Target Up & Up Everyday Personal Care Products Review + Giveaway

For the last two years, I�ve been using many up & up brand products from Target. I�m a diehard fan of their moisturizing body wash, oil-free eye makeup remover, cotton rounds, cotton swabs and nail polish remover. These are staples in my skin, body and nail care routines- they�re a great value and quality and the products do what they say they will.

Plus, I already shop at Target a lot, so it's easy to pick up these everyday essentials during one of my many visits where I browse each aisle and buy things I absolutely need want in my life.

I first discovered this up & up sensitive skin body wash (there's also a moisturizing and exfoliating version I love) when I was browsing the skincare aisle. I have really sensitive skin that frequently breaks out in hives, so I have to be careful with what I use when I shower, since my hives are temperature-induced. This body wash has been a staple for me -- it's better priced than name brand body washes and I've never noticed a difference in its performance -- it leaves my skin feeling clean, soft and smooth.

Recently I got to test out more up & up products that I hadn�t previously used -- including makeup removing facial wipes created specifically for sensitive skin (yay!) and antiseptic spring-mint mouthwash.

Kevin and I both enjoy the mouthwash, it's a nice extra fresh-breath boost in the morning and helps keep plaque at bay with its germ-fighting ingredients. 

I had never before used makeup cleansing wipes prior to these up & up cleansing towelettes for sensitive skin. I didn't realize that cleansing towelettes could remove waterproof makeup (I thought they were formulated for removing only foundation and powder). Since I'm a fan of waterproof mascara, this was perfect for me. I'm actually going to bring these with me when we go on vacation later this year so I don't have to bring cotton pads and liquid eye makeup remover.

 

Having access to inexpensive products that I use in my day-to-day life that are reliable and high quality is awesome, and I've found that in the up & up brand.

 

Have you tried any up&up products? Which ones are your favorites? Share in the comments below for a chance to win a $100 Target GiftCard�. 

Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: �#OnlyAtTarget� and �#SweepstakesEntry�; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher.com email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 9/8-10/22.
Be sure to visit the Target up & up brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers� posts!

Review: Younique 3D Fiber Lash Mascara

If you check Facebook pretty regularly then you've probably seen posts about Younique 3D Fiber Lash Mascara in your newsfeed. I was pretty intrigued by it so when Stephanie reached out to me to review it for my blog, I was eager to test it out.

I had seen lots of before and after photos on Facebook and wondered if I'd have such dramatic results, too.

This product delivers lush, long full lashes---but I think technique is key here. You kind of have to play around with it to determine what your best application will be.

I like to use one coat of transfer gel, one coat of fibers and then finish off with a second coat of transfer gel. Some people use a regular coat of mascara before applying the first layer of transfer gel, but Stephanie actually gave me a heads-up to try it without regular mascara because it tends to look dramatic yet still natural.

Younique 3D fiber lashes can make your lashes look clumpy if you aren't careful in your application. I'm usually a one coat and done type person with my regular mascara, so this was a little more time consuming, but well worth it on days where you want a little more drama and don't want to use Latisse or false lashes/lash extensions. 

Below I'm posting photos with descriptions---I did one eye with regular mascara + the Younique fiber lashes and the other with just the Younique fiber lashes.

Okay, so here are my lashes, just curled with a lash curler and nothing else on them:

Here is my eye with just the transfer gel and fiber lashes (NO regular mascara as a base coat):

...and here is the eye with the extra coat of regular mascara (I used DiorShow as seen above) + Younique 3D fiber lashes

As you can see, with the extra coat of regular mascara, it can get a bit clumpy if you aren't careful. This can be remedied with technique and I've only been testing it out for a little over a week so I could use some more practice. One thing I really appreciate about this mascara is that though it's not a waterproof formula, it doesn't weigh down my lashes like most regular mascaras do so my lashes can stay curled.

Here are some shots of my full face from a little further away so you can see the effect:

If you're interested in ordering the 3D fiber lashes, visit www.beyoutifulwithsteph.com. If you have any questions, you can reach out to her via Facebook. Overall I'm very happy with these results! It's also easy to remove at night (I just use my regular eye makeup remover). 

