Review of The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Body Scrub

My blog has moved to http://www.tenderallure.com/.  To keep up with my latest posts, outfits, giveaways, and more, check out my new blog!  I would love it if you could joined me at my new blog  :)

Hey everyone!

Lately, I've been using The Body Shop's Pink Grapefruit Body Scrub and I'm really loving it!

After using this scrub, my skin always feels smooth, soft, and fresh!  Next time I want a nice bubble bath, I might just reach for this scrub!  After a long, hard day, using this scrub would really help you feel ready for a new and better day.  This scrub has also been really great for keeping my skin healthy and preventing ingrown hairs.  If you wax or epilate to remove body hair, then it is especially important to use a body scrub that will prepare your skin for new hair growth.  I absolutely love the grapefruit scent of this scrub, and I really like how there is a hint of a grapefruit smell on my skin afterward.

I hope you enjoyed this review.  Let me know if you have any questions about this product or requests to review any other products.

Disclaimer:  No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post.  I purchased these products with my own money.  The opinions above are my own and were not influenced in any way.  

xoxo,
Linda

Review of Philips SatinPerfect Epilator HP6576/50

My blog has moved to http://www.tenderallure.com/.  To keep up with my latest posts, outfits, giveaways, and more, check out my new blog!  I would love it if you could joined me at my new blog  :)

Hey everyone!

I recently received a Philips SatinPerfect Epilator HP6576/50 to review, and I wanted to share with you my thoughts on this product.

The Philips SatinPerfect epilator kit contains the following parts:

• Epilator
• Shave, Trim, and Style Attachment
• Trimming Comb
• Optimal Performance Cap
• Active Hairlifter with Active Massage Cap
• Cleaning Brush
• Adaptor
• Pouch

Before trying this epilator, I mainly used disposable or refillable razors to remove body hair.  I have tried waxing before, but since I thought it was too painful, I have given up on that option.  I haven't heard much about epilating or epilators, so I had to do a quick search on it.  When I realized that epilating would remove body hair in a similar manner to waxing, I must admit that I got a little anxious.  After all, I already thought that waxing was too painful.  How was I going to handle the pain of epilating?

After fully charging the epilator, I told myself that I could do it and bravely turned it on.  However, once I heard the loud noise that the epilator makes and saw how quickly the epilating discs turn, I got scared again. Once I finally got over my fear, I realized that epilating wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be.  It was actually quite easy and not too painful when I used the SatinPerfect epilator.

Pros:

• You can quickly remove large amounts of body hair.
• Compared to shaving, epilating keeps the hair from growing back as quickly. So, you won't have to deal with stubble as frequently, and your skin will be much smoother for longer.
• For new users of epilators, the optimal performance cap stabilizes the epilator and makes it easier to get to all the hair.
• The active hairlifter with active massage cap vibrates the skin to lift flat-lying hair and short hair, making it easier for the epilating discs to grab onto them.
• You don't need to apply a lot of pressure for the epilating discs to grab the hairs. 
• There are two speed settings, which is very convenient.  You can adjust the speed for different types of body hair.
• It can remove thick and fine hairs.
• You don't need to purchase anything else to epilate successfully.
• You can recharge the epilator.  I'm so glad that I don't have to worry about buying replacement batteries.
• You can also choose to shave and trim body hair with this kit when using the shave, trim, and style attachment and trimming comb.
• All of the caps and attachments are designed for easy use.  Since they can only be put on in one direction, you won't get confused about how to put on the pieces.  

Cons:

• You will feel the body hair being removed.  To me, it felt like quick, little pricks.  However, the sensation will vary from person to person depending on the person's sensitivity and pain tolerance.  
• You might have to go over the same area several times to get all of the body hair if the hair is not uniform in length or growth direction.  
• The epilator makes a loud noise when it's on.
• You can see the epilating discs turning.  Personally, it just looks really scary. 
• Washing the epilating discs, caps, and attachments.  If you are used to just rinsing off your razor after use, then cleaning the epilator will seem like more work, especially if you use a lot of pieces.  However, it is easy to remove the hair with the cleaning brush and warm water.

