BugBand Review

BugBand is a maker of Made in the USA, Deet-Free natural bug repellents that are safe for the entire family. One of their products that I find especially convenient and useful is the BugBand Wristbands.

These Wristbands come in a 4 pack perfect the family, or in a single pack if you only need one. They come in a variety colors from black to pink so you can accessorize while you keep those pesky bugs far away. They even have a glow in the dark one that is great for overnight camping and could also double as a safety band when you are out for an evening stroll, like on Halloween! Made with plant based products that create an invisible shield keeping insects away, and they last for up to 120 hours! In fact it comes with a plastic pod to easily store away when not in use and preserve for a later time. BugBands can be worn loosely on your wrist on belt loops, fastened on backpacks or tents, attached to a baby stroller, and even on a pet collar to keep Fido pest free as well. Once these Wristbands are no loner active you can dispose of them safely in your plastic recycling bin. They sell for only $4.95 each and can be ordered online at BugBand.net. 

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or PR company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by  anyone.

Bioderma Review

Bioderma cleansers and make-up removers from France, have been garnering attention  in the US. Models, make-up artists and celebrities swear by these products for  not only being effective, but also being safe for all skin types. Developed by skincare professionals, the ingredients are safe, natural, and are formulated without the use of parabens, alcohol or harsh chemicals. Instead these products were created to cleanse the skin, removing it of make-up, dirt and other impurities all while restoring the skins natural balance and pH level. 

I received three Bioderma products for review:

     

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Bioderma Sebuim H2O, Bioderma Hydrabio H2O and Bioderma Sensibio H2O

All three products are cleansing and make-up removing waters, each designed to benefit a different skin type. Sebium is for combination, oily or blemished skin. It gently cleanses and removes make-up while regulating sebum quality. You simply soap a cotton pad with it and gently begin working it over your face, removing make-up and dirt from your face. It absorbs into your skin and dries quickly so there is no need to rinse off after. Your face is left feeling refreshed and bare. This product is great for someone like me that tends to have skin on the oilier side. It really removes all traces of makeup and your left with clean soft skin. I have also noticed that my skin is a lot less oily then usual since I started using this. This is a quality make-up remover that does what it says! Hydrabio is made for skin that is in need of some hydration.  This product can be used safely around your eyes to remove eye makeup as well. If you tend to have skin a little more on the dry side and need some added moisture then  I would suggest this product. I gifted a bottle to my mom and she loves it! Sensibio is made for those with sensitive skin that are prone to irritation. It removes make-up while soothing and clearing up sensitive skin. Fragrance free and hypoallergenic this stuff is safe for even the most sensitive skin. This one does not remove eye make-up as well as the other two, it does  however do a great job of removing other make-up. If you have sensitive skin that is easily irritated by other cleansers I would give this one a try. 

Aside from these cleanser/make-up removers Bioderma has other skincare products available. They are also now available for purchase in the states via Beautylish.com. 

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or PR company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by  anyone.

Junetics: Pure Energy Skincare Review

Junetics beauty and skincare company recently launched a new product line, the Junetics Pure Energy System. This skincare system is an array of products designed to work together to help you achieve more radiant, moisturized, firmer, more youthful looking skin. Created with a proprietary E24 Complex that you can read all about here .

Pure Energy Nourishing Cleanser is a lotion like cleanser that moisturizes as it cleans. It is ideal for all skin types but works especially well on dry skin. Right before I received this cleanser for review I was going through some major skin issues. I had recently washed my face with a bar soap I had never tried before and ended up having the worst allergic reaction to it. Something in the soap caused my face to puff up, turn red, itch like crazy, but even worse it actually dried my skin up so bad it started to flake off. It felt like sand paper! It looked like I had gone through some sort of chemical peel gone wrong. It was terrible! My skin had been dry and miserable for days, I was afraid to wash it with anything but water. When I received some Pure Energy products in the mail I was still fearful to try them. My skin was extra sensitive and I didn't want to further irritate it. Still I was in need of some major moisturizing and when I read that this Nourishing Cleanser was great for even the most sensitive skin and provided lots of moisture I decided to give it a shot. This cleanser is great! It immediately started healing my dry skin and felt softer and more nourished after just a couple of uses. 

Pure Energy Brightening Day Cream with SPF 50 is a day cream that not only offers moisture but it also protects your skin from the dangers of UV rays. I have been using this day cream on a daily basis underneath my makeup, especially around my eyes. I love that it is lightweight and non greasy and helps my makeup go on smoother. This cream can also be reapplied throughout the day if you are planning to be out in the sun and need extra protection. 

