REVIEW | L'OCCITANE Shea Butter Comforting Cream

*I received this item from Influenster for testing purposes.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

I started using the L'OCCITANE Shea Butter Comforting Cream when I received it in my Influenster RefreshVoxBox and few days ago.  I go through with my normal routine of cleansing my face with my Clinique and/or Clarisonic (check out my older blogs for my facial routine).  I use this after I use the 3-Step Clinique process and the cream is smooth, light, and refreshing on my face.  

I am hoping possibly that it will smooth my face out more from my acne and post-acne scarring that I have occurred.  The product boasts that it will keep your face feeling soft, supple and comfortable all day long.  I like to use it at night before bed so I can have the moisture soaking in my face over night as I sleep.

So far so good.  I will give an update later in the future!  #ineedshea

Peace & Happiness~

~Erika B.

Facial Regimen featuring Banish Acne Skin Derma roller!

Back in December, I contacted Banish Acne Skin (http://banishacnescars.com) requesting a derma roller to use on my face since I had a lot of acne scarring from over the past months.  I was going through some hard times and it was starting to show on my face since I started breaking out.  And I am a pimple, popping fein so that didn't make the situation any better.  Needless to say, I was left with this...

 As you can see the picking was NOT helping the situation at all because it left back scars and scabs.  But when you've been doing it SO long its hard to get a grasp on it especially as it becomes a coping mechanism.  I was inspired to start looking up derma rollers at that point when I was watching a video by my friend +Jasmine Rose (via YouTube).  I remembered also seeing +Destiny Godley doing a review for derma rollers as well.  Although they did not use the same brand I went with, the concept is still the same.

I contacted Banish Acne Skin for review purposes and they were able to send me a .025mm derma roller in a case, a container to sanitize the roller, as well as small bottle of their Vitamin C serum, which is vital to your skin and is an antioxidant as well.

So far I have used the derma roller twice since receiving it.  You are only supposed to use it either once a week or less (depending the size of the needles).  Since I have the .025mm roller I could use it more often but I chose to wait to see how my skin would react after the first few rolls.  Now you are reading this and probably thinking needles!?!  Derma roller!?!?  What!?!?  Are you lost and confused?  Here are some steps and info to what a derma roller and what derma rolling is.

You can click this link to find out all the ends and outs of what Banish Acne does.  It is very informative and gives the cell break down of how your skin loses cells and produces collagen in the face.  My synopsis on it is this:  the derma roller is named after your skin cells, derma, like going to the dermatologist.  The roller has small needles that prick your face (it does NOT hurt, but if you have sensitive skin you want to get the smallest needle available) and gets rid of old cells so that your body can produce new cells.  With the old cells out of the way, your skin can start producing new cells that will repair the damaged cells.  Leaving you with a new start to new skin.  The Vitamin C serum (sold separately or in a set) will allow you to not only put moisture back in your face but will be the antioxidant you need to fight damage against your skin.  This seems like a WIN-WIN to me.

Of course this all has to be done on a clean face.  I started using Clinique's Acne Solutions Clear Skin System Starter Kit which is $37 from Sephora (click link).  The first step is an Acne Solutions Clearing foam which contains salicylic acid, second step is an Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion (more of a toner which also contains salicylic acid, you have to shake to dissolve the lotion inside) and the last step is an Acne Solutions All Over Clearing treatment, which contains benzoyl peroxide.  I didn't want to make this purchase because it was a little pricey, but I kept looking at the reviews and thought I was getting three products for one price so why the hell not.  I am SO glad that I took the risk of purchasing this because I have noticed that my acne scaring is fading on top of using the derma roller.

This is currently my face after using the derma roller approximately seven days ago and using the Clinique Acne Solutions systems for about the last three weeks. 

I feel that my face is starting to get rid of the scaring that I have, however, as you can see I still have breakouts.  It's going to take some time for me to get my face back the way that I was liking it.  Plus my hormones are thrown off being that I am pregnant.  But I am willing to take this over the darker scaring that I had in the previous pictures.  Plus my makeup applies better so I don't have to apply so much to cover the scars.

Hope you enjoyed my initial update on my facial regimen!  I will update this post when I upload my video via YouTube on how I use the derma roller.

Peace & Happiness!
~Erika B.