Tips:

• Be patient and take your time.  If epilating is painful for you, then I recommend that you use the slower speed setting and epilate small areas at a time.  This way, you will have more time to recover from the pain before starting again.
• Figure out the direction of hair growth.  It is easier and less painful to epilate against the direction of hair growth, just like in shaving or waxing.
• Charge the epilator right after using it.  I always forget to charge the epilator, and when I want to use it, I can't because it hasn't been charged.  So, it's best to charge the epilator right after using it.  That way, it will be fully charged and ready to go whenever you want to use it next.

Overall, I really enjoy using the Philips SatinPerfect epilator.  Even though it hurts a little bit and requires a bit more work than my razor, I love the results I get with it.  I really enjoy how smooth my skin feels after use and I don't have to worry about new hair growth all the time.  I think that epilating my body hair will be perfect for warm weather.  I can't wait to have super smooth skin when I wear my shorts!  It looks like my razor will have to take the back seat to my epilator! :)

If you're interested in purchasing a SatinPerfect epilator, you can save $20 at Amazon.com when you use the code BUZZEP2O.  So, go ahead and take the jump to invest in this epilator system.  In the long run, you will save more money because you would only need to buy this kit once and the kit contains everything you would need.  You would no longer have to spend money on razors, replacement razor heads, shaving cream, wax, waxing accessories, etc.

Disclaimer:  I am a BzzAgent and received a kit to do this review.  No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post.  The opinions above are my own and were not influenced in any way.

xoxo,
Linda

Winner of Sneakpeeq Giveaway

My blog has moved to http://www.tenderallure.com/.  To keep up with my latest posts, outfits, giveaways, and more, check out my new blog!  I would love it if you could joined me at my new blog  :)

Congratulations to Peter O. for winning the Sneakpeeq giveaway!  Please respond to my email within 48 hours.

xoxo,
Linda

Sneakpeeq Giveaway

My blog has moved to http://www.tenderallure.com/.  To keep up with my latest posts, outfits, giveaways, and more, check out my new blog!  I would love it if you could joined me at my new blog  :)

Hey everyone!

I recently signed up for Sneakpeeq, an online shopping site that has short sales and great deals on all types of products, including housewares, apparel, accessories, gourmet food, and more.  Every day, there are new items added to the site and available for purchase during a short time frame.  To see the prices of items on this site, you need to "peeq" by flipping over the price tag.  When you are a new user, you have a limited number of peeqs per day.  However, that number refreshes every day and you can increase the number of peeqs by liking, loving, and sharing products on the site.  By participating and purchasing on the site, you can also gain badges that might lower of the prices of items and you give the site a better idea about your personal style.

I have really been enjoying this site!  It has a very different concept from other short sale online shopping sites because you are limited in the prices you can see.  It's thrilling and fun to see all of the products available on the site and to figure out which products you are interested in enough to sacrifice one of your precious peeqs.  This site has definitely turned shopping into an exciting little game!

Sneakpeeq has generously agreed to supply a $10 Gift Card for one lucky winner!  Also, everyone who enters this giveaway will receive an exclusive 20% off discount.  These prizes go a long way in Sneakpeeq's low-priced boutiques!  Thanks, Sneakpeeq!

To Enter (Mandatory Entry):
Follow Tender Allure via Google Friend Connect.  Then, click on this link: http://bit.ly/zCvCsN, and join Sneakpeeq!  You will receive your exclusive 20% off discount once you click on the link.
**Only new Sneakpeeq users can enter this giveaway and receive the discount.

Extra Entries - Leave a SEPARATE comment for each additional entry and make sure to leave your email so I can contact the winner:
1.  Follow Tender Allure on Twitter.
2.  Like Tender Allure on Facebook.
3.  Subscribe to Tender Allure on Youtube.
4.  Follow Sneakpeeq on Twitter.
5.  Like Sneakpeeq on Facebook.
6.  Follow Tender Allure on Bloglovin'.
7.  Subscribe to Tender Allure by email.
8.  Subscribe to Tender Allure RSS Feed.
9.  Tweet about this giveaway once per day and leave me a link so I can see it.  Use the following tweet:
"Win a $10 gift card from @sneakpeeq @TenderAllure #giveaway http://tenderallure.blogspot.com/ "
10.  Blog about my giveaway and leave me a link so I can see it (5 Extra Entries)

This giveaway is open to US readers only.  Contest ends February 22, 2012 at 11:59 PM EST.  The winner will be randomly selected and given 48 hours to respond to my email before another winner is selected.

Good Luck!

Disclaimer:  No monetary compensation was offered or received for this post.  The opinions above are my own and were not influenced in any way.

xoxo,
Linda

My DIY Dupe for JewelMint Friendship Bracelets

My blog has moved to http://www.tenderallure.com/.  To keep up with my latest posts, outfits, giveaways, and more, check out my new blog!  I would love it if you could joined me at my new blog  :)

Hey everyone!

I recently saw the JewelMint Friendship Bracelets in a picture, and I thought they looked perfect for the spring and summer!  They would work great for just adding a little pop of color to an outfit.  I love how there is a nice mix of chain and thread in these bracelets, making them easy to pair with all kinds of outfits.  The different chain and thread colors really contrast well together and add a lot of depth to these bracelets.  These friendship bracelets are the grown up alternatives to the bracelets we made in our youth.

Instead of buying these bracelets, I thought it would be fun to try making them for myself.  I made tons of bracelets when I was younger, and I wanted to see if I could still make them!  I also enjoy being able to use the color combinations I want for the bracelets and to customize the bracelets for my wrist.

This is my version of the JewelMint Friendship Bracelets:

Since I'm always wearing long sleeve shirts during the winter, I find it hard to wear bracelets right now.  So, I can't wait for spring to come!  Until then, I will be making more of these bracelets so I can have a large variety to pick from :)

Right now, I'm really interested in DIY jewelry.  I love the idea of making the jewelry I want to wear instead of trying to purchase jewelry that are similar to what I want.  So, be sure to stay tuned for future DIY jewelry posts!

You can also check out my DIY Jewelry and My DIY Inspirations boards on Pinterest for sneak peeks of what I might be working on.

I hope you enjoyed this post, and let me know if you have any questions or requests in the comments below!  Also, let me know if you're interested in a post on how I actually make my DIY jewelry.

Disclaimer:  No monetary compensation was offered or received for this post.  I have no affiliation with JewelMint in making this post.  The opinions above are my own and were not influenced in any way.

xoxo,
Linda

Winner of PacSun, Forever 21, Maybelline, Physicians Formula, ELF, Covergirl, Wet n Wild, and Hot Topic Valentine's Day Giveaway

My blog has moved to http://www.tenderallure.com/.  To keep up with my latest posts, outfits, giveaways, and more, check out my new blog!  I would love it if you could joined me at my new blog  :)

Congratulations to ukpanic77 for winning my Valentine's Day giveaway!  Please respond to my Youtube message within 48 hours.

You will be receiving the follow items:

• PacSun With Love From California Gold Filigree and Rhinestone Earrings
• Forever 21 Silver Rhinestone Heart and Ballet Slipper Charm Bracelet
• Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in #10 Pink Frosting
• Physicians Formula Baked Collection Wet/Dry Shadow in #2749 Baked Sweets
• ELF Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15 in #2805 Malt Shake
• Covergirl Stack-Ups All Over Color in #904A Bareblush
• Wet n Wild Megalast Salon Nail Color in #214C I Red A Good Book
• Hot Topic Eye Shadow Quad

xoxo,
Linda

PacSun, Forever 21, Maybelline, Physicians Formula, ELF, Covergirl, Wet n Wild, and Hot Topic Valentine's Day Giveaway

My blog has moved to http://www.tenderallure.com/.  To keep up with my latest posts, outfits, giveaways, and more, check out my new blog!  I would love it if you could joined me at my new blog  :)

Hey everyone!

