Brands and products I love!
By Carla Snuggs

Happy Summer! It's time for a roundup of some of the best products tried by myself (or contributors) throughout the months of June. I loved discovering new brands and new products from the brands that I already love! Here are some of my favorite things!

Rocketman Summer 2019 Collection

The Rocketman Summer 2019 Collection from Morgan Taylor Lacquer! Inspired by the Rocketman movie, this bright summer collection features seven vibrant shades from ultra-bright pinks to rich purples and teals and is complemented by Bedazzle Me, a luxe glitter overlay that gives each color its own disco ball vibe. There are 7 NEW Morgan Taylor colors to choose from:

·         Just Me & My Piano – Purple Crème

·         Sir Teal To You – Teal Shimmer

·         Put On Your Dancin’ Shoes – Red Crème

·         It’s The Shades –Hot Pink Crème

·         Tickle My Keys – Bright Pink Crème

·         Glow Like A Star – Yellow Crème

·         Bedazzle Me – Glitter Overlay

 Rocketman will be available for a limited time. All Morgan Taylor Lacquers are fast-drying, 5-free, easy to apply. Shop: MorganTaylorLacquer.com

Clean Logic

When’s the last time you changed your shower pouf? Despite their immense potential to give you silky skin, a study published by the Journal of Clinical Microbiology notes that loofahs and shower poufs host a wide range of bacteria which has the potential to cause serious infections—and the potential to cause a majorly stinky odor. Fortunately for shower pouf lovers, there’s no need to abandon your fave spa accessory— Cleanlogic has a range of exfoliating bath products made with antimicrobial protection to prevent stain and odor-causing mold and bacteria. Of note, these products are available for purchase through Amazon and range in price between $5.99-9.99. Whether you’re a fan of bathing with a stretch wash cloth, loofah, exfoliating gloves, or a body scrubber, Cleanlogic has you covered. Unlike many shower poufs that simply move soap around on the body, Cleanlogic’s products are made with looped, nylon fibers to remove dead skin and leave you feeling squeaky clean. They also contain stretch fiber technology— a unique blend of materials which ensures a smooth, even exfoliating experience.

Banish

Banish is an amazing skincare company out of California and their Banish Starter Kit is one of my favorite things and is great for gift giving. The kit is exclusively sold on their website for and comes with the following products:

1. Banisher 2.0: $69

Experience a gold-infused facial with each use! Pure titanium grade bristles are coated with 24k gold. Its gold is antibacterial, & has skin firming and collagen increasing properties.  You can now stimulate collagen and increase your product absorption more often! It helps diminish wrinkles and fine lines too! Creates less irritation with fine bristles for a faster repair process. Features a twist off cap which protects the banisher and doubles as a smaller cleaning container where only a small almont of rubbing alcohol is used. The new design will always keep your bristles protected and suspended so the fine bristles will last longer.

2. Activated Charcoal Clay Masque: $29

This mask is what you need if you have oily skin, blackheads, and large pores.  It deep cleans your pores and draws out impurities. This clay masque is the best product to use because it only takes a day or 2 in a week to see amazing results! The activated charcoal will take out huge amounts of dirt oils that are found in other nasty stuff within the skin. Since the charcoal absorbs all the toxins, the skin won't reabsorb the bad stuff while the mask is on.

3. Pumpkin Enzyme Mask: $39

It is best for those who have dry skin and needs healing from any skin issues. It dries out the active acne (making it smaller and diminishes it size), reverses skin damage, and brightens the skin. This is commonly used by those who have acne and white/black heads on the skin. So you have an active zit and your event is tomorrow right? Then you can count on this mask that dries up acne in 2-3 days!

4. Vitamin C Beauty Elixir: $19

Get that refreshing feel with the added benefits of Vitamin C! Contains organic ingredients so you can use it daily to tone skin, prevent breakouts, reduces redness and dark spots. It's like water for the dehydrated skin. Instead of always washing the face and bringing a facial wash, this skin care is convenient, portable and easy to use.

5.Banish Oil:  $49

Use this all natural vitamin c serum daily for brighter, smoother, and firmer skin. Use at night or pat on after a banisher session. It goes deep in the skin and absorbs all the other skincare products easier with its help. This is formulated without silicones, artificial fragrance, dyes, preservatives, or fillers. No animal derived ingredients and vegan-friendly. Made with the most potent form of vitamin c: L-ascorbic acid. This type of Vitamin C is proven to improve skin tone, radiance, and texture.

7.Vitamin C Creme: $39

A hydrating cream which will leave your skin feeling fresh, youthful, clear, and glowing! Absorbs quickly into skin for a nongreasy feel for people with oily or combination skin. This Vitamin C Cream is concentrated with 20% Vitamin C. You only need a small pea-sized dab for your whole face!

Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Collection

Whether you make it to the beach or not, Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe products will give you that sexy, tousled, effortless beach hair look in no time. While the All Eyes On Me 10-in-1 Hair Perfector will treat your hair in 10 different ways with just one keratin-infused spray. And they come in travel sizes for when you’re on the go.

Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray

• Provides hair with a fresh from the ocean, effortless beachy texture

• Seaside inspired spray imparts a light, coconut scent

• Leaves hair with a light matte texture and effortless wave effect

• Free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, dyes and gluten

All Eyes On Me 10-in-1 Hair Perfector

• Adds body

• Strengthens

• Detangles

• Seals Cuticle

• Moisturizes

• Repairs Dry Hair

• Adds Shine

• Controls Frizz

• Mends Spilt Ends

• Heat Protection

Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe collection is available at Walmart, ULTA, Target, Walgreens, CVS and Amazon. And Not Your Mother’s All Eyes On Me is available at ULTA and Target. 

Danielle Collins’ Face Yoga

Throw out the creams, get rid of the face masks and delete that surgeon's number - Danielle Collins has everything you need for younger, firmer and healthier skin. Danielle Collins is TV’s Face Yoga Expert and her system gives you all the tools you need to get that firmer, healthier and glowing skin without having to introduce lengthy expensive beauty regimes. Instead, her natural and holistic method requires just 5 minutes a day of your time and will leave you feeling the very best you can on the inside and out.

 Like us, celebrities look to some kind of intervention to maintain those youthful looks, people like Meghan Markle, Jennifer Aniston, and Beyonce use facial yoga as a non-invasive anti-ageing technique. Based on ancient Chinese acupressure techniques, face yoga Increases blood flow to the face, perking up the underlying tissue and muscles, for that ‘mini facelift’ appearance. Face yoga reduces the effects of stress on your face, helping it look more relaxed and rested. It’s the plastic-free facial rejuvenation, with next to no nasty side effects. Shop: Danielle Collins’ Face Yoga Energizing Exercises & Inspiring Tops to Glow, Inside & Out By Danielle Collins

Better Not Younger 

Better Not Younger is a recently launched hair care brand created specifically for women 45+ to address the needs of aging hair. They’re unique in that they offer a holistic line - from gummy vitamins to scalp treatments to shampoos and conditioners -  designed to renew hair structure and texture from the inside out. Plus, their products are sulfate-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free and vegan. I suggest Significant Other Hair Fortifying Vitamins (Vegan, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free) and Power Within Skin & Scalp Collagen Gummies (free from gluten, nuts, eggs, milk, and soy).

DIY Beauty

DIY Beauty  Easy, All-Natural Recipes Based on Your Favorites from Lush, Kiehl's, Burt's Bees, Bumble and bumble, Laura Mercier, and More! By Ina De Clercq offers recipes for 100 products that are inspired by favorites from Kiehls, Dr. Jart+, Tom Ford, Moroccanoil, Herbivore and more. Author Ina de Clercq uses all-natural ingredients and explains how to create each recipe starting with sourcing the ingredients, to storage and how long each product will last after it’s made. There are recipes for face masks, hair products, skincare products, deodorant, makeup and bath products, and they take on cult favorites like Frank Body’s Express-O Scrub, Lush bath bombs, La Mer’s The Body Crème, Glamglow’s Supermud Clearing Treatment and more. The recipes allow you to understand what exactly is in your product and how to customize each recipe to fit your specific needs. Try everything from the Squeaky Green Deodorant and the Matcha Power Face Mask to the Argan Hair Oil and the Frappucccino Body Scrub!

Healthish

Healthish is about being realistic about health and living life with balance – not too healthy, not too unhealthy, just right. Our product is a minimal, chic BPA free plastic water bottle with time indicators to help you keep track of your daily water intake. If you’re someone like me who has a hard time getting meeting your minimum daily water intake, this is the perfect product for you.

Duverger Macarons

A pinch of childhood Flavors, a handful of certified organic and gluten-free ingredients, and a great deal of love... Each Duverger’s macaron is carefully confectioned with the best fruits, berries, nuts and almond flour. The passion of our Chef, Claire Becker, is to create the perfect combination of texture and flavor two slightly crispy shells and a lush enticing filling make every single bite a pure moment of delight. An authentic Duverger’s macaron will melt in your mouth and slowly release the taste of its raw ingredients like a symphony of flavors.

Curology

Curology is a teledermatology and custom skincare brand whose unique platform matches you with a personal dermatology provider in minute. All it takes is a few selfies and a skin quiz to get a prescription formula customized to your individual skincare needs and delivered to your door for about $19.95/month. Curology is unique in that it provide custom prescription formulas. They focus on acne-fighting and each formula can be adapted to address anti-aging, blackheads, hyperpigmentation, and more. Their formulas come packed with powerful active ingredients, including Azelaic Acid, Clindamycin, Niacinamide, Tretinoin, Vitamin C, and Zinc Pyrithione which are adjusted to fit your unique skin. This is a great way to Accessible and affordable expert dermatology care. Between appointments, referrals, and copays, expert dermatology care can be expensive, restrictive and time-consuming. With Curology, your licensed dermatology provider  is just a message away and can even tweak your formula over time as your skin changes.