Stephanie is also generously giving away one Younique 3D Fiberlash mascara set! All you have to do is "like" her Facebook page and enter below via Rafflecopter. The winner will be chosen at random in a week!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

FTC: I was given the mascara for review. I was not compensated for this post. 

Have You Tried It? Secret's Outlast Antiperspirant Review

Sweating -- or as I like to call it, "glistening." We all do it. Whether you're just naturally on the sweatier side or you're into working out, a good antiperspirant is essential and can be hard to come by.

In fact, over the years I've tried several different brands, and I've had a tough time with some of them. I have really sensitive skin overall, and some products I had used in the past actually caused me to have underarm cysts on a regular basis (gross, I know, but we're talking about sweating so we're kind of on a not so sexy topic from the get-go).

Over the years I feel like I've tried them all. Different brands and scents, and the one I keep loyally repurchasing is Secret� Outlast� antiperspirant (and speaking of Secret�, I also love their clinical strength antiperspirant, especially during the height of summer). Outlast� says it offers 48 hours of protection, but really no one needs that much protection because you shower once a day, but hey, I'll take all the extra protection a product can offer.

What I appreciate about this antiperspirant is it does not irritate my skin; it works all day (and night, no need to reapply), and it goes clear when you apply it.

The true test for any antiperspirant is how it performs after wearing it all day and then hitting the gym at night. As I mentioned earlier, I never have to reapply this antiperspirant before a workout (even the grueling ones with my trainer). It continues to protect as I'm "glistening" away.

I also live in Texas, and in October we're still having some days in the 80s and 90s, so while some ladies might be able to get away with a super mild product, I need the extra protection of a 24-48 hour formula. I also find that the powder scent isn't so overpowering that it competes with my perfume.

Though antiperspirant isn't as glamorous as lip gloss, blush and bronzer, I'd argue that it's just as essential -- if not more so. Finding one that works for you should definitely be a priority when it comes to your hygiene routine (it's kind of on the same level as finding the perfect whitening toothpaste).

Speaking of products that are part of your everyday routine, feel free to visit Have You Tried This Yet from P&G to learn more about high performing products from Procter & Gamble brands like Crest�, Olay�, Pampers� and Tide�. Other than Pampers (obviously), I have used products from all of these brands -- in fact, TIDE's "Free" laundry detergent is the only one I buy for my regular loads (I do use a special sport wash for my Lululemon clothing) and Crest's Glamorous White is my favorite whitening toothpaste (it really does help fade stains).

If you're still not sure about a product you're wanting to try, P&G is running a program throughout the next year offering various value saving opportunities to try some of the Have You Tried This Yet? from P&G program�s participating products:

• brandSAMPLER: Samples and valuable coupons mailed directly to you (YES, PLEASE!)
• eSAVER: Get coupons downloaded directly to your own personal shopper card.

Now that I'm done talking about sweating, let's get to the fun part -- a sweepstakes for a
$100 Visa Gift Card, sponsored by BlogHer. Each comment posted on this post generates an automatic entry into the sweepstakes.

All you have to do is tell me, in your comment on THIS post---How would Secret� Outlast� antiperspirant fit into your everyday life?

Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
"b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the
following unique term in your tweet message: ""#SweepstakesEntry""; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post"
c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 12/06 to 12/31
Be sure to visit the P&G Have You Tried This Yet? brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers� reviews and find more chances to win!

Thank you for reading and good luck!

Living Proof's Prime Style Extender Really Does Extend Your Style (Really!)

When I first saw a magazine ad for Living Proof's "Prime Style Extender" I totally thought it was a gimmick.  In the past couple of years, makeup primers have become a "must-have" item for every girl's makeup routine, but I personally never cared for them.

I had always been pleased with Living Proof's products and have used many of them including their full shampoo, straight spray and thickening cream.  But for some reason, the style extender just sounded gimmicky.

However, I kept seeing it promoted in the Sephora catalog and when I was making my Sephora friends and family sale wish list, I decided to check out the reviews for the product and was stunned to find an abundance of rave reviews.

