Soosul Skin Review

Hey everyone! I hope you all have been doing great! It’s been awhile and I’m sorry. It’s been really hectic in my part of the woods. However, I’m back!

I wanted to come on here and do a mini review on the Soosul Skin that was sent to me. Here’s a little snippet about the company!

Soosul Skin is a cruelty-free, natural, organic and luxury brand made in South Korea created in 2002. We’ve heard about all the hype about mushrooms in coffee and foods right? Well Soosul’s main ingredient in their products is Sang Hwang (Phellinus Linteus) mushroom and is one of the very first mushrooms that Korea has been certified to be used for medicine. This Phellinus Linteus mushroom has outstanding anti-aging and antioxidants. Soosul Skin created products for men and women to help with hyperpigmentation, dehydrated skin, wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots.

Purifying Foam Cleanser

This is a cream to foam cleanser. There’s about 0.5% of SangHwang mushroom extract that’s packed with antioxidants to cleanse and purifies the skin. The scent is very light, it has a very light grapefruit and green tea scent. It isn’t overbearing at all. It indeed is a cream base and I did notice there was a very small amount of grit to the cleanser almost like a scrub which I personally like. The skin type recommended for this product would be for everyone really: normal, oily, combination and dry. I myself can be a bit dry in the winter so the fact that this cleanser turns to foam, is a dry skin’s dream. This product would help with acne, blemishes, oiliness and pores. Honestly sometimes, when I just use the cleanser, my face really does look lighter.

Collagen Boosting Essence Serum

This essence serum is a powerful treatment used after cleaning your face. It contains 10% of the SangHWang mushroom which deeply penetrates into the skin to improve the skin’s natural barrier function and has moisture-holding capacity. The scent again is not very strong, it has a light fragrance. This serum helps with dullness of the skin, uneven texture, dark spots and pores. It also helps with all of the skin types. I love to use this in the morning after cleansing and toner and at night before bed, it gives a supple look and really does make your skin soft and hydrated.

Hydrogel Essential Sheet Mask

I haven’t really seen a mask like this. It actually has 2 parts! The top part of your face (until the nose) and the bottom part which covers under the nose. The scent is a little strong but it’s doable. This mask contains 25mg which gives your skin radiance, hydration, smoothness and plumpness in 10 minutes. You could even leave the mask on up to 30 minutes! A little trick I use is after applying the mask, I like to go over it with a jade roller so the mask can really take more effect. This mask works for all skin types and will help with fine lines, wrinkles, dryness and uneven texture.

They also sent me a few samples: Ginseng Cream with 15% consistency and the Revitalizing Eye Cream infused with 10%.

I always love trying new brands and this one was amazing to try! I would love to eventually love to try out the Neck Firming Cream because lets face it, not everyone pays attention to the neck as we age unfortunately. Take a look at their website, you can’t go wrong. They even have a FREE skin quiz to see which products would benefit you and your skincare needs. If you like what you see and want to try it out, please feel free to use my discount code for 10% off. CHRISTINA10

Have you tried or heard any new skincare that includes mushrooms? I would love to know!

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PB&J French Toast with Vital Proteins Collagen

Hello my loves and happy Wednesday!

I hope you all are having a great week so far!

It’s been a long while since I posted a recipe let alone never blogged about collagen.

I first was introduced to Vital Proteins a few years back at the Expo West in Anaheim, California as well as another blogger by the name of The Skinny Confidential (hi Lauren!)

Vital Proteins has so many different products on their website which includes collagen water, collagen mini powders, collagen creamers, immunity boosters, collagen lattes, collagen bars, matcha powders and even workout powders.

Benefits of Collagen: 

Did you know collagen helps strengthen nails, hair, skin, bones and joints and as we get older, our bodies are not able to synthesize collagen on their own and a lot of our food intake doesn’t include collagen.**

How to Use:

Simply put into your waters, coffees, beverages and food recipes. The best thing is that this specific kind has no scent and can easily dissolve into water.

