Finger Painting with Gallery 9 Premium Acrylic Paint

I recently got the opportunity to play with Gallery 9 Premium Acrylic paint set. A complimentary sample of the product was sent to me in exchange for an honest review.

Because I'm not much of an artist (I make digital art, but not real-life art) and I couldn't draw a straight line if my life depended on it, we decided to just have some family time with this set and do some finger painting. The seller has assured me that the paint is completely non toxic and safe for my child to finger paint with, so we grabbed a couple of large, thick paper sheets from the art store and got the party started. 

First thing that you notice when playing with the Galley 9 paint is the absence of any kind of odor. It's great for body painting and finger painting with your children, but it's also perfect for all sorts of crafts. This is a water-based paint, made in the USA, designed to be safe and long-lasting, but also very easy to clean up. After we were done finger painting, it took me 20 seconds of washing in lukewarm water to clean my daughter's hands. The paint just kind of flaked off nicely, leaving no trace of color or smell. 

The colors are incredibly pigmented and vibrant. They just pop! They're also very blendable and velvety in texture. You only need a tiny drop of the paint to be able to smooth it out nicely. The thickness of the paint is just right - concentrated enough for extra vivid color and definitely not watery. 

The kid and I had lots of fun with these paints, and there is still plenty left for my little artist to practice her skills. We played with the paint for about an hour and covered one large sheet with colorful splashes, but the bottles seem just as full as before, so I'm pretty sure this set will last us a long time. I'm very pleased with the quality of these paints.

You can buy the paint here: Amazon ($19.99)

Beauty Review: Too Faced Primed & Poreless

I am thoroughly disappointed with this product. 

I bought this pressed powder after watching some YouTube reviews and tutorials and reading some glowing reviews on Ulta and various beauty blogs. Everybody seems to absolutely love this pressed powder, but for whatever reason, it just doesn't work for me. 

I love the brand and use many of their products, but this was such a huge miss, I honestly regret spending so much money on this. I got it around the spring time this year, used it maybe 10 times all together (I kept trying to make it work, but it just would not), and ended up tossing it to the bottom of my "bad makeup" drawer.

It just doesn't do what it's supposed to. I have purchased it hoping to minimize the appearance of my pores (they're rather visible, especially on the nose and forehead area), but this powder only seems to be making it worse. Not only does it accentuate the pores even more, but it dries up my skin, and I'm not even one to suffer from dry or sensitive skin to begin with. 

I tried using it under foundation, on top of foundation, instead of foundation.. nothing works. It settles in pores and creases and makes my fine lines more visible. I suppose if you have an oily skin type, you might benefit from this powder's drying properties. With my normal skin type, this was just too drying, to the point that my skin would get flaky on the cheeks - yuck! 

Have you used it this product yourself? What did you think?? Let me know in the comments below!

About Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder:

With just one brushstroke, pores disappear and skin glows with a stunning, soft-focus effect that can stand up to the harshest lighting. Wear the innovative, tried-and-true matte powder under foundation to prime skin, on top of makeup as a setting powder, or alone for a nearly-natural finish.
The pressed formula allows for easy application while still in the Boudoir or on-the-go. Choose which way you'll wear the innovative matte powder: under foundation to prime the skin, on-top of makeup as a setting powder or alone for an in-the-bare smooth finish. Whichever way you choose, you'll still banish the appearance of pores and achieve a stunning, soft-focus effect to combat any harsh lighting.
More To Love:

• Minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines and imperfections

• Infused with a cocktail of vitamins A, C & E for antioxidant benefits; mulberry extract for a brightening effect.

• Can be worn with liquid or powder foundations and bronzers.

• Vegan-friendly

• Paraben-free

 

Beauty Review: MiXiu Mini Whitening Foundation/Concealer Cream | Review (Born Pretty)

Hi guys! I'm here today with another fantastic makeup item from BornPretty.com! :) As I said before, I just love discovering new, interesting brands of makeup and trying cosmetics that can't be found in our local drugstores! And BornPretty.com is a makeup junkie heaven :))

Today I will be taking about Mini Whitening Foundation/Concealer Cream from MiXiu ($3.48)

It comes in two shades, one is a bright pinkish shade and the other is also bright but more yellowish tone. I got the more yellowish one, thinking the pinkish one might be just a bit pale for my skin tone, and, as it turned out, it was a good decision. As you can see on the pictures I took (above and below), the one I got still looks a bit pinkish, but it actually matches my skin very nicely and I can use it as both concealer and highlighter.

I absolutely love this product. It's really tiny (about half, maybe 2/3 the size of Elf concealer), but because you only need a few tiny taps of it, it's amazingly long-lasting. It blends very well and has a creamy consistency that isn't too thick and doesn't settle in your fine lines at all. It smells kind of powdery (personally I really like this smell) and a bit like Nivea lotion. And I just love how moisturizing it feels on my skin. 

With this product you will get medium to high coverage and your dark spots and imperfections will be nicely covered. It will give you a very dewy, porcelain doll kind of look. I like using it as a highlighter when I contour, because it blends so well and leaves my skin feeling moist but not oily. 

If you're looking for a new concealer/highlighter product to try, I'd recommend this one, especially if your skin needs some extra moisture. 

Feel like checking it out and maybe trying for yourself? Here's an extra 10% OFF for you! And remember, Born Pretty ships FREE World Wide (with no minimum purchase!). 

Beauty Review: TJK Beauty Pure Argan Oil

Argan oil is good for so many different things, it's truly a phenomenal skin and hair care product. The TJK Argan oil is USDA Organic, naturally scented, cold pressed and unrefined. It smells very rich - a deep, long lasting earthy/nutty smell. I love that it's fair trade and cruelty free.

I use Argan oil mainly for hair care - I apply it to the ends of my hair to protect them from harmful effects of blow drying and to keep my hair nicely moisturized. My husband uses it as a natural moisturizer after showering - he loves natural, organic products, and argan oil (next to tea tree oil and shea butter) is one of his top favorites. I also like applying it to my face before going to bed - it provides my skin with a huge boost of moisture and my face feels really smooth in the morning. It actually doesn't leave me feeling greasy at all - it absorbs quickly.

TJK Beauty Argan Oil comes in a 1.66oz glass bottle with a stopper. I think the packaging is just as great as the product itself - very visually appealing. The bottle came wrapped in bubble wrap and placed inside the packaging, which was then placed in a bubble protected Amazon cardboard box - needless to say, it arrived safe and sound.

I think this is an awesome quality product and would recommend it to anyone looking for a natural moisturizer or something to tame the frizz/ help treat split ends with.

Disclaimer: I received a free sample of the product in exchange for my honest review.

About TJK Beauty Pure Argan Oil:

• USDA certified 100% pure organic Argan Oil. Imported from Morocco. Bottled for the U.S.A.
• COLD-PRESSED, unrefined, and unscented. Eco-certification by EcoCert guarantees adherence to highest production standards. All-natural vegan friendly production.
• RESTORES healthy, luxurious sheen to dry, damaged hair
• HYDRATES skin to diminish wrinkles and even skin tone
• STRENGTHENS brittle fingernails and softens cuticles

De-clutter your cosmetics bag and simplify your beauty routine by making TJK Pure Argan Oil your one-step miracle elixir.

Our 100% pure virgin Morrocan Argan Oil restores youthful vitality to your skin, hair and nails. TJK Pure Argan Oil moisturizes skin, replenishing antioxidants and acting as a natural protectant against the aging effects of the sun. Its' high Vitamin E content decreases the visibility of wrinkles and gives a youthful glow to your skin. Manicures can leave nails brittle and weak. Massage TJK Pure Argan Oil into your fingernails to strengthen them and soften cuticles. As a hair conditioner - on either wet or dry hair - Argan Oil makes hair softer, silkier and shinier. You can feel confident about incorporating TJK Pure Argan Oil into your beauty regimen, knowing that it is produced in accordance with stringent USDA and EcoCert standards. TJK Pure Argan Oil is cold-pressed, unrefined and unscented, fully vegan/vegetarian friendly.

Our Argan oil's proven and observed benefits for hair, skin, and nails are extensive, and include, to name a few:

• Dry Skin: Nourishes and moisturizes dry, scaly, flaky skin and protects against infection.

• Oily Skin: Regulates sebum production to keep the skin's natural oils at a healthy level. With regular use, the skin will no longer look or feel oily. Irritated/Itchy Skin: Protects skin from allergens that may cause itchiness.

• Hair: Repairs damaged hair. Moisturizes instantly, and prevents split ends while restoring shine. Increases hair growth and helps control, cure, and prevent dry and itchy scalp.

• Scalp: Keeps scalp healthy and well nourished. A few drops will protect against dandruff. Keeps the roots of the hair hydrated, protected, and well nourished.

• Nails: Keeps nails strong and healthy

 

Beauty Review: Ivation Carry All Makeup Train Case

Available on Amazon for $22.95

• 32 eye shadows, 2 blushes, 1 compact mirror
• 2 lipsticks, 2 lip glosses, 1 mascara 3 cosmetic pencils
• 3 applicators 1 brush, 1 nailclipper, 1 pencil sharpener, 4 nail polishes

This isn't the first makeup box from Ivation that I've had the opportunity to try and review, but it's one of the more (if not most) impractical ones.

While I like that you get the eyeshadow quads neatly separated for carrying it in your purse, I wish some matte colors were included along the metallic/shimmery colors. The selection of the colors isn't too bad, tho. There are some coppery colors, some greens, a few browns and even some blues and purples. They're all shimmery, but their pigmentation varies - the coppery ones and the greens seem to be more pigmented and longer lasting than the darker eyeshadows, particularly the reds and dark browns/purples. Ingredients wise, they seem to stay on the non-toxic side, with the exception of Titanium Dioxide that has been listed as possibly carcinogenic. They also contain some iffy coloring (Aluminum Lake, Red 27, Red 6, etc..) On the other hand, it's not all that easy to find brands of cosmetic that don't contain those.

I've tried a couple of the eyeshadows and they seem to stay on nicely. I haven't noticed any creasing or caking. In fact, they seem to go on quite smoothly.

There are two red lipsticks included with the set (different shades), as well as two lipglosses that are not particularly glossy at all. The colors are too bright for my taste, but combined with the lip liner (also included), they do have some serious lasting power.

There are also 4 nail polishes in the set: one is a toned down mauve, one is deep red, one is shimmery silver and one is very pale pink. I've tried using the pink one, but only got as far as two finger nails and just couldn't take the smell. These nail polishes smell really bad - to the point I got dizzy while trying to apply one of them. I remember my mom's old nail polishes smelling this bad in the 90s, but haven't smelled anything this bad since.

The case also comes with some applicators, a nail clipper, a sharpener, a brush, two blushes, a mascara and a couple other nail tools. For the most part these are things I already own, but if you like to have your tools neatly arranged in one carry-along case, you might like this set.

Overall, I have to admit that while I like the eyeshadows and the blushes, I probably won't be carrying this case around with me. It's pretty heavy and seems like an overkill.

Disclaimer: I received a free sample of the product in exchange for my honest review.

Toddler Toy Review: Best Choice Products Bump and Go Action Learning Train

About Best Choice Products Bump and Go Action Learning Train :

Best Choice Products presents you the Smart Train. This colorful train has many ways for your baby to have fun. It has lights and sounds that will keep your baby amused and entertained for hours. Your baby will smile and laugh watching the train's eyes move and its mouth open as it rides around. The train comes with colorful blocks that your baby can place into the shaped holes. It even has a fun phone game on top of the train so your baby can make all their important phone calls free of expense. The train is also equipped with a Bump and Go moving function that allows it to keep moving even if something were to get in front of its tracks. Your baby will find endless enjoyment watching the lights of the chimney and listening to the melodious music of the Smart Train. 

We purchase our products directly from the manufacturer, so you know you're getting the best prices available. 

FEATURES: 

• Helps babies learn their ABC's and shapes while having fun, 
• Bump & Go feature allows it to change directions and run when it bumps into something, 
• Equipped with lights and sounds to amuse your baby, 
• Facial features (eyes and mouth) move as it rides around, 
• Includes phone game on top of the train. 

SPECIFICATIONS: 

• Product Dimensions: 7"x 3.5"x 5.5", 
• Weight: 0.5 lbs, 
• Color: Main color red. 
• PLEASE NOTE: Our digital images are as accurate as possible. However, different monitors may cause colors to vary slightly. Some of our items are handcrafted and/or hand finished. Color can vary and slight imperfections in the metal work are normal and considered evidence of the hand-finishing process, which adds character and authenticity to those items.

        

My Thoughts

What a fantastic toy! And the amount of detail and thought that obviously went into developing it is truly impressive - just look at how well-made it is, with even the silver pipes on the side to make it more realistic!

This battery-operated interactive toy is wonderful for children who are ready to learn about shapes and colors, as well as simple counting and first ABC. The train has color-coordinated slots for letters A, B and C on one side, and numbers 1, 2 and 3 on the other. Your child will learn to recognize and match the shapes in order to get the plastic elements inside the wagon. My daughter is a bit too young for this just yet (18 months old), but she is already trying! At this point, she hands me the elements and demands I put them in myself, or allows me to guide her hand. And she's thrilled with the results! Thanks to this train, she also learned to say "open", when she wants me to open the back door so she could take the letters and numbers out.

The direction on the box states that this toy is designed for children age 3yo and up, so that is something to keep in mind when purchasing. The plastic elements are small enough to potentially be a choking hazard, so I never allow my daughter to play with the toy unsupervised. She is a quick learner, though, and I hate to hold her back, so we often play with the toy together, even though she's only 18 months old now.

When turned on, the train moves around happily. It seems to have some sort of sensor that allows it to recognize when it bumps into obstacles. It then easily turns and changes direction. There is a big yellow face on the front - the eyes are blinking and moving around, and the mouth is opening and closing (as if it's laughing). On top of the wagon there is a dial phone - a nice touch!

It's a colorful, well-designed toy, that keeps my child entertained and happy. She's fascinated by the loud melody and choo choo sound, and she is having plenty of fun matching the shapes. I can see that she's starting to connect the dots on her own now, which makes me extremely proud!

I think this is a very beneficial toy worth adding to your child's toy collection. Personally, I think it's a gem!

Disclaimer: I received a free sample of the product in exchange for my honest review.

Baby Product: Keima Large Diaper Tote Bag Set

About Keima Large Diaper Bag Set:

100% Waterproof Nylon, easy to wipe clean. Big Bag Size: L16.54'' * W7'' * H26''. Small Bag Size: L16.54'' * W7'' * H26''. 

 

My Thoughts

This is a great diaper bag set! Until recently, I've been using an over-expensive organic cotton diaper bag that I also received for review - it was nice looking, but not functional at all! Upon getting this set, I've switched to using it and never looked back.

With the Keima set you get:

• 1 LARGE diaper bag (16.54'' x 7'' x 26') with three zipped compartments (the main one, one on the side inside and one on the front outside), as well as two bottle/baby powder compartments on both sides (they don't have zippers, but the stretch bands hold whatever you put inside them firmly in place).
• 1 MEDIUM size diaper bag (I'd call it small, but it's actually a decent size - 16.54'' x 7'' x 26) - the layout and features are the same as with the large bag, so three compartments are zipped and two bottle compartments on both sides.
• 1 Bottle sleeve with a zipper that will fit most baby bottles. It's large enough to fit my toddler's sippy cup!
• 1 Small food container for snacks, etc.
• 1 Changing pad in newborn size.

I find this set to be very well designed, vibrant, stylish and extremely functional. The large bag is really quite large, so you should be able to fit in it absolutely everything you need to. This is the one I bring with us on our weekend visits to grandparent's place. I can easily load it with 10-15 diapers, 3 changes of clothes, snacks, my daughter's favorite plush toy, baby powder, baby wipes - you name it, it all fits in there.

When we take a short day-trip somewhere, I usually go with the smaller one. It's perfectly functional and reasonably spacious.

I love that the bags are lined with waterproof material on the inside, so even if your child's bottle leaks, the liquid won't soak through. They're made with 100% waterproof nylon, so they're mess-proof and easy to clean. They come with two types of straps - two short ones on the sides of the zipper, and one long one for carrying on your shoulder. The side rings are big enough to be clipped onto the stroller, if you happen to own a set of stroller hooks.

Overall, I really love this set. It's so pretty and colorful. The bags are spacious and functional. There's really nothing to complain about here. I highly recommend this set - it would make a great gift for expecting moms, too!

Disclaimer: I received a FREE sample of the product in exchange for my honest review.

Beauty Review: Portable and pretty: Jumbl Carry Cosmetics Kit with brush and mirror

• 16 eye shadows 4 blushes 2 powder compacts
• 3 lipsticks 1 mascara 2 cosmetic pencils
• 2 applicators 2 brushes
• Designed in USA

I really like this little makeup kit from Cameo/Jumblr ($14.95 on Amazon).

The eyeshadows selection is very nice and they're pretty decent. They're a bit shimmery, but not too sparkly. They're great for both daytime look and a date night. Quality wise, they are comparable to some drugstore brands. You do need to use a primer underneath, otherwise they're going to crease and slide right off. I tend to apply these with my finger rather than a makeup brush, because I find it makes less mess. If I use my brushes, quite a bit of the eyeshadow ends up on my cheeks. These eyeshadows are all nicely pigmented and blendable.

There are some nice blushes and powders included in this kit. They are easy to apply and very natural looking. Some are a bit too pale and chalky for me, but they work OK as highlighters.

There are also 3 lip glosses (nice colors, but not very long lasting, and - if applied directly onto your lips - they tend to be drying), a mini mascara (more of a last-resort kind of product, but nice to have as a backup), a dark red lip pencil (very pigmented and staining, stays on for a long time), a black eyeliner and a couple of applicators.

Overall, this is a pretty cool little kit. The packaging is neat and very portable. I think this is a good starter kit for beginners. I have used other products from Cameo/Jumblr, and they're all great quality.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary sample for review. All opinions are my own.