HYPED: The Ordinary Skincare

 

Ohhhh the outpouring of love and fits of rage this company has endured within the last few months! The Ordinary is one of the most talked about and hyped skin care brands of 2016-2017, showing up all over YouTube and Instagram. I finally bit the bullet and placed an order to see what all of the hoopla was about. After several weeks of testing four products from their skincare line, I’m going to give you the skinny on these not-so-ordinary products.

First, let’s talk about the price point of this brand. Why? Because it’s a major reason as to why they’ve become so popular to begin with. The vast majority of their products are less than $10 each. Whatttttt? HOLD THE PHONE! “MOM! Did you hear that? Less than $10 dollars? Holy sh*t, let’s buy ’em out!” Drugstore prices for a high-end product? Something sound fishy to you? I thought so too. At these prices, I could have bought one of everything but half of their line was sold out… don’t expect that to change anytime soon either! This company has won award after award and the only struggle they’re having is keeping up with the demand! Um, hire me please! 

I purchased the following items:

• Advanced Retinoid 2%
• Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
• Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
• High-Spreadability Fluid Primer

The naming convention of these products could make a person feel as though they need to be schooled in dermatology before making an informed purchase but the website does a pretty kick ass job at explaining the benefits of each of their products. Every product displays a grid with check marks pertaining to it being water, alcohol, oil, silicone, nut, soy, or cruelty-FREE (psst! they’re all cruelty-free). If the product meets the standards of vegan restrictions – check mark, again.

My numero uno desire from The Ordinary was the Retinoid. My skin shows a night and day difference when using one and I’d been going without for several months due to cost. Shop for a retinoid at Sephora (or from any legit skin care brand for that matter) and you’re going to be spending a minimum of $75.00. Ouch! 2% is a high concentration and typically you won’t see anything over 1% in the US. I was a bit nervous about this but have had no issues at all with this concentration. It’s worked wonders on my skin and any redness or scarring from acne is gone in a flash compared to when I’m not using it. A MUST HAVE product!

The Caffeine Solution was recommended by the ever-so-talented Wayne Goss (makeup artist and Youtuber that know his sh*t). He mentioned the discoloration and puffiness under is eyes has practically vanished and nothing he’s ever used under his eyes has worked as well as this product has. $6.70. Are you kidding me? SIGN ME UP. I am loving this product as much as Wayne is. I have very little discoloration/darkness under my eyes anymore and the fine lines and puffiness has improved significantly. Five stars, yes…give it to meeeee!

The Vitamin C Suspension is one of the strangest skin care products I’ve used and is intended (like all vitamin c products) to brighten your skin tone. After some trial and error, I found a way of using it that works best for me. It’s a thin white cream with a grainy texture. Spreading it around your face will create little balls will roll right off. It takes a while to fully sink in so putting it under my makeup hasn’t worked either. I press it lightly into my skin and use it more like a mask or a sleeping treatment. I put it on after washing my face at night or in the morning and let it sit for a while before rinsing it off. I get a slight tingling sensation at times after putting it on but it only lasts a couple of seconds and its gone. It does a great job at brightening my skin tone so I would definitely recommend this product. In my opinion, you just need to “make time” to use this one.

The High Spreadability Fluid Primer is a silicone-like primer that comes in a bottle with a glass dropper just like the Retinoid and Caffeine products. I found that the dropper doesn’t work well for dispensing product but is still useful to for getting product out and spreading onto your fingers. If you’re not a fan of silicone primers, you’re not going to like this one. Primers are so hard to gauge whether they work wonders or not due to the ever changing variables with each day. Using different moisturizers, foundations or the temperature outside and wear time of your makeup. I feel this one does the job creating a nice, smooth, blurred base and adds longevity to the wear time of my makeup. At a crazy low price of $7.90, you certainly can’t go wrong by trying it!

None of The Ordinary products have a scent or fragrance added which I appreciate whole-heartedly. I have enough products that make me smell good. I don’t need my under-eyes to be one of them, TYSM.

 

Wait, so Ana… you mentioned fits of rage at the beginning of this blog?  With the rave reviews and positive comments about the products, why would anyone be upset with The Ordinary? Well, I’ll tell you why! A letter of apology from The Ordinary went out via social media regarding the backlog of product orders they continue to deal with after releasing 2 lines of foundations. People went crazy and they weren’t prepared for the insane number of orders. Try to order one today, they’re still out of stock. At $6.70 per bottle, I will happily wait my turn to get my hands on a few shades. Second letter was just released this week and they announced a partnership with Estee Lauder Cosmetics after struggling to meet the massive demands of orders and have promised their loyal customers that The Ordinary is their baby and nothing that they stand for will change.

At this time, these products can only be found online but free shipping is available with a very reasonable shopping minimum. Happy shopping!

I love this brand and I know you will to!

Have you tried anything from The Ordinary yet?

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Babies & Beauty & Blogs Oh My!

I know what you’re thinking, babies? Could this be the announcement of the century? You know how much I love beauty and blogging but babies, Ana? Okay, I wont string you along any further! No, baby announcement here. But I got your attention, didn’t I?

Have you ever signed up for a webinar and thought, “this one could change my career! I could learn some phenomenal tips and tricks” and 30 minutes into it, you’re still eagerly waiting for host to get to the freakin’ point? Can I get 30 minutes of my life back, please? I’m not going to do that to you, instead I’m going to cut straight to the chase. I’m turning the tables and asking you for a little favor. If you aren’t already following my blog, I’ve got a sweet little deal if you click the follow button and then hop on over to my Instagram profile at @anahelgeson and follow me there.

A sweet little deal, eh? Other than for the simple reason that you luuuuuv reading my blogs, I know you also love free stuff! In gracious exchange for your follows, I want to send to you three FREE samples of your choice from Beautycounter. You may remember a couple of months ago I wrote a blog post on becoming a Beautycounter affiliate Why You Deserve Better and What I Can Do About It and by God, it’s about time I start sharing some of the best Beautycounter products with you.

Still wondering why I mentioned babies in the title of this blog? Did you know that Beautycounter has a line of baby and kid products? Well, now you do. As the brand goes, all products are safe, chemical-free and oh-so-sweet for your little loved ones. Interested in giving your baby just what they deserve; the BEST!? Pick any three from the products listed below and I will send you a sample of each to try today!

• Baby Daily Protective Balm
• Baby Soothing Oil
• Baby Gentle All-Over Wash
• Super Duper Clean Kids Body Wash
• Not a Knot Kids Conditioner
• Nice Do Kids Shampoo

Want to know more about the Beautycounter skin care line? I’m always seeking new skin care products and Beautycounter offers some of the best for those who like a luxurious feel without all of the chemicals. Choose from any of the products listed below:

• Charcoal Cleansing Bar
• Cleansing Balm
• Nourishing Cream Cleanser
• Nourishing Night Cream

Are you a foundation junkie like myself? I am a big fan of the Beautycounter Tint Skin Foundation and have free samples with multiple colors included so you can find your perfect shade. Let me know if you would like to try out the Tint Skin Foundation as one of your samples!

Your mission today: 1. Follow me here at anahelgeson.com and 2. on Instagram at @anahelgeson. 3. Send me a quick email to ana@anahelgeson.com with your name and address and the three samples of your choice and I will be sure to mail them to you right away!

I am so excited for you to try out these products from Beautycounter! If you’re interested in finding out more or ordering a full size of something that you’ve fallin in love with, please go to www.beautycounter.com/anahelgeson or contact me for more information!

Thanks to everyone for all of the love and support they have given me thus far on my journey as a blogger. 2017 holds so much promise and excitement ahead so be sure to click the follow button so you don’t miss a beat (or a blog).

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Spring Cleaning Your Makeup Collection

It’s that time of year. We’ve got the itch to deep clean, de-clutter and reorganize. But how does one begin this daunting task you say? Stick around and I’ll give you my TOP 5 tips for getting rid of makeup that you have juuuust gotttt to let go of and how to determine what’s past expiration and better off in the trash.

Depending on the size of your collection, you’ll need an afternoon (or two), lots of makeup remover wipes and strong willpower. Light a candle, say a prayer and let’s get crackin’. For those of you that can count the number of makeup items you own on one hand, I’ll save you some time. This blog is not for you. Check back in a year when your small stash has now become a collection (don’t worry, it happens to the best of us).

First, divide the makeup by type. If you’re organized like I am, (I have few areas in which I am allowed to brag, this will be one of them) take your items out one drawer or bin at a time. Normally when organizing a large space, I like to take everything out at once so I can see what I’ve got. In this instance, I don’t find that helpful or necessary. Don’t overwhelm yourself and try to enjoy the process of elimination.  Work your way through by category such as foundations, primers, bronzers, eye shadow palettes, etc.  You get the idea.

 

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Second, start with what you know you LOVE. I’m not talking about the occasional “Oh, I liked this one! I should use it more” item. These are the items that go without a doubt in your mind and are your ride or die homies! The reason for starting this way is that when it comes to items like lipsticks, lip glosses, etc. I would highly recommend trying them on. Is it time consuming? Yes. Is it going to be worth it? Yes. Because you’ll get rid of far more than you would by just looking at them or swatching them on the back of your hand. Starting with the best sets a standard in which to measure by.  Every other lipstick thereafter will have to live up to that “YAS bitch!” feeling!

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Third, as you begin to shuffle through what is left, I encourage you to swatch, play, scratch, sniff, etc. Yes, I said sniff. Old makeup goes bad after having been opened for some time. The scent can depend on the type of product but anything that doesn’t smell or look right needs to go in the trash. A “duh moment” here but continuing to use expired makeup can cause breakouts and allergic reactions. Check the labels on each item for shelf life. The icon that looks like this  shows the number of months the product is good for once opened. If you know it’s been opened much longer than that, let it go. Product has dried up? Throw it in the trash. Little budding dots on top of the product or in the lid? Throw it in the trash. Smells like chemicals? You get the picture, moving on!

Fourth, set a realistic goal for the number of items you’d like to remove from the rest of the pile. Now that you’ve gotten rid of the old, bad and the ugly and extracted your besties from the pile, it’s time to conquer the difficult products left staring back at you. Keep in mind when picking each item up, you know damn well you’re going to be buying more makeup! This mindset is important and will help you to leave more room for makeup to be added to your collection. Begin by comparing items to others of the like (bronzers of the same shade, eye shadows of the same tone and foundations of the same coverage, etc). Get rid of what you can! Duplicates or items that have never been used could be given to a friend or family member. For sanitary reasons, not everything can be shared, especially eye makeup so use your best judgement here.

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Fifth, find items that are nearly finished. Set them aside to be taken back to your vanity. Make sure these items are used up before you moving on to anything else. There may not be many but it will make a difference in what you’re placing back into your drawers and make you feel better about getting your moneys worth from what’s left.

Wipe down drawers, containers and surfaces with a gentle anti-bacterial cleaner and cloth before organizing your items back into place. Voila, a fresh outlook on your collection will leaving you feeling empowered to try new looks and dig into products you had long forgotten!

Happy Spring Cleaning! If you have a favorite makeup de-cluttering tip, please leave it down below to share with others.

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InStyler Blu Ionic Hair Dryer Review

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Ooh! Fancy. She’s gettin’ fancy with a slideshow! What do you think? Do you like this format versus scattering my photos throughout the blog? Let me know in the comments below, please and thank you!

I’ve always been a belieber (sorry, I couldn’t help myself) in the difference that a hair dryer can make when I need a good hair day but stretching the budget to nearly $200 has always seemed well, completely unnecessary.

Typically, if I’m spending over $50 on anything that requires a few things to be taken into consideration. Do I need it? Yes, a hair dryer is a must except on the rare occasion I’m doing some hard core camping, which is never. How much do I want to spend? Mmm, how about $20? Doesn’t that sound like the ideal amount for just about everything? Lets get real! What are the stats? Research and comparing brands and numbers is a must. In the case of the subject at hand, the stats are as follows. Ionic. Turbo powered. The most lightweight dryer on the market. Three levels of temperature and a cold air button. 1 to 10 range of blowing power. Slim handle and sleek design.

Currently sitting at 439 reviews on Target’s website, nearly all give the Ionic Blue 5 stars and rave about the quality. I couldn’t agree more. First off, the design is brilliant. It’s white (my favorite color) and very sleek unlike most lower priced dryers. The geometric design is a cool touch and the ultra bright blue light that emits from the back when turned on is so pretty!

I will admit I was hesitant to buy it since I’ve never spent nearly $100 on a hair dryer before. However, I was tired of the mediocre, bulky and heavy design of the lesser priced versions and knew Target had a great return policy if it didn’t live up to the price tag.

For some time now, I’ve had an issue with one or both of my hands becoming completely numb when I wake up in the morning. Sometimes, it can take over a half an hour for all of the sensation to come back and using the ultra lightweight InStyler Blu has made a huge difference on making it an easier task to dry my hair.

After just the first time using it, I noticed that my hair was shinier and less frizzy than with any other hair dryer I’ve owned in the past. *Side note, I think it’s important to mention that I have shoulder length, fairly thick hair and typically let my hair air dry for about ten minutes before using a hair dryer. I start out using only my hands and tipping my head and then finish drying with a round brush. Using a round brush definitely helps reduce frizz and adds shine in addition to the ionic benefits of the hair dryer itself.

In the past, I’ve sought out a hair dryer that I could travel with because the ones hotels provide you with are complete rubbish. Who wants to look like garbage on their vacation? Not me! Luckily, the InStyler Blu that I purchased came with a mini travel size dryer. It is TINY (and so cute)! Though, I’ve tried it and it packs a serious punch (just like me).

The InStyler Blu includes a concentrator and diffuser attachment and has an extra long cord that does not easily kink or get wound up in itself while in use.

Overall, I can say without a doubt that this was a great investment and well worth the $99 price tag. Technology of hair dryers will continue to improve but this one has got all the bells and whistles a girl could ask for!

*Disclaimer: I purchased my InStyler Blu from Target with my own money. This is not a sponsored review, all opinions are honest and my own!

Let me know in the comments below which hair dryer you are using and if you are liking it!

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Christian Dior: A Match Made In Heaven

It was a cold, dark night in the middle of October…Psych! It was actually a beautiful day and I had just returned an item to Sephora that I wasn’t too keen on. If I return something to a store I try to put the “aisle blinders on” and get the hey-ll out of the store before I spend what I just got back. This time was a total fail.

This was an unplanned and definitely unresearched purchase. So unlike me! I hadn’t heard any buzz about either product, yet the marketing ploys and luxurious packaging was enough to suck me in and lead me straight into a blind purchase. Undeniably, deep down I wanted to hate both of these items because I rarely give in to high end makeup but they were love at first sight.

The Dior Fix It 2-in-1 Prime & Conceal concealer can be used to cover blemishes and dark circles, as well as a act as a base to the High Volume Pumping gloss canceling out the natural pigmentation of your lips and create a gorgeous, plump nude lip. The concealer is available in three shades: Light, Medium and Dark.

The Dior Addict Lip Maximizer High Volume Lip Plumping gloss is light on the lips, non-greasy or sticky and creates a gorgeous high impact shine. I have very small lips and am always looking for the next lip gloss that will give me a temporary (and much cheaper) lip filler appearance. My favorites in the past have been White Russian and Samantha by Buxom. This gloss has a similar impact without the tingle and is a thinner formula. The Lip Maximizer has a very light, almost undetectable scent and comes in three shades: Pink, Apricot and Beige Sunrise.

I love using this concealer under my eyes, especially during the winter months. It’s much more hydrating and kind to my dry (and wrinkling) under eyes than many others that cake up and flake throughout the day.

The great thing about splurging on items like this is that they are wearable, natural and daily-use items. This is not a splurge on a crazy beautiful blue eye shadow that you may only wear once in a…well, blue moon. These are staple items for a look to wear to work or out on a dinner date.

Let’s not forget to mention that the packaging on this pair is definitely top shelf vanity-worthy!

Have you tried either of these beautiful Dior cosmetics yet?

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Sephora Favorites: Extravagant Eyes Kit

Sephora Favorites are a fantastic way to try out a number of luxury or high-end brands sold at Sephora, for a fraction of what it would cost if each piece were purchased individually. The Extravagant Eyes kit is $42.00 but a value of $134.00! Crazy good deal right?!

Everything shown below is included in the kit, which focuses on giving you a sultry duo-chrome, plum, beige and gold shimmer-look with a pair of Huda Beauty lashes that are to die for!

In this blog I’ll attempt to be less talk, more walk (if you know what I mean) because this kit sells itself! What more do you for need me to say than, RUN! Run before they are gone forever!

Below are MANY photos I’ve taken of each item, as well as a look I created from several of the items. The look turned out beautifully and lasted all night through dinner and dancing!

If you haven’t picked this kit up for yourself yet, be sure to add it to your list from Santa this Christmas! IT IS A MUST HAVE!

