LOVE WITH FOOD + 2 Degrees Food

"We have partnered up with 2 Degrees Food for our upcoming July boxes! 

2 Degrees is a like-minded partner who has been donating a meal for each food bar they sell. For each July Love With Food tasting box we send out, TWO meals will be donated; and for each July Love With Food deluxe box sold, FOUR meals will be donated! "

I have reviewed past LWF boxes and not only are the healthy snacks delicious, a meal was donated for every box. This July, they partnered up with 2 Degrees Food, which also donates a meal. It's a double WIN-WIN!

Sign up here : http://bit.ly/bloggervip and get a FREE one month trial and you will be donating TWO meals. How awesome is that?

Exposed Skin Care : Acne Treatment (How to get rid of acne)

Before I start explaining all the products and my review, here is a general description of my skin type right now: I have combination skin. Oily T-zone and slightly dry areas on my cheeks. Before I started to use any of the products in the kit, I had acne on the sides of my nose, area above my eyebrows, some on my forehead and minor acne on the cheeks. 

First is the Facial Cleanser, formulated with :Salicylic Acid - Clears clogged poresPro-Vitamin B5 - Regulates oil productionSage Extract - Detoxifies skinUnlike most acne cleansers that feel harsh on the skin because of its anti acne medicine, this cleanser felt gentle and cleans without irritating the skin. After massaging this on my skin, I rinse away with warm water then lightly pat dry with a tissue.Next is the Clearing tonic, formulated with:Salicylic Acid - Clears clogged poresGreen Tea Extract - Heals & protects skinPassion Flower - Reduces inflammationAzelaic Acid - Normalizes cell turnoverRight after the cleanser, I pat this on my skin, starting from the center of my face where my pores are. For night time, as instructed in the booklet, with clean hands, I apply the Clear Pore serum, which has:Salicylic Acid - Clears clogged poresGreen Tea Extract - Heals & protects skinLicorice Root - Reduces inflammationAnd in some areas where my skin tends to get dry, I apply a bit of the Moisture Complex, formulated with:Pumpkin Seed - Calms irritated skinGreen Tea Extract - Heals & protects skinCaffeine - Reduces inflammationThis moisturizes my skin without a greasy feel. For the day time, I cleanse and tone my skin with the facial cleanser and the clearing tonic. While my skin is still slightly wet from the tonic, I apply the Acne Treatment which has :Benzoyl Peroxide - Kills acne bacteriaGreen Tea Extract - Heals & protects skinTea Tree Oil - Promotes healingThis allows for the treatment to sink into my skin while more pores are still open. The most impressive thing about this treatment is how it works well with clearing up my breakouts without smelling or feeling like a harsh medication. When applying, it felt like a cream consistency that doesn't dry up my skin. 
When I first starting using this skincare, I had no idea how my skin would react. However, my skin was not at its best, and with the warm weather coming up, I wanted to clear my skin so I wouldn't have to wear my usual foundation to cover up. To get rid of acne and improve the texture and appearance of your skin, it takes time and effort. I followed the mourning and night time cleansing and treatment cycle, and never skipped a day. Whatever the cause of your acne is, keep in mind that bacteria takes a huge role in the cause of acne as well as inflammation. It has been 3 weeks since I started Exposed Skincare and I am so glad I did. All the products in this kit are made to clarify and heal the skin. This is not me saying that this kit is the treatment for everybody, as different skin reaction may vary. However, if you have tried countless acne treatments and found them to be too harsh or not work at all, I would highly recommend this. Using these products had made my skin improve and cleared my major breakouts. While I still have a pimple here and there, it is definitely an improvement. You can either buy the kit or get the products individually at http://www.exposedskincare.com/

Disclaimer : This review contains a sample product sent for consideration by the brand or its PR firm.  I don't do paid reviews. All pictures and reviews are my own.

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Urban Decay Naked 3 tutorial

I finally caved in and bought the Naked 3. I already own the first one and told myself that I would wait for it to finish before I start on another palette. Ha! so much for that!
Anyways, I love the rose tones in this palette and even though many think rose tones are meant for those who have fair skin or cool undertones, I personally think it can work on universal skin tones and still look amazing. I'm not going to go in detail of a review, just because there are so many reviews out there and from what I've read, I agree with those who are over the heels with this palette. Here are some quick thoughts:
Fantastic packaging, feels very durable and fancy (compared to the first version)
Pigmented colors, my favorite so far is buzz, liar, factory, and dust.
Slight fall out with black heart, which looks like it has a cranberry shimmer to it, but when applied on lids, it just looks black.
Also comes with a duo ended brush (which by the way is great quality, and love the rose gold handle)
Sample packets of different primer potions included :)

This will be the first of many looks I will create...

From L to R : strange, dust, burnout, limit, buzz, trick, nooner, liar, factory, mugshot, darkside, blackheart)

What I used: Buzz and Liar all over the lid. Blackheart in outter crease. Dust in inner corner, Strange as under brow highlight. Eyeliner by Loreal. Lashes from IMATS.

IMATS NY 2014 HAUL!

Yesterday was my first IMATS experience and it all went by a blur. I got there around 12pm and it ended at 5pm. While most of my time spent was waiting online *cough cough SIGMA, it was completely worth it!
My main goal was to get the Sigmax kabuki face kit as well as the eye kit. However, they face kit was sold out :( So I just got the F82 by itself as well as the eye kit, which was in stock! Even with the huge rush to get my brushes, makeup, etc, I was able to see some amazing art work. Also, while IMATS is known for the discounted makeup, I was also exposed to some new brands as well!

Here are the things I got:

1. OCC Nail Polish in "INKY" and "SOMETHING" , Lip Tar in "MOMENTUM"

Polishes $5 each, Lip tar $15

2. Chacott *I stumbled across their booth and learned that this is a Japaneses brand. I bought their foundation base, which is great for under liquid or cream foundation.

$19

3. Inglot

Pan shadows $5 each, AMC Pure pigment $10

4. Sigma

Sigmax precision kit, Original/Show price : $72.50/$50.40

F82 Original/Show price : $21/$14.70 , E30 : $12/$8.40 

FREE GIFT!! 

5. Royal and Langnickle

$15

$7 

Brush belt : $15

Free gift with purchase! 

6. Morphe Brushes * Didn't know they sold makeup as well, so picked this palette up

$15

6. MAKE UP FOREVER *love the cute tote bag!!

$20

7. LIT cosmetics

I forgot how much the glitters were. But there was a special price for 3.
The base was $5

8. Nigel Beauty Emporium

Banana powder: $12

Amazing deal on these lashes. Bought them in bulk and got lash glues for free

9. Ardel

$6 for $20, free lash glue with purchase 

10. Dante

Brush cleanser $4 

That's it for my very first IMATS haul! I really enjoyed it and look forward to IMATS 2015!!!

VAPOUR BEAUTY Elixir Lip Plumping Gloss 70% certified organic, Review + Swatches

From the company:
Made with hydrating blend of all-natural botanicals and organic plumping liposomes, adding dimension to your lips never felt so good! Anti-oxidant rich Acai and Goji berries lock in moisture for ultra-hydrated voluptuous lips.

Flirt is described as a shimmery pink. I love the texture of this gloss, as it is light and non sticky. This color is beautiful worn alone or over a lip stick. Once swatched, the pigmentation was impressive.

Rate: A +



Available at Vapour Beauty  $22

Disclaimer : This review contains a sample product sent for consideration by the brand or its PR firm.  I don't do paid reviews. All pictures and reviews are my own.

VAPOUR Organic Beauty Mesmerize Shimmer Eye Color Treatment in Lyrics , Review + Swatches

From the company: 
These gorgeous shades will redefine and enhance your look while delivering hydrating antioxidants to the delicate eye area. The tick applicator makes application precise. 

Before I get started on this review, I wanted to she some light on organic beauty and skin care products. After doing some research, it is scary to know that most of our every day products, from lotion to mascara, contains harsh and harmful chemicals that results in damage over time. 
I want to write and review products from organic companies to share with you the healthier and beautiful alternative you can have. 

Lyric is a soft lavender blue with silver micro shimmer. This color is quite sheer, and blends into my eye lids as the base of a color well. Once applied, the color brightened up my eyes and made it look effortless (which it was!) 

Below is a natural eye makeup look I created using Lyric as an all over shimmer color base. I then added a darker purple on the outer crease to have some definition.

Rate: A


Available at Vapour Beauty $20

COOLA Organic Sun Screen SPF 20 Unscented

From the company:
Ideal for all skin types 

Keep the sun and environment at bay with this SPF 20 broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen; a clear, Titanium Dioxide based formula (for those who are Zinc sensitive) made with 98% natural ingredients. Organic Acai Oil - high in Omegas-3/6/9, Vitamins B1/2/3, plus antioxidant Vitamins C and E - delivers a powerful defense against aging. Organic Sunflower Seed Extract promotes elasticity while organic Linseed Oil, containing Alpha-Linolenic Acids, reduces redness and irritation. The phyto-protector Plankton Extract rejuvenates, as organic Cucumber Extract calms skin.

• Hypoallergenic
• Paraben Free
• Ultra Sheer
• Anti-Aging
• Water Resistant (40 minutes)
• No nano-sized particles

For those of you who stray away from sun screen and find them to be too harsh for your skin, consider organic sunscreen like this one from COOLA. Sun care is very important, for the sake of your health and prevention of aging/ darkening up those dark spots.

This sunscreen is perfect for those who want to protect themselves from the sun with an eco friendly conscience. What's better than a sun protecting product that is good for you skin also? 

