Beauty – Happens For A Reason

HASK Exotic Hair Oils to the Rescue

April 28, 2017April 28, 2017Posted in Beauty, UncategorizedTagged Beauty, body, conditioner, hair, hair products, HASK, health, lifestyle, products, reviews, shampoo, trends, womenLeave a comment

Hi friends! HASK recently launched three new and exciting Exotic Oil Collections, and I had the opportunity to try their new Orchid & White Truffle Collection. I love HASK products because they are made right here in the USA and they do not test any of their products on animals, which is really important to me. Their products are also safe on color-treated hair and all hair types and textures, whether straight, curly, wavy, long or short.

Living in the Northeast, the winter months are very drying to my hair, which makes it look dull and lifeless. Lately, my hair also looks overworked and damaged from overusing my curling and flat irons. Because I have been overworking my hair, I knew these products would be perfect for me! The HASK three-piece set includes shampoo, conditioner, and a deep-conditioner that are moisture-packed and designed to instantly rehydrate your hair and leave it looking nourished and revitalized.

HASK uses only the finest ingredients in their formulas. With the orchid extract sourced from Belgium, and white truffle from the South of France, this set works to strengthen the proteins and to re-balance and restore your dry, overworked hair. HASK’s collections are packed with replenishing nutrients and concentrated amino acids to restore your hair to its natural beauty. The end result is lush, shiny and healthy-looking hair! Not to mention, these products smell amazing!

I used the shampoo and conditioner as I normally would #LatherRinseRepeat. Post shower, I tried out the moisture rich deep conditioner. As directed, I applied a generous amount of the conditioner on my clean, wet hair, and then I massaged it into my hair, focusing on the damaged areas (specifically my dry split ends). I left it in for 10 minutes and then rinsed it out. After letting my hair air dry, I could see and feel a huge difference in the texture of my hair. I couldn’t believe how smooth and radiant my hair looked. My hair felt so healthy after this three-part treatment! It was super shiny and I felt like I had a hair treatment at a salon!

I strongly recommend using these products for your dry, dull hair! You will be happy with the results and your hair will thank you for it! HASK also makes a Coconut Milk & Organic Honey collection for curly hair as well as a Blue Chamomile & Argan Oil collection for blondes! Click here to learn more about these products!

Thank you for the sponsorship, HASK!

Xx Marisa

Triple Microdermabrasion by Exuviance

April 20, 2017April 24, 2017Posted in BeautyTagged Beauty, health, lifestyle, products, reviews, skin, skincareLeave a comment

Hi friends! I recently had the opportunity to try the Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish by Exuviance. I have been desperately in need of an exfoliator, and I was so happy to get my hands on this product, review it for free, and share my experience with you all!

First off, I have extremely sensitive skin. Fun fact: I’m allergic to all perfumes and products that contain perfume, including all face and body products, laundry detergents, shampoos, conditioners, etc. I’ve been living in this hypoallergenic bubble for some time now, but it still creates challenges on a day-to-day basis. My skin is also very sensitive to touch; I have to be extremely gentle washing or putting any product on my face, and I am also sensitive to certain foods (i.e. anything with dairy) that tend to make me break out if I eat too much of them.

So, when trying new products, I have to be very, very careful for a myriad of reasons. I have read numerous articles about the benefits of exfoliation, and I have been told by estheticians that I need to exfoliate 1-2x per week in order to get rid of dead skin cells and rejuvenate my skin.

I came across this opportunity to review the Triple Microdermabrasion product for free, and I knew I had to take advantage of it! I am a huge fan of Microdermabrasion facials. I have gotten a series of these facials done in the past, and they are super helpful for deeply cleansing your pores and evening out discoloration and scaring. The microderm facial takes off a layer of your skin, leaving it feeling smooth, soft, and rejuvenated. It allows the skin to heal from damage, which is why it is great for acne scars, age spots, sun damage, and stretch marks. A microdermabrasion facial at a dermatologist or spa is pricey and if you’re like me, it’s not something that I can afford to do on a consistent basis.

