Saturday, October 31, 2015

Kleem Organics Vitamin C Serum ($105) Review + Giveaway! (3 Winners)–Ends November 17, 2015

*Disclaimer:  This is a sponsored post.

Kleem Organics logo and serum.jpeg
Kleem Organics


When you nourish skin with the healthiest natural ingredients over a long list of synthetic chemicals, you will see your complexion thrive in a way that you might have never noticed before.  This beautiful change is your skin’s response as it regains a new vitality it may have lost from suffocating it with too many synthetic chemicals.   A top pick of mine to start your transformation is experiencing Kleem Organics Vitamin C Serum.

I have been using Kleem’s serum for over a year now since I first reviewed it.  With 72% pure organic vitamin C and plant-based hyaluronic acid, arginine, aloe vera, vitamin E with other carefully selected organic ingredients that aid skin to regain collagen, I still continue using their product because it helps in firming and providing a healthy glow while making your face comfortable and soft.

If you have been hunting for an anti-aging product that will give you believable results without breaking your budget, what do you have to lose than to give Kleem Organics Vitamin C Serum a try?

Thanks to Kleem Organics, three lucky Nuts 4 Stuff readers in the United States win a full size bottle of Kleem Organics Vitamin C Serum ($105 total value)!


Kleem Organics Vitamin C Serum.jpeg
Kleem Organics Vitamin C Serum



Giveaway details and how to enter–

Prize: Three (3) winners will each receive a full size Kleem Organics Vitamin C Serum ($105 total value).

Dates of entry: 10/30/15–11/16/15 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time

Eligibility: Open to USA addresses.  No PO Boxes.  The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

How to Enter:  Please use the Rafflecopter widget if it works.  You can also enter by clicking this link or try to enter using another browser. You can return daily and log in again with your email to tweet.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, October 30, 2015

Review: Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover.jpeg
Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover

The best chance you have to keep your painted nails healthy and strong is using a non-acetone polish remover.  After all, acetone-based formulas are harsher and can dry nails excessively to rob them of moisture.  However, if you are doubtful that a non-acetone polish remover is worth the higher price or can be as effective, then read my review of why I love Mineral Fusion’s Nail Polish Remover that arrived in a box of products that PR sent.

First of all, the smell of Mineral Fusion’s Nail Polish Remover isn’t nearly as powerful as the acetone-based variety.  The aroma is much more pleasant when it comes to your nostrils, which is already a win-win for me.

This product also quite effective in lifting off even dark shades of polish.  Normally, I need at least two cotton balls to remove the deep plum that I had on when I first tried this.  Yet, this polish came off with just a single cotton ball loaded with Mineral Fusion’s Nail Polish Remover.

My only complaint was my plastic bottle came rounded at the bottom and made it hard to stand upright. Besides that container’s deformity, I really was impressed with this polish remover and will definitely remember to pick more up when I run out.  

Your can find Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover ($7.99) at Whole Foods or visit Mineral Fusion’s website to learn more but do look into this product because it is a keeper!

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Review: Two Spook-tacular Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish Shades for Halloween Beauty

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
Sally Hansen logo.jpeg
Sally Hansen

This Halloween you may want to dress up your nails to fit the occasion like experimenting with some excellent choices that I have here from Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel line.  The particular two shades that I am referring to are #300 Electra-cute and #460 Blacky O that showed up at my door.


Sally Hansen Miracle Gel #460 Blacky O Nail Polish.jpeg
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel #460 Blacky O Nail Polish
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel #300 Electra-Cute Nail Polish.jpeg
 Miracle Gel #300 Electra-Cute
With #460 Blacky O, you can choose the dramatic route and flaunt intense black nails and tempt with your mysterious, dark allure.   However, if it’s fun that you’re after, then a festive pumpkin-orange of #300 Electra-cute with a playful vibe is an ideal choice for you.

PR also sent along a bottle of the second step in the gel manicure process with their #101 Top Coat.  This is wonderful to follow up with to seal in this longer lasting color’s shine so you can forget the need to use a light.

Do head to wherever you buy Sally Hansen and remember these two spook-tecular colors of Miracle Gel Nail Polish this Halloween or just anytime you want those nails to get a second look!


Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish #300 Electra-Cute swatch.jpeg
Here I am wearing #300 Electra-Cute

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Review: Emjoi Micro-Nail Buff & Shine Manicure Kit

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
Emjoi Micro-Nail Buff & Shine Manicure Kit.jpeg
Emjoi Micro-Nail Buff & Shine Manicure Kit


We use our hands every day.  Therefore, the appearance of our nails matters if we intend to make a good impression on those we come in contact with.  When you don’t have time to devote to painting your nails or when you need to give them a break to keep them healthy, smoothing and buffing the nail is a great alternative. With the new Emjoi Micro-Shine Buff & Manicure Kit that PR sent for this review, you can always stay on top of this beauty task of keeping nails looking great.

This product is a battery-operated (two AA batteries) device that has two sets of two rollers that you insert for filing.  The first is a gray one for smoothing any ridges on the nails.  The second is a set of micro-shine rollers for buffing the shine.  


Emjoi Micro-Nail showing rollers.jpeg
This is the Micro-Nail device and the rollers it comes with.  

These rollers really made fast work of what you would do manually by spinning 360 degrees at 30 times per second in the process.  After I changed heads, my naked nails with some ridges transformed to ones that were smooth with some lovely shine.  My nails also became the perfect surface to polish that exceeded my expectations for speed and beauty.

Emjoi Micro-Nail with head showing.jpeg
This  is the gray roller already inside when you first open the Micro-Nail.

If you are searching for a quick solution for nail maintenance or looking for a wonderful holiday gift, you should consider this product.  You can find Emjoi’s Micro-Nail Buff & Shine Manicure Kit at QVC for $43.  

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Review: Rimmel Brow This Way Brow Kits (Medium Brown and Dark Brown)

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
Rimmel Brow This Way Brow Kits.jpeg
Rimmel Brow This Way Brow Kits 

Since brows are an important part of your face as they frame the eyes, you need them
perfectly groomed instead of unkempt if you intend to maximize your beauty potential.  Rimmel’s new Brow This Way Brow Kit, which I had a chance to sample offers a wonderful, inexpensive solution for brow maintenance.

PR sent me the medium brown and dark brown kits to try out. Inside each, you find a brow wax, brow shadow, spooley brush and double-ended angled brush.

Here is how I used it.  First, I took the spooley brush to comb my brows in shape first, then some of the tinted wax to set the shape. This brush, along with the wax, already started to whip my brows in shape. Next, I used the side of the angled brush to carefully add some powder to fill in some color where I needed.
  
The powder filled in sparse areas very nicely while lasting through the day.  I did find the dark-brown kit better suited my coloring with my umber brown brows than the medium brown.  

For $3.99, I liked how this Rimmel Brow This Way Brow Kit worked taming and beautifying my brows.  If you’re brows need a beauty boost, I suggest visit your drugstore or where you find Rimmel products and do pick one up.

Monday, October 26, 2015

VMV Hypoallergenics Four Holiday Beauty Gift Sets Review + ($112) Giveaway!–Ends November 13, 2015

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

VMV Hypoallergenics Creams de la Creme Gift Set.jpeg
VMV Hypoallergenics Creams de la Creme Gift Set

Those that happen to be more sensitive than others because of allergies can appreciate the safety of validated hypoallergenic beauty products that passed vigorous testing for common allergens like the ones from VMV Hypoallergenics that I have discovered while doing this review and giveaway.  After all, you often don’t know what you may react to if you happen to be more sensitive to substances than others.  Now that uncertainly of a possible reaction is greatly minimized to give an allergy suffer like myself more peace of mind.  All products from this well-established brand since 1979, are 100% free of fragrance, dye, phthalate, SLS, paraben, preservative, and are non-comedogenic. I received four holiday gift sets that I want to tell you about that would make any allergic sufferer happy to receive.  

The Creams de la Creme ($20 with a value of $29) has a Re-Everything Face-Hand-Body Lotion (1 oz.), Creammmy-Rich Intensive Moisture Milk, is a luxurious feeling, milky moisturizer (1.7 oz.) and a NEW: Essence Skin-Saving Hand + Body Smoother, provides intensive coconut-powered healing for dry skin.

