DIY: Apple Cider Vinegar Facial Toner

Using a facial toner can have many benefits on your skin such as minimizing pores, maintaining breakouts, and overall refreshing your skin. It is so important to use a facial toner for not only these benefits, but for achieving and maximizing your best skin ever. Your skin is the largest organ in/on your body so take special care of it!

I can admit that before I started using this toner, it had been years since I used the last one. I wasn't even sure how exactly how to use a toner or what to look for in a toner. Nowadays there are hundreds of products for each type of product for your facial skin care regimen which makes it so overwhelming to find the best product for you. It can be discouraging and down right dreadful.

I am here to help simplify that process so read on if you're interested in learning this DIY Facial Toner that can made out of something you probably already have in your kitchen cabinets along with a few tips and tricks.

Supplies:

• Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother-It is crucial to use this kind specifically because the ACV is raw and unfiltered containing enzymes, nutrients, minerals, and beneficial strains of bacteria. This can be found at almost any supermarket or definitely at an organic foods store.
• Water
• Small Empty Spray Bottle. Any container will work, I prefer the spray kind for simplistic usage. If you do not have a container ready or not sure what to use, many spray containers can be found in the travel sized products area at Walmart or Target.
• Cotton Rounds or Balls, whichever you. These can be found at any type of Dollar Store, Walmart Kmart, Target, etc, or may already these.

                   

Instructions (See your skin type):


Normal Skin:

• Dilute ACV to 3 parts water, 1 part ACV 

Dry  Skin:

• Add more water: 3.5 parts water, .5 part ACV

Oil Skin

• Less Water: 2 parts water , 2 parts ACV

It will take time to tell which mix is good for your just remember if your skin is dry, add more water, and if your skin is oily, add more ACV. If you have normal skin than you're one lucky chick!

Note: Feel free to add other ingredients such as Green Tea, Coconut Oil, Tea Trea Oil, Lemon Juice,  for added benefits. Do a little research first to decide what will be best for your skin. I use only what I've listed and I've had great success.

How To Use:

I've always struggled with using a toner, or shall I say rarely ever used one because I wasn't totally clear on how to use one.

Always keep in mind these 3-4 steps when sticking to your skin care regimen.

• Cleanse
• Exfoliate (Only 2-3 times week, overdoing it can only cause harm to skin)
• Tone 
• Moisturize (Doing this last will help lock in those essential ingredients for your skin) 

After cleansing and/or exfoliating simply spray or dab on your mixture of ACV to the cotton ball/round and lightly dab all over the face being extra cautious to the eye area. You don't want to get to close to the eyes because this mixture can cause a burning sensation to that area. (Trust me, I've had that happen before!) After waiting a a minute or two, you can then apply your moisturizer as normal and carry on with your beauty routine.

Note:

• This mixture may cause a tingling sensation to your skin, but no need to be alarmed. It will go away after a few seconds. The tingling is good thing because you know it working and lifting away grime that soap can leave behind.
• The smell of this horrendous and I recommend starting out by only using the toner at night until you have become used to it. I use mine every time I wash my face because now it is a delightful smell to me, and it only last a few minutes.
• Refrigerate your mixture to prevent spoiling.

Okay so now your most likely thinking "I know how to make this toner, but why should I use it?

AVC seems to do wonders for almost anyone's skin! I've read about this concoction time after time and the overall outcome is absolutely magnificent!

ACV has many benefits such as:

• Restoring the pH balance of your skin. pH stand for Power of Hydrogen. pH levels are based on a scale of 1 – 14. 7 is neutral, under 7 is considered acidic, while 7 is alkaline. On its own our skin should be anywhere form 4-6. Too little or too much of a pH balance results in dryness, oily, acne prone, or other problematic skin problems. Of course it would take professional testing to diagnose the exactness of our pH balance, but believe me, it is crucial to maintain a healthy pH balance to achieve healthy skin.
• Works as a natural antiseptic & antibacterial
• Can minimize pores and diminish pimples, black heads, etc. 
• Contains alpha hydroxys and amino acids that dissolve dead skin. 
• Stimulates blood circulation leaving your skin refreshed and naturally glowing
• Clears blemishes and can slightly fade scars
• Moisturizes as needed! From everything I've read online, in books, etc. ACV knows exactly what its doing. If your skin is dry, it gives you more moisture, if it's oily it knows how to prevent the oiliness. (Remember me mentioning that it restores the pH balance? Here's a prime example!)