Pure Energy Night Cream is a lightweight moisturizer that works while you snooze. You apply it to your face and neck after cleansing and wake up with nourished skin. 

Their are several other products in the Junetics Pure Energy skin line to try. None of these products contain mineral oils, petroleum, pthalates, triclosan, nitrosamine and sulfates. They are not formulated with parabens or harmful ingredients and they are never tested on our furry friends. Purchase Junetics beauty and skincare products online. 

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or PR company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by  anyone.

Green Goo Review

Green Goo is a family owned and operated company that provides all natural and environmentally friendly personal care products. They offer everything from first aid products, skin care products, sun protection products and even products for the fur babies in your home. All their products are made in the USA and made with 100% all natural herbs and oils. I was sent one of their Travel Packs for review, the Outdoor Travel Pack. 

The Outdoor Travel pack is the perfect size to throw in a backpack for your next hiking adventure or toss in your camping bag for your next wilderness sleepover. It includes two nourishing and soothing lip balms, Sweet Honey and Citrus Zest, one for yourself and one to share. I would recommend keeping the Sweet Honey for yourself, it was my favorite. It also contains two 1 oz. tins, First Aid and Pain Relief.  First Aid is perfect for dry and cracked hands and feet, insect bites, scrapes, cuts and even poison ivy. It is made with a variety of herbs and oils that create temporary relief from minor skin irritations. Pain Relief is a salve that contains Arnica to help relieve pain, inflammation and swelling. This is perfect to relieve muscles after a long day of trekking through the woods. Finally this travel pack contains a 1 oz. bottle of Bug Be Gone. This is my favorite product in this particular kit, because nobody wants to be bit by pesky little bugs and, because it absolutely works at keeping the pests away. Just spray it on and enjoy a  bug free day. It also smells really good unlike some bug sprays and it is totally safe for children and pets! I have been using this on my daughter anytime I know she will be out doors for a length of time. I am also planning to get this in the larger 4.5 oz. bottle for my husband who works in Alaska where mosquitoes are everywhere. This Outdoor Travel pack sells for $24.95. you can also find other travel packs online and check out some more of their products. Their Animal First Aid  is perfect for dry cracked doggy pads and calloused dog elbows. 

Be sure to like Green Goo on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. 

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or PR company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by  anyone.

Go Roll-On!

When I was a teenager living at home I used spray deodorant, mostly because it was what my mom bought, and all I knew. It wasn't until I moved away from home, when I was eighteen, that I purchased my first roll-on deodorant, and it's all I buy to this day.  My mom still uses the same spray deodorant and I know it sounds silly, but I cringe when I think about that cold, wet spray hitting my underarms and that overwhelming smell of baby powder, not to mention the white stains. Ugh, sorry mom. 

Ban-Roll-On Deodorant glides on smoothly, it is invisible so you don't have to worry about having white underarms or leaving white marks on your tops. It eliminates odor and wetness for up to 24 hours so you feel fresh and clean. Ban comes in several scents including:

-          Regular for a light and clean floral fragrance

-          Powder Fresh for a classic powder scent

-          Satin Breeze for a feminine touch with green and citrus notes

-          Fresh Cotton for a refreshing floral heart with a hint of fruit

-          Simply Clean for fresh and powdery amber notes with hint of peach nectar

-          Unscented for sensitive skin

My favorite of the bunch is Simply Clean. It is lightly floral with a hint of sweetness and not the least bit overwhelming. I am seriously thinking of purchasing several bottles for my mom in hopes that she puts down the spray can! You can purchase Ban Roll-On Deodorant at drug and mass retailers nationwide including CVS, Target and Safeway to name a few. 

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or PR company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by  anyone.

Dancing with the Stars by Norvell Sunless Collection Review

Norvell, the industry leader of self-tanning products, recently teamed up with the ABC hit Dancing with the Stars to bring fans some fabulous sun-less tanning products. These products are top of the line, easy to use and will have your skin looking amazing in no time.  

This new line includes 5 products to help you achieve a natural, flawless tan. Look like one of your favorite DWTS cast members without the help of a professional! 

PRECISION Disposable Self Tanning Mitt is my favorite product in this lineup. You slip on the mitt and rub across your skin for a streak free long lasting color. The mitt includes a blend of bronzers and  moisturizers, to nourish and firm your skin, all while leaving it with a sun-kissed glow. The mitt is very easy for even a beginner like me to use. 

PERFECTION Self Tanning Mousse is a lightweight, airy mousse that you smooth across your  body. This products is much easier to apply then a lotion because it is not thick and greasy but rather glides on effortlessly leaving your skin feeling soft to the touch. I would suggest wearing gloves when applying this as it does stain the palms of your hands. I would also add that you try to blend into your skin in long motions covering up as much as you can each time, as it can show uneven or streaky if you do not. This stuff may take a little practice to get the hang of it but once you do you will have a deep tan that lasts for days. 

ENDURANCE Color Boosting Skin Perfector is a multipurpose body balm. Use it after you apply your tan to brighten and moisturize. It also helps to even out your skin tone and extend your color and will help even out any streaking or imperfections in your self -tan. It does provide some color as well but it is more subtle. This was my second favorite product of the bunch. 

PERFORMANCE Self- tanning Airbrush Spray makes you feel like a professional tanner with a sweep of your arm. The fine mist is easy to spray on, and then use your gloves to blend in if needed, This gives you a deep tan, I would suggest using sparingly if you are fair skinned. 

DAZZLE Shimmering Mist adds some glitz and glamour to your tan, just like your favorite dancer! This stuff is great to add a little bronze and sparkle to your body before heading out for the evening. You can also use it to glam up your hairstyle with just a few spritzes 

All of these products in the Dancing with the Stars product line have a pleasant smell and do not leave you looking orange. They are a great alternative to those unsafe tanning beds and will help you save money at home without hitting the tanning salon. You can purchase the entire product line online. 

Now go throw on your dancing shoes and show of some gorgeous color! 

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or PR company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by  anyone.

Arbonne Review

Are you looking for products that will help you achieve that perfect bold brow and dewy flushed cheeks? Then I have some great products to share with you from Arbonne. 

Arbonne skincare products are made with pure, safe and beneficial ingredients. Ingredients that are natural, non toxic, safe for the environment. Their products are formulated without: 

talc | tallow | carbon black | animal products or by-products | parabens | formaldehyde-donating preservatives | phthalates | formaldehyde | alkylphenols | benzene | monoethanolamine | triclosan | synthetic dyes | hydroquinone | artificial sweeteners | artificial flavors | cholesterol | trans fats | mineral oil.

So you never have to worry about the quality of Arbonne products. 

For bold brushed brows I received Arbonne's Shape It Up Brow Pencil and Shape It Up Tinted Brow Cream for review. I love this brow pencil! It comes in different shades to match your brows. One side of this pencil is a brush to help you tame your unruly brows and the other side is a pencil that blends into your existing eyebrows to fill in any areas. I love how natural and feathery the pencil looks when you lightly color in your brows. If you want a more bold look just press a little harder and use a little more of the pencil. This brow pencil makes it so easy to get the look you want. This is by far my favorite brow pencil I have ever used. The Brow Cream is also another good product but this one delivers a little more of a dramatic look. It looks like a tube of mascara for your eyebrows and tends to show up a little darker then the pencil. It does a great job of shaping your brows while filling them in. Both of these products are water-resistant and smudge proof and they contain a larch and green tea complex that help make your eyebrows appear fuller.

For cheeks that pop with shine and color I received Arbonne's Blush in Ballet and Sheer Glow Highlighter. The blush gives you a pop of subtle color without looking over done and is long lasting. Add a touch of highlighter on top and you have cheeks that look rosy and sun-kissed. Arbonne has several other blush shades to choose from. The Sheer Glow Highlighter is perfect for all skin tones and can be dabbed anywhere on your face and body that needs a little glow. 

These products and more can be purchased online .

he featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or PR company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by  anyone.

Ulta Beauty Favorites Kit Review and Giveaway

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Winner #2

Are you looking for a makeup kit that has everything you need to stock your cosmetic bag, without spending an arm and a leg to get it? Then look no further then your favorite makeup store and their beauty kits. 

Right now you can get your hands on the Ulta Total Lip Kit  for only $19.99 and a Special Gift with purchase! This kit includes everything you need for that perfect pout. 

