Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel Review

I've been neglecting my blog, but have been rather active on my YouTube channel over the last several weeks. I figured I would take a moment to highlight a recent video that I uploaded featuring one of my favorite products as of late. 

As you may have already figured out by the title of this post, that product is the Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel. I have finally managed to clear my skin up and I am really starting to focus on the texture of my skin and my uneven skin tone. I have an unbelievable amount of discoloration on my face; from far away you would think I was in the middle of a full-fledge acne flare up.. The discoloration is comprised of dark acne scars that don't want to budge. Although it is still important for me to keep my acne at bay, these scars are quickly becoming my new nemesis. 

I've been on the hunt for a product that will help treat my latest skin crisis in hopes that I can one day expose my bare face to the world without feeling like everyone is staring at my scars. I love makeup and enjoy wearing it, but there are many days where I would prefer to let my skin show.

So, in comes in this amazing little peel by Murad. I've heard other bloggers and YouTubers rave about this product and figured I'd give it a shot. Watch the video below to see me use it for the first time and hear more about my first impressions of this lovely little treatment. 

Since I uploaded the video I have used the peel at least three times. You really shouldn't be afraid to use a little more product than I did initially in the video. I was looking to experience the "tingling" sensation the description suggests may happen; it takes a little more product and a little less rubbing the peel into the skin in order for this to occur. Once you find a technique that works for you, you will wipe away to a brighter, smoother (and hopefully a more even) complexion. I can't say enough good things about Murad's Radiance peel. At $55 (or $33.99 on Amazon!!) it is a bit of an investment but I am more than happy I made the purchase.

If you have tried the peel or other products for a more even, brighter complexion, I'd love to hear about it below!

xo

Stich Fix Review

I posted a video on my channel the other day about my first experience with Stitch Fix (this is not a sponsored post FYI). Stitch Fix is a company that provides styling services delivered to your door based on your personal preferences. When you sign up for Stitch Fix you fill out a questionnaire that asks you about your shape, size, budget, lifestyle, etc. After answering all the questions and paying a styling fee of $20, Stitch Fix sends you a box containing five potential pieces to add to your wardrobe. After trying on your items, you keep what you like and send back what you don't. The $20 you paid up front gets taken out of your grand total no matter how many pieces you keep.  You can watch the video below to hear how my first experience went. I give you an in-depth look at everything that came in my box, what I'm keeping, what I'm returning, and what really disappointed me about this first go-round. I also go into more detail below the video.

Recent Ulta Haul & Mini Chit-Chat

Last week I uploaded an Ulta Beauty haul on my channel to share with my viewers some of my most recent purchases. I am in the process of trying out these products and may be featuring some of them in upcoming reviews. Watch below to see what I picked up from Ulta last week and let me know if there are any products you see that you've tried and have loved!

xoxo

L'Oreal Visible Lift Foundation | A New Favorite

Okay so here's the thing...

I've tried out a bajillion foundations in my short time as an active makeup enthusiast and I have found only a handful that take the cake. This foundation is one of them.

I am talking about L'Oreal's newest foundation, the Visible Lift Blur Foundation. I am so in love that words cannot even do it justice. I love the coverage, the plethora of shades that are available, the texture, the longevity, the price, and just the overall existence of this product. Let my latest video speak for itself. I cannot say enough good things! Once again, amazing job, L'Oreal!

Oh, and by the way, I have grown to love this even more when applying it with my beauty blender! ;)

xoxoxoxo

How To...Get the PERFECT Red Lip

I LOVE a bold lip color, and red is usually my go-to for a dramatic look. Watch the video below to see how I achieve the perfect red lip or keep reading for step-by-step instructions and products I recommend :)

Beauty Q&A Tag!

I've never really done a tag before so I figured I'd answer some beauty-related questions to share with all of you! Watch the video or click 'read more' to see my answers to these questions. Feel free to answer them too! :)

(Late) July Favorites!

A few days ago I uploaded my July Favorites video on my YouTube channel. For those of you who aren't subscribed, or those of you who just want to see a list of all the products I mentioned, I figured I'd just share all that with you here. Enjoy :)

The BEST Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin!

