Plush Pink Allure: August 2015

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Älsa Energy Drink

I've never been a big of energy drinks, mainly because I've never experienced anything more then a racing heart and the shakes. Hardly the quick, effective boost I'm looking for. But when I tried a sample of Älsa energy drink at the She's Fit event, I got curious.

This summer I found myself banking a lot more gym time then I'm used to. So as good as it made me feel, add it to my millions of other daily activities and sometimes I began craving that extra oomph to help get me through the day.

Älsa is a new, premium energy drink mix that delivers a measured, sustained energy boost via PURENERGY® plus the mental clarity benefits of Cognizin® citicoline. It comes in easy to carry .35 oz packets and in three all natural flavors: Pomegranate Blueberry, Three Citrus, and Dragon Fruit. Each packet is one serving that can be added to water, blended in a smoothie or used as a yogurt topping.

What's in it?

- Cognizin (250 mg), a patented, branded form of citicoline, a natural substance vital to brain health and found in every cell of the body. Cognizin is clinically tested to provide sustained mental energy, enhanced focus, and healthy memory function.

-PURENERGY (100 mg), an innovative, patented ingredient that combines caffeine and pTeroPure® pterostilbene for efficient, sustained energy that will last from mid-morning to mid-afternoon without an unpleasant jolt or sudden drop.

-pTeroPure pterostilbene (57 mg), a patented, nature-identical form of trans-pterostilbene, which shares the strong antioxidant values of resveratrol but is 60% more effective and bioavailable. Helps maintain normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels and may enhance cognitive function.

-Caffeine (100 mg – about the same as in a cup of coffee) from three sources: white tea extract, yerba maté extract, and PURENERGY.

-14 essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins C, B6, and B12, as well as the amino acids L-Carnitine and Taurine, and Ginkgo Biloba.

Älsa has been really useful for me this summer. I keep a stash in my desk at work and use it to whip up my afternoon pick me up. Usually around 3:00pm, I start to get a little sluggish and the mantra "is it 5 yet?" repeats over and over in my head. So, I just mix a packet with water and by the time I'm finished drinking it, the work day is done and I'm refreshed and ready to hit the gym.

The taste is not what I expected though. I was hoping for something a little sweeter but to me, it tasted more on the tart side. Overall, I still like it because it is the first energy drink where I can get that energetic rush without having to deal with the jitters or feeling like my heart is going a mile a minute. It's probably the only energy drink I'll ever keep on hand.

*Älsa is vegan, gluten-free and naturally sweetened with fructose and stevia extract and has no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives*

Do you use energy drinks? Are you interested in trying Älsa? Click here for a free sample!

Available at:

Alsaenergy.com
Retail: $48.50 for a 24-stick pack

Sunday, August 23, 2015

New Launch: Norell New York Eau de Parfum

Last week I attended the launch of the industry's latest must know fragrance Norell New York. Released earlier this month, it is a remastered version of its predecessor and actress Riley Keough, the granddaughter of Elvis Presley, serves as the face of the campaign. Launched in 1968, the original Norell was the first American designer fragrance produced by the legendary Norman Norell. An elegant green floral, the perfume reflected Norman Norell’s aesthetic of understated glamour, sophistication and sensuality.

The Fragrance:
The iconic fragrance has been re-mastered and modernized for today’s sensibility. With the pure quality of its ingredients and its exquisite blend of notes, Norell New York leads us to rediscover the artistry and craftsmanship of perfume. Drawing on the legacy of Norman Norell, this modern green floral opens with a lush radiance that exudes a playful effervescence with an airy floral bouquet and a sensual finish. In fact, each bottle of Norell New York contains over 200 Jasmine petals and one of the most noble and expensive ingredients, Orris Butter. Whether it’s an olfactory classic or you’re discovering the scent for the first time, Norell New York makes you feel like “Each Time is the First Time.”

The Eau de Parfum:
The Eau de Parfum bottle is a statement piece with its stunning facets and 24 karat gold plated collar, echoing the look of the Baccarat crystal piece. The fragrance is packaged in a simple, elegant white box with gold accents. It retails at $150.

