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Guest Post: Review: Mosaiq Fragrance Candles

June 10, 2014 by Kim S. / Fragrance Friday, Reviews / 25 Comments

Last month at the Beauty Press Spotlight Day I was introduced to a luxury subscription service “Monthly Express” who gifted all of the attendees with a fragrant candle from Mosaiq.

About Mosaiq Fragrance Candles

“Sophisticated and refined, our fragrances are designed to enhance your atmosphere and evoke the ambiance you desire. Whether for the home or the body, you will find the perfect fit for any mood, season, and occasion.”

Mosaiq Fragrance Candles provides a variety of products for the body and home in 30 different fragrances. They have candles, soaps, lotions, reed diffusers, and on August 1st will be launching 5 new personal care items: hand scream, sugar scrub, body polish, bubble bath, and moisturizing body products.

Some of the primary fragrances include:

Persimmon
Dragon fruit
Tabac & Vanilla Bean
Fig & Ivy
Plumeria
Lavender & Lemon Peel
Mint Leaf & Lime
Cucumber
Pine & Hemlock
Spearmint & Cinnamon

I was given an 8 oz. candle from the White Collection in Tablac & Vanilla which is described as:

“This fragrance is reminiscent of a luxurious den with its fire stoked and dark wood shelves full of literary treasures waiting to be brought down and enjoyed. Rich and plush tones of tobacco, vanilla, cedar and musk all at once will entice your senses.
FRAGRANCE NOTES | Cured tobacco leaf, vanilla, cedar, musk.”

My Thoughts

I am definitely a lover of candles so I was excited to use the Mosaiq Fragrance Candle. and even before I opened the box I smelled the fragrance. It was very strong but not overpowering. I love scents that are floral, sweet, clean, and fresh, and occasionally a little minty, so the Tablac & Vanilla Mosaiq Fragrance Candles were not what I am accustomed to, but I instantly fell in love. I wasn’t sure how I would respond the hint of tobacco, but paired with the vanilla, it is very soothing. I lit the candle in my bedroom and the scent could be smelled all throughout my apartment. One thing that I love about the candle is the hand blown glass casing. It is sturdy, which tells me that it is good quality. Also, when I burned the candle it did not burn quickly, which is great because you get your money’s worth.

I would definitely recommend purchasing this candle in this fragrance it is very calming and relaxing. It’s not scent that you would expect in the spring or summer, but it is delightful. I’m interested in trying other products and fragrances like the one’s listed above.

Currently Mosaiq Frangrance Candles has the White Collection and the Color Collection for candles.

The 8 oz. candle retails for $36 click here to see a list of all fragrances and to purchase.

Have any of you heard of or use Mosaiq Fragrance Cancles ?

Disclaimer: I was provided with the candle via Monthly Express from the Beauty Press Spotlight Day. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Review: Lindi Skin Care Products

June 6, 2014 by Kim S. / Reviews, Skincare / 27 Comments

I’m back with another review from a brand introduced at the Beauty Press Spotlight Day! Lindi Skin was founded by Lindy Snider with her experience of watching her friends go through cancer treatment. Certain symptoms were expected from chemotherapy and radiation like fatigue, nausea, and , but no one expected the toll that the treatments would have on their skin.

“In formulating Lindi Skin products, we aligned with dermatologists, oncologists, nurses, patients and skincare formulators to create products that can treat even the most sensitive of skin. Our formulas are unique, gentle, and soothing. We use the finest ingredients for the ultimate hydration.”

About Lindi Skin

“Lindi Skin is dedicated to developing skin care products that ease the burden of common side effects experienced by individuals undergoing treatment for cancer and related disorders. Our products are intended to help individuals feel better, both physically and emotionally, and gain a greater degree of control over the side effects they experience. Lindi Skin combines state-of-the-art technology and the latest medical information with innovative ingredients to formulate superior products for a very special group of people.”

