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ISA Professional Gold 24K XANADU Vitamin C Serum and Makeup Foundation Primer

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I am definitely “all about that serum life” and I am always looking at different ones to try out on my skin.  After seeing the packaging on this particular serum, I was sold in a blink of an eye… because it’s gorgeous.  The ISA Professional Gold 24K XANADU Vitamin C Serum and Makeup Foundation Primer is absolutely gorgeous and I wanted to share with you my thoughts on the product, it’s packaging and so much more.

ISA Professional Gold 24K XANADU Vitamin C Serum and Makeup Foundation Primer

ISA Professional Gold 24K XANADU Vitamin C Serum and Makeup Foundation Primer retails for $59.00 and includes 1 fl.oz./30 mL. worth of product.  This serum is designed to be the “Best Serum” for your face and can also be used as a makeup foundation primer that is weightless and helps makeup last longer.  Now – I couldn’t tell you if it helped my foundation stay on – because you have read it here many times – I don’t use the stuff… but I was still able to put it to the test with my regular face makeup like bronzer, blush and highlighter so I’ll be giving you my input on that.  This product is formulated with botanical ingredients, high tech science and real 24K gold.  It is said to moisturize, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, even skin tone, repair sun damage and give you a golden youthful glow.

Ingredients include: 24K Gold, Deionized water, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Collagen, Rose Extract, Hyaluronic acid, Creatine, Beta-Glucan, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide (Matrixyl-3000), Epidermal Growth Factor, P-anisic.

From Nature
* 24K Gold.
* Vitamin C – pH balanced and highly absorbable. Brightens skin, combats wrinkles and dark spots.
* Vitamin E moisturizes and heals.
* Rose Extract soothes the skin and gives the Xanadu serum a delightful natural scent.
* P-anisic from the spice anise.

Supporting what’s already in your skin
* Hyaluronic Acid captures and holds up to 1000 times its volume in moisture to your skin.
* Collagen to support your skin’s own collagen.
* Creatine supplies energy to your cells.
* Beta-Glucan boosts the immune system.

From High Tech science
* Palmitoyl Oligopeptide (Matrixyl-3000) is a peptide that specifically stimulates collagen synthesis and skin repair.
* Epidermal Growth Factor stimulates new cell growth.

ISA Professional Gold 24K XANADU Vitamin C Serum and Makeup Foundation Primer

Important Safety Notice: For topical use only. Not for use on mucous membranes. Do not ingest. Do not apply in, on, or around eye area. Irritation may result. If you do accidentally get some product in your eye, rinse with cool water.

ISA Professional Gold 24K XANADU Vitamin C Serum and Makeup Foundation Primer
I used this product by applying it once a day – though suggested for twice a day in the morning and evening.  A little of this product goes a long way and it has a gel like texture that blends out onto the skin.  The gold flakes through out the gel / serum do not blend out as quickly as I would have thought, so when I use this product, I really need to make sure I’m not in a rush and take my time with it or else I will have gold flakes stuck to my skin.  You can definitely use the product that way if you want, it gives a shimmer and gold look that is surely showstopping, but it is not my cup of tea so I make sure to blend the product out well and evenly.  The serum itself soaks into the skin really quickly and I didn’t notice that it was sticky at all.  Overall – when using this product, I tend to have a brighter complexion and I look much more radiant than without this product.  It definitely is something I would apply prior to going out on a date night because it gives me a great glow.  I skin feels soft once the product is set and I love the way it looks when I use this serum.

Now – let’s talk about how this works under makeup.  Like I mentioned previously, I do not use foundation, so I apply this product like I would my normal skin care serums in the morning and then let it set and soak in.  When I apply my blush, bronzer and highlighter to my face, I notice the product does last longer on my skin than it would if I used it without any primer and on bare skin.  I was amazed to get longer wear out of products that don’t last me that long – like my ColourPop Highlighters that tend to fade on my skin quickly.  After applying the primer, I noticed I got several hours of ColourPop highlighter wear against my skin which I enjoy.

