Beauty Must-haves for Spring

As the warmer months approach, it's time to bid farewell to your winter boots and embrace the freedom of summer sandals. However, before you slip into those strappy favorites, it's essential to give your feet the TLC they deserve after being cooped up all winter. After all, there's nothing worse than feeling self-conscious about dry, cracked heels or rough skin when you're flaunting your sandals at the beach or a barbecue.

One secret weapon in your foot care arsenal is Kerasal. This innovative foot care solution is designed to target rough, cracked skin and transform it into smooth, soft feet that are ready to be shown off. With its clinically proven formula, Kerasal exfoliates dead skin cells and deeply moisturizes to reveal healthier-looking feet in just a few applications. Incorporating Kerasal into your foot care routine can make a world of difference, leaving your feet feeling rejuvenated and ready for summer adventures. 

 Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair Ointment offers visible results in just 1 day.  The Intensive Foot Repair ointment loosens hard, dry skin to exfoliate, deeply moisturize and soften severely dry skin & cracked heels.  

 Kerasal Nighttime Intensive Foot Repair Ointment offers the same visible results in just 1 night with Lavender, Chamomile, and Essential Oils and works while you sleep.

  Kerasal Multi-Purpose Nail Repair Patches. These innovative adhesive patches deliver healthy-looking summer nails to consumers who can’t pinpoint their exact nail challenge– be it thickness, ridges, discoloration, brittleness, roughness or gel/acrylic nail damage. Find them here. 

In addition to using products like Kerasal, there are a few other steps you can take to ensure your feet are sandal-ready. Regular exfoliation with a foot scrub or pumice stone can help slough away dead skin and prevent the buildup of calluses. Hydrating your feet with a rich moisturizer, especially before bed, can also help keep them soft and supple. Don't forget to trim your toenails and give them a fresh coat of polish for that extra touch of summer flair. By giving your feet the attention they deserve, you'll be stepping into summer with confidence and style. Visit the Kerasal store on Amazon for the above mentioned products and more. 

More products to consider for Mons:

After the incredible journey of childbirth, a mother's body undergoes significant changes and can often experience discomfort and soreness in delicate areas. This is where Dermoplast postpartum spray can truly be a lifesaver. Designed specifically to provide relief to the perineal area and other sensitive regions after childbirth, Dermoplast offers a gentle yet effective solution for alleviating pain, itching, and irritation. With its cooling and soothing properties, Dermoplast helps to numb the affected area, providing much-needed relief so that new moms can focus on bonding with their newborn rather than being distracted by discomfort. Easy to use and specially formulated for postpartum care, Dermoplast is a trusted companion for mothers embarking on the beautiful journey of motherhood, offering comfort and reassurance during a time of physical recovery and adjustment.

Dermosplast Postpartum Spray: 

• Provides Fast Pain Relief, Cools & Comforts
• Safe for Intimate Areas
• No Touch Spray for Easy Application
• 20% Benzocaine & Menthol with Soothing Aloe & Lanolin

Exclusively sold at Walmart

Have you heard about the latest Tiktok beauty trend called Face Blasting? Hop on your app and do a quick search in case you're not familiar. Just as diaper rash ointment is made to soothe a baby's tender bottom, you can use it for your face to help reduce redness and swelling. Who knew?!

Triple Paste Original Diaper Rash Ointment: a pediatrician-recommended diaper rash ointment that features a triple action formula to treat all diaper rashes from mild to severe, soothing baby’s bum, preventing future rashes from occurring. Its gentle yet effective formula combines 12.8% non-nano zinc oxide with nourishing oat extract and glycerin to provide fast-acting relief while forming a protective barrier against future irritations. Available in tubes for diaper changes on the go and jars for home use.

Triple Paste 3X Max Diaper Rash Ointment: a maximum-strength zinc oxide ointment for stubborn and severe diaper rashes, working to prevent, treat, and soothe raw, irritated skin. With 40% zinc oxide, this formulation contains three times more zinc oxide than the original Triple Paste formula to protect and heal severe cases of rash.

Triple Paste Sheer Zinc Diaper Rash Ointment: great for both baby butt cheeks and your face, this multi-purpose ointment is formulated with 12.8% zinc oxide to prevent, treat, and soothe raw, irritated skin caused by mild to moderate diaper rashes. Its creamy texture makes for easier application and less mess, rubbing in clear with minimal residue. It’s also safe to use as a multi-purpose skincare solution on other areas of the body, like for drool rash, heat rash, or dry spots.

Find Triple Paste products here. 

Thank you for stopping by today. I received products to facilitate this post. Any opinions are 100% my own and affiliate links are included within this post. 

Pamper Mom with CBD Living for Mother's Day

Have you started thinking about Mother's Day gifts yet? If you are looking for something for the special moms in your life, you should check out this Relaxation Bundle from CBD Living. CBD products have become increasingly popular, and I admit I have been curious about them. 

I received this lovely spa kit to test out, and the timing couldn't have been better. I have been suffering from muscle strain in my neck and shoulder and it was recommended to take Epsom salt baths. I figured a CBD infused Epsom salt might be just what I need. The coconut lime scent is so refreshing and tropical. It helped to sooth my aching body, and I actually started feeling some relief. I showered off after my bath with the soap bar and finished with the body lotion. What a treat! I love the lotion so much because it is hydrating without being too heavy. I am saving the bath bomb for Mother's Day weekend, so I can pamper myself a bit. One thing I have to mention is that my husband LOVES the soap bar, and has requested I order some more. I guess I know what I will be getting him for Father's Day. 

This CBD Living Relaxing Coconut Lime Spa Kit contains: 

CBD Living Refreshing Coconut Lime Lotion (8 oz, 200 mg CBD)

CBD Living Refreshing Coconut Lime Bath Bomb (8 oz, 100 mg CBD)

CBD Living Refreshing Coconut Lime Bath Salts (16 oz, 500 mg CBD)

CBD Living Refreshing Coconut Lime Soap (4.5 oz, 100 mg CBD)

Benefits: 

• Vegan 
• Non-GMO
• Natural ingredients used 
• THC-free 
• CBD Living uses only 100% organic hemp sourced from state-licensed farms in Oregon and Colorado.
• Made in the USA

The CBD Living At-Home Spa Kit also comes in Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Amber Bergamot scents. I might have to try them all! You can purchase a kit for $88 with fast shipping. If you prefer, you can purchase individual items, but I feel like this would be a well-received gift for Mother's Day. I am looking forward to trying out other products from CBD Living. 

Thank you CBD Living for the product sample. All opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for stopping by today. 

Shelly 

Non-Maternity Clothes for Pregnancy

You’ve found out that you are pregnant, and you can’t wait to show off your belly proudly. But, what to do when most of your clothes don’t fit anymore, and you wanted to wear them so much? Fashion for pregnant women has become very extensive, and that is the reason why it costs so much. However, there are some smart hacks you can use to be able to wear non-maternity clothes during pregnancy.

Pants for a casual day outfit

Your old jeans will probably become too tight and you won’t be able to wear them over your belly because they have zips and buttons. What you can wear are wide leg pants. They are super cozy, and will definitely be comfortable for your belly. You can wear them as a casual day outfit, or even as a work outfit if you are still working during some months of your pregnancy. When choosing high-waisted pants, make sure they go above your belly, so that you can wear shirts tucked in. If you choose low-rise pants, then opt for a loose shirt.

Another good idea of incorporating pants into your maternity clothes is to wear suspender jeans. In recent years they are no longer considered exclusively maternity clothes, and everyone wears them. You can use the trend of loose, mom jeans and wear them with a simple white shirt and white sneakers. You will look cute, while still being comfortable. You can even wear the jeans you already have, and if they don’t fit anymore, do a simple sewing repair and add a few inches of material on the sides.

Leggings for when you have errands to run 

The most comfortable item you can wear during pregnancy are leggings. They don't have to be a fitness outfit; instead, you can wear them when you have a doctor's appointment or some other errands to run. Today, numerous designs are available, so you don’t have to wear classic fitness ones. Basic, mono-colored and a simple loose T-shirt is all that you need. The good thing about leggings is that they can expand as your belly grows, so maybe you can even use the ones that you already have. Some casual day time leggings you can even wear with a tunic which goes down to your knees. Another interesting option to try is jeans leggings that you can style like any other regular jeans.

Dresses as formal wear during pregnancy

A lot of the times, you have a special occasion you need to attend during pregnancy. Whether it is an engagement, birthday, or a wedding, here are some tips on what to wear. There is no point, of course, in hiding your belly, which is why it is a good idea to do the exact opposite. Bodycon dresses made from a cotton-spandex blend or polyester are a perfect choice. For a wedding, you can wear a long bodycon dress that goes below your knees. You will look elegant, trendy and also be able to move since the material is stretchy.

A good idea to wear non-maternity clothes for pregnancy is to get empire waist dresses, either maxi or midi. They will not feel tight on your belly, instead, they will allow a lot of movement. If you have trouble finding the right style or you need ideas, great online clothes shops offer many cute designs, especially floral for summer. You can also choose a design to fit your style and order it online for those days when you don’t feel like going out. Straps or ruffles, just pick according to the occasion and you will look stunning.

Since maternity clothing can be quite expensive, look into some other options of wearing your regular clothes during pregnancy. Hopefully, these tips will give you an idea of what you can wear for different occasions so that you don't have to give up your favorite items of clothing.

Bringing Back Style to Your Mommy Wardrobe

Unfortunately, not all mothers today are known for their fashion sense. After all, moms are generally perceived to be ‘behind on the times’, or too exhausted from childcare to care about their own sense of style. Well, it's long past time since society ditched these stereotypes, even if there is a very faint ring of truth to them.

A mom’s self-esteem can have resounding effects on their young daughters, so if you are wanting to get back in touch with your groove, do it! There’s no reason as to why mothers shouldn’t look as good as anyone else, so it’s time to get to work.

Here’s how you can bring back some rejuvenated style to your mommy wardrobe.

Colors That Pop…And No Flowers!

Bold colors are more than just bright and vivid. They scream energy, youthfulness, and fun – words that moms aren’t typically always associated with. Moreover, by wearing clothing with brighter colors, you show a strong sense of style too, demonstrating that you’re happy to be seen around town and away from your duties for the day.

That said, stay away from floral designs and busy patterns at all costs. These literally shout ‘Mom’ to the world, as do faded and muted colors. Go for something contemporary – not from the Junior's department (unless you’re a young mom), but at the same time not too mommish. There is a balance involved there, so take the time to really comb through your options and pick out something that’s most ‘you’. When in doubt, you should ask the store clerk for assistance.

Figure Hugging Clothes

Baggy sweatpants and vests should head straight into storage; it’s time to slip back into something more flattering. Many dresses, jeans, and other pants and t-shirts out there are finely crafted to really accentuate the wearer’s figure, so don’t be afraid to venture out on these kinds of clothing.

Remember, such clothes will make you feel much less like a bum, and perhaps get you back in touch with your more trendy and feminine side. Figure-hugging outfits make you look confident within yourself as if you have nothing at all to hide; and why should you?! Treat yourself and flaunt what you’ve got!

Accessories

Accessories are a key part of completing any ensemble you throw together. They can just be those neat finishing touches, or alternatively, simply give your hands something to do and hold if you’re anxious about getting back out there. For example, a cool wallet from Radley merges both things together very well, giving your outfit an extra boost in the casual department.

As a mom, try not to be afraid to incorporate some practical features into your wardrobe. Being stylish isn’t always about being ‘flash’, sometimes it’s about being prepared and hands-on too, whether it’s for spending at the mall, or picking up the bar bill with your besties. If you’ve got all your bases covered, which a wallet largely helps with, you’ll certainly be more of a cool-looking mom!

My Life, My Hair

Most days as I browse Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, I notice a very popular hair trend. It seems like rainbow, unicorn, and cotton candy colors are the big thing for girls and women of all ages. Believe it or not, I'm nearing 45 years of age and have never once dyed my hair. I started getting a few grays in my late teens. Those gray hairs have since multiplied, and are starting to spring up all over.

I really love my natural color and don't ever want to change it. Most people don't really notice the grays unless my hair is pulled back or I mention it. Most of the silver seems to be tucked underneath my black hair. Let me tell you though, when I go into the dressing room in a department store those silver strands stand out under those bright lights. I see every last gray hair and I get a little self-conscious. It's stupid for me to even feel that way. I am middle-aged, and getting older is a part of life. I have always said that I would not dye my hair, but sometimes feel like I'm not quite ready to be a gray-haired woman.

I have been following a few accounts on Instagram of some beautiful women who fully love and embrace their silver locks. I use it as motivation for myself. For now I will continue to just be. My hair color does not define the person I am. Are you going through this by chance? Let me know!

Thanks for stopping by xoxo

Top 5 Celebrities Who Look Great Over Age 45 Expert Plastic Surgeon Weighs In on Their Instagram Photos

There are celebrities who seem to get better with age and maintain their looks while others seem to be at war with aging. From lip injections and fillers that make faces look oddly distorted; to full face lifts that lead to slanted eyes and an expression-less appearance, we can’t help to notice when celebrities get it so wrong. In a sea of over-the-top plastic surgery, there are many celebrities who may have had a procedure or four, but managed to preserve the integrity of their faces. Dr. Kirk Brandow, founder and director of the Brandow Clinic for Cosmetic Surgery in Philadelphia; who has appeared on national programs such as Good Morning America and 20/20, shared his list of the top 5 celebrities who look great over age 45 and explains why.

The best part, these images are from the Instagram accounts of these gorgeous ladies so the photos are current and in many cases, unretouched. Let’s begin.

1. Salma Hayek, age 50. Latin women with olive complexions age very well and Salma certainly fits into this category. She was gorgeous at 30 and she’s stunning still. “She looks incredible. She doesn’t appear to have had anything done. Amazing!” says Dr. Brandow. “For women looking to achieve this look there are simple things such as Botox to the forehead to prevent eyes from falling and to keep eyebrows in their natural position,” he adds. “You want to maintain your natural features and knowing the right moisturizer, make-up, plus sticking to a healthy diet, helps to maintain a youthful glow from the inside out. To achieve a look like Salma’s, most women would have to go the route of a mini face lift in their 40’s which offers a more natural look for 6-10 years without the distortion of excessive fillers,” he adds. 

2. Kris Jenner, age 61. 

While the Power “Momager” admits to having cosmetic procedures, she’s transformed herself into an elegant, age appropriate grandmother. Kris Jenner is on record saying she’s had a facelift, uses fillers yet, her look is sophisticated and not at all scary. “She looks great at 61. Her skin is radiant, her face has expression, there’s great symmetry and her features are soft.  She is an excellent example of someone who has embraced surgery to improve her eyelids with blephorplasty, her face with a facelift, and fillers in a very conservative fashion to get a nice, natural, ageless look.” explains Dr. Brandow. 

3. Cindy Crawford, age 51. Cindy Crawford’s look is iconic. She knows this and makes sure she keeps things as authentic as possible. “With Cindy, it’s all about those classic eyebrows and lips. Both have been beautifully maintained. Her eyebrows aren’t freakishly high. They look the same as they did in the 90’s. Her lips aren’t any different either. A lot of women over inject their lips distorting their shape and lose their uniqueness. The idea is to preserve, not change,” suggests Dr. Brandow. “Again, women often go too far with fillers leading to a puffy look when they can achieve a more natural look with a mini facelift which lessens the need for the fillers making the mini facelift a more cost-effective option over time,” he adds.

4. Jennifer Lopez, age 47. Jennifer Lopez is another Latina who looks at father time and gives him a wink. Her body is amazing and you can tell she has a healthy lifestyle. “I have patients in their 30’s saying they hope they look like J-Lo when they reach their late 40’s which is why they are getting procedures now. Jennifer Lopez is truly the hardest working woman in show biz who looks like she sleeps full 8 hours every night a very important part of the anti-aging regimen,” Dr. Brandow advises. It is possible that she does minimal things such as Botox or fillers, but in a very conservative way.”

5. Jennifer Anniston, age 48. When you see re-runs of the hit 90’s TV show Friend’s, you can easily compare a 26-year-old Anniston in her role as Rachel Greene, to how she looks two decades later.  You immediately can see how Jennifer Anniston has aged with grace. “She is another laid-back celebrity who ages with elegance. Her body is toned and strong and her face looks fresh and natural. As women age they lose volume in their lips. So, it is important to keep lip injections subtle and factor the overall shape of the mouth,” advises Dr. Brandow. 

About Dr. Kirk Brandow

Dr. Kirk Brandow, founder and director of the Brandow Clinic for Cosmetic Surgery is a plastic surgeon with 2 locations in the Philadelphia metro area and a 3rd one at the jersey shore. Named a “Top Doc” in Plastic Surgery by Philadelphia Magazine as well as nationally recognized for one of America’s “Best Plastic Surgeons” of this decade, Dr. Brandow is a trusted expert who has developed many innovative, minimally invasive procedures for the face, body and skin. He has been featured on local, national and international television programs including 20/20, CNN’s Headline News, Good Morning America.

Slimsation has what every mom needs

I have been a mom for 22+ years and my body has surely changed over time. I remember the days of being 100 pounds and having the nerve to be unhappy about it. Well, those 100 pounds days are long gone and I have come to terms that those days will probably never return. Like most moms, especially if you have had a couple c-sections, I have the annoying mom tummy. It makes buying clothing that fits properly a trying task.

Luckily, the SlimSation brand of clothing is here to save the day. I have been wearing their jeans and dress pants for about 3 years now and out of all the brands I have tried, they fit and wear well. SlimSation has a higher cut waist that has a wide, built in elastic band that controls your tummy for a sleeker, slimmer appearance. Normal jeans tend to give me the dreaded muffin top look that make me feel like I have to keep pulling them up. No lady should have to go through all of that.

I was thrilled to get a few pairs of SlimSation pants for the spring. First up are the Boyfriend Style cropped jeans. These are perfect for day or night since they can be dressed up or down. They slide on with the ease without a zipper or button. They have pockets in the back and really make my butt look cute. I would show you, but I'm a lady (smile) They are SO comfortable and wash well. This picture is from at least 3 wash cycles and they still look like new. They feel well "broken in" and easily have become my new favorite jeans!

Next, are the classic denim capri pants. Any time I wear them, my husband compliments me and tells me I look like a very classy lady. They fit well and are versatile, too. You can wear them dressed up or down to achieve the perfect look. And most importantly, they fit SO well! They feel comfortable while keep my tummy looking flatter. 

For the upcoming summer, I have the shorts in white. I am hanging on to them for when the temps get a little higher. Again, just like any SlimSation pants or bottoms, they fit perfectly. 

I think the key is once you know the correct size, you are set. I order a size 6 no matter the cut, and they all fit the same way. I can depend on getting jeans and pants that fit my mom body comfortably well without looking like I'm wearing "mom jeans". 

I am so pleased with the superior quality of SlimSation garments. I have some jeans and pants from a couple years ago and they have been washed over and over again, and have held up very well. I feel like purchasing staple wardrobe items of higher quality is a must for moms. We tend to put ourselves last, so you might as well get something good if you don't shop frequently. I highly recommend SlimSation to every woman, even if you're not a mom. Oh, and the fact that my husband sometimes comments, "You're looking extra skinny today" when I'm wearing my pants or jeans is proof of why they are named SlimSation.  