Kit includes:

• 4 Full-Size Lipsticks in Limited Edition shades Wine, Bloom, Poppy, and Nude (4 x 0.13 oz): full rich color in a long-lasting formula
• 4 Full-Size Contour Lip Liners in Berry, Pom Pom, Exotic, and Flesh (4 x 0.01 oz): achieve precision color with a smear-proof application
• Full-Size Lip Scrub (0.53 oz): exfoliate your lips to help your lipstick last longer
• Cosmetic Pencil Sharpener

Lipstick and Lip Liner Shades:

• Wine & Berry: deep bluish berry
• Bloom & Pom Pom: medium bluish pink
• Poppy & Exotic: medium bright blue red
• Nude & Flesh: medium warm nude

Also available for $19.99 and Special Gift with purchase is their Beautiful Face Kit, that includes everything you need to go from day to night in an instant. 

Kit includes:

• 8 Shade Eyeshadow Palette (0.28 oz)
• 5 Shade Lip Palette with brush (0.26 oz)
• 3 Shade Face Palette includes 2 highlighters and a blush (0.26 oz)
• Dual Ended Eyeshadow and Crease Brush
• Dual-Ended Blush and Contour Brush

I was sent an Ulta Beauty Favorites Kit for review. This kit includes all your makeup basics: Brow Expert, Eye-shadows, Sculpting Palette, Gel Eye Liner, Plush Drama Mascara, Matte Lip Cream and Makeup Setting Spray. I love that this kit has all neutral colors so it is perfect for any Girly Girl makeup lover. 

You can purchase both the Ulta Total Lip Kit and Ulta Beautiful Face Kit online, but unfortunately the Ulta Beauty Favorites Kit is no longer available...unless you are one of my lucky readers! 

I have this amazing kit to give one of you lucky ladies!

To Enter: Leave me a comment letting me know you would like to win. You can get extra entries for following GGG through GFC, Subscribing via email, liking us on Facebook and following via Twitter.

This giveaway will end on August 17, 2016. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. US entries only. 

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or PR company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by  anyone.

Neocell Beauty Bursts Review

Neocell is a company that offers nutritional supplements that bring you the therapeutic benefits of collagen.  

• Firmer, smoother looking skin
• Easing swollen and stiff joints
• Soothes digestive tract
• Boosts energy and metabolism 
• Strengthens hair, nails and teeth
• Cleansing the liver
• Reducing cellulite 

These are some of the benefits of collagen,  to find out more information about Neocell and it's collagen products check out the Neocell blog. 

Awhile back I tried Neocell's Biotin bursts and loved them, so when I was asked to review another one of their products of course I jumped at the chance. The latest product I got my hands on were Neocell's Beauty Bursts.

Neocell Beauty Bursts have received the "Best of Natural Beauty" award in 2013 from Better Nutrition Magazine and "Best Beauty Supplement" in 2013 from Delicious Living Magazine. They are soft chews in delicious flavors, and are filled with nutrients designed to give you beautiful skin from in the inside out. 

Collagen Type 1 & 3 is the body's beauty protein & strengthens skin, hair & nails.  Hyaluronic Acid is know as "Nature's Moisturizer" & hydrates the skin.  Vitamin C is essential to boosting collagen in the skin.   

Each package of Beauty Bursts comes with a months supply of chews. They are easy, fun and tasty. I received the Chocolate Mint for review but they also come in Fruit Punch if chocolate is not your thing.  I love that you can think of these as a mini treat while getting all the benefits of a beauty supplement. I am lucky enough that in my late 30's I am still not showing signs up wrinkles. Anything that can help my skin look as great as possible for as long as possible is a must in my book. These little chews do just that! 

If you would like to get your hands on some Beauty Bursts check out the store locator for a retailer near you. Also be sure to check out other Neocell products ,they have a variety to fit your needs. 

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or PR company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by  anyone. 

Cocomels Review

Have you ever dreamed up in idea and thought how great it would be if it were actually real? Well that's exactly what happened to founder of JJ's Sweets, only he actually made his dream reality. After having a dream about a new innovative candy that was not only tasty but made with healthy ingredients, JJ came up with Cocomels. The Original Coconut Milk Caramels, made with 100% natural ingredients and organic sweeteners and of course organic coconut milk. 

