Anastasia Brow Freeze vs NYX Bush Tamer

Anastasia Brow Freeze vs NYX Bush Tamer (Netflix Sex Education) – that is seriously the name!! We are BACK with another blog post finally! Better late than never 🙃

Dawn here…Both of these products are GREAT! 😍

Anastasia Brow Freeze vs NYX Bush Tamer! let's compare shall we!

So let’s start with the basics.

Both products are easy to use: Just brush them onto brows and style in place to create brow-raising looks that will hold up to 16 hrs.

I’ve been a big fan of the Anastasia Brow Freeze since it came out. We talked about it HERE and HERE. It WAS very difficult to find because it was in such high demand. When I literally couldn’t find it anywhere, I decided to try NYX Bush Tamer. Boy oh boy was I pleasantly surprised how well it worked and you can’t beat the price!

Here are some details:

Brow Freeze: $23 – 8g/0.28 oz

  • styling wax
  • no residue or flaking
  • water-based formula
  • paraben free
  • cruelty free
  • vegan

Bush Tamer: $8 – 5.0g/0.17 oz

  • clear brow styling gel
  • non-sticky, transparent formula with natural finish
  • quick & easy to apply
  • vegan formula
  • cruelty free
a cheap brow alternative...BUSH TAMER!!! Anastasia Brow Freeze vs NYX Bush Tamer

A FEW NOTES:

Brow Freeze needs to be applied with a spoolie brush. There is definitely a learning curve to get the right amount of product on the brush, it’s not as easy as 1,2,3!

Bush Tamer comes with a mini brush for more precise application. This makes it easier to control the amount of product on the brush and it is as simple as 1,2,3!

For both -A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY!!!

Bottom line: You can’t go wrong with either one. It really is your own personal preference. If I HAD to choose one…I would pick NYX Bush Tamer.

NOW. Look at pic below.

Which product is on which brow?!

NYX BUSH TAMER on left brow ANASTASIA BROW FREEZE on right brow Anastasia Brow Freeze vs NYX Bush Tamer
I did one of each….take a guess!

Hope you enjoyed this post! I loved reviewing both and love the price point of NYX. Tell us what you think!

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a new lash primer

HELLO!! Long time no blog. lol! Welcome to a new Lash Primer review.

Make sure to follow us on Instagram to keep up with our latest shenanigans.

Eva here. and I’ll get straight the point!

I was randomly at Ulta a few weeks ago and discovered this BLUE lash primer. The price point sold me if I am being honest. I spend quite a bit on our beloved Lancome one – it has been a staple for me and Dawn for YEARS!) – and decided to give this a shot.

Morphe Blue Lash Primer!! LOVE THIS!

The DETAILS!! ⬇️

“Morphe’s The Big Prime Lash Primer’s unique blue shade preps your lashes for larger-than-life volume and amplifies the effects and color intensity of your mascara.”

I couldn’t agree more.

I was pleasantly surprised with at only $10.00, how well this worked. Let’s check it out.

What the Morphe blue primer actually looks like
It’s VERY BLUE.
What the Morphe blue lash primer actually looks like on your lashes
What the Morphe primer actually looks like on your lashes - it's very blue

You can see above, it really does coat your lashes blue.

SO WITH THAT SAID… you need to be patient. The blue doesn’t just disappear with one coat of mascara. I will be honest, it takes many. Like 3+.

SO PATIENCE IS A MUST WITH THIS PRODUCT!

But like all good things…it’s worth the time it takes because it really does work.

Here is the after:

Nice and full lashes after using Morphe blue eye lash primer
These are my real lashes. I don’t have fake ones.

I will say this though: if I am in a rush, I will use my beloved Lancome. Sometimes I only have like 20 seconds to throw on makeup and I don’t want to put the million coats of my usual mascara. lol. Dawn and I have issues and use like 10 different mascaras at a time…haha.

To sum it all up: this Morphe Lash Primer a great alternative at an amazing price point. The only con is it does require more patience than white coated primers. I can’t speak yet to how long this lasts because I am still on my first one (Lancome primer lasts FOREVER).

So we are trying to get back to the swing of some blog posts! How is your summer going so far?

Let us know please if you found this review helpful!

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FIVE THINGS FRIDAY PART 29

FIVE THINGS FRIDAY PART 29 is back after a little break last week! Get ready for it.. it’s a good one!

We are coming off a crazy few weeks – Eva’s 37th birthday, Dawn working more hours at her other job, and then all the usual life happenings in between. We have a lot of exciting things coming to stay tuned!

Five Things Friday Part 29 - back at it!!
All previous “FTF” found here

Dawn is giving you the reviews today. She just honestly does them the best! 😍 *remember to click underlined text or pics to be taken to the product.

Boiron Arnicare Gel

First up….random arnicare gel.

Arnica gel is a homeopathic formula with the power that can trigger fast healing processes in the human body.

If you are accident prone like I (Dawn) am, I recommend that you get some arnica gel. A few weeks ago my husband and I both hit our foreheads – not at the same time but the same day. OUCH!!! Needless to say we both ended up with horrible swelling, and bruising on our headaches (sorry no pic. lol). I used arnica gel on my injury and Doug choose not to! Mine healed much quicker and faster than his did.

Arincare Gel - great for bruising. Five Things Friday part 29!

I THOUGHT BINGO!! “We need to include this on our next Five Things Friday post!”

Furthermore, some benefits of Arnica gel in bruise treatment:

  • Removes bruises and skin discoloration fast & effective almost immediately
  • has soothing and cooling effects
  • is NOT a medicine; uses the body’s natural healing power
  • body absorbs the gel quickly
  • use on any skin type (even thin/delicate skin)

All in all, Arnica gel works great helping bruising, swelling, and discoloration heal faster. There is NO odor or staining on clothes. This is a great addition to have in all medicine cabinets!

Spalife Hydrating Collagen Lip Mask

Dawn here~

My lips are ALWAYS dry and chapped, and because of this, I’m constantly exfoliating and hydrating them.

The Spalife lip mask treatments are infused with natural plant collagen, vitamins, hyaluronic acids, rose essence and grape seed oils.

Spa life lip treatments. Five Things Friday Part 29!!!
ARE YOU CRACKING UP OR WHAT?

Let me start by saying I know I look ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS with the mask on. Lol! 🤣


However, I do LOVE them and they make my lips feel soft and hydrated. The collagen helps to stimulate, rejuvenate, and restore lips to their natural beauty.

Easy to use:

  1. open package
  2. apply lip mask to clean lips
  3. lay back relax and let mask absorb into lips for 20 minutes.

*Note: mask does go on lips and the skin around them.

I am happy to say that there is definitely visible results, lips feel plumper, smoother, and look more youthful. This is perfect to freature for FIVE THINGS FRIDAY PART 29!

They’re Real! Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara

Dawn here (again hehe)…They’re Real! Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara is a long-wearing formula that won’t smudge or dry out – It lengthens, curls, separates, volumizes, and lifts lashes.

Also, the Magnet Mascara works well with or without layering. This has been a nice addition to my mascara regimen.

Benefit THEY'RE real! great one of a kind mascara - FTF part 29

With that said, what I like so much about the magnet mascara is that a little goes a long way – it doesn’t clump or flake and it distributes evenly on lashes. The wand has short bristles spread out which makes it easier to control and gets closer to lash line. It has a magnetically charged core with ingredients formulated in the brush.

THIS IS SCIENCE, super cool and way above my head! Lol 🤣

Give this “one of a kind” mascara a try.

Benefit BrowVo! Conditioning Primer

Dawn here...I’ve learned that it is important to condition your eyebrows. Conditioning your brows makes the hair smooth and restores its natural shine. It can also strengthen the hair to prevent breakage and hair loss.

This formula is suited for ALL brows.

Benefit Cosmetics Browvo! Conditioning Eyebrow Primer is my favorite. (I know we’ve talked about Anastasia before, but hear me out on this one because this is totally different!) This is a clear gel that contains keratin and soy proteins.

Applying to brows before makeup gives them a fuller, thicker and healthier look. Can also be applied before bedtime, wearing conditioner overnight helps to condition eyebrows.

need a brow primer? Benefit has you covered!

Note: this is NOT a growth serum.

For best results add this to your daily routine (morning and night). It truly will make a huge difference!

Do you want us to do a tutorial on this? Let us know!

Farberware Salad Spinner

You are probably thinking OK ladies this is so random – a salad spinner?! But hey we had to feature it for this week’s Five Things Friday. lol. Save the best for last, if you will 🤣

If you prepare your own salads, this is a “MUST HAVE” item. It’s not only for lettuce, it’s good for other produce, fruits, and berries.

The Farberware salad spinner is more than a rinsing and drying device. The basket can be used as a colander, and the clear plastic bowl for serving. We love a multi-use product, you get more bang for your buck!

I (Dawn) make salads every week. There is nothing worse than soggy lettuce. This salad spinner is a quick and easy way to clean, rinse, and dry lettuce. Lettuce comes out crisp and delicious EVERY TIME!

By taking the extra moisture out of lettuce salads last longer without going bad. If I make a big salad on Mon night it will stay fresh throughout the week.

Easy to use: place the desired lettuce (etc) into basket, rinse thoroughly with water, place basket in bowl and cover, pump mechanism a few times and watch it spin away.

After a few seconds use the stopper button. When stopped remove the lid & basket to dump out the water. Repeat if necessary. You will be impressed how well this salad spinner gets rid of excess water.

Two tips:

  1. Do not put in dishwasher, washing by hand works best.
  2. Place a few sheets of damp paper towel on top of the salad and cover it. This helps to keep salad fresh and absorbs any extra moisture.

😋 BON APPETIT 😋

So now that all is said and done, we are back in action & hope you enjoyed this week’s Five Things Friday Part 29! What product is your favorite featured above? Let us know!

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram!

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FIVE THINGS FRIDAY PART 28 – Sephora must haves

FIVE THINGS FRIDAY PART 28 is all about SEPHORA today!

If you are a beauty insider, you must take advantage of this SALE!

Most of these you have seen us talk about already, but it is a great time to restock or add to your product collection 🙃

five things friday part 28 - some of our Sephora Must Haves!

The Absolute Best Body Lotion!

This was one of our very first blog posts in the summer of 2020. *note the links in this post are to ULTA, but Sephora also has this heavenly cream.

Want to feel like your skin has nylons on that instantly smooths out cellulite? Well this Bum Bum cream is ALL that AND more.

BUM BUM Cream
BUM BUM Cream.. pronounced “boom boom”

Dawn and I are both obsessed. The smell? Just delicious. lol.

Huda Beauty Legit Lashes

This fabulous mascara is a two in one. Saves you TIME AND MONEY!

In fact, it came out right when we started our business, and it was our very first blog post.

huda beauty legit lashes 2 in 1 mascara. sephora steal!!! Five Things Friday part 28

I, Eva, go through phases where I use a product for a bit, take a break, & then go back. Well I have gone back to this a few weeks ago,and OMG… obsessed. Thick, full, and LONG eyelashes. Saves me time because usually I am using 4-5 mascaras (so does Dawn.. it’s just our thing lol)…and this once I can get away with just these 2.

It delivers and I’m ordering more now because of the Sephora sale.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Styling Wax

Dawn here.. I AM OBSESSED!!! We talked about this last FTF post…there is a learning curve. BUT SO WORTH IT.

Brow Freeze.. you need this! Sephora must haves!!

We haven’t been able to find it at Ulta… get it from Sephora!

Few tips:

  • a little goes a long way
  • to apply use a spoolie brush (see picture)
  • clean brush in between applications – if you let the wax dry on the brush it will cause clumping and flaking the next time you use it
  • brush eyebrow hair upwards -it will give you a feathered look
  • if you fill in your eyebrows let wax set then fill in.

Nars Blush & Bronzer

LIMITED EDITION!!

This is a fabulous blush and bronzer combo. If you are just starting out in makeup this is a staple and must-have.

nars must-have blush and bronzer set. Exclusive to Sephora! Sephora must haves!!

What we love about it: it has very good pigment and goes on effortlessly. The bronzer blends nicely and the blush adds the perfect amount of glow and pop to your cheeks. This set is perfect & a great deal.

Tip – blend upwards towards ears. Never down! We don’t want to help gravity here. haha.

I know Eva is pumped for a deal, lol.

Last but not least FIVE THINGS FRIDAY PART 28…

Huda Beauty Eyeshadow

Oh my gorgeousness…. Eva and I just HAD to include this. These palettes are absolutely gorgeous.

Huda Beauty gorgeous eyeshadow palette - great price! Five Things Friday part 28

The colors are extremely pigmented and a little goes a long way. These brown shades will absolutely make your eyes pop.

Again, this is a good place to start if you are new to makeup or even just in the market for a gorgeous palette!

Huda Beauty is easily becoming one of our favorite makeup brands in 2021, too. A little goes a long way and therefore the price point 100% is worth.

We have so much more to come but don’t want to overwhelm you. lol. We hope you liked FIVE THINGS FRIDAY PART 28 Sephora Edition.

If you missed other FTF posts of ours, the whole list is found here.

What do you have going on this weekend? What’s your favorite product from Sephora?! Tell us!!

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FIVE THINGS FRIDAY PART 27

Five Things Friday Part 27 is HERE!! TGIF.

Crazy week for you, too?

We are in reverse it feels like this week but hey it’s Friday and we are HERE FOR IT!

Five Things Friday Part 27!

Let’s get to it. Catch our previous FTF here!

*click the underlined text or pictures to be taken to the product. Our links cost NO money to you but help us a little bit!

FIT ME Foundation

Eva here. I truly cannot say enough about this $8 foundation and I feel so late on this trend.

Some of you have seen me already discuss this on our Instagram, but it 1000% worth mentioning again, especially since I like a product that works that is a good deal & cost effective.

THERE ARE SO MANY COLORS & OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM!

Benefits – dermatology tested, oil free, & does not clog ports

The best budget foundation! $8 Maybelline FIT ME. Five Things Friday
The best budget foundation! $8 Maybelline FIT ME
very happy with the “flawless” like finish. I’ll let the picture speak for itself!

Ok so in full transparency, the shade I bought it too light, BUT honestly it still works, which is freakin’ awesome. It’s budget friendly enough that I will probably buy 1-2 more in different shades and mix them. Dawn & I are the queens of doing that…why not!

Quoting ULTA below because I couldn’t have said it better myself.

“Fit Me! Matte + Poreless from Maybelline goes beyond skin tone matching to fit the unique texture issues of normal to oily skin for the ultimate natural skin fit. While some foundations can exaggerate pores and oily skin, only Maybelline’s pore-minimizing foundation contains their genius blurring micro-powders that erase pores and absorb oil for a naturally matte and poreless-looking finish.”

To conclude, TikTok made me do it. 🤣

Magic Probiotics

Isn’t everyone on the hunt for a good pre & probiotic? Good news… we’ve tried and tested these for months now, and they really work, live up to their promise, and are the best we’ve found to date.

Monat probiotics LIVE up to their promise. Price is worth it.
Dual Layer Pre+Probiotic Complex

They are also really pretty. I know, that shouldn’t be the focus but they are well designed (and easy to swallow).

Exhibit A..lol

dual layer probiotics...how gorgeous. they work!
I MEAN…look. how pretty!!!

Simply put – they do what they say and what you’d home from your pre + probiotic. But of course we have to explain further!! 🙃

Dawn here…In the past I would “ONLY” take probiotics if I was taking an antibiotic. I’m such a fan of the Monat Balance Probiotic Complex that I “NOW” take one daily.

This is why: These are different from any other probiotics that I have ever tried before. It has a unique dual capsule-in-capsule technology. It is SO GENTLE on my stomach, which has been an issue with other probiotics. Here are some health benefits from daily probiotic intake:

  • helps to balance the “friendly” (good) bacteria in your digestive system (gut)
  • (hopefully) helps to prevent and treat diarrhea
  • helps to keep your heart healthy
  • can help with depression, stress and anxiety
  • helps with memory
  • helps support healthy skin and immune system

Seriously though, now more than ever I want a healthy immune system.

All of Monat Wellness Products: are gluten-free, vegan, no animal testing, natural flavors & sweeteners, and NO toxic ingredients.

I will say these probiotics are on the pricey side. I don’t mind spending the extra money on them because THEY DELIVER! Worth ever penny.

non toxic and vegan probiotics. these deliver. Five Things Friday
Such suckers for good packaging, too.

Clear Start Blackhead Fizz Mask

Dawn here…Clear Start blackhead fizz mask is hands down the coolest product I’ve ever used. It targets blackheads and clogged pores.

WHAT IS SO COOL ABOUT THIS?!?!

It literally fizzes on your skin until it’s fully absorbed. After rinsing your skin feels soft and super clean.

clear start fizz mask for black heads. a great product for the face!
love the colors & packaging 😍

For me my problem area is my nose. Blackhead central…GROSS!!!

I lightly layer (don’t rub in) the mask on my skin, allow 3-5 minutes to fully activate, then rinse thoroughly. Using the fizz mask as directed (2-3 times per week) followed by my pore extractor (will talk more about this soon) I find this to be a winning combination. My pores are totally unclogged! First time in YEARS that my nose is basically blackhead free.   

This product is: cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, synthetic fragrance free, and has recyclable packing.

In conclusion, with anything, the key to getting the best results from this product is to stay “consistent!”

clear start fizz mask for black heads. a great product for the face!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Styling Wax

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Styling Wax has been sold out everywhere! #HOTITEM

I (Dawn) happen to be at Ulta at the right time, they just had a shipment delivered, so I scooped one up.

To be honest I didn’t have high expectations for this. I was concerned it would dry white and flaky on my dark eyebrows. I’ve had that experience in the past with other brow products.

