I run around the wild - with sunscreen

I'm just sharing a few more nature-esque pictures taken on my play day and hiking trip. I've been very good about wearing sunscreen - particularly on my face. It's the summer though and I really want to get darker yet I'm still pale as ever. I think it's time to be a little lenient with the sunscreen application. Not on my face though. I think I'm far too afraid of sunspots and wrinkles to lay off the facial sunscreen. What solutions do you have to get a glowing complexion during the summer? I've always relied on my Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad and I think it's about time I restocked.

Sigma Paris Makeup Palette Swatches

I know I'm a little late on these swatches since the Sigma Paris Makeup Palette was released a few weeks back. I've been trying to save up the hype for June but I just have to share these now.

A close up snapshot of the Sigma Paris Makeup Palette.

I have to admit that I'm pretty impressed with most of the eyeshadow colors in this palette. For example, Triomphe has the most unusual coloring as it seems to change color from swatch to swatch. It appears like a dark pearl in the palette and when swatched with my finger, but it showed up like a warm brownish color on my skin.

Palette is beautiful as expected from Sigma.

See some eyeshadow, blush and highlight swatches below!

Is Fasting Good or Bad? My 3-Day Water Fast

Some people fast for religious reasons, cultural reasons or health-related reasons. Regardless, I believe that a fast, when done correctly , under professional guidance and under the right mindset, can do one a lot of good. It can rid the body of toxins. I think that fasting is bad and extremely harmful if one just wants to lose weight fast, starve oneself or control one's weight/life through starvation. The mind must be sound before the body can be.

Some people scorn at even the idea of a fast, calling it unhealthy and claiming that it will shut down your metabolism and burn off your muscles. While there is some truth to those claims, not all fasts are created equal and not everyone fasting will be affected the same way. There are many books that write of the benefit of a fast. Some doctors recommend complete water fasts for morbidly obese people or people with digestive and colon issues.

This is not a post about whether fasting is good or bad in general. That part is up to your doctor to help you decide. I personally believe that a fast every few months or once/twice a year is beneficial for me. It clears my body of toxins and gives me a clearer mind, evident in my yoga practice and meditation. This post is only to share my fasting experience with my readers. Perhaps it could be useful to someone fasting or thinking of starting a fast. As this is not my first time doing a fast, I've had good trial and error and have reaped the benefit before.

Day 1 Fast. I drank 3 liters of water and did 20 minute of light cardio. I had a fairly normal day with several slight pangs of hunger that lasted only minutes at a time. Water suppressed the hunger completely. I slept normally at night.

Radiant Skin for the Summer in 10 Steps

I always seem to let myself go during the winter time. This past winter has pretty much left my skin dry and completely dull. I've been trying to follow Dr. Murad's 10-step path to the new radiant you. These simple tips are supposed to naturally help the skin look and feel more radiant. We'll see! Please leave some good radiant skin tips below if you know any.

1. Get More Sleep
Sleep enables the body to reverse everyday free radical damage by replenishing energy, building new cells and repairing connective tissue. Because sleep is an ideal time for cellular renewal and overall repair for the skin and other organs, poor sleep is quite apparent in the complexion.

2. Think of Facials as a Necessity, Not a Luxury
Revitalizing skin, relaxing the mind, and improving your skin’s appearance are all benefits of a good facial. Facials feed the skin with nutrients that provide a boost to the complexion resulting in a radiant look.

3. Begin an Exercise Routine
Take up an activity that you enjoy and will stick with. Exercising regularly nourishes the skin with oxygen while sweating flushes out toxins.

4. You Are What You Eat
Food fuels your body and mind and when eating poor foods, it appears on your skin. Try eating foods that are rich in anti-oxidants, like pomegranates, which help fight free-radical damage.

5. Leave Work at Work
Make time for family, meeting up with friends, or just doing what you enjoy; your mental, physical and emotional health will improve and be reflected on your skin.

Spring Cleaning and Stress Less Aromatherapy

This week I firmly decided to clear up some space in my drawers and closets. It's strange that I think it's wasteful to toss some things out even though I never wear them. I convince myself that maybe I'll wear this someday. After all, why waste something in decent condition? The truth is that I will never get to those clothing items. They stay in the back of the closet, constantly overshadowed by the clothing items that I do like. Furthermore, I am a shopping addict. I buy new clothes every season. The closet just keeps piling up and things get lost in there. There are some things I have not even touched in five years. Today I gathered the courage to get rid of all the useless clothes. Most of them are in great condition and a few have never even been worn. I will donate all of them to Goodwill or Salvation Army. Donation: it really eases your mind.