At just $20 for a 5 oz tube, I thought it wouldn't hurt to test it out.  One of the issues I have with my hair is that I do have to re-style in in the morning after sleeping on it. It kind of gets kinks in it and if it's straight (blown-out) it just doesn't hold the same shape once I sleep on it.

When I use the Prime Style Extender, I apply it from the nape of my neck down to the ends of my hair only. Personally, I do not apply any kind of smoothing products to my roots, only volumizing ones.  You can also add any other product on top of the primer, so I add some Kerastase serum or another smoothing product.

I blow out my hair as usual with a round brush and set it in Velcro rollers like I do every time I have first day (just-washed) hair.  The ONLY difference was that I used the Prime Style Extender.

Typically, I curl my hair with a curling iron the day after I do my blowout (so, on second day hair). I then touch up my curls on my third day hair before washing it again that 4th morning. However, after using the Prime Style Extender, I literally brushed my hair after waking up and it looked good enough that I did not have to curl it or apply heat. It just somehow retained its shape from the day before better than I ever remember.

I have no idea how or why it works, but it just does  (the description on Sephora.com says Prime Style Extender is powered by Living Proof�s �miracle molecule,� OFPMA, which protects and extends the life of your style twice as long, saving you time, day after day. It weightlessly perfects strands while smoothing and correcting hair texture).

Science.  Always winning.  Thank goodness for miracle molecules.  You can purchase Prime Style Extender here.

Have you tried this product? Do you love it as much as I do?


FTC: I purchased this product with my own money and these are my honest thoughts.

The Argument for Shapewear: A Review of Jockey's New Line with Rachel Zoe

As you know from a previous post I wrote on wearing the right bra, I'm pretty passionate about undergarments. This includes shapewear. Yes, shapewear.�Some women view shapewear as "their little secret," and that's totally fine with me, but if you've never worn it before, I'm about to make the argument for why you should consider it.

Shapewear can benefit all body types. It can make dresses and skirts skim better on the body and it can smooth out your curves. �I also use slips underneath certain skirts that have a sheer lining (like my navy blue lace skirt from Zara).

I recently had the opportunity to review pieces I received from Jockey's new collection�curated�by the lovely Rachel Zoe (who I totally love, like whoa). �I am seriously bananas for her--we share a love for beachy hair, pants that hit the floor, and dark nail polish.

The new pieces I got to test out are�Rachel Zoe�s �Major Must Haves� from Jockey. Rachel�s selections include intimates (panties and camisole) and shapewear. As Rachel and I both know--and preach--it�s not just about what you wear on the outside; what�s underneath counts just as much.

Because I love Rachel's style (seriously, can I please be one of her clients?), I was not at all surprised to see how cute the prints on the undies were.

The three pairs above are all very comfortable--the top is a hipster style, the middle a low-cut bikini, and the bottom a thong. �The hipster pair is made from a super-stretchy fabric and features a lilac-colored lace waistband. The other two pairs are a soft cotton featuring pretty geometric prints. �I've had a chance to wear them all and love them. �The pair with the lace waistband is particularly flattering. �For those wondering, I take a size medium in all three styles.

Onto the�shapewear. Undergarments are to the body what foundation is to your makeup routine. In the same way you use foundation to create a smooth, even base for the rest of your makeup, shapewear is like a primer for your clothes. �It helps bring out the best in what you wear. �This isn't to say you should wear it daily, but there are certain ensembles that benefit incredibly from the solid foundation shapewear provides.�

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, shapewear can benefit all body types. �Even if you're thin or don't have a lot of problem areas, shapewear can make a dress or skirt lay more nicely on the body (especially if you have a dress that's particularly clingy). �I oftentimes wear a nude-colored slip under some dresses I own, simply because I like the way the fabric falls when I wear it. (Also, a slip has totally saved me from�embarrassment�on a windy day, if you catch my drift.) Shapewear is also a great choice if you do have a problem area or maybe if you're a new mom and want to smooth things out as you're shaping back up. �Whatever your body type or concerns, it's worth a try.

