Stocking Stuffer Ideas For the Beauty Lover With FarleyCo Beauty!

Today, I'm sharing some fabulous stocking stuffer ideas for the beauty lover on your shopping list. Some of these are absolute favourites of mine and all are super affordable! 🎁

EcoTools makes some of my favourite makeup brushes. They are priced right, are super soft and they don't shed. They are also a cruelty-free and eco-friendly brand.

The set featured here is their Start the Day Beautifully Kit and includes a storage tray, angled foundation brush, blurring brush, defined crease brush, angled liner brush, and full blush brush. SRP $18.99.

Available online and at many drugstores.

You can also find them here: www.farleyco.ca/ecoTOOLS

Real Techniques is another one of my favourite affordable makeup brush brands. They are also cruelty-free and their products are innovative and high-quality. I've yet to have a Real Techniques brush that has shed on me.

This Mini Multitask Brush is perfect for travel or to keep in your makeup bag as it has a short handle but it has a full-size head, so you'll get the same application and results as you would with the full-size brush. SRP $8.99.

Available at most drugstores, mass retailers, and online.

Also available here: www.farleyco.ca/Real-Techniques

If you have someone on your list who loves to stay organized or is tight on space, check out this Real Techniques Single Pocket Expert Organizer. You can store anything in here from makeup brushes to skincare, or any kind of tools you wish. It securely clings to glossy bathroom surfaces like glass, mirrors, marble, tiles, and laminate with no residue, no suction cups, adhesives, and no wall mounts needed. SRP $14.99.

Available at most drugstores and online.

Can also be found here: www.farleyco.ca/Real-Techniques

7th Heaven face masks are so affordable and accessible. They have over 50 face and hair products so there is definitely something for everyone.  They stay away from harsh and toxic chemicals and always use all natural ingredients whenever possible. They are also cruelty-free! SRP $1.99.

Available at most drugstores, mass retailer, and online.

Can also be found here: www.farleyco.ca/Montagne-Jeunesse

Splat Hair Color makes fun and affordable hair colouring products that you can use at home. From fun pastels to super vibrant shades, there's a colour for everyone! Some of their products leave permanent results, while others can be washed out.

Featured here is their Midnight Amethyst Hair Color. SRP $14.99

Splat Midnight hair color kits is made for having fun and expressing yourself - anytime, anywhere, any way you please. And no one gives you more vivid color than Splat.
This bleach free kit contains everything you need for one dye job: dye, instructions, gloves, the works. And this color lasts, you can expect our color to last up to 30 washes depending on your hair type. Splat - If you can dream it, you can dye it.
Available at most drugstores.

Also available here: www.farleyco.ca/Splat

Flexitol Heel Magic is literally like magic for your feet! I have used this product in the past and was blown away. The stick type applicator makes it easy to apply to your feet and heels and is mess-free. It claims visible results in 3 days and I had visible results after one application before bed. It transformed my dry scaly heels and made them look sandal-ready. No skin cream has ever worked remotely as well as this product does. My partner always wants to steal mine, so this is a great unisex product for gift-giving! Flexitol also has lip care products as well as products specially formulated for eczema. SRP $14.99.

Available at most drugstores, mass retailers and online.

Can also be found here: www.farleyco.ca/Flexitol

MesmorEyes Full Lashes are the first false lash brand that I ever tried. I like that they specify what eye shape each set of lashes is suitable for. For example, they specify that this particular set is suitable for almond, mono, round, and hooded eyes. I found them very easy to apply and they stayed on all day. This is their Dramatic Lash set in #304. SRP $5.99.

Available at drugstores, Amazon, and online.

Can also be found here: www.farleyco.ca/MesmorEyes

I hope you liked these beauty stocking stuffer ideas and hopefully, it gave you some ideas for the beauty-lover on your list!

Not sponsored. No affiliate links. Pr, all opinions are my own.

iHerb Haul | Health, Beauty, Supplements (Hormones, Stress, Sleep)

I have a little iHerb haul to share today. Most of these items are repurchases for me. I'll share links to products in the headings and a little about them and/or why I take them or how they help me. I Hope you'll find the info helpful.

Supplements:

Brain, Heart, Hormone, Stress, Skin and Hair Health

Jarrow Max DHA 600 mg
I've been taking this fish oil for years. I've tried others but I always go back to this one. It has 600 mg of DHA per serving! I take it for many reasons from heart, brain, and skin and nail health. I've never had fishy burps from this product. I only take one per day just to make it even more affordable and also because I take so many other supplements. This product is dairy-free and gluten-free.

