Irresistible Me Hair Extensions - Silky Touch Review

I was thrilled to partner with Madison from Irresistible Me Hair Extension Company.  I was sent a set of Silky Touch 22" 200 gram Chocolate Brown extensions to test out and review.

Instantly, I was impressed with this company on so many levels.  Communication between their customer service team and from the time of ordering my extensions to time of delivery, the process was smooth, quick, professional and without incident.

I live in Canada and it took about 8 business days to receive my extensions. 

The Silk Touch extensions are ideal for the gals who are seeking a comfortable, natural looking hair extension.  With over 12 colours to choose from, 3 weight grams and 6 lengths, one can either choose their hair for volume, length or both. 

I have fine hair that is curly and frizzy and right now, I have a mix of colour, black and cherry red.  When I ordered my extensions, I had one colour and I picked the Chocolate Brown so that they could be more of an ombre effect with my dark brown/black colour.  In the interim, I changed it up, so in my video, you will see that the extension colour doesn't blend so great.  This is my choice and not the fault of the company at all. 

I love that each weft is filled with lots of hair and that the hair tapers at the ends for a more natural look.  The clips on the extensions are fabulous.  I no longer have to tease my hair before placing the extensions in because these clips will grab onto the finest and silkiest of hair! 

The hair on these extensions are made of 100% Remy Human Hair.  The best available in the industry.  You can see the multi-dimensional colour which again adds to a natural blendable colour.  Unless, you are like me and decided to change up your own colour and then they don't blend so well!

Overall, I am 100% satisfied with the company, the extensions and their customer service levels.  I have purchased other extensions from other companies in the past and these are the best set to date!  I have no complaints, only complaint that I have is that I want more! It becomes a bit of an addiction!!

You can shop on their website:
www.irresistibleme.com



For more of my review on these, please check out my Youtube video:

Vegan Taste Test - Meatless Meatballs

REVIEW - Laniege Water Bank Gel Cream - Influenster Campaign

I was so intrigued to try out the Laniege Skincare products.  I was one of the fortunate people who got accepted to partake in the Influenster Campaign for Laniege.  I received this product for free to try out and provide my honest feedback on it's performance.  So here we go my friends!

 

Let me start off in mentioning that my skin, especially now that we are starting into the Fall/Winter cold/dry season is on the drier side.  I typically experience dryness on my cheeks, forehead and very rarely am I oily.  Something I feel comes with age perhaps! 

 

My preference for a moisturizer is typically a rich cream type of moisturizer and I very rarely enjoy a gel based moisturizer.  In my past experiences they have always left a sticky residue on my skin and they didn't really absorb into my skin, leaving makeup application not looking so good.  A girl can't have that, can we!

 

MY EXPERIENCE WITH LANIEGE WATER GEL MOISTURIZER:

 

When I received the Laniege product I was a little disappointed at first, thinking that this would be my experience with this moisturizer as well.  After using the product for over a month, I was really impressed.  As you can see from the photo below, the cream is a white cream, and although it states is a gel, it also has a creamy texture to it.  I was really impressed at it's hydration properties, my skin felt hydrated the entire day, not greasy, but just smooth and hydrated.  They claim that this product provides 24 hour hydration, I can certainly attest that this product definitely delivers on it's claims.  Another bonus feature for me, the product didn't sit on the top of my skin, it actually absorbed into my skin making makeup application, flawless.

 

ABOUT THE PRODUCT:

What it is:A richly-texturized moisturizing cream that strengthens and retains moisture all day long.

What it is formulated to do:
Patented hydro ionized mineral water—fusing essential minerals zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and sodium—restores and retains ideal hydration levels, preventing future moisture loss. Olive squalane strengthens skin’s natural barrier, for intense nourishment for up to 24 hours. Richly texturized for instant absorption, this revitalizing cream relieves dryness for the smoothest skin imaginable.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Phthalates

What else you need to know:
This product is dermatologist tested. LANEIGE does not test ingredients or products on animals.

