Phenome COOLING Eye Puffiness Minimizer GIVEAWAY!!!!

Hi guys!  I'm SO excited to share this awesome GIVEAWAY with all of you!  I've had so many of you reach out in various forms to declare your curiosity for this amazing product!  Now you have a chance to win it here on FMM!  The generous people over at Phenome are gifting ONE lucky winner with one COOLING Eye Puffiness Minimizer, $53 value, and FIVE winners will take home a package of Phenome Sample Sachets!  Open to US readers only! Enter now and GOOD LUCK!


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Phenome COOLING Eye Puffiness Minimizer

Are you tired of your daily dose of puffy eyes?  I know i am!  This mommy's tried EVERYTHING to control the situation but ultimately, i wave my little white flag and surrender!  Until now that is!  Phenome's Cooling Eye Puffiness Minimizer is the holy grail of eye products!  No, really... holy grail!  This cooling, fragrance-free (yay, you know my sensitive eyes love that) eye gel reduces swelling and dark circles in the eye area.  It's really light weight in texture and absorbs rather quickly into the skin.  I noticed about 30 seconds after application, that the skin around my eyes felt tighter. When i investigated further, i learned that this product is rich in ecological plant waters, organic oils and natural extracts which provide deep hydration and form a hydro-lipid film on the surface of the skin to prevent water loss.  This invisible and undetectable film (which is what i perceived as tightening) prevents the skin from absorbing pollutants which contribute to premature aging. Immediately after application, you get this delicious cooling sensation around the eye area that wakes you right up!  Psst you can keep this baby in the fridge for even better results!  This is a wonderful product that works beautifully under my concealer!  Every time i put it on, twice daily to be precise, it's truly a little slice of heaven for my eyes.  This pretty baby is essential night stand real estate!  If you don't already have it, you must drop what you're doing immediately, and snatch this beauty right up!  Your eyes will thank you for it!

Please excuse my 'au naturale' look



So lets chat!  Have you tried Phenome COOLING Eye Puffiness Minimizer?  What did you think? If not... how badly do you want to try it?!

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  XOXO Carla - FMM

*This product was sent to FMM for an honest product review.  All opinions are mine based on my experience after trying this product. This is not a sponsored post!  

Elchim 2001 Pro Hair Dryer

Today, while shopping Sephora (i know, BAD Carla!) I received the sweetest and quite frankly most unexpected compliment!  The girl at the checkout counter ooooo'd and ahhhh'd over my hair!  She said "wow, your hair is so shiny and gorgeous... the color is so vibrant"!  I swear I'm not making this up!  I was surprised simply because in all honesty, i do my own color every few weeks and follow up at the salon every few months.  However, as I'm walking out of the store... with an extra kick in my step feeling all rock star status over my hair i thought, hmmm what's so vibrant about my hair?  Then, it dawned on me!  This past Sunday, for Mother's Day, my mom and sister gifted me with this awesome, professional grade Elchim 2001 High Pressure hair dryer!  I honestly didn't realize how much i actually needed this. If you're wondering what's so different between this baby and the average Conair dryer (which i owned and liked), I'm here to tell you... everything!  First, my dry time is cut significantly short with the Elchim!  Second, this dryer really seals in the cuticle of the hair leaving my locks looking smooth and healthy!  I always wondered why after hour long wrist spraining blow drying sessions, i could never replicate the blowout of a salon!  Well, now i can!  It's all in the hair dryer!  I'm here to tell you, it's totally worth the investment!  Particularly when the investment is made by someone else... to you!

So lets chat, have you tried the Elchim 2001 dryer?  What are your thoughts?  How do you like your current dryer?  Do you think you could benefit from a pro dryer like this one?

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM

Revlon Nail Art Expressionist

One of the many perks to being selected as a finalist in Allure's Beauty Blogger of the Year Awards is the ginormous box of Revlon goodies Allure ships to each contestant to complete the Revlon challenge!  I was lucky enough to get TWO of these babies (got one last year when i was selected as an alternate and another this year as an actual contestant).  This year however, we got the entire collection of Revlon Nail Art!  I seriously screamed with excitement admiring all these gorgeous polishes creating endless possibilities for my perspective manis!  My nails and I were ecstatic!

Today i'm reviewing the Revlon Nail Art Expressionist collection.  I'm leaving one color out because it's a glitter combo that will be better paired with the Moon Candy collection which i'll review at a later date!  Revlon's Nail Art Expressionist collection is filled with a wide array of gorgeous color combos to inspire the artist in all of us.