From iHerb:
DHA is the predominant fatty acid in the brain, nervous system and retina of humans. DHA is important for fetal and infantile neurological development. DHA also supports neurological function in seniors.

Now Food Evening Primrose Oil 500 mg

I stopped taking evening primrose oil for a while and decided I needed to start taking it again. It's supposed to help with hormone balance and also increase progesterone. Since I cannot tolerate even bio-identical progesterone, I look to supplements like this as well as vitex (which I am not currently taking but will probably go back to). As a bonus, evening primrose oil is also fabulous for skin and hair health! I like this dosage as it was recommended in a book I read a long time ago (I can't remember which book it was). I remember reading that our bodies will only be able to process 500 mg's at a time, so it's best to take 500 mg 2 x a day. I tend to only take one a day because I take many other supplements. This product is soy-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

From iHerb:

NOW Evening Primrose Oil has naturally occurring Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), an Omega-6 fatty acid also found in Borage and Black Currant seed oils. Although the body can synthesize GLA from other dietary fats, it can be more efficiently utilized for bodily functions when consumed in its preformed state. By supporting the body's healthy immune system responses, GLA may help to maintain normal skin barrier function, as well as a healthy vascular system. It may also be used as a nutritional support for mild discomfort associated with PMS.

Now Foods Glycine, Pure Powder 3000 mg

I purchased this product years ago based on its claims to help with sleep. I didn't notice anything so I didn't bother to keep taking it regularly. Fast forward to recently, and I decided to give it a try again, as our bodies changed and I thought maybe it would help me this time. I haven't noticed a marked difference in my sleep but what I did notice after taking it daily for a while was that I felt more relaxed and less stressed during the daytime. I take 1 tsp in a bottle of water and sip on it throughout the day. The results are very subtle and happen over time, at least for me. It's not like I drink it and then feel relaxed after like a herbal tea might. Its actions are subtle but effective. I will continue to take this. My Dr. informed me that what my body doesn't use will be eliminated in my urine, so I feel safe taking the larger doses. This product is also gluten-free, soy-free, and free of milk. 

From iHerb:

Glycine is the smallest and simplest amino acid, making it versatile for use in a wide range of functions. Glycine is necessary for the production of glutathione, DNA, creatine, bile, hemoglobin, and most proteins. It also helps to promote glycogen storage, thereby making glucose readily available for energy production. Glycine also functions as a calming neurotransmitter in the brain, where it facilitates nerve impulses and is important for the maintenance of healthy sleep patterns.

Beauty

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge with Travel Case 2 pc
I have purchased many Real Techniques products from iHerb as it's usually much cheaper than buying it at my local store. I was so happy to see that they carried this new product that contains their Miracle Complexion Sponge with their new travel case! Such a neat idea, even for use at home to keep my sponge protected from germs and dirt. The travel case is vented so the sponge can get some air and dry out properly.

Cococare Cocoa Butter Cream 1 oz
I added this product to get my order to approx $50 dollars so I could get free shipping! It's a nice size for my purse and will surely help out my dry, dehydrated hands during the cold months to come.

I always check my cart on iHerb and make sure that I'm getting the most bang for my buck. For example, if you're shopping on iHerb, keep checking the cost of shipping as you add and remove products, you'll see that the price will fluctuate and I can usually get free shipping on my orders. Being in Canada, I usually opt to prepay duties and taxes as it eliminates the "handling fee" that Customs will impose if they decide to charge you for taxes etc. Also, check for samples and trial sizes if you need to get to that free shipping threshold.

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I purchased this month and found some of the info helpful.

If you plan on shopping with iHerb, you can save 5% OFF your entire order with discount code AGU725 or just use this link. This code can be used by anyone, unlimited times and it doesn't expire so you can share it with your friends and family as well. The discount code is good for new and existing customers. (This is a referral link).

iHerb's shipping is super cheap and super fast!

Remember to always check with your Doctor or healthcare practitioner before adding any supplements to your routine.

Not sponsored. Referral links are used in this post. Thank you if you choose to use them.

Monthly Empties | Skincare, Beauty, Makeup, Pet Health

I seriously can't believe it's already time for another empties post. You can view my last empties if you like.. linked here.

I am trying to keep up with these posts so I can get them up before I have a ridiculous amount of products to talk about.