 

 

 

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

 

Laniege can be purchased at the Canadian Sephora website or in Canadian Sephora stores, it can also be purchased in the USA at Target and at the Laniege Skincare website directly.  Below are some quick links available online for this product.

 

In Canadian dollars, the Laniege Water Bank Gel Cream retails for $42 Canadian

 

SEPHORA:



http://www.sephora.com/water-bank-moisture-cream-P399800?skuId=1749720&icid2=laneige_lp_bestsellers_carousel_brand:laneige_p399800_image

 



LANIEGE:  http://www.laneige.com.sg/product/group.jsp?brandCd=1174 

 



TARGET: Retails for $32 USA

http://intl.target.com/p/laneige-water-bank-moisture-cream-50-ml/-/A-14897250#prodSlot=medium_1_4&term=LANIEGE









 

MY YOUTUBE REVIEW:

 

 

CONCLUSION:

 In conclusion, I have thoroughly been enjoying using this product and would purchase and recommend for anyone who is looking for a hydrating moisturizer that leaves your skin soft, smooth and hydrated all day.  In my opinion this is an affordable moisturizer and it's not too light or too heavy on the skin.  Thank you to Influenster Canada for giving me the chance to experience this product! 

 







KEURIG 2.0 - K400 MODEL - REVIEW

So, I have to say that I was super excited to have received the Keurig 2.0 K400 FREE from Influenster Canada. My review below is all my own thoughts and opinions, I'm not getting paid to do say what I'm saying...yes, I did receive this for free, but heck, I'm going to tell you the honest truth about how I feel about this machine!

I received this huge box, and it was rather a surprise...I had no clue I was getting a coffee maker...I thought perhaps the K-cups to try out, but not a machine! How impressive was that!

First thing is first....anyone who knows me knows that I'M NOT A MORNING PERSON! Having said this, I rarely have the time to make myself a cup of coffee in the morning before heading out to work, and also, don't always have the time to stop at Tim Horton's with those crazy morning lineups....MY LIFE HAS NOW CHANGED!

The one thing that I absolutely adore about the Keurig 2.0 machine is the ease of using the machine, the quickness in brewing a cup of coffee in my travel mug in the morning, the no mess cleanup and the variety of K-cups that I can chose from to brew a cup of coffee! Whew, that was a whole bunch of pluses!

What's different about this machine than the original Keurig is that you can now brew a pot of coffee, up to 4 cups with the K-Carafe cup.  This is great, especially for me when I'm alone and want more than just one cup of coffee.  But, and there is a BIG BUT with this machine and the one thing that I'm not a fan about is the following:
* K-Carafe cups are EXPENSIVE....you can purchase 8 for $16.99 and they only brew 32 cups of coffee in total - yikes!
* K-Carafe cups are HARD TO FIND, except on the Keurig.ca site.
* The Carafe that comes with this machine is not insulated. It is made of plastic and therefore the coffee does not remain warm in this carafe. It would have been more ideal if Keurig had included an insulated thermal carafe with this machine

For me, I will not get much use of the Carafe unit that comes with this machine. I prefer to brew a pot of coffee in my Delonghi Coffee maker for a pot, but I love the convenience of brewing a single cup at a time.

Unique Features of this Machine:
* Water reservoir lights up at night
* Touch Screen
* Special program setting for mocha, hot chocolate, lattes
* Strength control for coffee brew
* Brew 4oz, 8oz or 10oz cup of coffee

OVERALL this machine is lovely. I have been enjoying using this machine. For me personally, the pros outweigh the cons with this machine. Would I recommend this machine to my family and friends, my answer is YES!

I hope you found this review helpful.

If you want to see this machine in action, please check out my Youtube Video review:

NEW Funny ! Old Man Dancing Vines Compilation - Old Man Dance - Papy Dan...

WHAT IS ALL THE HYPE WITH VITAMIN C?

My fixation with incorporating Vitamin C started in my mid 30's....then I forgot about it, or let's face it, I became lazy and left it to the waste side.

Now that I'm in my mid 40's, YIKES, did I actually put that in print!!!! I figured, I should get SERIOUS about Vitamin C.

