VIIcode Skin Care Review

Hey gals, I know I’ve talked about this before, but in my late 20’s I am becoming super skin care obsessed. I want the best of the best when it comes to keeping my skin looking younger, because oh my gosh, I’m almost 30! What?

I could kick myself for all those days I went to the beach or was outside and I wouldn’t use sunscreen. Even just the minimal times that I did, I can see the impact that is has on my skin-uneven tones, early wrinkles, etc..  The time of night when wash my face and start caring for my skin, I could spend hours in the bathroom. It’s a new obsession. To me, good skin is the base to good makeup and all beauty looks.

VIIcode Skin Care could not have  reached out to me at a better time!

I was recently at a photoshoot where the makeup artist stated that the skin around my eyes was extremely dry, which can make your undereyes look darker and start the set of early wrinkles.

When VIIcode said their company specialized in eye creams, I thought about the attention I show to the skin around eyes, and it was most certain that I had not been caring for them enough. The skin under and around our eyes is the most sensitive skin on our face and can be damaged very easily. I wanted to take this opportunity to start caring for my skin around my eyes better.

Over the past month and a half, I have been using VIIcode T2 under and around my eyes every night before bed.  VIIcode is an oxygen eye cream that moisturizes and helps eliminate wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness. I am telling you when I was amazed, I was amazed! The cream itself is thick and rich, yet, it has an airy and lightweight texture.  The smell is also really great. Normally, I have irritation, like burning, with other eye creams as my skin around my eyes is extremely sensitive, but VIIcode did not cause irritation.

What's more? The cream is alcohol-free and safe to use with pretty much every skin type, even with the most sensitive ones!

I have learned through this process that the key of this eye cream is that VIICode T2 uses “a stone mortar extraction process", which “facilitates the healing and regeneration of damaged skin cells near the eyes by protecting this delicate area of the face and by fading away the first visible signs of aging.” It has been absolutely great to minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles. When I put it on, my skin feels like it’s instantly drinking water and getting hydrated. I am now fighting against dark circles, bags, wrinkles, crow's feet with the help of VIIcode T2!

All the ingredients, which include avocado, elderberry, primrose extracts, and some natural antioxidants. These ingredients put together help boost blood circulation around the eye,  smooths wrinkles, and helps maintain glowing, younger skin

The VIIcode T2 Routine:

I like to do a lot of my skincare routine at night before bed. I feel like the products stay on my skin longer and it really gives me a clean slate to work with other than immediately piling makeup up on top. Overnight my skin has 7 hours to drink up and hydrate!

However, you can use this cream more than twice a day. It’s up to you how frequently you want to apply and how fast you want to see results. Every night, I cleanse my face as normal.  I use toners and then micellar water around my eyes to get the stubborn eye makeup off. After making sure my skin is squeaky clean, and there is no makeup residue, I gently massage VIIcode T2 oxygen eye cream onto the skin around my eyes.  I let it set in a couple of minutes and then go around it with my other face serums for my forehead, cheeks, and chin. I then go to bed with the most hydrated skin. My makeup even goes on better now that my eyes are getting the hydration they need. The natural elements in this cream have been essential in transforming my skin into my younger self.

Thank you so much VIIcode for sending this eye cream for a review. It could not have come at a better time.  This review was definitely a winner. My skin care routine has been changed for the better.

From my closet to yours, thanks for stopping by.

-Morrell

Sponsored post. All opinions are my own!

Nature Box: Effective Beauty Care

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TryNatureBoxBeauty #NatureBoxBeauty #CollectiveBias

There I was, awakened with a loud thump as I laid on the operating bed. My husband by my side, he had my results...

Last March, I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. I have never actually come out and talked about this on my blog...until now. Unwilling to accept my fate, I started vigorously researching natural ways of healing. We live in a world of synthetic, plastic, constructed, unsatisfactory products that we consume daily without blinking an eye. There are numerous products on the market, that are fabricated, artificial deplorable products that are all, in turn, waisting ourselves and our world away. ​Since this life-changing diagnosis, I have made severe life changes to my diet and consumable products.

I now eat organic and use much more natural products. Not only does using natural products improve your overall health, but it also helps improve the environment. Artificial products have a negative effect on our earth. A lot of these products are chemical heavy, which can be released on to your skin, and even into the environment.

From personal experience, I see the importance of natural products in today's artificial world. I started supporting farm to table and now I highly support farm to face!​ I know the importance of good skin care going into my 30’s next year. Most of what you put on your skin can be absorbed into your bloodstream, that’s why it's so healthy to use natural products. I stand behind products that are natural and are good for you and the environment. 

Nature Box™is a new hair and skin beauty product line that combines effective beauty care with cold pressed oils and certain sustainably-sourced ingredients. I have been using Nature Box™ 100% Cold Pressed Coconut Oil for Hair hydration and Nature Box™ 100% Cold Pressed Macadamia Oil and Nature Box™ 100% Avocado Oil for my skin. My hair is hydrated, moisturized, and really feels bouncy and fresh. My skin is nourished and hydrated too. I am moisturized all day without reapplication or feeling greasy!​ Nature Box™​ also comes in 100% Cold Pressed Almond Oil ​ and 100% Cold Pressed Apricot Oil​.

What are cold pressed oils you ask? Don’t worry, I had the same questions. I had actually never heard of it until I started using Nature Box™​, but this is a process that started many years ago. Cold pressing has existed for ages and it's known to be one of the best methods to extract oils from fruits and nuts. Want to learn more about cold pressing? Check out their video here or keep reading.​

Nature Box™​’s five product lines feature oils extracted from the heart of fruits and nuts by cold pressing. Cold pressing oils involves exerting pressure, without using excessive heat, so that the natural oils are released from the ingredients. Cold pressing involves no chemicals and no hot processes. Yes, I said NO CHEMICALS! The cold pressed oils in Nature Box™ products are neither refined nor processed. Nature Box™ products are made with 100% cold pressed oil from coconuts, avocados, apricots, almonds, and macadamia nuts. They are made from 100% cold pressed oil​! All the nutrients and antioxidants are preserved after cold pressing. Nature Box™ formulas with cold pressed oils leave a delicate, non-greasy silk over your hair and skin. These oils provide moisture and nourishment to your entire body. With all day long smooth skin, and shiny hair, these products couldn’t make me happier. Plus, I do not have to feel guilty of harsh chemicals. ​I am reassured that these products are good for my health and good for the environment. With five lines featuring cold pressed oils, Nature Box™ hair and body care products are vegan, and many are created without sulfates, silicones, parabens, and artificial colorants. 

Nature Box™ ingredients are even packaged and labeled to encourage consumer recycling. Furthermore, this is a company that gives back! I love companies who have a mission and philanthropy. Promoting sustainability, Nature Box™ has worked in India and Nigeria to help Farmer's harvest Guar and palm oil which are some of the ingredients in Nature Box™. These result in job stability! ​

​I shopped for these products from one of my favorite places, Amazon.com. One of my favorite things to do is to visit my favorite coffee shop, have a cup of espresso, and surf Amazon. Nature Box™ very easy to find on Amazon and it ships for free if you have Prime! Just visit your Amazon account and search “Nature Box™​ Shampoo and Conditioner” or “Nature Box™​ Lotion and Hand Cream”. I found my products within seconds for a good re-order. See you in two-days Prime Order! Nature Box™ can also be found at Rite Aid Stores .​

There are countless pros for going organic and all natural with your consumables. The benefits are immeasurable. Stick to the basics and reap the benefits. I really believe your overall health will improve.

I encourage you to make changes to your beauty routine and go to ALL nat-ur-al. There are not only benefits to your skin, hair and overall health, but it’s great for the environment as well. ​Give back health to yourself and the world. 

From my closet to yours, thanks for stopping by.

-Morrell

Candice Brown Photography

My New Skin Care Routine

Hey guys! If you're a reader of my blog, you know that this summer I tried out the Jan Marini Skin Research Cellulite Cream. After using that product I was hooked on this brand! I decided to try out the Jan Marini Skin Research Skin Care Management System! Jan Marini Skin Research is one of the most respected brands in professional skin care. I’ve been using this system over the past month and I am more than impressed. It’s an easy 5 step care system. I love a step system because I know that I am using the products in the correct order.

The step system includes:

1. Cleanse - Bioglycolic Face Cleanser - which gently cleans and exfoliates the skin. I use this in the morning and evening-  a clean palette for makeup in the morning, and a clean palette for moisturizing at night.

2. Rejuvenate – C-Esta- Serum- This Serum lifts, firms and tightens the appearance of facial fine lines with Vitamin C and DMAE for powerful free-radical protection. I rub this serum all the way down my neck at night time.

3. Resurface - Bioclear Face Lotion- A powerful combination of benefits for dramatically smoother, clearer, more luminous looking skin. This stuff gives you the glow! This product has really worked in evening out my skin tone. This may be a little harsh at first, so I only used this in the morning for the first week. I never had redness or burning from this product as I have from other serums like this.

4. Hydrate – Transformation Face Cream. This step really makes me feel like my skin is drinking water and really absorbing the moisture it needs after every long day.

5. Protect – Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33.   This fan favorite combines water-resistant protection from the sun with oil control and advanced hydration. I use this step when I know I will be outside in the sun for most of the day. I love to feel protected from harmful Uv rays, because I know that's is what causes wrinkles.

I’ve been using other skin care routines for the past year, and I can honestly say that this system is paramount to every other system I've used.  You won't see results after a day of use, but I’m sure you will be amazed after a month. I'm starting to get a little self-conscience about the lines and wrinkles in my neck. I applied these serums to my neck as well, and I found it much firmer after only one month.

My favorite product is the Step 4 Hydrate serum.  After using this system, my skin was an evener tone, and more full of moisture.

I see the reason why this product wins awards year after year.

Need some of your own? Enter Jan Marini's Fall National Event Raffle for a chance to win FREE products each week and learn more about promotions and savings at events near you here: https://apps.janmarini.com/national-event/ And stay tuned for the next giveaway with Jan Marini.

From my closet to yours, thanks for stopping by.

-Morrell

What’s in My Holiday Makeup Bag

Tis the season to sparkle! It's time to dust off your sparkly dress and get your Holiday glam on! I don't know about you , but I love the glitz and gleam trends of the holiday season. It's the perfect time to overdo the highlighter, glitter, and shimmer.  When creating a festive look for the holiday party, I keep the essentials for shine! While we would love to have 45 minutes to get ready, we will more than likely find ourselves glamming up in just 10 minutes.

From the office to the party, this is whats in my holiday make-up bag that will have you shiney and sultry in no time:

From my closet to yours, thanks for stopping by.

-Morrell

When in Doubt, Try WHEN Out!

If you've been following all the big beauty bloggers, you know that sheet face masks are all the rage! I like to use sheet masks when my moisturizer isn't doing the trick and my skin looks dull. If you watch my snapchat, I also love to run a hot bath, grab a glass of wine, throw on a sheet mask and soak in a bath bomb!

 I have trouble with dry, flaky skin around my nose and sometimes on my cheeks, especially in the winter months. Sheet masks are really helpful at adding extra hydration and brightening dull skin.

 I LOVE this new line of face masks called "When." "When" was created by Jin Han Lee, a healthcare specialist. Mr. Lee used the latest skincare innovation and research to create this breakthrough bio-cellulose skincare range that addresses the visible signs of aging, skin firmness, tone, texture and radiance.

These sheet mask come in gorgeous, colorful packaging!  The first mask I used was the 10:00 PM mask, The nose cut out was a bit awkward, and the mask itself wanted to cling to itself. However, most every sheet mask sticks to itself. It definitely rehydrated and softened my skin. My skin also absorbed it well, as well as having a noticeable cooling effect on my red sunburn from this past weekend.

What I really love about this product is that they have specific masks for each part of your busy life:

• 10:00 PM - Anti-Aging
Contains watermelon extract and collagen to protect skin and help improve skin conditions

• Glamour Base - Primer (previously called Makeup Base)
Contains adenosine, collagen and peptides to help improve skin elasticity

• Snow Magic - Brightening
Contains niacinamide (vitamin B3) and aloe vera leaf extract for brighter, glowing skin

• The Last Choice- Hydrating
Contains sodium hyaluronate and saccharide isomerate to help keep skin moisturized

• Travel Mate - Rejuvenating
Contains chamomile flower water and Swiss Alpine herb extracts to gently hydrate and soothe skin

It literally tells you "When" to use the mask- which is really cool. There one for every occasion. I can't wait to use the Travel Mate! All When masks contain hyaluronic acid and ginseng extracts to help keep skin moisturized and healthy and can be found at

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From my closet to yours, thanks for stopping by.

-Morrell

Running on Coffee and Dry Shampoo? Here's the Review!

