HASK Charcoal Purifying Dry Shampoo

Wow, the past few months sure did fly by fast!! I may not have posted much on here, but I've been working on testing out quite a few awesome products for you guys! So make sure to keep an eye out for more noise from me!

To kick off all of the amazing reviews I have coming, I recently received one of my favorite products to test out: DRY SHAMPOO!

In my personal opinion, every girl needs some dry shampoo in her hair arsenal, as it is a gift from the beauty gods. Especially if you have hair like me, that is dry on the ends and leaning toward greasy at the roots, dry shampoo is basically a miracle in a bottle.

Now I've tried a lot of different ones and have my favorites, but as you well know, I'm always looking for the next best thing! And this new line from HASK is definitely some good competition!

HASK has just released four, count 'em, FOUR new dry shampoos all with different active ingredients. You can check out the whole collection here, which is also conveniently available at Ulta! (Yay!)

I decided I wanted to go for the charcoal one. I feel like I constantly see beauty gurus raving about the benefits of charcoal everything so I wanted to get in on the action. The HASK Charcoal Purifying Dry Shampoo uses charcoal infused rice to quickly absorb excess oil. Plus, the citrus scent is pretty nice too. It's not my favorite, but I'm not exactly mad at it. However, I do love the fact that it is free of all sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten and artificial colors.

In review, I actually very much like this product! It works well to take away my greasy roots after not washing for two or even three days. It also gives me some extra volume, which is always nice since oils tend to weigh down my hair. It does give off a white cast, as most dry shampoos do, but not as much as some others I've tried. But it's also very easy to get rid of! In the past I have found myself rubbing my head for a ridiculously long time trying to get rid of my "old lady hair," but not with this one!

What stands out to me most about this particular dry shampoo is that it is very lightweight. I doesn't make me feel like I'm putting a crap ton of product in my hair. It feels natural and comfortable while still doing its job! I will note that it's great for when you experience a little bit of greasiness but I wouldn't use it for a heavy duty job haha.

I would 100% recommend this entire line! I honestly want to try them all, since they're great quality and still affordable (since I go through an embarrassing about of dry shampoo.) Plus, the convenience of being able to grab a bottle while I'm spending half of my pay check at Ulta is wonderful!

So much thanks to HASK for letting me try another of your awesome products (and for the super cute tote bag too!)

What are your favorite dry shampoos? Have you tried any other HASK products? Let me know in the comments below!

XO, Briana

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Valentia Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer

Hey everyone! Sorry for the lull in posting lately.  I've had quite a lot of personal things going on in my life at the moment that have unfortunately pulled me away from blogging.  Nevertheless, I am back and I'm excited to catch up on posting some great things! I've got a few reviews, including this one, as well as some fashion pieces in the works!  But more about that later, let's get to the good stuff!

So you all know how much I absolutely loveeeee the Valentia skincare products.  I've already reviewed a few, all of which have worked magic on my skin!  The funny thing is that they always seem to relate new products right when I need them!  For a while now, I've been struggling with getting rid of some dark spots on my jawline.  They are scars from getting laser hair removal (one of the lovely side effects of my PCOS) and boy are they stubborn.  I've tried a LOT of things, starting with natural products then giving in to non-natural. I tried getting a facial and then I finally wound up at the dermatologist. All of these things helped, but they were still really visible and difficult to hide with concealer.  So when I had just about given up, I got the email about the Valentia Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer, with one benefit that happened to be "lightens dark spots."  I really couldn't have asked for better timing, so thanks Valentia!

I have been using the moisturizer on a pretty regular basis for about a month now.  I wanted to get a good amount of time to use it before reviewing to test how it really worked on those pesky spots.  I will say, I was absolutely not disappointed.  It may be a bit hard to tell in the picture, but I assure you they are slowly but surely fading!  Also, for reference, the first photo was taken with the front facing camera and the second was taken with the higher resolution camera.  The darker spots have gotten a bit lighter and the lighter spots are fading well!  I'm confident that, in time, this moisturizer will be the definitive answer to my spotty woes.

On top of the visible results, the Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer also has many other benefits!  Daily use can also restore skin radiance, even skin tone, diminish fine lines, and provide daily hydration.  I have been using it at night after taking off my makeup, but it would also work great under makeup.  

My other favorite thing about this product, and the company in general, is the fact that it's made with all natural and organic ingredients!  This one in particular contains botanical hyaluronic acid, kojic acid, ginseng, safflower oil, and shea butter! 