Let's face it Anti-Aging products can be overwhelming to the most knowledgeable person, let alone  a regular Joe or Gina like myself.  So I decided, why not write a Blog Post on the benefits of Vitamin C, both oral and topical.

Let us not forget, we can look fabulous on the outside, but if we are a pile of poo on the inside, we just aren't doing ourselves any justice.

LET'S BEGIN!

A QUICK SUMMARY OF WHAT VITAMIN C DOES:

Vitamin C protects our bodies from infections and maintains healthy bones and teeth. It helps the body's ability to repair wounds and keeps our immune from bacteria, viruses and infection.  It also is necessary for collagen, the main protein in our body that keeps our tissue all connected.

Vitamin C taken orally helps us heal faster and better.
Vitamin C taken topically (as a beauty product) helps the skin from free radical damage from UV rays of the sun.

VITAMIN C CAN BE FOUND IN VARIOUS FORMS:  

Powder, Capsule / Tablet, Chewable, Liquid

WHAT DOES VITAMIN C DO?

BEAUTY RELATED BENEFITS:

• ANTIOXIDANT = Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects our body from free radicals.  It protects our skin against the ultraviolet rays of the sun and is found is many skin care products.  It also helps with environmental pollution and regular smoking.

• IMPROVES SKIN TEXTURE - Vitamin C aids with the production of collagen in our bodies. This is what helps with the skin firmness and tone.

• DISCOLOURATION OF THE SKIN = Vitamin C helps diminish the discolouration of freckles and age spots to help the skin look younger and smoother.

• SKIN TEXTURE = Vitamin C aids with the production of collagen, which provides structure for blood vessels. The tiny blood vessels carry oxygen and nutrients that keep our skin healthy.  The nutrients containing Vitamin C improve the appearance and texture of our skin.

• HAIR BENEFITS = Vitamin C plays an important role in improving the health of our hair growth, by reducing free radicals.  Free radicals are naturally formed when our bodies turn food into glucose for energy.  These free radicals can damage our hair by making it weak, brittle and thin.  By incorporating Vitamin C in our diets, it reduces dry hair and split ends.

• FIGHTS DANDRUFF = Vitamin C helps fight the bacteria on the scalp. It can ward off dandruff and help to clean the hair follicles and encourage new hair growth.
• STOPS HAIR LOSS =Vitamin C is used to reverse Adrenal Gland Fatigue.  Which helps with hair loss and encourages new hair growth and help maintain proper hormonal balance.
• THICK HAIR = Vitamin C helps with blood circulation and this helps strengthen and repair capillaries, which will encourage stronger, thicker hair growth.
• FIGHTS HAIR DISORDERS = Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for damaged hair and can treat various hair disorders that damage the hair follicles, such as alopecia and baldness in men and women.
• PREVENTS GREYING OF HAIR = Vitamin C helps retain the natural colour by preventing premature ageing of the hair. 

INTERNAL BODY HEALTH BENEFITS OF VITAMIN C:

• IMMUNE = Vitamin C helps fight off infections and diseases, such as the common cold, it acts as an effective antihistamine.

• ANTIOXIDANT = Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant for the entire body as a whole and protects against free radicals 

• HEART = Vitamin C helps to lower blood pressure, helps reduce hypertension, helps the dilation of blood vessels and helps prevent heart disease

• STRESS = Vitamin C helps the body deal with stress by reducing the levels of cortisol

• DIABETES = Vitamin C helps regulate sugars in the body

• ASTHMA = Vitamin C will lessen the body's production of histamine which contributes to inflammation

• CANCER = Vitamin C's antioxidant properties protect cells from DNA damage and mutation and can protect from certain cancers, such as lung, mouth, throat, colon and stomach.

WHAT KIND OF VITAMIN C SHOULD I BE TAKING AND HOW MUCH?

BEAUTY RELATED VITAMIN C

When it comes to using Vitamin C as a form of a beauty product to protect our skin from free radicals and reverse or prevent sun damage there are different forms available to us.  Some lotions and creams have a certain amount of Vitamin C already included in their formulas.  My favourite is to use a high concentrate of Vitamin C either in powder or liquid forms.

