentist with your child prior to their first appointment. Help your child understand what to expect on their visit by taking a tour of the practice and asking the dental assistant or dental hygienist to explain what will be done and demonstrate how each instrument will be used. Not only will this help ease your child’s fears, but it also creates a wonderful learning opportunity!

For slightly order children, bring them along to observe your routine dental cleaning and exam. This will allow them to ask questions, see how each instrument will be used, eliminate potential fears by observing your experience and help them understand the importance of practicing good oral health behaviors. (Contact your dental office prior to your appointment to advise them that your child will be with you.)

Regular dental visits will enable your child to develop a sense of familiarity and comfort with the dental team and practice as well provide vital preventive care necessary for a healthy smile.

Reinforcing concepts such as daily brushing and flossing, by posting a calendar and rewarding your child a gold star or sticker for every day of excellent oral care. Help get your child excited about their next dental visit by bringing the calendar with you to show the dentist.

Allow your child to bring their favorite toy or blanket with them on their dental visit to give them an added sense of security and comfort.

Reading can have a soothing and calming effect on your child. Bring their favorite book to read to them during their dental appointment.

Let your child wear a costume on their dental visit. This special treat can help them view going to the dentist as a fun activity.

Be positive about going to the dentist. Avoid grumbling about your own dental appointments and help your child understand that going to the dentist helps them keep their smiles healthy! This is important because after all, the ToothFairy likes to collect healthy teeth!   Sign up for the America's ToothFairy Kids Club at www.AmericasToothFairyKids.org. Members of this club receive quarterly fun, educational activities, tips and personalized letters from the ToothFairy. 
Win It!

One person will win 2 Crest Pro-Health Stages Monsters, Inc. Toothpastes (4.2 oz. ea.) and 2 Oral-B Stages Monsters, Inc. Toothbrushes.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*
a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's Official: Allyson's A Graduate!

(Allyson with her half-sister, Emma)

Allyson is officially a high school graduate.  Commencement was Sunday afternoon in a school gym with no circulation and lots of sweaty people.  It was the same as any other graduation speech:  Be proud of who you are, look forward to the future, set your goals high, yada, yada, blah, blah. 

It was the first high school graduation I've ever been to where there were seven valedictorians (I thought it was a special spot reserved for one graduate) and one salutatorian.  And we got to hear speeches from EVERY.ONE. of them.

(Allyson with her dad)

Even through endless speeches, rubbing elbows with strangers, and sweating every last ounce of makeup off, I'd attend it all over again.  I'm super proud of Allyson and her hard work.  Next fall she'll be attending the local university, majoring in graphic design. 

(me and Allyson)

Georgia May Jagger Rocks Rimmel in Cannes‏ - Giveaway

I received no compensation or product for this post.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.


British Beauty Georgia May Jagger brought a touch of London edge and cool to the French Riviera. All eyes were on Georgia as she lit up the red carpet in a stunning fiery vibrant red Cavalli dress with plunging neckline, perfectly set off with this season’s hottest Rimmel London make-up look.

Check out how to get Georgia’s camera-ready, sultry look with Rimmel London’s beauty essentials:

Gerogia’s skin was flawless, thanks to Rimmel’s 9in1 BB Cream in Light ($6.99). Her natural fresh face look was then complemented with a light summer glow on her cheekbones using Rimmel’s SunShimmer Shimmering Maxi Bronzer in Sun Kiss ($7.99).

Georgia’s mesmerizing eyes were accentuated with Rimmel ScandalEyes Shadow Stick in Bad Girl Bronze complemented with Rimmel ScandalEyes Shadow Stick in Bulletproof Beige ($4.49 each) to give a subtle touch of highlight to her eyelids, and perfectly finished with a rich coat of Rimmel ScandalEyes Lycra Flex Mascara in Black ($6.99).

But the real hero to her gorgeous red carpet look was the stunning stand-out signature red Rimmel Moisture Renew Lip Colour in Red Alert ($6.79) that perfectly matched her Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Nail Lacquer Stiletto Red ($3.99) manicure. The Great Gatsby look perfected and personified.

Win It!

Three people will each win Rimmel London beauty products that includes:

Rimmel’s 9in1 BB Cream in Light
Rimmel ScandalEyes Shadow Stick in Bad Girl Bronze
Rimmel ScandalEyes Shadow Stick in Bulletproof Beige
Rimmel ScandalEyes Lycra Flex Mascara in Black
Rimmel Moisture Renew Lip Colour in Red Alert
Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Nail Lacquer Stiletto Red
Rimmel’s SunShimmer Shimmering Maxi Bronzer in Sun Kiss

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway