Review: The Manager Mom Epidemic by Dr. Thomas W. Phelan, PhD #sourcebooks #managermomepidemic #thomasphelan #bookreview #paperback

(product photo courtesy of www.sourcebooks.com)

The Manager Mom Epidemic: How Moms Got Stuck Doing Everything for Their Families and What They Can Do About It

 Dr. Thomas W. Phelan, PhD

$16.99 US

If you are a mom who does everything, this book is for you. From the author who brought you 1-2-3 Magic!; Thomas W. Phelan PhD brings you the book for moms who do everything for their families, sacrificing their own happiness and lives to keep the family unit running smoothly. The Manager Mom Epidemic: How Moms Got Stuck Doing Everything for Their Families and What They Can Do About It is a book written expressly for moms who are overworked and overlooked. 

Deny if you must, but most moms continue to do way more household work and childcare than most dads. Working full time, raising kids, cooking dinner and making sure every appointment and activity is lined up and everyone gets there on time is usually resting on the feet of the mom. No wonder they are so tired. Despite all of this, the crushing mental and emotional load it places on the mother, nobody has come up with a plan to actually change things. Until now. Dr. Thomas W. Phelan, PhD discusses in The Manager Mom Epidemic not only  that moms are burnt out but he shows ow to transfer responsibility for daily tasks from mom to the partner and the kids. Clinical psychologist and child discipline expert, Dr. Phelan explains how we got into this "mess" in the first place and and we can get through ti in a calm, systematic approach to teaching our families how to take the initiative and contribute in meaningful ways. He walks you through real-life situations and shows you how to step back from the things that are dragging you down. 

For example: 

• The Maternal Identity: the things you tell yourself you have to do in order to be a "good"mom
• The oppressive trap of chronic supervision
• Society's curious underestimation of children's capabilities
• How to eliminate primary childcare with tweens and teens
• How to manage resistant or traditionalist dads

All of this is realistic and simple enough to implement in your home right away. The book provides a road map for you to take back your life and proves that the happiest families share the work and the fun equally.

I am very familiar with Dr. Phelan's work, I used 1-2-3 Magic! on my children as a discipline tool when they were little. Before I became disabled, I was one of those mothers, working and doing the cooking, cleaning and everything else. Luckily, I became disabled and our household became overturned immediately and we had to rely on my ex-husband and kids equally to help me do a lot of things. You would be surprised at what a kid can accomplish on their own when thrust into a situation. My 11 year old suddenly had to do the grocery shopping for our family. This is the child who taught herself to ride a bike at age 5, so I wasn't worried about her. So my ex-husband would take her and he would do half and she would do half of it until she learned the entire store and then he would drop her off with the money and she did the whole entire store by herself. Now she is 20 years old. She has always been very independent and can do the grocery shopping, pays bills, holds down a very good full time job on commission and can live basically on her own. My youngest, who is 18, is not as self-sufficient yet. She can do the grocery shopping, for what she wants but is generally more selfish because of her OCD, ADHD and mild Tourette's syndrome. She cleans the house and gets compensated for that. She also works and is going to school for environmental science. Cleaning for her is second nature, so that was an easy chore to provide her with. 

If it wasn't for my tumor, we wouldn't have this segregation of duties in our house. Luckily, my tumor wasn't malignant. But it is the same principle of which Dr. Phelan discusses. Divide and conquer. No mother needs to feel overwhelmed at doing everything. It is our responsibility to raise children who are capable adults in the world and if we coddle them too much, they will not be capable and responsible adults. My parents raised me to be independent and didn't coddle me in any way. I felt the same about my children. Give them responsibilities that are good for their age: washing dishes, washing their laundry, making the bed for staring out when they are 4-5 years old. Then increase the chores as they age. It is also important for their self esteem so that they feel that they can accomplish tasks. Without this, kids go out into the world feeling as if they cannot do anything. Then they come back home and say to their parents,"I don't know how to live". 

