Quick Beauty Favorites

I've always been a fan of products that make my beauty routine easier and faster, but since becoming a mom, I worship these products! Here are a few that I have been hooked on...

OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil To Go
The key word is 'to go.' I love this stuff. I've always been a huge fan of OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil but the 'to go' version is genius. Who wants to carry around a far of this in their purse, just waiting to leak or spill? This makes it easy to keep my cuticles moisturized during this miserable Michigan winter. I like to apply it before I put my winter gloves on, letting it soak in real good while I'm driving with my gloves on.

Benefit Cosmetics Lollitint
I can feel confident and get out the door really quick with this stuff. A swipe on both my cheeks gives me great color that makes me look ready to conquer the day (even though I'm probably running on limited sleep). The purple undertones mask redness in my face. I also use this on my lips as well, with a gloss over it. 

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm
Michigan winters are harsh on faces! We're currently in the middle of Snowmagedden and I'm pretty much snowed in for the next few days. My poor lips have been so dry being outside in the cold and inside the house with heat on. I recently received a sample of Nuxe Reve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm and fell in love. I normally prefer petroleum based balms but this one contains beeswax and I love how it feels on my lips. It's not drying at all. Goes on smooth and has lasting power. 


*This post contains affiliate links

LipMonthly Review

I think it's pretty obvious that I'm obsessed with lipgloss, based solely off of the name of my site. I love trying new lip balms, glosses and lipsticks, and I'm always reading about the latest and greatest in lip products.  I recently learned about LipMonthly, which is a new monthly subscription service for lip products. How perfect does this sound?!?

For $10 a month, you'll get a curated box of lip balms, stains, lipsticks, and/or glosses. In my first box, I received the following:
- Stila lip liner in Fuchsia
- GlamNatural gloss in Poco Loco 
- Hard Candy Lip Tattoo lip gloss
- Lipology gloss 
- Ultraflesh mascara - this was a surprise!

The entire box was worth way more than $10! And each month there will be a surprise product, that may or may not be a lip product, that is included. LipMonthly will include a wide variety of brands, both popular and smaller niche brands, to bring the best assortment each month. 

If you're interested in trying it out, visit their site! They are currently running a promotion to get $5 off your first box! 

I LOVE monthly subscriptions because it allows you to try new brands that you may have never heard of before, and potentially fall in love with! Are you currently signed up for any other monthly subscription box? If so, which ones?

Belli Pregnancy Products Review

When I found out I was pregnant, I immediately started doing research on beauty products and ingredients that are safe to use during pregnancy. I turned to my fellow beauty bloggers at the Beauty Blogger Coalition for advice, as well as baby sites such as Baby Center. 

There are several lines out there that are safe to use during pregnancy, and some that are dedicated to mothers and moms-to-be. The first line I tested out as a newly pregnant woman is Belli, appropriately named to pamper us ladies with growing bellies :) I was fortunate to try Belli Skincare's Fresh Start Treatment Scrub, Stretchmark Minimizing Cream and Sheer Treatment Lip Balm. 

Belli Skincare Fresh Start Treatment Scrub

This gentle exfoliate can be used on face or body, but I have just tested it out on my body. It's considered a micro scrub, which isn't very abrasive. You can't even see the exfoliate beads in the cream, they are so small. It features antioxidant-rich ginseng and green tea, as well as aromatherapy benefits of peppermint oil, which gently tingles when you massage it on, and leaves a light, refreshing smell after it's rinsed off.  Other benefits and features include:

 - Free of teratogens (ingredients linked to birth defects) and OB/GYN recommended

 - LactMed screened to avoid ingredients that may be harmful if passed through in a mother's breast milk. It's safe to use while breastfeeding.

 - Allergy tested. Free of parabens, BPA, phthalates and artificial dyes

I've been using this 2-3 times a week on my belly, and about once a week on my legs. I use it on my legs to prep for shaving (remember, it's gentle!) and on my belly to prime my skin for the Stretchmark Minimizing Cream. A 6.5 oz tube retails for $24 at Buy Buy Baby or Ulta.

Belli Stretchmark Minimizing Cream
This cream is suppose to be used to treat existing stretch marks, but since I started to use this when I was newly pregnant, I've been using it on my belly to hopefully help prevent marks. This cream contains ingredients scientifically proven to visibly reduce the appearance of stretchmark depth and length. Key ingredients include ginseng (similar to the treatment scrub) to even out skin tone and avocado oil to soften and moisturize. 