The second set is for the man on your list.  It is called For All Ye Merry Gentleman ($22 with a value of $29). He will be pleased to find the SuperSkinCare: Creammmy Rich Intensive Moisture Milk for Dry Skin (1.01 oz.), Re Everything Eye Serum for instant lift and cellular rejuvenation (12 ml), Id: Sweat Acne + Overall Anti-bacterial Gel, a great multipurpose product to help clear breakouts on the face and body, but also for disinfecting, cooling after sports and keeping oil at bay.

VMV Hypoallergenics For All Ye Merry Gentlemen Gift Set.jpeg
VMV Hypoallergenics For All Ye Merry Gentlemen Gift Set


The third set is Mistle-Glow ($35, but is a $51 value) for all the ladies looking to glam up for holiday parties. This set has a Glitz Lipstick in Drama Queen, a fabulous deep pink that work with any skin tone that your lips will love with its soothing green tea and virgin coconut oil for pampering them.  You get a Lip Gloss in Can Can, a flattering medium pink that also made my lips so comfortable with its dewy moisture.


VMV Hypoallergenics Mistle-Glow Gift Set.jpeg
VMV Hypoallergenics Mistle-Glow Gift Set

The My VMVery Favorite Things Set  is another great gift-giving option ($35 but valued at $68).  This set is another excellent way to become acquainted with VMV Hypoallergenics line.  It includes Id Sweat Acne and Overall Anti-bacterial Gel, a mulitasker for disinfecting, cooling and oil control (1.69 oz.),  Re Everything Eye Serum (12 ml), SuperSkin Care Creammmy Rich Intensive Moisture Milk for Dry Skin (1.01 oz.), Essence Antibacterial Hand Gel, a gentle anti-micro-bug hand gel (0.7 oz.), Essence Skin-Saving Superwash Hair and Body Milk Shampoo (1.69 ov.), Essence Skin-Saving Conditioner (8.4 oz), and Grandma Minnie’s Mommycoddling All-Over Lotion (4.7 oz.).

VMV Hypoallergenics My VMVery Favorite Things Gift Set.jpeg
VMV Hypoallergenics My VMVery Favorite Things Gift Set

Anyone with allergies or those that just want the gentlest beauty available would really love VMV Hypoallergenics so be sure to visit their website and shop.  These four holiday gift sets are an ideal way for that person on your list to sample a variety of their products and see what works the best for them.   

Thanks to VMV Hypoallergenics, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States wins all four Holiday Gift Sets:  My VMVery Favorite Things, For All Ye Merry Gentlemen, Creams de la Creme, and Mistle-Glow ($112 value)!

Giveaway details and how to enter–


Prize: One (1) winner from the USA will win all four VMV Hypoallergenics Holiday Gift Sets: My VMVery Favorite Things, For All Ye Merry Gentlemen, Creams de la Creme, and Mistle-Glow ($112 value)!

Dates of entry: 10/26/15–11/12/15 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time

Eligibility: Open to USA residents only.  No PO Boxes. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

How to Enter:  Please use the Rafflecopter widget if it works.  You can also enter by clicking this link or try to enter using another browser. You can return daily and log in again with your email to tweet or to vote daily for Nuts 4 Stuff on Picket Fence Blogs.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Check Out My First Experience Cooking on Induction With an Inexpensive Induction Burner I Just Bought at Aldi’s

My Induction Burner.jpeg
I paid just $39.99 for this 1800 watt Induction Burner at Aldi this week.

Induction cooking is something I have been wondering about for a while.  Currently, I use an electric stove and oven.  However, this form is supposed to work as fast as or faster than even gas and use much less energy.  Nonetheless, it is a pricey gamble when you think the price for the full size 30-inch induction range would be more than $1,500.00.  

Before making that investment without knowing how well it would perform, I thought it would be best to get a feel of how it cooked by buying an induction burner.  America’s Test Kitchen recommended if you get an induction burner it’s better to get one that allows up to 1800 watts.

I saw the advertising on TV for that NuWave induction burner that I was considering to test first before I found a special buy the other day at one of my favorite store’s Aldi’s with their Kitchen Living Portable Induction cooktop for only $39.99.  This cooktop gave me the 1800 watts, which is as high as you can go on a regular plug.  Any higher and you are talking about full range type electrical connections so I snagged one up while they were available.