I really enjoyed this book. If you are living The Manager Mom Epidemic, then get out of that rut and give your significant other and children some chores to do. Trust me, they will love you for it and they will feel independent and strong.

The Manager Mom Epidemic retails for $16.99 paperback. It can be purchased online through www.sourcebooks.com, www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com. This book will be published on 12/03/2019. 

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis

I Am THE Makeup Junkie

Follow Me On Instagram:iamthemakeupjunkie

(This was sent for consideration)

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Review: Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum #SundayRiley #HighDoseRetinoidSerum #Serum

(product photo courtesy of www.sundayriley.com)

Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum

1 fl.oz./30mL $85.00

Sunday Riley has been in the news of late. I am not sure if you heard or not, but the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) found out and ruled that her company had actually been posting fake reviews on SEPHORA'S website and the reviews were actually coming from workers in her own company. She basically got a slap on the wrist with a mild fine and she is not allowed to post reviews on SEPHORA anymore. This does not take away from the actual products themselves, which are actually good products, just that maybe she didn't have faith in her own products and the reviewing system itself. I just wanted to address this because I am writing this review of my own volition and I purchased this product with my own money from www.sephora.com. I had nothing to do with the scandal.

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A and like other forms of Vitamin A (Retin-A for example) it is used to help treat acne, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation and it also helps to smooth the skin. Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum is an advanced-strength retinoid serum that delivers a 6.5% solution of stabilized retinoid blends and botanical, retinol alternative extracts into the skin. Combining 5% retinoid ester blend and a 1% liposomal-encapsulated retinol blend plus a 0.5% blue-green algae with natural retinoid-alternative activity, this serum fights the signs of aging and improves the look of congested and UV damaged skin. Encapsulated CoQ10 helps to improve the appearance of aging or damaged skin. Rare Hawaiian White Honey, bisabolol, cactus extract and ginger balance & soothe the skin for the appearance of a calmer, more even-toned complexion. This product is: cruelty-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, soy-free, phthalate-free, fragrance-free and  vegetarian.

How To Retinol: Advanced Users

How To Use: Apply 1-2 pumps in the evening to clean, dry skin.

For New Retinoid Users: Use two days on, two days off. Work your way up to every other day, then to daily, evening use. Follow with a hydrating oil or moisturizer, like C.E.O. Glow or Juno. Use an AHA serum, like Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment, on alternate nights to sweep away dead skin cells. Do not use in conjunction with another Vitamin A product like Retin-A, unless you speak with a physician first. This is a very high dose Retinoid and could cause extreme irritation. If you experience any redness, peeling, pain or anything else, drop back to every other day and then try to work up to every day again. If that still doesn't work, this product may not be for you. 

For Advanced Retinoid Users: Use daily, in the evenings. Follow with a hydrating oil or moisturizer, like C.E.O. Glow or Juno. Use an AHA serum, like Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment, in the mornings to sweep away dead skin cells.

I would highly recommend sticking to these instructions, especially if you have not used any retinol products before. This is a very high percentage of retinol. Most products contain only 1% retinol. That is nothing compared to this product. I didn't have any problems adjusting to this and I am able to use it alternating with my Retin-A because I don't have sensitive skin. And I don't use it every other night. I alternate my skincare with other things. But when I use this, I use the C.E.O. GLOW to go with it. 

This can be used on all skin types except those that are super sensitive. I would not recommend this on sensitive skins. I would recommend this for mature, dry, normal, combination, oily and acneic but NOT sensitive skin. It is too harsh of a product and it too much for sensitive skin, it would cause peeling and irritation. 

Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum retails for $85.00 and is available online at www.sundayriley.com and www.sephora.com and in SEPHORA stores. Like Sunday Riley on Facebook: https://facebook.com/sundayrileyskincare and Follow Sunday Riley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sundayriley/.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis

I Am THE Makeup Junkie

Follow Me On Instagram: iamthemakeupjunkie

Review: Sunday Riley C.E.O. GLOW Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil #SundayRiley #CEOGLOW #VitaminC #Turmeric #faceoil

(product photo courtesy of www.sundayriley.com)

Sunday Riley C.E.O. GLOW Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil

0.5 fl.oz/15mL $40.00

Sunday Riley has been in the news of late. I am not sure if you heard or not, but the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) found out and ruled that her company had actually been posting fake reviews on SEPHORA'S website and the reviews were actually coming from workers in her own company. She basically got a slap on the wrist with a mild fine and she is not allowed to post reviews on SEPHORA anymore. This does not take away from the actual products themselves, which are actually good products, just that maybe she didn't have faith in her own products and the reviewing system itself. I just wanted to address this because I am writing this review of my own volition and I purchased this product with my own money from www.sephora.com. I had nothing to do with the scandal.

C.E.O. GLOW Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil is a face oil/serum that is designed to give the face a glow and recharges the radiance of your skin. Infused with advanced Vitamin C and golden turmeric for instant vibrance, it also has antioxidant defense. This oil delivers cold-pressed, nutrient-rich extracts into the skin, leaving the complexion looking brighter and nurtured. It contains THD Ascorbate, an extremely stable and oil soluble form of Vitamin C. It helps fight the signs of aging caused by time, stress, lifestyle, and pollution, including dullness, visible loss of firmness, the signs of fine lines and wrinkles, and the appearance of dark spots and surface redness. Red Raspberry helps alleviate dehydration and boost radiance with a 1:1 ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids. Golden Turmeric is rich in antioxidants and calming compounds. It helps improve the appearance of surface redness and skin evenness when applied topically. Pomegranate Seed Oil is a botanical source of Conjugated Linolenic Acid, a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage. Jojoba Oil helps seal the skin with a protective barrier to keep it from losing moisture, making the skin soft and supple. Ginger promotes evenness of skin tone and helps soothe the look of sensitivity. Evening Primrose gives skin a healthy glow and replenishes its moisture barrier with GLA and Omega-6 fatty acids. Cranberry Seed Oil contains the perfect balance of Omegas 3-6-9 fatty acids and is rich in Vitamins A, C and E. This oil absorbs well into the skin, locking in moisture and nutrients.

I would recommend this for just about all skin types except acneic skins. This oil is especially good for mature, dry and normal skin. It can be used by combination and oily skins too but just be careful and don't use too much on oily skin. And not too often. Acneic skin could use this as long as there are no pustules on the face. If there are healing breakouts this would be great to help heal acne scars and to help get rid of the hyperpigmentation left behind by them.

To use: First, cleanse skin and use serums, then massage 2-3 drops as needed into face, neck and décolletage. Use morning and evening for best results. The oil will sink into the skin and and you will find skin glowing. 

After use for a few weeks, skin will look brighter, hyperpigmentation will have decreased, skin tone will be more even, skin is more hydrated and skin will have a smoother feel. Fine lines and wrinkles will have decreased but most of all you will notice a younger look to skin that makes it just glow with vitality. All of the actives in this oil make it a wonderful product that allows skin to shine and look younger. I try and use this on alternating days with my Retin-A. To me this product is not the equivalent of any regular face oil. It is a superlative oil that helps with hyperpigmentation, my biggest facial problem and one that bothers me the most. I have had great success with this product and I am going to keep using it. Between this and azelaic acid, my skin looks like a baby's. 

Sunday Riley C.E.O. GLOW Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil is available in two sizes: 0.5 fl.oz/15mL for $40.00 and 1.18 fl.oz./35mL for $80.00. It is available online at www.sundayriley.com and www.sephora.com and in SEPHORA stores. Like Sunday Riley on Facebook: https://facebook.com/sundayrileyskincare and Follow Sunday Riley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sundayriley/.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis

I Am THE Makeup Junkie

Follow Me On Instagram: iamthemakeupjunkie

Review: Merlot Skincare Sunrise Serum #MerlotSkincare #SunriseSerum #Serum #Resveratrol #Peptides

(product photo courtesy of www.merlotskincare.com)

Merlot Skincare Sunrise Serum

1 fl.oz./30mL $22.00

When speaking of skincare, serums come to mind as very important. Serums are mediums that can be used to get ingredients into the skin whereby creams cannot. One can introduce molecules into the skin that are smaller and go deeper into the skin and these are easier to put into a serum than a cream or lotion, which is often heavier and harder to get deeper into the skin's layers. Also serums are great for just about any skin type, from mature or dry skin to acneic and oily skin. I personally love serums and find them ideal for many different forms of skincare treatment that I like to use. 