Check out the new arrivals of SlimSation garments today. I know you will love them like I do. They offer a wide variety of styles, sizes and colors to fit every woman's taste. Be sure to connect with them on Facebook and Twitter for updates and style inspiration. 

Disclosure: I received product samples for review purposes. All opinions are 100% mine as always. I absolutely love this brand! 

How To Treat Yourself Every Month For Only $10

Being a mom often times means that you won't buy anything that you don't need for yourself. We are always thinking of the kids and tend to put our dollars towards their needs before our own. I remember seeing several of my online friends posting their cosmetic subscriptions boxes and was so curious about signing up for myself. After much consideration, I finally gave in. I subscribed last Summer to the Ipsy Glam Bag and couldn't be happier. Honestly, I don't know why I waited so long!

Ipsy costs only $10 each month and there is no shipping fee. You get a themed bag along with 5 beauty products every month. When you sign up for Ipsy, you will set up your personal profile to include your product preferences, colors, skin tone, skin type and more. This helps Ipsy to tailor bags that will work for you. Sometimes you will get lucky and receive full-size products, but most are sample/travel size. It is a great way to try products out to decide if it is something you want to buy without being stuck paying full price for the one item.

I think for $10, this is an amazing value! I have found some really great products along the way that I love and don't feel any guilt about doing something special for myself. Also, you accumulate points from doing reviews or getting people to sign up that can be redeemed for free items. You have nothing to lose and can unsubscribe at any time. If you would like to sign up, here is my referral link. I will get points for it (no money). Below are some of my previous Glam Bags so you can see for yourself what they have inside. What are you waiting for? Treat yourself today, because you deserve it!

A post shared by Shelly 🇬🇾💞 (@momfiles) on Mar 10, 2017 at 3:00pm PST

A post shared by Shelly 🇬🇾💞 (@momfiles) on Dec 14, 2016 at 8:00am PST

A post shared by Shelly 🇬🇾💞 (@momfiles) on Nov 14, 2016 at 1:42pm PST

A post shared by Shelly 🇬🇾💞 (@momfiles) on Oct 21, 2016 at 2:48pm PDT

A post shared by Shelly 🇬🇾💞 (@momfiles) on Sep 14, 2016 at 12:49pm PDT

A post shared by Shelly 🇬🇾💞 (@momfiles) on Jul 14, 2016 at 7:03pm PDT

Beauty Gifts For Mother's Day

Mother's Day falls on May 8th this year. There's still plenty of time to get the mothers in your life a nice gift. I'm a very practical gift giver and feel like you can never go wrong with the gift of beauty products. Below is a list of some ideas to help you find something that is just right for mom. 

1. KISS Salon Secrets Acrylic Nude Nails- These are perfect for moms who stay on-the-go. They can do their own nails quickly and effortlessly. You can't ever go wrong with a nude look. These are available at Walmart for only $7.99.

2. The NEW Instrumental Beauty Sonic Touch Cleansing System will instantly freshen and brighten your complexion with the unique micro-pulsating action combined with stimulating silicone-cleansing points.  The massaging action wakes up the skin, shakes off loose impurities and encourages healthy blood flow.  It feels SO good!

The dual silicone cleansing surfaces feature one side with fine cleansing points for extra gentle cleansing and the other side with broad cleansing points for deeper cleansing. No replacement brushes needed and it's waterproof. I LOVE this item and I keep it on the side of my shower for everyday use. You can find it at Rite Aid for $34.99.

3. Yardley London Soap- This is a name that has been around for a long time. These bars are perfect if you are looking for an affordable option to pair with the sonic touch system. They come in these scents: English Lavender,  Oatmeal & Almond, Lemon Verbena, Aloe & Cucumber, and Cocoa Butter. They cost around $1.59 each and can be found at most major drug stores and retailers.

4. CLEAN Reserve Six Piece Travel Spray Layering Collection - For the moms who loves fragrance and is very earth conscious, this set it perfect. Mom can wear these natural scents individually or layer to make her own signature fragrance. You can find this set at Sephora for $45.