This model is small but fits a sizeable 6.5 quart stock pot with ease.  So my first project just boiling water and making some pasta was easily done.  All I did was sort through my pots and I found a number of them that a magnet would stick to.  Some won’t work and that’s a factor you also need to think about the possibility that you also might need to buy new pots before cooking with induction.

I’m still tweaking this and need to figure out the right temperatures and/or power settings.  On my induction cooktop you can select either a power setting up to 1800 watts or a temperature.  In the past I just dialed my stove to preset the power setting.  Induction let’s you pick the temperature you like, which is certainly new for me!

Does anyone have some recipes or tips to share?  I would really appreciate all and any advice that you have to share with me.

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Recipe: Make My Easy Sausage-Cheese Casserole the Delicious Change to Serve for Dinner Tonight!

My Easy Sausage-Cheese Casserole.jpeg
The spices in my Easy Sausage-Cheese Casserole give this dish its glory.  The curry also contributes more beautiful golden color. 


If you’re looking for something different for dinner tonight, let me offer you something delicious to serve.  My Easy Sausage-Cheese Casserole is easy to prepare, hearty, and a real crowd pleaser with small chunks of sausage, peas, browned onion, and shell macaroni immersed in a velvety cheese sauce that is spiked with a flavorful blend of curry powder, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and cumin powder that delightfully pulls this dish together.

I hope that you try this recipe sometime because it is tastier in person than what mere words can describe. It is also a great way to use less meat in a dish or a small piece of sausage or kielbasa that you forgot about when cleaning out the freezer or refrigerator.

My Easy Sausage-Cheese Casserole

½ pound of sausage or kielbasa, cut into small chunks or slices
1 large onion
1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 pound of sea shell macaroni
1 cup of Velveeta cheese
1 teaspoon of curry powder
½ teaspoon of black pepper
½ teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of cumin powder
1/4 teaspoon of paprika
1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 can of peas, drained
1/4 cup of olive oil


Clean and finely chop the onion.

Brown the onion in the olive oil until golden.

Add the sliced sausage next and cook for a few minutes before adding everything except the uncooked shells and peas.  

You will continue cooking until the cheese melts and the sauce will thicken up somewhat.

In the meantime, cook the shells until done.

Before you add the drained, cooked shells, add the peas to the cheese mixture and heat through.

Mix the shells in as the last step to combine before serving.

ENJOY!

Friday, October 23, 2015

Review: NYC New York Color Big Bold & Precise Liquid Eyeliner

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
NYC New York Color Big Bold & Precise Liquid Eyeliner.jpeg
NYC New York Color Big Bold & Precise Liquid Eyeliner

More often than not, I use eyeliner pencils for ease of application since I can control the thinness of the line or smudge for a more natural look for daytime.  Nights, however, I like to do a more dramatic eye with liquid liners.  When NYC New York Color offered to send me their Big Bold & Precise Liquid Eyeliner 2-in-1 Felt Tip in 990 Black, I gladly took them up on seeing what the product was like.

The brand claims with this one pen that you will be able to switch the thickness of the line by flipping the slanted edge of the tip.  The wide side of that slanted tip will provide a bold, thick line while the narrow edge is meant for doing a thinner line.

Regardless of how you hold this pen, you can expect a bold line.  Trying to control the thickness of the line was a challenge at least for me.  I had to wipe it off and practice for a while before I got better at using this particular eyeliner.  Once I did, I finally managed to create a decent, statement-making eye with it that held up for quite some time without giving me any problems.   Just be prepared that you may need to practice your technique first before you can make a fair judgement.

The NYC New York Color Big Bold & Precise Liquid Eyeliner retails for $3.99.  Do check it out when you shop for eyeliner.

Thursday, October 22, 2015

**October 27, 2015 Beauty Bargain Alert** Luminess Air - AirSupremacy Airbrush Makeup 6-Piece Fair Starter Kit (Review + SWATCHES!)