ISA Professional Gold 24K XANADU Vitamin C Serum and Makeup Foundation Primer

I have been using this product through the summer months and found that it withheld quite nicely though the warm heat we experience here in Hawaii.  I didn’t feel sticky and I didn’t have any break outs.  The packaging itself is really nice and makes it easy to pump the product out for use.  Not to mention it is a showstopper in the bottle and displaying on any vanity will surely catch anyone’s attention.  A little of the product goes a long way – so after one pump, I usually get quite a bit of product out to use on my face.  It’s a bit costly for the amount you get – but I would pay it because well, look at it – it’s got real 24K gold suspended in the serum… gorgeous. I have never tried anything like this before, but I have been enjoying it and I think I will be repurchasing more when I run out.  Did I mention that this product is light weight?  Once blended and soaked into the skin, it feels like you have nothing on which I love.  I especially love using this product on its own without any makeup.  I’ll put on some mascara and a little lip stain and my skin is glowing and summer ready.  I love it.

You can check out all the details on this product and purchase it here.  Would you try something similar to this or give this product a try?  What about the price point, do you think it is something you would spend the money on?

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  I was sent this product for review consideration.  All thoughts and opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased.  I was not paid to provide my thoughts on this product or to feature on my site.  There are affiliate links throughout this post that I can receive payment on if you click on them – but you are not required to.

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Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye Contour Palette

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SELF PURCHASED / AFFILIATE LINKS

 

I’m probably a bit late to the game in sharing this palette with you all, but I just wasn’t certain if it was something I wanted to have in my collection but decided I would try it out anyway.  I’m glad I did, because the Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye Contour Palette has easily become a favorite in my makeup arsenal.  It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Kat Von D – having watched her career flourish as a tattoo artist over the years, so when she began her own cosmetic line at Sephora, I was taken by everything about it.  Many who read my blog or watch my videos know that the Tattoo Liner in Trooper is probably one of my favorites to date and I’m glad I decided to pick this palette up because I’m loving it.

Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye Contour Palette

The Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye Contour Palette retails at Sephora for $46 USD.  It includes twelve all matte shades that were created to transform your eyes through the art of contouring.  Using shadow and light to create dimension in her beautiful portraits, Kat wanted a palette to empower you to create a look for your ideal eye shape featuring definition, lift and balance.  This palette has arranged its shades into three unique quads – each with a base, contour, define and highlight shade in neutral, cool and warm hues so you could create a look that was effortless and perfect.

Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye Contour Palette

Included with your palette are illustrations on different shade combinations that you can try from each quad to discover your favorite transformative look.  And, of course if you are wanted to interchange and mix up the shades to create your own looks, you can do that as well.  The palette is made in the USA and the packaging is stunning.

Shade break down:

Net Wt – 3 x 2.3g/0.08oz (larger base shades) and 9 x 1.1g/0.04oz (contour, definition and highlight shades).  Like I mentioned before, each shade is matte which allows you to create a variety of looks.

Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye Contour Palette

Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye Contour Palette

I am loving the shades in this palette, especially since they include a range of hues from cool and warm to neutral which means I can use a combination of all or a few to create looks I love.  Each shade while matte are actually quite easy to work with and easy to blend out.  If you have worked with matte shades before, some can be a challenge, but overall I do like how well these blend.  Like a lot of my Kat Von D palettes, this one can be a bit powdery, though I do think it has some to do with the matte shades as well.  I don’t get much fall out – but I always make sure to tap my brush off prior to applying to my lid.

Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye Contour Palette

For the quality you are getting and the amount of shadows, I think you are definitely getting a steal.  The palette is well made and the packaging is really nice and sturdy.  I would have loved to have the magnetic closure a little stronger than what it is – but overall I think I would be comfortable enough to take this palette on a trip or pack it for travel.  It can be a bit bulky (the palette itself) but I still think it is pretty good protection for the shadows.  Oh – and I really really wish the names of each shadow was printed on the actual palette itself.  I’m doing my best to throw out packaging and I’m not about that life of keeping cards handy.  I like that the names are printed on the back, but I much rather prefer it printed near the actual shadow itself.

Smoldering Smoky - Easy Smoky Eye Featuring Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye Palette

In the look above, I am using shadows from the Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye Contour Palette.  A full list of products used can be found here and a tutorial for this look here.