The consistency of this product was thin and non greasy. The pump makes the application process hygienic as well. 

Rate: A

Available at COOLA : $36 (1.7 oz) 

Disclaimer : This review contains a sample product sent for consideration by the brand or its PR firm.  I don't do paid reviews. All pictures and reviews are my own.

100% Pure, Luminous Primer Vitamins + Antioxidants With Resveratrol Review

From the company:

Key Benefits

• 100% natural, 100% vegan, gluten free
• light reflective pigments luminize skin for a healthy glow
• red wine resveratrol, vitamins and antioxidants shield skin from free radical damage
• helps to prep skin for longer lasting makeup
• silicone-free

This primer has a pump, making application hygienic. The consistency was thin and almost watery. After applying this on my face, the texture of my skin felt silky smooth and foundation ready! If you have dry skin, you should apply moisturizer before this primer as a protective layer.  I detected a light scent, but nothing too strong. 

It's good to know that no all makeup we use has to be filled with harsh chemicals. 

Rate: A +

Available at 100% Pure $28 (1 oz) 

Disclaimer : This review contains a sample product sent for consideration by the brand or its PR firm.  I don't do paid reviews. All pictures and reviews are my own.

100% Pure, Pot Rouge Blush in Blush

From the company:

Key Benefits

• 100% natural, 100% vegetarian, gluten free
• colored with fruit and vegetable pigments instead of minerals or synthetic dyes
• satin silky rouge blends easily for a healthy flush of color

"Blush" is described as a rosey plum. I had just applied a thin layer of foundation and let it set, and followed by applying this blush. I love how smooth and natural this blush is. It has light pigmentation, but can be easily built up without it looking cakey. It also worked well over foundation, as it didn't blend into it and lose color all together. 

As you can see by the size, this blush is as small as a gel eyeliner. I would recommend to use your clean ring finger to gather product and apply on the apples of your cheeks. If needed, use a duo fibre brush to blend.  

Rate: A

Available at 100% Pure  $18

Disclaimer : This review contains a sample product sent for consideration by the brand or its PR firm.  I don't do paid reviews. All pictures and reviews are my own.

100% Pure: Fruit Pigmented Lip Butter Peach, Review + Swatch

From the company:

Key Benefits

• 100% natural, 100% vegan, gluten free
• colored with fruit and vegetable pigments instead of minerals or synthetic dyes
• formulated in an ultra-moisturizing base of organic avocado, shea, and cocoa butter

Peach is described as a peach coral. Despite looking like a bright coral in pan, the lip butter applies semi sheer. On the lips, it is light pink with a demi-matte finish. Though I wouldn't describe this as super moisturizing, add this on top of a thin layer of balm and you'll be good to go. 

Another thing I would like to add is my love for the packaging. Super cute! 

Rate: B 

Available at 100% Pure $15

Disclaimer : This review contains a sample product sent for consideration by the brand or its PR firm.  I don't do paid reviews. All pictures and reviews are my own.

Loreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara: Review and Swatches

From the company:

L’Oréal introduces liquid extensions in a bottle, with new Telescopic™ Shocking Extensions™ mascara, a new generation of lash length. In one motion lashes are separated, intensified, and look shockingly lengthened for an intense make-up result.

• Clump-free, flake-free, smudge-free
• Ophthalmologist and allergy tested.
• Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

I find this mascara to define my lashes and give them a "clean" look. I wouldn't say this boosted volume, which is why I apply this after curling my lashes with my shiseido eyelash curler. I love the sleek packaging and chose the color Carbon Black. 

Rate: B +

Available at your local drugstores $ 9-10 

Shiseido Eyelash Curler Review

From the company:
Creates glamorous curls at a stroke on any lashes.

I have pin straight lashes that a medium in length. This curler curls my lashes without cutting them off. I love how the shape of this curler fits so nicely for my almond shaped eyes. With the help of this curler, my lashes have volume and visible.
It also comes with a replacement rubber pad. 

Rate: A +

Available at Macy's $ 19 

OPI Warm Me Up Swatch

In winter, I tend to go towards darker colors. Warm me up is a dark olive grey polish that is pigmented with two coats. 

Rate: A

Available at your local drugstores $8.50 

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Nude: Swatches and Review

From the company: 
Long lasting shocking color intensity with kohl Britania High intensity color for an instant color impact Ultra smooth & creamy formula that glides on easily Waterproof, smudge-proof, sweat-proof, heat-proof, humidity-proof and scandal- proof Dermatologist & ophthalmologist tested. Safe for sensitive eyes.

I was in need of a skin tone eyeliner for my waterline. I find white eyeliners to be too harsh and unnatural looking. This eyeliner is creamy and pigmented. I haven't tried the other colors in this range, but am loving "Nude", a skin tone color that brightens up my eyes. 

Rate: A +

Available at your local drugstores $5-7