I was gifted the Lindi Face Wash and Lindi Lavender Face Serum

Product Descripton- Lindi Face Wash: The Lindi Face Wash is a gentle alternative to soap that washes without stripping and works to achieve optimal pH balance. Ordinary cleansers can cause dryness, flaking and discomfort. This gentle alternative to soap washes without stripping and works to achieve optimal pH balance. After rinsing, you can actually feel the veil of moisture laying the foundation for smooth, healthy skin. Use as often as needed for the face, neck and scalp. For healthy skin that looks and feels completely rejuvenated, follow with Lindi Face Serum or Lindi Face Moisturizer.
4 fl oz / 120 ml

Product Description Lindi Lavender Face Serum: Formulated with the highest concentration of our proprietary LSA Complex ®, replete with botanicals, antioxidants and vitamin. Formulated with the highest concentration of our proprietary LSA Complex ®, replete with botanicals, antioxidants and vitamins, this serum provides beneficial moisture and ultimate comfort to compromised skin on the face, neck, chest, back and scalp. The unique non-oily formula glides on silky-smooth and begins restoring immediately. The Serum has been clinically proven to reduce the facial rash, redness and itching that are a common side-effect of some types of chemotherapy. It’s gentle soothing nutrients also make it great for anyone who wants healthy skin.
1 fl oz/ 30 ml

All Lindi Products are Clinically Tested
Proudly made in the U.S.A. in an FDA compliant facility
Dermatologist & Allergy tested
Paraben Free
Never Tested on Animals
Backed by our 30-day 100% Money Back Satisfaction Guarantee
Non-irritating

My Thoughts

I am very particular when it comes to skin care products because, let’s face it, it is my face that we are talking about. I don’t have sensitive skin, but there are just some products that don’t agree with me. They either cause my skin to be very dry, especially in my t-zone, or my skin just looks extremely dull. After listening to the representative about how the products were created and why, I was excited to give it a try. I must say that I LOVE both the face cleanser and the serum, but I love the serum much more. The face wash did not foam or produce a lather so it took some time getting used to that, but my skin did have a clean feeling, which sometimes is missing when I use new products. My skin was not stripped of its natural moisture because the product was so gentle. I used the face wash with my cleansing brush to get a deep clean. After I cleansed I immediately applied the serum, which has an amazing lavender scent. The serum felt like silk. It was not oily, which is often a problem with many face serums on the market today. The serum added more moisture to my face after it was washed and before I applied my moisturizer. A few days after using the products I noticed a change. My skin was brighter, I had little to no breakouts, no drying or excessive oil in my t-zone, and my skin was extremely soft and smooth. I’ve always had “good skin” minus a few breakouts here and there, but after using these products I had a glow. I received a lot more compliments on my skin as well.

I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who wants clear, bright, soft skin. Since it was formulated for people who are battling cancer or have been battling cancer I hope the products would not only be sensitive to minimize any irritation, but effective in yielding the results outlined in the product description.

I am very pleased with these products and I am looking forward to trying other products like their moisturizer and eye cream. They also have the face serum in a citrus scent.

Check out the other products that Lindi Skin have to offer here

The cleanser retails for $22 and can be purchased here. The serum retails for $44 and can be purchased here.

Have any of you used Lindi Skin products before?

Disclaimer: The products were provided to me by Lindi Skin via the Beauty Press Spotlight day event. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Review: DANTE Makeup Brush Cleanser

May 28, 2014 by Kim S. / blog, Reviews / 24 Comments

After applying my makeup I normally reach for a spray brush cleaner like DANTE Makeup Brush Cleanser to disinfect and clean off the makeup so they’re ready for use the next time around. Clean brushes are essential for when applying makeup to prevent breakouts, pink eye, ensure flawless makeup application, and extend the life of your brushes.

Description of DANTE Makeup Brush Cleanser

“Ready to use anti-microbial/anti-bacterial brush cleanser that helps disinfect and prevents harmful bacteria found on brushes. Our brush cleanser is a pure, colorless, odorless solution that will not effect fragrances or make-up tints. A mild emollient also conditions your brush and helps bring natural and synthetic bristles back to life.”