Note: Results will vary and I cannot say how little or long it can take for this toner to do its work simply because we are all made different. Be patient because the results can absolutely amazing!

Now that you've read all the incredible benefits of and ACV facial I hope that you all give it a try. Be sure to let me know how it works for you! I'd love to hear your experiences!

Thank you for reading! <3

Kout Perk Alert: Essie Luxeffects

Klout has released another Essie Perk: The Essie Luxeffects in Stroke of Brilliance. I just came across this today via twitter, luckily, since I have not been so faithful to logging into my account. My account did not even say I was awarded this perk, however, I clicked someone's link on twitter and what do you know? I'm in! 

Below are the credentials for who may be awarded this perk. Keep in mind my account was never officially awarded until I clicked someone's link. If you have not been awarded this perk yet, try clicking HERE. (Note: I will not receive anything for anyone who clicks that link, I just want to share so you all can grab your freebie.)

If you're not familiar with Klout or still learning about it, be sure to read my post about Klout 101 here.

Happy Klouting! 

Why I Cancelled MyGlam/Collective Review

This has not been a post that I've been looking forward to writing. I hate to bring negativity to my corner of the web,  but I feel I need to share the reasons why I chose to discontinue my relationship with MyGlam. If you are interested in knowing why I cancelled, then continue to read along. Please note that everything stated is MY OPINION and I am totally entitle to that. I cancelled for my reasons only and I am not bad talking MyGlam in any way.

In January 2012, I saw Youtuber's reviewing this amazing Subscription Service which offered products from Urban Decay, Tarte, and NYX, for the flat fee of $10. This service includes 4-5 deluxe samples along with a small cosmetics bag. This service was a bit different because it was created by popular YouTube Guru Michelle Phan, who has created many video Tutorials for a broad range of make up looks and hairstyles. MyGlam even posts "Sneak Peeks" via Twitter/Facebook to excite the subscribers. It really does give us a lot to talk about!

I was already subbed to Birchbox, and had no intentions of cancelling that, so I figured why not give it a try? I figured I'd be much more satisfied with this service than Birchbox because the products were amazing, and true to the "deluxe" size that many of these subscription service companies claim to provide. I immediately joined the waiting list and could not wait to get my February Bag.  Here is each bag so far that MyGlam has sent out:

December:

1Small cosmetics bag

Mai Couture Blush Paper-Package including 100 sheets FULL SIZE

Urban Decay Sin Eyeshadow: FULL SIZE

Tarte Light Camera Lashes Mascara: DELUXE SIZE

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream: DELUXE SIZE

January:

Freeman Cucumber Peel-Off Masque - FULL SIZE

Sheer Cover Duo Concealer - FULL SIZE

Wen Cleansing Conditioner - Deluxe Sample

TheBalm Shady Lady Eyeshadow or Hot Ticket Nail Polish -FULL SIZE

Both December and January seem totally worth $10. Unfortunately that is not the case. The products are worth the money, but the shipping/order problems did not seem worth the hassle. Many subscribers for the month of January did not even receive a bag! The money was deducted from the account but no bag arrived! Shipping labels were also mixed up, accounts were randomly cancelled. The people who did receive their bags, I'm sure were delighted, however, there was a horrible delay in the shipping. Some subscribers went through  much hassle to even receive their money back. MyGlam was not responding to emails, tweets, or Facebook inquiries.  Knowing this, I still signed up for the waiting list because MyGlam had put out statements everywhere saying they have since fixed these issues. I will say I NEVER experienced any of these problems. I cancelled for other reasons.

