beauty
Dewberry Delight
Disclosure: I collaborated with Linda’s Dewberry Lotion for this post, but all opinions are my own.
My 25th birthday is coming up for the 12th time, so it’s no secret this skin I’m in doesn’t look the same as it did a decade ago. So, when I was approached to give Linda’s Dewberry Lotion a try, I figured “what do I have to lose?” It’s an age-defying product, after all!
I wasn’t asked to use it for a certain length of time, so I can’t speak to the effectiveness of defying age, but I can vouch for its other qualities! It touts itself as non-greasy, non-clogging, made of plant-based oils and made without parabens and alcohol. Also, no testing on animals, so that’s always a plus! It’s also gluten free if that’s something that is a health concern. There are a ton of other positive attributes in the product’s formula. I won’t go into too much detail, but you can learn more about it here.
You want to know if it lives up to its own hype, amiright?!
I, for one, am a fan! It goes on smoothly and absorbs relatively quickly. My husband actually put it on my legs the first time I tried it (I’m 5 months pregnant, it was the least he could do!) and he actually wasn’t a fan because he didn’t feel a lot of the residue that some other products leave behind. So he thought he had to use MORE of the product. After I used it myself, I found that couldn’t be farther from the truth! I only used a small squirt to cover the desired surface area because it’s actually pretty thick. It covered a lot of ground!
I tried to do a before/after shot of the product’s effects on my legs, but my camera (um, iphone) just couldn’t capture all of the flakiness going on.
Here’s the attempted before (I promise, there is a lot of dry skin you can’t see!): 
and the after:
So, I tried on my arms! Now we’re talking! I actually forgot to put sunscreen while out for an extended period of time the other day (shame on me!), and my right arm was more exposed to the sun and got sunburned. 😦 Now, it’s flaking and pretty gross. So, Dewberry to the rescue!
Before (i know, it’s bad!):
And after:
Of course, most lotions will appear to show an instant result, but I just love the bonus of how it goes on and what this product is made of. There is no mineral oil, which I’ve read is actually a pretty poor choice for re-hydration and can even lead to drier skin and even progress aging! Yikes! Just google it to judge mineral oil for yourself.
Dewberry is even gentle enough to use on your face. I was skeptical at first, but I did dab some on my freshly washed face and it did not feel heavy at all.
It’s also pretty odorless. It claims to have a light, fresh scent, but even my pregnancy nose could hardly detect a fragrance, which means it won’t clash with your favorite perfume!
So what about the price?
At $16.95 for a 4oz. bottle, it won’t break the bank and would even make a great gift! And like I said, a little goes a long way. But of course, I’m all about deals, so I had to try and give budding fashionista readers at least a little savings! If you order, get free shipping using the code BG16 in the discount line at checkout. I do not get paid for how many bottles you buy, so no pressure! But feel free to give it a try if you’re looking for a new, effective lotion without harmful chemicals!
As always, thanks for reading!
Vanessa
To Dye For + Giveaway!
Here at buddingfashionista.com, we’re (ok, “I’m”) all about dabbling in this and that, expanding horizons and being open to new beauty and fashion experiences. I recently did just that with my hair! My blogger friend, Erica Bunker hosted a giveaway for a free color/cut/style on her Facebook page…and whatdyaknow?! I won! I figured it was the perfect opportunity to try hair color for the first time! Yes, at 35 years old, I still had virgin hair. Mostly because I don’t want to spend the money on the process and maintenance. I’d rather spend the money on clothes or shoes or something that will last longer than a 6 week dye job. Plus, my hair is one thing I’m actually happy with when it comes to my appearance. But for free, I’ll try just about anything. So, I visited Barbara at To Dye For Studio located in Salon Suites. I told her this was my first time and didn’t want anything that was too dramatic or required too much maintenance. Here’s a “before” picture:
Then Barbara got to work (there she is in the background)!
In the end, Barbara went with peek-a-boo style highlights to keep the shock factor down! You could hardly tell from the front with my hair down…
…and even from the back, it wasn’t the easiest to see 
…but you could really tell once there was some movement.
