Finesse Silver Beauty Shampoo & Conditioner - Blonde & Silver Hair | Review

Hello Lovelies,

As most of you know I have platinum blonde hair and I do not go to a salon, I do my own hair and have for many years. I originally went platinum blonde about 7 years ago and I shared my journey (read about it here) featuring the steps I took and the products I used. Over the years I have found products that are my favourite and that I always go back to. With that said, I am always on the look out for new products to try that will help me achieve and maintain the results that I want. Whether it be products to help make my hair healthier and stronger, or products that help protect and maintain my colour. 

I have literally tried almost every purple/blue shampoo on the market, from drugstore to salon brands which is why I was excited to try out a new brand that I have never used before. I was recently given the opportunity to try out Finesse's Silver beauty shampoo and conditioner and I am going to share my thoughts on both products with you all.

To give a little background on my hair - My hair is blonde and I do not like golden tones in my hair, so the lighter I can go and the less yellow/orange my hair looks the better. I only tone my hair when I do my roots, which is roughly every 4-6 weeks. So, to manage my colour, purple shampoo and at times manicpanic are two go to products. 

Product Claims:
Restores softness and tones down yellowness. Specially formulated for the unique needs of grey/platinum hair. 


Results:
I have used both the shampoo and conditioner for he past month now and I must say that I am pretty impressed. I noticed a difference after one use. After using both products together my hair is definitely less orange and it feels really soft to the touch and bouncy.
Some purple shampoos will tint your hair when you leave it on for too long (at times I intentionally want the tint), however the Finesse shampoo and conditioner will not turn your hair purple, it just helps to tone down the orange and yellow tones that generally accompany blonde and silver hair. 

For the value, the Finesse Silver Beauty line is definitely worth trying if you are blonde or if you want to tone down your grey/silver hair. 
If you want a shampoo that will tint your hair, then this is not the one for you.

Rating:
4/5

Would I recommend this line?
Yes, I highly recommend trying out both products and for the price you cannot go wrong!
One thing to mention about both products is that they do have a distinct fragrant smell. 

Let me know if you have tried the Finesse Silver Beauty and what your thoughts are!

Thank you so much for reading my review. If you have products that you are interested in hearing about or want me to revie, leave me a comment a below.

Be sure to stay and touch and follow me on Facebook and Instagram if you are not already.


Until next time....


xoxo
annpaige

How I am dealing with Post Partum Anxiety

Hello lovelies,


I have always had mild anxiety ever since I was a teenager. Overthinking things. Wondering "what if I did that" or "what if I said this instead". It was never an issue, it was always something I dealt with and for me, it was my "normal". 

Fast forward to having my first child and finding my new "normal" as a mother was hard, because I dealt with pretty severe PPA and never told anyone, not even my husband. After my first pregnancy, my anxiety was something I truly suffered with, especially social anxiety. My mind would conjure up the worst what if's possible and it got so bad that I could hardly even speak to my own friends and family without turning red and shaking with anxiousness. I never went on medication and it did start to get noticeably better after I went back to work at 8 months post-partum. For the most part it was gone after less than a year PP. 

Fast forward to me getting pregnant a second time and this time with twins, I told my husband everything. I wanted to be "prepared" this time and I also wanted him to know the signs and what to watch out for on my behalf. Being pregnant with twins, literally does mean double the hormones, which this time in my case, also meant double the anxiety. My PPA came much later than it did with my first, however it was still prevalent early on in different ways. I became very irritable and impatient in the beginning and then around 10 months PP it turned into anxiousness, nausea, and severe irritability.  

I am not the type of person to go on medication, I like to deal with things internally and through mindfulness. Being a mother of three (and twins) is definitely a challenge at times. Add my hectic work schedule and having a life on top of it all, while still dealing with PPA (15 months PP), I have come to accept many things. I have also come to accept the fact that I do need to have more me time and also be open to trying new things. With that being said, taking ownership in the fact that anxiety is now a part of my new "normal", I have been on the look out for natural products to help relieve my stress on a day to day basis - for when it can all get a little too overwhelming. 


I recently stumbled upon Birch + Fog on Instagram and they were kind enough to send me some products to try out. I picked out some of their edibles that are infused with CBD (cannabidiol) and if you know me, you would know that of course I picked their EP Simply CBD Dark Chocolate and their Simply Jane Double Dose Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup. CBD is an all-natural cannabis compound that provides all of the medicinal benefits of cannabis without the feeling of being “high”. In fact, CBD can actually counter-balance the effects of THC, which makes it a great tool for re-stabilizing your consciousness after a night of fun, or in my case, a night of work from home and crazy kids  who don't like too sleep. 


Whenever I am feeling anxious at work or if I want to wind down at the end of the day, one square from the bar, or a bite from the peanut butter cup does the trick.

If you want to try out products from Birch + Fog be sure to use my promo code "annpaige" at checkout to SAVE $20 off your purchase!
They offer a wide range of other CBD products, as well as oils for headache and menstrual cramp relief (also a new fav product of mine!), to THC and hemp products. Also be sure to check out their skin care and bath bombs too!