Like most makeup on the market today – any purchase in its own is an investment and I think this is a nice one.  If you are looking for a palette you can create looks for work with or just something easy to use, I think you’ll enjoy it.  I am surprised at how much I’m enjoying this palette.  Laetus has been my go-to highlight shade for my brow bone since I got this palette and succubus is a gorgeous shade in the crease or to smoke out your look.  I love it – even with it’s little issues I have with it – I know I’ll get some great use from this one.  This palette is sold exclusively at Sephora and Sephora.com

Have you tried this palette yet?  If not – is it on your list? If you have, what do you think about it?

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  I purchased this product with my own money.  All thoughts and opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased.  I was not paid to feature this product on my site though I do have affiliate links posted through out.

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Smoldering Smoky – Easy Smoky Eye Featuring Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye Palette

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SELF PURCHASED / AFFILIATE LINKS

 

I’m naturally a busy bee so when I am looking to create fierce looking eye makeup – I not only have to do it quickly, but it needs to be pretty easy as well.  Over the years I have found that a soft brown smoky eye or even a purple or burgundy hued one is my best play on eye looks to bring out my brown eyes, but lately I’ve been digging adding grey hues to the mix and found that this look could definitely be a showstopper.  Today I bring to you a Smoldering Smoky, Easy Smoky Eye featuring the Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye Palette.  It’s my first true makeup look using this particular palette so I hope you enjoy.

Smoldering Smoky - Easy Smoky Eye Featuring Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye Palette
A complete step by step walk-through tutorial can be found in the video embedded below or you can click here to watch directly on YouTube.

I began this look by applying my Milani Eye Shadow primer all over the lid and onto the lower lash line.  Then taking my Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye Palette – I swept Laetus all over the lid. Samael was then applied as my transition shade and blended towards my browbone to blend the highlight shade and transition effortlessly.  Saleos was applied onto my lid with patting motions and a domed eye shadow brush followed with Solas which was applied on the top of Saleos to soften the shade.  Then I applied Solas into my crease and added Succubus to give the look a more blended and darker effect.

Using the Milani Kohl Kajal liner, I lined my upper and lower lash line and waterline.  Then used the deep shades from the Kat Von D palette to smoke out and smudge the liner to create a softer look.  I then used Latinus to highlight my browbone and applied Mary Kay Lash Love Lengthening mascara and Ardell Demi Whispies lashes.

Smoldering Smoky - Easy Smoky Eye Featuring Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye Palette

To add light definition and contour to my face, I used my NYX Matte Bronzer in Deep and added warmth to my face.  I am using Milani Rose Powder Blush in Warm Petals to add a little warmth and color to my face and finished with Becca Shimmering Face Perfector in Champagne Pop for highlight.  For my lips I am using ColourPop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick in Trap with a little of Tulle topped to give a little different hue.

Smoldering Smoky - Easy Smoky Eye Featuring Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye Palette

This look is a bit bold, but still wearable and so quick and easy to create.  Don’t forget to check out my tutorial for the deets and I hope you enjoyed this.  It’s been a while since I have done something quite bold, but I had a lot of fun doing so.  I’m totally diggin’ the Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye Palette and I’m having fun trying out new combinations.

Have a wonderful day!

Signature Honey

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REVIEW: Anaiti Instant Wrinkle Smoothing Serum

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When it comes to anti-wrinkle or anti-aging serums, I’m all about that life.  If you have been on my blog for a while, you may have seen or read quite a few reviews on products that offer preventative and upkeep for such.  Today I’m talking to you about the Anaiti Instant Wrinkle Smoothing Serum.  Let’s face it, I’m all about serums and I’m always excited to try new ones.  Here are my thoughts and info on this product.

REVIEW: Anaiti Instant Wrinkle Smoothing Serum

 

Anaiti Instant Wrinkle Smoothing Serum (30 ml./1 fl.oz.) retails for $79.99 but can be found on sale through the Amazon store front and is currently at the sale price of $45.99.  This product’s claims that it offers fast-acting advanced skin care formulated to give IMMEDIATE results as well as long term benefits with patented Matrixyl and Ronovage.  It increases skin’s moisture balance, evens out the skin tone, reduces pore size and increases skin firmness and elasticity.  With all of those things you should see a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  You can use this product as often as required to lift, firm, tighten and smooth your skin as well as moisturize.

