How You Can Still Look Incredible as You Age

 

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The pursuit of looking incredible transcends the passing years as true beauty blossoms with age. Aging doesn’t need to be anything that’s scary in the slightest; while society is constantly trying to push that age equals worth, you need to know that it doesn’t. It absolutely doesn’t, and honestly, you’re only as old as you feel. But with that said, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look incredible with age. You just need to remember that physical changes just happen to everyone.

It doesn’t mean that you’re afraid of losing your youthfulness, and it doesn’t mean you’re being vain. Absolutely not! If you want to use lasers for better skin, go for it! If you’re wanting to try out new makeup, go for it! When it comes to yourself, just go for it!

If you really think about it, embracing the natural process of aging and making intentional choices can enhance your timeless elegance! Whether you’re considering breast implant exchange, facelift, or even just wanting to dress differently and have a new hairdo, why not? Everyone has the right to look incredible, feel incredible, and, of course, have high self-esteem too. So, here’s exactly how you can still look incredible with age!

You Need to Nourish Your Body Inside and Out

What you need to keep in mind is the fact that the foundation of a radiant appearance begins with what you put into your body. You’ll need to prioritize a balance in your life, such as with a nutritious diet rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids (the list could just go on and on, really). Plus, there are other aspects like hydration, which is equally vital for maintaining skin elasticity and overall well-being. Remember, a healthy body reflects a healthy glow.

Skincare is a Must

Yes, you read that right; it’s absolutely a must! As we age, our skincare needs evolve- and the skin just changes too. You’ll hands-down need to invest in a skincare routine that’s entirely tailored to your skin type and your concerns. 

As mentioned earlier, you need to be hydrated- but it’s more than just water. You’ll need to also focus on hydration (like moisturizer), incorporate anti-aging products, and use sunscreen daily to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. To sum it up, consistency is key to maintaining a youthful and glowing complexion.

Bask in Natural Beauty

Oh yes, you read that right; there’s the natural beauty that you need to think about, too. Aging isn’t scary; it shouldn’t be seen like that, at least. You need to celebrate the changes that come with age and embrace your natural beauty. Just allow your hair to transition gracefully to silver if you choose. Overall, embracing the authenticity of your appearance not only reflects confidence but also adds a unique charm that comes with the wisdom and experience gained over the years.

Dress in Your Authentic Style

Your wardrobe is an expression of your personality and style- this truly is an extension of you.  That’s why you absolutely need to invest in clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Seriously, give yourself the chance to just tailor your fashion choices to align with your authentic self, embracing timeless pieces that showcase your individuality and sophistication.

Quick and Easy Skincare Routine for Women on the Go

 

We get it; one day is not enough for a busy woman to do all the things she wants, including skin care. As much as you want to take care of your skin, being always on the go has kept you from carving extra time for a skincare routine. In fact, most busy people make time for vitamin IV hydration therapy to get all the nutrition they need without investing too much in beauty products.

We understand how hard it is for a busy woman to squeeze in facials or a strict skincare routine that takes a lot of serious “me” time, whether you’re a mom, traveler, or a corporate employee. But no matter how tough your job gets and how much you’re earning, having dull, unkempt skin will affect your personality.

The good news is that even a busy woman like you can follow a skincare routine with minimal time and effort amid a tight schedule. In fact, setting aside a few minutes for your skin every day can make a huge difference in the way you look. Not convinced? Read below and discover the quick skincare tricks to get that healthy, radiant skin.

Organize your skincare products

The secret to keeping your skincare routine quick and easy is to get organized. Why? A clean and uncluttered space makes it easy to locate exactly where you keep things. Throw out all expired and rarely-used products you haven’t been using for a while. This will make you feel less confused and overwhelmed when choosing which skincare product to use.

The key to a clutter-free desk is to keep your skincare routine simplified. Only keep those products that will actually help your skin. Don’t easily give in to every skincare advertisement you see on your Instagram feed. Talk to a trusted dermatologist to know the best skincare routine that works for your skin type. Once you get the right products, always keep them within reach so that you don’t have to find them when needed.

Skin care starts at night

Believe it or not, your skin routine doesn’t start in the morning but at night. If you wear heavy makeup at work, chances are, your skin is filled with leftover makeup, dirt, and excess oil by the time you get home. It also bears the brunt of external pollution and emotional stress, making your skin look tired and oily or dry at the end of the day.

Leaving these things on your skin surface irritates and damages your skin. One way to remove them is by washing your face with a gentle cleanser. For those with dry, sensitive skin may try non-rinse, cream-based cleansing milk.

Remember, a cleanser is not always effective in removing dirt, oil, and other skin impurities. In this case, an alcohol-free toner or any good quality toner can do the job. Toner helps in shrinking pores and reducing acne-prone areas. Top it off with a good moisturizer to maintain healthy, hydrated, and supple skin.

Keep it simple in the morning

Most busy women dread their skincare routine every morning. Applying makeup before work takes so much of their time, so following a step-by-step skin routine is almost impossible. Simplify your morning skincare routine in just two steps: cleanse, then moisturize.

Wash your face with a reliable cleanser and rinse it with lukewarm water to eliminate sweat and impurities. This will also remove oil and dirt and excess nighttime serums or creams the night before. Avoid using regular soap as it contains harmful ingredients that will strip off the skin with good lipids and destroy its pH balance.

The second step is to moisturize the face and neck with a moisturizer with SPF. Ideally, a face sunscreen should have at least SPF 15 and UVB and UVA broad-spectrum protection.

Buy all-in-one skincare products

Let’s say you have successfully kept your new beauty routine to a minimum, but keep in mind that there will be some days when you still can’t keep up with the “minimum,” especially on busy days.

In this case, you need all-in-one skincare products that perform multiple tasks, such as lifting, brightening, and restoring. This will serve as your emergency kit for days you can’t carve extra time for a quick beauty routine. One example is a moisturizer with SPF features and an anti-aging makeup foundation. 

As busy women put so much of their time and energy at home and work, it’s easy to neglect their skin care in the process. In reality, making time for ourselves can make a difference in our overall health and well-being. A skincare routine may seem less daunting by following our suggestions above. All these tricks will keep your skin cleansed and hydrated no matter how crazy your schedule gets.

Spring 2020 Makeup Trends You Should Know About

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Throughout the various seasons, you might see different makeup trends. But what you’d wear around Christmas might vary hugely to what you wear in spring. 

This spring, there is an array of fabulous makeup trends that you should know about. A new era of makeup, these bold looks will certainly stand out from the crowd:

1. The Bright Lip

This year, the bold lip is making a comeback. From bright reds to light pinks, there are plenty of vibrant shades out there for you to choose from. Whether you opt for a matte lipstick or a traditional satin finish, you’ll look and feel fabulous the moment that you step out of the house. 

With hundreds of different brands to choose from, you’ll be able to find a bold lipstick that fits your style and your price point. 

2. The Red Smokey Eye 

Ok, so everyone knows about the power of the grey or black smokey eye. So if you’re looking for something a little different this spring, opt for the red smokey eye. 

A trend that’s rapidly on the rise, it looks wonderful no matter what your eye colour. If red isn’t your favourite choice, you could alternatively opt for navy blue, a light brown or a forest green (for those who really want to push the boat out). 

3. The Floating Eyeliner

Another prominent makeup trend that’s sweeping the catwalks and Instagram is floating eyeliner. Many people might not be brave enough to do this look as it is quite extreme, but it’s very fashionable. 

A fun new thing to try, you could do it with black eyeliner or try out a bolder, neon colour. You could also do it in a more unique shape, like a cloud, angel wings or a dramatic cat-eye. There are plenty of sites with inspiration for this trend, including Pinterest.

4. Sheer/Natural Makeup

Why not take it back to basics with sheer or ‘barely there’ makeup. This spring many people are opting for this look, ditching the glam style of yesteryear. Choosing a light highlighter and other natural-looking products, it brings out your inner beauty and whos that less truly is more. 

A lot of celebrities swear by this look – from Jessica Biel to Blake Lively and Kendell Jenner.

5. Brightly-Coloured Mascara

Mascara doesn’t always have to be black. This year, why not give it a break with the traditional mascara and experiment with brightly coloured mascara for once? Think neon pink, blues, greens and other colours. A bold makeup statement, it’s something that you will want to pair with natural lipstick and eyeshadow so that it’s not too OTT. 