For that reason, I was thrilled to test the Triple Microdermabrasion by Exuviance product. The exfoliating treatment in this face polish clarifies and refines the texture of your skin immediately. This dermatologist developed, anti-aging solution offers a triple action approach to skin renewal in one, powerful treatment. With just one application of this intense exfoliating treatment, your skin will begin to instantly resurface.

This product contains a unique blend of physical, chemical, and enzyme rejuvinators. The professional grade crystals used by dermatologists smooth the skin while the Papaya Enzyme and Glycolic Acid help dissolve impurities and decongest pores. It loosens dead skin cells and dull and dry patches. The skin cells begin to renew themselves, leaving your skin with a polished glow and softness.

A couple of nights ago, I tried this product with my mom. Directions say to apply a thin, even layer to a clean, wet face. Lightly massage in a circular motion for 30 seconds, avoiding the eyes, lips, and mucus membranes. Definitely do not scrub! Scrubbing is always bad for the face. Leave on to 1 -2 minutes, 1 minute if your skin is sensitive. Gently rinse thoroughly and pat your face dry. You should follow with a moisturizer and your skin will immediately soak in the nourishment.

The product felt very lightweight as we applied it to our faces and neck area. I was expecting more texture in the serum, considering Microdermabrasion incorporates sand-like and/or small beads in order to exfoliate one’s skin. The beads were not very large, so I knew it wouldn’t damage my skin in any way. It smelled a bit fruity and felt refreshing—must be the papaya, and was not too gritty.

We gently applied the product and massaged our skin in a circular motion for about 30 seconds as directed. We both have sensitive skin, so our plan was to only leave it on for a minute or so. After about 30 seconds, we both felt a tingly sensation and decided to wash it off. We could immediately feel how smooth our skin was to the touch! We both commented on how clean and silky our skin felt! This product is very gentle and we did not experience any redness or blotchiness. Just smooth, healthy-looking skin!

Now, two days after use, our skin still feels soft and smooth. I think I found a product that will fit perfectly in my regimen! With consistent exfoliation, once or twice a week, your skin will be clearer, brighter with a reduced appearance of pores and dark spots. Regular use helps increase the performance of your cosmetic treatment products as well since exfoliated skin quickly nourishes and soaks in all of the benefits from your moisturizers and serums. Triple Microdermabrasion by Exuviance is a must have product to keep your skin looking and feeling clear, smooth and glowing! Don’t hesitate! Add this wonderful product to your skin regimen today and experience radiant, healthy skin!

This best seller retails at $72! Click here to purchase yours 🙂

Xx Marisa

Let It Go

February 9, 2017February 9, 2017Posted in BeautyTagged art, Beauty, blog, feelings, jewelry, life, lifestyle, love, manicure, model, nail polish, nyc, photography, products, quotes, reflections, reviews, spirituality, style, thoughtsLeave a comment

January was an amazing first month of 2017 for me. I am so excited for the year ahead, yet I’ve noticed that my excitement has lead to trying to force situations and experiences into my life. Because of this, I thought it might be time to write a post about surrendering.

I have been trying to trust the flow of life for some time now. Although it can be extremely difficult in the moment, I believe surrendering to the world around you makes for a happier, less frustrating life.

Growing up as a perfectionist, I spent years micro-managing every aspect of my life. Now, I spend my free time trying to undo all that I have taught myself. Every situation I experience or person I come in contact with is an opportunity to use my new surrendering tools and rethink how I am going to react to a situation or person.

Have you ever forced a situation to happen or chased after someone? Did you realize that the more you force or chase, the more they run away? Well, if it doesn’t open, it’s not your door. It’s as simple as trying to fit a square peg into a round hole—it’s just not going to happen.

Instead of forcing something to work out, ask for guidance and surrender the situation to the Universe. Surrendering is neither giving up nor defeat. Although it may not feel like it, you still remain in control of your life, as you are consciously choosing to go with the flow of life.

With practice, surrendering can become empowering—you are choosing to surrender to a higher power/the Universe/the world and acknowledging that some things are just not meant to be (right now). Don’t forget that “no” doesn’t mean “no” necessarily, it means “not right now.”

Letting go may be upsetting at first, but the feeling of knowing that there is something greater for you out there is certainly more uplifting than trying to control and micro-manage every aspect of your life yourself. The rush of relaxation and calmness that surrendering gives me is far better than the anxiety that comes with trying to force something or someone into my life.