In addition to trying out CBD products, I also practice deep breathing and never leave the house without my mala bracelets. Collectively they are all really helping me to live with and manage my anxiety. If you too are dealing with anxiety, just know that you are not alone. Let those closest to you know what you are going through, so that they can be aware and also help you find the right tools that work for you.

I hope that this post has been helpful to any other mommas out there who are also coping with PPA or just anyone in general who is living with anxiety.

Thank you so much for reading this post and comment below if you have any tips or favourite products that help you relieve stress and anxiety.

Until next time....

xoxo
annpaige

Father's Day Gift Guide & Giveaway

Hello lovelies,

Father’s day is soon approaching and who else finds themselves scrambling within the week to find the right gift for their husband or Father? This year I am going to avoid the last minute dive by shopping ahead. With that said I wanted to share a little gift guide with you all showing some of my top gift choices for dad. (All of these items are husband approved!)

You can never go wrong with cologne. As long as you know their favourite scent, this gift idea is sure to please. During Father’s day you will always be able to find gift sets that also include little accessories and counter products, such as aftershave or lotion also in their favourite scent. The great thing about getting a cologne gift set is if you go to a department store, they will wrap it for you! Super quick and easy.

Girogio Armani Fragrance Gift Set - The Bay 

Something for the handy dad, or the dad who likes to work on their car - a ratchet or tool set. Check to see what they already have and if you don’t know anything about tools, take pictures. When you go to the hardware store you can tell or show the salesperson what they already have and they will help you find something to either compliment their existing tool set or add on.

A tools set that I got for my husband a couple of years ago and that he uses all of the time is from Black & Decker. The same one is no longer available, however this is a similar drill set that any father would love and use.

Black & Decker Drill Set - Walmart

Husky Ratchet Set - The Home Depot

A classic timepiece is a great gift for any husband or dad. This is actually what I opted to get my husband for Father’s day this year. Jord has beautiful watches made of natural wood and a sapphire crystal dome. The style that I chose for my husband is the Dover automatic watch made of ebony wood and copper. A style with just the right amount of elegance and pop. I also decided to get it engraved, which adds that extra touch and truly makes it a special piece that he will remember. Luckily for you all, I have teamed up with JORD to offer a $100 gift certificate towards the gift watch of your choice to one lucky reader!

>> Enter here <<

Check out JORD’s full collection of men’s watches--to find your next gift (husband/boyfriend/dad)!  These watches and Apple bands are super unique and come in so many styles!  They look great, but are also keepsake timepieces at a very affordable prices!  The huge selection and ability to personalize makes JORD a great place to look for gifts for anyone!  Personalized engraving is available on watches as well as cedar humidor boxes.  They off generous returns and exchanges, free worldwide shipping,  along with great warranties make purchases easy : )   

See some styles below:

Meridian Argent:

Stacked Zebrawood & Dark Sandalwood:

Conway Kosso & Blue:

Hyde Walnut & Black:

Apple Band Black Lima (coming soon!):

Gifting & Customer FAQ:

~Most watch backplates can be engraved! All Cedar humidor presentation boxes are engravable as well!

~The watches may be sized for the recipient

~Many watches have additional options for customization--mixing and matching faces and woods!

~Every watch comes with a one year warranty and options for return & exchange

~Free worldwide standard shipping!

Now that we have the gift down, it’s time for the last piece to pull it all together - the card. Paperless Post is my favourite way to send cards for all occasions. You can customize your card by adding a photo of a special moment with a little message and you can even customize the envelope. With thousands of templates to choose from, you are sure to find and create a card that will really show them how loved they are.

I hope that this post has been helpful and that you now have an idea of what to gift to the special dad in your life.

Let me know what gift you decide on giving in the comments and good luck to everyone who enters the giveaway!

xoxo

annpaige

Wooden Wrist Watch

Mad Hippie Skincare Review

Hello lovelies,


Lately, I have been on a skincare kick, trying to find the best products for my skin. I was fortunate enough to receive some products from Mad Hippie Skincare to try out and review. If you have never heard of Mad Hippie Skincare, they are a natural skincare company that is vegan and cruelty free. I strongly value and appreciate companies that are cruelty free, especially when it comes to products that I use on my face and body. 

The products that I received were the Antioxidant Facial Oil and the Hydrating Nutrient Mist. I will review them both below separately and let you know my honest opinion for each product. 

Antioxidant Facial Oil

Claims

Make peace with your inner hippie while hydrating & protecting....Our preservative-free antioxidant oil is truly the most natural way to moisturize.

My thoughts:

Full of natural oils and extracts (argan oil, camu camu, blueberry extract, buckthorn, straxberry extra, goji berry and more) and high in vitamin C, this oil definitely does moisturize. Argan Oil aids in helping reduce scars, so in addition to using this oil on my face, I have also been using it on my stretch marks. 

With this product you only need a couple of drops for your face. The first time I used it, I definitely used too much and it did leave my skin feeling oily. I recommend ensuring that you wash your face and also tone before using this product. A little goes a long way. 

I have been using the Antioxidant Facial Oil 1-2 times a week with my face roller and occasionally more on days where my face is really dry. I have also as I mentioned, been using it on my stomach and I do that 3-4 times a week. I do notice a difference in my skin on the days that I do use it - my skin doesn't feel as dry and my makeup actually stays on better too.