Hello everyone! I've been reviewing a couple of beauty products these last few posts, which came at a perfect time. I haven't been able to take pictures because of the constant rain.  If you your'e living in the 2000's, you know all about the dry shampoo trend. It has revolutionized the the showering routines of millions of women!  Before I get started, I want to let you all know that I use dry shampoo, but I don't live by it like many of my friends. I have to wash my hair at least every other day for oil control. As you have read before, my hair is incredibly thin, and it doesn't take much to make it unattractively oily.  I may wear dry shampoo about 1-2 times a week. I try to not wash my tooooooo much. 

I've been trying HASK Argan Dry Shampoo for the past three weeks. It has an extremely pronounced citrusy scent that is divine. It smells notably clean. I love the way it makes the ends of my hair feel.  However, I don't think this particular shampoo absorbed as much oil as I would've liked.  I LOVE the brand HASK, and don't get me wrong, this is not a bad shampoo. I just don't think this was the right formula for my hair type. I would like to try the charcoal formula for long-lasting oil absorption. I think charcoal would be better for absorbing oil off the scalp than argan oil, right? The argan oil formula just didn't work as good on my oily scalp. I do however like to use this formula to give my hair a little more texture for an afternoon reboot, and refresh limp locks.  I can't wait to try it at the beach and mix it with the salty air and a beach blown look. All of HASK dry shampoos are free of: sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten and artificial colors.

So the ultimate review:

It has a great refreshing smell. It's great for refreshing texture and adding grip, but not so great for absorbing oil on the scalp. Also, the shampoo came with this really cute bag in my middle picture above, which was definitely a PLUS! Thank you HASK for this review, because we all know that some days we are 80% coffee and 20% dry shampoo! 

From my closest to yours,

Morrell 

Sponsored Brandbracker 

Get A Grip

This collaboration with Kenra came at the perfect time! With all this rain and humidity in the south, it's hard to keep a nice up-do. Kenra's Grip Collection  has brought me the next level of texture! This combination is a perfect rotation of airy, lightweight styling and finishing products that provide definition and all over volume.

The Whip Grip Mousse 9 provides a light hold, a matte finish and helps you build foundation and volume in your hair with its airy, whipped formula. It's more like a mousse. I usually don't wear mousse, because my hair is so thin, but this product left my hair feeling pretty airy and lighter than most mousse formulas.

 The Air Grip Spray 5 provides a flexible hold, a matte finish and more grip in an ultra-light formula. For additional texture and grip  to your curls, you can layer the product onto your hair first. I use it before I start to style. It also makes cool waves when you scrunch it with your hands. 

High Grip Spray 20 provides a great hold, and a  matte finish. This hair spray is more "powdery" than most; however, I really like the texture it leaves.  It's high definition in an ultra-lightweight formula.  

 For someone like me who is somewhat amateur at hair styling, this is perfect for experimenting with different looks. My hair is naturally thin and straight as a board, so I use these products before, between and after I curl my hair with a wand or curling iron. 

Before styling, my hair was washed and was air dried the night before. I brushed it out with some help from It's a 10. The next morning, I applied the  Kenra Whip Grip Mousse, using more on my ends for curls. It was not crunchy, like most mousse formulas make my hair. I  was going for big hollywood curls for a date night look. I then used the Kenra Air Grip Spray and sprayed it all over my hair to help with texture and holding curl. I curled all my hair, did a hair flip, and sprayed all over with Kenra High Grip Spray to seal the deal. It was the perfect combination and it held up all day and night, even in the humidity. .

Sponsored by Kenra and Brandbracker

From my closet to yours, thanks for stopping by!

-Morrell

Going, Going, Blonde!

Life is too short to have boring hair. Invest in your hair, because you wear it every day! Thank you HASK for my Blue Chamomile & Argan Oil Blonde Care Collection. Ok, I know what you’re thinking. “She doesn’t have blonde hair?” You’re right, I don’t. But, I get my hair colored and ombreyed at least 5-6 times a year. Also, you may have heard in my earlier posts, when Lance and I purchased our new home, we found out that our water systemruns off of a well. We have a really great purifying system in place, but the substance of the water tends to turn my hair a really brassy color. Seriously, there is nothing worse than coming to the realization that your shower water is wreaking havoc on your hair! From the Words of Jennie Kay Beauty.

