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Beauty

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff – Dove Advanced Care Deodorant Review

Disclosure: I participated in an Influencer Program on behalf of Mom Central for Dove. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

Last week was probably one of the hottest weeks in Southern California that I’ve experienced. Originally from Washington, anything over 80 degrees is just suffocating for me. Naturally, I sweat…a lot.

Before the heat wave, I was using Dove Go Fresh “Cool Essentials” 48 hour deodorant. Basically, my only requirement for a deodorant is that it smells good and since it had a cucumber and green tea scent, I was sold.

But with the intense heat, I decided it was the perfect time to try out my new Dove Advanced Care “Revive” 48 hour deodorant that I had been sent. I also got the “Nourished Beauty” scent, but the “Revive” was more up my alley since it was fruitier – combining pomegranate and lemon. Yum!

Between running to work and class, I didn’t have any time to freshen up during my days despite the sweltering heat. I was happy to say the Dove Advanced Care worked its magic and kept me dry and smelling great throughout the day. As silly as it is, my armpits actually felt really smooth! Not that anybody is looking at or touching my armpits beside myself, but it was still nice.

The smell remained fresh throughout the day. I never felt like it was wearing off, which was great!

Personally, I didn’t see that big of a difference between the two deodorants – Go Fresh versus Advanced Care. I have never experienced a “bad” deodorant or anything. They all smell good and do the job just fine. However, I don’t have sensitive skin, so I would imagine the Advanced Care is much better for those who struggle with that! The new Dove Advanced Care deodorant is the only anti-perspirant/deodorant formulated with NutriumMoistureTM to provide ultimate underarm care – aiming to help those with itchy or irritable underarm skin.

4 Comments

May 21, 2014 by Madeleine Wilson

My Natural Hair

I can honestly say I am addicted to my hair extensions and well, my hair in general. If my hair does not look perfect, I feel like I’m having an off day. That being said, I have been trying really hard to embrace my natural hair lately. With the help of DevaCurl “no-poo” and conditioner, I have been able to fully embrace my mess of curls.

I wore my hair natural for the first time in a while yesterday and received so many compliments – I was shocked. Floored, actually. I could not believe that people loved something I was most self-conscious about! Sometimes, you have to just embrace your natural beauty and it will pay off big time. I’ve never felt more confident about my hair!

I encourage every woman reading this to think about what you are most self-conscious about your appearance. What do you do to alter it? Can you challenge yourself for ONE day to leave yourself 100% completely natural? I know it’s scary, but I think you will be surprised at how amazing you feel.

I love getting dolled up just as much as the next girl, trust me. It is just nice to take a break every once in a while to reflect.

Comment below if you challenged yourself to be “au naturale” or what your absolute FAVORITE aspect of your appearance is! ♥

7 Comments

May 1, 2014 by Madeleine Wilson

Beauty

One Month Update: Bellami Hair Extensions

UPDATE:

It has been one year now since I bought Bellami Hair extensions and I am less than happy with them. Please read my one year update review here.

ORIGINAL POST:

I wanted to update everybody on my Bellami 18″ Piccolina 120g. Dirty Blonde extensions since I’ve had them for about a month now. Bottom line: I’m still in love and they are still in amazing shape! Let me know if you have any questions or concerns at all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrEqpRnharM

2 Comments

April 10, 2014 by Madeleine Wilson

Beauty

How to Wash Bellami Hair Extensions

Caring for your hair extensions correctly is critical. I have the 18″ 120g. Dirty Blonde Piccolina Bellami Hair Extensions. These are real hair clip-in extensions that can be heat styled and washed. In order to make them last, you should only wash them once a month. I’m going to show you exactly how to go about doing that in just ten easy steps.

***I apologize for the super terrible lighting. These pictures were taken in my dorm!***

Step 1: Gather hair into a ponytail

You do this to keep the clips from getting wet and the hair from getting too tangled.

I love these hair ties from A-List Greek (www.alistgreek.com)

Step 2: Wet hair in cold water

Step 3: Shampoo with sulfate-free shampoo

You must have sulfate-free shampoo. I like to use Organix Keratin Oil Shampoo.

Step 4: Condition

I also use the Organix Keratin Oil Conditioner.

Step 5: Let conditioner sit for 10 minutes

You want the hair to get thoroughly conditioned. Take a ten minute break so that it can fully absorb the nutrients.

Step 6: Rinse conditioner out

Step 7: Comb damp hair

Use a wide-tooth comb – it’s much more gentle than a brush.

Step 8: Heat protect hair

I love the It’s a 10 Miracle Spray because it hydrates, protects against heat damage, conditions, smooths, etc. Spray this on and comb through with the wide-toothed comb.

Step 9: (optional) Apply morocco oil

Morocco oil isn’t necessary, but it gives the hair beautiful shine. Use a minimal amount. I like using the Organix Argan Oil of Morocco.

Step 10: Let hair air-dry overnight

DO NOT blow dry your hair extensions unless it is an emergency. Leave them on a flat, clean towel overnight. I like combing them out so that they don’t tangle. (Yes, I know this looks extremely ratchet)

Let me know if you have any questions at all!

Learn more about my Bellami hair extensions here and here.

I did not receive any compensation for this post. All opinions and images on my own.

4 Comments

April 9, 2014 by Madeleine Wilson

Beauty

Bellami Hair Extension Tutorial

I finally sat down and made a tutorial on how to clip-in and style Bellami hair extensions. I have the 18″ Piccolina 120g. Dirty Blonde extensions which are a little bit lighter than my actual hair, but blend really nicely when curled.

I hope you enjoy this tutorial and please, please, please let me know if you have any questions at all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU0PCl79LgM&feature=youtu.be

8 Comments

March 25, 2014 by Madeleine Wilson

Beauty

Bellami Hair Extensions Review

Wearing my Bellamis - I just love them so much!

UPDATE:

Please read my one year update on Bellami Hair Extensions here. I am not pleased with them at all.

ORIGINAL POST:

Bellami hair extensions are by far the best clip-in extensions I have ever tried. I absolutely love these real hair extensions because you can heat style them, dye them, and they blend extremely well with hair of all types. The quality of the hair is so apparent as soon as you feel them. Although they are high-quality hair extensions, they are also very affordable and low-maintenance. I got my Dirty Blonde 18″ 120 g. Piccolina Bellami hair extensions 6 days ago and am still completely obsessed with them. These extensions are clip-ins, so you can easily put them in and take them out. You can clip them normally for beautiful long locks or upside down for full ponytails and top knots. They are also real, high-quality Remy hair, so you can heat style them and wash them. I will make a separate post later all about the care and maintenance of the extensions, but it is really easy!

Here’s a video about them! Keep in mind, this is one of my first videos, so it’s a little rocky. Go easy on me, film buffs!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vu_9Ikyo0XE
As somebody with very short, fine, and thin hair, I was very worried about getting clip-in extensions, however, Bellamis are amazing. I got the least expensive set – the 18″ 120 g. set in Dirty Blonde – because I didn’t want to have too much of a drastic change from short to long hair. I’m so glad I got this set because since my hair is so thin, if I had gotten the thicker sets, there would be nowhere to clip the hair onto. My hair covers these clip-ins perfectly and blends extremely well despite its short length.

I also have to say, their customer service is phenomenal. You can email them a picture of you and they will respond really fast telling you which set and color would be best for you. Their emails are adorable and make you feel like you’re talking to your best friend. So far, I have washed my extensions once (when I first got them) and heat styled them almost every day. They are the same quality today as they were when I first bought them! I’m so pleased. I have had a little bit of shedding, but I contribute that to the fact that I have been constantly playing with my hair because I’m not used to having it long! Today I haven’t played with it as much and I’ve had zero shedding.

The clips themselves hold very strong. They have a rubber backing that keeps the hair from sliding out. The wefts blend perfectly with your natural hair and do not stick out from your head too much. The texture of the hair feels like real hair – I can’t tell the difference between it and my natural hair at all!

Overall, I’m just absolutely OBSESSED with these extensions. I have received so many compliments on them and it’s really not obvious I’m wearing extensions at all. It looks and feels so natural. I couldn’t be happier! At only $100, you really can’t ask for a better deal than Bellami hair extensions! Their other extension offers include:

18″ 120 g. Piccolina extensions
20″ 160 g. Bambina extensions
20″ 260 g. Lilly extensions
22″ 220 g. Bellissima extensions
They also have hair styling products, tools, and bang clip-ins

>>>>>>> I will be posting videos and blog posts soon about how to style them, clip them in, and take care of them! If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to ask. I know when I was researching what extensions I wanted to get, I went through almost every video/blog post/Instagram picture/etc. possible, so I completely understand if you want to bombard me with questions. Don’t be shy! <<<<<<<

6 Comments

March 20, 2014 by wilsonmadeleine

Beauty

Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick

As a member of Influenster, we get sent fun products to try and review. I was fortunate enough to get my first ever VoxBox from them and was thrilled to find out it would be a tester of Rimmel London‘s new Moisture Renew Lipstick! The color is “As You Want Victoria” (color 360).

I used this as an opportunity to make my first video EVER! I’m so sorry if it’s absolute trash – I don’t have iMovie or a fancy video camera or any film skills whatsoever. It was fun to make though, so I don’t really care.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOC4FsVK1JM

I ended up eating a super messy sandwich after this video and the lipstick stayed on the whole time! Some came off on the sandwich if that makes sense, but when I was done there was still a ton left on my lips!

