Best drugstore cream I’ve ever used!

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Paula

loreal youth code

I recently picked up this wonderful cream by L’Oreal, Youth Code day/night cream. I previously wrote about the Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Creme, and while the initial few uses were very promising, I ended up giving it to my mom (who, on the other side loved it a lot). It is a lovely, rich creme, but it was just too “fragrancy” to me, it felt a bit like I was wearing perfume on my skin. So, anyway, I went to a drugstore couple weeks ago and came across this cream by L’Oreal. I actually don’t ever remember using any of their skincare products, I decided to try it. I can now say, this is THE BEST drugstore cream I ever came across.

youthcode directions

I love using it before make-up, it can be used at night and in the morning (it doesn’t provide any sun protection, in case you were wondering). It has the smoothest consistency ever and just a slight hint of scent in it. Most importantly, it doesn’t break me out or give me any weird reaction, as some products sometimes do, since I have sensitive skin. It really leaves the skin feeling hydrated and so smooth, and gets rid of some dry patches that I always have around my nostrils and mouth. It is supposed to help with the signs of skin’s stress and fatigue, and I really find it to work, I will definitely be buying more when I run out, as I think the results are better the more I use it.

youth code crem

After I bought it, I actually went online to see what the opinions were. (I actually picked up the last jar, which made me think it must be quite popular) I saw raving reviews all over the place from women of different ages. Kind of made me wonder “how come I never heard of this cream?”. I believe the Youth Code line also carries an SPF lotion, a serum, dark spot correcting moisturizer and even a BB cream (which I think I will be buying next, since I’m running out of my favorite, Lioele BB cream). I paid about $25.00 for a jar and while it might seem a bit pricey for a drugstore product, I think it was well worth it! ( I mean it’s L’Oreal, get it.. “because you’re worth it” )

the best cream

How to: Color block nails

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Paula

Time for a first nail tutorial

Pick three different nail polish colors. I chose Essie’s liliacism (the base color), Essie’s turks and caicos as a second color and Essie’s madison overhue as the last color.

1. Start with a clear base coat.

clear basecoat

2. Apply base color of your choice, I applied two coats of Essie’s liliacism.

essie liliacism

3. With a second color, apply few strokes, depending on the length of your nail. I did three, one longer and two shorter ones, so that it gives an effect of a descending order. step two

4. Repeat on each nail.

step 3

5. Apply third color, in a similar fashion, using shorter strokes, letting the previous color peek through. step four

6. Apply clear top coat and allow to dry. color nails

7. Show off your nails This technique works for any color, mix and match all you want

colorblock nails

You can also use only two different colors, like I did here, it looks pretty cool, sort of like the nail polish chipped midway:

IMG_20130513_233811

xx Paula

Super quick and healthy dinner

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Paula

mahimahi dinner My favorite quick weeknight dinner that is very healthy and delicious.

For two portions I used:

-One lemon

-Two Mahi Mahi fillets (+my favorite spices)

-Small package of couscous

-One bunch of asparagus

-Reduced fat grated Parmesan cheese

First thing I do is prepare my couscous according to package directions ( my favorite is Near East Prepared couscous Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil). All I do is bring contents of the package to boil and let it simmer for few minutes. Couscous is a good alternative for potatoes or white rice; it’s rich in fiber, selenium and potassium.

In the meantime, heat up a frying pan and spray it with cooking spray (or use two teaspoons of Olive Oil).

Sprinkle the fish with a little salt, pepper and garlic powder on both sides. Once the pan has heated up, fry on medium heat, about 4 minutes on each side until fish becomes flaky.

I always use frozen fish, I find it to be most convenient. To defrost it I remove it from the package and simply leave it on the counter for about 4-5 hours. My favorite is Mahi-Mahi fish, it doesn’t have a super fishy smell and it tastes a little chicken-like. (My little brother, who isn’t a fish fan, really likes Mahi-Mahi)

For the asparagus, all I do is either cook them in water, until they become dark green and soft, or microwave them. While they are still hot, I sprinkle some Parmesan on them (I don’t use any sauces or other spices, just Parmesan is quick, simple and delicious).

