Belif in your skin x

I just had to give you the 4-1-1 on this new facial moisturizer I was put onto at Sephora recently. It is the bomb, the Aqua Bomb to be specific!  Anytime I head into Sephora, I love to pick the beauty brains of those that work there and I was told I just HAD to try this new product, just in. I was given a sample and off I went on my merry way (with some credit card damage as usual, but plenty more VIB - Very Important Beauty - points!). I tried the sample over two mornings and was blown away (by this Aqua Bomb). 

I loved it. 

Two bonus points - you can use on top of make up for a midday moisture boost AND use it as a hydration boost mask (apply generously for 5 minutes and tissue off). It's gel-like, lightweight, absorbs beautifully and is for normal/combination skin.

 Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb // $38 // sephora.com

A lightweight formula that I feel is especially perfect for summer when we don't need a heavy cream to combat dry winter skin. 

I love that it does not contain :Parabens / Sulfates / Phthalates

 

This product is dermatologist tested and free of mineral oils, petrolatum, synthetic preservatives, dyes, and fragrances, and animal origin ingredients.

To quote Sephora.com "Aqua Bomb is an ultra-lightweight, mineral oil-free gel-cream that instantly cools and refreshes skin while providing intensive hydration. This formula contains a blend of apothecary herbs, including antioxidant-rich lady's mantle, which helps neutralize skin-damaging free radicals, improves skin elasticity, and minimizes the appearances of pores. This refreshing cream is formulated to 'burst' when applied, releasing a flood of weightless moisture onto skin, and then absorb completely for a healthy, smooth, supple appearance". 

I will point out that it does not contain any SPF, but luckily my foundation does. I wish it did contain SPF though, for my make up free days! 

Have you tried any Belif products? What's your greatest Sephora find recently? 

Please leave me a comment below. I read and respond to ALL comments.

The best $1.99 nail polish ev-ah!

(Quickie read). I came across Sinful Colors nail polish at Walgreens a couple of years ago. It is one of the most well-priced, easy to apply nail polishes that come in a plethora of gorgeous colors. Nothing puts a smile on my face like looking at color on my nails.  Yes, I do believe that something as simple as painted nails can turn a frown upside down!
Disclosure : I had my three year old jumping on my chair while I was applying the color. Therefore, application is 'keeping it real'.

Sinful Colors Energetic Red // $1.99 // Walgreens 

Two coat application 

Below is 6 days after I first painted my nails for the blogpost. Granted the color is not as shiny but no chips, peeling or flaking. Just growth showing! And you know this Mummo to three sure gives her hands a workout!

Photo credit : TheStyleConfessions.com

Have you ever tried Sinful Colors? The name sure sounds fun!

Please leave me a comment below, I read and respond to ALL comments. 

Get your Jam(berry Nails) on x

T.G.I.F!   And I am especially thankful that I will be going out to celebrate a friend's birthday tonight. So first things first, the finer details, such as nails! I was recently sent these divine nail strips from Jamberry Nails and was waiting on the perfect opportunity to try them out.
I have done a previous post on nail strips by Sally Hansen Nail Effects, see HERE. So I was familiar with the process.

I chose a Burberry Chevron design. It is ultra important that you prep the nail so it is free from oil and to rough up the nail bed a bit with the file if you want it to stick. They are supposed to last up to 2 weeks.
This is everyitng that came in my little kit. A catalogue of the plethora of designs, a heat bag, cuticle stick, rubber cuticle pusher, nail file, coconut oil for removal, a prep wipe and one strip of nails sheets. I had to cut the nail sheet down the middle to make enough. 

Pretty simple. I used a hairdryer to warm the sheet before I put it on the nail, smoothed it down with the soft cuticle stick, and then trimmed the excess with my nail scissors.  The heat of the hairdryer was super hot on my skin so I kept a low setting. But I can see why this is important. I have a bean bag that came with my set,  I will heat it up tomorrow and go over the nails for maintenance.

For step by step instructions, as well as trouble-shooting, CLICK HERE. Jam on! 

Have you ever tried Jamberry? 

Leave me a comment below, I read and respond to ALL comments. 

Disclosure: I was sent this pack by consultants for Jamberry. Written content and photos are property of YummoMummo.

My Magic (Skincare) Wand!

This little wondrous baby has been on my wish list for quite a while. I wanted the Clarisonic because I truly believe the more attention I pay to my skin, helping keep it at optimal moisture and cleanse, it will age better and I will be SO grateful in my much later years. The price point was why it remained on my wish list but I finally thought, 'Heck, I'm worth it!' (as are you!). When it comes to the health and well being of my aging skin, I don't want to skimp. 