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This stunning jewelry is by Anne Koplik Designs, a handcrafted jewelry brand based in NY and designed with crystals by Swarovski. You might have caught some of their pieces on the T.V. show Dancing with the Stars, as they have been the exclusive provider of jewelry since Season 5. If only I could constantly wear this jewelry and samba with Derek Hough!

Their jewelry has also been featured at the American Music Awards, Daytime Emmy Awards, Tony Awards, The Wendy Williams show, The Home and Family Network, Entertainment Tonight, and The Insider.

Anne Koplik has a wide variety of jewelry styles–I’m talking every color, crystal, and design imaginable on necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. I got a sneak peak at their new line for Spring, and I narrowed my favorite choice down to a delicate choker with a sparkling pendant and earring set. You’ll be able to shop these new spring styles in the upcoming weeks. If you love this look as much as I do, check out more chokers here.

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Being a model (and a lot of times a hand model), I have to keep my nails freshly manicured at all times. Enter the gel-manicure which is hassle free (until it starts to chip) because it lasts for two weeks. Although I get bored with the color usually after week 1, I get my money’s worth and stick it out. I hate the process of taking a gel manicure off at home, I find myself going to the salon every two weeks on the dot.

After bopping around on the internet one day, I came across Red Carpet Manicure, which is the first at-home LED Gel Manicure system, and boy, is this product a game changer. Red Carpet Manicure sent me their Portable LED Light and a bunch of LED polish colors to play with. This light is so easy to use, and you can give yourself a gel manicure in the comfort of your own home (i.e. while watching Real Housewives of Beverly Hills). Not to mention, Red Carpet Manicure was also the official nail sponsor of the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion show! You can also find a bunch of other products, including nail kits, one-step gel polishes, and nail treatments on their website. Shop these products here!

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Thank you Anne Koplik Designs and Red Carpet Manicure!

Xx Marisa

P.s. These make great Valentine’s Day gifts for your sweetie 🙂

Nip+Fab & Rodial Collab

January 30, 2017January 31, 2017Posted in BeautyTagged Beauty, body, Fashion, health, lifestyle, Nip+Fab, products, reviews, Rodial, skin, skincare, soho, style4 Comments

I love, love, love these brands! This is my third collaboration with Nip+Fab and Rodial. Nip+Fab sent me some more skincare goodies, along with an eyeliner sample from their sister skin care and makeup line, Rodial. I had the opportunity to try five more awesome products!

My favorite product from this collaboration is the Kale Fix Clay Mask (maybe because I love Kale so much)! This face mask both softens and decongests the skin. It is super packed with amazing ingredients including kale extract, watercress extract, and witch hazel. The kale extract contains vitamins A, C, & K to help reinvigorate the skin. The watercress extract helps to provide maximum softness, while the witch hazel works to draw away impurities without leaving your skin completely dry. My skin felt so smooth after using this product!

Ok, so, we are officially in the dead of winter, and my body is in hibernation mode and in need of some sculpting. The Bust Fix Night is an awesome night cream that seriously plumps and firms the area around the bust while you sleep. Although I am a member of the IBTC (lol), I tried it out a few nights in a row, and I can say that it really does it’s job.

The Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads are exfoliating facial pads that retexture and brighten the skin. The glycolic acid retextures and resurfaces while the hyaluronic acid moisturizes and refreshes. It leaves your skin feeling very smooth and calm. I love using these daily.

Nip+Fab’s Dragon’s Blood Fix Hyaluronic Shot is an intense moisture serum that immediately saves your dehydrated skin. The hyaluronic solution and dragons blood in this shot leaves your skin feeling fresh and plump. It locks moisture into the skin, comforts, and restores. With just two drops of this powerful serum, your skin will feel 100% hydrated- it’s a life saver during these dry winter months.

I never wear liquid eyeliner because I always struggle with putting it on. A simple winged look can turn into a catastrophe real quick, however, this Liquid Liner by Rodial is a game changer. It’s so smooth and easy to put on. I think I’ve used it every single day since receiving it!

