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derma e is one of the largest natural facial brands in the US. I love discovering brands that are truly all natural since I feel like everything we use now a days is filled with chemicals and harmful ingredients. I have heard how great charcoal masks in general were so I was really excited to try out derma e’s Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask.

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First, I love that this is a mask and scrub in 1. I have sensitive skin so I try to limit the amount of products I put on my face so this is perfect. This is one of those products that a little goes a long way. After applying it dried rather quickly and I left it on for a few minutes before wetting my face, massaging the product in for 30 seconds and wiping off.

The formula is suppose to purge pores of deeply rooted toxins and exfoliate away micro pollutants to make your skin glow. Natural clays infused with Kimarine Wakame, Bladerwrack and Activated Charcoal lift out dirt, oil and bacteria to decongest pores as the mask dries. Apricot Seed Powder exfoliates away dead skin cells and captured debris upon removal. Kaolin and Bentonite Clays absorb excess oils and impurities, relieving skin congestion. Kimarine Wakame is a potassium-rich, magnesium-rich seaweed that is clinically proven to protect skin against environmental pollutants (exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, heavy metals). Bladderwrack is an antioxidant-rich, mineral-rich seaweed known for its water-binding properties, supporting healthy skin hydration and nourishment. Activated Charcoal, known for absorbing 100 to 200 times its weight in impurities, purges pores of deeply rooted toxins, then Apricot Seed Powder gently exfoliates away micropollutants.

Overall I love the results of this Charcoal Mask. My skin felt instantly cleaner and super soft. While drying you could literally see the pores being purified. I’ve been using this mask for a few months now and everytime I use it I feel as I wake up with my skin smoother, brighter and visibly clearer.

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Between the Holidays and having spent most of the last 3 months at home with my little one, I was in major need of some relaxation. I had the opportunity of visiting Bliss Spa in Hoboken, NJ with one of my blogger babes for massages and manis.

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Upon arrival, I was shown the locker room as well as the waiting area. Within a few minutes I was headed upstairs to recieve the ‘rookie mom rubdown massage + toning treatment.’ Once I saw the description on the website [Take a break from the new bundle with a muscle-melting Blissage75, and let your recovering belly bask in a tummy-toning ‘tight’ on target treatment that’ll leave you feeling like one hot mama], I knew I had to book it.

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I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect but the whole experience was amazing. Prior to the actual massage starting, my masseuse rubbed African grape fruit oil on my mid section. This oil helps drain excess water. Next an Algae based mask, which detoxes and tightens, was applied and then soft foil was wrapped around my stomach. She then proceeded with the massage which was heavenly and relaxing but still helped to get those knots out. After the mask was peeled off my stomach, the love handler, which is a waist targeting cooling gel, was applied to complete the toning process.

After the massage I had a hot cream manicure which was really great. The hot cream really helped moisturize my hands which have been super dry from the weather.

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I had the best experience at Bliss Spa and am looking forward to my next visit!

Even though I cannot head to the spa all the time, Bliss has numerous products that can make you feel like you’re at the spa but in the comfort of your own home. One of my favorite kits is the a-‘bright’ face facial-at-home set.

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This set contains the following products:

-One 6.7 oz bottle of fabulous foaming face wash which is a two-in-one oil-free exfoliating wash for all skin types. This cleanser contains rose hip extract, milk thistle, passion flower and chamomile in a non-stripping formula that helps re-balance even the most scattered of skins.
-One 1.7 oz jar of the triple oxygen vitamin c cream w/CPR technology. This is a lightweight gel-cream infused with CPR technology and an advanced form of vitamin C to enhance skin’s vitality and clarity and smooth fine lines and wrinkles while intensely hydrating and protecting for a smooth, glowing complexion.
-One 5 pack of that’s incredi-‘peel’. These are the only spa-powered peel pads that use time-release technology to reduce wrinkles and dark spots in just one step.

These products used together in 3 easy steps have brightened and hydrated my skin, shrunk my pores and helped lighten dark spots.

Some other products that are absolute must haves for me are the bliss softening socks + foot patrol cream set as well as the glamour gloves + high intensity hand cream set. Make sure to check out their website to browse all of their products. Click HERE to view which items you can save 20% on!

Not into online shopping? Not a problem! Visit your local Kohl’s and ULTA who also carry products from the Bliss line.

If you’re interested in winning your own a-‘bright’ face facial-at-home kit, head over to my Instagram [@pearls_and_paris] to enter my giveaway!

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I’ve had oily hair for as long as I could remember. I was never the type of girl who was able to keep a blow out for more than 1 day without spraying some sort of dry shampoo in before restyling. I was recently able to test out 2 products from DESSANGE Paris.

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The Purifying Clay Pre-Shampoo Mask targets oily scalps. The formula, containing mineral clay concentration, works to absorb sebum excess and regulate oil production over time while the professional application brush allows for targeted, even coverage. They recommend this mask being used once a week on dry hair. You generously apply to the roots, leave on for 5-10 minutes then rinse. You follow this process up with the Purifying Clay Balancing Shampoo. The pro-vitamin b5 enhanced balancing shampoo, helps to minimize oily roots while moisturizing ends, producing balanced hair from root to tip. The pro-vitamin b5 is known for its protective properties of the fiber capillary, helping repair and soften the hair.

I’ve been using this 2 step system for a few weeks now and I’m really happy with the results. My hair in general just feels so much cleaner but best of all, I’ve noticed a decrease in oil production. Both products have a really great smell which is always a plus!

This line is sold exculsive at Target nationwide.

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Upon entering my 6th month of pregnancy, I was having a having a hard time sleeping at night. I found myself constantly tossing and turning and just not getting comfortable. I finally gave in and decided to try out a body pillow.

Body Positioner from Simmons Kids

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The Body Positioner from Simmons Kids is designed to cradle the body at every stage of pregnancy, the memory foam construction helps to reduce pressure points and offers extra support in the lumbar, tummy, feet and knees. The ThermoCool pillow cover is washable and is made of a super soft organic blend that helps to create a cool and comfortable sleeping environment for a sound night’s sleep.

I have been using this positioner to not only sleep but also for when watching tv as well as reading books in bed. I am now almost 7 months and laying on my back while doing those things is just not possible anymore so I’m so thankful to have the Body Positioner from Simmons Kids. I definitely recommend all you fellow mommy’s-to-be to check it out!

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I love the NYX Cosmetics Wonder Pencil. This one pencil has so many used – concealing flaws & blemishes, lip liner to prevent bleeding & fading, highlight under the brow – but my favorite is to use it on the inner corner of my eye. This brightens the eyes & can give the illusion that they are bigger.