Another Influenster Box! The Vitality Box

*I received this box from Influenster for free for testing purposes.*

I received my Influenster Vitality Box about two weeks ago and I can say that I always enjoy what Influenster has to offer. Unexpected items that I have seen, thought about trying or have never heard of before.  This box included various items such as:

• First Degree Advanced Burn Cream (Retails $5.97-$8.99)
• Playtex Sport Fresh Balance tampons (Retail $3.99)
• Elizabeth Arden FLAWLESS FUTURE Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum (Retail $60 for 1.0 fl oz)
• Pure Leaf Iced Tea
• Softlips Cube (Retail $3.49)
• Bikini Ready Energy Gummies (Retail $14.99; select Influenster members received this item).

Overall, I can say that I am completely satisfied with the box.  I have to start using the Elizabeth Arden more, but from the time that I did use it, it was smooth, soft, and gentle on the skin.  I just turned 28 almost two weeks ago so it is time that I started being more thorough with my skin care regimen.  The Bikini Ready Energy gummies were really good.  I only had a sample of two but I could see that going into my dietary regimen (once I begin a good one again lol).  One item that I really love is the Softlips Cube.  I currently have been using the EOS lip balm and I can say that the Softcube is giving EOS a run for their money!  It has shea butter in it and it glides on much smoother than the EOS lip balm.  I tweeted that it felt like butter on my lips and it really does!  I would definitely go to the store to make that purchase once I have used all of it up.  (Shameless plug follow me on Twitter and Instagram @ebanx15) :)

The Pure Leaf tea was very good.  I think I have tried it before but what drew me more to it this time was that I actually read the label and it is fresh brewed tea with no preservatives so its natural.  That let me know that this would be the tea I reached for if I was in the grocery or convenience store.  I haven't had the chance to try the First Degree Burn cream but I did swatch it and its a typical cream that glides on well and absorbs into the skin.  Also I haven't tried the Playtex Sport tampons and I am looking forward to that as I have always been a Tampax girl.  I'm not as active as I was before but I'm looking for the coverage to see if it would be good to use when I am active.  I do work retail so I spend much time walking around and on my feet so that would test the protection as well.  

As always Influenster has YET to let me down!  I enjoy the program very much and I hope I get to continue to receive boxes.  Testing these items becomes the highlight of my day! ^_^

Until next time...

Peace & Happiness :)

~Erika

Blog Updates!

Hello all!  It's been a few days, but I am back to make a few announcements. 

1. I still am selling L.A. Girl Pro Conceal concealers via eBay!  My store name is shopphoenixrising123 and you can find them there or just do a simple search for "L.A. Girl Pro Conceal Concealers."  Most color options are fair/light skin tone.
2. I will be posting this week about Winn-Dixie HUGE Buy 1, Get 1 FREE sale!  I'm excited about this myself.
3. Last but NOT least, check out my online boutique!  I haven't had much traffic there lately but I do have earrings on sale!  Go to www.shopphoenixrising.storenvy.com :)

Until next time, shoppers!

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika

Ulta 1/26-2/1

Ulta has a 20% off coupon in the Sunday (1/26) paper that you can use on products that will be listed below!  If you prefer to shop online, the coupon code is 101891; enter the coupon code in the space provided in your shopping basket and click "apply."

bareMinerals is having a sale on their kits!

• One Hot Mama (6 pc kit; $98 Value) $39
• Kiss Me, It's My Birthday (4 pc kit; $54 Value) $25
• Beauty Obsessed (4 pc kit; $50 Value) $25 *This kit also includes a 20% OFF card for your next bareMinerals foundation purchase!*
• Red Carpet Train Case ($99.99 without coupon, with coupon $79.99!) Includes a complete Pro 45 Starter Kit plus a full size French nail tip packet, nail jewel packet, nail applique packet, 20 foil wraps, 20 lint free wipes, accessory kit & how to DVD.
• Buy 2, Get 2 FREE, PLUS 20% OFF with COUPON! Ulta Cosmetics, Beauty Tools, Implements, Brushes, Professional Primers & Nails, Bath, Smoothies, Anti-Bacterials, Skincare & Haircare (Reg $3-$25)
• Buy 1, Get 1 50% OFF Loreal & Maybelline Mix & Match Cosmetics (Reg 3.49-15.99). Also included:  Loreal & Garnier Skincare & Suncare (Reg. 4.99-24.99)