Revlon Nail Art Expressionist was a bit of a hit or miss for me.  While there were some super cute color combinations, i found a few to be oddly matched.  This dual polish set provides a typical nail polish brush on one end, and a long, slim brush on the other.  The long, slim brush is intended to create the actual nail art!  You can easily get carried away with the endless possibilities!  As for texture, these polishes are quick drying and decent for the most part.  Though i did notice that the consistency varied from color to color.  In other words, some colors applied easier then others.  In some cases, three coats were necessary to complete the desired look.  Though most of the time, two coats was enough.

You may recall a post i did a while back, prior to receiving the Revlon box, where i featured Night and Degas in one of my runway inspired manis!  Here's the photo... check out the full post here!

So lets chat!  Have you tried Revlon Nail Art Expressionist?  What are your thoughts?  I'll feature the Moon Candy collection soon!  That's definitely my favorite of the two!

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  XOXO Carla - FMM

Make Up Forever Technicolor Palette

The other day, i went on a slight beauty binge at Sephora... i know, BAD CARLA!  But I've been good... really i have!  But once you get me into that store, I'm like a kid in a candy shop!  So i stocked up on some gorgeous finds which you'll read all about in some upcoming posts... but today, I'm showing you the Make Up Forever Technicolor Palette!  This palette caught my eyes because of its perfect marriage of classic neutrals along with bold statement colors to create a range of eye-catching looks!  So depending on your mood, you can create a wide range of looks with this gorgeous palette!

I love that this palette was inspired by the 1930's cinematic transition from black-and-white motion picture to color imagery!  You see, this is what i love about makeup... it truly is an art!  You are the artist... your face is your canvas!  I've been using this palette to inspired so many fun looks!  Today I'll cover swatches though i plan on showing you some fun tutorials in the near future!  I will say this, in keeping with Make Up Forever's exceptionally high quality, these shadows are long lasting, highly pigmented and completely blendable!  Just the other day, i combined the 'yellow, apple green and turquoise' to create a gorgeous new shade!  That's the beauty here... the colors you see here are not the only colors you'll have... you can essentially blend colors together to create new ones!  Just like a true artist would right?  Oh and it's conveniently equipped with two makeup brushes!

If you don't already own this palette, i find it to be an absolute must!  Particularly with the warmer months ahead... i find that there are so many wonderful opportunities here to create fun, playful summer looks!  Don't let the boldness of it steer you away.. there are plenty of neutrals to keep things simple but isn't it fun to step outside the box sometimes?!  C'mon do it!

So lets chat... have you tried Make Up Forever's Technicolor Palette?  What do you think?  What are your favorite Make Up Forever products?

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  XOXO Carla - FMM

Youngblood Summer 2013 Launch!

To say that I'm obsessed with Youngblood cosmetics is perhaps the understatement of the century! I find their products to be extraordinarily high quality, exquisitely packaged and innovative.  Today, I'm beyond excited to share with you their new Summer 2013 Launch Available June 1st!   This trio features a stunning lipstick in Dragon Fruit, Mighty Shiny Lip Gel in Flaunt and Maxim-Eyes a natural eyelash restorative serum.  Listen up if you want to be summer ready!

Let's chat about Youngblood's lipstick in Dragon Fruit!  If a trip to the tropics is not in the cards, simply reach for this gorgeous corally pink lipstick!  It contains moisturizing botanicals, including sunflower oil and candelilla wax to condition lips, while vitamin E provides antioxidant protection.  This ultra hydrading summer shade will have you ready for a day of frolicking in the warm sand and sun!

If lip gloss is your thing, look no further then Youngblood's Mighty Shiny Lip Gel in Flaunt!  This high shine, sheer color and light vanilla scent are a triple treat for the lips!  It's formulated with Momordica Grosvenorii Fruit Extract which is rich in powerful antioxidants to fight free radicals and slow premature aging, Jojoba Seed Oil, an emollient source of vitamin E, especially beneficial for chapped, dry skin, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, a conditioning agent that revitalizes thirsty lips, Sweet Almond Oil which is rich in oleic and linoleic acids, proteins and vitamin D to soften skin.  Alright, lets keep it real, this stunning brilliant pink with a hint of golden shimmer is the perfect summer accessory!  Just imagine you, your sun kissed skin, hair flowing in the wind, toes in the sand and a perfect shimmery pout!  I mean....

OK so you've all heard me complain about my lifetime membership to the Itty Bitty Lash Committee right?  I think the Gods must be smiling down on me right now because when this pretty baby arrived at my doorstep, there may have been a tear or two shed.  Happy tears of course!  After all, could Youngblood's Maxim-Eyes be the answer to my life long prayers or better yet, my Au Revoir ticket from the Itty Bitty Lash Committee??!!!!  Well, Maxim Eyes, a natural eyelash restorative serum, promises to make your lashes noticeably stronger, thicker, and longer looking (without the eye irritation or discoloration other products have been known to produce).  My ultra-sensitive eyes are quite happy about the prospects!  This unique formula is infused with potent peptides which encourage eyelashes to grow, and a blend of vitamins, minerals, and botanicals that help to nourish and strengthen lashes and even eyebrows!  OMG you mean there's hope for my barely there eyebrows too?!! Wow!  So I'll be putting this pretty baby to the test over the next few weeks and promise to share my progress with you all!  I can't wait to rock long luscious lashes in just a few short week!