I've been using this every day after showering. The directions advise to apply twice daily for four weeks, and then use once daily until desired results are achieved. A 6.5 oz tube retails for $49. 

Sheer Comfort Lip Balm
If you follow my blog, you know I'm obsessed with lip balm. I keep one in every area of my life, in every purse, in every pocket. This balm is a hypoallergenic lanolin balm that relives dry lips. It contains the highest medial grade, ultra-purified lanolin oil, and nothing else. It goes on super smooth and is really shiny. I feel like it brings out the color in my lips along with glossiness. I love the slanted applicator and how long it lasts. Definitely one of the top balms I've ever tested out. 

This balm has been highly tested to ensure safety of use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. A 0.3 oz tube retails for $12. 

Overall I was extremely impressed with this line. It will also hold a special place in my heart since it was the first pregnancy line I tried out :) It's nice having the peace of mind knowing that the products I'm putting on my skin are safe for my baby. The Belli slogan is "Expect Beautiful Skin. Enjoy Peace of Mind, " which is so true. Just because I'm pregnant, doesn't mean my skincare routine has to suffer. If anything, I should be pampering myself more, which I will do with additional Belli products!

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Giveaway Break - Epic Blend Premium Lip Balm

Have you heard of Epic Blend Premium Lip Balm? If not, you're missing out! This all natural lip balm has a lot offer! Epic Blend is a Canadian lip balm that is made with all organic ingredients. It's also gluten-free, paraben-free, Vegan and they DO NOT test on animals. 

They have tons of flavors to choose from, including Pineapple-Mint, Coconut (fun for summer) and Citrus Kick.

Epic Blend lip balms are $3.49 per lip balm, or $12 for a 4-pack of lip balms. These are sold at retailers throughout Canada. Not Canadian? You can purchase online at EpicBlend.com. Or, you can enter to win a set of your own below! 

 ***Giveaway***

Enter to win a set of 10 Epic Blend lip balms!

 
Fill out the form below to win! There are also several different ways you can get extra entries: sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me & retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest, add me to one of your Google+ circles, follow me on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook. Make sure to list the number of extra entries in the form below. Enter up to once a day to increase your chances of winning!
 
This giveaway is open to US & CA residents only. The contest will end on Thursday, May 29th. I will randomly select a winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!

Giveaway Break - Vaseline Rosy Lips and MarieBelle Chocolates

Who knew something so tiny could bring so much joy into my life…check out my latest obsession: Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips. Anyone who knows me (or has read my blog in the past) knows that I keep a tube of lip balm everywhere in my life. In my coat pocket, in my purse, in my laptop bag, in my suitcase, in my car, etc. I can’t go without lip balm for more than an hour.

My favorite type of moisturizing balm is petroleum based, so obviously Vaseline has made an appearance in my bags. I recently got a sample of the Rosy Lips mini jar and fell in love. The light rosy hue it leaves on lips is just gorgeous. And it’s just as moisturizing as regular Vaseline, which makes it a win-win. And the cute size also helps its appeal. 

This mini jar retails for about $2 at drugstores, but you can also try to win for yourself below!

**Giveaway***

Enter to box of MarieBelle Chocolates you can share with your Valentine, and a Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips mini jar for yourself!

 
Fill out the form below to win! There are also several different ways you can get extra entries: sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me & retweet on Twitter, follow me on Pinterest, add me to one of your Google+ circles, follow me on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook. Make sure to list the number of extra entries in the form below. Enter up to once a day to increase your chances of winning!
 
This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Friday, March 7th. I will randomly select a winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck! 

What's in my Beach Bag? Sun Bum SPF 30!

I definitely consider myself a 'Sun Bum' in the Michigan Spring/Summer time. My coworker always teases me because whenever the sun is out I can always be found working on our office deck. But I'm also very cautious to make sure I'm fully protected by sunscreen when outside.

Just the name of this sun protection line had me hooked. I received a sample of Sun Bum SPF 30 Continuous Spray and the lip balms to try out. I tried them out this past weekend while out on the lake and they kept both me and husband burn free! They are a new essential for my weekend beach bag.

The Continuous Spray sunscreen provided great coverage and made for easy application. I could even get my back covered without help! Sun Bum SPF 30 is water proof and sweat proof, paraben free, oil free and hypoallergenic. To top it off, it smells like the beach, coconut and sand. Retails for $15.99 and can be purchased online and at select retailers.