Here is a look I created using several of the products from the kit (only two not used were the Sephora 12 Hour Contour Liner and the Urban Decay Heavy Metal glitter liner). These photos were taken on my iPhone so I apologize, they aren’t as good of quality as I would have liked. Nonetheless, you get the idea!

The NARS eye shadow is full size and comes in the shade Himalia. A Dual Intensity shadow described as a shimmering topaz; my interpretation of the color would be a beautiful pinky, beige tone. Absolutely gorgeous if you want to spice up a look with an intense glow.

All NARS shadows, especially the Dual Intensity shadows are insanely pigmented, followed by an insane price tag of $29.00 per shadow.  Take the cost of this one shadow and you are already over halfway to the total cost of the kit! I’m telling you, this kit is a STEAL!

I am a bit of a beginner when it comes to fake lashes, as they are something that I only tend pull out for formal events. The Huda Beauty lashes are natural-looking but stunners at the same time. In my opinion, these are well worth the price tag if bought on their own at $20.00 per pair.

We’re already over the $42.00 price tag and we haven’t gotten past the first two items in the kit!

The pair included in this kit are the Samantha #7‘s which are described as a medium volume, natural style lash. The band is thin and very comfortable, making them easy to apply and comfortable to wear for hours on end! Because these are such great quality, they can be worn again and again.

Shout out to Huda Beauty for her success! Gotta give love to another YouTuber who has made her dreams come true!

The next few items in the kit are shown swatched on the back of my hand below and photographed in natural light.

From left to right: NARS Himalia, Laura Mercier Shadow Stick in Plum, Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Liner in Midnight Cowboy and MILK Makeup Eye Pigment in Silent Disco.

Urban Decay’s Heavy Metal Glitter Liner in Midnight Cowboy is the icing on the cake if you are looking to do something extra with your look. Add gold glitter all over the lid, detail to a sharp cut crease, or layered above a fierce cat eye winged liner. It goes on nice and smooth with the tiny precision tip applicator and lasts all night without budging.

The one included in the kit is full size and retails for $20.00.

The Marc Jacobs Beauty O! Mega Lash Volumizing Mascara in Blaquer is a deluxe size but still gives plenty of product to determine if its something you might want to purchase in the future. So far, I am loving this mascara.

It’s paraben-free, sulfate-free and phthlate-free. It comes with a fiber bristle wand (which I typically prefer), that isn’t too big or too small; it’s juuust right! It lengthens and separates the lashes beautifully and gives natural curl and volume. I recommend using a lash curler beforehand to give you an even better curl. No flaking or racoon eyes here! This mascara is a winner and $26.00 retail price for the full size.

MILK Makeup is a brand I’ve been dying to try so when I saw this eye shadow pigment in the box, I was thrilled! Though the size of this is pretty teeny, I can’t see myself ever using it up. The pigmentation is high, so you need very little to create a dramatic smoky look.

Silent Disco is a duo-chrome plummy-brown that shows colors of green and red in its layers as it catches the light just right. It’s a cream shadow that’s easy to work with; blend it out with your finger or a brush once patted on the lid. Absolutely stunning and $24.00 for the full size.

Eco-friendly, cruelty-free, paraben-free and for the girl on the go. What more could you ask for?

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Plum is smooth, pigmented and a stunning color that isn’t too dark or vampy to take a day look to night in one swoop. It’s quick and easy to use and a great item to throw in your purse for touch ups. Shadow sticks are not something I’ve played around with too much but find them to be so great for a quick wash over the lid, blended out with your finger or a smudger brush and boom! You’re ready to rock…And maybe roll when you see the $29.00 price tag on each one of these bad boys.

The Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer is a great eye primer! It has a thick consistency but goes on the lid in a nice semi-sheer, thin layer. It dries down to a light cream-tone and sticks to any eye shadow like glue.

Sweat and humidity-resistant, this primer also helps to create a more vibrant look for any shadow applied over the top. At $21.00 for the full size, this deluxe one in the kit will last you plenty long before needing another if you fall deeply in love!

Last but not least, the Sephora 12 Hour Contour Eye Pencil in Black Lace. It’s waterproof, black as night and glides on the lid easy, like a Sunday mornin’. I’ve worn this with the Smashbox Shadow Primer and without. Both lasted for several hours without budging or smudging.

The $10.00 retail price for the full size is a STEAL. Paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthlate-free AND waterproof! This liner is sure to be top shelf in your makeup drawer and in your budget.

If it weren’t for the fact that my heart will always desire to try every product in Sephora, I would only ever buy the Favorites kits! They’re the only sure-fire way you will get more than a 20% discount at Sephora. The Favorites kits are a great way to build up your makeup collection, or a fun idea to break apart for stocking stuffer gifts for your girlfriends!

What was your favorite Sephora Favorites Kit this year?

Let me know in the comments down below!

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5 Items You Need In Your Shower Right Now: Drugstore Edition

You were totally expecting a half-naked selfie of me in my shower, holding all of my favorite products, weren’t you? Fortunately for you, the lighting in my bathroom just wasn’t flattering enough, so the naturally lit product shots below are just going to have to suffice. Dirty… You’re so dirty!

Is it just me or is there something intriguing about knowing what’s inside someone’s medicine cabinet, their nightstand or even their shower? You needn’t worry. I’d never snoop through your things when you invite me over! Okay, okay! Curiosity may kill the cat but I all I want to know is what beauty products you’re loving and beauty secrets you are hiding!

There will be no snooping necessary when you visit my house. Why? Because I’m about to give away the squeaky clean little secret of what my top 5 favorite drugstore items are in my shower, right now.