Like many other women I have searched for the perfect foundation for far too long. 

It wasn't until a few months ago I finally found my holy grail. 

I have always had issues with acne -- a never ending battle that is appearing to subside but leaving unsightly scars and dark spots behind.

This foundation that I share with you in the video below covers it all. Every scar, every blemish, every ounce of redness, every imperfection. My skin looks flawless when I slap this on. I get so many compliments on my complexion when I wear this foundation; no one knows what lurks underneath. 

Watch the video or read on to find out who makes this must-have foundation.

Coconut-y

I have a deep love for coconut oil. I am obsessed with it.

Months ago I read an article about oil pulling and I was hooked. For anyone who is not familiar with the technique, oil pulling is done by taking a spoonful of solid coconut oil and swishing it around in your mouth for approximately 20 minutes. Done first thing in the morning -- before eating or brushing teeth -- oil pulling pulls out the bad bacteria that lives in our mouths that gives us bad breath and causes other issues. This practice can also help those of us with jaw pain due to clenching the teeth, and it can actually whiten your teeth as well. 

Coconut oil also has healing benefits -- it can help scrapes and burns heal up faster. It is also an excellent moisturizer. I love using it on my lips as well as on the heels of my feet to soothe and hydrate dry, cracked skin. 

But one of my favorite things to do with coconut oil is to use it as a hair mask. If you are a regular on the beauty blog/YouTube circuit I am sure you have heard of other women using coconut oil in their hair. 

In my opinion, it works best when it is applied to damp hair, after the oil is microwaved for about 10-15 seconds to allow it to liquefy slightly. I apply it all over, leave it on for an hour or two, then shampoo and condition as normal. It's also great to use overnight -- just be sure to wrap your hair in a towel or an old t-shirt to prevent this miracle oil from getting all over your pillow.

My hair always comes out silky smooth, shiny, and just healthier looking every time I do a coconut oil treatment. I filmed a video the other day of how I go about this process -- I hope you check it out and enjoy!

Oh, and you can find coconut oil at nearly any grocery store. Opting for organic, extra-virgin, unrefined coconut oil seems to be best for hair masks, oil-pulling, and the other various uses it has!

Back At It...

Life sometimes gets in the way of the things we enjoy most. The past several months have brought some unimaginable ups and downs. It wasn't until a few weeks ago I got back into filming YouTube videos, and I think I am ready to jump back into blogging again. With that said, I want to share my most recent video with you!

In February I decided to ditch my dark locks for my usual blonde. I loved having dark hair but I'm so used to being blonde that I actually missed it. Now I feel like me again. In the video I explain exactly what I did, how I did it, and what products I used. Going from such a dark color to a much, much lighter color is no joke. If you're about to make the move, do your research! If you're a first time hair dye-er I'd recommend just heading to a professional. It took me hours of research, several trips to Sally's, and a TON of patience to get back to my usual blonde -- but is absolutely do-able. If you have any questions please feel free to leave them below or holla at me on twitter @glamcandyxo 

Hope you enjoy the video :)

PS -- It feels great to be back!

Dreaming of Spring -- Affordable Fashions

With winter still in full force here in Pittsburgh my wardrobe has become increasingly drab and boring. I now cringe every time I throw on another oversized sweater and shimmy my pants over one pasty-pale leg at a time. I dream sweet dreams of warmer weather filled with pastels, skater skirt dresses, high waisted shorts, and cute sandal wedges.

Since half the time it's been too life threatening to leave the comfort of my home (slight exaggeration) and enter into the arctic tundra, I've been perusing the wonderful world of the Internet to fulfill my own version of at-home window shopping. I've come across some awesome clothes and shoes for Spring and thought I'd share them with you. One of my favorite little corners of the world wide web to plan where I'll spend my tax return money? TOBI. You'll understand when you see below (I could've easily shared just about their entire collection of clothing and shoes).

Also, if you'd like to see two of my latest videos from my YouTube channel, you can click here or scroll to the very bottom of this post. Enjoy! :)

Rina Romper / $66

Callie Cutout Cami Jumpsuit / $49

In the Meadows Dress / $39