I have had this product for a month now and have been using it on its own as well as with various skin care products I use religiously and here are my thoughts on the product itself.  The serum itself is clear and liquid like – but thicker than a liquid, but not as thick as a gel texture.  The bottle has a great pump which works well and I have been enjoying the packaging as it makes applying the product easy.  I have been applying this product at night and on some days in the morning and while it the decrease in my fine lines did not happen that second when applied, after 30 minutes, when I look at my face, I notice a difference.  My fine lines and minimal wrinkles have decreased over time the last 5 weeks or so and I have noticed that my skin does look a little brighter than before.

This product is a bit sticky after applying and even after it dries so if you are not a fan of that, this may bother you.  But, I noticed my skin feels really moisturized through the day and if I apply blush, bronzer or highlighter after the product has dried, it really sticks and stays all day.  I wouldn’t necessarily consider this product to be a makeup primer, but it definitely did contribute to my face products staying on and lasting through the day.  The product itself is quite expensive if purchased at full price and while I think it is a really nice one to have – it definitely is costly.  Would I purchase it at full price?  Hmmm… if I haven’t tried the product previously, no, since I have tested it out, hmm… I’m still on the fence.  However, at the sale/discounted price, I would definitely pick it up.

Have you tried or heard of Anaiti products?  I’m amazed that after using this the last month, I have had a few friends that actually use and enjoy the brand, so I’m excited to see what else is available.

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  I received this product for review consideration.  While I did get product for free, all opinions are my own and 100% honest and unbiased.  I was not paid to provide this review.

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Swiss Ultimate Labs Sonic-Ionic Infusion Wrinkle-Eraser Wand & Under-Eye Massager

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I’m always interested in trying out new and innovative devices and technology when it comes to beauty or skin care.  Let’s face it, our world is constantly evolving and that includes devices that can help with all kinds of beauty related issues.  I also enjoy a product that is easy to use and will assist in your daily beauty needs.  I was given the opportunity to try the Swiss Ultimate Labs Sonic-Ionic Infusion Wrinkle-Eraser Wand & Under-Eye Massager and here are my thoughts on this little gadget.

Swiss Ultimate Labs Sonic-Ionic Infusion Wrinkle-Eraser Wand & Under-Eye Massager

First off, the shape of this massaging tool is definitely interesting.  It retails for under $30 and currently on sale for $16.  It’s a cool little tool that comes ready to use right out of its packaging – battery and all.  What does it do?  Using gentle, negative-ion, micro-electric pulses it gently pushes your favorite essential oils, creams and serums deeper into your skin providing a noticeable reduction in appearance of find lines, eye-bags and lines around the mouth.  This little unit has ultrasonic therapy that promotes increased circulation to reduce puffy eyes, promotes deeper, effective eye treatments and reduces dark circles.  Within 2-3 weeks you will noticeably see or feel firmer skin in the areas you have treated.

This product is light weight and portable which makes it easy to take with you during travel.  It can be used on the forehead, around the lips and brow area and under the eyes.  It is also an FDA registered device.  Another cool thing is that the company offers a 100% Money Back Guarantee.

So here is how I used it and my results from the product.  I am a serum addict so I found that it worked well with any of the serums I loved to use.  After applying my serum or cream to my under eye area, I would start to use the Ionic Eye Device.  By lightly applying (touching) the device to the skin in which I want to treat and pressing softly on the silver button along the length of the device, the device will automatically sense the contact electronically and go to work.  This unit encourages absorption of the treatment to your skin and also provides a light massage.  You will continue massaging on each section that you want to treat for 30 seconds and you can do this each night before bed when doing your beauty regimen.

The companies claim is that in 4-6 weeks, your fine lines and puffiness are visibly reduced and the area under eyes appears significantly younger.  I have definitely noticed a difference in places I apply my serums and treat.  The puffiness under my eyes have decreased enough for me to take notice after just a few short weeks.  At the price point, I think it is definitely worth a try.

There are so many devices on the market today with a wide range of price points, but while some will offer you a little bit of improvement when it comes to your skin, others may not work at all.  I have fairly good skin and so when it comes to trying out new products and devices, I tend to see results or not if something works or doesn’t.  In this case, I can definitely say this product does offer some form of improvement if even just a massage for my tired eyes and facial lines.  I think it’s worth the try especially at the price.

You can purchase this product via their Amazon store here.

Signature Honey

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