So onto the bags I actually received:

February:

Happy Valentine's Day

Premier Dead Sea Cinderella Mask - FOIL PACKET

X Out Shine Control - FULL SIZE

NYX Roll On Shimmer  - FULL SIZE

Freeman Beauty Facial Hydration Mask - FOIL PACKET

$100 Gift Card for Nume Styling Tools and Hair Extension

Bonus/Extra Item - Ghirardelli Chocolate squares in Dark and Milk chocolate

 I did like the NYX Roll on Shimmer, but I have only used it twice. I have used the Shine Control once or twice as well. The Freeman Beauty Facial Mask & the Premier Dead Sea Cinderella Mask are NOT "deluxe" sized samples. Also, why would they send similar types of products int he same month? The $100 "Gift Certificate" ended up being a coupon. When using a Gift Card, you should not have to spend a certain amount to get a discount, which is what this "gift card" happens to be.  Everything Nume sells is retailing over $100 and the products do not seem to be great quality. This "Gift Card" was considered one of our items, which is totally unfair in my opinion! It should have been considered an extra because it was a coupon, not a sample of a product. The Bag was a bit cheaply made. I know this because I've purchased bags at the Dollar Tree and they were the same quality as this.

 I was totally unhappy with February's bag because the samples were not "deluxe" sized and the Gift Card was a scam. I still kept my subscription going because I had faith in MyGlam to give us a great month.

March:

Repair & Restore

Murad Eye Lift Protector - FOIL PACKET

Pur-Lisse Essential Daily Moisturizer - FOIL PACKET

$25 Dermstore Gift Card - Must purchase at least $50 to receive $25 off

Keracolor Color Enhancing Leave-In Treatment - FOIL PACKETS

Glammie Classic Crease Brush & Brush Case 

Pur-Lisse Pur-Lip Comfort Daily Lip Nourisher - FULL SIZE

So again, this month inlcuded a "Gift Card" aka Coupon as an actual sample. Also included were many foil packets and 1 full size product being the Pur-Lisse Lip Nourisher. This month started the My Glam Exclusive Brush Collection and Case. The *bag* itself (not the contents) has been my favorite so far.

This month many subscribers complained about a weird chemical smell in their bags. Mine did have the smell, but that wasn't  total loss. It more odd than anything.

In my opinion this all seemed rather inexpensive for MyGlam to send us. Foil packets are not worth my $10. The "exclusive" brush nd case was a unique thought and I appreciate that. I use the Crease brush a lot and appreciate that item, but March's bag was still a huge disappointment. With the last two month being rather cheap and disappointing, I still kept my subscription going. Why? I didn't want to miss out on the great months!

April:

Girl's Night Out

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil: DELUXE SIZE

All-Belle False Lashes - 1 SET

Dermstore Lip Quench - FULL SIZE

MyGlam Exclusive All-Over Eyeshadow Brush & Eyeliner Brush

This was the first month I really enjoyed. The lashes are so amazing and perfect for a night out! I will be using these for a special event in the near future. I've read reviews and they seem to be quality lashes. The eyeliner is from UD, a trustable, quality brand and the size is true to being "Deluxe Size." The Lip Quench seems rather inexpensive but I like it and use it frequently. The smell is kind of fruity with a bit citrus in it, but it's tolerable and it's a perfect sheer/shimmer pink. Nothing too overbearing. The brushes I use almost everyday. The bag was also cute, although I gave it away. This is what I was looking for in Myglam; a bag full of goodies that's worth my $10 and would get used, not pile up.

May:

Love is in the Air

Philosophy: Love Sweet Love Fragrance - SMALL VIAL

Studio Gear Complete Color Lipstick: FULL SIZE

Miss Beauty Nail Bling: 1 SET

Exclusive MyGlam Concealer Brush and Defining Eyeliner Brush

Another Huge dissapointment, was the May MyGlam Bag. None of the items have been used yet. I absolutely HATE getting perfume samples. I can get them at any counter, or website FREE of charge. I hate paying towards one! The Lipstick was the color Enchanting, a dull purple/pink that was maybe hot in the late 80's early 90's. This color isn't even listed on the Studio Gear website? It does enhance the natural color of my lips, but it is super boring.  The Nail Bling kit looks super cheap, and they must be cut to fit my nails. I will never use them because they seem a bit childish for my liking. The brushes have not been used because i cannot tell which brush is which. The bag was cute, but the quality was the same as Feb's which is similar to what can be found at the Dollar Tree.

So this month was a dister for me when thinking of the products. They have yet to be used and I cannot give them away because I would feel embarrassed. So again I continued my subscription in hopes of another great month.

June:

Out All Night

NYX Round Lipstick: FULL SIZE

Philosophy Take A Deep Breath Moisturizer: DELUXE SIZE

Living Proof Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream: DELUXE SIZE

Marbella Permanent Eyeliner Pen: FULL SIZE

With 2 full size samples and 2 deluxe size samples, the June MyGlam Bag has blown me away! The bag did have a fish like smell, butafter airing it out for a few days the smell went away. It's so chic and I plan to use for a night out. I am using and LOVING each item dearly, but I decided to let my subscription go. I spent a total of 5 month with MyGlam being disappointed, then randomly satisfied and that is not what I'm looking for in a subscription service. 

WHY I CANCELLED MYGLAM:

I have heard many subscribers complain about those who complain about MyGlam asking why we stay subscribed? I asked myself that. My answer was that I did not want to miss out on a good month. However, those good months rarely occured. I do not want to receive foil packets where I can barely get any use, or "gift cards" (coupons) as a sample. MyGlam has not been consistent in sending out Deluxe Size Samples, although they advertise to do so. 

I look at every sub service in this manner: Would I buy these items for $10 at the store? Most likely, no. Granted I really enjoyed April and June's samples, what about the months in between? That $30 could have been towards a few more useful products or 1 amazing high end product.

MyGlam does not have a Beauty Profile/Questionaire to get to know it's subscribers. How can 1 color/shade of a product work for most of it's subscribers. I like that other sub services provide those.

Also, MyGlam has no other great qualities like a points program or a referral program. Sure I've been receiving emails lately to purchase the full size products, but it's not through MyGlam, therefore there is no points program. Essentially that is no deal breaker, but it did help me decide whether or not to cancel my membership. 

MyGlam customer service has been a bit rocky. Contacting them is a difficult. The MyGlam's CS Twitter has reached out to me asking for Feedback after reading previous posts of their bags, but why should I have to send an email, if the team already read my feedback?

More reasons why I chose Birchbox and Cravebox over MyGlam:

Birchbox:

• Birchbox has their amazing Points Program, where you can earn free products, and double the points, along with referral points! You can read bout that HERE. 
• Emails are constantly being sent out about the products you received and videos how to implement them into your beauty routine.
• Birchbox also has YouTube Channel where can learn tons of tips and tricks not only using the products you received.
• Birchbox offers amazing customer service via their Website, Twitter, and Facebook. The team is so friendly and available to answer your questions,
• Birchbox also has a "Beauty Profile" where you can answer questions about your skin type, skin tone, hair color, etc. so that they are able to provide you with samples that will work for you.
• The samples are typically deluxe size including many full sized products.

Cravebox:

• The samples are typically deluxe size including many full sized products.
• The Cravebox Customer Service is amazing as well and they are super friendly and ready to answer any questions you may have. They will never leave you're questions unanswered,
• Cravebox has Twitter Parties that ANYONE can participate in. They offer tons of prizes including Cravebox's and gift baskets from the brands showcased in that months box. I actually won a Tree Hut Gift Basket and am so anxious to receive it! 
• Cravebox offers Limited Edition Boxes such as the "Summer Spruce Up" Box.
• Cravebox is a Lifestyle Subscription Box and can include a multitude of products including beauty products, food, personal care items, etc.

So with all that being said, I have finally cancelled my subscrption with MyGlam. Yes it was so difficult, but I could not allow myself to pay for items I can rarely or never use. I can honestly say if it starts looking better, I will join the waiting list again, but for now I will watch what they offer.