Final Thoughts

So, there you go! Those are 5 of the top 2020 makeup trends that you should be aware of this spring. What style you choose to replicate, of course, is up to you. Makeup is a very individual preference and something that everyone chooses to do differently. But whatever out of the above you go for, just know that you’ll look (and feel) fabulous! 

Beauty Tricks to Turn Back Time

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Although there is nothing wrong with growing old gracefully, most of us, if we’re honest, are in no rush to start looking older any sooner than we need to be. It has never been easier to maintain a youthful look than it is right now, so why should we not do what we can to turn back time and look our best?

You don’t have to go under the knife to look more youthful either; there are numerous beauty tricks that will help you to turn back time and maintain that youthful glow if you’re so inclined and some of them will actually benefit your health overall too…

Eat Your Fruits and Veggies

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and drinking lots of water too, for that matter, is one of the best things you can do for your body as a whole. Not only will it help you to maintain a healthy weight and get all of the vitamins and nutrients you need, but it will also help to keep your skin smooth, plump, clear and glowing with radiance. It’s no hardship to eat well, and it will give you great results, so what are you waiting for?

Exercise

You knew it was coming, didn’t you? Along with eating well, exercising regularly is one of the best things you can do if you want to turn back or suspend time, in terms of your looks. The more you exercise, the tighter and more toned you will be, which means you’ll avoid middle-aged wobble, jowls and weight gain. Find an activity you love and do it as much as you can, then it won’t feel like a chore.

Wear Sunscreen

You should always wear sunscreen if you want to look as young as possible for as long as possible. The rays of the sun might feel amazing on the skin, but they can ravage it like nothing else, so you need to protect yourself from them. The trick is to wear a SPF30 sunscreen even when the sun isn’t shining - if you’re going outside, cover yourself with sunscreen. Do this and you’ll be less wrinkles and aged than your peers who are free and easy about the sun.

Early to Bed

If you’re a night owl and you still have to get up early each morning, you might want to think about changing that because beauty sleep really is a thing. In order for your body to function well, it needs its rest. If you get at least 8 hours a night, it will be far easier for your body to restore and renew itself. Which means your skin will be fresher and more youthful for longer. There are plenty of tips to help you sleep better if it is something you struggle with. Of course, if the holistic stuff doesn’t help, you may need to see your doctor about medication. Try as much as you can to get that sleep because it will age you if you don’t, but more importantly, it could make you sick! Sleep is so important.

Apply Your Concealer Cleverly

So many of us don’t know how to apply our concealer for the best results, but if you can do this, you will always be able to look more youthful than you actually are, whether you’re already young, or more mature in years.

For example, dabbing a small amount of concealer on the inner corners of the eyes and the nose is a great way to lighten dark spots and brighten up your whole face, and applying a little around the rims of your nostrils will take away and redness for a fresh-faced look that will take the years off.

Use a Whitening Toothpaste

As we get older, our teeth naturally become more stained and discolored, even if we have looked after them quite well. So, along with visiting the dentist and hygienist regularly and maintaining a good tooth care regime, it is not a bad idea to start using a gentle tooth whitening toothpaste, which will lift stains and brighten up your smile.

If you want to do something even more effective, you could look into professional dental tooth whitening, but this is more expensive, and must be carried out by a professional. It will get you good results.

Botox and Fillers

If you already have quite a few wrinkles and fine lines, you might want to consider having botox and filler, particularly in the forehead and neck areas. If you look at ‘neck injections: can neck injections reduce wrinkles?’ you will see that such procedures can be quite effective and they are not nearly as invasive as going under the knife.

If this kind of thing isn’t for you, you could also try derma rollers which are less expensive, but can have pretty goods results. They’re great for dealing with scarring too.

Get Regular Facials

If you can afford it, having regular facials, where your face is massaged, and quality products are used, will help to keep your face looking firm, tight and fresh. You can buy facial spa products at the store if cash is tight, but you will need to learn how to massage your face effectively if you want to do it yourself.

Wear Tinted Moisturizer

Tinted moisturizer is ideal for giving your a more youthful appearance, especially if you have been good about taking care of your skin. It does not dry out and dullen the skin like many more heavy-duty moisturizers, and research has shown that it really does make you appear younger. If you only use one beauty product on your face, it should be this one!

Do Yoga

Not only is yoga great at relaxing the mind and body and toning you up, but it could also make you appear younger too. It’ll sort out your posture - and everyone knows a slouched posture can make you appear older - and give you a glow that money can’t buy.