One pile of things I am donating, including Abercrombie shirts and things I used to like.  

After a day of sorting, cleaning and packing, I really need to relax and enjoy the cleanliness of my home. Today, I turned to Aromafloria Aromatherapy. I was sent a kit of their Stress Less line a few months ago. I tried it here and there, but never got a chance to fully enjoy the entire range. I decided that I would reward myself today after all of the cleaning, so I prepared a lovely bubble bath with bath salts. While the bath was running, I gave myself a little rub and massage with the Stress Less Massage Oil. I love nothing more than the wonderful smell of lavender! The wonderful smell of the calming lavender, chamomile and sage from the bubble bath, salt and oil was calming enough to put me to sleep. I'm not one to ever sleep in the bathtub, but I somehow managed to take a little nap today. It was the most relaxing and invigorating bath time!

Aromafloria Stress Less Foaming Bubble Bath and Bath & Body Massage Oil

The Aromafloria Foaming Bubble Bath really makes me miss my childhood. It has been so long since I've gotten a chance to play with bubbles like this. The bath makes me feel like a kid - but a beautiful, relaxed kid. I've used Lush bath melts and bombs throughout the years, but nothing is quite as nice as a decent bubble bath. The two tablespoons of bath salts add quite a lovely twist to the traditional bubble bath. I haven't had a bath this indulging for so long. All I'm missing now is some hot chamomile tea!

Aromafloria Stress Ocean Mineral Bath Salts and Foaming Salt Glow Body Polish

I ended my long night with the Foaming Salt Glow Body Polish. The final result is baby smooth skin - and I love, love, love it. I am extremely satisfied with how I chose to spend this day. Maybe tomorrow I will spend some time to rearrange the house and then let myself have another bubble bath. How do you like to treat yourself after a long day?

Better Than Instagram for Computers (feat. My Hiking Trip)

A friend recently introduced me to Pixlr Express, an image editing website that lets you add filters, effects, borders, adjustments and more to your existing photos. Since it is the express version of the photo editing software, it's super easy to use and really fun too. I especially recommend it for bloggers who love to photo filtering. The website gives you the option to edit a picture on your computer, on the Internet, or one you take with your webcam. It's so easy to use and there are literally hundreds of filters and fun things on Pixlr. If you've heard of Picnik (now closed), then this is very similar - but even easier to use! I went hiking today and took a few pictures. Here are some example before and after pictures that I edited on Pixlr in literally less than thirty seconds!

Before Pixlr Express: Notice that I am attempting to look cool.
(Also notice that I wear tights under shorts because I play too close to the river and must avoid ticks at all cost.)

After Pixlr Express: Here, I am really cool because I have animal friends. Kidding. Just playing with the stickers.

Before Pixlr Express: I am pointing something important out, but no one cares.

After Pixlr Express: It appears that I am an important person, possibly directing an army of squirrels in the woods.

This is no Photoshop, but it definitely is amusing to try out all the available filters. Also available is a normal Pixlr editor and a Pixlr app for Androids and iPhones. I haven't tried any of those yet, but I will probably check them out soon. If you try Pixlr Express, let me know how you like it!

A slice of life and bread

I'm currently enjoying tomatoes and mozzarella cheese on Melba toast. I've recently come to terms with the fact that I will eat almost any combination of tomato, cheese and bread/carbohydrate. There's nothing quite as good as a fresh tomato salsa. My favorite type of sandwich has to be a tomato basil with mozzarella on wheat. When I venture into pizza? Yep, it has to be the margherita pizza with fresh (and preferably extra) tomatoes. I could never bite into a tomato as if it were an apple, but I can always enjoy it with some bread and cheese.

Yummy fresh tomatoes and 2% milk mozzarella cheese on whole wheat Melba toast.

If you are also a fan of the cheesy tomato combination, let me direct you to Kelly's blog for a must-try Margherita Pizza recipe. At about 100 calories a slice, this delicious pizza makes the best party food.

Kelly explains on her blog how to make a healthy and delicious pizza.

What are some types of food or combinations of food you can't live without? Do you have a great recipe on your blog? Remember to share it with us below!