I apologize for such a lenghty review, but I really wanted everyone to actually see what the bags were like and why I made the choice I did. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you for reading!

Beauty Blogger Sample Swap

Earlier this month I came across an amazing Sample Swap for Bloggers hosted by Shannyn at Frugal Beautiful. This swap was dedicated to the samples wasting away in your piles at home from the many Subscriptions Services we are subscribed to. The basic idea of the sample swap was to get rid of your unused samples and gift them someone else, who would in return send you a package of unused samples.

The rules were as follows:

• Sign up using this form below &  respond to the coordinating email to confirm you’re going to swap with your blogger team mate.

• By the week of June 25th, wrap up your samples & mail them out.

• The week of July 1st, take pictures of your received beauty swap and link to the blogger who sent them to you!  Post your reveal that week.

• In the swap you send out- please include 6-8 beauty & skin care samples and ONE full sized small beauty product (Lip gloss, nail polish,  balm, travel sized hand cream or sunblock, etc. )

• Please spread the word! For this to work, please tweet, link to this post or post our badge in your sidebar!

My partner was Sammi at NijiRAWR and she also has a Youtube Channel where she posts videos about Subscriptions Services and Make Up Tutorials. Feel free to check her out!

This is my sample package:

1 cosmetics bag from the March MyGlam Bag:

I've already received this bag since I was subbed to MyGlam at the time but that's A Okay because my sister wanted the bag so bad. I didn't give it to her because it was the only bag I kept from the 5 different bags I've received. It was perfect cause now this will be a pleasant surprise for her.

MyChelle Fruit Enzyme Cleanser - A deep pore cleanser.

I've never heard of this before so this will be fun to try. I use tons of different cleansers on my face so this will add to my collective routine.

Exceptional Because You Are Fragrance Sample - Sold Exlusively at Fragrancenet.com

This smells very pretty as it has a light floral elegant smell to it. I will probably never purchase it myself, but I will wear it a few times.

pur-lisse Essential Daily Moisturizer

I've already received this is in my March MyGlam bag as well. I have yet to try it. I'm not super interested in this product but I may use just to try it. I do like the Pur-lisse Lip product I tried in the March MyGlam bag.

1 Packet of the Comodynes Self-Tanning Towellettes:

I am probably most excited about these towelettes because I already received 2 in my June Birchbox and plan using ASAP! I've just been super busy with school and work, but I will be doing a review. I've already read Ashley's Review, and it looks like an amazing, quality product!

WEI Tibetan Chrysanthemum Correcting Eye Treatment Pads:

I'm very excited to try this product as well. This product and brand are completely new to me. I've never heard of it, and therefore have never tried it before. It sounds very interesting. and 2 pads are included. I doubt I will be able to do a review because there is only enough pads included for 1 use.  

Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo, Conditioner, and Style Prep Soother:

After some Googling, I found the Aveda Website, and it seems that this Hair Care Brand is moderately affordable and derived from natural and pure flower and essences. Aveda also sells, skincare items, cosmetics, candles, and perfume. This has intrigued me to check out their entire website and I am more than happy to try these 2 products. 

1 Bomb Cosmetics Block of Soap:

I was totally is this soap was handmade by Sammi herself, or if it was handmade by someone else. I did come across some info on her Listia Account where she has it up for grabs. These soaps are fromthe UK Company; Bomb Cosmetics and she found them Marshall's. This soap has a light citrus smell and it's quite refreshing. Happy to try it!

1 Lip Smacker Lip Balm in Cookie Dough:

It has been a long time since I've used a Lip Smacker lip balm. This brings back memories of my preteen years! My friends and I were obsessed with this stuff! We even made a time capsule and put our Lip Smackers in it! As yo can see I receive Cookie Dough. This will come in great use. 

So that was my sample package from Sammi. I Hope she loves mine. She has not yet reviewed hers but as soon as she does I will link it here for you all to check out! I am very excited to take part in next Sample Swap!

Thank you for reading! <3 mattabellax3