As this is my first video, please, please, please give me advice. I am absolutely clueless. Thank you!

7 Comments

March 19, 2014 by wilsonmadeleine

Beauty

TAG! Beauty Scenario

I was tagged by Heather from Coconut & Cotton for this beauty scenario tag! This will be fun – she asked me and some other lovely bloggers these questions and then we get to tag other bloggers to participate. So here we go!

1. You have to get rid of all your foundations and you can only keep one high end and one drugstore, which do you keep?

High End – Well, this isn’t a foundation. It’s a primer. BUT I can’t live without the MAC Prep + Prime Translucent Finishing Powder

Drugstore – I use Boots No7 Beautifully Matte Foundation EVERYDAY

2. You go for an interview and the lady interviewing you has lipstick on her teeth. Do you approach the subject or ignore it completely?

This is tough! If it was anybody besides an interviewer, I would tell them for sure. It really depends on her attitude and the feel of the interview. If it’s extremely stiff and formal, then I would not tell her. If it was more casual and friendly, then I might just casually tell her and then try to laugh about it.

3. You’re not feeling yourself and need a pick me up. Which lipstick do you put on to make yourself feel beautiful?

I would definitely grab my Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Stain in hot pink! That color always makes you feel sassy and energized.

4. You go back in time for a day to your teenage years, how would you do your hair and makeup differently?

Good lord…fill in my eyebrows, not wear dark eyeliner around my entire eyeball, layer my hair, and STOP HEAT STYLING MY HAIR! I can’t stress that last one enough. I would fry my hair every day. It was horrible. Now my hair refuses to grow. I would give anything to have naturally long hair.

5. You ask your hairdresser for a shoulder length Pixie Lott hair cut, but they hear wrong and give you a pixi cut. Do you a) Smile, say thank you, leave and call your mom hysterical b) Cry in the chair and things get awkward or c) Complain to the manager and demand a refund.

Absolutely A and then maybe C. I’m always polite, even if my hairdresser messes up. I know that people always try their best, so I wouldn’t want to make them feel bad. But after I cried to my mom for a bit, I would probably be feeling a little angry. This would make me call the store and ask for a refund. I wouldn’t be mean or anything though!

6. Your friend surprises you with a 4 day city break and you have 1 hour to pack. Which ‘do it all’ palette do you pack in your makeup bag?

Oh gosh, I don’t have any palettes that have everything in them. I love my “The Return of Sexy” Too Faced Eyeshadow Palette though. It’s perfect for night and day. It has three basic color schemes that work with every outfit I own, so that would be perfect!

7. Your house has been robbed, don’t worry everyone is safe, but your beauty stash has been raided. What’s the product you really hope is safe?

My makeup brushes or my “Return of Sexy” Too Faced Palette! Since I’m a broke college student, those are my most expensive items.

8. Your friend borrows your makeup and returns it in awful condition. Do you a) Just pretend you haven’t noticed b) Ask them to repurchase it or c) Secretly do the same to something of theirs

I don’t buy super expensive makeup because, like I said, I’m a broke college student, so it wouldn’t be the world if she messed it up. My most expensive product is probably around $15 or so. That’s easy to replace. I might make a comment to her about if she borrows it again to be more careful, but I wouldn’t make her repurchase it. If it was something extremely expensive, then I might ask for that though!

And with that, I’m all done! Those questions were hard but fun – I hope you enjoyed reading. For the ladies I tag below, I can’t wait to see your responses!

Annie from In Rainbow Order
Allyssa from Life With Lyss
Christine from La Vida Hermosa
Morgan from The Tennessee Life
Sarah from Shades of Sarah
Emma from It’s Emma Elise
Jacky from Keep Calm and Blog On
Leia from Fashion by Leia

4 Comments

March 18, 2014 by wilsonmadeleine

Beauty

Nail Polish Review: Maybelline New York “Color Show”

I have a very serious problem. I’m addicted to picking nail polish off my nails. I don’t know why, but there’s something so satisfying about peeling it off. Call me crazy, that’s okay.

Anyways, I’m always on the hunt for polishes that are difficult to peel/pick off. As a broke college student, I don’t have money for manicures or expensive polishes. So, I’m limited to the typical drug store selection.

I recently discovered the Maybelline New York “Color Show” polishes that are a gift from above – very affordable, long-lasting, quick-drying, and come in tons of colors. The best part about these is that once on, they do not chip or peel easily – making picking at them impossible. The polish dries really hard and thin on the surface so that it’s almost like another layer of nail. I’ve bought so many colors since originally buying these first two to experiment on and I love them all.

This is the best drug store nail polish I’ve found yet. Do you have any favorites? Share them in the comments section below!

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December 5, 2013 by wilsonmadeleine