As soon as I returned back home from Ulta I tried the ABH brow freeze/styling wax. Let’s say it DIDN’T go well. As a result, EPIC FAIL 😡

Anastasia Brow Freeze, be patient, it works! Five Things Friday Part 27

Couple days later I had an eyebrow consultation with Melba @eyecoco. She happened to mention that she found a “MUST HAVE/Game Changing Product!” Which was…ABH Brow Freeze Styling Wax! I shared my epic fail story with her. Lol! She was more than happy to show me how to properly apply it. The reason it didn’t go well for me is because I used WAY TOO MUCH product! SHOCKER!

I will say even with Melba giving me a lesson on how to properly apply it, there is still a learning curve. Once I got the hang of it I can understand the hype surrounding this product.

Few tips:

  • a little goes a long way
  • to apply use a spoolie brush (see picture)
  • clean brush in between applications – if you let the wax dry on the brush it will cause clumping and flaking the next time you use it
  • brush eyebrow hair upwards -it will give you a feathered look
  • if you fill in your eyebrows let wax set then fill in.

Whether you like the natural or filled in look (see photos below) the brow freeze will tame, lift, and sculpt while providing a long lasting hold that locks them in place all day long!

brow freeze will tame, lift, and sculpt while providing a long lasting hold that locks them in place all day long!
Dawn here..actual picture of me using it
instructions on how to use the broze freeze
Details from ULTA website

LAST review for Five Things Friday Part 27!

Vancool Ring Size Adjuster

Dawn here…

MUST HAVE ITEM FOR ANYONE WHO WEARS RINGS!

The Vancool ring adjuster is great for solving loose ring problems. It also protects rings from getting scratched.

Here are 5 reasons to love this ring sizer:

  • safe for rings
  • keeps rings in place
  • high quality TPU silicone
  • invisible
  • hypoallergenic
cute right?

I have BIG knuckles so I have to buy my rings large enough to fit over them. Problem with this is the rings keep spinning around and around. Which is SO ANNOYING!!!

The ring adjuster is the PERFECT solution for this problem. The unique design is made with high quality transparent materials, soft and comfortable, causes no pain or irritation to your fingers.

One complaint I have is it came without any instructions. Once I figured out how to apply the coil it was a piece of cake. It was actually quick simple. Package comes with: 3 different sizes (small, medium, and large), 6 pieces of each and a polishing cloth.

Easy to use: place adjuster on the back of the ring, wrap coil around, trim off excess.

I couldn’t be happier with this product.

My actual ring!

That concludes this week’s Five Things Friday Part 27. What’s your favorite item on this list? Do you have big knuckles like Dawn? 🤣 Her reviews are just THE BEST!

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FIVE THINGS FRIDAY PART 25

Five Things Friday Part 25 on this very last February Friday for 2021. YES. This means MARCH is almost here and we get hyped for the warmer air in CT.

What are you looking forward to this SPRING? Is anyone traveling? We both have not traveled and don’t have any foreseeable plans… but we’re hoping!

Let’s get straight to it. And…thank you for reading our post! 🥰

See all FTF here! Also!! …..click underlined text and/or picture to be taken to the product!

The Original Beauty Blender

Dawn here~This sponge is worth every penny! It definitely lives up to the hype. It EFFORTLESSLY blends all kinds of makeup beautifully for a flawless look.

Makeup brushes tend to sweep products around rather than evenly depositing them. The beauty blender is an egg-shape makeup sponge that applies foundation and other products with a smooth, even finish. It is a reusable sponge, so that means it will last awhile as long as you keep it clean.

the original beauty blender sponge! five things friday part 25

Easy to use:

  • Dampen sponge and squeeze out excess water.
  • Dab your makeup onto skin with fingers, then smooth out makeup with beauty blender.
  • After applying makeup clean sponge with soap and water.
  • Let it dry thoroughly before storing it.
  • When I have extra time I’ll put my sponge in a mug submerged in water.
    • 🌟 Add a few drops of Dawn (ha) dishwashing detergent in the water.
    • ⭐️ Place in microwave on high for a minute or so, then let it cool before taking sponge out of water.
    • 🌟 The water should look very dirty but the sponge should be nice and clean.

I know Eva is obsessed lately, too. It’s great for aging skin that is developing fine lines because it helps put set concealer especially without that “cake” look. Check out the reel she made on Instagram showing how to use it!

In my opinion a beauty blender is a must have!

Tweezerman Slant Tip Tweezers

Dawn here~ Tweezerman slant tip tweezers are a “staple” in my daily beauty routine. Tweezerman are famous for its precision, they grab hair every time! I use the slant tip tweezers to keep my eyebrow, chin and upper lip hairs under control (freakin’ menopause has made that so much worse).

Here are a few tips:

  • Start by opening up pores with warm water, because this helps get hair ready for removal.
  • Hold the tweezers using thumb and index fingers near the middle of the tweezer.
  • Locate the unwanted hair, grab, squeeze down, and pull out hair.
  • Continue until all unwanted hair is removed.
  • Clean tweezers with alcohol wipes or peroxide after each use.
Tweezerman slant tip tweezers - pricey but SO worth it and really WORK!

I have several slant tip tweezers (SHOCKER) in different colors. I like having extra ones available so I’m never without them. Lol! My husband is also a big fan of Tweezerman tweezers.

Nothing is worse than dull tweezers that don’t work. I can’t tell you how many awful tweezers I have bought, finding Tweezerman has been life changing. 

Ps. Tweezerman offers free (initial shipping cost aside) sharpening and repair service.
Mail to:  Tweezerman Service
                2 Tri Harbor Court
                South Dock #1
                Port Washington, NY 11050

ALSO!!! We did find them on Amazon also. Just MAKE SURE it is not a knock off!

Botanic Bakuchiol

I (Dawn) find the bakuchiol (retinol-like) very gentle on my sensitive skin. Retinol is WAY too harsh for my skin, it causes redness, peeling and breakouts! 😱 Not the look I am going for at 55!

Bakuchiol is a great alternative.  It’s very lightweight and it absorbs rapidly into my skin. This is part of my daily night time regimen: I use hyaluronic acid first then bakuchiol followed by the same brand’s Rejuvenique Oil.