As always, I will share mini-reviews and links to products where possible in the product heading. If I can't find the exact product I will do my best to link to something similar.

Makeup

Reviva Labs Makeup Primer
I didn't get to finish this before the expiry date. #feelingguilty I am just not one to do too many steps unless it's for a special occasion. And, this product just added yet another step to my already large skincare and makeup regimen. I like that it's an all natural product and it works but I would prefer a multi-tasking product like a BB cream with a primer built in. This product is cruelty-free.

Repurchase- Yes, if needed

Physicians Formula Talc-Free Mineral Wear Matte Finishing Veil
I bought this in a kit for such a great price and I actually only purchased it for the blush that's in the kit, but I ended up loving this product too! But, I hate the packaging so I transferred it to another container and now I'm thoroughly enjoying it. It gives me just the finish that I want without being cakey or accentuating pores like some powders do. It just perfects and mattifies the look of my skin. It also doesn't change or add any more colour to my face. Bonus- this is cruelty-free! PLEASE change the packaging on this PF!!

Repurchase- oh yeah!

Dior Lip Maximizer Collagen Activ Lip Plumper
I received this product from my Instagram friend, Viv @pancakesandlippies. I adore this product and I went through it quite fast. I kept it on my bedside table and applied in AM and PM every single day. I did feel that it improve the look and feel of my lips!

Repurchase- No, but only because of the price!

Real Techniques Complexion Sponge
This is my go-to makeup blending sponge and this one was softer than my current batch for some reason. This one just kept going and going... no mold issues (like a previous one had), no tears. I just replaced it because I felt that I should. You can't go wrong with these sponges and I always buy the slightly more economical 2 pack.

Repurchase- Definitely!

Skincare

Kiss My Face Castile Soap

Castile soap seems to have endless uses. From cleaning your floors, your home, your body, face, makeup brushes etc. I mainly used this to clean my makeup brushes every week and it lasted for about 2 years. It cleanses really well and leaves my brushes super soft. 

Repurchase- Yes (any brand will do)

Avalon Organics Hand & Body Lotion in Ylang Ylang

I crave this scent at the start of every spring. It's so fresh and ahhhhh. I just can't explain it! In the winter months, I use the same lotion in the lavender scent. It's very hydrating and even helps with the goosebumps on the back of my arms.

Repurchase- Yes

TheraNeem, Neem Oil

This was recommended to me by a professional esthetician. It's great for so many skin issues, including acne flare ups! I use a drop or two mixed with my night cream and blend into my face and neck. You need so little that it lasts for a long time. One issue is that it's only a liquid in warmer temperatures so you have to warm it up under the running tap water when it starts to become more solid.

Repurchase- yes

Healthcare/ Supplements

Sisu Cal-Mag Citrates- Liquid in Creamy Vanilla

I picked this up on a whim. It tastes great and I found that it helped with my sleep issues but not if I took too much. I also found that it did wonders for my heart issues as it relaxes the heart muscles just like it does all of the muscles in our bodies. It's also great for bone health. I took one tablespoon in the evening 2 hours away from any medications.

Repurchase- Yes

Calm Magnesium Chloride Oil
I had heard about magnesium oil so I thought I'd give it a shot. It's a topical oil and although it's called an oil, it's not greasy. It did great things for my sleep issues but finding the right dose is a balancing act. If I used too much my sleep became more restless (same for magnesium that I take orally). There is no warning on the label, but make sure not to apply it anywhere that you have cuts or scratches, the natural salt content will burn! Otherwise, you don't feel it but you MUST wash your hands after applying it to your body as you do NOT want to touch your eyes with the residue on your hands! This should also be a warning on the label. I found out the hard way. My Dr. recommended that I apply it to the back of my knees for better absorption. Although this is great for sleep and other issues, it doesn't work for regularity the same way that oral magnesium does, at least for me. I highly recommend this and have purchased a huge bottle by Health and Wisdom Inc. I really need to do a whole post on the wonders of this oil!

Repurchase- Yes, already purchased another brand.

True Raw Choice Colloidal Silver for Pets
I purchase mine at my local Pet Valu and was unable to find a place to purchase this online. I recommend all cat and dog owners keep this on hand for your pets health needs. Colloidal Silver is reported as a treatment to fight more than 650 different viruses, bacteria, fungi and disease organisms found in pets but will not affect healthy cells around the infection. Reported to help with wounds, arthritis, nerves and stress, blood cirdulatory cleanser, eyes, ears, cankers, sinus, muscle and joints, bones and ligaments, allergens, pollution and skin problems. The uses seem endless!