PHILOSOPHY TURBO BOOSTER - VITAMIN C POWDER

By far this is my ultimate favourite.

I love the finely milled consistency. I use 1/8tsp and mix it in with my face cream day and/or evening and apply directly to my face.  To heighten it's effectiveness, you may wish to also encorporate some Vitamin E into the mix. Vitamin E will also aid in the preventive anti-aging benefits and is also an excellent anti-oxident to add to your regime.

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

.25oz = $37USA or $ 46 Canadian 

This will last you a long time as you do not use alot. However, it is on the higher price side of all the Vitamin C powders that I will be discussing in this blog post.

http://www.sephora.com/turbo-booster-c-powder-P204606?skuId=1049170

SKINN VITAMIN C POWER 

Another alternative to the Turbo Booster is from Skinn Cosmetics.  This is also a finely milled powder, the ingredients are slightly different, however, it acts in the same fashion.  You add a little of the powder to your existing face cream and apply directly to your face.  

I liked this powder, however, I didn't "love it".  I am finishing it, as I never like to waste product, but this is a more affordable option.  The results are very similar to Philosophy's version. It's truly personal preference.

You can find Skinn Cosmetics on "THE SHOPPING CHANNEL" in Canada or directly on their websites.  The links to both are below.

COST: .25oz = $22 Canadian or $17 USA

SKINN COSMETICS:

http://store.skinn.com/Restore_C_Vitamin_Concentrate_p/fg-rcp-025.htm

THE SHOPPING CHANNEL:

http://www.theshoppingchannel.com/SKINN-Cosmetics-Skin-Care/Antiaging-Treatments/Skinn-Restore-C-Concentrate/pages/productdetails?nav=R:464955,N:127320,E:11706796

VITAMIN C POWDER - THE VITAMIN SHOPPE

C-1000 POWDER

COST: $8.99USA 8oz / $19.99USA 16oz

WHERE TO PURCHASE:
VITAMIN SHOPPE
http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/search/controller?N=0&Ntk=SiteSearch&Ntt=c-1000+powder&Nty=1&D=c-1000+powder&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Dx=mode+matchall&cm_sp=typeahead-_-3|c-1000-_-kw|c-1000+powder

This product was something that I purchased because of Youtube.  I have a LOVE HATE relationship with this.  Ultimately, my first reaction to this product was WOW, look at all the product I get for such a fantastic price.  Then I used it topically!  I WAS NOT HAPPY!

Let me tell you why?

TOPICAL USE:

1.  This product is not finely milled. It has the consistency of sugar granules.  This is very difficult to melt/blend with your face creams/lotions.  

2.  The product left tiny little residual granules on my face and body, which for me personally was annoying as it interfered with the use of my cosmetics.

ORAL USE:

1. Obviously, this was meant for oral intake and not topical for application on the face.  As an oral intake for Vitamin C, to be added in a smoothy, or in juice or water to ensure you are receiving all of it's amazing benefits, THIS WOULD BE IDEAL.

This powder was and is my least favourite to use as a topical formulation.   Since I have so much of it, I plan on mixing it in and taking it orally to reap the benefits of Vitamin C for the INSIDE of my body, hence enhancing the OUTSIDE.

LIQUID VITAMIN C FORMULAS:

My experience with the liquid form of Vitamin C is limited.  I've mainly concentrated on the powder form.  The main reason for this is that Vitamin C in liquid form doesn't last long. The maximum shelf life is about 3 months.  Hence, it can be very expensive to purchase and the price point varies depending on the company.

Some liquid forms that are available are as follows:

SKINCEUTICALS

One of the more expensive formulas comes from Skinceuticals. They have a variation of Vitamin C formulas to choose from.  The link is below.  I find that due to the shelf life being only 3 months, the waste is too much to invest in this product. I believe you can achieve similar results from less expensive versions of the liquid Vitamin C. 

COST: $157 USA = 30ml

http://www.skinceuticals.com/_us/_en/category/c-e-ferulic.htm

LET'S MOVE ON.....I'm all about spending money on cosmetics, but sometimes, you can achieve the same results and keep some of that hard earned cash in your pocket.