Notes:

Top: Galbanum, Bergamot, Pear and Mandarin,

Mid: Jasmine Petals, Peony, Orchid, Gardenia

Base: Orris Butter, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Musk

This bottle is vanity candy if I ever saw it. The gold collar around the crystal topper is so regal and yet, exudes a feeling of modest simplicity. The fragrance is of course both gorgeous and addictive. I dabbed a bit on my wrist and was swept up in a gentle flurry of sweet florals. I love this scent because it's one I would feel comfortable wearing day/ night, and during any season. For me, the jasmine and sandalwood were the most evident. Jasmine is one of my favorites because I love floral scents. But when I spritzed on Norell New York, the unique blend of notes truly made me feel like I was experiencing it for the first time.

Available exclusively at:

Bergdorfgoodman

Neimanmarcus

Saturday, August 22, 2015

BeautyBox 5: August Box Reveal

Happy Saturday!! I hope everyone is enjoying the last few days of summer. You may have already guessed it's about that time for me to share this month's BeautyBox5 goodies! For the newbies out there, BeautyBox5 is a monthly subscription that selects five beauty industry favorites and delivers them straight to your door. There are various subscription options to chose from, but my lucky self receives a complimentary box each month in exchange for my thoughts :) So lets check em out!

Each month has a special theme:

"Getting gussied up is a process and we understand- this isn't your first cosmetics rodeo! By now you've got a fine tuned technique that keeps you looking gorgeous and while we don't believe in messing with perfection, there's nothing wrong with adding some new shades, tools and hydration to your getting- ready routine right? You got this girl"- BB5

Jerome Alexander Hot Stuff Go Pop Compacts

Retail: $10.99

This was fun surprise since I wear a lot of neutrals and don't have a lot of colored shadows in my collection. I'm liking the two purples and they'll be nice transition colors as we head into fall. I love the pink case and thought it was pretty clever. It's the first compact I've seen to come in a protective casing. Anything that keeps those shadows from breaking while rolling around in my purse is a plus!

Donnamax Printed Nail File with case

retail: $4.99

I can always use more nail files! The graphics on this one make it fun and girly, and it too comes with a protective case to keep it from getting scratched up in your purse.

Hask Beauty Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment

Retail: $2.39

This stuff is amazing. I remember it from a past box and it not only smelled amazing, but made my hair silky soft!

Pur Lisse Pur Delicate Gentle Soy Milk Cleanser and Make up Remover

Retail: $36.00

5.6 oz

I've liked all past pur-lisse products as they seem to work well for my sensitive skin. This was perfect timing because I'm about to run out of makeup remover and what better way to replenish?! :p

Starlooks Luxe Longwear Eyeliner Pen in Plum

Retail: $19.99

Another great color for fall! It's dark and sultry with a little extra pop of color. Plum works with a lot of skin tones and the pen is really easy to guide.

Do you subscribe to BB5? What did you think of this month's box?

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Review: Dakota Vox Light Up Mascara

Retail: $12.99

Dakota Vox is the latest company to add the "light up" feature to their products. Their "Light Up Mascara" is described as a luscious black mascara designed to lengthen lashes, and simplify application. You just press the button on top of the applicator wand and an LED light shines out from underneath. Flip over the tube and you'll find a convenient mirror in which to do your application/ touch ups, anywhere, anytime!

Product details:

- Rich black pigment

- Flake free formula

- Silicone brush for clump free distribution

The formula was on the thick side, but was very lightweight. I'm accustomed to applying two, sometimes three coats of mascara before achieving the look I want, and this time was no different. The formula was drier then I'm used to, (most of my mascaras are on the wetter side) making the dry time was almost immediate. This was a nice bonus for me because it meant the application process went much faster. I didn't experience any clumping or flaking, just like it promised. It's a great day to day mascara that can be tossed in your purse and used whenever you need!

Available Beauty9.com

Have you tried Dakota Vox Light Up Mascara? What did you think?