*A quick disclaimer: These products have been on repeat for not only the last month or two, but more like the last couple of years! I can’t live without these products and by God, neither should you! All 5 products are easy on the wallet and essential to my daily/ weekly routine of getting so fresh and so clean, clean.

L’Oreal Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm (Hair Mask)

Best hair mask I’ve ever used. Should I repeat that? BEST hair mask… OK you get it! For under $10.00 (under $7.00 to be exact) I haven’t had softer, silkier or smoother hair than when I use this hair mask. My hair literally feels like buttah in the shower after rinsing it out.

Ranging between $4.99 and $6.99 depending on where you buy it, this product is sure to last you a long time and is inexpensive enough to use frequently (and not stingily either)! Take a scoop with your fingers after washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner, run it through your hair from scalp to ends and then put your hair into a pony tail. Take a little more and make sure that you have goooood and saturated your head with it. Shave your legs, scrub your feet, do a little ditty. Whatever you gotta do to keep your head out of the water for at least 3 – 5 minutes and then rinse.

The scent could be a bit perfume-like for some but I love it and am sensitive to a lot of fragranced products; this one does not bother me.

The product claims to repair up to one year of damage to your hair in one use. Arguable and probably not true however, your hair will feel a night and day difference after just one use. I have also noticed that my hair styles much better the days that I use this as well!

The one downside? L’Oreal does not use the safest ingredients, hence the cheaper price tag. As soon as I find a healthier alternative, you can bet I will be sharing it with you guys!

You’re gonna love it. I guarantee it. Ugh, why did the suit guy have to go and ruin that line for me?

Raw Sugar Pure Bath Soap

What really drew me into this brand is what they stand for. If you love companies that give back and use natural ingredients, this one is for you!

For every product purchased by Raw Sugar, a bar of soap is donated to someone in need to help with the global sanitation crisis. Oh, and the packaging is eco-friendly too.

Something about bar soap has always seemed old-fashioned to me and even a bit annoying. Until I discovered Raw Sugar Pure Bath Soap. I was looking for a soap to clean my makeup brushes with and found this one at Target. If you love anything coconut, you will love this scent of Coconut & Mango. It has a very natural, clean and heavenly smell.

Two bars of soap are included in each box for $4.99 and each bar is so large that my little hands can hardly hold onto it until it’s been used a bit! Bottom line, you get a lot of product for a great price. I love the raised texture on the one side, even though it does disappear with use.

Each bar is made with certified natural ingredients and Cold Press Technology.  Essential vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables will keep your skin feeling soft and hydrated.

Eco friendly, cruelty-free, sulfate-free and paraben-free.

Use it for your body, your dog, your baby or your makeup brushes! Its safe and effective for all of the above and at a low, low price of only $4.99 in Target stores and online.

Mr. Pumice Pumi Bar

Chances are, you’ve had a pedicure at a local nail salon and they’ve used one of these purple puppies on your old dogs. Mr. Pumice Pumi Bar’s are super inexpensive and so effective! I love these because they don’t hurt like most pumice stones do.

The catching, skipping and grinding feeling that other pumice bars give? You wont find that with Mr. Pumice. Depending on how bad of shape your poor heels are in, you can select from a couple of different grades (much like sandpaper for you home improvement, DIY-er’s). I stick to the coarse one as it isn’t too harsh but is stiff enough to work on my beat up feet!

A whopping $2.99 will get you the extra-course and they go down in price from there. I keep mine for at least 3 months but tend to them a lot more in the summer because I am running so often and showing off my tootsies in sandals.

Soak one of these in water for a couple of minutes before using (I like to leave mine in my shower) and get to work on those callused feet! These can be a bit harder to find. I get mine at Sally Beauty Supply and buy a couple at a time for convenience.

It wouldn’t hurt to drop one of these in your man’s shower either, ladies. A perfect pairing for a stocking  stuffer to go with those argyle socks you’ve already bought him!

Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo

I’ve been using Redken Hair Cleansing Cream shampoo for several years now, after a stylist told me that I needed a clarifying shampoo to remove build up on my hair. I had never used a clarifying shampoo before and asked an employee for a recommendation while shopping at Ulta. I was told that this was the most gentle cleansing shampoo she had ever used, as some of them can be very harsh and tend to strip your hair. I use this 2 – 3 times a month at most when my dry shampoo usage is getting out of control and I’m not washing my as hair often.

It’s very gentle, smells great and even though this comes in as the most expensive item on this list at $15.50, it takes me nearly 9-12 months to use one bottle so the overall investment isn’t bad at all.

Using the Redken Cleansing Cream is like hitting a reset button on my hair. It cleans better than any shampoo I have and revitalizes it with volume and shine. I’ve never strayed from this since first trying it. Follow it up with a moisturizing conditioner or the L’Oreal Damage Repair mask and you’ll feel like a new person after that shower!

Use a $3.50 off of $10.00 coupon at Ulta and you’ve got yourself a steal of a deal.

Herbal Essences Cleansing Conditioner

Is it ridiculous that what got me about this conditioner at first is that it comes with a pump? Why can’t more drugstore shampoos and conditioners come with a pump? It makes showering that much quicker!

Normally, I am not a huge fan of the Herbal Essences line but decided to give this one a try because it was so inexpensive and I had a coupon. It smells amazing, first off. Does anyone remember the old school Herbal Essences commercials with the woman in the shower making noises about the smell of her shampoo? I don’t think I would go that far, but the scent is really nice and fresh.

This makes my hair so soft! Use one pump into your hair and that is all you need. I can always tell very quickly which conditioners are winners and which aren’t; this one is definitely a winner coming in at $4.99 for nearly 17 oz. of product. It will last you quite a while! Paraben and sulfate free, this conditioner is also great for all hair types. It’s cleansing and nourishing and wont break the bank!