Repurchase- Already have

Dr Mercola Ubiquinol Q10 for Pets
This is another product that I cannot recommend highly enough for your cat or dog. I have seen huge benefits for my cat since starting this product. I take Q10 myself and I wish I had started my cat on this years ago! But, better late than never. I put one pump on his wet food twice a day. Luckily, he laps it up. Sometimes he eats just the Q10 and leaves his food, it's like he knows it makes him feel good. He's often seen charging around the house after his dose. This bottle lasts me about 3 months. The dosage depends on your pet's weight so this will vary for everyone. Cats can be so picky so you never know what they will take. I also got him the Mercola Astaxanthin (another super antioxidant) as a preventative measure, but my cat wont even go near that one. 

Repurchase- Already have 😊

That's it for this month!

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I used up in June and hope that you found the information helpful. 

Montlhy iHerb Haul | Health, Beauty, Vitamins, Superfoods, Essential Oil!

Happy Friday, everyone!

Welcome to another haul! This haul includes some health and beauty products. My favourite combo!

Some of this month's purchases are staples in my home and a few are new to me.

I'll link to each item in the name of each product incase you want to read more about any of the items.

Grocery

Madre Labs CocoCeps / $10.95
I use this organic dark chocolate, sugar-free cocoa powder in my daily protein shake. It's a great source of natural energy without the jitters. It has healthy immune boosting cordyceps & reishi mushrooms in it. I have an aversion to eating mushrooms but they are so healthy that I wish I could eat them, this cocoa powder allows me to get their benefits. The taste is delicious too and you don't taste any trace of mushrooms.

Now Foods Raw Almond Flour 10oz / $6.38
I try to eat healthy and low carb, so I don't bake with regular flour anymore. I use this healthy low-carb almond flour as a substitute in all my recipes. It's also gluten-free and a source of healthy fatty acids. It tastes great in all my recipes and makes them so much healthier. This also comes in a 22 oz bag. 

Supplements

Now Foods 5-HTP 50mg 90 caps / $11.46
This product is great for mood and sleep. I use it for sleep. I take one or two of these when I can't sleep and it usually works to put me to sleep. It's also supposed to help control weight by controlling cravings.

MD Formulas BioAstin Supreme Hawaiian Astaxanthin 60 caps / $20.99
This was the daily deal when I placed my order so I just had to get it. I've taken Astaxanthin before but not this brand. If I notice any difference once I start taking it, I'll do a review on it. BioAstin Astaxanthin is supposed to be the most powerful natural antioxidant known. It's said to help with joint & tendon health, skin health, eye & brain health, and recovery after exercise. It says that results are usually seen within 2-6 weeks of daily use. This product is gluten-free, non- GMO , and 100% Vegan.

Beauty

Real Techniques Powder Brush / $9.99
I've wanted to add this Real Techniques powder brush to my brush collection for quite some time. She's finally mine! I love Real Techniques, they make great products and they are cruelty-free! Review to come on this brush!

Now Foods 100% Pure Lavender Essential Oil 30ml / $7.94
I love to use this in skincare and for aromatherapy. I use it in my bath with some Epsom salts for a relaxing spa-like bath. I also add some to my diffuser, or put some on a cotton pad and put it beside my pillow before bed to help me unwind. I also make my own DIY spray using this oil. It can also be used in skincare with carrier oils.

Prices shown are current prices and could change.

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I purchased this month.

I've been shopping with iHerb for too many years to count. They have the best selection of natural health and beauty products at the best prices (they even sell ELF cosmetics). I paid a flat rate of $2.50 USD shipping for this whole order!

If you are vegan, gluten-free or only shop cruelty-free etc. you can actually type any of those terms into their search bar while shopping and it will only show you items that fit into that category. It's a very helpful tool.

You can get $5 off your first order by clicking HERE. (no minimum purchase required). If you do shop on iHerb don't forget to check the links at the top of the page for daily specials, trials, and other great deals!

Happy shopping!

#notsponsored , all products purchased by me, some links are referral links. Thank you for your support if you choose to use them. 

New! Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Palette #review Hot or Not!?

One of Real Techniques latest products is this Brush Cleansing Palette. I've wanted it since it came out. It kept going out of stock when I was shopping online so I signed up for in stock notifications and stalked iHerb's website until it was back in stock and quickly placed an order for it.