The lip balms are great too. Normally I'm not a fan of wax based lip balms, but this one goes on smooth and doesn't dry out lips or have a thick waxy feeling to it. It's super moisturizing! All of their fun flavors (my favorite so far is Banana) contain cocoa butter, and are PABA free. Other tasty flavors include Mango, Key Lime, Coconut, Pint Guava and Pomegranate. Sun Bum lip balms are $3.99 a piece and can be purchased online. These are steal for how moisturizing and tasty they are, with the added benefit of SPF.

Do you wear sunscreen? I hope everyone comments 'yes' below! Take my advice and wear your sunscreen...you'll thank me later!

Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection / Parsol® 1789 Ultra Waterproof / Ultra Sweatproof Paraben Free / PABA Free / Oil Free Hypoallergenic Photostable Vitamin E Enriched - See more at: http://shop.trustthebum.com/spf-30-continuous-spray-sunscreen/#sthash.YWA8GTCU.dpuf

Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection / Parsol® 1789 Ultra Waterproof / Ultra Sweatproof Paraben Free / PABA Free / Oil Free Hypoallergenic Photostable Vitamin E Enriched - See more at: http://shop.trustthebum.com/spf-30-continuous-spray-sunscreen/#sthash.YWA8GTCU.dpuf

Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection / Parsol® 1789 Ultra Waterproof / Ultra Sweatproof Paraben Free / PABA Free / Oil Free Hypoallergenic Photostable Vitamin E Enriched - See more at: http://shop.trustthebum.com/spf-30-continuous-spray-sunscreen/#sthash.YWA8GTCU.dpuf

Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection / Parsol® 1789 Ultra Waterproof / Ultra Sweatproof Paraben Free / PABA Free / Oil Free Hypoallergenic Photostable Vitamin E Enriched - See more at: http://shop.trustthebum.com/spf-30-continuous-spray-sunscreen/#sthash.YWA8GTCU.dpuf

This easy to use, ultra sheer/dry touch continuous spray formula will protect your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays while enriching your skin with Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals, which are the main cause of premature skin aging.

Features / Benefits

• Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection / Parsol® 1789
• Ultra Waterproof / Ultra Sweatproof
• Paraben Free / PABA Free / Oil Free
• Hypoallergenic
• Photostable
• Vitamin E Enriched

- See more at: http://shop.trustthebum.com/spf-30-continuous-spray-sunscreen/#sthash.YWA8GTCU.dpuf

Waxelene - a Petroleum Jelly Alternative

I'm pretty much obsessed with lip balm. If I don't have one within reach at all times I go into panic mode. I normally just settle for petroleum based jelly balms, but recently discovered a new petroleum jelly alternative, Waxelene.

Waxelene contains no petroleum, parabens or artificial ingredients, they don't use animal testing and it's made in the USA. You can use it for anything you would use petroleum jelly for. I've been using it on my lips at night, to remove eye makeup from underneath my eyes, and as a cuticle moisturizer. It's not greasy and has only a slight hint of a beeswax smell. I love the way it feels on my lips, and when I use it on my face and cuticles it soaks in fast and doesn't leave a greasy finish. 

I always look for products and foods with the least amount of ingredients, which means they are that much closer to being natural. Waxelene contains the following: Organic Soy Oil, Beeswax, Natural Vitamin E Oil, Organic Rosemary Oil. Normally I don't like wax based balms, but it's not a hardened wax, but more like jelly and easy to spread. The 2 oz. & 9 oz. jars retail for $5.99 and $15.99. You can find them at Bed Bath & Beyond and several other retail locations. Find the location nearest you here. Waxelene is a must for everyone's nightstand and vanity - I'm now a petroleum jelly alternative believer! 

Hardy Candy World Balmination

I’m currently obsessing over Hard Candy World Balmination Glossy Lip Balm. I’ve been using it for the past week and am addicted! I have the color Starfish, which is a sheer coral color. This balm is jammed pack with moisture, which is the #1 reason I’m obsessed. I don’t feel like I need to apply my petroleum lip balm for moisture when I’m wearing this balm.

The container is fun too. The tube casing is Ed Hardy-esque, and when removed, the balm is encased in a black tube with silver swirls. You have to be careful when taking the top off though, since the balm doesn’t retract all the way down into the tube, and comes sticking up a half inch.

