Over the past two years I have changed out several products that I use on my body and around my house for healthier products, I never changed my skincare routine because I felt it was working. I recently learned  that the European Union has banned 1300 ingredients commonly found in skincare products, but the US has only banned less than 15?!? I looked up the ingredients in the skincare products I have been using for over 20 years and several of them would be banned in the European Union. Plexus Joyōme has banned all of the ingredients on the European Union list and then some more. Our “Absolutely Not” list includes common skincare ingredients including parabens, BHA, BHT, Phthalates, Propylene Glycol , Sulfates and more! Joyōme’s patent pending microbiome balancing complex brings a revolutionary approach to skincare that uses your skin’s natural beneficial microbes to achieve visible change and real results.

As of Tuesday, May 8, 2018 I have switched to the  Plexus Joyōme skincare regime. That means in the morning I am washing my face and applying 3 pumps of  Joyōme Illuminating Day Serum and then, if desired, applying my make up. In the evening I will wash my face and apply 3 pumps of the Joyōme Intensive Overnight Repair Serum. That’s it! It can’t be any easier.  I will be documenting my results in my Plexus VIP Facebook group just click the link to join my group.

Joyōme, like all of our Plexus products, comes with a 60 Day money back guarantee so it is truly risk free. Joyōme will be available to the general public starting June 7, 2018. It is currently available to new Plexus Ambassadors who join before May 25, 2018. Currently the joining fee is only $9.99 (through 5-25-18) instead of the usual $34.95 using the promo code SIGNMEUP. Joyōme is available in a $99 Welcome Kit and a $199 Welcome Kit, the choice is yours but the $199 kit is an amazing value and you get all of our top selling products plus Joyōme! To join just visit my Plexus website.

Plexus Joyōme Sample Giveaway

Want to try Joyōme for yourself? Two lucky winners will receive a Joyōme sample pack, pictured above. This giveaway is open to US residents only. The winners will be chosen by Rafflecopter and verified. The winner will be notified via email and they will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This giveaway ends at 12:00am on 5-21-18.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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December Beauty Box 5 Subscription Box

Nutrogena Rain Bath-sample

I am not much of a bath gel girl, I like the thicker, creamier body washes. I LOVE the fragrance of the Rain Bath and I have popped this sample in my travel bag for future use on the road.

Amlactin Cerapeutic Restoring Body Lotion

The patented Ultraplex in combination with ceramides relieves dryness for up to 24 hours. It’s winter, even here in Florida we need body lotion when the humidity drops.

Professional Freezing Finish Spray

This haute hairspray tackles flyaway without ever feeling tacky. I love this spray for when I curl my very straight hair. It holds well and helps keep my style throughout the day or night.

Hikari Lip Gloss

These highly pigmented glosses are perfect to wear alone or layer over lipstick for a more intense finish. This color is a bit dark for my complexion but I’m going to give it a try over some lighter lipstick.

Jelly Pong Pong Liquid Gossamer

This lightweight, liquid illuminator provides the perfect highlight: just dot and blend with fingers or a brush onto cheekbones, tip of the nose, or brow bone for a soft glow. I really can’t wait to give this a try next time I get all dressed up.

Here’s to a beautiful new year!

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January 2016 Beauty Box 5 Review

Not Your Mother’s Haircare-Plump for Joy-Retail $7

This thickening elixir can be used on wet or dry hair to give your locks a boost. I have used it a few times and I have noticed a difference in my hair’s volume and texture when using it.

Salon Grafix-Hair Spray-Retail $6.99

I have found my new favorite hairspray! This spray holds tight while leaving your hair soft not crunchy! We only got a sample size can but I am going to buy a full sized can of this as soon as I can!

Nails, Inc.-Nail Polish-Retail $9.99

This deep, deep dark purple nail polish may be a favorite color for some, but it is too dark for this Floridian’s taste. I haven’t tried it yet, except to do a quick sample to see the color.

Scratch-Custom Accent Nail Wraps-Retail $6

I haven’t used the nail wraps yet because the color and design haven’t been right for my current wardrobe. The instructions suggest wearing them over polish and finishing with a clear top coat to help them last longer.

Bodipure-Keratin Gloves-Retail $5

Keratin for your hands. I couldn’t wait to try these innovative gloves. You open the package and the gloves are pre-filled with the keratin treatment. Slip on the gloves and relax for a bit, I watched TV for about 20 minutes. The keratin is said to strengthen your nails, nourish your skin and cuticles. As you can see in the picture above, the keratin wasn’t evenly distributed throughout the glove. My right hand middle finger had basically no keratin, while my pinkie had way too much. While this was a unique hand treatment, it was odd and time consuming, I don’t think I’ll be purchasing more of this item.

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What is Beauty Box 5?

Beauty Box 5 is a subscription beauty box that includes 4-5 products each month. Subscribers can pay monthly, quarterly or annually and prices vary between $8.25 and $12.00 a month depending on how you are paying for your subscription. If you like trying new beauty products but don’t want to break the bank, give beauty Box 5 a try.

What was in the October 2015 Beauty Box 5 Shipment?

• Happy Face Makeup Cleansing Cloth-This amazing, machine-washable cloth removes all of your makeup with just water! Wet the cloth, wipe your face and cleanse your face gently. $3.99
• Pink Rhinestone Kabuki Brush-This pretty little thing is super soft and is perfect for mineral foundations, bronzer, powder or blush. It will become a staple in your cosmetic bag. $25.00
• Perfect Pout Long Lasting Lip Balm Stick-This was my only let down in this month’s box. I use lip balm every day and this one wasn’t long lasting, I had to reapply often and while it looks tinted there really wasn’t any color. $4.99
• Knotty Hair Ties-I have other Knotty hair ties and I love them! They prevent snags and breakage and they don’t dent your hair. They hold my hair well and I’m happy to have some in pink. $4.00
• Nubar Nail Polish Mini-The color, Pinktober, which was created with Nubar and Beauty Box 5, is a little soft for my personal taste but it is always nice to have another shade of pink in my nail polish arsenal. $4.99 for a full size bottle.

Even without counting the nail polish, the October Beauty Box 5 Subscription Box was worth $37.98 and subscribers received that for $12.00 or less! Beauty Box 5 is such a great deal and it would make a great holiday gift for the beauty product lover in your family.

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Donnamax Printed Nail File with Case

This nail file sells for $4.99. I like that there is a case on this file. I can pop it into my purse and not worry about the file snagging on things in there. I did have trouble opening the case each time I used it and I’m afraid I will break a nail, and then really need the file LOL!

Starlooks Luxe Longwear Eyeliner Pen in Plum

I have a certain brand and kind of eyeliner that I normally wear. I have tried the Starlooks eyeliner on 2 occasions and both times people commented on how nice my eyes look, and that never happens to me! The only thing that was different was the eyeliner so I attribute the comments to that. This waterproof eyeliner sells for $19.99! It goes on more like a liquid liner than a pencil so be careful to get the thickness you want. The plum color is gorgeous as well.

Hask Beauty Macadamia Oil Deep Conditioning Treatment

I haven’t used this packet yet but I have used other Hask treatments in the past and they have all worked great. The Macaddamia Oil Treatment is said to moisturize, revitalize and repair dry damaged hair. These packets sell for $2.39 each.

Jerome Alexander Hot Stuff Go Pop Compact

This adorable compact contains 3 eye shadows, 3 tinted lip gloss and 2 professional brushes and sells for $10.99. This compact is a great gift item for your teens. While the eye shadow colors aren’t my usual choices, they are good quality shadows and the compact is sturdy enough to survive a purse or backpack.

Pur~lisse Pur~Moist Hydra Balance moisturizer

This was the one sample size product in this month’s box. This moisturizer retails for $55 for 1.7oz. This anti-aging moisturizer uses plant extracts and vitamin E to hydrate and soothe even sensitive skin.

Subscribe to Beauty Box 5 for as little at $12 a month to get fun beauty products shipped to your door each month.

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Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

This now ranks as my #3 mascara, which is pretty good since I have reviewed LOTS of mascara. It has a nice creamy consistency and a dark pigment. It goes on easy and isn’t clumpy. I wore it all day Sunday to church and our Father’s Day gathering and it didn’t irritate my eyes and for me, that is a big deal! It retails for $22.00 for 0.4oz so you decide if the price is worth it.