I chose the Clarisonic Mia 1 at Sephora // $99 // Variety of colors. Waterproof. 1 speed. Oscillating head.  

To quote Clarisonic "Unlike spinning devices, our patented sonic cleansing technology works with skin's natural elasticity,oscillating at a sonic frequency that produces over 300 movements per second. The resulting flexing action created between the outer and inner brushes works to loosen dirt and oil, removing deep-seated impurities from pores and priming skin to better absorb topical treatments".

The Mia 1 comes with a charger and a cleanser sample. It can be used for all skin types including acne prone, aging (me!), large pores and sensitive skin. 

Although it comes with a cleanser, any cleanser can be used as long as it does not have granules or is abrasive  I have religiously used the Origins Checks and Balances // $21 // in the shower for years, as does my hubby, so I put a dollop of this on the Clarisonic and cleanse away. 

The Clarisonic times out after one minute.  I make sure to go all over my neck too. The oscillating bristles feel very soft. From the first time I used the Clarisonic, my face felt squeaky clean. And when I applied my usual routine of Josie Maran Argan Oil after the shower, I could just feel it soaking so beautifully into my skin. 

Some YummoMummo tips:

• Don't overuse the recommended once a day;  overuse can lead to broken capillaries, dry skin etc. 
• Clean the brush as instructed to get rid of any germs, debris build up, bacteria.
• Don't share with family or friends; cross contamination of bacteria.

Have you used the Clarisonic or similar? Yay or Nay? 

Leave me a comment below, I read and respond to ALL comments. 

Three ah-mazing drugstore finds! x

The change of season naturally calls for a fun switch-up in my make up collection. I change out my winter face cream for my summer one (well, doesn't everyone?), so why not add a few new fun summer make-up items. So pour yourself an ice tea (insert straw to not mess up the lippy just applied), and pull up a sun lounge. I wanted to show you some great new products fresh on the market for SS15 that won't break the bank AND are readily available when your next at the drugstore picking up a prescription! 

Wet 'N' Wild Megalast in Purty Persimmon // $2.20 // Drugstores.

A great price and it stayed on for a good few hours.  I have a nail polish from the same brand that I purchased on a whim for Christmas Day in red and it turned out to be the most long lasting nail polish ev-ah! It's on my pointer finger in the photo! And do you know who is behind this brand? Fergie, the one and only. Woop Woop.

Covergirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara in Very Black // $10 // Drugstores. 

I chose non-Waterproof but it comes in Waterproof Black and Brown. Once I saw Katy Perry promoting this on TV (she rocked the Super Bowl half-time show), I was sold and wanted to give it a try for myself. It lifts and curls pretty well and separates lashes. It gets my tick of approval for a well-priced drugstore find. I have paired it with the following L'Oreal product.........

L'Oreal Infallible Smokissime // $10 // Drugstores

First up, I am not sure how to pronounce the "S" word and would be interested to know how they came up with the name. But that being said, if you want to create a super easy-peasy smoky eye by simply applying thickly to the lid and then using your finger to blend - then this is for you.  I an in no way a make-up professional, but I am as always, just trying to show you some inspiration from your average Momma! Go as heavy or as light as you like. And use with a primer if you want it to have some staying power. VERY easy to get off with some good eye make up remover. Fun and well-priced! No need to be scared of creating a smoky-eye anymore, my friends! 

Leave me a comment below, I read and respond to ALL comments. 

***I am not a trained photographer, and not trained in how to pose in photos. In being truly authentic, I have used my own clothes and myself in the photos. Enjoy*** 

Celebrating women!

Sunday, March 8th was International Women's Day so it was only fitting that I spent the afternoon at an event where the stars of the show were two start up's run by incredibly talented women - the women of Phiren and the women of Bfab.  I live in the Silicon Valley, the start up capital of the world.  And I just LOVE to show my support for up and coming brands.

Meet

Anita Rehman (CEO) wears the Renee tunic  and Teresa Field (Design Director and Co-Founder) wears the Hillary  dress - available for pre-order (email support@phiren.com)

PHIREN (pronounced \FEE-ren\) (www.phiren.com) delivers superior fitting designer apparel for women. The company founders wanted to do something really simple: create clothing that enabled as many women as possible to look and feel beautiful. 

They were frustrated by the lack of well-made, on-trend clothing that truly fit the bodies of modern American women. So, they worked meticulously to recalibrate the fit process currently used in the industry and have designed and manufactured a line of luxurious everyday essentials available in sizes 2-24.  