Recently I was sent Merlot Skincare Sunrise Serum to try out. I reviewed a few items of theirs years ago when I first started my blog and I liked the line. Merlot Skincare bases their line on the grape and Resveratrol. Sunrise Serum is a serum for use during the daytime and contains peptides, which are for anti-aging. The peptides help boost hydration and diminish the visual signs of aging. The high tech peptides, Palymitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 and Resveratrol work gently on the skin to help with fine lines and wrinkles, they even out the skin tone, they hydrate the skin and they firm the skin. Resveratrol comes from natural grape seed extracts and is an antioxidant, so it helps keep skin from being attacked by free radicals, which ages skin faster. It also helps keeps the skin from being attacked by pollution. 

To use: apply the serum after cleansing skin, before primer and before sunscreen in the morning. Make sure to apply sunscreen after using or the work of the serum will do absolutely nothing for the skin. The sun's rays attack the skin and damage it, thus causing fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and lackluster skin. It is very important to use at least a broad spectrum SPF30 daily, even when raining and during the winter. 

I found this serum to be a nice, light serum that works well with the skin and absorbs quickly. I used it in the morning, as directed and with sunscreen. Since I don't have any fine lines or wrinkles yet, I cannot say I noticed any difference there but I do feel that my skin is slightly firmer after use for two months. 

Merlot Skincare Sunrise Serum retails for $22.00. It is available online at www.merlotskincare.com. Like Merlot Skincare on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merlotskincare; Follow Merlot Skincare on Twitter: @merlotskincare; Follow Merlot Skincare on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/merlotskincare/; Follow Merlot Skincare on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merlotusa/ and Subscribe to Merlot Skincare on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-b68oznWFitiJ_veYTze3Q.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis

I Am THE Makeup Junkie

Follow Me On Instagram:iamthemakeupjunkie

(This was sent for consideration)

Review: The Better Skin Co. Lava Magik Cleanser, Scrub & Mask #ForAllPeople #betterskinco #lavamagik #cleanser #scrub #mask

(product photo courtesy of www.thebetterskinco.com)

The Better Skin Co. Lava Magik Cleanser, Scrub & Mask

2 oz./60mL $32.00

Skincare items that pull multi-duty are rare and hard to find. The Better Skin Co. Lava Magik Cleanser Scrub & Mask is one of those perfect items because it is a cleanser, a scrub and a mask all rolled into one product. It just depends on how you use it. I got this in my last FabFitFun box for Autumn and I am loving it. 

This product is a triple threat: a 3 in 1 cleanser, exfoliator and mask. Lava Magik works to give the skin a more radiant and youthful appearance. French Lava wrapped in nourishing calendula, sweet orange, parsley, grapeseed, cucumber and chamomile. Customize usage to fit your skincare needs. It is enriched with oils of nourishing calendula, sweet orange and grapeseed oils, cucumber, parsley, and chamomile for a healthy, radiant and more youthful looking skin. This product buffs away dead skin cells, creating the appearance of a more youthful looking glow. It is rich in minerals. Minimizes the appearance of pores. Increases the appearance of radiant skin. As with any new skincare product, try a test patch on a discreet area first to determine if this patch test works well with your skin over time. 

To use:

• As a daily cleanser: use a pea sized amount mixed with water and apply to wet skin. 
• As a scrub: twice weekly apply to wet skin, massage desired areas in circular motion for 30-60 seconds. 
• As a mask: once or twice a week, apply to wet or dry skin (as preferred), leave on 3 to 6 minutes. For additional exfoliation, moisten finger tips and massage in a circular motion while removing. Adjust product to water ratio based on skin type. Slightly more product for combination or normal to oily skin and less product for dry, sensitive skin. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Pat dry.

The formula is vegan, clean, cruelty-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, made in the USA and is a multipurpose formula that can save you money. It is recommended for all skin types and for all peoples. I however, do not recommend this for acneic skins, because of eruptions. I believe that this would be detrimental to eruptions and spread infection to other places on the face. I would recommend this to mature, sensitive, dry, normal, combination and oily skins. This would be good to use 1x a week as a mask, every other day as a cleanser and 2x a week as an exfoliant. For sensitive skin, I would mark down to use it less often, likely 1x a week as an exfoliant, 1x a week as a cleanser and 1x every other week as a mask. 

The Better Skin Co. Lava Magic Cleanser, Scrub & Mask is available in a 2 oz. tube for $32.00. Like The Better Skin Co. on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/123BetterSkin; Follow The Better Skin Co. on Twitter: @betterskinco; Follow The Better Skin Co. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterskinco/ and Subscribe to The Better Skin Co. on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSjeXEQqKyhP1Pdp0IOAqsg.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis
I Am THE makeup Junkie
Follow Me On Instagram: iamthemakeupjunkie

Review: APTO Skincare Pomegranate Mask #APTOSkincare #PomegranateMask #Mask #CleanBeautyForAll

(product photo courtesy of www.aptoskincare.com)

APTO Skincare Pomegranate Mask

2 fl.oz./60mL $20.00

Masks are one of my favorite things. I love masks because they do a few things. They help clean out the skin, helping to clear out the pores (hair follicles) of dead skin cells and sebum, ridding them of debris that causes clogged pores and acne. Masks help exfoliate the skin, making the skin look brighter and more even toned, they help to lighten hyperpigmentation and they can actually soften fine lines and wrinkles for a short while. Masks can do a number of things depending on the actives in them and how long you leave them on, how much active ingredients are in the mask and how well the mask is made. 

Recently I received, through a box, a mask called APTO Skincare Pomegranate Mask. This mask is supposed to appease the skin, reduce redness, is ideal for the first few weeks after summer (like now) or anytime where the skin has been overexposed to sunlight. Azelaic acid acts to remove dead skin cells, treat rosacea and prevent breakouts without compromising even the most sensitive of skin types. It also helps to lighten up hyperpigmentation. Pomegranate, native in both Iran and the Himalayas in northern India, has been a fruit cultivated since ancient times. It is packed with antioxidants that protect and strengthen skin. This mask is packed with so many natural ingredients that the list is too comprehensive to list here but suffice it to say that it's almost completely natural. 

To use, cleanse and exfoliate the skin, then apply a thin mask layer over the face, allowing it to skin in for around 10 minutes (without drying too much). Rinse off in the shower or with tepid water and a cotton pad. Allow the skin to breathe a little bit and then follow up with your own moisturizer. 

This mask is recommended for all skin types, but I would not use it on acneic skins. Especially skin with eruptions. This mask is best for dry, mature, combination, sensitive and normal skins. It would work well for oily skins, but not as often. I would recommend using it 1-2 times a week and only once a week for oily skins. 

I like this mask because it leaves my skin feeling softer, more hydrated and looking lighter and more even toned than before I used it. For me, masks are always part of a regular skincare routine and should be used at least 2-3 times a week. I like to alternate my masks depending on how my skin is feeling. This is a great mask for fall/autumn and I highly recommend it for this time of the year.

APTO Skincare is clean beauty. All of their ingredients are good ingredients and none that are harmful to the skin or the environment. Their ingredients are ethically sourced. Know that when you open up any APTO Skincare product, there will never be toxins, fillers, gluten, artificial ingredients and colors, or GMOs. Toxic ingredients, from parabens and phthalates, to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and formaldehyde-releasing agents, don’t have a place in their formulas, or on our skin. Yes, synthetic fragrances smell nice, but they are not nice to your skin or endocrine system. At APTO Skincare, it is important that all raw ingredients are ethically sourced from suppliers around the world, supporting local farmers everywhere from India to Mexico. However, organic certifications don’t exist abroad in the same way as they do in the US, so they had to make a tough decision: acquire a seal of approval or support rural areas. They proudly chose the latter. 

Their raw ingredients are grown holistically and naturally, in soil full of nutrients and without pesticides and chemicals. They hand select every ingredient that makes the cut into our their products, leaving no room for ingredients that won’t nourish, heal, or leave your skin in anything less than perfect harmony. So how do they keep their costs down to deliver good-for-your-skin formulas that ring in between $5 and $25? By developing and manufacturing all of their formulas internally at their factory in the U.S. By cutting out the middleman (aka, third-party labs), they’re able to innovate quality, clean formulas with affordable, cost-conscious price tags 

The APTO Skincare Pomegranate Mask retails for $20.00 and can be purchased online at www.aptoskincare.com. Like APTO Skincare on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aptoskincare/; Follow APTO Skincare on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aptoskincare/ and Follow APTO Skincare on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/aptoskincare/. 

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis

I Am THE Makeup Junkie

Follow Me On Instagram: iamthemakeupjunkie

.

Review: Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray #UrbanDecay #UDCosmetics #UDHalloween #urbandecayprouductreceived #UrbanDecayCosmetics #AllNighterLongLastingSettingSpray #SettingSpray

(product photo courtesy of www.urbandecay.com)

Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray 

4.0 fl.oz./118mL $33.00

If you are familiar with any of Urban Decay's products, then you are likely familiar with their All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray. This is their most revered and popular product. Why? Because this product helps makeup stay on for 16 long hours, prevents makeup meltdowns, prevents makeup fading and prevents makeup from settling into fine lines. How amazing is that? Truly amazing I think! This stuff is so good it has been repeatedly voted an allure Best of Beauty Winner year after year. 

Developed in exclusive partnership with Skindinavia, their groundbreaking, tested formula is suitable for every skin type, even acneic skins and sensitive skins. It is free of oil and parabens, and features patented Temperature Control Technology. Yes, it actually lowers the temperature of your makeup to keep foundation, eyeshadow, blush and concealer in place. Even in hot and humid or cold and windy conditions. The result is smoother-looking skin and vibrant makeup that lasts all day or all night. 

In a 7-day study of All Nighter*

• 78% of participants said All Nighter helped their makeup last for 16 hours.
• Over 80% said their makeup not only looked better, it stayed on better (even in the T-Zone) without settling into fine lines.
• Whether the tester had combination, oily or dry skin, 88% or more said that All Nighter was the best product to help their makeup last. 

(*based on a 50-person study)

Wendy Introduces All Nighter:

This breakthrough formula comes in a black soft-touch bottle with a purple spray and a frosted white cap. Unlike similar products on the market, the sprayer delivers a calibrated, microfine mist that goes on so light, you'll hardly feel it. And once you've applied it, you won't even know it's there. Until you look in the mirror to touch up your makeup and realize you don't even need to do so! If you've tried other setting sprays that feel sticky or tight on your skin, you'll be AMAZED by how different this one is. Beware of imitations. 

Setting Spray Hacks:

More Setting Spray Hacks:

Get Glowing: More Setting Spray Hacks

I always use All Nighter before I use my mascara. I have found that it makes my mascara run, so I do all of my makeup and then do my mascara last. But I love the way this makes my makeup stay on and look sensational. It really does last all day long. It helps with the heat and keeps makeup from running in the heat and when I am perspiring or keeps makeup from melting away. I also like the fact that it helps hold down eyeshadow and eyeliner (I use primer potion but I like to have backup just in case). It even helps with lipstick!

DIY Glowing Body Spray:

Above, make your own glowing body spray with All Nighter and Naked Glow Powder. I have not tried this but the video makes it look really easy. I think I will have to try this.