My PB&J French Toast Recipe:

* 4 slices of bread

* 1 scoop of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

* 1 egg

* 1/4 cup of milk

* pinch of salt

* cinnamon

* 2 tablespoons of butter or ghee

Spread peanut butter and jelly on the bread as if you were making a sandwich.

Whisk egg, milk, salt, cinnamon and collagen powder.

Gently place the sandwich into the egg mix and make sure you get both sides saturated.

Place 1 tablespoon of butter on the pan and wait for it to sizzle.

Using your spatula, place the sandwich in the pan and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes then turn over and wait a few minutes again.

With the other 1 tablespoon of butter, again place the butter in the pan for the next batch of french toast.

When it’s all said and done, sprinkle powdered sugar and some maple syrup on top.

Bon Appetite!

****These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

January 2018 Daily Goodie Box

Happy Thursday loves!

It has been a while since I got to do a Daily Goodie Box, so I’m glad I got the opportunity to receive my first 2018 Goodie Box!  I really liked this box  because there’s quite a bit of goodies that are great to use.

Beanitos White Bean Chips- Sweet Chili & Sour Cream: It’s high in fiber and has 6 grams  of protein in a 1.2oz package. I’m not so sure about this one, there’s an weird bean aftertaste but as for the flavor, it’s a little spicy. (A good thing!)

Raw Rev Glo-Double Chocolate Brownie Batter: It’s a bar with raw superfoods with 12 grams of protein, 14g of fiber and 4g of sugar. I have yet to try this but can’t wait till I have an early shift at work to eat this! I mean think about it: chocolate for breakfast while it’s got superfoods and healthy. 😀

Bizzy Double Shot Black Coffee: It has 130 to 150 mg of caffeine, cold brewed, ethically resourced, and BPA free. If anyone knows me, there’s a reason why this might be the best thing in this box! I’m definitely using this during one of my morning shifts at work!

* Herbal Zap-Ancient Ayurvedic Herbal Blend for Immune Support: It is an instantly dissolving herbal supplement which has 14 concentrated Ayurvedic herbal extracts. I don’t usually open products before I take pictures, but this was an emergency! I got back to work (after being off for 2 months) everyone was sick! No way am I getting sick in the beginning of the year. Anyways, I digress. It had a peppery and spicy taste to it.

EBOOST-Spruce Energizing Whole Greens with a Smart Shaker v2lite: It has 3 servings of whole veggies with 6 grams of fiber and is non-gmo. This one is Green Apple Ginger. Is it just me or you do sense a theme with this box?! I love it! FUN Fact: There’s natural caffeine and antioxidants from whole coffee cherries! It’s nice to get a mini shaker that I can easily take to-go while going to work.

napz all natural short-term sleep aid: I usually feel a bit iffy about sleeping aid but from what I can see, it’s non-habit forming and it’s drug free. Ingredients include: chamomile extract, passiflora extract, lemon balm extract and hibiscus flower extract. I’m very interested to see if this works! Mind you, I’ve only used a sleep aid once in my life.

Andalou Naturals Beauty is Renewal Face Cream: It’s a probiotic and Vitamin C cream that uplifts tone and texture to a lighter, tighter, brighter looking appearance and a luminous complexion. I can’t wait to try this!

Nellie’s All Natural Wow Stick Stain Remover: Remember this? This is my second time receiving this stain remover. It’s a simple stain remover, just wet the Wow Stick and rub gently onto the stain. Then just agitate the stain under water and voila, you’re done! I just love this scent, it’s a citrusy scent.

As I finish typing this up, I realized something! New Year New You healthier goodie boxes! What do you guys think?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CVS Sheet Mask Haul and Deal!

Happy New Years loves! I hope 2018 brings all your dreams and goals come true!!

So this is my first ever post of 2018 and I couldn’t think of a better deal to post!

You know me, I’m always looking at the skincare products at CVS and go figure. They have had so many clearance sales on most beauty products. I came across a few Korean sheet masks that were only $0.75 cents! FYI they are called the Crème shop.