My Thoughts

DANTE Makeup Brush Cleanser is the third spray brush cleaner I’ve used. DANTE Makeup Brush Cleansers, when compared to the other two I’ve tried, it works just as well but without the citrus or vanilla scent, which overtime can become overwhelming on your senses, and for people with asthma or allergies. Just to prove how well it works, I tested it out on a synthetic concealer brush I’d used to apply the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Creme Colour Concentrate in ‘BAUHAUS’ (true black), and after two sprays the highly concentrated creme was no longer visible on the brush. The brush was also ready to use soon afterward.

As a makeup artist, it’s important to have a brush cleanser that is efficient and dries quickly, especially if you’re working on multiple faces in a specific amount of time because “Ain’t nobody got time for…” waiting on brushes to dry. It’s also important for my tools to be clean and sanitized to prevent contamination of the makeup I use, as well as breakouts caused by the spread of bacteria and oils on the skin.

DANTE Makeup Brush Cleanser has quickly become one of my favorite spray brush cleansers for several reasons:

– It’s unscented

– Easy to use

– Effectively cleanses brushes in between uses and deep cleaning

– Dries quickly

– Doesn’t harden my brushes

– Affordable ($4.50/4 oz)

If you’re in the market for an effective and affordable spray brush cleanser, check out the DANTE Makeup Brush Cleanser. It’s perfect for those sensitive to fragrance. It’s also perfect for on-the-go brush cleaning, too.

How do you clean your brushes?

Disclosure: Product was provided for free for review consideration through my attendance at The Makeup Show New York. All opinions are my own and are honest.

Top 5 Favorite Charcoal Skincare Products You Should Try Now!

May 19, 2014 by Kim S. / Skincare / 30 Comments

Charcoal skincare has been around for years, centuries even. Japan has used charcoal as a cleansing ingredient in their skincare products for centuries, and other countries like India and Egypt have used charcoal to treat wounds. It’s also used to treat people who have been poisoned; it’s an all-around miracle worker.

Charcoal skincare products have been part of my daily skincare routine for the last few years. At first, the thought of cleansing my face with charcoal seemed counterintuitive. How could something so dirty and grimy clean your skin? My continued use of charcoal in my skincare routine proves that it does work in getting my skin clean, removing impurities, and brightening my complexion.

From an exfoliating cleanser to a sponge that kicks skin into shape with just water, here are my Top 5 Favorite Charcoal Skincare Products.

LUSH Cosmetics Dark Angels Fresh Face Cleanser – $12.95 LUSHUSA.com

This multi-functional product that cleanses and exfoliates. I use this daily in the evenings when I need to remove New York City grime from my face. What do I get? Skin that’s clear and as smooth as a baby’s bottom. And you can also use it on your body! Read Review

Freeman Beauty Facial Polishing Mask, Charcoal & Black Sugar – $3.99 Ulta.com or Walgreens.com

A scrubby mask that gently exfoliate and cleanses skin. It leaves the skin soft, smooth and brighter. It’s also affordable. I had a review written up for this four months back. It has disappeared; however, you can view photos on my pinterest. 🙂

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask – $17 origins.com

This was my first charcoal skincare product. It’s a weekly skincare mask that leaves your skin brighter and clearer; however, remember to moisturize afterward because it does tend to dry out [my] skin. It’s great for people with oily skin; if you’re more on the dry side you might want to stay away. Read Review

Belle Butters Neutralizing Butter for Oily Skin – 4 oz/ $15 Bellebutters.com

This is also a multi-functional product that serves as a cleanser, a mask, and makeup remover. This is perfect for whipping your skin back into shape after suffering a breakout. Money well spent because a little goes a long way! Read Review

Konjac Sponge Bamboo Charcoal Sponge – $10 Amazon.com

This sponge can be used with or without cleanser, and works well both ways. It gently exfoliates the skin, making it perfect to use twice daily. Read review

If you suffer from oily, acne prone skin, or you would like to improve the overall look of your skin, try adding charcoal to your skincare routine. Any of these products work well enough to do so, and there are affordable options that will not break your bank!

Do you use charcoal in your skincare routine? Which product(s) do you use?

*Disclosure: Affiliate Links