5. Susan Posnick COLORFLO - Make sure your mom has flawless skin and is protected against the sun's rays with Susan Posnick COLORFLO mineral foundation in a self-dispensing brush that delivers invisible coverage so you don't feel it or see it and powerful, completely natural sun protection of SPF 26. It really gives your face a polished and natural look. It is available at SusanPosnick.com for $68 and there are refills available.

Make sure you don't forget any of the important moms in your life, and most importantly, don't forget yourself! 

I received product samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 

Top Beauty Gift Ideas 2015 #HolidayGiftGuide

If you are looking for the perfect gifts for all the special women in your life, you're at the right place. I want to share some of my favorite beauty products from 2015 that are perfect to put under the tree, stuff in stockings or doing a gift exchange with a coworker, family member or friend.  Regardless of your budget, there is something for all the ladies on your holiday gift list. 

First up is lip color. Susan Posnick makes an amazing moisturizing lipstick called ColorEssential. These lipsticks glide on so smooth with rich color and luxurious moisture. This is one lip color that does not dry out my lips and stays put relatively well. I love the color collection named after big cities like: London, NYC, Milan and Rio. What makes this lip color so special is that they adapt to any lip color which means in my case is a plus being brown-skinned. They retail for $21 each and can be purchased at SusanPosnick.com. 

Next up for you lips is a product from Fusion Beauty called Lip Fusion. It is a Plump & Shine lipstick that comes in some gorgeous colors. I really love how well this lip color goes on and that little tingle you get that lets you know your lips will look full and plump. It has a really nice shine and is perfect for those date nights out on the town. These scream Holiday Lips! You can purchase them at FusionBeauty.com for $29. 

Do you have an eco-conscious friend or family member? CLEAN fragrances are a smart choice. Just the name "CLEAN" makes me feel good and I am sure the special ladies in my life will agree. These premium products stand behind their name, CLEAN- Simple, Nostalgic and Conscious. The packaging is very attractive and is sure to make any woman feel extra special. They comes in a nice variety of fragrances, but I especially love the CLEAN Rollerball Collection which includes 5 scents; each can be worn alone or layered for a new experience. Prices range from $18-$69 and can be purchases at CleanPerfume.com, Sephora and ULTA. 

For the women who are obsessed with keeping their skin in excellent condition, the Instrumental Beauty Sonic Facial Brush is a winner. You can check out my in-depth review here. The Instrumental Beauty Sonic Facial Brush can be purchased at select drugstores and at InstrumentalBeauty.com for $80.00 and the Yardley Nourishing Elements Soap can be found at drugstores nationwide for $4.99 for a 3-pack.

One of the best stocking stuffers for your teens has got to be related to nails. KISS Nails and Nail Art Kits are the perfect idea. Affordable, fun and easy-to-use, you just can't go wrong! There are so many color and design options to choose from. Now your teen can have a fabulous holiday manicure with minimal effort. KISS Nails are available at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid, Kmart and other retailers.

This last item is one of my absolute favorite, must have beauty tools, the KISS InstaWave Automatic Curler. This curling heat tool is so easy to use and is perfect for anyone who desires gorgeous spiral curls or waves. Please check out my full review here. You can purchase the Instawave ($59.99) at KISSInstaWave.com or at retailers including: Target, Ulta.com and Amazon.com. It's a fabulous styling tool and I highly recommend it if you are currently looking for something great to curl your hair.

I received product samples in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 

Moms Will LOVE the CND® VINYLUX® Holiday 2015 Aurora Collection- Giveaway

Are you a premium nail polish lover? I love a really good nail polish that applies well, looks pretty and lasts for longer than just a couple days. I cook, clean, type and do a variety of things that require the use of my hands for much of my day. I absolutely must use a nail polish that can stand up to all of that activity. CND® VINYLUX® Weekly Polish fits my needs. The formula is so good, not streaky or too thin, and it applies very evenly. My favorite part is that it dries super fast so I can go on with my day. Even if I decide to polish my nails 30 minutes before bedtime, my polish will dry and I won't wake up to creases on my nails.

