October Beauty Treats: New Products You'll LOVE

Writing this beauty blog is a labor of love. The love part is obvious--I'm a crazy-obsessed beauty fanatic and have been since I was 3 years old. I can talk about makeup/hair/nail polish/skin care all day. But the labor part is something that is more behind the scenes that I don't often discuss.

Here's a peek into what I do as a beauty blogger (no first impressions here):

No matter if I purchase or am sent product for consideration (as is the case today), the same process applies--

• Decide if product is worth reviewing
• Do research on product/line
• Take pics of product
• Record name and info of product into database
• Use products on average for a month
• Record daily/weekly results from product after using daily (depending on product directions)
• Record final results from usually a month of use into database
• Decide if the product is worth sharing on the blog
• Edit pics
• Write post

All of this work, done for free (I do NOT do paid reviews), and it will be viewed for 30 seconds. Labor of love.

Crazy, right?

But I LOVE what I do. I love being able to share what's new in the beauty world. It brings me such joy to do something that I am truly passionate about. 

And I'm hoping maybe one of these products from my bag of treats (I had to throw in an October/Halloween reference, y'all) will be a future love of yours. Check 'em out:

HAIR:
The ACURE Straightening Shampoo and Conditioner ($9.99 each) are infused with Marula Oil and Coconut Water to hydrate and strengthen hair that is damaged or overworked. The Brazilian Keratin formula absolutely does what it says. My dry hair is now so hydrated--excellent for upcoming colder temps. Smells amazing too.

The ACURE Coconut Cleansing Towelettes ($6.99) gently remove dirt, oil and makeup without any rinsing required. And they smell wonderful. It's coconut, what did you expect me to say? ;)

The ACURE Coconut Dry Oil Spray ($12.99) a fab lightweight moisturizing spray for body and hair. With Antioxidants, Sea Buckthorn, Sandalwood and Vitamin E, these moisturizing sprays keep skin hydrated and protected while lightly adding moisture and shine to hair. This is great for when I want to keep it light, since the temps are still in the 80s here.

SKIN:
You asked for more reviews of The Body Shop and you got it! Oils of Life is The Body Shop’s NEW daily life-infusing skincare collection to revitalize skin, revive radiance and visibly reduce signs of aging. Every products in the collection contains an expert blend of three exceptional cold-pressed seed oils from three different countries: Black Cumin Seed Oil (from the Egyptian Nile Valley) - is known for its concentration of antioxidants; Camellia Seed Oil (from the Evergreen Trees of China) - naturally rich in nutritive oleic acids; Rosehip Seed Oil (from the Foothills of the Andes in Chile) - rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.

But do they products actually deliver? I have been really impressed by this line. I prefer the cream and the facial oil for my dry skin. I plan on using them more when the temperatures drop. Oily skin would like the gel cream. My skin was instantly hydrated and continued to improve. If you have never tried this brand or are already a huge fan, I suggest checking it out for a luxurious experience. $34-$39

FRAGRANCE:
Hanging out with Jessica Simpson (and her sis, and her sis' husband) last year was definitely a blogger highlight. I loved being backstage in the green room with her family and friends and I may or may not have taken a picture of myself standing next to her purse (idk!). That's when I was introduced to her signature fragrance. Now she has Jessica Simpson TEN. It possesses a captivating floral, fruity scent combined with a feminine and sophisticated undertone of vanilla infusion, white chocolate bean accord, sandalwood, tonka bean and driftwood. The bottle design mirrors the tenth anniversary theme of her clothing line with a single, elegant feather at the top, a symbol of the brand’s free spirited style and sense of modern Americana, with shimmering gold accents. I love it because I prefer scents like these. $67

MAKEUP:
More fun Pixi by Petra things! This time I have the contour powder (makes a great matte transition shade for lids, too). I've got concealer (nice and creamy), and I've got the brightening peach corrector--this is a must for dark circles if you have fair skin with pink undertones. I've used it for years. $12 Target

BOOK:
I review a lot of hair books on here, but I rarely share makeup ones. I was excited to receive this one a few months ago, and am so glad it is officially released on the 13th! Author and leading makeup artist Gary Cockerill  has worked with top celebrities like Eva Longoria, David Beckham, Isla Fisher and more!

In Simply Glamorous, Gary debunks the rules and myths of beauty, proving that with a little knowledge and practice, anyone can use make-up to enhance and transform. I love the step-by-step looks as well as the range of looks. This gave me some great ideas and new things to try as well as the tried-and-true looks. You can get everyday, nude lips, to full on glamour. Available at St. Martin's Press.

SKIN:
Lumene is a brand I've purchased many times because I like them, and this new offering didn't disappoint! Bright Now Vitamin C Beauty Drops--an effective Vitamin C skin care treatment to make skin instantly silky soft and brighter in just 28 days. Particularly effective for tired and dull skin. I saw a difference in 2 weeks!! Available at CVS and online $20.99

HAIR:
More hair care, but this time, I've got something for those who want volume. Philip B has a Peppermint & Avocado Shampoo that really clarifies hair (this is a must if you use a lot of products). Full disclosure: I had a friend with fine hair test this and she is a big fan now. The REJUVENATING OIL is a conditioning treatment that sinks in instantly to transform even the driest, most frazzled hair, leaving it bouncy and gleaming. I prefer oils on my hair and have already purchased a second bottle. $34, online.

So tell me, which products interest you?

Extra Elle:

• The 6 year old I take care of got a trampoline--the safest on the market. Guess who got injured within 5 minutes? Me! My mind neglected to tell my body that I can't do the same tricks like I used to do when I was younger. It's all good though!
• Last chance to enter this giveaway.