By designing in-house, bypassing traditional channels and engaging with their customers directly, they were able to offer expensive design, luxurious fabrics and couture-level embellishment at great value.

Most importantly they are  proud to be a startup for women by women.  Their mission: to enable as many women as possible to wear what they love and to use it to showcase their independence, uniqueness and intelligence.

Models Aashna wearing the Jane Tunic & Niki wears the Sophia Tunic. Both in a luxurious sponged silk.  I love the 3/4 diagonal sleeve design. So unique and flattering.

Our lovely hostess, Hillary Frank, wearing the Hillary tunic. Doesn't she look fab in it? I love it paired with white jeans,  the red embellishment just POPS.

Feel like being social with Phiren? 

www.phiren.com

www.facebook.com/phirenwomen

www.twitter.com/phirenwomen

Meet

 Bfab Founders Sharon Cimring and Margo Myers
Yazmin Lukatz (not pictured)

Bfab (www.bfabmobile.com) is a new way to deliver on-demand beauty services. They are the Uber for hair and makeup and choose only the best hairstylists and make up artists to be "bfab guru's". Their ethos is to only employ highly skilled and enthusiastic professionals who are passionate about what they do. As you can imagine, they love to be the 'party before the party', whether it's 2 or 20, they will have you looking fab. With an app launching in the spring, Android and iPhone users will find it so easy to book. For a list of Bfab services and prices click HERE and don't forget to enter your details for updates and coupon codes. And here is a special offer for YummoMummo readers - use 'yummofab' for 15 % off. And refer a friend for 15 % off.

 YummoMummo thoroughly enjoyed the services of Bfab.   Curls! LOVED THEM! 

With two fabulous friends, Kristen and Nirmala, looking gorg after being treated to Bfab.

Feel like being social with Bfab? 

www.twitter.com/bfabmobile

www.instagram.com/bfabmobile

www.facebook.com/bfabmobile

www.pinterest/bfab0103

I do hope you enjoyed reading about how I spent a very important day for women. I couldn't have thought of a better way to spend it than with amazing, strong, intelligent and entrepreneurial women. I am so proud to be a woman!

Photo credits to Chami Lerner. And a special shout out to the wonderful hostess of the afternoon, Hillary Frank for opening up her beautiful home for the event.

Leave me a comment below. I read and respond to ALL comments.

Roller Lash, baby! x

For those of you that follow me on social media, you will remember how excited I was in the lead up to the release date of Roller Lash by Benefit! (February 27th 2015, to be exact).

So what's all the hype?  I wanted to show you REALLY how well this works on YummoMummo herself. You can be the judge and decide for yourself. As www.benefitcosmetics.com says "It's a roller for lashes! The eye opening Hook 'n' Roll brush grabs and separates, lifts and curls..... while the instant curve-setting formula holds for 12 hours. It's easy to remove, contains Provitamin B5 and Serin, ingredients known for their length-conditioning benefits. Water resistant and ink black".  

BEFORE Roller Lash application. 

AFTER Roller Lash application.

I received my Roller Lash sample size in my monthly Birchbox subscription. This gave me a great chance to try it out before paying full price. Birchbox always surprises me in how they know EXACTLY what I want. If you want to be a part of Birchbox fabulousness, click my referral link HERE. 

When it comes to your lashes, it is uber important that you use a good quality product. Treat your lashes like your hair - if you want them to stay long, luscious and full, use good quality mascaras and spend the few extra dollars on a great conditioning mascara. 

For super curl AND length, apply Roller Lash first to curl and lift lashes, and then layer it with They're Real! lengthening mascara on top. Can you imagine the drama?

If you want to read about two more awesome Benefit products, They're Real Mascara and Push Up Gel Liner, click  my past blogpost HERE.

So, what do you think -YAY, NAY or MEH?

Leave me a comment below with your choice? I read and respond to ALL comments.

*Disclosure: I am not a trained photographer nor trained in how to pose for photos, I am just a Mum trying to share some insights and inspiration with you. In being truly authentic to my cause, I have used my own clothes and used myself in the photos whole-heartily. Enjoy! 

BREAK UP with your (expired) MAKE UP x

Guilty! Guilty! Guilty! I rarely go through  my make up, but more for the fact that I don't want to accept that some of my favorite products might need to hit the bin.  I  have only two mascaras open at a time, as their expiry is especially short at 3 months. Next on my mascara wish list is Benefit's new mascara - Roller Lash which was just released February 27th. Check out Benefit's Roller Lash at Sephora stores here.   I am thrilled to see lipsticks last 2 years, not that they last that long for me before I use them up.  Check out the chart below for all expiry dates.