I would think it’s on clearance due to the holiday sets and scents.

I bought 3 of them just to try out:

An Elf’s Workshop Resveratrol Sheet Mask: Anti-age and plumb

*Resveratrol boosts collagen levels to keep skin firm and youthful.

B12 Complex Infused Face Mask: It brightens sullen skin, combats dry, cracked skin and reveals healthy radiance

*B12 is an essential vitamin known to reduce redness, inflammation, dryness and dullness of skin. It improves overall complexion and tone.

Limited Edition Fushion Sheet Mask Pumpkin Spice (Cinnamon): The Benefits of 2 masks in 1!

*Pumpkin’s superpower: Pumpkin enzymes help boost skin turnover to reveal a fresh face and a rejuvenated complexin.

*Cinnamon’s superpower: Ultra-absorbent. It neutralizes oily skin by soaking up excess sebum. It also helps thwart future breakouts and blemishes.

So really, think about it! You usually can find sheet masks for about 2.99 each and you’re only paying 75 cents?! I think this is a major steal! 😀

 

 

Target Fall Beauty Box

Happy Wednesday loves!

Have any of you noticed it’s almost impossible to grab a Target Beauty Box before it sells out?! Well miraculously, I was able to grab one this time for the Fall Beauty Box. I only paid $5 which is pretty good considering that you get samples and one or 2 full size products. I personally wanted this box just because there was more hair products for curly hair!

Skincare:

Pretty Animalz by Look Beauty: Panda Calming Facials Sheet Mask- it provides intensive hydration and calms skin with an aromatic lavender scent. I will definitely use this on my at home spa day. The first full size product!

St. Ives: Invigorating Apricot Scrub – it helps reduce breakouts before they occur while it’s made of natural exfoliants for a gentle and deep cleanse. I personally I don’t use this for my face. From what I’ve learned: Apricot seed is indeed very sharp so I only use this for my at-home pedicures.

 

Haircare:

Curls: Blueberry Leave In Conditioner – it’s a special formula that helps to hydrate, boost healthy hair growth and support strong keratin production.

SheaMoisture: Argan Oil & Argan Milk Shampoo and Blowout Creme – argan oil, shea butter and almond milk gently cleanses to tame frizz and improve shine. I’ve received this before and I’m glad I got another sample of it! The blowout creme works perfectly for blow drying curly hair.

Curls Unleashed: Curl Defining Creme – it’s a lasting moisture that treats even the most dry and damaged hair, leaving it soft, smooth and manageable.

Body Care:

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Body Lotion – cocoa butter enriched with Vitamin E helps to smooth marks, heal, soften and tone skin. I’ve heard about this everywhere, however, it’s my first time trying it out!

Chapstick: Hydration in Blood Orange – an advanced 3-1 formula that helps moisturize, renew and transform for more youthful-looking lips. Another full size product!

There you have it loves! A review of the Target Fall Beauty Box! What do you think? Have any of you tried or received any Target beauty boxes?

Recent Beauty Haul

Happy first day of summer loves!!

I don’t know how the weather is over where you guys are but, it’s only 11am here in LA and already the sun is blaring down at us!

To kick off the summer spirit, I’ve got 2 honorable mentions of my beauty purchases that I’ve been loving lately!

I’ve been on the hunt for L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise mascara and had the hardest time finding it. I went to Target and found out they sold out within the second day! Then went to Ulta and it still wasn’t delivered to them so last idea I had was to order it online. I did find it online on Amazon but it shouldn’t ship until another 2 weeks!

I plan to try it out for a few weeks and will post a review on my blog, so I won’t talk more about this till then!

As I was at Ulta looking for my mascara, I came across the Biore Pore Penetrating Charcoal Bar. I feel like this is a great dupe for the Lush Coalface for half the price. It’s even got a peppermint scent to it. So it feels great after a long day while your face is feeling refreshed.