Herbal Essences Body Wash

I like Herbal Essences products and while I usually prefer a creamy body wash, this one was good. I like the scent and the lather. It didn’t dry my skin out, like a lot of gel body washes do. It sells for $2.49 for 11.1oz so it is a great deal too.

LOL Rotational Eye Shadow

LOVED this product! I am so pleased with the neutral/smokey palette. I also wore this all day Sunday and much to my surprise, my eyes looked great 12 hours after applying! I need to check out more of this brand, especially since this full size eye shadow cells for $3.00.

Nails Inc Nail Polish

While the “bruton lane” color is a bit pale for my liking, this nail polish is nice. It goes on thick and it hasn’t chipped in 24hr which, for me is a bonus. It sells for $9.50 for 0.33oz so it is a pricier polish but much better than another name brand polish I spent $8.50 a few weeks ago!

Simple Skincare Micellar Cleansing Water

This is the Huh?? product I was talking about. Here is the description “Refresh your complexion anywhere in the world-no sink needed!This new on-the-go hydrator leaves your face feeling spa-fresh instantly, no rinse requires.” Ok, I use a few brands of “pre-mooistened facial wipes” but the sample they sent was a 1″ x 2″ rectangle, not big enough to hydrate anything! From the picture we were sent it looks like t isn’t a wipe but a bottle of “Micellar Cleansing Water” whatever that is. The sample was too small to test and if you need bottled water to refresh your face, go ahead and spend $7.99 on a 7oz bottle of this stuff. I am not going to be doing that.

As I said earlier, it wasn’t a bad box. You can Subscribe to Beauty Box 5 and get your own box of goodies in the mail every month!

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Using this sugar scrub at home is like bringing a piece of the spa home with you. I love using sugar scrubs to really exfoliate and clean my skin. The peppermint oil has antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties so they are added bonuses to this scrub in addition to making it smell amazing!

Chocolate Peppermint Sugar Scrub

Makes 4 jelly jars of scrub.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Organic Coconut Oil
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/4 cup Hershey’s Cocoa Powder
• 4-6 drops Young Living Peppermint Vitality Oil
• 4 Jelly Jars
• Scraps of decorative fabric

Directions

1. In a medium metal bowl, mix all of the ingredients together.
2. Divide into 4 jelly jars.
3. Insert fabric scraps between jar lid and band.
4. Seal tightly.

When stored in a well sealed glass container this scrub should last about 6 months.

As you can see, this scrub is simple to make and would easily be doubled or tripled. You can make this for teacher gifts, Mother’s Day or birthday gifts any woman would love to receive this scrub. It would also be a great craft for a group of girls to make for themselves or for their moms.

I hope you enjoy this sugar scrub recipe!

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.

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I was blessed to receive 5 of the top Freeman Beauty Feeling Beautiful masks to try for myself. It is the little things in life that get me excited! First off I tried the Cucumber Peel-Off Mask. I have used this mask in the past and I knew that it smelled delicious, left my pores feeling smooth and tight and was fun to peel-off. I am saving the others for use in the near future. I’m planning on using the Coffee & Chai Energizing Paper Eye Mask next Thursday morning before I head into day 3 of working 13 hour days, I think my eyes will need it!

I think the Honeydew & Chamomile Sleeping Facial Mask will be great for when my face is dried out from too much Florida sun. The Charcoal & Black Sugar Polishing Facial Mask is famous for detoxing and exfoliating your skin, that will be nice especially after a night out with a lot of make-up on. Last but not least the Avocado & Oatmeal Facial Clay Mask will be great on an oily and sweaty day.

Have you ever tried any of the Freeman Beauty Feeling Beautiful Masks? Which one is your favorite or which one would you like to try? They are available at Walmart for less than $1.50 each so pick one or two up next time your shopping, you deserve a little pampering.