The best way to use the setting spray is after applying makeup, shake bottle well, hold 8"–10" away and mist face 2–4 times, in an “X” and “T” formation. Warning: Keep out of eyes. Close eyes before misting. Want extra intense shadow color, less fallout and even longer wear? Wet your brush with All Nighter before you apply.

Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray retails for $33.00 and can be purchased online at www.urbandecay.com, www.sephora.com, www.ulta.com and www.beauty.com. It is also available at UD Flagship stores, SEPHORA stores, ULTA stores, Macy's and anywhere else UD is sold. Like Urban Decay on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urbandecaycosmetics; Follow Urban Decay on Twitter: @UrbanDecay; Follow Urban Decay on Pinterest:http://www.pinterest.com/urbandecay/; Follow Urban Decay on Instagram:http://instagram.com/urbandecaycosmetics#; Follow Urban Decay on Tumblr: http://urbandecay.tumblr.com; Follow Urban Decay on Snapchat at http://www.snapchat.com/urbandecaysnaps and Follow Urban Decay on Google+:https://plus.google.com/+urbandecay/posts. 

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis

I Am THE Makeup Junkie

Follow Me On Instagram: iamthemakeupjunkie

(This item was sent compliments of Urban Decay)

Review: Dr. Dennis Gross Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel #drdennisgross #clinicalgradepeel #peel #resurfacingpeel

(product photo courtesy of www.drdennisgross.com)

Dr. Dennis Gross Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel $95.00

I love peels and I consider myself to be something of a peel queen. As an Esthetician, I have given myself various strengths of peels with little to no disastrous results. The biggest problem I have ever had is a little bit of flaking. When I saw the Dr. Dennis Gross Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel, I knew I had to try it out. This is supposed to be the Cadillac of over-the-counter peels. So, I bought it and tried it out. Now I use Retin-A, so I thought my skin would be super-sensitive to a peel. I was pleasantly surprised.

This advanced liquid peel is straight from the doctor, a pro-level mix of acids for the ultimate in pore refinement, wrinkle reduction and increased radiance. Powered by an acid pH of 3.5, Step 1 dissolves the glue that holds the dead skin cells to the surface, accelerating skin renewal for a porcelain-smooth finish. Step 2 is a an antioxidant-rich corrective treatment that helps to restore healthy looking skin while neutralizing the peel. 

After just one use you will experience ultra-smooth, soft skin. This twice-weekly liquid peel dissolves interfering layers that inhibit fresh, radiant skin from rising to the surface. The first step delivers a potent concentration of lactic, glycolic and other Alpha Beta acids combined with the enzymatic action of bromelain to effectively resurface the skin and jump start the renewal process. In the second step, it contains centella asiatica, green tea extract, and colloidal oatmeal to help restore a radiance complexion, help correct signs of aging and keep skin balanced. With continued use, skin's tone and texture is more even and refined for a dramatic complexion overhaul. 

In a clinical study, after just two weeks:

• 100% of subjects showed improvement in skin radiance
• 95% of subjects showed improvement in skin texture 
• 83% of subjects showed improvement in the appearance of pores

How To Use: in the AM or PM, up to three times a week. Prepare Step 1 by placing cotton ball firmly over bottle opening and making two 3-second turns to dispense the proper amount. Massage cotton ball onto clean, dry skin until it's dry, avoiding contact with eyes and lips. Wait two minutes. Repeat the process with Step 2. Do not rinse. For best results, use the Dark Spot Sun Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF50 daily (or at least another broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF30 daily). This is VERY important as AHAs make the skin very sensitive to the sun, plus the sun undoes everything that you do with the peel. 