Jockey's shapewear line is made with high-quality stretch fabric and super-soft cotton. �It has a patented three-panel design that slims and shapes without causing discomfort. �Personally, my favorite pieces of shapewear are skirt slips and full slips. �Since I wear a lot of dresses and skirts, these styles work best in my wardrobe.

My favorite piece from the line was this full slip, called the Slip Shaper. �It can be worn under dresses, but I have also worn it with a skirt and top.

My favorite part about this slip is that the top is made of the softest, smoothest cotton. �I actually don't think I would have liked it if the top was the same fabric as the skirt. �I loved that it felt soft on top and not compressing like the bottom part.

The one feature that impressed me most was the silicone band at the bottom of the skirt part that prevents slipping. �It's meant to keep your shapewear in place. �The one thing that disappointed me a bit about the skirt slip, however, was the length. �I wish it had been 4 or 5 inches longer. However, I realize that they make these pieces for the average woman and not a woman who is 5'10" tall like me. �Despite the fact that I could have used a few extra inches of length, I still enjoyed wearing it, and it smoothed things out and allowed me to wear a skirt that has a more sheer lining. (Seriously, retailers, why make a dark-colored skirt without adequate lining?)

Full slips are most impactful when worn under dresses. You will be amazed at how much your silhouette will shine when you take the extra step to smooth things out before you complete your outfit. It's like under-eye brightener for your body--it just perks things up.

Next up was this shapewear tank, called the Strappy Tank. �I don't really gravitate toward tanks for shapewear, but I can say this one is very well made and has the soft cotton at the top for added comfort, just like the full slip. �Once again, I do wish this were longer because I have a super-long torso (seriously, I'm like a giraffe), but if you are of average height it will be a perfect fit. �This tank would be best suited for someone who really wants to refine her midsection. �

�

Finally, I got to test out the shapewear shorts, called the Tummy Short. I was kind of against shorts for shapewear because I prefer skirt slips, but I guess you shouldn't knock what you haven't tried. I quite enjoyed these. �Especially since I tend to carry any extra weight in my hips, thighs and butt, which is exactly the areas these shapewear shorts target. �They can be worn under pants or skirts (or dresses!). �These are made of super-soft, super-stretchy cotton.

Rachel Zoe's Major Must Haves" from Jockey�are available now in�major retailers,�Jockey outlet stores�and on�Jockey.com. Since�the full product line is available now, we�will all benefit as we hit the candy at Halloween and turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes during Thanksgiving; believe me, you will thank me.

Before I go, please don't forget to enter into a random drawing for a $100 Jockey gift card. � To enter, please leave me a comment below (include your email address, please!) telling me a time you WISH you had been wearing shapewear. �Don't be shy, ladies. ;)

Good luck and thanks for entering!

Rules: No Purchase Necessary.�No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods: (a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post, (b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: "#SweepstakesEntry"; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post, (c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post,(d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 11/7 to 12/6.

Be sure to visit the Jockey brand page on BlogHer.com, where you can read other bloggers' reviews and find more chances to win!

A Discussion About Undergarments & Vanity Fair� Bra Reviews

Okay ladies, we are about to get real personal here, because we're going to talk about undergarments today. Though they are often an afterthought (I mean, you don't exactly plan which bra you're going to wear the night before your workday), undergarments can affect how your clothing looks, so the topic's worth discussing, no?

Now I'm not going to get into the whole "89% of American women are wearing the wrong bra size" thing. Instead I'm going to focus on why it's important to wear the right bra with the right clothing. 

As you know, I have pretty stringent opinions on cleavage in the workplace. That is, I don't think it should be seen in the workplace at all, no matter what the situation or scenario. If you're not a Cirque Du Soleil performer or a professional bikini model, it's best to keep covered. But that doesn't mean you should resort to dowdy undergarments that do nothing for your shape. It also doesn't mean that you can't buy lingerie that enhances your shape and provides two other important things: comfort and support.

I recently got to try out Vanity Fair's new Modern Coverage and Illumination lines of bras and underwear. The three bras I got to try are the Vanity Fair� Advanced Support Underwire Bra, the Vanity Fair� Look Lifted Underwire Bra and the Vanity Fair� Front Close Underwire Bra.