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
 Luminess Air - AirSupremacy Airbrush Makeup 6-Piece Fair Starter Kit.jpeg
Luminess Air - AirSupremacy Airbrush Makeup Starter Kit

Though I am no airbrushing expert, I have come to appreciate an airbrush makeup system after experiencing the Luminess Air Makeup Airbrush Basic System for how it can delicately layer foundation  to perfect the complexion almost like a second skin. Using an airbrush pen takes practice to mist your makeup properly until you get the hang of it. 

However, if you want an easier route to airbrush coverage–-only without the machine and a stylus, then you need to mark your calender for October 27 and tune to your television to QVC at 10:00 P.M. for “The Find” with Shawn Killinger.  It is during that segment that the Luminess Air - AirSupremacy Airbrush Makeup 6-Piece Starter Kit that I was sent to test out will be released at a bargain price of $49 for this promotion.  Normally, this kit retails for $175!   

What the Luminess Air - AirSupremacy Airbrush Makeup 6-Piece Starter Kit can do is basically provide a manual misting application of air primer, foundation, blush, and travel makeup sealant for beautiful buildable coverage.  You also get tools to help in your beautification with a Pro-Air Blender and a brush.

I selected the Fair Kit that came with Luminess AirSupremacy Airbrush Foundations in Shade 1 and Shade 2.  This is a water-based, paraben, fragrance, and oil-free foundation with ultra-low pressure aerosol technology to deliver that fine mist for spraying on the products. 


Luminess Air - AirSupremacy Airbrush Makeup 6-Piece Fair Starter Kit showing tools.jpeg
Luminess Air - AirSupremacy Airbrush Makeup 6-Piece Fair Starter Kit

The first step was priming my face with the Luminess AirSupremacy Air Primer.  After shaking the can vigorously for about five seconds or so, I kept about six to eight inches from the nozzle to cheeks and forehead before spraying.  Then, I used my Pro-Air Blender and spread it where I needed.

Shaking up the Shade 1 AirSupremacy Airbrush Foundation for about five seconds, I applied it in the same way.  When I sprayed, I reached for my Pro-Air Blender to work the foundation in.  I continued spraying and layering until I got the coverage I needed, smoothing with the wonderful brush that was enclosed.  This brush washes up beautifully by the way.


Luminess Air - AirSupremacy Airbrush Makeup Fair Starter Kit swatches.jpeg
Starting on the left is the Soft Rose blush, then Shade 1  and ending with Shade 2 Luminess Air - AirSupremacy Foundation from this Fair Starter Kit by my wrist.

You don’t have to spray directly from the can to your face.  You always have the option of spraying the Pro-Air Blender and apply or mix the foundations in that manner.  I just preferred spraying the product directly.

My Fair Kit came with the Soft Rose Blush, which was lovely.  Misting a blush was trickier to do trying to spray the same amount on both cheeks, but like anything else it takes practice.

To keep my finished face preserved, I found the Luminess AirSupremacy Makeup Sealant.  This product is advertised to keep your makeup application intact for up to 18 hours.  I can’t say for sure if lasts that long, but it does wear for hours on end.  I had this makeup on from early morning until last afternoon without being disappointed so my guess it might just do that.

Equally exciting is that other products in the  #Luminess Air- AirSupremacy line will be available from 12 shades of foundations, tattoo and blemish coverage, blushes, body shimmers and other sprayable beauty products that you might want to explore.

 Don’t miss this excellent sale on QVC.  In fact, the Luminess Air - AirSupremacy Airbrush 6-Piece Starter Kit would be ideal for holiday gift giving.  What woman wouldn’t appreciate $175 worth of everything to get her gorgeous for the holidays?  Check it out!

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Review: Beauty Box 5 October 2015 Is a Must-Have for Those That Love Pink!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
Beauty Box 5 October 2015.jpeg
Beauty Box 5 October 2015 won't disappoint pink lovers.

I always look forward to this time of month when a new Beauty Box 5 has arrived.  The theme for October 2015 is all girly pink with an awesome selection of pink-related cosmetics and beauty products.

If you are new to this beauty box subscription, then let me fill you in.  Each green box usually contains five full to sample sizes of beauty items for only $12 with a monthly subscription.  Some brands have instant recognition. Yet, others may not be so familiar, but may tend to become new finds.  

Let me tell about this current October box and you can judge for yourself what a great value it is.  I happen to think it is an excellent assortment.  Check it out with me, won't you?