I paid $14.99 USD + $2.33 shipping (but I ordered several other items at the same time so the shipping was negligible).

It claims that it cleans brushes 55% better with the palette and their gel cleanser vs. hand cleaning with water. Well, I have no way to measure that- but it sure does work well!

The cleansing palette came with 2 sample packs of their brush cleanser.

The palette is a nice size and measure approximately 6" x 3.5" x  1.5"

Info from iHerb's website: 

• Performance-grade silicone: Lightweight and ergonomically designed to fit comfortably over your hand
• Exclusive multi-textured surfaces: Designed to gently work between the bristles for enhanced deep cleansing

Suggested Use

• Small Brushes
• Medium Brushes
• Large Brushes

Step 1: Slip hand into the palette and squeeze a dime size amount of our brush cleansing gel onto the tool. Add warm water to the palette.
Step 2: Swirl brush into the gel and water across the various surfaces until the brush is clean. Rinse bristles thoroughly, being careful to not fully immerse the base of the bristles. Squeeze out the excess water.
Step 3: Rest your brushes across the surface of the tool to air dry, or use the panoramic case from our sets (sold separately) to dry brushes upside down.

Above, I have added the Real Techniques brush cleanser from the sample pack that came with it. It's clear and has a gel like consistency that is fairly thick compared to what I am used to. I normally use liquid Castile soap to clean my brushes which is much thinner and you need only a small amount.

Here, you can see the handy little strap that is built in for easy holding. It's very comfortable to hold. 

You can see the size in comparison to my hand, it's quite large. I think it's a perfect size for cleaning all sorts of makeup brushes.

The instructions say to add the cleanser and water to the dish. I prefer to add the cleanser to the dish and then wet the brush under the tap and begin swirling the brush into the cleanser and palette. Just a personal preference.

As you can see above, it really gets all the dirt out of my makeup brush. This was after cleaning just one brush. 

I rinse the palette after I clean each brush and add more cleanser for the next brush, and so on..

Squeaky clean brush after a nice bath in its new palette.

You can even use your palette to rest your brushes on top (as shown) and let them dry. But, as you can see it only holds 3 brushes here.

Here is the RT Brush Cleansing Palette in comparison to the little egg brush cleaner. 

I really feel that I don't even need the little egg brush cleaner anymore. The RT palette works much better. It's much easier to use and does a better job at getting my brushes clean.

Here's a short video of the palette in action. I had to use one hand to hold the camera and the other to hold the brush so I was only able to demo with an eyeshadow brush for the video, but you'll get the point.

I'm so glad that I got this palette. I give it 5 stars! It makes cleaning my brushes so much easier and my brushes are much cleaner. It's really worth the price as it's not something I feel I'll ever have to replace.

Because it makes cleaning my brushes so much easier, I'm certain that I'll end up cleaning my brushes more often. I can hear my skin thanking me now! lol

I probably wont purchase the Real Techniques brush cleanser as I use castile soap. It's cheap, does a great job, and will last for a very long time (you only need a small amount).

I purchased my palette here.

Have you tried this palette yet? Are you loving it as much as I am?

Ps. Come and join the blogger fun over at The Best of Blogosphere!

Montlhy iHerb Haul: May- Health, Vitamins, Superfoods, and Beauty!

This month's iHerb haul is a small one but a good one! They were having a great sale, so I had to stock up on a few items.

Here is a link to last months iHerb haul if you'd like to see what I purchased in April.

Here is what I scored:

- Paradise Herbs, Orac-Energy, Earth's Blend, One Daily Superfood, Multivitamin with Iron x2- wow, that's a mouthful! But, this multivitamin is chocked full of great ingredients. It's a superfood multivitamin with whole-food goodness, vitamins, minerals, probiotic, and herbs. It's also a best of supplements award winner. And, you only need to take one per day! Click here for more info. (note: they also have a formula without iron). I paid $14.99 per bottle.

I'm hoping these will fill in my nutritional gaps and give me some much-needed energy!

From iHerb: "Based on our original ORAC-Energy Green Formula, just one vegetarian capsule provides the antioxidant power of over 7 servings of fruits and vegetables (4000 + ORAC) while supporting sustained energy, focus, vitality, immunity, and well-being."

- Nature's way, Chelated Iron, 18mg- I need extra iron in my diet and chelated is the way to go. This is an inexpensive way to add the extra iron that I need. I paid only $5.98 for 100 caps.

- Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponges, 2 pack- iHerb also sells this product as a single but I went for the two pack to save a little money. I already know that I love this makeup sponge. iHerb often offers sales, like 20% off beauty products and that's a great time to stock up! This was $10.99 for two.

Paradise Herbs, Once Daily Superfood Multivitamin

    Nature's Way, Chelated Iron                                              Real Techniques Beauty Sponge

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I purchased this month.

If you've never shopped at iHerb I highly recommend them for their huge product selection from health to beauty products and everything in between.

Their international shipping rates are so low. I usually pay a flat rate of $4 USD to Canada.

They also have the best selection of vegan, vegetarian, and cruelty-free products.

*You can get $5 off your first order by using this link or entering coupon code AGU725 during checkout.

Don't forget to check the top iHerb's page for specials, trials, and daily deals!

As always, check with your health care provider before beginning any new supplements.

Happy shopping!!

*Some links are referral links and we will both save if you use them. If you choose to use my referral code, I greatly appreciate it!

Amy

xoxo

Beauty Sale: 20% off Real Techniques, Eco Tools, Pacifica, Mineral Fusion! Ends Apr 27th!

iHerb Beauty Sale!

Right now iHerb is offering 20% off of popular beauty brands such as Eco Tools, Real Techniques, Mineral Fusion, and Pacifica!

This sale rarely happens! So if  you are in the market to purchase some great, natural and cruelty free brands, now is the time to stock up!

This sale ends on Wednesday April 27th at 10am PST.

If you are new to iHerb you can save an additional $5 by entering code AGU725 at checkout! www.iherb.com

Happy Shopping!

Ps. Come and join The best of blogosphere!

Amy

xoxo

Limited Edition Real Techniques Makeup Brushes by Samantha Chapman Deluxe 5 Brushes + Clutch!

I wanted to share this fabulous deal with my beauty loving readers while it's still on sale and available!

If you like makeup and makeup tools like I do you probably won't want to pass up this LE (limited edition) 5 piece makeup brush set by Real Techniques with a clutch! 

The retail price is $30. It's on sale for $18.99 USD but you can get it for $13.99 with a 5% off coupon! On check out just enter coupon code AGU725 for 5% off. Or you can just click on this link to activate it.

This is an amazing deal for this set and I'm not sure how long it will be at this price for. Since it's Limited Edition, once it's gone it's gone!

Here are the deets and what's included:

• High Definition Results
• Online Tutorials Make You the Expert
• 2 Exclusive Brushes + Clutch

This full face set and a sleek clutch will glam up your makeup routine. Transform your look with this collector's edition deluxe gift set.

• Look pixel perfect even in harsh light
• Ultra Plush Bristles

Reveal Your Inner Expert with High-Tech Brushes + Online Tutorials.

Set Includes

• Multi-task brush
• Tapered foundation brush
• Angled highlighter brush
• Base shadow brush
• fine liner brush
• Glam-to-go clutch

Suggested Use

Multi-Task Brush: For effortless application of powder, blush and bronzer.
Exclusive Tapered Foundation Brush: Features a dense, rounded head for a perfect complexion
Exclusive Angled Highlighter Brush: Add glow to your cheeks or use for contouring of the nose
Base Shadow Brush: Applies a smooth, flawless foundation of color
Fine Liner Brush: For precision application of liquid of cream eyeliner.
Exclusive Glam-To-Go-Clutch: Stores brushes for touching up your look on-the-go.

Happy shopping!

Amy

xoxo

January Health and Beauty Haul: Makeup, Supplements and More!

I have been placing an order with iHerb pretty much every month for as long as I can remember. This month I ordered some of my must-have items plus a little makeup. I love that iHerb carries health and beauty products (including ELF cosmetics and Real Techniques), it's like a one-stop shop for me.

Here I'll share with you what I ordered this month, with a little info on each product and links where possible.

California Gold Nutrition CoQ10- This isn't my usual brand of CoQ10 but it's on sale for such a great price that I figured I'd give it a try. It's fermented, non-GMO and soy free! I take this for heart health and overall health. I feel that anyone over 40 can benefit from Q10! I take just one a day.

Now Foods Xyliwhite Toothpaste- If you follow my blog, you probably know that this is my favourite fluoride-free toothpaste! It's also SLS free, gluten free, and paraben free! Right now it's on sale for only $1!