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Pick up some of these products for your sweetie or for your friends–what a perfect gift for Galantine’s Day! Click here and here to shop these products 🙂

Thank you Nip+Fab & Rodial!

Xx Marisa

Nip + Fab Round 2

December 28, 2016December 28, 2016Posted in BeautyTagged Beauty, blog, body, health, lifestyle, manhattan, new york, new york city, products, reviews, skin, skincareLeave a comment

Hi friends! Hope you are enjoying the holidays!

A few weeks ago, I partnered with Nip+Fab and reviewed some of their products! Check out my first post here.

They sent me some more skincare goodies, along with an eyeliner sample from their sister skin care and makeup line, Rodial. I had the opportunity to try five awesome products!

The winter months are upon us, and my body is already in hibernation mode and in need of some serious sculpting. Luckily, Nip + Fab sent me two body gels: one for my bust and one for my booty. The Cellulite Fix is a body sculpting gel for fast action against the appearance of cellulite. The Bust Fix is a light serum that plumps and firms the area around the bust. I’ve been using these products for about a week, and my skin feels much firmer. I haven’t gone to the gym in two weeks because I have been sick, but my skin (especially my booty–a problem area of mine) feels tight thanks to these products.

The Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing pads are exfoliating facial pads that retexture and brighten the skin. The glycolic acid retextures and resurfaces while the hyaluronic acid moisturizes and refreshes. It leaves your skin feeling very smooth and calm. I can definitely see myself using these on a daily basis.

The pores on my face are visibly huge and suck up any makeup I put on, leaving my pores to be constantly clogged. I tried Nip + Fab’s Viper Venom Micro Blur Fix, which is a priming gel that transforms the look of your skin, minimizes pores, and controls the production of oil. It definitely does it’s job–my pores are visually smaller. You should apply it before putting on your makeup.

Last but not least, I am also in love with my Smoky Eye Pen from Rodial! I have been in the market for a new black eye pencil, and I have found it! I love how it leaves a matte finish. Now if I could only wing my eyeliner perfectly!

Thanks Nip+ Fab & Rodial!

Nip+Fab Skincare

November 10, 2016November 10, 2016Posted in BeautyTagged Beauty, body, face, health, lifestyle, new york, new york city, products, reviews, skincare1 Comment

Hi friends! I recently partnered with Nip+Fab and reviewed some of their products! Nip+Fab is a natural and affordable skin care line created by Maria Hatzistefanis, the founder of Rodial. They have products for both your face and body, and they even have a line for men!

I had the opportunity to try four awesome products!

The Dragon’s Blood Fix Plumping Serum is designed to moisturize dehydrated skin while leaving your skin looking plumper. Sap from the Croton Lechleri tree (Dragon’s Blood) helps to reduce redness and plumps skin. Ingredients include hyaluronic acid to hydrate for plumper looking skin, amino acid to brighten the skin, and dragon’s blood which comforts and restores through skin hydration. My skin felt more hydrated and looked brighter after using this product for just one week!

The Dragon’s Blood Fix Plumping Mask is a hydrating gel mask that intensely hydrates and plumps the skin (to avoid those nasty wrinkles) to refine the skin’s appearance for a brighter complexion. My skin has been so dry from these weather changes, and both the Plumping Mask and Serum seriously hydrated my skin. This mask is not too heavy, and it has a nice, light texture and scent. It leaves your skin feeling very refreshed!

The Glycolic Scrub Fix is a triple action mico exfoliant with glycolic and salicylic acids to refine, brighten, and renew the skin. The glycolic acid (3%) gently exfoliates and retextures while the salicylic acid cleanses pores. It leaves your skin feeling so smooth!

The Glycolic Fix Night Pads is a super-strength treatment that targets oily and congested skin. These pads contain 5% glycolic acid which aids natural skin exfoliation and refines the skin’s textures, salicylic acid that helps unclog congested skin, and lactic acid which gently weakens the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. It really helped decongest my problem skin areas. These pads are a life saver for problem skin or occasional breakouts. I always break out after I eating dairy and these glycolic pads keep my pores really clean and clog free.

I give these products an A+ review. They also smell so good and are very lightweight. You can shop these products and more here! Don’t forget, they also have products for men here!