The Beauty Shelf -- Konjac Sponges

I love Konjac sponges and they are now a part of my every day beauty routine. Do you know the benefits of using a Konjac sponge instead of a towel? Here are a few:

• gently exfoliates to bring back the natural glow of the skin
• kills acne-causing bacteria
• effectively balances the PHI of skin
• naturally moisturizes the skin

After using sponges for a few months I have seen a very noticeable difference in my skin. Sponges are only good for 4 - 6 weeks so I am always up for using another brand or type. I  am  not extremely loyal to many brands because I never know when the next best thing will come along. 

I was excited to the Beauty Shelf sponges because they are unique in their adorable heart shape. Plus you get three in a pack compared to one sponge from the other guys. They are also unique in the fact that they are soft and squishy during shipment.  Most of them are very hard until wet so I found that interesting. It is also a set of three so you won't need to buy replacements for a few months even if you replace every  4 weeks.

I opened the black sponge first, they all have the same shape and benefits. I love the shape it makes it easy to hold and use. There is a string to hang it and that means a lot more to me than it should. I have one without a string and I have to find a place to put it. 

This sponge is soft and not as coarse as others I have tried. Being wet during shipping also makes it a faster to use than other sponges. I didn't have to soak it in water and wait for it to expand and soften. It was soft and ready to use when I opened the package. 

I am very pleased how these sponges hold up even with a few weeks of use. The black one is not torn or ripped in any way. I would recommend trying these sponges! They come in a three pack which is a HUGE plus!  

If you use code  TBSABL10 at check out you can get 10% off the already very reasonable price! 

I received these products complimentary in exchange for an honest uncompensated review but the opinion expressed is all mine. 

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

If you would have asked me 6 months ago if you needed a primer I would have asked you why?  That was until I tried one that works just like you would expect a primer to work. I have tried other primers and nothing comes close to Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. First off I will tell you I tried department store because Smashbox is a little expensive. But somethings you have to splurge on. Like they say you get what you pay for.

The first time I tried Smashbox Photo Finish I was a little thrown back by the look. It is clear and looks a little like Neosporin. It also comes out of the tube like you would be squeezing Neo and the consistency is the same as well. But when I put it on my face it almost felt like I was rubbing silk on my face. I know that may sound very silly but it's very true. My face fells unbelievably soft and smooth when I use this primer. I guess that is why can use it with or without makeup.

I have tried it both ways and the only benefit of using it without make up is the way your face feels. But when you layer with foundation, BB or CC Cream it makes my make up look flawless. It is almost like you would expect to see done by a professional make up artist. I have layered BB cream and tinted moisturizers and this primer gives a smoother finish. I will also add that I have used it with department store and drug store foundation and they both look beautiful.

It is clear so it is invisible but blends beautifully and sets in seconds, I just use my fingers to apply. You don't have to wait very long before you put on your foundation. It doesn't peal or flake and it's extremely light weight, I have never felt it on my face. It doesn't feel greasy while applying and my face does not not feel oily or greasy while using and that is something I have a hard time with.

Another benefit of using a primer is it makes your make up very long lasting. All of it foundation, blush, powder looks freshly applied after hours of wear. I'm always pleased when I have make up to remove at the end of the day. All of you know what I'm talking about right.  I love that amazing feeling when I wash off a full face of makeup after I've worked 10 hours.

I won a .25 oz in a FaceBook contest and it lasted me a few months but sadly I'm almost out. I couldn't bear the thought of being without my favorite primer so I just purchased a .50 oz to replace it.  I have also started trying lid primers so I will be back to tell you about my favorite. As you guessed, Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer gets 2 thumbs up from me.

Do you use a primer? I was thinking about trying Too Faced next or maybe another Smashbox. They have a few other primers that sounds interesting. Leave a comment and let know your thoughts on primers. What are you favorites?

Elite Serum Review and giveaway

 I know I always talk about the bags and dark circle under my eyes but I am always looking for ways to get rid of them. I have been using  Elite Serum  from  Skin Pro and I'm here to tell you about it. Elite Serum is designed to lift and firm skin, fill in expression lines, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, minimize eye puffiness, and lighten dark circles.

I LOVE the dispenser it is a little shot of course without the needle! It is very slim which makes it easy to store. It is very easy to dispense just the right amount of serum every time with no mess. All you do is unlock squeeze and apply. It's not like some serums or lotions were you have way too much and waste. Also when I say squeeze I mean you just push the syringe in so you can't accidentally squeeze too much out. It also makes it harder for the kids to waste it if they play with it because the top locks in place.

It is a a fairly thick consistency so I used it a night serum but it does absorb quickly and it light weight.  So every night after I cleaned my face and put my moisturizer I would use the Elite Serum. Just as the directions say I applied it around my orbital bone.  I loved the cooling sensation immediately after I applied it. It didn't last long so there was no irritation or annoyance. Just a cooling feeling at first which I loved . It reminded me that it was working. A huge plus with the consultancy it never migrated into my eyes. I have had that happen with other lotions if I went to close and it hurts.

After only a few days of use I saw drastic difference in the bags and circles. I could smile in a picture without seeing being self conscious of them. I am so very pleased with the results of this product!. Like Elite Serum on FaceBook and follow them on Twitter to keep up with all the new information.

Skin Pro is giving on of y'all a chance to win an Elite Serum of your own. So that means a giveaway. Most of you know the rules of a giveaway but just in case here there are:

Entries will be accepted from December 20, 2013 - January 10, 2014

Good luck remember one Lucky winner will be randomly chosen through the RaffleCopter. You MUST be following me on Twitter or GFC or like alwaysblabbing on FaceBook to be eligible to win. This giveaway is open to US residence only, I am sorry. Winner will have 48 hours to contact me with their mailing information. alwaysblabbing is not responsible for shipping prizes.

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I received an Elite Serum complimentary in exchange for an honest uncompensated review but the opinion expressed is all mine.