What more could you ask for? All natural ingredients, that’s what! I’m still on the hunt for great all natural products but as we all know, they tend to be a bit more expensive and not as often as effective.

Leave me a comment down below on what your favorite drugstore product is in your shower right now!

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Dear Darla, I Hate Your Stinkin’ Guts

This is the kind of post that makes me want to break out an old school typewriter. There’s fury in my fingertips and I want to feel the satisfaction of the keys clicking with each letter I put down.

Have you ever had a moment where you see something and a thought just clicks? In Oprah terms, it’s an “ah-ha moment“. I went for a run on Sunday around Lake Calhoun, a typical 3 mile run for me at 4:30 pm. It was a gorgeous sunny and warm day for the month of October in Minnesota. Not far up ahead I see a little girl riding her bike. She is maybe 4 or 5 years old, smiling with the wind blowing in her long blonde hair, proudly peddling wither her baby doll sitting in a carrier on the front of her handle bars. I look down at the baby doll and then up at the little girl and think “how cute!” She and her baby are out on a bike ride together; life is good.

Ah-ha moment, people! The thoughts start flooding in. I am half way around the lake and in desperate need of a pen and paper. I keep running and the thoughts keep flowing. I don’t even realize that the song blaring in my Bose headphones has now been silenced by my own thoughts. It’s amazing how one minute I can be bouncing along to the Biebs and the next I am emotional as hell about life! Ugh, females, right?!

“They” (you know, those people) say that doing something you’re afraid to do is a good thing. It means you’re growing and challenging yourself; pushing your boundaries.

Well, I’m definitely pushing the boundaries on this one friends.

This post may comfort some and piss off others. It may leave you feeling that you’ve got something to say and have been too afraid to say it. Well, F&*% it! I’m over being afraid and so should you. I think this is a normal thing that happens to us in our thirties. We just stop giving a f&*% about certain things. Am I right? Or am I right?

This is my version of a “Dear Diary post”, if you didn’t already catch that from the title. Thoughts I would typically write in a journal and keep quietly to myself but decided I am insane enough to share them with you today.

As women, we are all natural born caretakers. We are not all natural born mothers. Some of us have no desire to ever be mothers and that is a respectable but likely not, easy decision. If I’m being honest with myself, I’ve never really known how to act around kids. How do I relate to them and “get down on their level?” My sister is a natural at this. As a nanny to 3 boys, she had to get pretty creative. “Dive in!” She taught one boy to pretend to dive into the ocean to make a game out of something as simple as putting his shirt on. She told his younger brother after getting upset one day,”you get one good cry and then you’re done, that’s it!” Give it a good hard cry and move on. Sounds like good advice to me!

I hated babysitting as a teenager. All I needed was one incident of a baby who was fed an entire can of green beans in a house of no soap (literally, it was like I was on MTV’s Pranked) in the middle of snow storm and I thought I might not make it through the night alive. Babysitting? I’d rather mow lawns for money, thank you!

Fast forward to my adult years and the babies are in full force. It’s the age that I’m at and it’s so exciting to see these adorable little babies grow up to look like their awesome mommies and daddies that I know and love. I saw this very same picture for myself in the near future. At the time it was not exactly because I wanted a baby but because I wanted to share a new kind of love with my best friend and the love of my life. Meanwhile, I’d step 5 feet into Target and watch a child in full-on melt down and think “Oh God, I can’t handle that!”

I know, I know. “They’re different when they’re you’re own.” That’s what everyone tells me.

To make a short story very long, the point I want to make is that from the day we, as little girls are old enough to understand what a baby is and what it means to us, we are instilled with an image that we will grow up and be mommies. We play house in our Fisher Price kitchenettes and serve tea in dainty little cups to our dolls and stuffed animals. We push them in strollers and put them in carrying cases on the front of our bikes. Some of these babies even eat, cry and poop. Did I just date myself? Baby Alive, anyone? No WONDER by the time we are of “modern day” child bearing age, we feel pressure to be a Mom! I don’t know if I was ready, am ready or ever will be ready. I am sure all of you reading this can attest to that same feeling! And yet, I still feel let down and left out of a very special part of life.

Remember that 7th grade class, Sex Ed? Where they teach you that it takes TWO people to make a baby. Yep, it’s true. And when you’re single, you realize the harsh reality that this may never happen for you. It may, but it may not! I’m a realist people, get used to it.

I’ve never been a profoundly religious person but do pray, especially when I don’t know what else to do. Newsflash, I’ve been prayin’ a whole hell of a lot these last two years and I have to believe (for my own sanity) that God said “Mmm MM! No. You are not ready for this. And that man over there? He isn’t sure about anything right now. Nope, not gonna happen Ana.”

Through rivers of cried tears, hours of talking to my beautiful mom and countless hours of sitting in silence, I’ve tried to find myself again. The person that was confident. The one that was fun to hang out with. The one that saw her whole life ahead of her with a partner she believed in. A partner she wanted to grow old with and maybe, just maybe have a family with someday.

I will be 32 in January and I’ve accepted the fact that I wont be a mommy tomorrow, and that’s okay. But sometimes, societal and social media pressures are enough to push me off of a ledge. Being reminded everyday that I can’t participate in a “Spouse Challenge” on Facebook. Or that I don’t get to share pictures of a growing baby bump online.

Don’t get me wrong. I am very blessed even without these things and I think pretty damn strong too! But there are times where have to remind myself, Ana! Do NOT mistake yourself for some sad, lonely lady with crazy hair and 100 cats watching a repeat of the same 5 second clip over and over while eating an entire container of cake frosting at home just because you don’t have a husband or a baby. Name that movie. Okay I’ll give it to you this time; Death Becomes Her. Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn. The ’80’s at it’s finest.

Now, I could pull some independent woman bullsh*t on you but there is no Beyonce livin’ up in this 606 sq. ft. apartment. I do take care of myself and at times, it feels pretty damn good.

However, I will be singin’ “Upgrade Ya” the whole way into my new place; a whopping 933 sq ft. We’s movin’ on up Finn!

I started this blog, a YouTube channel (more to come on where I’m at with that later) and am working on starting my own little business. Maybe, the match that was lit inside tonight while writing this blog, will keep burning and inspire me to push past a few more of my fears. Or, maybe it was just the red wine.

I’ve got a long way to go and A LOT left to prove to myself but nothing worth a damn happens over night.

Please do not take any part of this post personally if you disagree with my feelings. These are my feelings put down on (virtual) paper. Feelings that have come from confusion and comfort, anger and peace.

Today, I am “Mama” to Honey Bear and Finn, my dogs. I am beyond lucky to have them in my life and I thank God for them every day. I’m learning how to put me first today (a very, very hard thing for me to do) and to have faith in God’s timing of tomorrow. I’ll soak in the peace and quiet and the 20 minutes of uninterrupted perusing in the beauty aisles of Target. And, I’ll sleep in until whenever I damn-well feel like it. Now, making sure that I appreciate all of these things is something of a constant reminder to myself. But don’t think that I wouldn’t trade it all in a heartbeat for something much greater.

I hope that the little girl I saw on the bike grows up in a life without heartache, confusion or jealousy. Sadly, we all know that isn’t reality; but the hardest parts of our lives are what teach us the most. I hope that she lives a life that is meaningful to her, unimpressed by the pressures of society and instead allows God to lead her, the pursuit of her passions to fuel her and the seasons of change within her heart and soul keep her moving through life.

Until next time…

Love,

Alfalfa

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Beautycounter for TARGET Launch

TARGET, you guys! TARGET. This is major. 

You! You’re one of the millions who have a love/hate relationship with Target, I can sense it. You go in for paper towels and LaCroix water and walk out with a Vitamix blender, a new pair of yoga pants, five candles, four items from the dollar section, three kinds of Method cleaner and a partridge in a pear tree. We’ve all been there.

I’m about to make your love/hate for Target just a little bit more because I am  announcing the limited time Beautycounter launch for Target, starting tomorrow, September 12th! Do NOT miss this limited time to pick up the Beautycounter products you want to try for yourself or give as a gift during the holidays to a friend!

Beautycounter is releasing a select range of products to 1,500 stores nationwide as well as making them available for purchase on Target.com. These products will only be in stores and available online for a total of 9 weeks, beginning September 12th and ending November 5th.

OKAY, Ana! We get it. You’re excited. Stop yelling. Tell me why this is so amazing?

• A total of 17 products will be available between $12.00 and $39.00 – this is a great opportunity to try something new that fits into your budget!
  • Use your REDCard and you’ll get 5% off (just sayin’)
• 5 of the 17 products available are sets made exclusively for Target and once they are gone, they are gone forever! The 5 sets are:
  • Rest Assured: The Nourishing Night Cream and Nourishing Eye Cream duo available for $30.00
  • Fresh Start: The Nourishing Cream Cleanser and Nourishing Day Cream duo available for $25.00
  • Clean Slate: The Charcoal Cleansing Bar & Nourishing Face Oil duo available for $36.00
  • Color Story: Lip Gloss in the shade Peony and Cream Blusher duo in the shade Hibiscus available for $20.00
  • Finishing Touch: Lip Shine and a Blush/Bronzer duo available for $30.00
• Nourishing Face Oil was also exclusively made for the Target Launch. Made with organic argan oil, grapeseed, meadowfoam seed, rosehip, rose otto and sea buckthorn. 0.33 oz. for $30.00
• There is a gift-with-purchase inside of every Beautycounter for Target product! Look inside of the item you purchase and go to www.beautycounter.com/anahelgeson to redeem your gift!

Additional items available at Target from the permanent product line are:

• Nourishing Cream Cleanser – with aloe, organic coconut oil, geranium extract and green tea extract. 3.5 oz. for $24.00
• Nourishing Cream Exfoliator – with aloe, organic coconut oil, geranium, lavender and green tea extract, jojoba esters and meadowfoam seed oil. 3.5 oz. for $30.00
• Nourishing Rosewater Mist – with organic rosewater and sodium hyaluronate to promote hydration and a dewy glow. 1.6 oz. for $24.00
• *Cleansing Balm – with apricot kernel oil, cranberry seed oil, raspberry seed oil, vitamin c and mango seed butter. 1.3 oz. for $30.00
  • *A favorite product of mine from the permanent line – you will LOVE this
• Nourishing Day Cream – with organic coconut oil, safflower oil, pomegranate and lavender extract. 1.5 oz. for $39.00
• Nourishing Night Cream – with aloe, organic coconut oil, geranium, green tea and lavender extract. 1.5 oz. for $39.00
• Nourishing Eye Cream – with aloe, organic coconut oil, geranium, green tea and lavender extract. 0.4 oz. for $32.00
• *Purifying Charcoal Mask – with charcoal powder, salicylic acid, lactic acid, vitamin c, hyaluronic acid and apple fruit extract. 1.3 oz. for $30.00
  • *Another favorite product of mine! A much less expensive and more pure alternative to the GlamGlow mud mask.
• Sugar Body Scrub in Lemongrass – with acai berry extract, apricot, bergamot, grapefruit, lemon peel, lemon grass, lime, safflower, sweet almond and a blend of citrus oils in a sugar base. 3.5 oz. for $30.00
• Body Butter in Citrus Mimosa – with shea butter, mongogo oil, aloe, vitamin E, saccharide isomerate and sunflower oil. 3.5 oz. for $30.00

Besides the fact that Beautycounter getting shelf space in Target is a pretty sexy deal, I would like to remind you that Beautycounter is and will always be a cruelty-free company. The ingredients in each and every one of the products are guaranteed safe for you and your family to use.

As women, we are bombarded with skin care and cosmetics from a very early age and we’re never taught to think twice about what is in the products that we use. Be a part of the change. Teach yourself, your children, nieces and nephews about what is safe for them to use and what isn’t. Take a little stroll down the beauty aisle with them starting tomorrow and have a chat!

I can’t wait to hear what products you decide to pick up and what you want to try.

Leave me a comment down below on what you want to go check out Target stores tomorrow!

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HYPED: Tarte Limited Edition Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen Palette & Lip Paint

Shall we be blunt? I think Bunny would prefer that we be blunt today.

This is the most random collaboration ever. Tarte Cosmetics and Bunny, better known as Grav3yard Girl on YouTube coming together to create a full face palette. I’ve seen her videos and she is a unique one! Had I caught wind that Tarte was going to do a palette with her, I would have expected a green shadow called “S-not”. A pearly white shadow called “Poo” (because you know, short for shampoo). A red shade called “Face Demon” (aka a zit).  That is her personality. She doesn’t hold back and to say that she is INTENSE would be an understatement.

You know what else would be an understatement? My LOVE for this palette! I’m cutting straight to the chase. This palette is SO worth the hype! That’s it. I’m leaving it right there; you don’t need to know any more. So much for building up the suspense!

This was 100% an impulse buy. After swatching it in Sephora, I couldn’t walk away without it. The pigmentation and color selection blew me away. The palette is a nice size and would be easy to travel with. It includes a bronzer, blush, highlight, 9 eye shadows, a solid quality mirror and a nice flat shadow brush. The cover has a wood grain feel to-the-touch and the shiny gold casing on the inside magnetically closes. The quality is definitely there in the packaging alone which always makes the price well justified.

Immediately upon opening you smell cocoa. It’s soooo good! The entire palette has a chocolate scent however, is completely undetectable when wearing the product.

Being a beauty addict starts to look like a completely different problem when people catch you taking long whiffs of your eye shadows.

First, you have the bronzer called Sweet Tea. As you can see in the swatch above on the far left, this is a very warm toned bronzer. Not suitable for all skin shades but it blends beautifully, does not look muddy and has a very light shimmer to it creating the perfect summer glow.

Second, the blush is called Does This Thing Really Work? A random name for a blush but suitable for her channel. If you’re familiar with Bunny’s videos, this is an ongoing series where she tests out “As Seen on TV” products to find out if they really work. And let me tell ya, this blush really werks! Extremely pigmented so a light hand is needed when applying. The color is a gorgeous rose pink with flecks of gold glitter. Neutral toned blushes are my forte but this was a great choice for a universal shade that all skin tones can appreciate.

The highlight is called Gator Wings. Every time I say it, all I can think of is the Red Bull phrase “It gives you wiiings” and by God it does. It’s a champagne toned, extreme shine highlight with tiny flecks of glitter. Hit this just one time and suddenly you’ve got stank face yelling “Oooooh gurl!”  Yaaas honey!” and “Give it to meeee!”

Gator Wings slays. End of story.

9 eye shadows are included in the palette and can make for several different warm toned looks. 3 matte, 4 satin and 2 glitter shades. You could also use the bronzer shade for an additional transition color, making it 10!

• #SFS: a satin rose gold
• Natural Peaches: a matte peachy nude (below, far left)
• Dogman: a burnt sienna with small flecks of gold glitter
• Big Baby: a matte cream (the only non-limited edition color in the palette)
• Sassy Bun: a satin copper peach (below, right – not the far right!)
• Sippy Sippy: a deep brown with large flecks of gold glitter
• Haunting: a satin lavender
• Uncommon: a satin purple slate (below, middle)
• Mancat: a matte deep plum

Buildable, blendable, rich in pigmentation, soft and creamy, I could go on and on. Amazonian clay shadows formulated without: parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate and gluten. Tarte’s palettes are also vegan and dermatologist tested.

You already know how I feel about chemicals in our products!

The palette is a dream and I’m so happy that I got my hands on it! It sells for $45.00 and is sold out everywhere with no talk of a second release. This is the hard part about reviewing limited edition products. You may be able to find it on eBay or other sites if you snoop around. Hurry!

Bunny does not do lip glosses, but a lip paint? Yes.

Texas Toast, the matte lip paint created in addition to the palette is a gorgeous cool toned mauve. Dark but not vampy. Creamy and not drying. This formula stood up well to the test of food and drinks throughout the night at the wedding I wore it to. Though the shade is limited edition, you can still get several other shades of the same formula from their line.

The applicator is large but holds a good amount of product and thin enough to make application (or re-application) easy, even after a few glasses of wine at a wedding. Sorry, I’m not sorry!

Formulated without all the chemicals listed above, the $20.00 price tag is well worth the investment. And by the way, Four new nude shades were just released. They’re stunners.

 A look I created with this palette and lip paint can be seen in the photo below, also used in my previous post Why You Deserve More & What I Can Do About It.

Being unique is what makes us special and as against the grain as Bunny is, she has a massive following of over 4 million subscribers and is obviously kicking ass at the game of life.

The mirror on the inside of the palette quotes:

“Believe in Yourself. Love Yourself. Embrace Your Individuality.” If that isn’t a quote every girl should have on her mirror, I don’t know what is!

Believe the HYPE! This is an awesome collaboration and hopefully Tarte will hear the screams from the masses and bring it back for everyone to enjoy.

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