What's in my Shower?

 Hello Everyone!

I originally planned to do this post during the Summer, so today I'm going to show what's in my shower. I purchased this shower caddy from Target. It's the perfect size to hold products and the shower caddy is very sturdy. I haven't had any rusting issues; this shower caddy is good quality. 

Top Shelf

- Nivea Care and Illuminate Moisturizing Body Wash

- Cetaphil Restoraderm Soothing Wash

- Dove Instant Foaming Body Wash Sensitive Skin

- Qtica Lemon Dream Sugar Scrub 

- Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash with Sea Minerals

- Pixi Beauty Clarity Cleanser 

- Spa Sciences NOVA Antimicrobial Sonic Cleansing

System

Bottom Shelf

- Eco Tools Dry Body Brush

- Dove Crushed Almond & Mango Butter Exfoliating Body Polish Scrub

- Dove Amplified Textures Hydrating Cleanse Shampoo Moisture Amplifying Blend for Coils, Curls and Waves

- Dove Amplified Textures with Jojoba Leave-in Conditioner Moisture Amplifying Blend for Coils, Curls and Waves

- Vagisil Scentsitive Scents Daily Intimate Wash: Peach Blossom 

- Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Sleep: Lavender and Vanilla

- Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Love: Vanilla and Rose

- The Perfect V: VV Cream Gentle Wash

- The Perfect V: VV Cream Gentle Exfoliator

- Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash for Dry Skin

- Bath & Body Works Loofah

- Schick Quattro For Women Sensitive Razor

- Dove White Beauty Bar 

- Cantu Double Lift Pick

- Cantu Thick Detangle Comb

- Derma E Scalp Relief Shampoo Therapeutic Psorzema Herbal Blend

- Derma E Scalp Relief Conditioner Therapeutic Psorzema Herbal Blend

As you can see I have a variety of skincare products and items in my shower. I like to use products are hydrating, moisturizing, and exfoliating especially with the cooler months approaching.  I've always used a loofah for exfoliating, but I just started using a dry brush this past summer. I love it! I can see the benefit of dry brushing my skin before my showers and the brush isn't harsh on my skin. My skin has been looking so healthy and glowing. 

Dove is one of my favorite brands. I love how their products are so cleansing and mositrizing without drying my skin. I'm new to trying Dove's hair care, but I will do an update in a later post.

 

For the last few months I've been washing and conditioning my hair with Derma E's Therapeutic Psorzema Herbal Blend. I don't have eczema on my scalp, but the products work well on my hair. you can read my review here. Since my hair is thick I need a good detangle comb. I highly recommended using Cantu Double Lift Pick and Thick Detangle Comb. These combs are just what my hair needs.

What are some of your favorite shower products?

Hello Fall!

 Hello Everyone!

Fall is here and the weather has been pretty nice here in South Carolina! I've been a little under the weather the past few days because of sinus and allergy issues, but I'm making the best of it and trying to enjoy these beautiful Fall days.

These are a few of my Fall Favorites. These items aren't new since I have Fall Candles and Fragrances left over. You may remember the Owl Scenterpeice from previous decor posts. I love that it lights up.

I haven't had pancakes in a few months, but recently I made a few for breakfast. 

These pancakes were so good!

Laundy Day On this day I washed my sheets, pillowcases, and pillows. Yes my pillows. Incase you were wondering you can wash most pillows. I typically can wash 3 pillows at a time.

I can dry two pillows at time. You don't want to ovwrcrowd your washer and dryer because you won't get your pillows clean and your pillows won't dry properly. 

Even though the weather has been nice here in South Carolina, the change of weather has been horrible for my allergies and sinuses. For about a week I've been waking up with a headache, throat ache, and feeling dizzy. Hopefully my allergy and sinus symptoms will subside soon so I can enjoy the Fall weather. 

Another Fall Makeup Look. My nose may look a little swollen because of the sinus problems I mentioned earlier. 

Hello Fall

Everyday Fall Makeup

 Hello Everyone!

Fall is finally here! Today I wanted to start Fall with an everyday makeup look. I love wearing darker vampy makeup during Fall, but I like to wear those colors more during the latter part of the season. 

Products Used 

Makeup Brushes Used

Moda Makeup Brushes and Chique Tools 

Usually I start these types of posts with my eye makeup details, but today I'm going to start with my face makeup details. I kept things simple by using Derma E BB Cream. I like using bb cream because it's lightweight and it gives me the coverage I need. I also wanted to add a pop of coral to cheeks. Orange is one of my favorite Fall colors, so I had to incorporate orange into my makeup look.

If you remember, I always grab my Naked 2 Palette for Fall Makeup Looks. For this look I added grey, brown, and black for eye makeup. I didn't go to heavy on the darkness of the colors since I wanted this to be more of an everyday look rather than a smokey eye look.

Lastly, I added a nude lipstick to go with this look. I actually meant to create an ombre lip, but I didn't realize I used two similar Morphe so I created a regular nude lip. Either way, I like the color and both lipsticks shades are perfect for Fall. Wishing everyone a first day of Fall! :)

Healthy Nail Care Routine

Hello Everyone!

I started my healthy nail journey in April 2020. You may remember in 2014 I grew my nails long. I love how my nails looked then, but they weren't very healthy. My nails felt brittle and they would break. It was so frustrating that I just cut them short. Since 2014 I have grown my nail meduim length, but once again my nails weren't very healthy. Last year I found out I had severe nutrient deficiencies (iron Deficiency Anemia and B12 Deficiency) that began causing issues with my nails and brittle hair among other issues.

April 2020

September 2020

This is my nail growth from April 2020 until September 2020 and I just trimmed and shaped my nails. I've never had problems growing nails, but keeping them healthy is another story.

I've been taking iron pills since last Summer. I take them as much as my body will tolerate these pills. Iron doesn't agree with everyone and unfortunately I'm one of those people that iron pills can make me sick. I usually take an iron pill before bed with a small snack. Sometimes it helps and other times the iron pills make me sick. 

September 2020

I can tell the iron pills help because my nails and hair look better and healthier. In addition to taking iron pills. I also take B12 Vitamins that were prescribed by my doctor. You can find both iron pills and B12 vitamins in your local pharmacy etc. Check with your doctor before taking any new medications.

My Nail Care Products

These are my holy grail products I use

Please don't chip off the nail polish on your nails. When you do that your striping your nails and possibly making them weaker. I use nail polish remover to clean my nails or remove nail polish. Then I wash my hands

Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover 8oz

I give my nails a trim and shape them. Please don't cut your nail down to match the size of your other nails (I mean unless you just want to cut them) when I break a nail, depending on the breakage I'll give my other nails a trim and reshaping to tidy them up. It can be challenging to grow your nails all the same size.

GSQ by GLAMSQUAD Sapphire Nail File

September 2020

- Push back your cuticles

You can find cuticle pushers at Walmart, Target etc.

 

- For a naked manicure, first I use a nail growth and strengthener 

Qtica Natural Nail Growth Stimulator 0.5oz

- I let that dry completely and then I add a clear base

Zoya Naked Base

- Don't forget to oil your nails and cuticles daily

essie Apricot Cuticle Oil, 0.46 OZ

- After my nails are fully dry, I add a hand serum to keep my hands moisturized. Your should care for your hands just as you care about your nails. 

Hydrating Hand and Body Serum

To Achieve more of an at home nail salon experience that also keeps your nails healthy, check out Self Care: At Home Manicure feat. Zoya Gelie-Cure

In a recent CVS Box for their Epic Beauty Event (until September 26th), I received these Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin, and Nail Gummies. I've been taking them for about a week. I haven't noticed any breakage of my nails. So far so good. I haven't had any issues with these vitamins, but check with your doctor before taking these vitamins.

September 2020

I hope that my healthy nail care routine helps! How do you keep your nails healthy?

Dr. Zenovia Hormonal Dermatology

Hello Everyone!

* Disclaimer: This post contains PR Samples provided by Dr.Zenovia for review purposes. I would like to thank Dr. Zenovia for sending these products. All opinions are 100% my own. Product information is courtesy of drzenovia.com

Did you know that September is National Skincare Awareness Month? You may have noticed that I've been featuring numerous skincare brands and posts. Today I'm going to feature Dr. Zenovia Gabriel and her new skincare line, Dr Zenovia Hormonal Dermatology. I have been following her for about a year on Instagram. When I received a PR Sample in the mail I was excited to try her new skincare products.

About Dr. Zenovia

Internationally distinguished board-certified Dermatologist and hormonal skin expert, Dr. Zenovia is committed to researching and developing innovative methods to combat leading skin issues from a 360 holistic perspective, including hormonal balance for healthier skin at every stage of life. With nearly 15 years of extensive integrated experience in medical dermatology, surgical dermatology, Mohs Micrographic Surgery and aesthetic treatments, Dr. Zenovia is renowned for her “deeper than skin” philosophy that addresses the root cause of symptoms. Her unique hormonal dermatology expertise allows her to examine structure, function, and physiology of skin at the biochemical level to achieve maximum results.

Dr. Zenovia is also Founder and Head Dermatologist of ZENA Medical in Newport Beach, CA where she is highly sought-after amongst her high-profile clientele for her natural, “just under-done” cosmetic artistry.

