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Beauty

Anti- Aging Light Therapy System with Rejuvalite MD

July 2, 2018

1 Comment

*This post is sponsored by Trophy Skin, all thoughts and opinions are mine. I only use and talk about products and services that would benefit my readers.

Let’s face it, whether we like it or not everyone ages , but like what they said age is just a number and nowadays it is possible to slow down the signs if we take good care of ourselves. If we practice good skin care habits and incorporate a healthy lifestyle, we will definitely be feeling our best as we age. Now that i’m in my 30’s , i have noticed some signs and it’s hard to ignore it. I really wanted to do something about it. I’m glad that i discovered Rejuvalite MD – it is an anti-aging light therapy system.

What is light therapy?

Light therapy is a groundbreaking technology used by dermatologists to support the skin’s natural healing processes. Safe visible and infrared light wavelengths penetrate the skin, stimulating the reduction of wrinkles on the face.

Rejuvalite MD comes with a custom Led panel that emits 4 powerful wavelengths of light proven to effectively use wrinkles. It has an adjustable position arm so that you can easily swivel the Led panel.

Beauty

5 Things You Need To Know About Eyelash Extensions

June 27, 2018

April Kus

4 Comments

This post was originally posted at SEEN Magazine

In this fast-paced world, most of us don’t have a lot of time and patience to curl our lashes and put on mascara daily. Not many have the dexterity to apply false lashes either. We barely have enough time just to do the basics. That’s why eyelash extensions have been gaining popularity. It really cuts time for our daily beauty routine and what a great feeling to wake up every morning with lusciously long, thick and full lashes that enhance our facial profile with minimal or no effort. You can literally say, “I woke up like this!”

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Marley, a certified lash specialist from The Lash Lounge in Rochester, to learn all about lash extensions and everything you need to know before you go.

1. What is an eyelash extension?

It is a procedure done at the salon by a certified trained lash specialist. The lashes are individually applied to the natural lash 0.5 to 1 mm from the base of the lash line using a mink or silk extension. It is not applied to the skin. They can be customized to suit your face, your desired length and fullness of your lashes.

2. What should you expect on your first visit?

Arrive at your appointment without any eye makeup on and don’t curl your lashes.

At The Lash Lounge, they have a four-part training system that all of their services follow. First, they do a thorough consultation using a proprietary face mapping technique. Your lash specialist uses a unique custom design code that is tailored to each client’s eye profile. By doing this, they are able to determine appropriate lengths, curl and thickness based on desired results and expectations.

For the application, you will lie on your back with your eyes closed. For initial application, it takes an average of two hours. (This is the best time to take a nap.) For fill-ins, it takes about one hour. It really depends on your technician, but that’s the average time of the procedure.

3. How long do eyelash extensions last and how do you take care of them?

We naturally shed 10 percent of our lashes every week, which is why refills are necessary every 2-4 weeks. To help keep them as long-lasting as possible, keep your lashes as dry as possible for the first 8 hours after application (Avoid steamy hot showers, the sauna or a really sad movie!). Try not to touch them, and make sure to use oil-free products for the face, especially oil-free eye makeup remover. You can still use mascara, just make sure to use a water-based mascara safe for eyelash extension.

Lash Lounge offers several products that help maintain the longevity of eyelash extensions. Additionally, they offer two types of oil-free makeup remover, two types of life-coating sealer and two types of mascara. The mascara is an ultimate volume mascara that contains fibers that build thickness and also a lengthening mascara that contains keratin to help with the growth of natural lashes. They also have lash and brow enhancing serum, oil-free eyeliner, long-wearing liquid eyeliner, along with many other products.

4. Where can you get eyelash extensions?

Lash extensions should ONLY be done by a certified trained lash specialist. So visit a reputable salon that specializes in lash extensions.

The Lash Lounge provides a comfortable environment to ensure a peaceful, pain-free, relaxing experience while receiving their services. They offer mink and silk lashes, classic and VIP lashes (aka volume lashes), three different curls, 10 lengths, five thicknesses, six colors besides black and three types of adhesive, depending on each client’s needs and sensitivity.

5. Are eyelash extensions safe?

Eyelash extensions are completely harmless when done properly. You have to make sure that your technician is certified and trained. At The Lash Lounge, technicians go through a very intense certification process to ensure quality and safety. It is also important to have them removed by a certified and trained lash specialist. Do not try taking them off yourself, or you could risk damaging your own lashes.