Cocomels come in 5 naked flavors including: Original, Sea Salt, Vanilla, Caramel and Palm Sugar. They also come covered in a delicious dark chocolate, flavors include: Sea Salt, Vanilla and Espresso. I was sent a bag of naked Originals and Espresso as well as a pack of each chocolate covered flavor. I was so surprised with the flavor of these caramels, if you love coconut then you will definitely love these. They are soft and chewy, but not hard and sticky, and they have great buttery caramel taste mingled with coconut making them totally irresistible. The chocolate covered ones taste a little more decadent. The Sea Salt was my favorite with the combination of sweet and salty tasting amazing. Yum. All Cocomels are vegan, gluten, corn syrup and soy free.  They are also Non-GMO. Cocomels can be purchased in a variety of package sizes from 1 oz. individual packs to 30 oz. tubs, and even in bulk size logs great for using in recipes.  Check out their store locator to find a retail store near you. If you can't find them in a store, no worries, you can also purchase Cocomels online. Be sure to like JJ's Sweets Cocomels on Facebook and follow them on Twitter to stay informed on any new sweet ideas JJ dreams up. 

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or PR company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by  anyone. 

Mastey Hair Collection Review

Mastey is a line of eco-friendly, organic and 100% vegan, haircare products designed to to keep your hair healthy and beautifully styled.

Their newest color protection line contains ingredients to not only repair damaged hair, but also add body and keep your hair color vibrant.

Argan Oil helps to soothe damaged hair while protecting it from heat from your styling tools.

Olive Oil helps to soften dry and damaged hair while providing a natural shine.

Antioxidant Grapeseed Extract prevent shair color from fading so your color last longer and looks great.

Rice Amino Acids are proteins that help rebuild, repair and nourish hair that has been damaged by hair coloring and lightening.

The line consists of 11 hair products which include:

Shampoo
Daily Conditioner
Restorative Mask
Therapy Spray
Oil Treatment
Finishing Spray
Beach Spray
Styling Gel
Volumizing Foam
Defining Cream
Dry Wax

I was sent four products from this wonderful line to review.

The Color Protecting Shampoo is lightweight and gentle enough to also be used as a facial cleanser or body wash. I would definitely save this stuff for your hair though. It works great to remove any product build up in your hair and also leaves your hair feeling soft and manageable.

The Restorative Mask is a deep conditioner meant to be used every three days. It is also gentle enough to use as a shaving cream for your legs! I usually shampoo and condition my hair everyday but as I wasn't sent their daily conditioner, I skipped my daily conditioning, and used this mask every three days instead. The result was my hair was left feeling soft and bouncy, even on the days I only shampooed. This restorative mask makes it do you don't have to use conditioner every day, love it!

The Therapy Spray is a leave-in spray. I use it after shampooing and before blow drying my hair. It helps give more volume to my lifeless hair and also eliminates frizz. It's great to help de-tangle hair so that you can run your comb through it wet and not worry about breakage and split-ends.

The Beach Spray  gives your hair that tousled, wavy, just got back from hanging at the beach hair. Perfect for summer! You can spray it into wet hair and scrunch your hair up with your hands letting it dry naturally. This will give you more of a tousled wet look. When you spray it on dry hair and scrunch up it gives you more of a wavy look. I was unsure if this would work on my hair because my hair is thin and flat but it added some nice body while giving it that sexy, just got out of bed and I look great, look.

All Mastey products can be purchased online.

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or PR company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by  anyone.

WEN by Chaz Dean Fragrance Collection Review

I am sure all of you are familiar with WEN hair products. You have probably seen founder Chaz Dean on Bravo's Flipping Out having his salon remodeled or have seen the WEN hair commercials offering products to help you get healthy salon styled hair at home. Some of you may have even tried WEN products, but did you know that WEN also offers luxurious body products? I had no idea until a couple of months ago when I was sent one of their Limited Edition Eau De Parfum from the WEN Fragrance Collection.

This lovely 3.4oz bottle of Spring Honey Lilac smells amazing. Light and airy, with a delicate floral scent and subtle sweetness. Typically I am not big on floral perfumes but this one is so ethereal, it reminds me of fairies frolicking in a garden and if you know me, you know I have a thing for fairies.

 

 

Currently their are four WEN fragrances available, Sweet Toasted Almond and Cucumber Basil Tea are both 1.7 oz. bottles. The other two are larger 3.4 oz. bottles of their Limited Edition summer scents; Summer Honey Peach and Summer Mango Coconut.

 

 

Both of these sound amazing but I need to get my hands on the Summer Honey Peach while I can. Peach just happens to be one of my favorite smells.  These scents are only going to be available for the summer. You can find them and other WEN Body products online.  

 

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or PR company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by  anyone.