Grow old gracefully, but give yourself a little help along the way and you’ll look and feel confident whether you’re 25 or 75!

Rock Those Locs!

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.

I have stick straight, shoulder length hair and I have been sporting this layered cut for years. I dream of having a really daring hairstyle but I don't want to be stuck with it if it doesn't work out for me.

Thankfully, there are options now for women (and men!) to express their personality and change hairstyles in minutes. This is what I found at Black Hairspray, an e-commerce website that offers a wide range of wigs, beauty and hair care products. Their selection of wigs come in various kinds, styles, and colors. It was easy for me to find something that matched my personality!

Since I was a young girl, I have always been fascinated by women who sport locs. I keep thinking about the time and effort needed to grow hair to be that long and then twist or braid them into those lovely locs. 

Now I don't have to wait to grow my hair. I can sport locs anytime I want to! At Black Hairspray, I found bobbi boss crochet locs in various lengths and colors matching my own natural hair color!

Beautiful! These locs are hand braided using a crochet and hook system. The craftsmanship is fantastic! These are very affordable and come in 12 different shades. Each package contains 15 locs for less than $10! It is the best deal I've found to boost my confidence in my looks.

Head on to the website and check them out. I am sure you will find the perfect wig or locs you've been wanting to have for the longest time. However, the company does not stop there. They even have items for all our hair, skin, and nails beauty needs.

Wouldn't it be nice to show up at my next party, get together or event looking nothing less than fantastic!

Oh yes, I am absolutely going to rock those locs!

Fifty Really Is The New Fabulous

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It doesn’t matter how bubble, content and self-confident you are, hitting fifty has the ability to derail a big chunk of self-esteem. Don’t ask us why, it just does. You could be Karen that works in IT Support or Gabrielle Solis that lives on Wisteria Lane, that half-century mark is a big moment in every person’s life, and a big part of that is because you suddenly, for the first time in your life - look noticeably older than you feel. It’s daunting. 

Of course, as we all know, the worst thing an older woman can do to look younger is dress younger. That approach does nothing more than cast a light on your age and then adds some. Luckily, the modern woman has learned to grow old gracefully, a move that has seen the forties and fifties become ageless decades. 

There is one glaringly obvious problem, however: embracing your age is no easy feat. You suddenly have to reassess everything about your beauty regime. At best: it’s daunting. At worst: it is absolutely terrifying. So, to help you, we’ve pulled together a few beauty tips to embrace when you are in your fabulous fifties.

1. Embrace Your Skin

If there is any one thing you should do in your fifties, it is embrace your skin type and understand specifically what it is you want to address about it. This could be the common enemy that is wrinkles (or as we prefer to call them: life-lines),  or it could be other annoyances like blotchiness, the return of acne or oily skin. Our advice: target any concerns you have specifically. That’s the best way to get the best results. If you have oily skin, then the best thing for you is probably going to be an emulsion skin care routine. If you have blotchy patches, hydroquinone is a great way to address irregularities in pigmentation. For wrinkles, products rich in peptides are known to stimulate collagen and give your skin that vibrancy you want back. And finally, if you loathe your acne, then salicylic acid is still numero uno. Yes, just like when you were a teen. 

2. Stick With What Works

You’re in your fifties and that means you’ve had plenty of time to play around with different makeup brands, colours, shades and everything else. You know what works best for you, so now you just need to stick with it. Forget about experimenting with new products or trying out the latest passing trends and just stick with what works. If you are still trying to work this out, stay away from things like opaque brights, shimmer and heavy foundation because these will do nothing but highlight your creases. Instead, opt for things like rosy and coral blushes and neutral eyebrow brushes to fill in any gaps from lighter hairs. As for smoothing out your wrinkles, there are smoothing primers that work wonders, after which just pop on a little bit of foundation. That’s all there is to it. 

3. Natural Hair, Don’t Care

This is the most common area for women over fifty to start freaking out. But don’t. Like we said in that preamble bit, looking fifty has never-ever been so cherished, so embrace it and stick with your natural hair colour, even if that means slightly grey. As for hairstyles, soft waves and gentle curls are going to be way better suited to you than anything that’s too stiff. And, if you want a little pointer, especially when it comes to your dryer hair, start using your shampoo less and your conditioner more. You’ll be amazed at the results. Soft and voluminous is the aim of the game on the fifties front. If you absolutely aren’t ready to embrace the whole going grey thing, though, then you need to stick to the middle ground and avoid any colours that are either too dark or too light. Basically, black or dark brown is out (because no woman of fifty can get away with the un-faded look). As for going lighter, try highlighting in a shade that will work well with your natural colour. Then, the older you get and the lighter your hair becomes, just start using lighter highlights and you’ll find you grow old with style and grace. 