My Personal Eyelash Extension Experience

I went to the salon with no eye makeup on and very light foundation. Marley, my eyelash specialist, greeted me with her beautiful smile and asked me what kind of lashes I wanted. I chose the classic because this was my first time, and I didn’t want to do anything too shocking. The first thing she did was face mapping, where she measured and determined the appropriate length, thickness and curl of my desired lashes. After that, I laid down on my back on their spa bed, which is super comfy. They have headphones to listen to music so you can just relax during the whole process. A lot of people usually fall asleep during this procedure. Marley then gently isolated my lashes and applied lash extensions, one by one, on my lashes using a safe and non-irritating adhesive.

BEFORE

AFTER

For your first full set, it will take two hours or more. It depends on how many lashes you want. My procedure took two hours. It was totally painless, and I didn’t feel anything at all. I didn’t feel the lashes touching my skin nor the tools used.

After the application process, I instantly felt my lashes had volume, but they weren’t heavy. Some may experience a little discomfort because there is something new attached to your body, but trust me, fake eyelashes are way heavier than lash extensions. The material they use for lash extensions is mink or silk, which is lighter than synthetic fake eyelashes you buy from the store. In a couple hours, you will get used to it — I did.

Marley also gave me my new best friend — a brush for my new lashes. It looks like a mascara wand except there is no tint. You brush your lashes every day so they look pretty and stay curled. You can use a mascara, but you don’t really need to. For me, the volume, thickness and curl are just perfect. Also, it cuts my makeup application time. But the best part is the lashes boost my confidence — they make me look and feel beautiful.

SAVE THE DATE

The Lash Lounge Rochester Grand Opening Party on June 28th at 4 pm, If you are interested in trying eyelash extensions for yourself, click here to take advantage of their Pre-Grand opening special rate, available to the first 100 to respond!

The Lash Lounge is a full-service eyelash extension salon that offers safe and customized eyelash extensions and various other beauty services. One of the first of its kind, The Lash Lounge has locations all over the U.S., including multiple Michigan locations in Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield and Ann Arbor. For more information visit thelashlounge.com.

1182 Walton Blvd
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
947-282-5274
thelashlounge.com/salons/rochester-hills/

Beauty

Easy Summer Hairstyles for Mid Length Hair with Schwarzkopf Keratin Color

May 2, 2018

April Kus

1 Comment

* This shop has been compensated by Schwarzkopf. #KeratinKbondPlex #sponsored

We finally hit a summer weather today and it’s such a great feeling to go out and enjoy the sun. When you live in the Midwest, beautiful weather like this is such a blessing. Today, i’m going to share to you easy hairstyles for the summer for mid-length hair. But first things first, we have to achieve our hair color choice for the summer. Do you want to go lighter, darker or just to freshen up your existing color? For this summer, i think i want to go a little bit lighter , freshen up my existing color and evens out my regrowth hair. I achieved that by using Schwarzkopf® Keratin Color 6.5 Light Golden Brown. My original hair is really jet black. So by using the 6.5 Light Golden Brown from Schwarzkopf® Keratin Color , it gives dark to medium brown hair results. My previous color have already faded and made my hair super dry. So i freshen up and revive my locks using Schwarzkopf® Keratin Color, it has K-BOND PLEX™ it is a salon inspired anti-breakage technology that repairs the inner hair structure for strong and healthy looking hair. A professional quality hair color at home that is easy to use and produces beautiful color results that last. Read more

Beauty

Viicode Eye Cream

March 6, 2018

April Kus

7 Comments

This post is sponsored by Viicode. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

Today, I’m going to talk about an eye cream particularly Viicode. Before i was introduced to this brand, i am already a big fan of eye creams ever since i had my second child. With my first born, i was a little bit young then and i didn’t really care much of how my eyes looked at that time. But when i hit 30’s that’s when i started to notice my puffy and dark under eye circles. I was totally freaking out. So that’s when i started to buy eye creams of all kinds. Some works good , some don’t. But there is nothing like Viicode eye cream. At first i was hesitant to accept the project because I’ve never heard this brand before and also i want my readers to benefit on the brands that i talked about. So i used it for two weeks and crossed my fingers that hopefully it works. I’m so glad that i love it.

The cream is so rich and totally moisturized your eye area. It has a soothing effect but not stingy. Also, it smells so good ! I usually apply it at night before going to bed or sometimes in the morning when i forget to apply it at night. Since using this eye cream, i noticed that my under eye circles is getting lighter. To be honest, i haven’t been using my concealer lately just my foundation. Since it’s very rich and creamy, it will actually make your eyes moisturized thus reduce visible fine lines and wrinkles because of its anti aging ingredients called T2 Oxygen Eye Cream O3.0 uses an “exclusive ‘T2’stone mortar extraction process”, which helps in healing damaged cells around your eyes. During application, you only need a very little amount. I still have quite a bit left after two weeks. The bottle is so small though, it’s only 5 ml but like i said, a little goes a long way. This eye cream really helped on the fine line under my right eye. I have a very stubborn fine line there. When i use foundation or concealer, it makes it look work worst and cakey around it. I was so worried. But not anymore because of Viicode eye cream. Now i want you to give it a try and let me know what you think.