This peel is not as strong on my skin as I would have thought. It gave me a tiny little bit of flaking, but nothing else. But that is my skin. I am used to using acids and strong products on it. If it was just about anyone else, I would say, only use it as directed and DO NOT deviate from the instructions. This peel is best for combination and oily skin types. I would also recommend it for dry skins, but do not use it as often, only once a week. The same could be said for mature skins. If you have acneic skin I would not use it as it might interfere with your treatment protocol. I think this is definitely close to a professional peel for most non-professionals. It is the pH level and types of acids used that make is so strong. A 3.5 pH level is very acidic, especially considering when the pH level of the skin is about 5.5 and the acids used are lactic and glycolic. These acids are very good at helping to break down the "cellular glue" that holds the dead skin cells together and gets rid of dead skin cells as well as helping to lighten hyperpigmentation, to help uneven skin tone and help with fine lines and wrinkles. 

The Dr. Dennis Gross Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel retails for $95.00. It is available at www.drdennisgross.com and anywhere Dr. Dennis Gross is sold. Like Dr. Dennis Gross on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dgskincare; Follow Dr. Dennis Gross on Twitter: @dgskincare; Follow Dr. Dennis Gross on Instagram: https://instagram.com/drdennisgross; Follow Dr. Dennis Gross on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dgskincare/ and Subscribe to Dr. Dennis Gross on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DGSkincare.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis

I Am THE Makeup Junkie

Follow Me On Instagram: iamthemakeupjunkie

Review: Youth To The People Kombucha 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner #youthtothepeople #kombuchaahatoner #toner

(product photo courtesy of www.youthtothepeople.com)

Youth To The People Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner

4 fl.oz./118mL $38.00

Usually I don't use toner very often, unless I use a makeup wipe at night to remove my makeup. And then I only use toner to rid myself of any remaining makeup that might be left on my face that the makeup wipe did not remove. Luckily I have found the perfect toner that helps make skin completely squeaky clean and perfect. 

Youth To The People Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliating Power Toner is one of the best, if not THE best toners I have ever seen and used. Use this powerful exfoliating toner to minimize the appearance of pores, smooth skin texture and firm the look of skin. In a 1 week research study, results found that:

• appearance of pore size was reduced*
• skin looked brighter and more radiant**
• skin looked visibly clearer**
• skin felt softer, smoother and firmer**

(*in an independent clinical testing panel of 32 people ages 25 to 55/**in an independent self-reporting consumer test of 32 people age 25 to 55)

Use the toner 3-5x per week, gradually working up to nightly use. At night after cleansing, saturate a (preferably reusable) cotton pad and sweep over clean, dry face and neck. Do not rinse off. You may experience brief tingling and redness. Make sure to follow in the morning with a broad spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. 

The ingredients in this toner help to rid skin of dead skin cells, extraneous makeup and help to clean out pores of any sebaceous residue. It has Kombucha Black Tea Ferment, which is a source of potent peptides that work as prebiotics to enhance the skin's natural microbiome. Tree Bark Ferment helps firm the look of skin to reverse the look of oxidative damage. Ginger is an anti-aging superfood that enhances the AHA's ability to smooth skin texture. Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid are AHA's that revitalize dull or dry skin, smooth skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores. Citrus Bioflavinoids and Lemon Water Extract help to scavenge pollutants from the skin. This product is 100% Vegan, has recyclable packaging, is non-comedogenic (will not clog pores), is made in the USA and has not been animal tested. Also, this product doesn't contain dimethicone, parabens, phthalates, PEGs or fragrances.

I love this product because not only does it help clean off excess makeup and dirt, but it cleans up pores and gets rid of dead skin cells. It exfoliates like nobody's business. And it helps keep the skin's microbiome in check, which many products do not do. It also has ingredients in it to help fight of free radicals and helps to keep skin looking clear as bell. I use this in the morning and night after I have washed my skin to make sure it returns to its pH level and to make sure I get the most from its benefits, since this toner is no ordinary toner but actually has more benefits than a regular toner. 

Youth To The People Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner retails for $38.00 and can be purchased online at www.youthtothepeople.com. Follow Youth To The People on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youthtothepeople/. 

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis

I Am THE Makeup Junkie

Follow Me On Instagram: iamthemakeupjunkie