VEGAN Retinol alternative that instantly brightens skin. Five Things Friday Part 25

I, Eva, am obsessed with this product & actually told Dawn about it! The first time I used this, I could NOT believe how instantly brighter my face was. Like Dawn, my skin dries out way too easily, and therefore I’ve never used much Retinol. This is hands down a must have for my night time routine also.

VEGAN Retinol alternative that instantly brightens skin. Five Things Friday Part 25

Lastly! ⬇️

VEGAN Retinol alternative that instantly brightens skin. Five Things Friday Part 25
TRUTH TRUTH TRUTH!!!

Geo Leggings

You know when I (Dawn) really like something because I’ll have it in multiple colors/patterns. Geo leggings are one of my favorite pair of Savvi leggings. They have a high waistband (that actually stays up), 4 way stretch (comfortable), side pockets (who doesn’t love a side pocket?) and are sweat proof (yassss)!!!

Eva loves them and has a pic in them since she is the selfie queen and I HATE taking selfies. lol.

You can really dress these up, wear causal, or to the gym.

One of my favorite fun quotes “ I have enough leggings.” – said no one ever. 🤣

SO ME!!! #dawnisextra 😜

But..bad news. As of yesterday as we already had put this post together, the GEO’s are undergoing a routine quality check which is amazing that Savvi does this but the link is not up the moment.

Our other absolute favorite is the ASHTANGA that I talk about and post about constantly on our Instagram.

Ok here’s my turn at a “selfie”..lol (this took a ridiculous amount of time for me to do 🙃)

You can wear these SO many different ways! Super cost effective IMHO

iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum (Wi-Fi Connectivity)

I (Dawn) have to be honest, I was ALWAYS against getting a roomba, so glad I changed my mind. I love it so much that I have 2 of them; one for our main floor and the other for our finished basement.

I DO, however, use my canister vacuum once a week. The roomba is for in between vacuums. I am very allergic to dust, so running the roomba every other day has been helping keep the dust levels down.

The roomba.. great for in between canister vaccuum cleanings. Worth every penny

It is very easy to set up and use: download the iRobot Home App on your mobile device, log into your Wi-Fi, and the roomba connects. I recommend you naming your roomba, because it understands voice commands. I named mine “Robbie Roomba” I figured that is easy to remember! Lol 🤣

You can also set up scheduled cleanings. Which is AWESOME!

I made a list of PROS and CONS.

PROS –

  • great if you have allergies, kids and pets
  • durable
  • supports app and voice control
  • allows for scheduled cleanings
  • automatically adjusts to different floor surfaces
  • detects and focuses on heavily soiled areas
  • rarely gets stuck
  • easy to clean filter & brush
  • timesaver
  • highly recommend if you have back issues
  • easy to setup and use

CONS –

  • it’s a ROBOT, doesn’t clean like you would
  • loud
  • doesn’t always automatically return back to dock station when finished
  • need to pickup small items, cords, and lightweight area rugs before running roomba
The roomba in action at my house... you can set it and forget it!
ROBBIE IN ACTION AT MY HOUSE, lol

Overall, I highly recommend this! It has saved me from hours of vacuuming, which is so helpful. Thanks iRobot for giving my aching back a break from vacuuming.

Happy almost MARCH and FRIDAY!!! This concludes Five Things Friday Part 25.

What’s your favorite thing you are using this week? Do you have a ROBBIE ROOMBA? lol, Dawn kills me!!!

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FIVE THINGS FRIDAY PART 16

Five Things Friday Part 16 on a delayed start this chilly Friday morning! 🙃

I, Eva, have had some major computer issues this morning. AHHHHH it is always something, right?!

ANYWAY!

Let’s get to it. And..did you know our FTF is all found in one place? Our five things could always make some great gift ideas for the holidays!

Dawn is the brains behind this weeks FTF. I know I say this a lot but her reviews are just THE BEST!

Five Things Friday Part 16!

dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion

First up we will discuss some beauty and then end with a home product.

dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion is a combination of a physical and chemical exfoliation that deep cleans and refines pores. It removes impurities that lead to clogging and contesting pores.

The scrub itself is really fine so it’s not harsh on your skin. However, I (Dawn) recommend that you use this product sparingly and only a few times a week. Overuse can cause irritation and dryness. WE DON’T WANT THAT TO HAPPEN!!!

a little goes a long way with this poredermabrasion - five things friday part 16

Dampen skin with water and gently massage exfoliator onto skin. Leave on for a minute or two, rinse well and pat dry.
I have been using this for quite sometime now.  I’ve noticed with consistent use, this product does wonders: my pores are visibly smaller.

I know it is pricey, but a little goes along way. WORTH EVERY PENNY!

Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover 

Dawn here~ I’m pretty sure most everyone has heard of Clinique, they have been around since 1968. You may even have used this product before, Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for lids, lashes, and lips but for anyone who hasn’t, you don’t know what you are missing.

I’ve used it for years and stopped for no reason at all except for the fact that I’m  constantly experimenting with new products. I tend to do that often!

Several years ago I purchased another Clinique product, this makeup remover came with it as a sample. The light bulb went off in my head that this was one of the best products I’ve ever used to remove stubborn mascara, eyeliners and lipsticks that stain your lips. For everyone that follows us knows that I’m obsessed with mascara and Eva’s lipstick is always on point.

great eye make up remover by classic clinique - five things friday part 16
LOOK AT THAT!!!!!

This dissolves and lifts away long lasting makeup, even waterproof mascara without tugging, stinging and burning. This is vegan free along with being free of, synthetic colors, gluten, denatured alcohol, talc, SLS&SLES.

To use: Shake bottle WELL, saturate cotton ball or pad, sweep gently on eyes & lips until makeup is removed then rinse.

If your haven’t tried this yet, give it a try. Removes eye & lip makeup quicker and better than the rest.

Benefit Roller Liner (Black)

Well now that your makeup is off, let’s talk about putting it back on. LOL!