Beauty Box 5 October 2015

1.  Happy Hands HappyFace Makeup Cleansing Cloth–Full Size–$3.99

2.  Ferro Cosmetics Pink Rhinestone Kabuki Brush–Full Size–$25.00

3.  Styli-Style Perfect Pout Long Lasting Balm Stick–Full Size–$4.99

4.  Knotty Hair Ties (2 Ribbon Pack)–Full Size–$4.00

5.  Nubar Nail Polish Mini–Full Size –$4.99



Total Value: $42.97!

The Happy Hands Makeup Cleansing Cloth can always come in handy since you can never have enough wash cloths.  It is machine washable and eco friendly.  Since it is already nicely packaged, I will keep it ready for when I travel.

The Ferro Cosmetics Kabuki Brush has a soft, wonderful feel to its bristles.  My only complaint is why the company never thought to wrap it first to keep it more sanitary instead of having nothing to protect it.  I would have appreciated even a small bag over it.

The Styli-Style Perfect Pout Long Lasting Balm Stick was in Flirty Fuchsia, which is actually more of a tulip pink shade in the tube.  The shade is a rosy pink that makes my lips bloom in a beautiful way while soothing them at the same time.  

The Knotty Hair Ties that I received is a twin pack of a medium pink ribbon and another of a lighter baby pink tie.  I can’t use hair ties and will be giving these to my friend’s daughter, who does.

Last of all, was the Nubar Nail Polish in the mini size.  This is formaldehyde, phthalate, and toluene free polish in a color of Pinktober.  This is so pretty of a light pink shade that I can’t wait to paint my nails with once I complete my current nail polish testing.

If you ask me, then I think October 2015 was a sensational Beauty Box 5 month that has a lot of beauty value to this pink-loving girl.  Do check out this beauty subscription because it is so much fun exploring new beauty surprises every month!

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Review + SWATCHES: Mehron Makeup INtense PRO Pressed Powder Pigments (Wind) Eye Shadows Palette

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
Mehron Makeup INtense PRO Pressed Powder Pigments (Wind) Eye Shadows Palette.jpeg
Mehron Makeup INtense PRO Pressed Powder Pigments (Wind) Palette with colors that can be as bold or as delicately sheer.as you need. 


Recently, I received some products from Mehron, the company that is mostly famous for their theatrical makeup.  One that immediately caught my eye was the eight pan Wind INtense PRO Pressed Powder Pigments Eye Shadows Palette

At first glance, I thought the matte colors were rather a bit too bright.  However, I was pleasantly surprised once I took the great brush this palette has to them.  The colors that I swatched laid down sheer layers of each of those bold, vivid colors beautifully that could just as easily be built up for a more dramatic look, if so desired. Using a primer first will intensify the richness of the color significantly so keep that in mind.

These shadows are soft, buttery and are wonderful to blend without creating a powder dust storm as you apply unless you tend to pile it on.  Being the case, I suggest using the brush and gently pat the pigment as you go.  If you do so, this minimizes that problem.

The colors in the Wind palette:

Hurricane Blue–dark royal blue
Island Breeze--medium burnt orange
Palm–deep olive-toned green with some yellow that looks brighter green in the pan 
Turbulent–medium warm brown
Tornado–is a medium red-plum color, but in the pan looks more purple lavender
Solar Wind–is a mustard-yellow
Ocean Breeze–ocean blue
Tropical Storm–medium teal green

Below, I swatched the colors for you.


Swatches of Mehron Makeup INtense Eye Shadow Wind Palette.jpeg
Starting on the right is Tornado, then Tropical Storm, Ocean Breeze, Palm,Turbulent, Island Breeze, Solar Wind, and ending with Hurricane Blue on the right.

My favorite way to use this palette was keeping that gossamer effect so that the colors seemed to wash over the lids in gorgeous, gauzy layers as I mixed shades of various pans.  
Then again, when I going for an edgier look and wanted extended wear, I primed my lids before applying and then adding more shadow.

There are two other shade selections in this palette called Earth and Fire.  I didn’t get those to try, but would have loved to sample them.  The colors appear to have a deeper range.

For my first experience with this brand, I was extremely pleased with this eye shadow palette and will keep on using it.  Do check out Mehron and the Intense Pro Pressed Powder Pigments Eye Shadows Palette ($52.95).