If you watched my video where I announced the winner of my last giveaway, then you know that I am having a giveaway for Valentine's Day!  In the spirit of the holiday, I want to give away some pieces that I think would be great for creating the perfect look for that special day.

I will be giving away the following items to one lucky winner:

• PacSun With Love From California Gold Filigree and Rhinestone Earrings
• Forever 21 Silver Rhinestone Heart and Ballet Slipper Charm Bracelet
• Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in #10 Pink Frosting
• Physicians Formula Baked Collection Wet/Dry Eye Shadow in #2749 Baked Sweets
• ELF Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15 in #2805 Malt Shake
• Covergirl Stack-Ups All Over Color  in #903A Bareblush
• Wet n Wild Megalast Salon Nail Color in #214C I Red A Good Book
• Hot Topic Eye Shadow Quad

To enter this giveaway, these are the rules:

Mandatory Entry
Follow Tender Allure via Google Friend Connect and comment on this post telling me your plans for Valentine's Day.  Make sure to leave your email so I can contact the winner!

Extra Entries - Leave a SEPARATE comment for each additional entry:
1.  Subscribe to Tender Allure on Youtube.
2.  Follow Tender Allure on Twitter.
3.  Like Tender Allure on Facebook.
4.  Follow Tender Allure on Bloglovin'.
5.  Subscribe to Tender Allure by email.
6.  Subscribe to Tender Allure RSS Feed.
7.  Tweet about this giveaway once per day and leave me a link so I can see it.  Use the following tweet:
"Win @PacSun, @Forever21, @Maybelline, @PFCosmetics, @askelf, @COVERGIRL, and more from @TenderAllure #giveaway  http://tenderallure.blogspot.com/"
8.  Blog about my giveaway and leave me a link so I can see it.  (5 Extra Entries)

If you want even more entries, then please watch my Youtube video for this giveaway!  All of the rules will be in the description box under the video on Youtube  :)

This giveaway is open to US readers only.  I'm so sorry to my international readers!  Contest ends February 7, 2012 at 11:59 PM EST.  The winner will be randomly selected and given 48 hours to respond to my email before another winner is selected.  

Since I'm participating in a giveaway hop, you can check out the other participating blogs and prizes.  Good luck!

Disclaimer:  No monetary compensation was offered or received for this post.  I purchased these products with my own money.  The opinions above are my own and were not influenced in any way.

xoxo,
Linda

Free Makeup & Beauty Samples

My blog has moved to http://www.tenderallure.com/.  To keep up with my latest posts, outfits, giveaways, and more, check out my new blog!  I would love it if you could joined me at my new blog  :)

Hey everyone!

I just discovered this great website, Free Makeup & Beauty Samples, that has a huge list of all sorts of different free samples you can get!  Free samples are really a great way to try a product to find out if you like it before you invest the money to buy it.  There are some really awesome opportunities so go check it out!

xoxo,
Linda

Winner of Lovable Labels Giveaway!

My blog has moved to http://www.tenderallure.com/.  To keep up with my latest posts, outfits, giveaways, and more, check out my new blog!  I would love it if you could joined me at my new blog  :)

Image Source:  http://lovablelabels.ca/

Congratulations to Lisa's Free Stuff for winning my Lovable Labels "Friendship Pack" giveaway!  A representative from Lovable Labels should be contacting you soon via email, so be sure to be on the look out for that email!  Please respond to their email within 48 hours.

I will be doing more posts and videos as soon as my exams are over!  Thanks for being patient with me :)

xoxo,
Linda

Review of Julep Maven Box: Glycolic Hand Scrub and Nail Polishes in Catherine and Gayle

My blog has moved to http://www.tenderallure.com/.  To keep up with my latest posts, outfits, giveaways, and more, check out my new blog!  I would love it if you could joined me at my new blog  :)

Hey everyone!