Overall, I'm honestly in love with this product.  It works amazingly, feels great on my skin, and also smells kind of like sunscreen which always smells good to me! #endlesssummer (lol) I can't wait to keep using this and see how much my skin continues to improve!

For more information about Valentia and their products check out their website HERE!

To purchase this product check out their Amazon store HERE!

Also, don't forget to show Valentia some social media love and like their Facebook page and follow them on Instagram!

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Studio Gear Cosmetics Dual Identity Wet/Dry Foundation

Hurray for multi-function products! I love a good two-for, so when Studio Gear Cosmetics asked me to try out their new Dual Identity Wet/Dry Mineral Foundation, obviously the answer was YES!  The set came with the powder foundation (in Sand), their Revitalizing Day Serum, and the #3 Domed Foundation Brush.

I will say my first impression was slightly confused.  I had a little trouble figuring out how to use the dual identity aspect.  But after playing around with it for a bit I found that this foundation is super versatile. They also have this handy-dandy video to show you how to use it! Check that out HERE.

There are several ways to use it: mineral powder foundation, liquid/cream foundation, mattefying finishing powder, or cream contour. I used it as the first three, since it wasn't dark enough for me to contour with (and I don't really like to contour, honestly.)

First I put on the Revitalizing Day Serum to create an even base for the foundation. This can also be used to mix with the foundation.  I really liked the serum! It wasn't sticky or super oily like some others I've tried and it seemed to make the perfect primer for the makeup!  The first picture is only the basic mineral powder foundation.  I'd probably only use it like this if I wasn't really going to wear makeup and just wanted to even out my skin a bit.  It didn't have much coverage on its own, and I need a little bit more on a regular basis. (Also, yes this is how I get ready in the morning. Bath robe and all.) Notice how visible my dark circles and accidental forehead tan are. I think once I can even out my skin tone it will look a great deal better!

In the second photo, I mixed the powder with a little bit of water to create the liquid foundation.  You could also try using the serum or your favorite moisturizer, but I didn't want my skin to look too oily.  I found that had a lot better coverage, but was a little hard to blend.  But once I did get it where I liked it, it looked great! My skin looked close to airbrushed; like I could not see a single pore.  I did find that I needed to layer a little bit on my problem areas (redness, dark under eyes, etc.) but overall I think it worked very well.  

Also, I just want to take a minute to talk about the brush.  It's amazing.  It was just the right amount of stiffness to really blend everything out but soft enough to not feel like I was scraping my face off (haha). But I really did like it and will absolutely use it for more than just this foundation.

For the final look I went back in again and used it as the finishing powder on top of the liquid, which really brought it all together by getting rid of any unwanted shine and nicely setting the makeup.  As for wear, I think it lasted pretty well throughout the day.  I noticed it fade a little bit but nothing out of the ordinary.  Overall, I think it's a great product! The coverage, while buildable, wasn't quite enough for me but I will absolutely continue to mess around with it to get a heavier coverage.  My favorite thing about the Studio Gear Dual Identity Wet/Dry Foundation is how smooth it made my skin look! Even though it didn't really help in covering those dark circles (I've honestly given up.  Nothing will cover them) I'll give it the benefit of the doubt, lol.  I would definitely recommend it, especially for those of you who are all about the natural look and want something easy and versatile.

You can nab your own Dual Identity powder at Studio Gear Cosmetics website HERE! Plus, Studio Gear is currently offering $5 off your purchase of the foundation when you sign up for their emails! Also, don't forget to check out the Revitalizing Day Serum and the #3 Domed Foundation Brush! Make sure you take a look at these for more details on these wonderful products!!  If you decide to try it for yourself, let me know what you think in the comments!

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Shopping with Fragrance Outlet

As many of you already know, my addiction to perfume is nearly as bad as my addiction to makeup. I have quite the extensive collection, including high end brands and I'm sure a few knock offs that smell almost as good.  I pick my scent based on my mood or what I'm wearing, so for example if I'm going out dancing I'll probably pick Ed Hardy Villain or opt for the fresh citrus of my Tommy Bahama Set Sail Saint Martinique when I'm dressed preppy.  Don't ask me how they relate, but scent is powerful and each one makes me feel a certain way.

I think the worst thing about perfume is when your favorite gets discontinued.  I have probably searched every nook and cranny of the internet looking for the Harajuku Girls "G" Mermaid by Gwen Stefani and have failed to find it for anything but ridiculous prices.

In the meantime, I connected with a website called the Fragrance Outlet who carry tons of high end brands at really reasonable prices.  They asked me to tell you all about their site, the experience, and review one of their signature perfumes, so you know I was eager to accept.

Even though they didn't have my holy grail perfume, they do have tons of other really great fragrances at discounted prices. Plus, they're currently having a summer sale that knocks 40% off their already lowered prices. The other great thing about this site is that there is a very large selection all in one place.  Things are easy to find either by the search bar or browsing by women, men, or brands.

The scent that they gifted me to try out was one of their exclusives called Bamboo.  I was hesitant at first because I typically like to smell things before I buy them so I was afraid I wouldn't like it, but I was wrong!  It's definitely different than my typical citrus scent, but it's very pretty and light with notes of blackcurrant, freesia, and cedar.  The bottle is also really pretty with the bamboo stem and a light pink color.

Overall, I really loved the perfume and I am happy to have it in my collection.  As for the site, getting the product was simple and quick!  Next time I'm on the hunt for a good deal on perfume, I will definitely be hitting up the Fragrance Outlet!  Also, if you're like me and need to try it in person first, they have 100+ storefronts as well!  I've been to the one near me and it was wonderful!

This is a sponsored post, however all opinions are strictly my own!

HASK Argan Oil Repairing Hair Care Collection

I was lucky enough to be chosen to review the HASK Argan Oil Repairing Hair Care Collection!  The set arrived in a cute little drawstring bag that really made me smile! In the bag were four pieces: the Argan Oil Repairing Shampoo & Conditioner, Argan Oil Repairing Deep Conditioner, and the Argan Oil Shine Treatment.

I first started off using the shampoo and conditioner for a few days.  I honestly couldn't believe how great my hair looked!  After just a couple of uses, my hair was super smooth, shiny, soft and my waves were very defined and not frizzy! Overall it felt and looked super healthy, even though I know for a fact at that time it was not.  It also smells fantastic, like oranges and happiness.  That's the only way I can think to describe it, haha!

The only thing I found odd was that it seemed to brighten my hair.  Normally I would be all for that, but since my hair was dyed blonde at the time, I was worried it would lighten it too much.  I actually decided that I was now Princess Anna of Arendelle because I had one piece that was almost white, lol.  But I decided it was worth it for the awesome effect of the set. However, after getting a darker dye job, I'd been hesitant to start using it again for fear of it stripping my color.

I'd like to note that I did NOT use any additional products in my hair.  It is au natural!

After deciding to try the set again, I'm happy I did.  I used the shampoo, conditioner, and the deep conditioner in the shower.  I also used the oil in my hair after being towel dried and let my hair completely dry over night, as I usually do.

I will say in using the additional products, my hair came out even more amazing!  It was super shiny, barely any frizz (can't ask for none when I'm sleeping on it lol), and my waves were even more defined than before!  And even though I'm pretty sure it wound up lightening my bit of blonde still in my hair, I would continue to use this only every once in a while when my hair needs some refreshing!

Overall, this is a great collection of products that I would 100% recommend!  I love the way it works, and how it makes my hair look, feel, and smell!  Also, I appreciate that it is free of all sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, drying alcohol, and artificial colors.  It's easy to use with clear directions on the packaging and is fantastic for when your hair really needs a boost!  As I said, I'd plan to use this only when I feel like my hair needs repairing, just to make sure my color doesn't fade.  But if your hair is not color treated, use it as often as you like!  It's a great product that will become an integral part of my hair care routine!  Much thanks to HASK and BrandBacker for allowing me to try it out!!

Follow the link for more information on the HASK Argan Oil Repairing Hair Care Collection, or check out HASK's other hair care collections, on their main website HERE!

XO, Briana

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InstaNatural Skin & Hair Care

Recently I had the pleasure of receiving an awesome collection of organic ingredient products from the company InstaNatural.  Right off the bat I was excited because I'm basically obsessed with anything organic.  After anxiously awaiting my package, I received three products:  The Argan Oil Hair Mask, a bottle of straight up Argan Oil, and the Vitamin C Facial Serum.

Vitamin C Serum

The first thing I tried out was the Vitamin C Serum.  I was excited about this one because I've already become a facial oil lover and I was so sad when I ran out of my Valentia bottle that I reviewed over the summer.  So I was more than ready to try out a new one!  I started off by using it every night after washing my face.  The scent is very strong of oranges, which is nice, and I like how it makes my skin feel tight and refreshed.  After using it every night for a couple weeks, I noticed a significant improvement in my skin!  I have some light redness in my cheeks and chin and after using the oil that seemed to clear up.  Overall my face just feels better and healthier!

Argan Oil Hair Mask

Next I tried the Argan Oil Hair Mask.  All I can say is OMG.  This mask is probably my favorite that I've tried to date.  It's super easy to use and worked wonders on my dry, frizzy winter curls.  After washing and conditioning my hair as usual, I towel dried and then put the mask on.  I left it in for about 10 minutes, went about my business, and rinsed it out!  I didn't put any product in my hair so that I could truly see the results and let me tell you, my hair looked sooo good!  It was shiny and less frizzy than normal.  I also noticed it gave my hair a little more volume than usual, which I loved.  The jar says to use it once or twice a week, and I probably will.  It's great for when your hair just needs a little extra nourishment.  Definitely something good to have on hand!

Argan Oil

Last I tried the plain Argan Oil.  I was a little hesitant to use this because putting oil on my hair and skin and nails and what have you because all I picture is my hair looking like an oil slick and just being all sticky and stuff.  Ew.  However, that is totally not how it is.  I decided to try it out by just putting a little bit on my super dry elbows.  Because no one likes to have dry elbows.  Ever.  After using it three nights in a row, I was already seeing results!  Even after the first night I noticed my elbows weren't nearly as dry and it's gotten better and better each night!  The oil is great for super dry skin and I can't wait to try it for other things!!

Overall, all of the InstaNatural products were absolutely wonderful!  Not only are they great products to have in my collection but they also come from a great company.  InstaNatural uses natural and organic ingredients from all over the world to bring their customers the best in natural beauty products!! They offer a full line of skin care along with a few great hair care products.  Check them out at the website here!  I've also linked the headers to their respective products.

Much thanks to InstaNatural and BrandBacker for allowing me to try these out.  I can't wait to see the continuous results!!

XO, Briana

A Pop of Pink: Paula Dorf Cosmetics' Passion Blush

As you all well know, I am a certified makeup addict.  Although I have an excessive amount of mascaras and lip glosses (it's legit out of control) I only have a handful of blushes, and like one that I actually use.  I'm very partial to MAC blush because of their formula and pigmentation.  Along with that, every one I own is somewhere in the range of coral.  And every time I'm drawn to a blush color while shopping, it's either something ridiculous and neon (because shiny, duh) or my standard beachy coral. But recently I've been on a mission to step out of my coral comfort zone and try some new colors and brands.  Since coral blush tends to read kind of summery (obviously I don't care all that much lol) I decided I needed something of a go to for the winter months.

In the midst of my search, along came Paula Dorf.  I have worked with this company in the past, a la my review of their brow kit.  Which I use basically every day.  It's wonderful.  So when the opportunity arose to work with them again I was ON IT.  And BONUS, it was a beautiful, pink blush.

When I received the color, appropriately named "Passion", I was hesitant for above reasons (not coral.)  But I was excited to get to try something new without breaking the bank.  Now most of the time when I put on blush, I swirl my little blush brush around and buff that product pretty hard into my face.  For some reason, my foundation or my face or whatever makes it so that it doesn't take the pigment as well as when I swatch on my hand.  Therefore, I have to work a little harder and layer a bit.  Never bothered me.  But when I went to do the same with this blush, I was pleasantly surprised to look a bit clownish at first.  Woah, this blush is super bright and well pigmented!  But after I buffed the color in a bit, it was love at first blush (haha see what I did there?)

After I got past the not coral test and tried it on, I found I really loved the color.  It's a very pretty pink with that great pigment and also wonderful staying power!  With past blushes, I notice they tend to fade throughout the day, regardless of primer and setting spray.  With this one, it stayed much longer and once it did start to fade, it still looked like a cute natural blush instead of like I was having a heat stroke lol. Also, the color is great for an all year round glow!

All in all, the blush was wonderful in every way.  Paula Dorf Cosmetics is an amazing company with a fantastic line of products, all of which I'd like to try some day!!  I want to thank them so much for asking me to continue to work with them in reviewing this product!

