Monday, August 27, 2012

Coastal Scents: African Black Soap

I've been familiar with Coastal Scents for quite a while now.
I remember when my older sister always used to buy tons and tons of palettes (eyeshadows, blushes, bronzers, etc.) from them.
I was still a little girl back then so I was really fascinated with makeup.

I'm sure most of you guys who attended IMATS know about this, but when I walked by the Coastal Scents booth, I saw that they had this "mini sweepstakes" where you have to drop this token and you'll win something, depending on where it falls. (I hope I explained that right. LOL.)
Anyways, I won a sample of an African Black Soap.


AFRICAN BLACK SOAP

Coastal Scents African Black Soap is the real deal! This soap is imported directly from Ghana, Africa where members of the Sekaf Village manufacture and produce it from all natural ingredients. The Ghanaians have used the African Black Soap for centuries.

There are 4 types of African Black Soap: Nuna Black Soap Unscented, Nuna Black Soap Shea Butter, Nuna Black Soap Cocoa Butter, and the Tama Black Soap.
You can order a whole set, which includes all 4, at Coastal Scents for only $12.95.

It is said to:

- relieve acne, oily skin, and blemishes
- reduce skin irritations and conditions (Eczema)
- remove dirt, oils, and makeup
- leave skin soft and clear


Since it's super tiny, I only use my African Black Soap for my face.
I breakout A LOT so I wanted to experiment and see if it will actually help clear my acne.
I have been using this for about a week now, and I got to say that I AM IN LOVE WITH IT!

It definitely dried up my breakouts. I had a fresh pimple the first time I used it, and the next day, it was almost gone. That's pretty amazing if you ask me.
It leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth.
It lathers up really nicely so a little goes a long way.
It has an earthy smell but I don't really notice the fragrance. It's almost non-existent.
I've read other reviews before and most of them said how the soap dries out their skin.
The very first time I used it, I found that it softened up a few dry spots on my face.
But after a few more washes, it did start to kind of dry out my skin. So make sure to moisturize right after.

Have you guys tried African Black Soap? How did it work out for you?


follow me: @MyLifeAsCarrie
like me: Read My Life As Carrie
add me: Carrie

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Sizzling Hairstyles To Try!


I haven't rocked the "half-up, half-down" hairstyle since I was in middle school, but I am a BIG FAN of the infamous "beachy topknot" look.
It's just so easy to do. It takes less than a minute.
And it's effortlessly cute!

There are several ways to play up this simple look:


- the upside down french braid bun


- the donut/sock bun


- the braided high bun


- or the classic lazy day messy top knot


This reminds me, I NEED to go get me one of those sock bun thingies, ASAP!!!

What's your go-to hairstyle?


follow me: @MyLifeAsCarrie
like me: Read My Life As Carrie
add me: Carrie

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Skulls on a Tuesday Morning & Giveaway -- CLOSED

Photobucket
007
008
010
011
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket

$40.00

One of our best selling tops. Designer inspired print with long back style.

Sheer and lightweight.
Very airy.
High-Low hemline.
You can wear neon colored bandeau bras underneath for a pop of color. 
Perfect for the summer and fall season.
Comes in both Black & White in sizes S, M, & L.
Packaging was SUPERRRRR cute! Shipping was very fast.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this top.

I wore this Skull Print Top buttoned all the way up with a black tube top inside, paired with burgundy high-waisted shorts.
For accessories, I used my Figure To Figure Gold and Black layered necklace.
I also added a stack of 2 gold bangles with white and black pearl bracelets.
For my shoes, I wore my gold gladiator sandals. 


***GIVEAWAY***

Cutieshey is giving away a $50 gift card code to their online store to one lucky winner.

What you have to do:

First thing you have to do is take a picture of absolutely anything BUT somewhere in the picture, make sure to include Cutieshey's website: www.cutieshey.com. Make it creative!!!
Afterwards, you can post it on either twitter, facebook, or instagram. (You can do all 3 if you want to, which will count for 3 entries)

Make sure to:
• mention @MyLifeAsCarrie and @CutiesheyC if you post it on twitter +1
• tag Read My Life As Carrie and Cutieshey Clothing if you post it on facebook +1
• #cutieshey if you post it on Instagram +1


In addition to your photo entry, you also have to:

MANDATORY:  1. Be a GFC follower of Read My Life As Carrie.
MANDATORY: 2. Follow @MyLifeAsCarrie on twitter.

Extra Entries:
(Please leave separate comments for each extra entry.)

1. Follow @CutiesheyC on Twitter. +1
2. Like Cutieshey Clothing on Facebook. +2
3. Like Read My Life As Carrie on Facebook +2
4. Follow @cutieshey_clothing on Instagram +3
5. Blog about this giveaway or post it on your sidebar. Be sure to leave me the link on +5

You have a total of 17 possible entries!


Here are a few examples:
(Just in case, I didn't explain it well enough :])

DSCN8173

aaaand....

DSCN8177

A few ideas would be taking a picture of your dog and drawing a thinking cloud with the Cutieshey URL or take a picture of a doodle on your notebook with the Cutieshey URL on it.
You can do absolutely anything, just make it creative. :D 

This giveaway is for US Residents only.
It will end on September 14, 2012 at 11:59 pm PST.

Best of luck to all of you!

Sunday, August 12, 2012

On My Bucket List: Witness and Be in a Flash Mob

Next up On My Bucket List...


Witnessing and/or joining a FLASH MOB!!!

I got a bit too carried away with watching a bunch of flash mobs on YouTube last night.
It just seems so much fun and to be able to put a smile on people's faces is probably the best feeling in the world.

Happy Sunday! :D


follow me: @MyLifeAsCarrie
like me: Read My Life As Carrie
add me: Carrie

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Morphé: Apricot Makeup Remover Cleansing Tissues

Before anything, I would like to announce that the winner of the $50 Shabby Apple gift card is entry #104, Breanna of My Beautiful Crazy Life.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
I will be sending you an email soon. :D

Anyways, one of the booths that I visited at IMATS was Morphé Makeup Brushes.

Photobucket

Morphé Brushes specializes in high-quality makeup brushes without the name-brand cost! We are a company that has been manufacturing and importing makeup brushes for many years now. From start to finish, we are here for our customers every step of the way. Our staff is specially trained and has the knowledge to help guide you through every professional makeup brush purchase. All of our products are handmade and all carry warranties.

"Morphé", the original Greek word for 'shape'. True to their name, Morphé professional make-up brushes come to you with a promise of the shape that lets you design your most beautiful self. Our extensive selection of cruelty-free natural, as well a fine synthetic hair bristles, guarantees you high American standards quality at factory direct prices.


Photobucket

They sold A LOOOOT of good quality brushes.
I wasn't really planning on buying any since I still have some, BUT their scented makeup removers did catch my eye!

They are originally priced at $3.99 but they were selling it for $3 flat at IMATS.
That's definitely something that I couldn't pass up.
It comes in 5 different scents: Cucumber, Aloe, Apricot, Collagen, and Green Tea.

Photobucket

Morphé Apricot Scented Makeup Remover Cleansing Tissues
$3.00

Our Makeup Remover Cleansing Tissues are pre-moistened to gently remove all traces of makeup, waterproof eye makeup, dirt, and oil. Formulated with natural herbs extracts, Vitamin E, and smoothing cornflower, these convenient pre-moistened tissues work in seconds leaving your skin clean, soft, and smooth.

Photobucket

I really really like this makeup remover wipes.
It doesn't burn my skin unlike the Olay Daily Facials Express Wet Cleansing Cloths.
It's made with natural herbs so, it doesn't irritate my skin.
It also has Vitamin E and smooth cornflower so, it's very moisturizing.
It definitely leaves my skin smooth.
And of course, the smell is amazing! It's not too strong, but not too faint either.

I LOOOOOOVE this makeup remover. I am definitely going to stock up on them next time I attend IMATS.
I wanna try all the other scents too. :D

Which makeup remover are you loving right now?



follow me: @MyLifeAsCarrie
like me:
Read My Life As Carrie
add me: Carrie

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

YouTube: As Long As You Love Me -- Justin Bieber feat. Big Sean

It's been a loooong time since I shared with you guys my song pick of the week soooo here it is...


I have been completely obsessed with this song. It's just so catchy.
(I even learned the dance steps. Sssshhhh. ;D)

What song is stuck to your head right now?



follow me: @MyLifeAsCarrie
like me: Read My Life As Carrie
add me: Carrie

Friday, August 3, 2012

Lens Village: Puffy 3 Tones Brown (Shinny Brown) Review & Giveaway

Can you guys believe it's Friday AGAIN?!?
And what's even crazier is that we're halfway past through the year.
IT'S AUGUST!!! WOW.

Anyways, I'm here today to introduce you guys to
http://www.lensvillage.com/.

What is LensVillage.com?

LensVillage.com is an online store that sell wide range of circle lenses, up to 400+ design and colors.
The products they carry are all Korea Food Drug Administration certified brand lenses such as GEO Medical, EOS, Dueba and Vassen.
They have also already gained some international organization which includes SFDA, CE, Thai FDA, PMDA, ISO 13485.


Florence reached out to me and allowed me to try their circle lenses.
I got super excited about this because I have been wanting colored lenses for quite a while now.

Photobucket

Since they are based in Malaysia, the shipping took about 2 weeks.
I admit, I kind of got a little bit impatient BUT it was totally worth it once my package was delivered.

What was inside:

- a box with the circle lenses inside
- 2 animal cases

Photobucket

The contacts were very well wrapped within a bubble wrap.
Even though the package was just solely paper, I like how the actual lenses were really secure within the box.

Photobucket

I recieved 2 pairs of circle lenses -- Puffy 3 Tones Brown & Puffy 3 Tones Green.

But I will only be reviewing one of them for you guys today.
(To see my review on the other pair, click
here.)

Photobucket

I had a bit of difficulty trying to open these jars which I take as a good thing because that means that the lenses were very well packaged. :)
It took me a while to figure out how to open it, so I'm going to give you guys a step-by-step:

1. Flip the cap of the jar as if you were trying to open it. This will break the metal sheet surrounding the foam.

2. Pull the metal sheet to the side to break it into two. Be careful with this step, you might cut yourself. The metal can be really sharp.

3. Pull the metal sheet off completely.

4. After that, you can just easily lift up the foam top of the jar. And TA-DA! You've got your circle lenses. :D

Photobucket

Puffy 3 Tones Brown (Shinny Brown)
$19.50

I wanted a color that will still look natural.
So I chose this shade of Brown. It's very different from my natural dark brown eyes, but not so much that it looks fake.

(and can I just say how cute these animal cases are? OH YEAH!)

Photobucket

As you can see, it's very different from my natural eyes.
It's actually more of a hazel color than a brown.
It has a pinkish-reddish inner lining and a golden outer shade.
It also succeeds on making my pupils look bigger, so thumbs up on that! :D

It's really easy to put on and take off.
It's super comfortable, I can't even feel it when it's on.
Sometimes, I even forget that it's there.
I really love how it looks. It's natural and it brightens up my face.

Photobucket

Overall, I give these lenses a 4.5 out of 5. :]


***GIVEAWAY***

Lens Village will be giving away a pair of circle lenses and 1 animal case to 2 of my lucky readers. That means, there will be 2 winners! :D

How to enter:

All you have to do is fill out the rafflecopter form below.
You must do all the mandatory entries before getting to the extra ones.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


This is an International Giveaway.
It will end on September 2, 2012, 9:01 pm, PST.

GOOD LUCK!


aaand the winner of my Simply Beach giveaway is entry #259, Belle of
www.belle-isima.blogspot.com/.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

MIXMOSS.com Apply Giveaway -- Calling All Bloggers

CALLING ALL BLOGGERS!
Mixmoss is offering all fashion bloggers the chance to win their $50 gift card giveaway.

What's unique about this is that after you win, you have to do a review on all the items that you purchase with the gift card.
So it benefits you, your blog, and Mixmoss.com all at the same time.


All you have to do is like their facebook page, then share this giveaway on your blog.
After you have made your post, you have to email them the link so your entry can count.

You can learn more here.

GIVE IT A TRY!


follow me: @MyLifeAsCarrie
like me: Read My Life As Carrie
add me: Carrie