*Note, in the pictures above you can already notice some lash growth and it's only been ONE week! Woohooo

All these gorgeous products will be available June 1, 2013.  I know, i know... you can't wait!  I hear you loud and clear!  I'm the world's most impatient person... but in the mean time, come back and read some more fun stuff on FMM... i promise I'll make time fly by!

So lets chat, which of these Youngblood products are you most excited to try? I honestly would have a hard time picking just one... they're all so gorgeous! But, I'm breathing a sigh of relief because thanks to Youngblood, I'm totally summer ready!

As always, thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM

*Press samples sent by Youngblood for an honest review.  All opinions are solely mine.  This is not a sponsored post.

Back to Basics with Eucerin!

There are certain brands that resonate with me for their simplicity, trustworthiness and timelessness.  Eucerin has been a staple in my household since i was a little girl.  In fact, it was always my mom and grandma's lotion of choice!  As a beauty blogger, I've been fortunate enough to try many lotions and potions, but there are some things you simply leave to the lotion authorities!    When i struggle with dry, brittle skin, you'll find solely one brand on my nightstand... Eucerin!  You could imagine my excitement when they contacted me for an honest review of their products!  Since i was already familiar with some of their amazing lotions, i was super stoked to try some of their other products!  So here are my thoughts...

Lets begin with a couple of Eucerin's basics... Daily Replenishing Moisturizing Lotion and Skin Calming Daily Moisturizing Creme!  Whether you have sensitive skin or not, these two lotions are essential for your everyday moisturizing needs.  They are light, incredibly hydrating and fast absorbing!  I find that the Daily Replenishing Moisturizing Lotion works great on my skin after the shower but i love using the Skin Calming Daily Moisturizing Creme on my little girls!  Yes... my little girls! You see... the great thing about Eucerin is the fact that their products are fragrance free and work on all skins... even on my little twinadoes and their sensitive skin!

So lets chat about sun protection!  As the warmer months approach, it's imperative that you protect your skin against the sun's strong rays.  For everyday purposes, the Daily Protection Moisturizing Lotion gives your skin the essential amount of hydration while providing the necessary sun protection we need to keep our skin looking young and smooth.  It's essential particularly on any exposed areas of skin.  The Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion leaves my skin feeling so soft!  I love that it doesn't feel heavy at all.  I've used it on my girls several times and love it!  I carry this baby with me whenever i travel with my little ladies!  It's compact enough that i can do so, plus it's comforting to know that i can reapply whenever necessary!  Watch out there sunshine!  I'm armed and ready for you!

Now the next three beauties may look small but they are major power houses! The Intensive Repair Extra-Enriched Hand Creme has been my go-to hand repair creme since i began my teaching career 12 years ago.  My hands take a real beating every day with so much hand washing (only way to get rid of all those kiddie germs)!  This cream, which i keep on my nightstand and at my work desk, is essential for nursing my poor hands back to normal!  Oh and have i mentioned how much i love that Eucerin products are fragrance free?! OK sorry, but i do!  I would say the Smoothing Repair Dry Skin Lotion is a step up from the Daily stuff.  It's a bit more intense the the Daily Replenishing Moisturizing.  You'll want to reach for this if your skin is in need of a little extra TLC.

OK, if you're looking for the holy grail of hand repair,  look no further then Eucerin's Original Healing Soothing Repair Creme! Wow!  This thick cream is the perfect remedy to combat even the worst chapped hands!  When i feel the need, i simply glob a bunch of this good stuff all over my hands, slip on a pair of gloves (i stock up on Target's $1.50 gloves for this purpose) and keep them on for a couple of hours at night while in bed watching TV.  This truly solves all dry skin ailments STAT!  Psssst, it works wonders on your feet too... just apply a generous amount on your tootsies, slip some comfy socks on and leave as long as you'd like!  It will soften any dry, rough skin right up!

Many women, myself included, spend hundreds of dollars on skin care!  Surely if it's expensive, it's good right?  Well, don't discard this drugstore gem just yet because Eucerin's Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Creme can easily stand up to any of the fancy shmancy creams on my nightstand. I've been using it religiously for the past couple of weeks now and my skin feels wonderful!  If you want a quality, anti-aging cream on a budget, look no further then this pretty baby!  You'll notice the difference... and so will your wallet!

So lets chat!  Do you use Eucerin?  What's your favorite product?  Which of these products most entice you?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  XOXO Carla - FMM