In addition, they are offering me and all of my lovely followers an extra 20% off of any cheek color purchase!! So if you want to try this color (Passion) for yourself, or pick a color that better suits you, (There are a bunch of beautiful shades!) click HERE and use the code CHEEK at check out!!!

XO, Briana

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KISS InstaWave Curling Iron: Review & Tutorial

Hey all! It's that time again, where everyone is starting to get into the holiday spirit!  Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years etc!  I know I'm starting a little early this year on the Christmas train.  I've already started shopping and planning my outfits (#fashionbloggerprobz)  Any who, with outfits come hair and makeup. And I've found the perfect tool for all of those party hair styles!

Introducing the KISS InstaWave curling iron!  This tool is pretty awesome if you ask me.  It's a super easy way to get beautiful waves and curls with only about half the effort of a regular curling iron or wand.  I don't know about you, but I have a LOT of hair and my arms get pretty tired after curling my entire head.  But with the InstaWave, I found it's automatic capabilities to make the job wayyy less daunting.

Here's how it works:

After prepping your hair for heat styling, pull out the piece of hair you wish to curl.  I found that sections at about 1 inch worked best with the iron.

Next, place your hair on the iron.  There are spokes around the edges where you can slide the piece in.

Then, let the iron do its thing!  Use the curl dial to choose which way you'd like to curl your hair.  I found with my long hair that it worked best twirling away from your head.  Just make sure you're careful that you don't start too close to your head.  You don't want the iron to catch on other pieces of hair and pull toward your head.  With some practice, I think I pretty much mastered avoiding this.

Last, hold the iron with your hair on it for the desired length of time.  Like any other iron, the longer your hold it there, the tighter the curl. When you're satisfied, just pull the iron down to release.

And viola! Easy, awesome curls!  There's a lot you can do with this iron too which is one of the reasons I like it so much!  When curling my top/short layers, I was able to use the iron at different angles and it still worked great! Plus, you can change the temperature to further customize your curling experience.

Here's the specs:

• KISS InstaWave is completely automatic and tangle free
• Curl dial features left and right options
• Iron has low and high heat settings
• Highest temperature is 420 degrees
• Iron shuts off automatically in 90 minutes

Overall, I'd definitely recommend this curling iron!  It's really great and so easy to use.  It also made the process quicker for me.  Plus, it was actually really fun to use!  Much thanks to KISS and BrandBacker for sending it to me to try out!  More than stoked to have it in my collection.  For more information, check out the KISS InstaWave website, or try the iron out for yourself!  It's available at Ulta, Target, and Amazon.com!

XO, Briana

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Valentia Even Glow Facial Serum

Recently, there has been quite a buzz about face serums in the beauty community.  I didn't really understand what it was or how it was used, but I was intrigued to try it!  Then, Valentia was so kind as to let me try out their Vitamin C Antioxidant Treatment Even Glow Serum!  It may be a mouth full, but all of those things are what make the product great!

The Even Glow Serum has a great deal of healing properties including: pore reduction, hydration, wrinkle/fine line reduction, evens skin tone, boots collagen production, and increases glow and radiance!  It's made with 98% organic and natural products such as green tea extract and rosehip seed oil.  The serum comes in a small bottle with a syringe for application.

For me, I put a nickle sized amount in my hands and applied to my face and neck.  I put it on every day after washing my face and before moisturizing.  The serum smells amazing, like oranges, it's refreshing when applied, and dries very quickly!  I felt like I didn't really even need moisturizer since the serum hydrated my skin so well.  After my 5 day test run, I was already seeing results!  The redness on my cheeks and chin were reduced and my skin felt refreshed and tightened.  You can see the change in my pictures below, even though the first one is a little blurry (my bad).  In both photos I'm wearing no makeup and in the first, I had yet to use the serum.

I was particularly excited to try the Even Glow serum because I do have issues with uneven skin tone.  It always bothered me to the point where I felt uncomfortable going out without something on my face to cover the redness.  So far, if these results continue as wonderfully as they have, then I will no longer have to worry about that!

Overall, I think the Valentia Even Glow Serum is a great product that is definitely worth trying!  You can only get it on amazon HERE, and it's only $35.  Plus, they're having a great promotion of buy one get one 50% off.

To learn more about Valentia Skin Care, Even Glow Serum, and other products check out their website HERE! 

*This post is sponsored by Brand Backer and Valentia Skin Care Company.  All opinions are my own and the product was complimentary for reviewing purposes only.