Healthy Origins 5-HTP - This is fabulous for mood and sleep. I've read that it's supposed to help reduce cravings and therefore help with weigh loss too. I take 50-100mg if I can't sleep or if I wake and need helping nodding off again.

Nature's Way Vitex- A Woman's supplement used for overall health and balance in a woman's cycle. I cannot take progesterone, even bio-identical, so I take vitex to help raise my progesterone levels. I try to take 2 per day but often only take 1.

Now Foods Evening Primrose Oil- Another great supplement for women. It has naturally occurring GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid), an omega-6 fatty acid. It's great for our immune system, skin, vascular system, and hormone health. It's also supposed to help with PMS. This supplement also promotes progesterone. This one is non-GMO and Hexane-free! I buy this big-daddy size as it's more cost effective. If I would remember to I'd take 2 a day but I only take one, so this bottle lasts for 250 days!

Elf Eyeshadow Compact in Smokey Eyes- I couldn't resist this palette, it's on sale for a steal! I have this compact in another colour and the pigmentation is just amazing. Elf is Cruelty-free! :D (Note: this one isn't for me.. wink wink)

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I purchased from iHerb this month. I know I love to see what people like to purchase and why. Hopefully you found some of the information helpful too.

If you have never shopped at iHerb before, you can get $5 off your order by using this link (note: this is a referral link and we both benefit if you choose to use it. If you do use it, I do appreciate it very much!)

Please check iHerb's links at the top of their website for fabulous deals under "trials" and "daily deals." 

In Health & Happines
Amy

Real Techniques Blush Brush Dupe For $2.39 (USD)??

Hi everyone,

Today I wanted to share with you a dupe? that I found for Real Technique's blush brush, I love the Real Techniques blush brush and when I saw something similar on eBay for only $2.39 usd, I had to check it out.

As you can see by the pictures below, the brushes basically look the same; they are the same length, have the same type of handle, similar bristles and similar shaped head.  Can you tell which one is which?

As you can see by the picture one has a brush head that is slightly wider than the other and one has a darker handle.

Here is a picture from the top, again one seems a little wider than the other. The base of the brush handles are the same and both stand up well.

Here is a closer picture of the brush heads so you can compare:

Drum roll please....... in case you could not tell which one is which, the Real Techniques brush is on the left or the one in the pictures with the lighter pink handle.

The Comparison: They both feel equally soft, the one I purchased from eBay is almost too soft.   Neither of them shed any hair and I put them to the test by pulling a little while washing and drying them.  The Real Techniques one is slightly denser (you really notice this difference during use) and they are both cut in the same tapered style.  I will say that when I was washing the eBay one, the black end of the handle did come loose, but it's nothing a little dollar store super glue wont hold, I just shoved it back into place and it's fine.

The Test: To put them to the test, I used the RT brush on one side of my face and the eBay brush on the other side of my face. I used them to apply my powder and blush. They both picked up the product equally well but I preferred how the RT one felt and how it applied the product; the eBay one was just a little too soft and flimsy, and that density that the Real Techniques one has really makes a difference in the feeling of control during application. Also, the RT brush seemed to deposit more colour when I compared the two sides of my face. 

The Verdict: Just by looking at the two brushes and feeling them, you don't notice much of a difference. It isn't until you use them that you really notice the difference. I really love my RT blush brush, it's very versatile and I use it for powder, blush and bronzer. It's especially great for a soft-effect with your blush because it is so soft and has a large brush head so it blends beautifully, Although the eBay one did the job and it could also be used for powder, blush and bronzer, I found the RT brush to be superior. That extra density in the Real Techniques when you apply your makeup gives you more control! Both are budget friendly in the world of cosmetics in this day and age.

I would say the two brushes are very similar in many ways but definitely not an exact dupe. I will probably end up using the eBay brush for powder because it lacks that control that the RT brush has for applying blush or bronzer.  In this case, I would say, you really do get what you pay for.

ps. Real Techniques is a Cruelty-free company! Thumbs up for that!

Price: 

• I purchased my Real Techniques blush brush on Iherb.com  for $8.99 usd. Iherb has low  shipping rates even for international shipping (You can get $5-$10 off your first order with discount code AGU725)
• I purchased the eBay one here ebay blush brush for $2.39 and that includes shipping!

Sometimes Iherb has 20% off of Real Techniques so you may want to keep your eye out for that.

Have you found any good dupes or great deals lately?

xo Amy