And a few days later, I curled my hair before an event and it really helped bring out the highlights!
I decided I could handle a little more color and took Barbara up on her offer to do any touch-ups after the initial visit! So, the highlights are now a little more visible and I love the effect I get when I curl it! What do you think?! If you live in the Birmingham area (or are willing to drive here), you have a chance to have a little fun with color! Contest ends April 5th.
To Enter:
-follow my blog, buddingfashionista.com (if you can’t see the space to leave a comment, click on this post title and scroll to bottom of page)
-comment below with your favorite hair style/color treatment
For extra entries:
-follow Budding Fashionista on Facebook
-follow Budding Fashionista on Instagram
-follow To Dye For Hair Studio
Batting A Thousand
I was not blessed with naturally full, long lashes. Skimpy and short–that’s a more accurate description! They are virtually invisible if I don’t use mascara (which I rarely use because I’m pretty low maintenance).
Plus, make-up is just not my forte. It’s not my passion. It’s something I dabble in on three occassions: a date, a special event, or if I know my picture will be taken (why do you think all of my OOTDs on Istagram are almost all headless?!).
But there are a few make-up techniques and products I’m curious about. One thing I have been DYING to try is Younique’s Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes.
It retails for $29, but a lovely Instagram follower offered me a complimentary set to do this review. I jumped with excitement at the chance! I have heard it absolutely transforms your lashes.
To give you an idea of what we’re working with here, let’s (begrudgingly) start with a fresh-faced picture with no make-up. Yup. Here I am vulnerable to the world! (Side note: please try not to let my crazy brows distract you too much. They have always been a trouble area for me!)
Now, here’s what I look like with the mascara I currently have in my make-up bag. It’s Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Mascara. I only have this because it was included in a gift set I purchased while buying my powder. It’s just ok. I doubt I will ever buy it again. Retails about $18.
And….the moment we have all been waiting for!!!
This was my first time using this product. A complete novice. It’s relatively easy, although I was nervous I’d find a way to screw up the application process. I read the simple, 3-step directions like 10 times just to make sure I didn’t mess up.
Each step is like putting on regular mascara with the included products: transplanting gel and the fibers.
1. Apply the Transplanting Gel.
2. While gel is still wet, apply the Natural Fibers.
3. Reapply the Transplanting Gel to seal in the fibers.
So, here are my thoughts.
Pros:
–My lashes were super long! You can see for yourself, the difference is pretty obvious. I could not believe how long my lashes looked! Never in my life have I had this look without gluing falsies to my eyelids.
–It has staying power! I actually went to the gym and took a Step aerobics class (hard core sweating!) later in the day and it did not smudge or streak! I was impressed!
–It washed off so easily! Since it stay put so well at the gym, I just knew I would walk out of the shower looking like Lauren Conrad after she broke up with Heidi on “The Hills.” But, no! I didn’t see any traces of it when I got out of the shower (using my basic Clearasil face wash). I was AH-MAZED!
Cons:
–They weren’t as full as I hoped. I think I set the bar so high, I was expecting more lusciousness. But again, compared to what we were working with initially, they are considerably thicker.
–They look a bit clumpy. I think it’s because I didn’t use a lash comb. I am pretty certain that would have alleviated some of the clumping had I combed through it during the application process. They do sell a lash comb, which I’m sure is amazing, but I can’t see myself spending $20 for it.
–Flakiness actually wasn’t an issue for me, but I feel compelled to mention some other people have complained about it. I was directed to use a thick coat of the gel to seal everything in and it worked for me!
So, would I actually spend $30 on this product? It is highly likely. I want to play with it some more and see how it looks with full eye make-up. I think it would be amazing for a night out, dates, events…basically all of the times I typically wear make-up. Because I’m not a big make-up wearer, it’s a little much for everyday wear for me. But next time I get gussied up, I’ll post a pic to my Budding Fashionista Facebook page to show you how it can all come together, so make sure you follow me there for another update! I’m excited to try it again!
What are your thoughts?!! I’d love your feedback!
If you’re interested in giving it a try, please visit Mya’s Younique Link to place your order!
budding fashionista 