Monday, October 19, 2015

d.j.v. MIARAY Fiberwig Paint-On False Lashes Mascara Review + ($95) Giveaway (5 Winners)!–Ends November 6, 2015

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


d.j.v. MIARAY Fiberwig Paint-On False Lashes Mascara.jpeg
d.j.v. MIARAY's Fiberwig Paint-On False Lashes


An easy way to look amazing is to concentrate on your eyes.  With the help of a great formula of mascara like d.j.v. MIARAY’s Fiberwig Paint-On Lashes that I have been using, my eyes certainly do look more dramatic with the extra length this product provides.

I was not blessed with long lashes, but short ones.  However, this thinner mascara formula does a nice job with how this stuff can coat each lash to encapsulate it with fiber.  The curved brush managed to help me get closer to the roots of the lashes while I kept building them up with a few coats, which I can’t always do with some formulas without them clumping together like little black spikes.

Though this mascara added impressive length to my stubby lashes, it didn’t do as much for volumizing.  Nonetheless, it does thicken, only not to the same extent as it lengthens.
Fiberwig Mascara from d.j.v. MIARAY.jpeg
This curved Fiberwig brush helps catch the lashes better. 


Another exciting thing about this mascara was those fibers didn’t irritate my more sensitive eyes.  I could even rub them without smearing or having those fibers fall in my eyes during the hours that I wore it.  

By the way, this mascara didn’t cause the lashes to feel brittle. They actually felt softer than you might expect.  My guess is because this formula was designed to condition the lashes as well with its hydrolyzed silk, apple fruit extract, honey, panthenol, vitamin E, and royal jelly extract.

Something else wonderful about this product was how easy it was to take it off.  All you need is to some warm water and those tubules slip off the lashes.

To sum it up, I am smitten with my new mascara for the standout lashes it gave me.  If you, too, want sensational lashes, I recommend trying this one.  Find d.j.v. MIARAY’s Fiberwig Paint-On False Lashes ($19) at ULTA website or at ULTA stores.

Thanks to d.j.v. MIARAY, five lucky Nuts 4 Stuff readers in the United States win a tube of Fiberwig Paint-On Lashes ($19 value)!



Giveaway details and how to enter–


Prize: Five (5) winners from the USA will win a tube of d. j. v. MIARAY’s Fiberwig Paint-On Lashes ($95 total value)!

Dates of entry: 10/19/15–11/06/15 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time

Eligibility: Open to USA residents only.  No PO Boxes. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

How to Enter:  Please use the Rafflecopter widget if it works.  You can also enter by clicking this link or try to enter using another browser. You can return daily and log in again with your email to tweet or to vote daily for Nuts 4 Stuff on Picket Fence Blogs.


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Sunday, October 18, 2015

A Great Skin Care Tip to Remember for Smoothing Extra Dry, Rough Hands to Get Even More Benefits Out of Your Hand Cream!



The colder the weather becomes, the more our hands usually suffer with extra dryness and flakiness.  As a result, we are constantly slathering on hand creams and lotions to help repair the damage.  However, if you want to do more to speed up that awful cycle for smoothing away the dryness, I have a tip you need to try.

L'Occitane hand creams.jpeg
This simple tip helps give you even better results from your favorite hand creams. 
To make those healing hand products perform to the max, I suggest gently exfoliating your hands first to get rid of the dead skin that could be blocking the complete absorption of your chosen skin care just as you would do for your face.  After all, that dry skin is not doing you any good.  Instead, it is holding you from total healing and smoothness.

You don’t need anything fancy to exfoliate your hands.  What I use is a little sugar to olive oil mix to rub over the skin.  A teaspoon of sugar to another teaspoon of the olive oil works wonderfully for this purpose.   

After you initially rub that oil and sugar over that rough skin of your hands, you don’t want to immediately rinse the mix off.  You want to keep this mix on your hands for at least 10 minutes-15 minutes before washing it off. This will give the olive oil enough time to properly moisturize as well as aid to plump up the skin with its antioxidants.

I hope that on those occasions when your hands are extra rough that you try this simple fix of mine because it does help smooth the skin so much more this way.