bstylish with girlymama

review: raw minerals

You know those people who roll out of bed and flaunt their flawless skin?

Yeah, that's not me.

I'm one of the uh, less-blessed people in the skin department.  As in blotchy and uneven are two very well known words in my world.

So I was thrilled to be able to try out RAW minerals foundation and active finishing veil to see if perhaps I could achieve that coveted airbrushed look! 

What they say: "Our ultra-fine mineral foundations go on naturally with a weightless, silky feel and blend perfectly into skin to balance your complexion. The pigments are highly concentrated, so a single application seamlessly covers imperfections such as dark spots, redness and acne, and the hydrating formula won’t cake, dry out skin or settle into fine lines or pores.  Active Veil was designed to be worn over Active Mineral Foundations to diffuse light and give your skin a smooth, soft glow as though it had been airbrushed." 

What I say: While the foundation blended effortlessly, I needed two to three applications to get the coverage I wanted.  I loved that the foundation felt like I had nothing on and didn't rub off on any of my clothes! And unlike most makeups, RAW Minerals foundation has natural active botanicals and antioxidants that protect skin from radical damage. 

The Active Veil also went on light and clean, and gave my skin a soft glow as promised.  The only issue I had was that I really wasn't a fan of the makeup's fragrance.  The Active Veil did keep my makeup on the entire day (I'm talking 14 hours plus here).  And it doesn't hurt that it has SPF 18 thrown in as well!

Overall, I did like the end result, I just wish I didn't have to use so much of the foundation to achieve the look.  At $90 for the starter set, the price is a tad steep, but worth it if you are coveting that airbrushed look.  Feeling pressured by the price?  No worries, you can try RAW Minerals makeup for 30 days risk-free.  Not a fan?  Just return it!

 

disclosure: i received a raw minerals starter kit to review. i was not compensated financially for this post and, as always, all opinions are my own.

review: hanes panties

One of my goals for this year is to replace all of my underthings.

I'm sure you were just dying to know that.

But I encourage you to do the same. Underthings are the foundation of your wardrobe and they very often get ignored. It seems like its not a big deal, but you'll be amazed at how much a difference something as simple as new athletic socks can make when you workout!

Thanks to Hanes, there's been quite a few varieties that I've been able to try and that have worked their way into my regular wardrobe as my underthings drawer staples and I wanted to share my favorites:

Hanes Cotton Stretch Bikinis with ComfortSoft® Waistband: These are great, classic panties. They're very comfortable and don't ride up. I love that they don't even have a tag! They are perfect for working out or for super comfy days!

Hanes Perfect Stretch Opaque Boy Shorts: I love these. They're so light and comfy that you can hardly tell you're wearing them! The super soft, stretchy fabric doesn't leave any pantylines - they're undetectable under clothing. And they don't ride up - I was very impressed with these! Most boy shorts I've tried aren't very comfy under jeans, but these are great.

Hanes Body Creations Seamless Bikini: These are my new go-to everyday panty. They are comfy, stay in place and are completely seamless - so they are invisible under clothing.  They're soft and silky, but not so much that they will make your yoga pants slide off when you bend over.  These will quickly become your favorites!

Hanes.com is having a huge sale right now, so its a great time to start off the new year with some new underthings :-) I just picked up all new underthings for my whole family - Hanes is all we wear in my house. Both my girls got new panties and socks, husband probably wouldn't want me to share what he got, my son got his first pair of "big boy underpants" (insert cartwheels here) and some tshirts, I got more Seamless Panties and my favorite socks... I had to spend $50 to get free shipping and it was REALLY HARD to get to $50! I kept adding things to my cart and I still wasn't at $50 - everything was so cheap! 

disclosure: i received several products courtesy of hanes. as always, all opinions are my own. photo by hanes.com

review: threadless

All dressed down and places to go?  Not a problem.  Throw on jeans and Threadless tee and you are ready for the world.

Threadless was started by two young lads fresh out of high school.  After winning an internet contest for a t-shirt design they thought, ‘hey...wouldn’t it be great if all t-shirts were made this way?’  And so Threadless was born.  A company that allows artists from all over the world to submit t-shirt design ideas, lets customers vote on their favorites and the winners get printed and sold in their online store!  They get customer-tested designs that completely sell out and their customers get t-shirts that they actually love!  Brilliant. 

Not only do they have a genius business model, but their t-shirts are amazingly affordable and comfortable!  Printed on American Apparel tees, Threadless shirts are true to size, soft and the fabric color stays in the wash.  Not to mention, the designs are pretty amazing!  And I love being able to support local/international/starving artists.  I personally ordered the Wake tee because I loved the concept of the design and have already worn it four times (with plenty of compliments!)  Seriously, look at this:

 

I’m eyeing some of these other ones as well.  I love the sassy, funny designs, but also the subtle graphic tees.

  
Have little ones?  Threadless has kid tees AND onesies! 

  
So if you’re someone like me who just throws on a solid tee and is ready to go, check out Threadless to give your tee a bit of a kick.  It’s an easy option for an outfit that’s casual, comfy but is still uniquely you.  And how can you pass up the price?  Tees run around $15 and hoodies are a measely $25. 

But keeping checking their store or sign up for their newsletter, because when quantities start running low, tees go on sale for only $5!

disclosure: we received a threadless tee to facilitate this review. we were not compensated financially and, as always, all opinions are our own.

therapon skin care

When I was contacted by Therapon to try out their skin care products, I jumped at the chance. As I kiss my twenties (and early thirties) behind, I think I can quote Truvy when I say:

"Time marches on and soon, you realize its marchin' across your face!"

I've been feeling like I need to upgrade my skincare a bit, as my drugstore brand cleanser and lotion does not seem to be cutting it lately. So I got to try out the Theraderm Skin Renewal System and the Eternox Peptide Repair Crème.

The  Theraderm Skin Renewal System was quite impressive: it includes the Cleansing Wash, Fruit Acid Exfoliant, OPC Reparative Gel and Enriched Facial Moisturizer. I have to say, I was very skeptical of a four-step skin care process. Usually by the time I go to bed at night, I can barely brush my teeth before falling into bed. However, the Therapon system only took me about 3 minutes, tops. As I put layers of things on my face, I was thinking, "Yuck!" But, I was amazed that my skin still felt clean. Well moisturized and clean. I thought it would feel greasy or stiff - but my skin just drank up the Therapon and felt smooth and healthy.

The Repair Creme was my favorite product: this luxurious, airy crème contains an exclusive combination of peptides that facilitates collagen production to diminish the appearance of moderate wrinkles and deep furrows.  According to then, the result is up to a 40% reduction in the appearance of wrinkles in 12 weeks. And I can't say numbers, but I saw a significant difference in the fine wrinkles around my eyes and those pesky forehead wrinkles almost disappeared! I loved the feel of it, it was light on my skin and didn't make my skin feel tight or dry like some wrinkle creams do. LOVE!

Its December now and usually around this time my skin starts getting super dry and flakey, but this year my skin looks amazing! I've had zero breakouts with the Therapon system - and I usually get one or two a month - and my skin feels soft, smooth and not flakey in the slightest.

I found Therapon to be a bit pricey, but they are running some great deals right now for the holidays. I've been using the system for over two months and I have plenty left, so it does last for quite awhile!

disclosure: i received therapon porducts to facilitate this review. i was not compensated financially for this post and, as always, all opinions are my own.

ralph lauren layette gifts - brace yourself for cuteness

When my first baby was born and we heard those lovely words "Its a girl!" I had visions of little pink dresses dancing in my head! And wouldn't you know, two of my very favorite outfits we were given were from Ralph Lauren. So sweet! And they endured my first child, then my second and are now working their way through my four nieces. Ralph Lauren pieces are so well made and durable that they'll last through all babies can dish out!

As a Ralph Lauren Mombassador, I just got some adorable pieces in the mail from Ralph Lauren layette collection. Whether you are shopping for a niece or nephew, a friend or a grandbaby, you'll hardly be able to resist these adorable pieces!! Ralph Lauren has so many terrific gifts, it will be hard to choose.

I love this Cotton Cable Hat and Bootie Set so gorgeous! Its sturdy and warm in soft, hearty cabled cotton - luxurious, but still practical enough for everyday. (Plus its machine washable!)

And the Snap-Front Footed Coverall is simple darling! A long-sleeved footed coverall in soft cotton jersey is crafted in an easy snap-front design with essential fold-over cuffs (essential for protecting baby from those sharp newborn nails!) Wouldn't this make a precious baby picture?

This Rugby Coverall Gift Set is too cute!!

And how about this darling little polo dress??? You can even have it monogrammed! Too cute!

disclosure: I am a participant in a Mom Central Consulting campaign for Ralph Lauren and received a Ralph Lauren Baby Layette set to help facilitate my review.

Review: Serena Williams Signature Statement Collection

A few weeks ago I shared a few pieces from the Serena Williams Signature Statement Collection on HSN.com. And I got a chance to try out this adorable Fit and Flare Jacket:

HOW CUTE IS THAT?

It has such a fabulous cut - it looks like it will give just about anyone a curvy, feminine silhouette. Even me. I loved the way it fit (FYI - I wore a smaller size than I normally do in her line, so be sure to check the size chart before ordering.) It was well made, of high-quality fabric and was totally gorgeous. 

This is such a great addition to any wardrobe: its as comfy as a hoodie, but a thousand times more stylish! It is perfect over my jeggings with by brown flat boots!

Be sure to check out Serena's entire collection. There are some REAL goodies in there! Like this ring. SWOON!

disclosure: we received a sample product to facilitate this review. we were not compensated financially and, as always, all opinions are our own.

review: notics threads

I recently got to try out a product from the brand new Notics Threads clothing line.