Friday, August 7, 2015

Review: Jessica Robertson Collection Hidden Beauty Natural Tan Maximizer

I love a classic, sun kissed glow, but being fair skinned makes achieving it quite the challenge. I've tried spray tans and self tanners- all of which are always great at first. But let's be serious. No matter how long I let the color set (and like, who has time for that anyway??), when it's 90 degrees out and I'm sweating it out in zumba or spin class, those sweaty streaks are pretty darn hard to avoid.

Retail: $46.00

12 oz.

Jessica Robertson Collection Hidden Beauty Natural Tan Maximizer has become the answer to my streaky woes. In fact, it's taken the place of a lot of my self tanners this summer.

Endorsed by Jessica Robertson of A&E's Duck Dynasty, the formula contains aloe, vitamin D and Melitane to aid your skins natural tanning process. The Melitane is advertised to induce skin pigmentation, strengthen skin's defenses against overexposure, reduce skin erythema or sunburn, protect and repair DNA damage, and reduce inflammatory response. It's also supposed to help firm skin and even out skin tone.

The directions state to use before tanning. But when I first cracked open the bottle, it smelled so good, I couldn't resist trying it right away. I applied it after my shower before I went to bed, and was stunned to wake up the next morning with a noticeable glow. And I hadn't even laid in the sun yet! It was subtle and natural looking. Since it is an enhancer and not a tanner, it doesn't have that color blocking formula. The lotion is advertised as a "Carmel Color"- a pale, off whitish shade- and you can't see where you've applied it, but that's because you don't need to. There is no chance of streaks and part of its purpose is to work with your natural pigmentation and even you out.

The texture has a rich, luxe feel to it but isn't the least bit heavy. It absorbed quickly and left my skin feeling soft and velvety immediately after application. The scent is a strawberry- kiwi combination called "Sweet Dreams" and is oh-so-yummy!! If you like sweet, fruity scents you'll love that this one lingers slightly. Just like the other Jessica Robertson products I've tried, the Tan Maximizer didn't disappoint. Its effects on me were noticeable after just once use, and the stuff has quickly become my summer addiction. It achieves that healthy, natural glow without the mess and fuss. If you have difficulty achieving or maintaining a tan, this might be a good alternative to try. And because it works with your skin's natural color, it is ideal for every season.

Have you been self tanning this summer? What product has been your favorite?

Thursday, August 6, 2015

FreeBeautyEvents: August Giveaway

I'm not sure what happened last month, but I breathed a sigh of relief to see FreeBeautyEvents.com was back this month with another FIERCE giveaway. For those who don't know, FreeBeautyEvents is an awesome beauty resource and a great way to snag some killer free samples. Each month the site gives away an amazing beauty bundle chalk full of the latest haves, and this months bundle is guh-OOD!

This month's Beauty Basket Giveaway includes products from CoverGirl, Revlon, E.L.F Cosmetics, RoC Skincare, Essie and more! The Contest runs from now through 8/31/15, winners will be chosen on 9/5/2015 and notified by 9/15/2015. Entering is easy peezy. You can do so directly on their website or head over to their Facebook page (don't forget to like them!)

Besides the monthly giveaways, the site also offers great beauty advice and product reviews on their blog. Like any of the products you read about? Keep your eyes open for your chance to stock up! Easy as 1-2-3, just enter your zip code into the site's search bar to find out which locations in your area might be handing out samples. It's a helpful way to keep up to date with the beauty events happening in your town.

Get more on FreeBeautyEvents.com:

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Sunday, August 2, 2015

TATCHA: Travel Size Beauty Necessities

Summer vacations are by far the highlight of the season but for many, packing is always headache. As if deciding which shoes to bring and which sundresses are least likely to wrinkle isn't hard enough, having to determine which beauty products will actually be allowed to board with you is a real pain.

But fear not! TATCHA , the Japanese luxury skincare brand has heard our cries and cleverly taken all of its cult favorites and made each available in TSA approved travel size. Perfection? I'd say so. So before you start hemming and hawing about how you have to leave behind your most dire beauty necessities, or make a mess trying to squirt your favorite moisturizer into one of those dinky plastic travel bottles, make it easy on yourself and check out TATCHA's travel collection.

Travel size products available: