MAC Cosmetics Toledo Collection- a review of Oxblood and Barbeque

Hellllo world!

I was so looking forward to enjoying this quiet weekend home with my husband, but alas, I woke up with a cold yesterday, ruining my ideal break. To top it off, I even had food poisoning last night! I just can't win! But anyways, onwards and upwards, right? This post is a review on just two products from the absolutely stunning Isabel and Ruben Toledo collaboration with MAC Cosmetics. The collection includes various beautiful eyeshadow palettes, stunning lipstick and lipglass shades, nailpolish, vibrant mascara and eyeliner colors, ombre blushes, as well as a powder blush and makeup bag. I am so in love with the package design and wish I could have added more to my collection, but I'm saving up for IMATS NY 2015 (my first time!).

(This image of Isabel and Ruben Toledo for their collaboration with MAC really reflects their playful nature)

So who are Isabel and Ruben Toledo? Some of you may look at the packaging and say to yourself, 'That work looks vaguely familiar'... Well, if you've ever been in a Nordstrom, Barney's NY, or Louis Vuitton, then you've likely seen the incredible art of Ruben Toledo. His work is just so unique, flowing, and a reflection of his own eccentric love of life. Isabel Toledo is a gorgeous fashion designer whom creates her own fashion line, and even was the creative director for Anne Klein in 2006. She and Ruben work very closely together on projects and often collaborate.

(Ruben Toledo for Nordstrom. Don't you wish this painting was in your house??)

(Isabel Toledo for Lane Bryant. How stunning and classy is this ensemble??)

(The elegant and lovely Cuban-American couple working together.)

Now that you all know a bit more about the amazing Toledos, let's jump right into the reviews!

MAC Cosmetics Toledo Collection- Oxblood and Barbeque

 Summary:

- Limited Edition collection with gorgeous packaging featuring the art of Ruben Toledo
- Six beautiful shades that come in a matte finish
- If you haven't already, you really should pick up one of the lipsticks at MAC's website here for $17.50 (includes free shipping!)

(The two colors I had to pick up! Who knows if I will go back for more...)

(Absolutely stunning work by Ruben Toledo)

  I have been SO excited about this collection ever since I heard it was coming out, and it not only delivered, but blew my expectations away! The Toledos and their chemistry really come out in this collection. According to the video of the Toledos made by MAC, they were given free artistic reign to pick and design the colors and the packaging, which I could not be happier with. When you open your package and see the lipstick box, you are instantly wowed by the beautiful line work and faces by Ruben Toledo. When you open the box, you can even see that the inside of the box is filled with Ruben's signature flowing line work. Now you get to the actual makeup bullet, and holy macaroni. The packaging of the bullet has a sort of matte velvety finish to it that just feels so luxurious. Once again, another detail reflecting the style of the Toledos.

(MAC Cosmetics Toledo Collection- Oxblood)

(MAC Cosmetics Toledo Collection- Barbeque)

(Swatches in natural daylight. Can you tell why Oxblood is sold out everywhere??)

The finish of the lipsticks is a matte finish, but it applies so smoothly, whereas some matte lipsticks can be tough to spread across the lips. It goes without saying that the lipstick shades are GORGEOUS, but Oxblood, in particular, had been a huge fan favorite. My first order I placed, I just got Barbeque, but was instantly regretting not getting Oxblood, so I hopped back on to get one, but it was sold out! Luckily, Macy's and Nordstrom were getting the Toledo collection as well, so at 5:30 AM, I quickly ran to my phone and ordered two! Thank goodness I did, because Oxblood is now sold out everywhere! You might get lucky and find it in a MAC store, but I wouldn't bet my bottom dollar on that, either.

As for the two colors I chose: Oxblood and Barbeque, I am just in LOVE with these colors. When I first heard the name Oxblood, I expected it to be a deep burgundy red, but was pleasantly surprised to see a sort of mauvy-peachy nude. It really is a gorgeous color, and I have seen some Instagrammers liken it to MAC's Kinda Sexy, but slightly more brown toned. Barbeque is described as a "vivid orange red" on MAC's website, and I do agree with that description, and for some reason, I really do think of barbeque sauce in a way. Strange? Anyways, if you haven't picked up SOMETHING from this collection, you will regret it. And who wants to pay double or triple on eBay anyways, right? Well, until next time... enjoy this interview with the Toledos!

Peace and Love,

Farrah <3

Current favorite highlighters

Helllllo world! 

So, since around the end of 2013 'til now, we have been seeing a growing popularity in highlighting and contouring (and hallelujah for that!). As I continue to learn about makeup and the different methods of application, I learn that there is never a dull moment! With contouring and highlighting, one is taking a person's face and adding shadow to shape the form of the face with contouring, and with highlighting, one is bringing forward the high points of the face and where light naturally hits the face, such as the cheekbones, down the bridge of the nose, and the part of the forehead just above the bridge of the nose. Since learning about highlighting and contouring, I can't see myself NOT contouring and highlighting in my every day makeup. I have a very round face, like my father, so I was so happy to learn that I could "enhance" my faintly visible cheekbones. But we will get to contouring another day. For today's reviews, I am sharing the highlighters that I use most now and why I love them so much! 

(from left to right- MAC Cosmetics Soft and Gentle, The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, Estee Lauder Heat Wave)

MAC Cosmetics Soft and Gentle Mineralize Skinfinish

(My very first highlighter! I'm a big girl now!)

(Gorgeous gilded peachy bronze goodness)

(Taken in front of my window)

(Taken in natural daylight, but farther away from the window)

Summary: 

- Gilded peach bronze highlighter with frost finish

- Slightly dry texture, but looks beautiful on all skin tones with the right application

- Pick yours up at MAC's online store here for $32.00!

This was my very first highlighter! When I first got it from MAC, I was like, ugh, this feels like chalk, but the color payoff was SO nice, so I thought I would give it a try. It’s not very pigmented, but the right brush picks up enough of the product. Plus, it had the approval of @Jaclyn Hill, so how bad could it be, right? I will admit though, it took me a while to warm up to this highlighter, because I do feel that it can come off “ashy” sometimes with the wrong look/makeup. After I kept reading rave reviews about it, I decided to give it a second chance and see how I felt about it. I’m glad I did, because I really did start to fall in love with it. Even with how much I use now, it barely looks like it has been used because a little goes a long way. This is the highlighter I grab when I want something more than a sheen on the high points of my face, but I don’t want it to be too shimmery. Soft and Gentle is a really great balance between the two.

 The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer

(My first product from The Balm)

(Beautiful champagne color and SO pigmented!)

(This is in front of the window and with one swipe to swatch)

(Taken farther away from the window. Still so pigmented against my pale skin)

Summary: 

- Stunning honey-champagne color that can be used as an eyeshadow as well

- The most pigmented highlighter of the four

- Grab one on The Balm's website here for $24.00!

Whenever someone asks me for a highlighter recommendation, without thinking, I blurt out “The Balm’s Mary-Lou Manizer!”. This highlighter is SO pigmented and so versatile! Even if you just dab your finger into the pan, you will pick up a good amount of product. It's honey, champagne color looks wonderful on the skin and applies effortlessly. A tiny pinch of it in the corner of your eyes will open up your whole look. I picked up mine on Hautelook, where I first heard of it, and I will say that The Balm has their products listed on there a lot for a discounted price, so if you are hesitant at all (although you really shouldn't be!), you can always get it there for a more inexpensive price. Either way, you will thank yourself for buying this highlighter! It is a must for my kit! 

Estee Lauder Heat Wave Illuminating Powder Gelee

(My beautiful Heat Wave! The lid has seen better days.)

(Looking like rays of sunshine!)

(It looks more bronze in the pan, but applies a beautiful, warm  gold with just a hint of bronze.)

(Taken in front of the window. I mean, c'mon now, right??)

(Taken farther away and still so pigmented!)

Summary: 

- Limited edition golden bronzy highlighter

- So creamy and applies with ease on the face

- This might be harder to find, but try eBay or look on Instagram to see if anyone is selling one! 

I first heard about this amazing gold dust from Instagram, namely from the beautiful @Amrezy. When I first heard about it and started researching it, not only did I find that it was a limited edition highlighter, but it was already out of new production at Estee Lauder! (@#%#^%) right?? Well, to my unbelievable surprise- I found out that the Cosmetics Company Store had some in stock! When I swatched it for the first time on my hand it just looked like the most perfect warm, goldy sheen. I snatched up three immediately! I also found that this highlighter applies and blends very smoothly. It’s not super creamy, but it’s not a dryer texture like Soft and Gentle, either. Since selling out at the CCS, prices have really gone up on eBay, but if you find yourself in a position to get your hands on his highlighter, you won’t be disappointed! If not, also hakuna matata, because there have been a bunch of new golden highlighters that are becoming popular (Angel Merino's new makeup line Artist Couture's Diamond Glow Powder might have something comparable, although they are loose powders). I will try to get my hands on some to review them, but for me, this is the gem that started the gold highlight craze. 

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

(My daily highlighter)

(Such a beautiful trio)

(The light ones were swatched a few times to show on my fair skin, but they apply beautifully)

(Taken farther away from the window)

Summary: 

- Gorgeous trio consisting of the colors Dim Light, Incandescent Light (exclusive only to this trio), and Radiant Light

- Great for a variety of skin tones that can be covered by the three colors

- Pick yours up at Sephora's online store here for $58.00!

I had seen so many lovely and delicate highlights on Instagram that I decided to splurge and get this palette! I will say, although the price is a bit steep, it is well worth it, especially if you are a makeup artist or even for when you tan or are more fair, depending on the time of the year. I personally use the Incandescent Light most often, but when I am a wee bit darker, I like to mix it in with Dim Light. I love this highlight trio the best because it resembles natural light the most. For work, I like to use this one when I'm going for something more minimal, in the sense of being not as obvious. It really adds the perfect glow to the face and although the price might seem hefty at first, it is well worth it. Also, if you aren't sold on buying all three shades, you can always pick up a single Ambient Lighting Powder for $45.00 here. The single shades also come in a larger size. Either way, get ready for some major luminescence!

I'm always on the hunt for a great highlighter, so if anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them! Please comment below and/or let me know if you guys also love these ones! Until next time!

Peace and Love, 

Farrah <3

My favorite facial cleansers and treatments

Hellllllllo world!

Sorry for the huge gap in between posts! I'm still trying to get into the swing of blogging. Anyways, with the weather changing so rapidly on the east coast, I've been thinking a lot about how my skin changes from season to season. Generally, I have acne-prone, combination skin that gets really dry in the winter. I'm always up to try new products and samples I receive in my Birchbox or Sample Society, but I have found a few that I now consider my must haves/ holy grails.

 (Top left to right; Bottom left to right: Clear Clinic Laboratories Vanished Clear Spot Treatment, Philosophy Purity One-Step Facial Cleanser, Dr. Brandtt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant, Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel, Mario Badescu Cucumber Cleansing Lotion,  Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel, Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator, and Clarisonic Mia 2)

 These are cleansers that I picked specifically for my skin type, but most of them can be used for any skin type, which is great. Anyways, let's get right into it! 

  

Clear Clinic Laboratories Vanished Clear Spot Treatment:

(Sample size that I received in one of my Ipsy bags)

Summary:

- Combination of menthol, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid work quickly to minimize blemishes

- Can be applied under moisturizer and makeup

- Get 7.5 ml for $35.00 at their online shop here! (If you sign up for their newsletter, they will send
  you a coupon for your first order, too!)

Ok guys and gals, anyone who knows me or is just starting to tune into my dinky blog knows that I will never recommend a product that I didn't like, even if I like the brand. That being said, I LOVE this product! Ever since I was young, I suffered from acne- all kinds of it, too- whiteheads, cysty buggers, and your typical kind of pimples. Unfortunately, I wasn't one of the lucky ones that Proactiv magically worked for. It worked wonders for my twin sister, but for me, I felt like it made my acne worse. Needless to say, I've always been weary of any "acne treatment". When I received this sample in one of my Ipsy bags, I approached it with caution, especially since I had never heard of the company. I decided to give it a go and try it for about a week or so. 

Now, the directions say that you can use it up to four times a day, but generally I tried to do it twice- once after I washed my face in the morning, and once after I took off all my makeup and washed my face at night. Also, be sure to apply the treatment to freshly cleansed skin BEFORE you add any other serums and/or moisturizers. You want the product to seep into the blemish to be most effective. Y'all, I am not kidding when I say that this stuff is like liquid magic for anyone who has blemishes. I can say that any blemish I used it on either completely or mostly went away by the next day, and that's only using it twice a day. For those deep, more cyst like buggers, I would apply it probably three times a day, and while it did take a bit longer for the blemish to fade, it did go down noticeably quicker. I haven't delved into any of the other products that Clear Clinic Laboratories offers, but now that I am hooked on their Vanished treatment, I am excited to try them! And seriously, while $35 might seem a bit pricey for some, the product is effective and you don't need to use a ton of the product to get your desired results. This is a product I will definitely be adding to my skincare arsenal! 

Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser:

(I got this 3 fl. oz container for $10 at Sephora during the holidays)

Summary:

- Gentle cleanser that can be used on any skin type

- Can be used to wash makeup off eye area without irritation; perfect for sensitive skin

- You can get it at Sephora's online website here! Prices start at $11 for 3 fl. oz.

So, do you remember that moment from the movie, Mean Girls, where all the girls are like, " I saw Regina George wearing army pants and flip-flops, so I wore army pants and flip-flops"? That's pretty much how I feel about the gorgeous beauty-guru Jaclyn Hill. Seriously, the woman can make me buy pretty much anything, so naturally, when she said that one of her favorite cleansers to use was Purity Made Simple by Philosophy, I was like 'BAM! Heading to Sephora!' I did first get a smaller sample size in one of the Sephora Favorites boxes and I LOVED it, so I went back and got more! So why do I love this cleanser? It is SO gentle on my skin! Because I do have combination, acne-prone skin, I'm always on the hunt for a more simple, mild or scent-free cleanser for days where I'm not wearing a lot of makeup, but I still want to clean my face. Plus, once I figured out that I could get my mascara off, without irritation, with this bad boy, it was all over! This has exclusively become the cleanser that I use to remove eye makeup, even if I am using a different cleanser for the rest of my face. Now that my Peter Thomas Roth cleanser is finished, I use this with my Clarisonic, which I will touch on in a few minutes. If you are having any hesitation or doubts, don't forget that you can always get a free sample from Sephora to try out! 

Dr. Brandt Skincare Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant:

(I bought this when Dr. Brandt was running a deal on Groupon for only $39.99! Totally a steal!)

Summary:

- Finely processed pharmaceutical-grade crystals that scrub away dead skin and polish your skin

- Smells lightly of lemons and helps reduce appearance of acne scars and fine lines

- Don't be afraid of the initial price! A tiny pea size scrubs your whole face and this is truly a quality
  product! Get 2 oz. for $78 and free shipping at Sephora's online website here!

The first time I heard of Dr. Brandt Skincare was when I got a sample of this scrub in one of my monthly Ipsy bags. I have since then cancelled my subscription, but this was one of the gems that I discovered through them. Holy macaroni! This like the creme de la creme of exfoliators that I have tried out thus far! What really impressed me was that I only needed a super tiny amount, and it was enough for my whole face. Not only that, but it was more gentle than other scrubs I had tried out. Because I still get blemishes on my face, some exfoliating scrubs either irritate or hurt my skin, but this one felt amazing. My skin felt so smooth, and it really left my skin feeling fresh and radiant. I believe this has definitely helped the appearance of old acne scars become reduced drastically. I'm not going to lie to you guys, the price makes me cringe, too, so when I saw that Groupon was having a deal, I RAN! My advice, if you have the extra dough and you're looking for a great exfoliating scrub, splurge on this one, but if not, go into Sephora and ask for a sample. Because you're not supposed to exfoliate everyday, the sample should last you a good while. In the meantime, keep an eye out on Dr. Brandt's Instagram account for upcoming deals, including when they have Groupon deals! 

Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel:

(I bought my Clarisonic on QVC and it came with this cleanser as well as a Peter Thomas Roth facial gel. This is a stock photo I found from Pinterest of the set)

 (I got this image off of the internet to show you what the bottle looks on it's own since my bottle is empty!)

Summary:

- Facial cleansing gel that helps with anti-aging

- "...extracts of peach, white oak bark, lemon, lime, linden, grapefruit, and arginine. (from Sephora's
  website)" helps with reducing the appearance fine lines and wrinkles, as well as leaving your face
  feeling clean and refreshed

- You can pick up this gem at Sephora's website here for $35.00 for 8 oz. 

So, after hearing so much about the amazing Clarisonic, I knew I had to get my hands on it, so I went straight to the internet to find one. Luckily, I found out that QVC was not only selling the Mia 2 for a great price, but that it was designed with flowers and it came with this Peter Thomas Roth cleanser, as well as a facial gel. But we will get to the Clarisonic after this review! So, I began using the Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleanser with my Clarisonic when I showered, and even from the beginning, I noticed that it really made my skin feel clean and tight, but not dry tightened (does that make sense?). I always moisturize after cleaning my face, but I didn't feel the need to rush to get my lotion after washing my face with this cleanser. It also has a pleasant smell to it! I will likely be purchasing this cleanser in the future and definitely recommend this one to anyone that is looking for a gentle cleanser that really goes to work on those fine lines and wrinkles. 

Clarisonic Mia 2 Cleansing Device:
 

(This is the color combination that I bought from QVC) 

Summary:

- Facial cleansing device used for deep cleaning and removing makeup

- Comes in two speeds- Delicate and Universal, as well as interchangeable brush heads

- The Mia 2 (in an adorable pink and white polka dot, travel case, and cleanser (bonus!) can be

  bought at Sephora here for $149.00!

- To find out which Clarisonic is right for you, head over to Clarisonic's comparison chart here! 

Ok, so I know I started touching upon a bit about the Mia 2 in the previous review, but that didn't even begin to tell you about my love for this cleanser! This little cleanser is no joke! It comes with the sensitive brush head to accustom your face to using a brush cleanser, but even from the beginning, I could feel how well the device worked to not only clean my face, but remove any remaining makeup on my face. Wherever you order yours from, whether it be Sephora or the Clarisonic website, I believe each Clarisonic comes with a travel case and their magnetic Universal Voltage Charger. For myself, I have always had my Mia 2 on the Universal setting and I keep mine in the shower because this baby is WATERPROOF! That might honestly be one of my favorite features. I love not having to get out of the shower to use my Mia 2 and it really is an appreciated convenience. It has timed cycles, totaling 60 seconds, so you know how much time to spend on your cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead. I followed them in the beginning, but now I just go at my own speed and just go over areas more than once. I also upgraded to a generic deep pore brush head (Dupes are always being sold for cheap on Groupon! Keep a lookout for them if you aren't ready to make the full financial commitment to a brush head). A good point to note- don't press the Clarisonic too hard on your face and don't go too fast. The brush starts rotating once you turn it on, so let it do it's work! Once your face has accustomed to using a cleansing brush, you can look into the other brush heads. Brushes are available in the following (taken from Sephora's site for the brush heads here): 

- The normal brush head provides an invigorating cleanse for normal to oily skin and is ideal for men to prepare skin for an extra smooth shave.
- The sensitive brush head is ideal for most skin types, including sensitive or combination skin.
- The delicate brush head is ideal for delicate, compromised skin without dryness.
- The acne brush head features extra-plush bristle gradation to provide an ultra-gentle cleanse for acne-prone skin.
- The deep pore brush head is engineered with graduated dual-action bristles to flush out oil and debris in clogged pores for a super smooth finish.
- The radiance brush head gently and effectively cleans and addresses dark spots and uneven skintone for a more radiant and youthful complexion. 

 

I can't begin to tell you how much using this little guy has helped reduce acne, plus, it really does get every last ounce of makeup off my face! It can be used daily, as most people do, but I opt to use it only a few times a week. Either way, honestly, you can't go wrong with this cleansing device, no matter your skin type/issues! 

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel and Cucumber Cleansing Lotion:

(I bought an acne bundle set of these two, as well as an oil free facial moisturizer, hand cream, olive oil body lotion, mirror and bag from Hautelook)

Summary for Enzyme Cleansing Gel:

- Gentle gel cleanser that can be used daily

- Non-foaming, yet strong enough to remove all makeup, as well as fight breakouts and acne

- 8 oz. bottle can be found on the Mario Badescu site here for $14.00 or 16 oz. for $24.00

Summary for Cucumber Cleansing Lotion:

- Gentle cucumber extract astringent that only has 4% alcohol

- Use after the gel cleanser to tone the face and remove any remaining makeup

- 8 oz. bottle can be found on the Mario Badescu site here for $15.00 or 16 oz. for $26.00

 I know you guys are probably sick of me shouting out to Jaclyn Hill, but the lady really knows her stuff. I had never heard about the company Mario Badescu before I started watching her YouTube channel, but I am so glad that she mentioned them. Whenever anyone asks me about daily skincare, I immediately think of Mario Badescu. They have such a wide range of products and they really do have something for all skin types. While doing my research, I found out that Hautelook has deals on Mario Badescu bundles often, so I was excited to try some of their products for a cheaper price. I have always had issues with acne, so I thought I would give the acne bundle a chance. SO HAPPY I did! When I first used the Enzyme Cleansing Gel, I will admit, it was a different texture than I was used to. It was like using gel lotion on my face because it truly does not foam up. To be honest, I wasn't even sure if it was cleaning my face. It wasn't until I had finished rinsing with water that I could immediately tell how clean my face felt. It really took all the extra oil off my face. This is my go to cleanser if I am breaking out and want something gentle on my blemishes that won't rip them.

Afterwards, I always follow up with the Cucumber Cleansing Lotion. Now, don't be fooled by the name of this item. It says that it is a lotion, but it really is an astringent/toner. I'm not sure why it is called that, but I'm glad that it works. After I have pat-dried my face with a washcloth and my face has completely dried, I take some cotton circles with the Cucumber Cleansing Lotion and use them to tone and remove any remaining makeup off my face. The Enzyme Cleansing Gel really does a good job because I rarely wipe anything else off, but every now and then, I miss a spot by my ears or neck. This astringent is SO gentle and never leaves my face stinging or feeling too tight. I really love this combination and wouldn't mind using them everyday, I just love trying out new products!

 

Ready for something amazing? Mario Badescu is so confident in their products and their quality, that they not only send you free samples, they will send you samples specific to your skin's cleaning regimen, as well as instructions on how to use them and why they chose them for you. Answer the questions found in the questionnaire here and look out for your samples! I received about 6 in mine and I am already planning on buying some full sizes in the ones I received!

Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator:

(After trying a sample in a past Birchbox, I HAD to get the full size!)

Summary:

- Powerful exfoliator that not only removes dead skin cells, but leaves your face radiant and brighter

- Can be used three to five times a week and won't irritate your skin

- This 4.23 oz bottle can be found in the Birchbox (<-- you can create an account here) store for

  $34.00 here with free shipping!

 This was one of the first exfoliators that I fell in love with. I have so many acne scars and redness in my face, so I was on the hunt for a good one when I received a sample of the Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator in a past Birchbox. After the first week of using it, I knew it was true love. I noticed that my skin felt noticeably smoother and brighter. The redness in my face didn't feel as vivid, either. They said that I would see results after one use, which I laughed off, but they were right! I was pleasantly surprised! The texture is a bit thicker, in comparison to the Dr. Brandt exfoliator, and the crystals aren't as noticeable, but I feel like this one brightens better. Days when my face is feeling a bit sensitive and red and I want to scrub away dead skin cells, I'll opt for this cleanser. Also, I got this exfoliator for free by using points earned from my monthly Birchboxes! (At $10 a month for 5-6 samples, you can't go wrong!)

HOLY MACARONI! That was seriously the longest blog post I ever wrote, but I really wanted to give you all my honest opinion about each! If you end up trying any of them, or if you already love them, please leave a comment and let me know! 

Peace and Love <3,

Farrah

 

My trip to Estes Park, Colorado/ Evian Mineral Water Spray/ Boost Oxygen

Hellllo world!

(This picture was taken down the road from the cabin where we stayed in Estes Park, CO) 

 Last week, I visited Colorado for my first time! We flew out there to go to my brother in law's wedding and explore around a bit! First of all, downtown Estes is SO cute! There were so many cute little shops and even an Elk Festival going on! I wish I had a few more days to explore the shops, but LOOK at that view! I mean, the whole city was picturesque. The mountains took my breath away! Literally. I had altitude sickness for the whole time I was there. It was SO bad and the weather was so dry that I had to rely on two amazing products: Evian Mineral Water Spray and Boost Oxygen. For those of you who live near the coast or have never been to Colorado, the climate is seriously dry and the altitude at Estes Park is 7,522 feet above sea level. Holy batman! Here in Massachusetts, where I live, the altitude is roughly 30 feet above sea level. Needless to say, my body was feeling it (and surprisingly, in our party, I was the only one to get it so badly)!

 (Refreshed my face instantly and made my skin feel great!)

Summary: (Evian Mineral Spray) 

- Travel size mineral water spray that is TSA approved and fits in your purse

- Refreshes and helps to tone face with it's neutral pH level

- You can get a set of two travel size (as shown in picture) bottles at 1.7 oz for $14 on Sephora's website here !

Well, the Evian Mineral Water Spray was great because not only was my skin starting to feel tight, but there was very little moisture in my nostrils, so I keep getting dry bloody nose grossness. I was totally a skeptic about the whole "paying for water in bottle" concept, but Nordstrom was having a huge sale a few months ago and I've always been curious to see if they were like MAC Cosmetic's incredible Fix+. While both sprays tone out the skin and help makeup adhere better to the skin, I will say, in my opinion, that Fix+ greatly surpasses Evian in this manner. On the other hand, I started keeping an Evian Mineral Water Spray in my purse (It came in a pack of 6, I believe) during the summer when I ordered them, and boy, have they come in handy. Never so much as when I was in Colorado (and on the airplane!), but Lahhhd, did they help on hot and humid days in Massachusetts! For me, I spray liberally on my face, arms, and legs if needed, and I just love the instant cool moisture it adds. Because of the nitrogen in the spray, you won't have it dripping down your face, taking your makeup with it, either (unless you are dowsing yourself in it). I can totally see myself in the future as a woman with terrible menopause spraying myself like a mad woman with the Evian spray! To try some out, head over to your nearest Sephora, or use their website, to get their duo to go here. At $14.99 for two travel size containers, you can't go wrong, and with Sephora's amazing return policy (which should also cover this duo), if you really hate it, just return it for your money back or store credit! Next, we have something I never thought I would try or need at a youngish age: oxygen in a bottle.

(Honestly think this was my savior. Oxygen in a bottle- who knew?)

Summary: Boost Oxygen 

- Boost Oxygen contains 95% pure oxygen in each cannister. 

- Is said to help with altitude sickness (which worked for me, personally), recovery from hangovers, and fitness performance

- Comes in the flavors of Natural (one I went for), Pink Grapefruit, Menthol-Eucalyptus, and Peppermint

- Can be purchased on their website here at $7.99 for 4 oz (50 inhalations) or $12.99 for 22 oz (150 inhalations)!

So, once I knew I didn't have a stomach ache or the flu (from the symptoms I was having), my family and I deduced I had altitude sickness. Guys and gals, this is no joke and can be quite serious. If you know you are going to an area at a higher altitude than you are used to, please, please do some research and try to acclimate yourself slowly if you can! Ok, PSA out of the way, here we go! 

For me, along with all the flu-like symptoms I was having, I had crazy shortness of breath whenever I would walk even a short distance. It got to the point where I just started crying at one of our dinners because I felt SO terrible. My now sister in law suggested that I get some rest, hydrate with tons of water, and get a small container of oxygen. Well, I did begin guzzling loads of water and I did end up going to sleep earlier, partially because I was also still jet-lagged, but my father in law also picked me up a canister of Boost Oxygen. With the way I was feeling, as crazy as using oxygen as a remedy sounded to me, I was desperate to feel better. I decided to give it a shot. 

(The various flavors you can buy: Peppermint, Natural, Pink Grapefruit, and Menthol- Eucalyptus)

To use the oxygen, you simply unlock the nozzle by twisting the top, hold the opening in front of your open mouth, push down the top and simultaneously suck in the air- much like an inhaler. I will say that it does dry out your throat, so keep some water or candy nearby! Also, the can boasts 50 uses, so I took a bunch of swigs, as did my fellow campers and family. By the next day, I was still a bit shaky in the morning, but remarkably better than the day before. On the last day we were in Colorado, I was feeling pretty close to normal. I'm now definitely a believer of using the combination of rest, slow acclimation to higher altitudes, staying hydrated, and a bit of oxygen in a can! Boost's website also claims it can help with hangovers. I have yet to try this theory out, but I still have some oxygen in my container left, so who knows! Until next time! 

Peace and Love, 

Farrah <3