Vitamin C Brightening Toner 

Cost: $42, 4.0 fl. oz

Vitamin C Brightening Toner is a revitalizing, antioxidant-rich toner designed to replenish, hydrate, and condition skin, while helping to improve the appearance of even tone and texture. Vitamins C and E help brighten the look of skin and calm redness, while Micronutrient Sea Salt helps neutralize pore-clogging impurities to restore the look of radiant, healthy skin.

Formulated with Dr. Zenovia’s proprietary REG-ulate360 Complex™ to help balance hormonal skin, this brightening, refreshing toner soothes, softens and helps immediately rejuvenate the apperance of tired, dull skin on contact.

My Thoughts 

This toner feels so refreshing on my skin. I've been using the past two nights and my skin looks so rejuvenated when I wake up. Vitamin C is good for the skin and I love to use skincare products that contain Vitamin C in general. I mentioned on earlier posts this month that I've been having acne breakouts on my forehead. This toner is soothing and helps reduce the redness on my forehead.

5% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Spot Treatment 

Cost: $25, 0.5 fl. oz.

The 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Spot Treatment is a clinical grade hormonal acne solution to target flare-ups whenever they strike while helping to reduce any redness or irritation. This powerful blemish treatment is clinically prove to specifically target and clear stubborn hormonal acne, while medical-grade Bakuchiol and Aloe Vera work together to help soothe acne-prone, sensitve skin.

Enhanced with Dr. Zenovia’s proprietary REG-ulate360 Complex™ to help balance hormonal skin, this targeted spot treatment also helps prevent the development of new acne blemishes and blackheads for a spot-free, radiant complexion.

My Thoughts 

This has to be my favorite product so far from the products that I've tried from Dr. Zenovia. I used this acne spot treatment before bed and by morning most of the acne was gone from my forehead. I used it again a second night and the acne was gone completely. I've used great acne treatments, but this one has to be the fastest working acne treatment I've tried in a quite a long time. I'm a huge fan of using aloe vera based products and it geared toward acne prone skin sensitive skin. 

Advanced Retinol Night Repair Treatment 

This clinically-proven Advanced Retinol Night Repair Treatment works overnight to support skin’s natural cellular repair process and help reduce the appearance of acne and acne scarring. Feauring highly concentrated All-Trans-Retinol Technology, this breakthrough repair treatment helps support collagen synthesis and deeply penetrates the epidermis through a unique micro-polymer delivery system to support cellular turnover.

Enhanced with Dr. Zenovia’s signature REG-ulate360 Complex™ which works synergistically with a powerful Antioxidant Complex to help protect skin’s barrier, the appearance of acne, acne scars, texture and tone is visibly improved.

Cost: $72, 1.5 fl. oz. 

Image courtesy of drzenovia.com 

My Thoughts 

I like that all the products I tried were soothing to my skin. Even though this is a sample, it was enough to use on my face. I mentioned earlier that I've only used these products two days, but I can tell a difference in my skin.  The  redness has decreased and my acne is practically cleared up and I don't have any acne scarring. I'm very impressed. 

Overall I think this is going to be a good line of products. If the other products are good as the ones that I've tried I definitely want to incorporate the products into my skincare routine. I love the sleek glass packaging. Each product has a medicinal scent, but the scent isn't overpowering. After usage I noticed that the scents faded. Some of the products are more costly than others, but you're getting your moneys worth for the qaulity of each product.

CVS Epic Beauty Event

Hello Everyone!

*Disclaimer: I've partnered with Kaplow with CVS Beauty for this post for their Epic Beauty Event. I want to thank Kaplow and CVS for sending over these products. All opinions are 100% my own.

It's that wonderful time of year again for all my beauty lovers! CVS Epic Beauty Event! As someone that shops at CVS to purchase many of my beauty products, this is a great time to catch weekly sales and add to your CVS Bonus Bucks! CVS was so kind to send over this box of beauty and wellness products!

Here is how the Epic Beauty Event Works:

From August 30th through September 26th you can score major deals by purchasing eligible beauty products. During the Epic Beauty Event, you can even receive a $10 gift card when you spend $25 on select Beauty and wellness products. 

Every week, a new set of Extra Bucks items will be featured that highlight new brands, products, and trends.

Don't forget to check out daily deals on cvs.com, each day there will be new products and opportunities to earn more rewards and save.

The CVS Beauty Club offers $3 ExtraBucks after spending $30 on beauty.

What a cute screen saver! CVS_Beauty has this on their page.

If you are not a member, sign up now on CVS. I have saved so much money on beauty with CVS discounts and Extra Bucks.

Here are a few more products that CVS sent over a few weeks ago. Be sure to look out for sales for Glamsquad by GSQ!

Have you shopped the CVS Epic Beauty Event?