“Hard water and/or well water can often have a build-up minerals like magnesium and calcium in the water, or the issue could be too much chlorine in your water. All of these factors may have serious effects on the health of your hair,” says Jennie. “Besides potentially tinting your hair color a weird orange or greenish blue, it can create a build-up in your hair, impact chemical processing at the salon, and make hair appear dull and lifeless. It can even impact your skin and scalp!” I read more and more about home remedies and different shampoos. Not knowing what to try, it was perfect timing that I got this opportunity from HASK!

I’ve been using this product for about 4 weeks and I can truly tell my blonde highlights are popping just a little bit more. This shampoo and conditioner has blue chamomile and argan oil to eliminate brassy tones. The liquid is a deep shiny violet color, which is used to calm the orange-ish tones. This collection also comes with a deep conditioner, because most blonde strands tend to be dry from bleaching. I’ve already used all of my deep conditioner and the ends of my hair feels repaired and smooth. I love this product and I would recommend trying it, even if you only have blonde highlights like me.

From my closet to yours, thanks for stopping by!

-Morrell

This post is sponsored by Brand Bracker

Hello, World!

New Hair Routine

 I have always had a problem with split ends! My hair is thin, thin, and thin, oh yeah, and fine! I am always looking for volume inducing products and products to keep  my hair long and healthy. Especially since I have my brother-in-law's wedding coming up,  I want my hair to be long and luxurious! I recently got a new ombre hair color. I absolutely love it! I have never dyed my hair before, and ever since I have had the ombre, the ends of my hair have felt super dry. I also felt like they were breaking very easily. I had been using other aragon products.  They was ok, but I never felt like I got any real results. Most of the products smelled really good, but by the end of the day, I felt like my ends had started drying out and frazzling again.

I  am now using this Argan Oil (picture above). Thank you Maple Holistic's! It has been absolutely amazing. You only need about two small squirts in your palm. I only apply it from the middle to the bottom of my hair with a focus on the very ends. After I get out of the shower I put this oil in my damp hair, blow dry and style like I always do. Even after I have applied the harsh heat from my blow dryer and curling iron, the ends of my hair feel hydrated and healthy. My hair now feels weightless. I feel more body. I also felt like my hair was much more healthy. My hair wasn't even the slightest bit oily by the end of the day either! 

One reason why I love this product, Argan Oil from Maple Holistics is that it is a clear fluid instead of a dark orange. I have been using this product for the past couple of months, and I only have good things to say.  
There are also more uses of argan oil than just hair treatment. I also use this remedy on my nailbeds because they get extremely dry and start to peel in the winter. This oil has really helped this problem. 
If you would ever like to try free samples of Maple Holistics click HERE! If you aren't sure is Maple Holistics is for you check out this great blog post on their purple shampoo, which after reading I would love to try next!
From my closet to yours, thanks for stopping by!
-Morrell
 

Brighten Your Day!

If you know me , you know that I love the beach! I practically live at my parent's beach house in the summer. My mom has preached to me time and time again about wearing sunscreen, but aI hate to say, we don’t  always want to listen to our moms when we are young and headstrong. Later when we get older, and wiser,  we then learn that EVERYTHING they told us was true. I am only 27 now and I wear sunscreen on my face EVERY TIME i’m in the sun to prevent aging and sunspots. 
Unfortunately, after being addicted to the sun and tanning in my high school and college years, I do already have some sun damage on my face. For the past 4 weeks, I’ve been trying LUMAPRO-C: Brightening Pigment Corrector Serum by Hydropeptide. It safely fades existing dark spots, age spots, and inhibits future discoloration with the latest in drug-free technology. This facial serum is ideal for anyone wanting a brighter complexion while improving overall skin radiance. I can really tell a difference in the tone of my skin, and I can even recognize the aging improvements in just four shorts weeks.  The formula is very creamy with a very citrusy scent. I love the scent. It makes me feel more energized. I especially love it in the mornings. The scent really wakes me up.
Luma-C isn’t cheap. It retails for $148.00. That is a little expensive for the size of 1oz the bottle.  If you would like to try this brightening serum for yourself, here is a20% discount code to use on your LumaPro-C purchase, which makes it really affordable compared to other skin serums. Follow this link http://shop.hydropeptide.com/lumapro-c/#.WDS5xS0rI9Y and use code BBLUMA20 to recieve 20% off your LumaPro-C purchase.
 I hope you like your results. 
From my closet to yours, thanks for stopping by.
-Morrell