Thank you so much for reading !

Beauty

How I Get Ready In The Morning

February 12, 2018

April Kus

4 Comments

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and it’s advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LightAsAir #FeelTheWhip #CollectiveBias

As a mom getting ready is not as easy and fun as it used to be compared to my pre-baby days. It takes planning and definitely time management. When my kids were still babies and i was planning to go somewhere that requires me to do a full hair and make up, it took me forever to get ready. It felt like an all day thing and it’s so tasking. When i’m all done, i’m already exhausted that i don’t feel like going anywhere anymore. But over time you get adapted with your new lifestyle and incorporated some strategies to make motherhood life easier and bearable. The key here is time management and i’m going to share to you how i get ready in the morning.

Shower and blow dry hair the night before – It’s a no brainer, if you shower and blow-dry your hair the night before it definitely cuts your preparation time the next day. Plus you can take your time taking a shower rather than rushing the next day.
Washing my face – When i wake up, i always wash my face to get rid of excess oil. It’s always good to start your day with a clean face, it lessens your chance to get pimples.

3. Applying my toner – Applying toner is part of my cleansing process. I don’t want to skip this one because it reaps good benefits for my skin especially because i’m prone to pimples. Toners are formulated to remove sebum, oil and dirt from the pores, they help clear pores to minimize breakouts and blackheads.

4. Applying my moisturizer – This will make my skin feel fresh and hydrated all day. Of course not all moisturizers are created equally, that’s why it’s always important to know your skin so you know what is needed. I’m using Olay Total Effects Whip Face Moisturizer for my face because it have 7 skin benefits in one that is actively replenishes nourishing moisture, evens skin tone appearance, enhances brightness, visibly smooths fine lines and wrinkles, minimizes the look of pores, restores firmness and visibly reduces dark spots.

Despite the vast array of lightweight- claiming moisturizer choices offered today, women are regularly forced to choose between a product that provides powerful results, but feels sticky and tacky, and one that feels truly lightweight, but doesn’t offer much beyond basic hydration. Because they feel there is a constant trade off, they either continue to shop around or have given up on moisturizers entirely. That is why Olay uniquely formulated with Active Rush Technology to hold and quickly release 1,000x its weight in hydration and active ingredients, Olay Whips transform from cream to liquid on contact, flash absorbing into skin. Developed in co-creation with over 15,000 real women to get the right product end feel, Olay Whips give women all the feels, plus the powerful results they’ve been missing from their lightweight skin creams.

5. Applying my make-up , styling my hair and getting dressed – If i’m just staying home, i normally don’t wear make-up. I tried not to put too much chemicals on my face. But when i go somewhere, i always have my hair and make up on. For everyday look, my make up is just minimal. A light foundation, blush on, lipstick, mascara and fill in my eyebrows. If i feel sassy, i put on a bright lipstick and some eye shadow. As i get into my 30’s, i’m easing myself from too much make-up. I feel more younger looking with less make up on.

As a woman it’s always important to be knowledgeable on what’s going in our skin. You have to know what type of skin you have so you can identify what exactly you really need. We always wanted to look young and age gracefully, we just don’t want to keep masking our imperfections with more chemicals. That’s why we have to tackle the root cause of our skin problems so we will have healthy looking skin. Having a youthful healthy skin, truly boost our self-confidence and makes us feel ourselves again.

I found my Olay Total Effects Whip Face Moisturizer in the Skin Care aisle at Kroger in 26 mile rd. in Macomb, MI but you can find yours at your local Kroger or Kroger banner store. Get yours now and let me know what you think !

Thank you so much for reading and have a great day!

Beauty

Did You Know How Your Hair Gets Damage?

February 12, 2018

April Kus

4 Comments

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and it’s advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SchwarzkopfGliss #blissofGliss #CollectiveBias

Years ago i went through a major hair damage. Every time i washed my hair, it was such a struggle to brush and blow dry because my hair was so tangled. I had a lot of hair loss and breakage as well. In other words, i wasn’t really taking good care of my hair, i was abusing it with so much chemicals brought with constant hair coloring and damaging hair products. Sometimes hair gets damaged and you may not know it. GLISS® Hair Repair™ has the patented technology to repair your hair. Also, hair loses Keratin over time. GLISS® Hair Repair™– Identical Keratin replaces the lost Keratin for re-gained strength and smoother hair surface. The patented technology repairs up to 10 layers deep, replacing lost Keratin beautifully strong and smooth hair. If you are struggling with hair damage right now or wanted to maintain a healthy hair this post is for you.