4. The Big Whisker Worry

Growing whiskers is not what any woman wants to see happening, but it is a natural part of growing older and that’s because your estrogen levels start to fall. If you want a permanent (albeit pricey) solution, then your best bet is to book in for an electrolysis session. That’ll do the job. Just be aware there is some scabbing in the short-term. If, however, this option fails to tick the right boxes, you could try threading or even get yourself a facial epilator. Like we said, sprouting hairs is a totally normal part of growing older, but there are numerous ways to shut this down. 

5. White Is More Than Alright

No, for once we’re not alluding to your greying hair and we’re not going to point you in the direction of Dame Helen Mirren for inspiration on how to embrace the white lock look. Instead, we’re broaching the teeth-whitening side of things and that’s because having white teeth will knock years - and we mean years - off your appearance. What’s more, by just going three or four shades lighter, you will get a totally natural look too. Of course, the only way to guarantee a great job is done is to pop along to a professional service and ask them for a natural finish. Sure, you may be thinking to yourself, “that’s gonna cost a bunch isn’t it?” and you would be right, it will cost you more than say a charcoal toothpaste or one of those home whitening kits. But it won’t cost as much as you might imagine. You see, the cost of made-to-measure teeth whitening services has fallen faster than Donald Trump’s popularity and that means you won’t have to buy one of those self-whitening kits that promise to punish your gums with a burning sensation. 

Women get to fifty and think they want to look younger. But that’s not the case. You want to get to fifty and look great for your age. Distinction. 

Colors, Shade & Clever Techniques: A Guide To Hiding Facial Flaws

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We all have an area of our face that we’re not too keen on. In all likelihood, it’s a (perceived) flaw that only we notice, but it stands out to us like a glaring beacon. It’s the part of our face we find ourselves focusing on when we’re looking at photographs; the one thing we can’t quite see past. 

People will often say that everyone is beautiful, and you should gloss over the areas that bother you. As nice an idea as this is, it’s simply not possible for some of us-- and there’s nothing wrong with that either. If you have what you feel is a defining facial flaw, being constantly told it’s fine and to cheer up just isn’t helpful. You need practical solutions. 

If you have such a flaw, then it might come as a relief to know that there’s always something you can do about it. The most obvious solution is usually some kind of surgery to fully rectify the issue; this is a personal choice, but if you feel it might be for you then you can check out the likes of Facial Plastics for more. If you’re not looking for something so drastic, then there’s plenty you can do with makeup to ensure you’re always happy with the reflection you see in the mirror… 

You Think: Your Nose Is Too Big

There are plenty of contouring methods that can help reduce the size of your nose if this is an area of concern for you. There’s a great video here that can explain the basics; don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you. 

You Think: Your Pores Are Too Large 

Realistically, there’s not much you can do -- despite the claims of moisturizer manufacturers -- about large pores. It’s a genetic issue that tends to go hand-in-hand with oily skin. However, the fact you can’t remove the pores doesn’t mean you can’t hide them. Opt for silicone-based primers such as Benefit’s famed Porefessional; apply with a brush and then build the coverage until the pore size appears greatly reduced. 

You Think: You Have Dark Eye Circles

Again, despite the claims of most skincare manufacturers, there’s relatively little you can do about dark under-eye circles. They’re genetic; the skin is thinner in this area, meaning that it shows the shadow from your brow. So rather than spending a fortune on products to improve something that can’t be improved, learn to use a color-corrector. Yellow is the best color for under-eye circles; use it beneath your concealer and foundation for the best results. 

You Think: Your Face Is Too Red

If you suffer from facial redness, there’s various calming products you can use, but these take awhile to work. In the meantime, turn to color-correcting once more; for redness, you want to use a green-colored base. 

Ultimately, if you have a flaw, there is always something you can do to rectify it-- the above are just a few suggestions. Play with makeup, experiment, learn how to color-correct, and you’ll soon see a finished result that you love.