OTHER VERSIONS:

TIMELESS SKINCARE:

Here is a similar version to the Skinceuticals Vitamin C, from Timeless.  It has been known to offer similar or better results and it's got a fantastic price point.  Honestly, this would probably be my recommendation for any of you considering the liquid version.

COST: $24.95 USA - 30ml

http://www.timelessha.com/products/20%25-Vitamin-C-%252b-E-Ferulic-Acid-Serum.html

HOME MADE LIQUID VITAMIN C

So another alternative is to make your own Vitamin C.  It can last from 2 weeks to 1 month depending if you use glycerin in your recipe. 

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 tsp Vitamin C Powder (I'm using the C-1000 shown above in this blog)

1 tablespoon distilled water OR 1 teaspoon distilled water to dissolve and 2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin

A dark coloured container to store the Vitamin C so it does not oxidize quickly.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Dissolve the Vitamin C powder in water

If using only water and Vitamin C, you are done.  This will store for up to 2 weeks on longer in the fridge.

If using glycerin, dissolve the Vitamin C in the smaller amount of water, then stir in glycerin and store.  This version will last a month or longer.

WHEN IS THE LIQUID VITAMIN C NO LONGER GOOD TO USE?

Vitamin C in the liquid formulation should be a clear colour.  Once it starts to show any signs of yellowing, it is oxidising.  Oxidisation of liquid Vitamin C reduces the effectiveness and benefits that Vitamin C has.  It has been documented that it may be also harmful (I'm not 100% sure of this claim, so do your research).

IN SUMMARY:

My favourite formula for topical use of Vitamin C is still powder.  I enjoy using the Philosophy brand as it is finely milled and I've seen results.  I am always looking for the next bes thing, so if anyone has suggestions, please leave your comments below.

I truly hope this was helpful to all of you!

Enjoy fighting those free radicals!

Ciao for now!

MASKERAIDE REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

These have to be my all time favourite sheet masks to date.  I love the simplicity of unwrapping a sheet mask, applying to my face and chilling out for 20 to 30 minutes to some nice soft music.  This is my home spa treatment and it totally relaxes me.

If you are trying to use only Vegan and Cruelty Free products, these masks are for you!

EACH MASK IS FREE FROM:

• Parabens
• Harsh Dyes & Pigments
• Mineral Oils
• Artificial Fragrances
• Benzophenone
• Glycerins

Surprisingly, alot of noise in the beauty world about Korean Face Masks...well, girls, these masks are made in Korea! Imagine that!

WHY I LOVE THEM:

1. Easy to use

2. No mess

3. Instant hydration

4. Vegan Friendly

5. Canadian Company

6. Affordable - only $5.99 each

7. Eco-Friendly - Production plant emissions and water usage are significantly lower in the production of these masks.

REVIEW:

Check out my Review on Youtube of "I DON'T WANNA GROW UP":

I DON'T WANNA GROW UP - Lift, Firm & Soften Fine Lines

This mask is ideal for very dry skin, especially during the winter months or shortly after winter right before Spring.  Also a fantastic mask for more mature skin types that are starting to experience the signs of aging,  this is the mask I would recommend to use.

This is an intensive, multi-action mask that helps to prevent and combat the signs of aging while nourishing your skin.  It provides deep hydration and delivers a healthy dose of age-defying ingredients including natural Ylang-Ylang Oil, Argan Oil, Vitamin E., Hydrolyzed Collagen and Elastin to help dimish fine lines and bring out your youthful glow.

MY EXPERIENCE: My skin felt instantly hydrated. I did notice fine lines were softened. This was such a simple mask to apply, no mess and you could just lay back and enjoy the benefits of all the oils and nutrients offered in the mask. I did not experience any lifting what so ever. But still enjoyed the mask.

WEATHER WARRIOR - Calm, Soothe & Heal

This mask would be a fantastic mask to apply after a day at the Beach or when your skin is severe dry, flaky and screaming for some help!  This mask contains Aloe, Green Tea, Witch Hazel and Argon Oil to help soothe, calm and heal your skin.