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Life has been very uneventful for me. I am in transition, looking for a new job near my home. I prefer a laboratory job in pharmaceuticals, but the job market is so horrible right now that I think I'm pretty much open to anything. And what is up with all of these companies trying to hire non-paid interns? They are taking advantage of a failing economy to get free labor. I'm sure that's not even legal unless they're providing you with credits (if you're a student) or real educational experience. And how am I supposed to compete with super experienced professionals or the free labor students?

Scarlett Red or Blonde? Avengers in Style

What do you think? Is Scarlet Johansson prettier as a blonde or redhead? Personally, I really enjoy the red hair on her. I think it makes her look less washed out and brings out her features better. In addition, she can now be Scarlett in more than one way.

Scarlett Johansson blonde vs. redhead.   image source: instyle

I've just seen the Avengers yesterday. Everyone has been telling me to go watch it because apparently Thor is really, really hot. Since I missed out on watching Thor, Hulk and Captain America, I really needed to go see this. (Okay, so I've only seen Iron Man and Iron Man 2.) Overall, I thought the movie was good but I didn't think Thor was as hot as legend has it  (see pie chart below). I mean, I see the appeal: He is a Norse god and his arm is built like a house. Still, I have to say that Robert Downey Jr. is my absolute favorite in every way. Captain America is too much a pretty boy for my taste; I think I can really get into the Hulk if I watch his movie, which I think I will!

My pie chart would look very different.   image source: tumblr

On the note of Scarlett Johansson, I actually really like her in the movie. She is gorgeous with red hair. My boyfriend prefers her blonde, but I think she should definitely stay a redhead. There is also news of her starring in her own Black Widow movie. That'll be exciting for sure.

Unhappy with Sephora Beauty Insider Reward

I have 700+ Sephora Beauty Insider points that I've yet to exchange. Sephora never offers anything I want or need whenever I make a purchase. I keep waiting for something better to come along but since nothing remarkable ever comes up, I think it's about time to settle down and just pick something. As I have way too much makeup, I am leaning towards the Ole Henriksen Flawless Beauty Anti-Aging Regimen. Unfortunately, they don't tell you what you get as it is a random selection of items. I feel like Sephora is just going to throw whatever junk they can't sell at me.

Alternatively, I can slowly empty my point bank by exchanging my points for these 100-points deluxe samples. Once again, I have no particular interest in any of these. I might pick up the Bella Bamba, but I have way too many blushers as it is. Perhaps I should give up my ridiculously unused makeup collection so can I gain some interest in what's out there.

Has anyone gotten a really good Sephora Beauty Insider deal? I know that once in a while, they offer something ridiculously popular and everyone claims the reward immediately. I never seem to be there in time for those great offers. Let me know what you think. What reward would you claim?

Blogging Tips: Submit Your Blog to Directories

One great way to gain exposure for your blog and to increase its organic search engine ranking is to submit your blog to link directories. Thousands of link directories exist, but not all of them will be worth your time. Most directories are rarely updated or have poor PageRanks and reliability. And then there are the worst offenders: directories that use cheap tricks to quickly acquire high Pageranks in order to sell “reviewing” or “processing” fees for link submissions. Don’t pay for a listing in a web directory based on Pagerank alone. Read reviews and take your time to learn the history and age of the directory first.

Here are the top contenders that are reliable and guaranteed to be worth your time (or money):

ODP – Open Directory Project (dmoz.org) – The largest human-edited directory of the web and completely free, dmoz.org is notorious for rejecting most submissions and taking months to even accept links. Google gives them a thumbs up though. Many smaller directories or search engines also rely on them to supply the links. A little warning though: I had one of my website listed here but could never get them to change the URL once it moved.

Yahoo! Directory (dir.yahoo.com) – Commercial websites must pay an annually recurring fee. Other websites can be submitted for free, but Yahoo will ignore most free submissions. (Hey, they charge $300 a year for paid submission, why would they list for free?)

Dainty Gold Necklace Trend

From A-list celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Alba to local stylists and bloggers, they're all donning the latest trend: delicate gold necklaces. Department stores like Neiman Marcus now have special sections dedicated to these dainty accessories. If you want something more personal and unique, however, Etsy offers the perfect solution. Handcrafted and affordable, these Etsy pieces are often made to order to accommodate any special needs.

Tiny Gold Dot Necklace in Gold Filled by roundabout

Simple Modern Everyday Jewelry: Dainty Gold Necklace by wearpunctuation

Sparrow & Pearl Necklace by wearpunctuation

Golden Disc Necklace by wearpunctuation  

Trio Leaves Gold Filled Necklace by Mayisen

Sigma 2012 Promo, April Free Eyeshadow and Paris Trip

Sigma brushes coupon code July 2012 (and new free gift)

The new 10% Sigma Makeup discount code for June has been updated! I want to clarify that some users have been posting that MAY2012 is the new coupon code, which it is not.