Your Hair Is The Crown You Don't Take Off - Look After It!

It’s true what they say; your hair is the crown you don’t take off. Many women consider their hair to be their crowning glory, and yet many of those women are failing to take care of it properly. With the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to take great care of your hair and fall in love as it looks better than it ever has before! 

Eat A Nutritious Diet 

First of all, eating a nutritious diet is going to work wonders for your hair, amongst other things. Not only will it help your hair to stay strong and shiny, it will also make you feel great and keep your body healthy. Make sure you fill your diet with as many natural foods as possible, ensuring an even balance of protein, carbs, and fats for the best results. Some of the foods that are great for hair include avocados, egg yolks, and nuts. Healthy fats are perfect for hair health! 

Start Taking Vitamins Designed For Hair

Get into a good routine of taking vitamins designed for hair each day. If you’re looking to ensure your hair remains as healthy as possible and give it a great boost, this is a simple way to do it. Results aren't always guaranteed, but some people swear by them. 

Sleep On A Silk Pillowcase

Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can help to keep your hair healthy and make it dar more manageable. The silk helps to keep your hair moisturized, and you should find it feels smoother and silkier. You can find one of these for all price ranges! 

Use Products Suited To Your Hair Type 

Do you know your hair type? You should! You need to make sure you’re using products to suit your hair type for the best results. If you use products designed for dry hair on oily hair, you’re asking for trouble. Make sure you know what your hair type is and look carefully for products before purchasing. Some products are designed for all hair types, but you need to make sure you do your research first. 

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Use High Quality Hair Accessories 

If you're going to use hair accessories, make sure they’re high quality. Using low quality products and accessories in your hair could damage it beyond repair, especially when it comes to extensions. Tape in hair extensions are great, as they can give a seamless look and feel. If you go for extensions that are low quality, or even have them applied by an inexperienced technician, you could lose your hair in places and experience thinning. 

Keep Heat To A Minimum

Keeping heat to a minimum is one of the best approaches to take with your hair. The more you heat your hair, the more you damage it and dry it out. Always use heat protectant spray if you must use heat. 

Don’t Wash It So Often 

Why do people still think they need to wash their hair every day? Washing the hair this often actually trains it to become greasy. By making sure you keep the times you wash your hair to a minimum, you will save money on hair care products and ensure it stays in great condition. 

Achieve a Professional Look With Real Techniques Make Up Brushes from Sephora

I have always considered myself a strong woman, ready to take on any challenge. However, when it comes to using make up, I have to admit that I still have a lot to learn, especially when it comes to choosing the right kind of brush to apply make up. I thought all brushes were one and the same. This mindset was proven wrong when I was given the chance to try Real Techniques make up brushes from Sephora.  

Sephora is a company focused on making women worldwide feel and look beautiful. Operating 1,900 physical stores in 29 countries and currently expanding their reach in the Asia Pacific Region with 200 stores spread across Australia, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia & India, and is now serving customers from the Philippines through their online store!

I ordered a set of Real Techniques brushes from Sephora. Before I go on to discuss my experience with the product, I would like to mention the ease of transaction online. Their website is user friendly and easy to use. I was able to choose the products I needed and within a few minutes, I was checking out and finalizing my order. However, it does not end there. Their post sale service was great! An email confirming my order was in my inbox almost immediately after I placed my order. A link to track my order was included in the email too. Their customer service hotline was easy to reach, with little to no wait time. The representative that attended to my query was courteous and very efficient. Customer service at its best!

Now, to proceed with my review. I am terrible with applying foundation and eye shadow. It is either I look too polished or "cake-y" or like I never applied anything at all. For this reason, I ordered the Real Techniques Duo Fiber Collection Set, Concealer brush, and the Foundation brush. I chose these products because its bristles are made from Taklon, a synthetic fiber free from any protein component and allergens. Therefore, it is 100% hypoallergenic, and animal cruelty free. In addition to that, since the bristles are made of synthetic fiber, it is easy to clean. 

I can be a klutz when applying make up so to make sure I do not make a mess out of myself, I asked my son's girlfriend, Marga, to do a demo for me for the photoshoot.