DETOX DIVA - Cleanse, Exfoliate & Detoxify

The Detox Diva mask is formulated with natural Geranium Oil, Seaweed and Green Tea Leaf Extracts which helps minimize pores, absorb impurities and protect from toxins and free radicals without removing your skin's essential natural oils.  Chinese Plum, Strawberry and Lemon Fruit Extracts go to work to gently exfoliate and lift dead skin cells revealing clear luminous skin, while Argan Oil and Honey keep your skin happy and hydrated.

BEAUTY RESTORE - Restore, Regenerate & Repair

We lose essential moisture and nutrients each day in our skin.   This is a perfect mask to put on before sleep while your skin is replenishing it's cells.  This mask is infused with Argan Oil, Super Fruit Extracts, Green Algae and Vitamin E, to work together to restore, regenerate and repair the skin leaving it silky, smooth and supple by morning.  The cooling effect of the mask helps to relax facial muscles easing the signs of stress and fatigue while natural Lavender Oil relaxes your body and mind.  

PRE PARTY PREP - Brighten, Prime & Energize

Everyone wants to have the perfect face for that special event, party, wedding or date night.  This is the perfect mask for when you want to have your skin to be the perfect canvas!  This mask is a silky, lightweight blend of natural Argan Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Super Fruit Extracts, Rice Extract and Honey to energize, hydrate, brighten and prime your skin for a flawless and velvety smooth finish!  Afterwards, you have the best canvas for your foundation, powders and makeup!

ALL NIGHTER - Awaken, Replenish & Refresh

Ok, ladies we all have had those all night benders! The next day..."hello coyote ugly"...well now you can apply the All Nighter Sheet Mask to awaken your tired skin!  This mask awakens, refreshes and replenishes the skin. The cooling effects of the mask will help de-puff and awaken your eyes, while natural Peppermint Oil awakens your senses. Aloe, Argan Oil, Heartleaf (a powerful detoxifer), Honey, Super Fruit and Cactus Extracts work together to erase the signs of the previous night.  NOW I DON'T KNOW ABOUT ANY OF YOU....BUT I'D LIKE A CASE OF THIS MASK PLEASE!

OVERALL

Well ladies, there you have it.  Maskeraide has something for everyone, weather you suffer from dry skin or have signs of aging or stayed up all night gossiping with your girlfriends and drinking one too many glasses of Chardonnay, Maskeraide has you covered.

I personally, am a big fan of this product.  I highly recommend them! I love to describe the masks as a Spa in an envelope.  

THANK YOU TO MASKERAIDE

I would like to thank Maskeraide for sending me these products.  I was already a huge fan, and I feel grateful that they sent me a few of their fabulous masks to share with my subscribers so they can also experience this amazing product.

DISCLAIMER: I am not being paid for my review. This is my personal thoughts and I am always truthful with my reviews and how I feel about products that I use.  

GIVEAWAY VIDEO ON YOUTUBE:

Two Lucky Subscribers will be able to experience some of the masks in this blog!

RULES TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

1. You must be Subscribed to my Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/user/PebblesFlintstone67

2. You must be Subscribed to my Blog and make a comment on the Blog as to why you want to try out the MaskerAide Sheet Mask.

http://pebbles1633.blogspot.ca/

3. You must LIKE this video and make a comment that you want to be entered in this Giveaway.

4. You must comment on my video reviewing the MaskerAide Sheet Mask telling me why you want to try out the MaskerAide Sheet Masks. My link is below, and LIKE that video.

http://youtu.be/rczCk4xK-MQ

5. You must LIKE MaskerAide's Facebook Page and make a comment that pebblesflintstone67 sent you.

https://www.facebook.com/MaskerAideBeauty

I will qualify the winners based on the criteria above.  You must meet all criteria to be eligible to win.  Winners will be chosen at random.  You will have 48 hours to contact me with your contact information. If I do not hear back within 48 hours, I will chose another winner.

♥♥Giveaway ends on May 30, 2014 at midnight!♥♥