I recently received my first Julep Maven box (watch my video here or read my post here) and I wanted to share with you my thoughts on these products.  Julep Maven is a monthly membership program where you get a box of over $40 worth of nail polish and nail treatments every month for $19.99.  You can skip any month, and you also get 20% off and free shipping on all purchases made on Julep.com.

The Julep "Facial For Hands" Glycolic Hand Scrub retails for $32 on the site.  This scrub is a mixture of glycolic acid and apricot seeds with a slight citrus scent that doesn't produce any lather when you're rubbing it on your skin.  I really like how the small exfoliating beads aren't abrasive and gently work on my skin to remove all dead skin.  Right after using this scrub for the first time, I noticed that my skin was significantly softer and smoother.  Now that I have used this scrub several times, my hands feel as soft as a baby's skin.  Julep claims that this scrub also makes your hands look younger by getting rid of age spots and fine lines on your hands.  However, I don't think that my hands look particularly aged to begin with, so I'm not sure if this scrub actually does anything for me in terms of anti-aging.  Another great thing about this scrub is how it doesn't contain parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.  I like to use this scrub before putting on any hand lotion because I feel like it helps prepare my skin for moisturizing.  

Since I had heard so many good things about Julep nail polish, I was really excited to try them out for myself.  All of the Julep nail polishes retail for $14 on the site, which is kind of pricey.  There are many benefits and disadvantages to these polishes in comparison to drugstore nail polishes.  I didn't find that the Julep nail polishes chip any less than my drugstore nail polishes.  For all of my nail polishes, I begin to see chipping around the third day.  However, I did find that these polishes have excellent color pigmentation.  2 coats of these polishes are enough for a really gorgeous opaque color.  On the other hand, some of my drugstore nail polishes require 3-5 coats to get enough color opacity.  Just like some of my other polishes, the formula for this nail polish is fairly liquidy, so you need to make sure that you wipe off all excess polish on your brush before using it.  If you don't wipe off the excess polish, it will run down your brush and make a mess on your nails.  Also, since this nail polish takes a fairly long time to dry, you have the chance to fix any mistakes you might have made while painting your nails.  Just make sure to find something to do that doesn't involve your hands while waiting for the polish to dry!  

                         Without Flash                                       With Flash

The Julep Nail Vernis in Catherine is a really pretty and wearable red color!  Depending on how the light hits your nails, it can look like a really bright, classic red color or a slightly deeper red.  I think that this nail polish would look fantastic with red lips and I will definitely be using it all the time!

                         With Flash                                          Without Flash

The Julep Nail Vernis in Gayle is a deep plum purple color.  I personally don't prefer to wear dark colored polishes on my nails.  However, I did find that this color is pretty wearable because the color is brighter and more colorful than the really dark polishes.  If you're someone who likes to wear polishes that are so dark that they are black with a tiny hint of color, then this is not the color for you.  

I haven't used the gold star glitters yet since I'm not sure as to how I want to use them.  However, I did use the Julep Hand Cream and the Julep Age Defying Hand Brightener samples.  Both of these products have a good consistency and seem to work well.  I would need to further try out these products in order to determine if they work as claimed.  

You get a really great deal with the Julep Maven program and awesome products.  So, go ahead and try out Julep Maven now!  As a new Julep Maven, you can use a code to get an even better deal on your first box.  You can use the code COLOR2012 to get your first box for only 1 cent!  Or, you can also use the code NEW5 to get your first box for $5.  

This is my personal invitation link to Julep Maven:  http://julep.com/?r=18183515

I hope you enjoyed this review.  Let me know if you have any questions about these products or requests to review any other products.

Don't forget to enter my Lovable Labels giveaway!  It ends on Jan. 24th.  You know you want to get your hands on these amazing labels!  :)

Disclaimer:  No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post.  I purchased these products with my own money.  The opinions above are my own and were not influenced in any way.  

xoxo,

Linda