You can find Hard Candy products at Walmart stores and Walmart.com. This balm is only $3! I know it's kinda early, but it screams stocking stuffer!!!!

Giveaway Break - De Vine Shimmers

Hi there...it's been awhile since I posted a giveaway, please forgive me! I'm returning with a good one!

Premier Health Concepts added a new product line, called De Vine Lip Shimmers. They launched in 2010, and contain the benefits of wine, mixed into beautifully tinted flavored Lip Shimmers.

Red wine grapes contain powerful antioxidants and wonderful anti-aging properties. Their 100% natural shimmer is made with Resteratrol, a powerful antioxidant that has wonderful anti-aging properties, Grape seed Oil, which serves as a natural moisturizer and red wine antioxidants that contain polyphenols which fight free radicals and help prevent cell damage.

I love these little shimmers! The Vanilla Spritzers are good, sheer moisturizers, and the Rose is a pretty frosted pink. I love these types of balms with tint because I think they are easier to apply without a mirror, and still get even color :)

De Vine Shimmers only come in 2-packs and are available at Walgreens and on DevineShimmers.com for $4.99 a pack.

**Giveaway***

Enter to win a THREE packs of De Vine Shimmers (the entire collection)!

Fill out the form below and 'Like' De Vine Shimmers on Facebook to win! For extra entries, you can sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me and retweet on Twitter , or become a fan on Facebook; just make sure to list the entries in your comment. Enter up to once a day!

This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Monday , August 29th. I will randomly select one winners and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!

What's in my Beach Bag? - Chapstick with SPF

Chapstick with SPF is a must when I'm outside. I've posted this before, but I have a chapstick and lipgloss in every part of my life. My desk, car, kitchen, nightstand, everywhere. I'm currently toting around....

Softlips Balm with SPF 20 - The mint and vanilla flavors are yummy. It goes on smooth, unlike some chapsticks that are dry. It's very light on the lips, and is great to put under a gloss or lipstick. The slim containers make them easy to shimmy in a pocket. Right now you can purchase on their site with 99 cents shipping!Elemental Herbs All Good Lips with SPF 15 - This is more of a thicker balm, and stays on longer. They come in flavors, but the flavors don't linger long once they are on your lips. I like to use this one when I have super chapped lips. It goes on so thick I can feel it sealing in the moisture. Oh, and it's organic!

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

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What's in my Beach Bag? - Chapstick with SPF! http://alturl.com/w2uc8 #coachpoppy #lipglossbreak

Too Faced Love Lisa SPF 15

Too Faced Love Lisa SPF 15 Lip Balm is infused with soothing orange essential oils and a whole lotta love! Inspired by Founder Jerrod Blandino's sister, Lisa, who is battling Stage 4 Melanoma (and kicking its butt), LL Lip Balm will protect your pretty pucker from the sun's vicious rays while it moisturizes and pampers your tender lips.

A huge portion from the sale of Love Lisa SPF 15 Lip Balm goes to the Too Faced Love Lisa Melanoma Research Foundation Grant to help find a cure for this deadly disease.

Too Faced Love Lisa SPF 15 Lip Balm retails for $16.00 at Sephora, Sephora.com.

Mother's Day Sales & Gift Ideas Part 3

C.O. Bigelow Candle Fragrances ($19.50): Give mom a taste of summer this Mother’s Day with C.O. Bigelow’s fruit scented candles. In lush, juicy Peach and ripe Pear scents, the candles are an indulgent way to perk up any atmosphere.
Provide Mom with some pampering with ONE Hand & Body Lotion and lip balms from Target or www.target.com (I absolutely love that Target carries new, affordable, quality items in their beauty department).

These would be fun to include in a purse or makeup bag as a gift. Housed in a recyclable tube, the eco-chic hand and body lotion pampers skin while preserving the planet. I've been fortunate to try out the Lip Tune Up and Shea my Lips and absolutely love them too. These little tins pack a lot of moisture and leave lips moisturized, perfect as a base before applying lipstick.

Pamper your Mom this Mother's Day! The Branche charmeuse pillow case is woven with mulberry silk extends blow outs and helps to avoid wrinkling hair and skin overnight. This is a gift that keeps on giving!


SALES & DISCOUNTS

Priti NYC - 25% off, use code ILOVEYOU

DayBreak Lavender Farms - 15% off

Spa Week Gift Card - $100 Gift Card for $90