I had asked that all of the bras be sent in the nude color because I cannot overstress the importance of owning a nude bra (or seven) and how versatile they are (and by versatile, I mean essential). I had never tried this lingerie line before, so I wore only Vanity Fair� bras for well over a week, every day, so that I could fully experience each bra and wear each with a different outfit.

Overall I am very pleased with the quality and level of comfort of each bra. There are little details I'll share about each style and what I liked about each of them, but first let's take a peek inside my bra drawer. (I told you we were gettin' real in this post, and yes, I have a drawer just for my bras ... is that weird?)

(The first three bras from the bottom are my new Vanity Fair� additions.)

Below I'll discuss the bras individually, as well as my thoughts about each one of them. I will note that the true bra test for me is if I can wear it when I get home from work. Some days, you come home and the first thing you want to do is rip your bra off (or is that just me? Bueller? Bueller?). I have to say that I was surprised to find myself leaving my bra on a few times after coming home from work.

The Vanity Fair� Advanced Support Underwire Bra is simple, no bells and whistles, and honestly I kind of like that. It's supportive and comfortable (it has 4-way stretch) and it looks great under more fitted tops because it doesn't show any seams underneath them. They call it the perfect T-shirt bra and I have to agree. Smooth, clean, easy.

The Vanity Fair� Front Close Underwire Bra is the one that surprised me the most. When it arrived I kind of looked at it and wondered "Will we be friends or foes?" I had never worn a front-close bra (other than a sports bra), so I was wary. My fears were dispelled when I actually put it on. It was comfortable, flattering and, most of all, I love that the back band was one solid piece since it fastens at the front. The front clasp did take me a moment or two (or, like, 45 seconds) to figure out how to operate -- but once I learned it was smooth sailing.

The Vanity Fair� Look Lifted Underwire Bra is the girliest of the bunch, with pretty crystal detailing at the front and my favorite, lace. I like lace because it's feminine and can take a nude bra from uptight librarian to sexy librarian with the snap of a finger. Like the others, this style is comfortable. And for those of you who like a fancier look to your underpinnings this would be the ideal choice.

One thing I want to point out about all of the styles is the straps. They are well made and supportive, and I like how they are all different thicknesses. I like picking the bra depending on my wardrobe choices. For example, I might choose thicker straps if I feel I need more support and I'm wearing a top with long sleeves or thick straps. If I'm wearing a tank, I opt for thinner straps. Here are some detail shots so you can see the different strap styles.

I also got to try out the Illumination� undies (I hate the word panty) and, though I said we were getting personal in this post, that drawer is off limits, so I'll just tell you which pair I like best. It's the Illumination� String Bikini. I like the way it's cut and it's flattering on. Personally I prefer lace undies, but it's nice to switch it up sometimes. Good to know that Vanity Fair� makes laces ones too. I might have to try them out!

Now that I've given you way too close a look into my drawer of unmentionables, and we're way past the point of turning back, I'll tell you why I think nude bras take the cake when it comes to dressing for the professional world:

• Nude bras don't show under your clothes. They blend in with your skin. So when you wear a white or light shirt wear a nude bra versus a white one (match the bra to your skin tone).
• They work well with light colors and sheer fabrics.
• It's not as distracting if your strap accidentally peeks out if it's nude (versus, say, lime green).
• You can wear them with dark colors, too.

Now don't get me wrong, I have bras in many colors (including another essential, black, of course), but I must sing the praises of the nude bra because I think they are oftentimes overlooked for the sexier floral or cheetah print bras. While those look awesome on the models in the catalog, they're not as practical for everyday (unless you are one of the aforementioned Cirque du Soleil performers, because you'd totally rock that).

While we're on the topic, head over to Vanity Fair's Facebook page and leave a comment on this post telling me which bra you like the most. This will enter you in a giveaway for a $100 Visa gift card from BlogHer.

SWEEPSTAKES/GIVEAWAY RULES

Rules: No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: "#SweepstakesEntry"; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 9/10 - 10/7.

Be sure to visit the Vanity Fair brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers� reviews and find more chances to win!

Thank you for reading and good luck with the giveaway! May the odds be forever in your favor. ;)