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True Color Eye Shadow, Ultra Glazewear Lip Gloss, Ultra Color Lipstick and Mega Effects Mascara

I received the True Color Eye Shadow in Plum Burgundy. I like the solo shades of eye shadow because I can purchase several and mix and match however I want. This newly updated product will be available sometime in August with a price of $4.00. I was excited to try the Ultra Glazewear Lip Gloss because I purchased Glazewear Lip Gloss a few years ago and I didn’t like it because it was too sticky. I couldn’t wait to see if that problem had been remedied and I am happy to announce that it has. I received the Ultra Glazewear Lip Gloss in Merlot Glow which is a VERY dark lip color for me. I first put it on when hubby and I were going out one night and it was the only time in almost 22 years of marriage he told me to go take off my makeup because he didn’t like the color on me. On the other side of that I wore it to a girl’s night out party with some friends and they all commented on how they Loved the color on me…so I am torn about the color but I like the feel of the lip gloss and the richness of the color so I think I just need to order it in Rich Raspberry instead. The Ultra Glazewear Lip Gloss will be available later this month for $6.00.

Plum Burgundy Eye Shadow, Brown/Black Mega Effects Mascara and Merlot Glow lip gloss

The most amazing new product from AVON is the new Mega Effects Mascara. I have a love-hate relationship with mascara. My thin, blonde eyelashes need mascara to make them visible. I have never mastered the art of applying mascara to my thin, blonde lashes so there are always clumps, smudges and smears to deal with. This is where Mega Effects Mascara has changed my beauty regimen. With the new, adjustable Wonderbrush puts 40% more mascara to the lash vs AVON’s traditional wire mascara brush. The innovative Wonderbrush takes some getting used to but it makes applying mascara so much easier for me.
The Mega Effects Mascara is currently available for $10.00!Check out this video:

The final product I received was the Ultra Color Lipstick in Rich Ruby. I am not usually much of a lipstick wearer but hey, it was for the review so i wore it to church on Sunday morning. Again the color was a bit bold for me, my 18 yo daughter didn’t like it on me at all but my husband said it was fine I again got some compliments and I had people ask what color it was and where I got it, so hopefully my AVON Representative-who goes to my church may drum up some added business. The lipstick has a vivid color to it and it felt smooth and silky on my lips. The color lasted about 4 hours before I had to re-apply so I felt that was reasonable. I don’t have a release date or a price for the lipstick so check with your AVON representative…or order online from mine!

Plum Burgundy eye shadow, Brown/Black Mega Effects mascara and Rich Ruby Ultra Color Lipstick

You can stay up-to-date with AVON on social media-Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest and Tumblr!

Disclosure: I received product in exchange for this post. I am a real AVON customer and all opinions are 100% mine.

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Wizards of Waverly Place Magic Chic Lip Gloss Set
Two lipgloss test-tube wands available in grape and watermelon flavors. Three skinny lipbalm available in mixed berries, watermelon, and strawberry flavors.

Wizards of Waverly Place Spellbinding Roll-On Fragrance Set
Includes four roll-on scents in Passion Pineapple, Manhattan Mixed Berries, Pomegranate Paradise, and Magic Chic Kiwi in a keepsake box.

Wizards of Waverly Place Magic Luxe 10 Pack Nail Polish Set
Assortment of holiday colors in shimmer tones

Sonny With A Chance “Smell Ya Later” Body Sprits
Includes four roll-on scents in Beauty Break Blueberry, So Random Raspberry, Tawni Tangerine, and Go Random Grape in a keepsake box

Sonny With A Chance “Get Random Get Glossy” Lip Gloss Set
Includes three lipgloss shimmer wands, and two lipgloss shimmer tubes in Apple, Watermelon, Cherry, and Mixed Berries flavors.

Sonny With A Chance “Welcome to Hollywood” 10 pack nail polish set
Assorted colors in shimmer tones: Teal, Rubine Red, Yellow, Green, Deep Magenta, Orange, Purple, White, Blue, Hot Pink

iCarly Glitter Gloss Duo Compact
Includes mobile phone shaped compact with four variations of glitter pink gloss all in a delicious raspberry flavor, an orange flavored lip balm stick and a novelty iCarly carrying pouch.
iCarly Light-Up Remote Compact
Includes 6 vibrant shades of lipgloss featured in an irresistible grape flavor enclosed in an interactive light up remote control compact.
iCarly 6 Pack Lip Jelly Tin Set
Assorted fruit flavors lip jelly sticks in: Orange, Blueberry, Grape, Lemon, Cherry, and Watermelon.

Each set is available at Walmart for only $5.00! These make great gifts for the class gift exchange too!

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