Some more guidelines to keep you're makeup in tip top shape, which in turn will help you look fabulous!

• Wash your hands before applying.
• Don't share makeup.
• Do not add water or saliva to dilute makeup.
• Keep cosmetics in a dry area, away from direct heat or sunlight.

If you’re still unsure about a product, here are some warning signs that will tell you if it has expired:

• The product’s smell has changed.
• It has been exposed to prolonged heat.
• There is an obvious colour or textural change.
• Mould is evident. *Warning and guidelines information credit Readers Digest Best Health.

Chart found on Pinterest

I hope you have enjoyed this very important and informative post on make up expiry dates. Now that Spring is upon us, time to do some spring cleaning. What expiry date surprised you the most?
Leave me a comment below with your choice? I read and respond to ALL comments.

What's in YUMMOMUMMO'S bag?

Who isn't a little bit curious when it comes to looking through another woman's handbag. I know I am! So what about YummoMummo. What does she carry in her bag? What are her essentials she just can't live without? You might have read my post earlier in the month looking into a Yummy Mummy from Orange County's handbag, if you haven't, click  HERE.
Also, this is your chance for a sneak peek at my upcoming giveaway. YummoMummo is on her way to 10K views and it's time to celebrate! If you like my wallet, you can have a chance at having your very own. What excitement!

Cheetah glasses - this reminds me to have fun with my style. I also have my super duper Coach glasses but these Cheetah ones tend to be the pair I lean towards at present.  And they go perfectly with my Cheetah Slip on Sneakers. Read my post on Slip-on Sneakers HERE.
Wet Ones - these are a staple I collect at the check out at Target. When I pick up my kids from school, their hands are filthy so this is a quick fix so they can have a snack I bought to pick up.  And I love feeling refreshed. 
York Peppermint Patty - I have quite the sweet tooth, so I find this the best alternative as it's lower in calories. And I love the taste of peppermint!
L'Occitane Hand Cream - this is the perfect size for my purse and rocks in the moisturizing department. 
iPhone - naturally I need a great phone that can take a good selfie at a moments notice! Wink Wink. I LIVE on my phone. I think I would have separation anxiety if I didn't have it at my fingertips. For reals.  YummoMummo needs to be accessible to Instagram (@yummomummo), Twitter (@Yummo_Mummo) and Facebook (YummoMummo). Come say hi!

I know you won't be surprised at all that I have four (4) lipsticks in my handbag! These are just a few of my massive collection of reds/tangerines/pinks. To read up on  my post about Lipsticks, click HERE. If I ever have a spare moment (who am I kidding), I like to get a quick coat of Sally Hansen clear nail polish on. It protects my nails and dries quickly. No need to worry about crease marks. 
I am presently wearing Narcisco Rodriguez perfume. I tend to only have one perfume on the go, so when that is done I can move onto something new. At Sephora, I purchased a small roll on size, perfect for my handbag.
And Benefit's They're Real Mascara, what more can I say, I am an addict. For my post on some of Benefit's amazing products click HERE.

NOW FOR YOUR SNEAK PEEK AT MY UPCOMING GIVEAWAY! 

TA-DA!

This awesome wallet is no longer available through Avon.com, so you will definitely have to enter my giveaway if you want this must-have arm candy. 

I have been looking for a wallet just like this my entire 38 years. Some of my favorite things:

• It holds every card on the planet/
• is super stylish/
• has brass accents (I prefer this)/
• zipper areas for cash and coins/ 
• a wrist strap/
• and is totally affordable at only $28 // Mark Avon. 

Avon are continuing to come out with some cool peices  Look for an upcoming post featuring some cool Avon products on the market. Stay tuned for how this wallet of all wallets can be yours in my YummoMummo giveaway. If you really don't want to miss my giveaway, I suggest you subscribe by email so you don't miss the notification!

My next "What's in HER bag?" will feature a sneak peek in the bag of 'An International Corporate jet-setting Australian Yummy Mummy living in Singapore'.  Wow, that's a mouthful.  I have already photographed her bag when she jetsetted into San Francisco recently, so you might find some interesting and new products in there. I surely did. So to make sure you don't miss out on that post, SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL.

Got a comment? You know where it goes, down below! Keep on Styling!

