Gig Spotlight - What I want in my Bag 2013!

Beauties, the weekend is here! Are you excited? I hope you are!  I am super excited to share this beauty post with you. What's the topic today?

Today's topic comes courtesy of Gig Bloggers and their bi-weekly beauty prompt of "what I want in my bag 2013". The main guideline was to select our top #5 beauty products that we are currently lusting over. Putting this list together was super easy for me because it just so happens, I am always making small lists of items that I want to buy throughout the year as a small treat just for myself.

We all do that, right? Please don't tell me I am the only one that does this! Well, if I am, so be it!

Gig Spotlight - What I want in my Bag 2013! by latinflavadesigns featuring meredith wendell

You will notice that there are more than five (5) items but I just had to add a photo of Meredith Wendell Satchel in Navy Blue. I mean if I am going to have a list of things I want {or shall I say, need} I have to have a new handbag to put them in, right?

Okay...now we got that covered, let's talk about what's going inside the bag:

• 1. Sigma - Paris Palette Limited Edition : Of course, since this is limited edition, I have to have it before its completely sold out. More importantly though, this palette has everything you need to create gorgeous makeup looks. I like that!
• 2. Olay CC Cream – Total Effects Tone Correcting Moisturizer with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15 - It's time that I get over the coveted BB cream craze {or perhaps not!} and give the new CC cream a try. I am all for trying new creams from Olay - their creams are really good.
• 3. Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System - Other then being named like me, I have heard so many great things about this product that I just want it! Every time Clarisonic is featured on QVC, I find myself immediately drawn in and completely immersed in the show... I have my daughter to blame for that!
• 4. H2O Plus Marilyn T-Teasing Brush - Over the years the texture of my hair has changed so much that I find myself needing to tease it in order to create added volume. I don't tease my hair everyday but for special meetings I like the idea of my hair having a little more umph to it.
• 5. clear days ahead Trial Kit by Philosophy - With age come raging hormones..not fun! As a teenager, this was never an issue but NOW? Huh, that's another story! So yes, this trial kit along with the Clarisonic should help me maintain my skin clear from blemishes...poof!

Now it's Your turn: If you had to make a top #5 beauty lust list for 2013, what items would you want? Please share your lust list in the comments, we love hearing from you!

Get Rid of Tired Puffy Eyes in Two Steps

                                                                                     

You have spoken. We have listened.

The first beauty post being featured during this week's Beauty Bash Event will be all about the eyes, specifically under eye skin care.  Your eyes are one of the most important features of your face which is why it's vital to take good care of them.

Most women will probably say to themselves, "I do take care of my under eye skin - every time I moisturize. Isn't that enough?"

The answer to this questions is: NO, that will never be enough! Moisturizing the skin on your face is one thing but knowing how to take care of your eyes is another. 

The skin under and around your eyes is very delicate in comparison to the rest of your facial skin and as such, this skin needs a little more attention. Adding a few simple steps into your regular skin care routine will certainly help you maintain your under eye skin (and eyes) appearing youthful and refreshed.

1.  Only use eye creams - NOT face creams

Most facial creams have certain ingredients that can extremely harsh on under eye skin.  You want to make sure that you only apply eye cream instead. There are two (2) eye creams that have proven to be very effective in protecting this delicate skin area.

Get Defensive SPF 15 Eye Cream

What it is: This eye cream provides SPF protection as it hydrates, soften lines around the eyes and reduces puffiness. The cream is light-weight which allows the skin to quickly absorb all of its properties.

Main Ingredients: maqui berry + licorice root

Benefits:
SPF provides both UVA and UVB broad-spectrum protection.
Cream increases under eye skin moisture.
Instantly makes the eye area look brighter
Reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness

Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum

What it is: A fragrance-free eye serum formulated to smooth fine lines around the eyes, hydrate under eye skin while providing lift to the skin.

Main Ingredients: concentrated amino-peptide + B3 complex

Benefits:
Serum brightens under eye skin
Smooths fine lines
Hydrates to help firm and lift skin appearance around the eyes

2. Application

Using these eye creams is a great start to improving your under eye skin care, however knowing how and where to apply the creams is even more important.

Applying the creams about 1/2 inch above upper and lower lash line is more effective than applying cream directly onto the eyelid and under eye areas. Eye creams tend to "travel" throughout the skin so applying it above/under the eye will ensure that the creams are absorbed by the areas you are targeting (ie. puffiness, crows-feet, fine lines under lash lines).

Using the ring finger, apply the cream by making small dots along the areas above eye. Gently pat the cream into skin.

Applying eye cream should be done at least twice a day - morning and night. A suggestion for those who experience tired puffy eyes, before beginning your skin routine place eye cream in fridge for a few minutes. Applying "cold" eye cream will refresh under eye skin and reduce puffiness almost immediately...plus it feels so good!


Feeling good and rejuvenated is "a great thing". Taking just two steps in the right direction can make all the difference. Remember: Your eyes are the windows of your soul.... so why not make sure these windows stay youthful and refreshed?

Now it's Your turn: Do you have any special "tips" on under eye skin care that you like to add?

top photo credit:  Source: 24.media.tumblr.com via Elle on Pinterest    

#LoveVoxBox Unveiling

It's Fab Friday Luvlys! Today I wanted to share with all of my wonderful readers my very first video! I am very happy to say that making a video was fun and not as difficult as I had once imagined it to be.

First, let me just say that I am grateful to have joined Influenster.com  If you are not familiar with this company, you should really take the time to check them out. Basically, the more involved you are on the site, you are able to earn more badges which leads to being considered for a special treat - which is being sent a box filled with product samples that you can review, while sharing your opinions with others. How sweet is that?

I joined a few months ago, earned a few badges, and was given the chance to receive my very first VoxBox filled with goodies!

Okay, now that you have an idea of the program offered by Influenster.com, please take a few minutes to watch my #LoveVoxBox Unveiling Video:

Yes, I must admit - I tend to be a little "chatty" but could any normal person actually contain their excitement after receiving such a special opportunity? I think not! 

So, let's take a few seconds to recap which products were received in my Influenster #LoveVoxBox :

Gillette Venus & Olay Razor

Kiss Nail Dress - Fashion That Sticks

Stash Tea Herbal Tea Sampler

Ghirardelli Gourmet Milky Cream Devotion

Truvia Natural Sweetner

I am really looking forward to the chance I have been given to integrate these products into my daily routine. I already have a few ideas in mind, especially for the Stash Tea, Ghirardelli Gourmet Chocolates and the Truvia. 

Now It's Your Turn:  Which products are you looking forward to hearing about the most?  Please share your thoughts, we love to hear from you! 

PS - Don't forget to come back so you can see the products up close! 

*Disclaimer: The products included in the #lovevoxbox received from influester.com were sent to me for review as part of the VoxBox program - which is completely complimentary. However, ALL photos, videos and opinions are 100% my own.