Will I continue to use this product?

Yes!

Do I recommend this product? 

Yes, no matter what skin type you have. 

Great value?

Totally. It is such a great price for the amount of product that you get. The fact that I can use it on more than just my face and that it is all natural is a huge win in my book. 

Cost: $24.99 / 30ml

Hydrating Nutrient Mist

Claims

Effervescent blend of antioxidants and hydrating essentials.  Leaves your skin feeling soft & supple, and ready to take on the daily stresses of modern day life.

Perfect for face, arms, neck & chest!

Made with hesperiden, sodium PCA, milk thisle, ginko biloba, pomegranate seed extract, green tea and more.

My thoughts:

When using this product, I spray it onto my face and rub it into my skin. It tightens up my skin and feels almost like a toner, which at first I thought was odd, however it is meant to be antioxidant as well, which is why green tea is one of the ingredients, and green tea does help to tighten up the skin. I leave it on for about 5-10 minutes before completing my full skin care routine. 

This product also claims to naturally lighten dark spots, however I don't have any on my face, so I can not speak to that claim. I would like to know if this is true for any of you though, if you have tried this product (comment below!) 

Will I continue to use this product?

Yes.

Do I recommend this product?

Yes, it is a great mist for every skin type, if you just need a refresh. Great for every day use as well.

Great value?

Yes. You don't need a lot when you spray the mist and if you spray it onto your hands or a cotton pad you will actually use less product. 

Cost: 19.99 / 118ml

If you have never tried Mad Hippie Skincare products, I highly recommend checking them out, as I am in love with these two products. I am excited to check out the rest of their line and try more products from them in the future. If you have tried any of their products, comment below and tell me your favourites!

Thank you so much for reading this post, I hope that you have found it helpful and if you are not yet following me on Instagram, be sure to do so right >>> here <<<

Until next time.....

xoxo

annpaige

*Discalimer 

I did receive these products for free from Mad Hippie Skincare. I was not paid to give a favourable review. All thoughts and opinions and are my own. 

Skincare Favourites | Beauty Review

Hello lovelies,

Being a mother of three and now also nearing 30 (yes I said 30!), I have been putting more thought into my skincare. Recently, I have started to notice a loss of elasticity under my eyes specifically. The skin under my eyes has always been more dry and this has been the case for years - so, I have always been on the lookout for a resolution to my dry under eyes.

For the past month I have found products and a skincare routine that has been working very well for me. I have noticed that my skin looks brighter & more refreshed (even with the lack of sleep that accompanies my crazy life), and the skin around my eyes is a lot more smooth. With all of that said, I am excited to share with you all what I have been using.

The first product is this Rose Quartz face roller. I have always had sinus issues and on the days that I use my roller I can physically feel the difference in my sinuses and in my lymph nodes. I use the roller in conjunction with a product below that I will talk more about. The coolness of the stone allows for the tightening of the skin, which at my age is now something that I need to start focusing on. I use quick strokes starting at my jaw and working upwards on my face in outward motions. I do this for about 4-5 minutes in total.
There are so many rollers out their, but I chose Rose Quartz specifically for the self love healing qualities that it promotes. Get the same one here.

I started using this serum from Shoosha Truly Organic  on my belly and hips during pregnancy and I also would use it under my eyes and noticed a huge difference in the brightness of my skin. I now use it 2-3 times a week all over my face and also when I use my face roller. It is amazoing because it really does help to fade scars, age spots and stretch marks (my belly is proof!) and it is not in any way greasy. It leaves my skin feeling so soft and is so much more amazing than other expensive face serums that I have used in the past. 

I received the Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner in my February Ipsy bag and have been using it as a part of my regular skincare routine. The toner is very light and doesn't dry out my skin. I do it feel it tightening up my skin, but I don't get that burning feeling that can accompany some other toners on the market. I highly recommend trying this toner out if you are lacking lustre or just want a brighter complexion. If you are interested in Ipsy and getting customized delux samples and full size beauty products sent right to your door every month for under $20 then you should totally sign up!

Younique recently launched their new You.ology customizable skin care line and I was super excited to try it out. You fill out a little survey about your skin and it then recommends different boosters for your skin type to add to their base products. Out of the line my two favourite products are the face serum and night cream. The boosters I chose are for skin elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles and brightening up dull skin. I have been using both in my new routine and my skin is so much brighter and the skin around my eyes is no longer as dry and dull as it was before using this routine. I am so happy with the results thus far. For more info about their customizable skincare products click here to fill out your own skin care survey. 

Over, all I have been loving all of these products and have noticed a big difference in the way my skin looks and feels. I on't get very much sleep with three littles and a full-time job and I live off of caffeine. 

I hope that you find this post helpful/inspirational and that you too have found some new items that you want to try out. If you do try any, let me know. Also comment below with what your current skincare favs are.

If you are not yet following me on IG make sure you do for daily fashion and outfit inspo and for behind the scenes into my daily life with my three littles.

Thanks so much for reading and until next time...

xoxo

annpaige