 

3 Simple Secrets to Looking Younger and Having Great Skin as You Age

Happy Wednesday loves!

I’m excited to announce that for the first time ever, I’m having a guest blogger!

No one wants to look old before their time. While we will all age, and there is no escaping it, there are some easy ways you can remain youthful looking. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and you should look after it.

I am in my early 50s. I became a grandparent at 47 years of age. That’s pretty young, I’m sure you’ll agree. I don’t look my age, and I haven’t for many years. Now, I don’t have a ‘baby-face’ or any other ‘trick’ that keeps me looking young.
I live in a very sunny part of the world. I grew up playing outside before sunscreens were invented. My skin is olive, and I have freckles. And despite these things, people are always surprised to discover how old I am. They are even more surprised when they learn I have grandchildren.
People remark that I am very lucky, and that I must have good ‘genes’ to look so young. Well, I believe that you make your own luck, and regardless of your genetic disposition, you can slow the aging process easily and cheaply.
All those years ago, beauty products weren’t as sophisticated as they are today. I was limited with what I could do. So, here are the 3 things I have been doing for the past 35 years which helps keep my complexion radiant and fighting the aging process.
1. Exfoliate
Scrub your skin long and hard. It sounds harsh, but it works.
Don’t be gentle with your skin, especially your face and around your neck. These two areas will show how old you are sooner than anywhere else. I use a strong brush to exfoliate twice a day. I have one in the shower and one on the bathroom sink. And, I scrub those dead skin cells away until my skin shines.
2. Moisturize
Depending upon where you live, and how much exercise you get I would recommend you moisturize at least twice a day. If you live in a heavily polluted area or you are in the sun a lot, then do it more often.
What kind of moisturizer you use will depend on your budget, but to be honest you don’t need an expensive brand to get great results. I have never paid a lot of money for moisturizer. Instead, I buy ones which are thick and have a good sorbolene base.
Avoid moisturizers which are thin and look glossy. You need to protect your skin for hours at a time, so choose one which is thick and needs rubbing in.
3. Live well
Now, I know I’m going to sound like your mother, but it’s true. Alcohol, smoking and a poor diet play havoc on your skin. And, the older you get the longer it takes for your skin to repair itself, trust me!
I’m not saying you have to be saint, but limit these things as much as you can.
You need to eat a balanced diet and drink a lot of water. If you skin and hair are prone to drying out, eat more fish. I have a small can of tuna each day. It gives my body all the essential omega vitamins to help my skin shine.
It’s never too late to start taking good care of your skin. It shouldn’t cost you a lot of money either. Create a routine where you exfoliate and moisturize when needed. Also, be mindful of what you put in your mouth. Your skin will reveal those bad habits to the world if you let it.
Instead, nurture your skin to help you hide your age, and keep people guessing.

 

About My Guest – Susan Day
Susan Day is an author of 15 books, educator, and a content marketer. Her blog, Astro’s Adventures Book Club, is full of ideas and tips for grandparents who want to build a strong relationship with their grandchildren. In particular, Susan specializes in helping grandparents share their love of books with their grandchildren. Susan is currently writing a book titled, The Top 10 Things Happy Grandparents Never Regret Doing!
Susan lives in country Australia with four dogs, three boss cats, three rescue guinea pigs, and an errant kangaroo. And, apart from blogging, writing and reading; she loves drinking coffee, painting and learning to box.

Oz Naturals SPF 30 Tinted Moisturizer Review


Happy Wednesday loves. Hope you’re all enjoying your week!

I was lucky enough to be chosen to review the Oz Naturals 30 SPF Broad Spectrum Tinted Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide. Luck was on my side, since I’ve been actually looking for something like a body lotion but with sunscreen. 😀

oz naturals

The Claims:

A medium tint, moisturizing sunscreen lotion that absorbs quickly and provides effective broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UBA rays.

Directions: Apply to all skin exposed to the sun. Make sure you apply liberally and evenly 15 minutes before any sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hour.