I serve the fish with few lemon wedges, and voila! Took less than 20 minutes to make. Eating healthy can be really enjoyable and you’d be surprised at how much you can actually eat. Of course, fish can be substituted for any other fish, as long it’s a fillet. (it’d be hard to pan-fry a whole one )

Allure Beauty Box Summer 2013

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Paula

allure beauty box

I finally got my new Allure Beauty box for Summer 2013!

If you haven’t heard about it, it’s a box that Allure sells few times a year. It’s about 50 dollars after shipping and tax costs, and it comes with beauty products worth over 250.00 bucks! It usually sells within minutes, and it’s sold online, on Allure magazine’s website. Just before it goes on sale, it’s advertised in the magazine. Another cool thing about it, is that it portion of the proceeds always goes to some type of charity. This year it was Skin Cancer Foundation. Here are the goodies that came in the box this time (almost all are full-sized!)

BCBGMaxazria Bon Chic perfume (sample size)
Burt’s Bees Lip Gloss in Spring Splendor
Butter London Nail Lacquer in Bobby Dazzler
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin
Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy total care shampoo & conditioner
Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes
GKHAIR Leave-In Spray
Neutrogena MicroMist Sunless Tanning Spray
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 15
Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser
NEXXUS Youth Renewal Rejuvenating Elixir
Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Hair Cream
PIXI Endless Silky Eye Pen in True Teal
Pureology Maximum Hold Zero Dulling Hairspray
Redken control addict 28 high-control hairspray
Redken Extreme Anti-Snap leave-in treatment
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Get Juiced
Sally Hansen Salon Manicure Dry & Go Drops
Sally Hansen Zero Bumps Bikini Spray
Sation Nail Lacquer in Love at First Byte
Simple Kind to Eyes, Eye Make-Up Remover Pads
Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusion Styling Oil
Tantowel Self-Tanning Towelette for Face & Body
Tresemme Platinum Strength Strengthening Heat Protect Spray

hair products from the box Most of the products were haircare, which I love!

suave moroccan oil

I actually wanted to try the Moroccan Argan oil from Suave as well as the Clear Shampoo & Conditioner, so I’m excited to try these out, because they are new products that I’ve been eying for a while now.

clear scalp & hair therapy

Pixie eye pencil in True Teal; how pretty is this color?

Pixi eye pencil true teal

bcbgmaxazria bon chic Bon chic perfume by BCBG, smells amazing and last a long time, very soft and feminine scent.

butter london bobby blazer

dickinsons oil controlling towelettes

beach babe texturizing hair cream

allure beauty box summer 2013

Here you can watch me show all the products from the box

Kiwi & Pineapple Water for Healthy Skin

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Paula

juice kiwi pineapple

Lately, I’ve been trying to incorporate a lot more fruit and veggies into my diet, eliminate processed foods as much as I could and observe effects those changes may have on my skin. I am also drinking a lot more water, which can get dull sometimes, so I decided to try something else. So simple and it truly tastes heavenly.

You will need:

-two kiwis, peeled

-few pieces of fresh cut pineapple ( about two rings)

-filtered water

-ice

-agave nectar (optional)

- blender

kiwis kiwi and pineapple

First thing that I do is to blend my fruit together; I blend until a smooth “paste” forms. I use my tiny hand blender, I find it much convenient than the regular blender, it’s super quick to clean and easy to use.

kiwi mush

Then all I do is add in my filtered/bottled water to the fruit paste and ice, mixing everything together until it’s well combined.

water pineapple kiwi and agave

Sometimes I also use about two spoons of organic blue agave nectar, to add a little sweetness. I always store it in the fridge and drink it cold, it tastes a lot better when it’s chilled. It’s a delicious way to stay hydrated, especially during hot summer days.

organic blue agave

blue agave

And why is kiwifruit and pineapple so good for the skin?

Other than containing more vitamin C than pretty much any other fruit, Kiwifruit contains lots of antioxidants and dietary fiber as well as vitamin E, which all play a role in slowing the aging process of the skin.

Pineapple has also lots of benefits as it contains vitamin C (once again), enzymes, calcium and it also has anti-inflammatory properties. When I was younger I used to absolutely hate the taste of pineapple, when it was added to cakes or cookies, or salads, I couldn’t even look at it. As it turns out, the pineapple that I was used to, usually came from a can, it was saggy and just gross. Once I tried a fresh pineapple without all that extra sugar, I loved it so much; it’s now my favorite fruit!