Sally Hansen Salon Effects French Mani x

You know I like to encourage myself to try something new and play, it's YummoMummo's motto - "to encourage women to have fun with style". I picked up  Sally Hansen's Salon Effects from my local CVS and waited for a good opportunity when my nails were long enough and all the same length. (This is hard to achieve when one is as rough on their hands as I am). 

So I had a busy weekend coming up, doing something I love, socializing. A perfect opportunity to bling out my nails. 

The kit comes with everything needed - nail file, cuticle stick, 18 nail tips and strips, and detailed instructions. If YummoMummo can do it, so can you.  

Sally Hansen Salon Effects. French Mani. It retails for about $10 depending where you buy it from.

The preparation steps involved in the detailed instructions are to use polish remover to remove any old color, file and shape the nails, buff the nails, then to again use polish remover and wash hands. It's important to prep nails properly so the strips stick well. Also, warm hands/fingers are best. I used my naturally warm thumb to help "hold" down the strip once applied, for about a minute, to help adhere the strip.

Feeling inspired to try something new? I'd love you to send me a photo of your version to www.yummomummomelissa@gmail.com.

Got a comment? You know where it goes, down below!

*Disclosure: I am not a trained photographer nor trained in how to pose for photos, I am just a Mum trying to share some insights and inspiration with you. In being truly authentic to my cause, I have used my own clothes and used myself in the photos whole-heartily. Enjoy!

7-day Nail Polish Challenge x

I had heard some great things about new nail polish technologies that were gel like without having to expose your nails to the UV light. I LOVE the look of Gel polish and I love how it stays on so well, BUT I hate what it does to my nails. I feel it takes twice as long to repair my nails than I it did the time I got to enjoy the Gel manicure. So I set out to see if I could still achieve the look, but without the damage.  I applied 3 coats and over 7 days just watched and waited, and took some pictures for you along they way so you could see for yourself. As a Mum of three little ones, my feet hit the ground running each morning and my hands are constantly cleaning, washing, sorting & holding all day long. It's obvious to me I am just the person to see if this nail polish can stand up to some heat from this busy YummoMummo.  Some important points I kept my eye out for while on my nail challenge watchdog was: 

• Would  it need touching up?
• Would it keep it's shine?
• Would it handle my pan hands lifestyle?
• Would it chip? Oh lordy, I hope not!

I picked up a new (for me) nail polish by a company called NailsInc that advertise they have "Placticiser Technology" and "No UV Needed". NailsInc is from the UK and is apparently  a top seller there, but this was the first time I had seen them in the USA . They have a new Spring/Summer 2015 collection in collaboration with Victoria Beckham coming. The polish has Placticiser technology which is a whole lot of science but basically it is a plastic additive that the polish has so that when it dries it has a finished look of shine and thickness like most gel manicures and is long lasting, up to 2 weeks.

Day 1. The challenge is on like donkey kong!
Nailsinc Gel Effect in 'New Oxford Street'. $14.
www.sephora.com  

Day 2. Sunday. A day of rest, but still never enough time to just sit down and file my nails. 

Day 3. Monday. Crazy busy morning doing Monday morning errands, these hands sure got a work out. Day ended with four loads of laundry to fold.

Day 4. Tuesday. Did a bit of pot scrubbing and cleaning out the fridge. Got a workout at the gym that evening. 

Day 5. Wednesday. Today was an exceptionally rough day for the nails and they held their own (sort of). Volunteer day at pre-school so I was making 24 Christmas tree candy cones, digging in the sand and cleaning toilets. I live a luxurious life as you can see! 

Day 6. Thursday. As usual, a busy day. These hands folded three loads of laundry, scrubbed a few more pots, read countless books to my sick little man, zoomed around the supermarket and then worked out at the gym. A few little chips here and there but still good in my opinion for Day 6. One day to go, will they stand the test? 

Day 7. Last day for the challenge. They survived. 

The verdict - I think if I could of done touch ups throughout the challenge, they would of lasted even better as I did start to see some chipping about Day 6.  The polish did start to lose it's shine about Day4/5, but that didn't surprise me. But all in all, this nail polish stood up to the day to day challenges of a busy Mum of three little ones. Bravo!

And another great thing is.... it came off super easy and with no UV damage. Hooray!

Got a comment? You know where it goes, down below! Keep on Styling!

*Disclosure: I am not a trained photographer nor trained in how to pose for photos, I am just a Mum trying to share some insights and inspiration with you. In being truly authentic to my cause, I have used my own clothes and used myself in the photos whole-heartily. Enjoy!

If you would like to request me to honestly review any products, contact me at yummomummomelissa@gmail.com