1. Real Techniques Foundation Brush

I am amazed at how well this brush helped in applying foundation. The brush design is great because the bristles are tapered and set at an angle making it easier to apply foundation evenly especially around the area of the bridge and sides of the nose. This brush allowed to build coverage on my foundation based on my liking without creating any streaking.

2. Real Techniques Concealer Brush

I never thought using a brush to apply concealer would be possible. I always thought a beauty sponge was the best way to do that. However, the Real Techniques Concealer Brush gave me a different experience. The brush had just the right density which provided an even coverage for those nasty dark under-eye circles. I love that the bristles were soft enough to use for this sensitive area of my face. 

3. Real Techniques Duo-Fiber Collection

This brush set consists of three different brushes, namely, the Duo-Fiber Face Brush, Duo-Fiber Contour Brush, and the Duo-Fiber Eye Brush.  These brushes helps create soft layers and texture because it is less dense than the other brushes. The Duo-Fiber Contour Brush can be used for defining the shape of your face. It can also be used to apply blush and highlights.  The Duo-Fiber Eye Brush was another "first." I always thought you needed those little applicators that comes with the palette when applying eye shadow. This brush helped me to achieve a smokey effect without having to look overly made-up. It made me itch at bit, but I guess that just comes with the fact that this was the first time I used a brush to apply eye shadow. Lastly, the Duo-Fiber Face Brush was the perfect brush to finish off the look. Perfect for applying loose powder and for a quick retouch. I love the "no-make up" make up look and these brushes will make anyone achieve a professional finish.

The other great features I discovered using Real Techniques brushes are:

• Grip of brush is good
• Brushes have a flat base to allow it stand upright (except the duo fiber brushes)
• Affordable quality brushes which can compare to name brands
• Bristles are super soft
• Base brushes are dense so application is very easy, make up build is easy too
• Brushes are multi purpose

In conclusion, I would recommend Real Techniques brushes. They are really worth the price. Furthermore, since you can only get these from Sephora, you can be sure that you are getting the authentic item!

Now that Sephora is available online for its customers in the Philippines, you can get all your beauty and luxury products from the industry leader. Free shipping is offered for orders Php 1,300.00 and up. Head on over to Sephora.ph now!

I am a satisfied customer! I am planning to get lip brushes next time. So happy that Sephora is finally here! I guess Marga is happy too. :)

Disclosure: Product/s mentioned above were sent to me by Sephora for evaluation purposes. No monetary compensation was received to write the review. All opinions expressed here are 100% my own. However, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Get All the Pampering You Want At A Price You Can Afford With Groupon

This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine.

Being a busy mom is not an excuse to let pampering take a back seat in your life. Of course, everyone grows old and as nature takes its course, so would our bodies. What is the best we can do about growing old? It is to stay healthy and grow old gracefully. 

I try my best to attend to my responsibilities at home as a wife and mother, meet pressing deadlines at work, and occasionally babysit for my 10 month old grandson. When the weekend comes around, I am so exhausted that all I need is a good relaxing soak in the tub! 

Some days I feel like going out to the salon for a mani-pedi. This is the only vanity I have, not by choice, but because I do not have the skill to paint my nails myself. Going to the salon is not cheap, we all know that. However, I feel like this is the only reward I get after all the work I've been doing. I recently got my nails done, and of course, I chose my favorite color, cocoa. I feel so beautiful when my nails are perfectly manicured!

You may be wondering how a mother sending a child through college can afford having salon pampering. Well, the answer is easy. I take advantage of the Health, Beauty & Wellness Groupons!  

Groupon is a great resource to find deals for almost everything you need! You can find coupons to use for family activities, hotel accommodations, events, memberships, goods, etc. My favorite search on the Groupon site is for deals on health and wellness, and of course, beauty! Here I find deals for spa treatments, facial care, massages and reflexology treatments. I avail of these services as a gift for myself. It is my "me" time treat.

My daughter is a big fan of Groupon too and she was able to save a lot when she went shopping for her newborn son. Now she and her husband use Groupon to search for spa treatment deals in their area too. Raising a child is hard work!

If you haven't signed up for Groupon yet, now is the time to do so! Signing up is free, so that lets you in on a gazillion deals right in the palm of your hand. 

Its the last quarter of the year and you know there will be a lot of family gatherings and parties to attend. Get that hairstyle you've always wanted, get a spa treatment and have your nails done. Groupon's got your budget covered! 

Check out their awesome deals today!