Its fun, funky and unique! Very chic and very comfortable. The shirt was clearly of high quality and well made. I loved the color and the design was super fun. The shirt was thick, didn't cling, held its shape after washing and seems to run true to size. They're fitted, but not too fitted, which I really like. I love their hoodies for guys as well!!

If you're  tired of having the same tshirts as everyone else - give them a look. This is an affordable way to be unique!!

disclosure: we received a sample product to facilitate this review. we were not compensated financially and, as always, all opinions are our own.

gift guide: bonbon charms

I recently discovered an adorable little store called Bonbon Charms.

I've been wanting a mother's necklace for awhile. I've been seeing them around, but I've been surprised at how expensive some of them are! I was thrilled to see Bonbon Charms: I just got this mother's heart charm, which I LOVE. I can not even tell you how many compliments I have gotten on it - everyone from my mother-in-law to my cousin to the cashier in the grocery store have all loved it and asked me where it came from! It is gorgeous - you can tell immediately that this is made from high quality materials. I literally have worn it every single day since it arrived!

I think personalized gifts are just so special and unique -- and Bonbon Charms has so many. I think these photo charms are so sweet. And what about this etched heart charm for a newly engaged friend?

There are too many cute things to choose from. Like these personalized teacher ornaments. The back of the ornament has the famous quote by W. B. Yeats, "Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire.":

Wouldn't this be a fabulous class gift? Talk about something that would be truly unique and remembered for years to come.

And you're in luck! Bonbon Charms is offering bStylish readers a special discount of 15% off their already amazing prices at checkout with the code BSTYLISH. Remember - you must place your order by December 7th to guarentee delivery by Christmas.

disclosure: we received a sample to facilitate this review. we were not compensated financially for this post.

curve enhancement? yes, please!

I think most women can relate to the following:

Whenever we're blessed enough to finally start losing weight, we lose it in all the places we don't want to lose it. We become flat{ter} chested and our J-Lo booties start looking a little, um, deflated.

No? Am I the only one?

I guess this is enough of a problem though, because there are some lovely people in the world who are trying to fix this little dilemma of ours.

Meet Curve Appeal Denim - a unique line of denim shapewear designed to enhance a woman’s figure and help women embrace their curves.

What they say: "...revolutionary and brilliant new technology in Curve Appeal^TM that includes front panels to slim the waist and a built-in Bottom Booster to lift and sculpt.
Curve Appeal^TM is the first to bring this age-defying and body-defining technology to market. These jeans are engineered to make women feel confident and sexy without sacrificing comfort. Curve Appeal^TM jeans are available in a variety of washes and three different core silhouettes: Enchanting Skinny, Captivating Boot Cut and Gorgeous Straight Leg, with a suggested retail price of $88.00."

What I say: The quality of this product is undeniable. They're without a doubt the nicest pair of jeans I've ever owned. The front panels worked like a charm making me feel like I had Jillian Michaels abs. {for the record, I don't} I do wish the booty had a little more curve enhancement, but overall, I felt like they lived up to the expectations laid out for them. Bottom line? I'd buy 'em.Curve Appeal jeans are available at Nordstroms stores across the country.We highly recommend them!

disclosure: we received a sample to facilitate this review. we were not compensated financially for this post and, as always, all opinions are ours.

dogs can be stylish too!

Too cute for words you say?  I’d have to agree!

 I can still remember the first day we saw Ricki…he came prancing up to us sporting a bright red bandana just begging to be adopted and showered with love.  How could anyone resist?  And here we are, over three years later, still head over heels for this little furball.  Needless to say, that moment made dog bandanas a little sentimental for me…especially when Ricki sports one.  So I was THRILLED when Kiss My Mutt  sent Ricki a special package including a Seabreeze Reversible bandana to sport around the neighborhood!

Kiss My Mutt is an online dog boutique, that provides quality and unique products for your four-legged friend.  From plush beds to adjustable leashes, Kiss My Mutt has a stylish solution for every pet.  And every product is made with eco-friendly materials that offer the ultimate in comfort and style!

After the initial wrestle to get him to sit still long enough to put on the bandana, Ricki pranced around our driveway for these model shots…even drawing a crowd as two of our neighbors came over to compliment him on his style.

What I say: I love that the fabric is soft and washable.  Within ten minute Ricki had rolled in dirt, but a quick run through the washer and the bandana was good as new!  I also liked that the pattern/colors were modern and simple and that the bandana had was reversible for maximum wear!  The only thing I would change is to order a larger size for Ricki – he has a large neck for a little dog!  I would just like to be able to double-knot the bandana so it will stay put for all his adventures.

 What Ricki says: Mom made me wear a bandana which I wasn’t too keen about wearing.  But then everyone kept telling me how adorable I am.  And petting me.  A dog could learn to live with that!

 Be sure to head to Kiss My Mutt  to find a unique product for the stylish dog in your life!

disclosure: we received a sample to facilitate this review. we were not compensated financially for this post and, as always, all opinions are ours.