My Review:

I like using it as a simple SPF cream. Most of the time I’ve been using this, it’s combined with a body butter. It has a light fragrance to it which I love. Another reason why I like this is because I like the light tint to this moisturizer/SPF. I would definitely buy this next time, especially in this crazy California weather

ozz.

*Sponsored by Brandbacker*

 

Brea Lush Haul and Review

Happy Thursday loves!

I finally went to visit a Lush for the first time in my life and finally purchased something I had my eye on forever. There’s only 2 Lush locations in my area. Anaheim and Brea, California both located in Orange County. As soon as you walk in, you can smell all their natural scents, like  the ocean and it smells clean and fresh. Karen the young lady that was helping me was awesome! She was very patient and didn’t rush me to buy anything. I went to look for the Dark Angels mask but alas, they were sold out, even online! She then showed me other types of cleansers and masks that are a little similar to Dark Angel.

She showed me Ocean Salt, Mask of Magnaminty, and the Coalface. Ocean Salt is a face and body scrub that smells like you’re at the ocean. It’s main ingredient is seaweed. (hence the ocean scent!)

lush haul

I ended up buying the Coalface and a small sample of the Mask of Magnaminty. I really do like the mask! First of all, it’s a clay mask which helps with oily skin and second of all the scent! The name itself is very clever, they somehow added “minty” in the name. I have a thing with anything mint, if there’s mint, I’m buying it. :p

mask of magnaminty

Coalface is like Dark Angels in a way but in a soap base. It’s a cleansing charcoal bar that you can use daily for normal to oily skin. It’s main ingredient, no surprise here, its powdered charcoal.

coalface

I definitely can’t wait to go to Lush again and try out more skincare products, I might even get those bathbombs everyone raves about!

Whats your favorite Lush product? Any recommendations?

 

May 2015 Birchbox Review

Happy Saturday loves!

I’m finally back from my long hiatus and hope you’re all doing great! So sorry about my recent disappearance, work was a bit on the hectic side!

birchbox

I was lucky enough to find a promo code for BirchBox from GlamLifeGuru who is a Youtuber that I’ve been following since forever! I only paid $1 to try out BirchBox. ( I always wanted to try it out, but of course my funds had other things to do and be)

This month’s theme is from Cupcakes and Cashmere (a fellow beauty blogger as well). She picked out 5 of her favorite products.

bb opened

Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

This is an exfoliating cleanser enriched with papaya, micro-crystals and aloe. It’s Paraben free, sulfate free and 99% natural! I’ve already tried this a few times and I may be in love with this cleanser! I use this before applying my foundation and I’ve found it to be very effective. It really does give you a smooth plate for your foundation. The Texture: it feels like a light cleanser with a little bit of exfoliating crystals that lathers up with water.

vasanti

N.4 Lumiered-hiver Super Comb Prep & Protect

This is a leave-in conditioner that instantly detangles hair and provides color protection as well as an extra dose of UV protection. I haven’t used this yet to be honest but looking forward to trying this! I like the idea of a hair product that protects against UV rays.

hair spray

MARCELLE Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Gel

I use this after washing my face but before I apply my foundation. Some times I’ll just use this as a moisturizer without any makeup! It works both ways. I do feel that my skin does get hydrated while using this which is great, considering that it’s already summer and humid. FYI: there’s no scent to this, perfect for people who are sensitive to smell.

hydrating gel

Notting Hill Femme English Laundry

A mini perfume sample by Christopher Wicks. It’s actually a bit hard to explain the scent but something like a musky floral. I definitely love the scent though, I’m going to wear it for special occasions.

perfume

Coastal Scents Reveal 3D Palette Sampler “Desert Bloom”

This is the first time getting a BirchBox sample let alone an eyeshadow palette sample. I had no idea what to expect! It’s a cute 4 sample set: matte light brown, a shimmery gold, a rose gold, and a pinky metallic purple.

shadow

 

Rating: 4 out of 5

Do you subscribe to Birchbox? What did you get in your box?