Skin Research Laboratories® neuLASH® Lash Enhancing Serum and neuHAIR Hair Enhancing Serum® 

neuLASH is fortified with Active Eyelash Technology® to dramatically improve the weak appearance of eyelashes in just 30 days. When your lashes look  luxurious, you can skip the extensions and falsies! neuHAIR is an amazing scientific breakthrough formula that effectively promotes the appearance of stronger, thicker, fuller-looking hair in as little as 8 weeks. This unique leave-in foam utilizes Active Hair Technology™ by encapsulat­ing a powerful blend of polypeptides to help deliver nutrients to the hair and scalp. Biotin (Vitamin B7) and Panthenol (Vitamin B5) help provide nourishment to the scalp and protect hair against brittleness and breakage. Silk Amino Acids from pure silk fibers help moisturize and smooth the hair shaft leaving it soft and supple and making it more resilient. No need for tape-ins and extensions. Shop: SkinResearchLabs.com and Nordstrom.

Feather & Bone

Feather & Bone is currently only company selling a completely natural waterless face wash tablet. Why does no water matter?  Because No Water = No preservatives = No Allergic Skin Reactions.  The creator launched Feather & Bone to give everyone happy skin and to help educate on how to differentiate between caring for the skin versus worrying about how you can be the next super model.  To use feather & Bone, Pop, Drop and Wash. Pop: Pop one tablet and place in the palm of your hand. DROP: Using your hand add 5-10 drops of water as needed and apply pressure on tablet to break to form a paste. WASH: Scoop paste from palm to massage/apply on full face and wash face.

Nanacoco Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

Nanacoco Professional Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes is a gentle wipe that removes 99.9% of all waterproof makeup, oil and impurities while brightening and moisturizing skin. Perfect for all skin types, the remover contains extracts of lotus, peach flower, green tea, and rose. Alcohol-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free and, like all Nanacoco products, cruelty-free, these wipes are guaranteed to wipe the day away.

 Arm & Hammer Invisible Powder Sprays

Kick off your shoes and slide into Summer with the new ARM & HAMMER™ Invisible Powder Sprays!  Spray it, don’t say it with these formulas that provide a mess free application with maximum sweat and moisture absorption.  These ultra clear dry sprays contain ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda and odor neutralizing ingredients to absorb moisture and sweat.  Great for body and feet, simply spray it to combat foot and body odor.    I really love the ARM & HAMMER™ Invisible Body Powder Spray.  It’s the first ever cake free invisible body spray powder, leaving no white mess on clothes or body. Sweat Activated Fresh Guard® Technology keeps body feeling fresh all day. Soda and odor neutralizing ingredients absorb moisture and sweat. It has a Unisex fragrance for all day freshness and it’s talc Free. The ARM & HAMMER™ Foot Care collection is available in the foot care aisle at Walmart and Walmart.com.

Osmosis Lip Intensive Collection

Osmosis Colour Mineral Cosmetics presents the launch of their Lip Intensive Collection. It’s vegan and gluten-free. The liquid lipstick line comes in 6 shades and works to keep lips looking and feeling hydrated throughout wear. Formulated to be long-lasting with a high-shine finish, they provide rich pigments and a lustrous finish for all day, beautiful wear-ability that conditions and protects. In addition to providing high color payoff, these pampering lipsticks also keep lips nourished with Vitamin E and castor seed oil. Often used in Chinese Medicine, caster seed oil provides healing and protecting properties to the skin. Unlike traditional originations, this formula offers a lustrous, creamy finish for beautiful, all-day wear while still providing moisturizing properties. The result? Bold, vibrant shades with sustainability and a high-shine, nourishing finish.

• Desire Me: Deep Plum

• Kiss Me: Bright Red

• Find Me: Bright Coral

• Have Me: Warm, Pink Nude

• Love Me: Bright Pink

• Spoil Me: Soft, Pink Nude

Favorite Daughter

The Favorite Daughter by Kaira Rouda—consider it the next "must read" after A.J. Finn’s (Dan Mallory’s) The Woman in the Window!—is the perfect beach read. The book is already receiving amazing advance praise, including a *starred* Publishers Weekly review calling the novel an “exceptional psychological thriller.”  The book is a journey of psychological suspense set in an upscale Southern California community, perfect for fans of B. A. Paris and Shari Lapena and silver screen adaptations like A Simple Favor with Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively. New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf calls The Favorite Daughter  "A smart, wickedly plotted psychological thriller brimming with dark surprises…” THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER (HarperCollins/Graydon House; May 21, 2019; Hardcover; $26.99; ISBN: 978-1525835148.

Revlon Super Lustrous The Gloss

Drench your lips in Revlon Super Lustrous The Gloss! Your favorite nonstick lip gloss has a whole new look. Now made with even more moisture-boosting ingredients and 14 new shades, it’s no wonder they call this gloss “Super”! The new lightweight formula is BIG on moisture and now infused with agave, moringa oil, and cupuacu butter for lips that shine and stay buttery soft all day long. Get ultra-glossy, non-sticky color and high shine in 12 shades from nudes, reds, pinks plums and holographic colors that shine to achieve your perfect lip for any mood!

Disclosure: Press samples were provided by the brand/PR for editorial consideration, product testing, photography and honest review.