STAR2012   10% off  order plus FREE gift when you click & use coupon. (valid June 2012)
AP2012   10% off  order plus FREE gift when you click & use coupon. (valid July 2012)

Sigma also has a new free gift for June: Any purchase of $30+ at Sigma Beauty comes with a free eyeshadow. Unfortunately, you don't get to pick the color and will be randomly assigned an eyeshadow from one of the Sigma palettes in Shine, Grasp, or Crush.

Sigma Paris Project

Remember that free trip to Paris a bunch of beauty gurus were talking about months earlier? Well, on Monday, May 7th Sigma is launching The City of Lights, a limited edition makeup palette inspired by Paris. This limited edition makeup palette contains eight unique eye shadows, two blushes, one highlighter and two brushes! 

Seven beauty experts from the YouTube community were flown to Paris to assist in creating this palette. Each beauty expert used their innovative insight to develop an eye shadow shade inspired by a landmark monument in Paris. These landmarks include the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Triomphe, the Champs-Elysées, the Palace of Versailles, the D’Orsay Museum, Notre Dame, and the Seine River.

Youtube beauty gurus: DulceCandy87, xteeener, MakeupbyTiffanyD, frmheadtotoe, Petrilude, MacNC40, Xsparkage

Though I applaud MAC for creating eyeshadows inspired by renowned beauty bloggers, I am worried about Sigma doing the same with video bloggers. Sigma's selection of beauty video bloggers seem to be based on popularity rather than makeup-creating expertise (although some gurus may be qualified in their own ways). Round-trip flights to Paris and hotel rooms aren't be cheap. Sigma has spent a lot of money designing and marketing this Paris palette. I'm sure they've crafted spectacular background stories into each color. The fear here is that Sigma is wasting the budget of their small company on the superfluous rather than the practical. I truly hope that Sigma has spent at least twice as much money and efforts into make the quality of the product superb. As they've created such marketing hype, I have high expectations for this palette.

Disclosure: I am an official Sigma representative; I express only my honest opinions in every post.

Sigma Beauty Coupon Code & Giveaway 2015

Sigma Makeup Monthly Giveaway 2015

No active giveaway. Check back soon.

Sigma Brushes Coupon Code May 2015

GLOWGETTER   Use coupon to get 10% off total order. Get a free gift for orders $30+. (Coupon valid through May 2015 until June 30, 2015.)

Complete list of Sigma coupons: Sigma Makeup Coupon Codes

Disclosure: Handmade Reviews is proudly affiliated with Sigma Beauty. This giveaway is not sponsored by Sigma in any way. Prizes fulfillment and giveaway are responsibilities of Handmade Reviews. Please read our policies for more information.

Neutrogena Goes Green with Neutrogena Naturals

Neutrogena has recently released a  green line of natural skincare, the Neutrogena naturals. To be perfectly blunt, I've never been an avid Neutrogena user. I've dabbled on some of their skincare products in the past and even really enjoyed their makeup remover wipes. The whole branding and packaging never really stood out to me though.

I've been toying with these products and am glad to know that four of them have made their way into my regular skincare routine. I use the Purifying Facial Cleanser almost daily to wash my face. I use the Purifying Pore Scrub a few times a week to help get rid of and prevent blackheads. The scrub is definitely gentle enough to use daily, but I like to be extra gentle with my sensitive skin. By day I use the  Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Moisturizer and by night I use the Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Night Cream. The nourishing moisturizer is a little too light for my dry skin at the moment, but I can see myself using it more often as summer approaches. The night cream, however, is absolutely fantastic. (Look out for an updated skincare routine post!)

NEUTROGENA® Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Moisturizer is a daily lotion that replenishes essential skin nutrients while providing continuous moisture throughout the day for healthier, younger-looking skin. It contains no harsh chemical sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, dyes or phthalates.

NEUTROGENA® Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Night Cream replenishes essential skin nutrients and is fortified with vitamins B, C, E and anti-oxidant omega bionutrients. This nourishing cream is clinically proven to boost skin’s defense against dullness and roughness, leaving it naturally radiant, healthier and younger looking today and in the future. It contains no harsh chemical sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, dyes or phthalates.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Neutrogena via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Neutrogena.