Dawn and Eva~When we want a more dramatic look the Benefit Roller Liner in black is our go to liquid eyeliner. The precise felt tip glides on easy, dries quick, and it is long lasting.

amazing liquid eye liner for a more dramatic look - five things friday part 16

I (Dawn) tend to use a pencil eyeliner because I was extremely nervous about using a liquid eyeliner. In other words, it felt like it would be difficult to deal with. I was also concerned it would bleed into my already sensitive eyes. Well, I was wrong about all of the above.

Not only is this Benefit Eye Liner BEYOND easy to use, the formula is waterproof and it stays in place all day long. The pigment is a perfect matte black. I find if you use little strokes it’s easier to control the pen, end results are flawless.

dramatic look with Benefit Liquid Eye Liner - five things friday part 16
Let’s get dramatic!! (With eyeliner, that is 🙃)

If you like liquid eyeliners this lives up to all expectations!

CeraVe Healing Ointment

With the weather changing and skin is getting dry, we had to mention this ointment!

Dawn here~ Eva mentioned in our FTF Part 9 post how much she loves CeraVe, I couldn’t agree with her more. She reviewed the moisturizing cream, I’m going to review the healing ointment.

a great healing ointment by CeraVe - five things friday part 16

My forearms are chafing from all of the planking I do daily. I usually put a towel on top of my exercise mat when I plank, and I am pretty positive that is what’s irritating my skin.

On one of my many Ulta Beauty shopping trips I picked up the CeraVe healing ointment and decided to give it a try on my forearms. It worked so well that I’ve been using everywhere I have dry skin, even on my face. It’s non-irritating but note it is thick so you only need a small amount.

Sidebar: This is also great for your CHAPPED LIPS!

a great healing ointment by CeraVe - five things friday part 16
Close up view… and definitely a non-greasy feel

CeraVe healing ointment is formulated with petroleum, hyaluronic acid, and ceramics which provides extra protection against chafed, chapped and cracked skin. It’s lightweight yet intensely hydrating, fragrance free and lanolin free to minimize the risk of irritation. One of my favorite things besides it contains hyaluronic acid is not only is it healing, it’s non greasy and really locks in moisture.

If you have extremely dry chapped skin, this is the product for you.

Winter is coming so stock up!!!

Guardsman Furniture Touch Up Kit

This may seem super random, but trust us on this one. Ending our Five Things Friday with a home product we think ANYONE would want/need that really does work.

Dawn here~If you have wood furniture or floors in your house that have minimal damage, such as knicks, marks, scratches, and stains the Guardsman touch up kit is a MUST HAVE. Grab your handy touch up kit, pick the color which matches best, and then dab pen along the mark. IT’S THAT SIMPLE!

super inexpensive way to fix wooden furniture! five things friday part 16

Pros:
        – package has (3) shades of markers: light, medium and dark
        – long lasting
        – dries in seconds
        – matches well

Can be used on tables, chairs, cabinets, wood trim, floors, doors and other wooden surfaces.

Cons: Only have one! If cap is left off of the marker they will dry out. If that happens here is a tip: soak tips in rubbing alcohol that should bring them back to life.

super inexpensive way to fix wooden furniture! five things friday part 16
This is my storage cabinet in my kitchen…blurry but you get the point

Great product to always have around the house for quick touch ups!

So, on another note. Are you ready for Thanksgiving? A little different this year, for sure.

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FIVE THINGS FRIDAY PART 15

FIVE THINGS FRIDAY PART 15!! Here we go again 🙂

We hope you got outside and enjoyed some of this warmer weather if you are here in CT! Well, except for the rain that tailed the end of this week.

As always, we try to bring a good mix of our Five Things Friday. We always like to include something beauty related and something more house-hold.

Five Things Friday Part 15!

Lancôme Dual Finish Powder

Eva here. Beauty is up first! This is one of my must-have powders and it is totally a splurge that is worth it.

This is a dual finish powder foundation that also offers a shine-free and matte finish. I really struggle with oily skin as the day goes on and this is really great for that.

(I also talk about a primer I love for my oily skin here).

a really great Matte Finish powder. Great for oily skin!

Benefits (Source):

  • In dry makeup application, it’s specialized emollients set onto skin seamlessly and condition skin’s surface.
  • From normal to oily skin, dry to combination skin, it’s suitable for all skin types.

Some reviews will say the smell of it is strong; I disagree. I think it’s pleasant and refreshing! With all of this said, this powder really does give a nice and flawless finish. As I really do struggle with breakouts with wearing mask so much, I like that this covers well and helps keep the shine at bay.

Do not mind my dirty makeup brush, LOL. Needs to be cleaned again 🙃

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets

Dawn here!

Oil absorbing sheets are great to have on hand to remove excess oil and shine from your face. They won’t smudge or disturb your makeup or leave behind any residue.

I have noticed throughout the day my T-zone area gets very shiny, and these silky sheets instantly remove the oil from my skin like magic. I rarely leave home without them.

Oil absorbing sheets that really work and are super easy to use.
LOOK AT THAT OIL!!!!!!!

They are very easy to use:

Open package and peel off sticker on the panel where there is an adhesive strip that helps to grab the sheets. Gently blot on face where needed and dispose used sheet in the trash.

Clean&Clear oil absorbing sheets are a great solution for oily skin.

I know most of you have heard of them and/or used these, but Eva forgot about these sheets and it reminded me to include them for “FTF”!!

Toilettree Products Water Resistant Nose and Ear Hair Trimmer w/LED light

NOT ONLY FOR MEN! 😂

Dawn here~ As we get older, are hormones cause hair to grow more rapidly! Going through menopause I’ve noticed my facial, nose, and ear hairs are out of control! DARN MENOPAUSE!!

I originally purchased this Toilettree nose and ear trimmer for my husband but I ended up using it for myself. I LOVE IT!!!

not just for men!! a great trummer for face, nose, and ears
not just for men!! a great trummer for face, nose, and ears

This trimmer is solidly made, great quality. Here are several reasons why I recommend this for men and women:

  • Powerful
  • Battery operated (2AA batteries required)
  • Easily and effortlessly trims nose, ear, beard and eyebrow hairs
  • Doesn’t pull hairs
  • Waterproof
  • Lightweight
  • Handy LED light
  • Easy to clean
  • Lifetime guarantee!

A must have and a great, affordable trimmer. Advice to Eva – get ready for when you go through menopause. LOL!!!!

RTIC Mugs

Eva here…. I CANNOT GO WITHOUT THESE MUGS! and the white one is only 13.99 right now.

First off, as you all see on Instagram, I drink black coffee pretty much non-stop. And not just that, I LIKE IT HOT. The second it gets even slightly cold I dump it out and make a new one, and quite honestly, I found that to be so wasteful.

After some research, I almost pulled the trigger on some Yeti Mugs, since I love the Yeti Tumblers (also found here), but was looking for something most cost-effective. The accountant in me lives to save a penny when I can!

RTIC mugs - really hold up to their promise and keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold.

The RTIC mugs hold up to their promise and at a really great price point. They keep my coffee hot for HOURS, which says A LOT!! So not only am I able to enjoy the same cup of coffee for a long period of time, I am not wasting coffee.

The company’s details:

“20oz. RTIC Tumblers are stainless steel, double wall vacuum insulated. Keeps your drinks ice cold longer – works great for hot beverages. The included all-new shaded Splash Proof lid lets you know exactly how much drink you have. The flip-top closure resists spills and is straw friendly. Easy to clean.”

  • I literally have coffee with me first thing as I'm getting ready in the morning - yikes
    I literally have coffee with me first thing as I’m getting ready in the morning – yikes
  • I mean..of course I bought 2. Can't every just buy one of something 😜
    I mean..of course I bought 2. Can’t every just buy one of something 😜
  • I always drink my coffee out of a straw. Why? Because I try not to yellow my teeth. lol.
    I always drink my coffee out of a straw. Why? Because I try not to yellow my teeth. lol.

Listerine Pocketpak Cool Mint Breath Strips

We saved the best for last because well… coffee breath may require a freshening strip.

A perfectly powerful breath refresher in a tiny package.

I’ve (Dawn) been using the Listerine pocketpak cool mint breath strips for years, and I simply can’t live without them.

These mint breath strips refresh and kill 99% of germs caused by bad breath. They dissolve instantly on your tongue and leave mouth feeling clean and fresh.

listerine breath strips - they work and are GREAT for your mouth!

The portability and convenience of the pocketpaks are appealing to me. Just pop one in your mouth to control bad breath and you are good to go.

NO JOKE, I buy them in bulk from Amazon, that’s how obsessed I am with them.

THESE STRIPS ARE MARVELOUS!

SO there it is, Five Things Friday Part 15! Another one in the books & we hope you enjoyed it.

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Mascara primer – our absolute favorite

YOU GUYS! This mascara primer is our absolute favorite. It is tested, tried, and true.

We BOTH absolutely love this mascara primer: “Lancome Cils Booster XL Lash Thickening Mascara Primer“. We have both tried many primers of ALL price points and always go back to this one. Truly is the #1 in our opinion.

lancome mascara primer..THE BEST!
LOOK AT THIS BEAUTY!

Here are the reasons why.

Dawn here!

Here are the reasons I love Lancome Mascara Primer so much:

  • Multi-purpose product and get more bang for your buck!
    • Conditions
    • Lengthens
    • Thickens!!! <– OUR FAV.
  • Does not irritate eyes (*this is huge for me… my eyes are super sensitive).

A few tips:

  1. Apply a thin base coat from roots to tip then immediately (for best results DO NOT let the primer dry), apply your favorite mascara (see pictures below on how to use).
  2. Use before bedtime on clean lashes to help rejuvenate and nourish your lashes.
  3. and…. STAY TUNED! We will be doing a lot of informative content on eyelashes NEXT week!

Don’t let it dry… immediately put your mascara on!

Eva here… Dawn actually bought this amazing mascara primer for my 34th birthday and I have been hooked since for 2.5 years now. I have tried many others, mostly trying to go to the less expensive route, and I cannot find anything even comparable to this one. We both love to wear mascara and of course love long lashes, so this really helps achieve that look. I actually also find that this primer helps the mascara stay on my eyelashes all day, EVEN AFTER teaching two fitness classes back to back. WIN!

This is true, also: most students have come up to me after classes and asked “how do you get your makeup to stay on even after teaching Zumba?” (which is an intense cardio-dance class), and honestly, it’s because I always use primers!

See the proof!

How to use it:

STEP 1 – Apply to clean lashes – as in no makeup / mascara on them whatsoever.

lancome mascara primer..THE BEST!
Dawn with nothing but Lancome Lash Primer on

Step 2 – Apply mascara! We both do use several different mascaras at once. lol. We can’t help it.

lancome mascara primer..THE BEST!
One lash with mascara, the other with primer

Step 3 – FINISHED LASHES! LONG, STRONG, and NOURISHED!

lancome mascara primer..THE BEST!
Dawn – end result!
lancome mascara primer..THE BEST!
Eva with finished product.

I am sorry if those pictures are creepy.. LOL! We found them a little creepy when we took them.

If you want to check out a few of favorite mascaras to use over this primer…go here!

We tried to keep this short & sweet. If you are looking for a longer-lash look, a product that nourishes, and helps your mascara stay on, this is a must-have and one of our staples.

On another note, next week we are talking about so many different lash serums (you know, what ones that claim “grow your lashes”)… have you tried any? What is your favorite?

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FIVE THINGS FRIDAY PART 10

Five Things Friday Part 10! Who is excited? Well… we are. 😂

We are in go-go-go mode on Friday. So many things happening that we are always on the edge of our seats to share with you! Fashion Friday, Five Things Friday…it’s ALL good stuff!

Anyway…

As always, we have an interesting mix for Five Things Friday Part 10 today.

Firt things first… here is an amazing makeup brush shampoo we must talk about. I, Eva, rarely clean my makeup brushes. YIKES! I was so amazed how clean Dawn’s brushes came out when we reviewed our IT Cosmetics Brushes, so this stuff really works, and we both knew that she must write a review on it!

Coastal Scent Brush Shampoo

Dawn~ First, I should mention that I TRY to keep my brushes clean but every once in awhile I drop the ball on it! Washing your brushes regularly is important to help prevent skin irritation.

The morning of our video on IT cosmetic brushes and contouring I realized that my brushes were pretty dirty. Ugh!!! COASTAL SCENT BRUSH SHAMPOO TO THE RESCUE!!! 🤩

lighting isn’t the best, but you get the idea! before on the left and after on the right.

I applied a small amount of shampoo directly into the palm of my hand and gently swirled around the wet bristles, and it literally washes all the makeup away in seconds. I then rinsed thoroughly and used my finger and paper towels to get the excess water out, then I laid flat to dry.

This cleaner conditions the bristles and leaves them feeling silky soft. Maintaining clean brushes will help to keep them looking just like brand new.

This is an awesome product, especially for the price!

berst makeup brush cleaner. Five things friday part 10!

Continuing on the makeup train for #2.

MAC Extended Gigablack Lash

I (Dawn) love makeup period.

However, mascara is definitely my favorite product and I’m totally obsessed with it. Mascara is the ONE thing that I won’t leave home without. My makeup cabinet consists of so many different mascaras, your head would spin if I showed you all of them! Lol!

One of my “staples” is MAC Extended Gigablack Lash and this is why…

  • defines and separates
  • easy application
  • clump proof
  • doesn’t flake
  • lengthens
  • really is a GREAT BRUSH
  • long lasting
  • waterproof but will wash off with warm water
best mac mascara for a finished touch! - five things friday part 10

In addition to what Dawn has said above, I, Eva, have been using this mascara since 2013!! It is a staple I cannot live without. My good friend Kelly (Hi Kelly!) took me to MAC to get my makeup done for my birthday that year, and MAC gave this to me for free. I have been hooked since. Good job, Mac, lol.

I use it as my “last coat“, in a similar manner and much like the clinique lower lash one we spoke about. I can’t get enough of how it separates (declumps) and lengthens your lashes. Truly a must have and I hope they never stop making this!

best mac mascara for a finished touch! - five things friday part 10
Don’t mind how dirty it looks.. It gets a lot of use!

Ulta Cosmetic Pencil Sharpener

Ok friends, finishing the makeup products portion of Five Things Friday for #3.

Am I (Dawn) the only one who has had issues with finding a decent cosmetic sharpener?!?!

This is the best sharpener I have ever had and it only costs $2.50. Believe me, I have a million sharpeners (some very expensive) and this one blows them away!

ulta pencil sharpener, cheap and effective... five things friday part 10
the beauty!!! actual picture of my sharpener on my bathroom sink.

I love this because it sharpens quickly and efficiently without wasting too much of the pencil, leaves the pencil nice and smooth, and it has a cover on it that catches and prevents the mess of shavings. The cover snaps on and off to make it easy to empty the shavings into the garbage.

Lastly, the sharpener has two different size openings: one for standard pencils and the other for larger ones. It fits almost all size and brands of cosmetic pencils.

THIS IS A GREAT BUY!!!

SO…. Dawn here still and I am finishing with #4 and #5.

Badia Natural Herb Tea

Don’t let the name fool you as to why I, Dawn, drink this tea.

So, I feel like I need to fully explain why I LOVE this tea SO MUCH! I have struggled my whole life (since I was an infant) with constipation issues. I KNOW TMI! SORRY!

About 20 years ago my doctor mentioned that some of her patients were having great results from drinking Badia Natural Slimming Tea, so she recommended that I try it. I said to myself why not I’ve tried everything else so I guess drinking some tea can’t hurt. TO MY SURPRISE THIS HAS TRULY BEEN LIFE CHANGING!!

badia herb tea. five things friday part 10

Every night before bedtime I will have a cup of Badia tea with 2 tea bags. I drink my tea black but it’s ok to add whatever you like to it.

Note: it is an acquired taste for some…. Not me, I LOVE the taste!

Lastly, I want to share a quick story…About 16 years ago I couldn’t find “my tea” at any of the local grocery stores.  I was in complete panic mode!! My husband knows the importance of this tea and he set out to find some for me. He ended up at the Stop&Shop in Monroe, CT where he hit pay dirt. He came home with 20 boxes of tea – he purchased everyone that they had, HA!!

Since then Amazon carries it and I ALWAYS keep my pantry well stocked!

So to finish here, since we are on the topic of more home-based finds, next up for #5 is a diffuser I am obsessed with.

Nest Diffuser

Dawn again finishing this up! I AM CRAZY ABOUT NEST DIFFUSERS!!!

They smell so incredibly insanely AWESOME. The scents (in my opinion) are not overpowering but will fill the room with an elegant fragrance. I’ve had guests commenting on how great my house always smells.

This is a cute story – we were having our ductwork cleaned at our house by Ultra Clean Air. One of the workers said there is such a lovely aroma in your house. I told him it was coming from my Nest diffusers, and that I have them in several rooms. He then said I need to get some for my house. As usual, I have a few backup diffusers (SHOCKER) so I sent him home with one. He said that I made his day! 😀

nest diffusers - LOVE! five things friday part 10
they look gorgeous in my house, too!

So, with all of that said, some of my favorite scents are: Bamboo, Moroccan Amber, Grapefruit, Ocean Mist&Sea Salt and Holiday. Easy to set up and comes with an attractive bottle to put the fragrance and reeds in.

I will say…THEY ARE PRICEY but WELL WORTH IT because the scent will last up to 3-6 months.

Here’s a tip: turn the reeds around once a month, that will help to refresh the scent.

I recently found out when I went to order a Nest diffuser on Amazon for a birthday present that the diffuser scent refills are now available. Winner winner chicken dinner!!

PS. I also highly recommend Nest Candles. I’m sure they will be featured on FTF at some point!

That concludes PART 10 of Five Things Friday! We hope you enjoy our random mix of things.

Question: Do you clean your makeup brushes regularly or are you more like Eva who just never does it? lol

Today is also FASHION FRIDAY! Our LIKEtoKNOW.it page is updated and there are some amazing new things happening at Savvi! Think… fab fit fun married stitch fix and had a baby (LOL thank you for that one, Jessica!)

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