CND® VINYLUX® has their Holiday 2015 Aurora Collection available in some festive and unique colors. I would have expected reds and golds, but the Aurora Collection is so much better. The colors this year are:

Aren't these colors gorgeous? I tried Glacial Mist on my nails since I have a love of blue polishes. I tend to have a lot of problems when it comes to nail polish containing glitter. I find that you get uneven color and the actual glitter is usually too clumpy or blotchy. This did not happen for me. With just two coats I was able to get the look I wanted and just love the sparkle and shine. This one will already be my go-to look for the upcoming holiday season. I have been wearing it for 4 days now and so far, no chipping!

VINYLUX is made to where you do not need a basecoat. It contains no formaldehyde, toluene or DBP. It is activated by natural light and while other polishes start to break down, VINYLUX Weekly Polish becomes more durable! This is perfect for busy moms like me! You only have to change your polish once a week and sometimes can go longer.

Find CND® VINYLUX® Weekly Nail Polish at ULTA, CND online, and Loxa Beauty and retail for $10.50 per bottle. These weekly nail polishes would make a great holiday gift or stocking stuffer for the special ladies in your life; moms, daughters, aunts, sister, friends, neighbors and teachers.

One lucky Mom Files reader will win the Holiday 2015 Aurora Collection valued at $42! Go enter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end on October 1, 2015. One winner will be selected and contacted via email to claim prize. Be sure to follow all rules in Rafflecopter widget for entries to count. Good luck!

I received products samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always! 

Instrumental Beauty Sonic Facial Brush Review #ad

I have been seeing commercials for years about those sonic facial brushes and I never really thought I needed one. I have pretty good skin and I have my daily regimen that works (or so I thought). I got the opportunity to review the Instrumental Beauty sonic facial brush and decided to have an open mind. What does a sonic brush even do? Well, it uses sonic vibration technology to penetrate your pores to remove impurities that regular face washing misses. All this time I was thinking that my every day face washing routine was more than enough. Boy, was I wrong!

This amazing sonic facial brush has a sleek design and comes with 2 ultra soft bristle pads that fit securely on its own caddy/charging station. When I held the brush in my hand for the first time, I had to figure out how to charge it. It showed no battery unit from the outside. It is actually inside and the unit is made to be waterproof which means you can take it on the shower. This is especially helpful if you are using it on your neck.

The instructions state that you must charge the unit for the first time for 16 hours. It lights up in a bright blue so you might want to leave it charging in a room that you are not trying to sleep in. The brush has 3 speeds and it is very important to not use a lot of pressure when you put it against your skin. Trust me on that one! Also, make sure you are generous with the amount of water you put on the bristles. A dry brush will make you feel like you are scraping your skin. Again, trust me on that! You can use your favorite face wash or soap with this brush and you are well on your way to the most clean and smooth skin ever!

Speaking of soap, you must try out Yardley of London's New Nourishing Elements Artisan Soap. it is made with 100% sustainable vegetable oils, natural butters and botanicals. They are extra gentle on all skin types and are cruelty-free and biodegradable. They are available in in 2 varieties; Lavender & Rosemary and Oat, Milk & Honey. They retail for $4.99 for a 3-pack and can be found at drugstores nationwide. The Oat, Milk & Honey is my favorite!

Okay, back to the brush--- Once I figured out how the speeds worked as well as how much face wash I needed, I was well on my way to glowing skin. This brush is especially good because it has a built-in timer that pauses the unit for a couple seconds to remind you when it is time to move bristles to another area of your skin. I have been using my sonic facial brush once a day and I especially love the convenience of taking it in the shower with me. Overall, I really love the Instrumental Beauty sonic facial brush and highly recommend it to anyone looking for one. It would even make a nice Mother's Day gift.

The Instrumental Beauty Sonic Facial Brush can be purchased at select drugstores and at InstrumentalBeauty.com for $80.00.

I received a sonic facial brush unit and soap samples for review purposes. All opinions are 100% my own as always.