Here are 7 weird things you may not know were damaging your hair:

1. Water – Water is the number one reason why you can still find that your hair is breaking or has split ends even if you never blow-dry your hair.

2. Brushing – It’s a myth that you should brush your hair a hundred times a day to have healthy shiny hair. It doesn’t help at all. It’s also more likely that brushing the wrong way is damaging your. This is called mechanical damage

3. Twirling – Dirt from your hands transfers across to your hair making it heavy and limp. The constant touching causes breakage as well.

4. Hair Accessories (like elastics and pretty hair pins)- Elastics are not the gentlest on your hair. They snag and cause breakages, especially at the ends of your hair where it’s weaker.

5. Your Handbag – Wearing a shoulder bag or cross body bag, you’re often catching your hair underneath the strap. That regular wear and tear on the same side of your head causes split end breakages. Eventually your hair will just snap off.

6. Your Pillow – Not putting your hair to bed properly at night is also causing damage. We didn’t really think that a pillowcase would make a big difference until we switched to silk. Not only is it so much smoother on your hair, it reduces frizz and stops those pillow creases forming.

7. Wearing the Same Style Everyday – Tight hairstyles constrain your hair, and placing your hair band in the same place daily will cause a ring of breakage around your hair.

Tips on how to prevent hair damage

1. Read the product labels – We may not realize that some products are not good for you, not all products are created equally. So it’s really important to educate ourselves and do some research on what to use for our hair. You want something that combine patented keratin technology with essential benefits like color protection, intense hydration, long-lasting volume, and weightless nourishment, so you get the repair you need without having to compromise. Try GLISS® Hair Repair™ products, their Ultimate Repair Shampoo and Conditioner won the Allure Best of Beauty Award as best shampoo and conditioner for damaged hair.

2. Be kind to your hair – As much as possible try to use styling products less frequently and lessen the usage of hair gadgets like curling irons, hair straighteners , hair dryers and etc. Heat is the hair’s enemy, if you exposed it to a lot of heat it would really damage your hair. Try using hair protectant or lower the heat for just a notch of your hair gadgets.

3. Eat healthy – Our hair is made up of proteins so it’s important to load our bodies with high protein foods like eggs, steak, beans, fish and many more. This will promote hair re growth and repair.

3. Manage stress in your life – In life there is always stress, it’s inevitable. So what you need to do is to learn to manage it by diverting yourself away from stress. Try doing things that would make you happy, inspired and relaxed. Try working out and doing yoga. Things that would benefit your body and soul will really help on repairing and maintaining a healthy hair.

4. Trim your hair – To prevent split ends, trim your hair every 6-8 weeks. This will give your hair a healthy glow and prevent from being dry on the ends.

5. Wash your hair every other day – This is case to case basis because it depends on the type of hair you have and what place you lived in. If you live in a very hot and humid climate that you sweat a lot, then you might have to wash it everyday. As long as keeping your hair dandruff free. Try also applying conditioner only at the ends so it doesn’t weigh your hair down.

6. Tone down on those hair buns – It may seem easier to wear the same ponytail or bun every day but it’s damaging your hair. Tight hairstyles constrain your hair and those elastic are not the gentlest on your hair. They sang and cause breakages, especially at the ends of your hair where it’s weaker. Here is a tip, when removing them from your hair, spritz them with the Schwarzkopf Fiber Therapy Leave in Conditioner Spray and also spray some on the ends of your hair.

7. Take supplements – Some research suggests that biotin (part of the B complex vitamins) may improve brittle nails and thinning hair. Many experts recommend a biotin supplement for hair health because it’s water-soluble (meaning your body excretes what it doesn’t need) and doesn’t have any side effects.

8. Use silk pillows – Not only is it much smoother on your hair, it reduces frizz and stops those pillow creases forming.

Our hair is our crowning glory so it’s really important to take care of it. GLISS® Hair Repair™ is an everyday shampoo and it’s not just something you use when it’s severely damaged . As hair loses Keratin through various aspects, you should use it regularly. I’m sharing a special offer for you all from Sunday 2/11 – Saturday 2/17. Henkel Enterprise Event (tied with other Henkel brands – GLISS® Hair Repair™, got2b, Color Ultime, Keratin Color, Dial, Right Guard, Dry Idea) – Spend $20, Get $7 in ExtraBucks, GLISS® Hair Repair™ will be on sale for 2/$10 (like 2/$6 after $4 off 2 FSI coupon) on top of the Enterprise event. The GLISS® Hair Repair™ products are located at the hair care aisle at CVS.

Thank you for reading !