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I Tried Kim Kardashian’s Favorite Flat Tummy Shakes and I’m Impressed!

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Flat Tummy Shakes by Flat Tummy Co. are the meal replacement shakes buzzing all over social media and I’ve decided to see what all the fuss is about. Do they really work? Will they curb your appetite? Will they help to lose weight? Read more and find out all about it, my honest review and results.

This post is sponsored by Flat Tummy Co. I am being compensated for this post. All comments and opinions are my own.

WHAT ARE FLAT TUMMY SHAKES?

Flat Tummy Shakes are meal replacement shakes made by Flat Tummy Co., a brand very well known for their de-bloating detox teas. They introduced this meal replacement program as an easy and safe alternative to losing weight and getting back on track. Its magic ingredient is clinically proven Citrimax, a dietary supplement used to burn fat and slim down the waistline. The shakes are the perfect addition to a healthy lifestyle no matter how big or small your goals are. There’s simply nothing easier than shaking up and drinking 1-2 of them a day.

The shakes are great if you have a special occasion coming up, your weight loss has plateaued, or you simply need a nudge in the right direction. They are vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free, as well as having a digestive blend of enzymes and probiotics, omega 3’s, and six grams of fibre.

MY CURRENT LIFESTYLE

I am generally an active person, can’t stay still for too long. With my job, I’m always on the move. I am always on my feet and stuff. I’m not one to attend a gym on a regular basis but I do have fitness apps that teach me exercises to do at home. Whether it be a 30-45 minute cardio workout 2-4 times a week, taking long walks, or being sexually active, I consider myself fairly active.

When it comes to my “diet”, I love choosing from my many options of tea to enjoy with my meal preps. I am learning and experimenting with different healthy smoothies that is flavorful and works for me. Flattummyco Shakes is quick and easy, just the way I like it, all while still enjoying the things I love.

THE 4 WEEK PROGRAM

What I love about the Flat Tummy Shakes is that they are just like having one of my green smoothies, only they’re packed with a lot more good stuff. They’re quick and easy, and a much better option than loading up on carbs. Instead of grabbing a croissant in the morning, you can have a shake and still feel full. I noticed right away that I had more energy, less cravings, and I was feeling less bloated. The shakes have 20 grams of plant based protein, 22 vitamins and minerals and over 50 fruits and veggies – a definite “oh she glows” kind of drink.

Having tried other protein shakes in the past, I knew what to expect about the taste. I was given Vanilla and Strawberry flavor shakes, so with that I was able to add extras to the shake if I felt the shake was too bland. The key to really enjoying these shakes is to make sure that you really shake it! Make sure all of the powder is blended into your liquid of choice. You can use regular filtered water, almond milk, coconut milk – you decide. You can also whip it up in a blender and add fresh or frozen fruits for a better tasting shake. What I love is the proportional packets so I don’t have to get elbow deep scooping powder out of giant tubs, and the packets super portable! I just tuck one in my purse for later if I’m having a late morning and shake it up on the go. 

Personally, I enjoyed the drink by mixing it with almond milk and chugging it down – no time to waste! During the first few weeks of taking one shake a day, I would still snack between meals. In the last two weeks, there were no more urges to snack. The cravings became less and less and eventually diminished. Keep in mind that I cut out sugar and gluten, so I was already consuming a healthy, high protein diet otherwise known as a paleo or whole 30 diet. I immediately felt full afterwards and it really was just enough for me. You can replace up to two meals a day with the flat tummy shakes!

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THE RESULTS

My expectations with any weight loss supplement is that bloating would decrease significantly – and that it did. Consider it to be water weight, if you will, but I was definitely lighter and able to ‘suck in’ my tummy and feel comfortable in my skin by the end of the four week program. The shakes made me want to keep up a healthy regime, by making the right meal choices and drinking plenty of water instead of snacking. Funny how the mind plays tricks on you like that, making you think that you are hungry when really, you are thirsty!

After taking the meal replacement shakes every day for four weeks, I have lost a total of 20 lbs, which is a lot for me! The combination of summertime, constantly going out with friends, eating fresh fruits and veggies and staying hydrated, all played a significant role. But the real winners here are the Flat Tummy Shakes. They got rid of my bloating and reduced my appetite, making me feel comfortable in a swimsuit. And it definitely helped me to get my mind off of food! It’s a much healthier alternative to skipping meals (don’t ever skip breakfast!) and you will get results, the healthy way.

Flat Tummy Co. Shake It Baby meal replacement shakes come in Vanilla, Strawberry and Chocolate flavors, which one would you choose? They used to sell Matcha, don’t know what happened but I hope Flattummyco brings it back!

If you’re looking for extra help with results, definitely check out Flat Tummy Co.’s website and order a few shakes. And guess what?! They’ve got a massive 25% sale going on right now!! So if you want to try this product, that’s the time to get your hands on some!

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BEAUTY PI: HOW SHEER LIPSTICKS ARE MADE

Published on by Lee3 Comments

Sheer lipsticks are all the rage lately — they give you that just-bitten stained finish without too much pigmentation, making them a dream for makeup minimalists everywhere. But because this translucent lipstick finish wears much differently than its richly-pigmented counterparts, we were curious to know how they’re made. Ahead, we tapped Roselin Rosario, L’Oréal Associate Principal Chemist, and Yan Lee, Lipstick Chemist and Color Formulation Expert at L’Oréal for the lowdown. Ahead, find out what gives sheer lipsticks their tinted touch.

What Are Sheer Lipsticks?

According to Lee and Rosario, sheer lipsticks are not much different than regular lipsticks created in the labs, other than the fact that their pigment numbers are typically a lot lower. “A typical lipstick contains 5-10% of pigment, a bold, high-pigmented lipstick has 10-15%, and a sheer lipstick has less than 5%,” says Lee. This lower percentage of pigment results in lower coverage, which thus becomes its sheer effect. 

Are Sheer Lipsticks Made Differently Than Regular Lipsticks?

That said, making a sheer lipstick in the lab is definitely a little different than your regular lipstick. “When we balance the pigment load with the rest of the formula composition, we have to ensure it will perform its best,” says Lee. Sometimes, when a low amount of pigment is added, the formula comes out too soft, which means that other changes in the composition of the rest of the ingredients are needed. Once the delicate balance is figured out, the formula cools and sets like a regular lipstick. 

How Are Sheer Lipsticks Tested?

Sheer lipsticks are also tested thoroughly in the lab before hitting the market. “The coverage of any lipstick (including sheer lipsticks!) are tested using a contrast card, which is a piece of paper or plastic material with a white and black side,” says Lee. The lipstick is then applied on top of the card, and how much of what you see of the black and white background will help assess how pigmented the formula is. “For sheer lipsticks, both colors should still be seen. For full-coverage lipsticks, the background should be fully covered,” she explains.

Are Sheer Lipsticks More Moisturizing?

Besides their transparent, buildable coverage, sheer lipsticks are popular because they often feel more moisturizing or hydrating to their wearers. Lee adds that there’s a good reason for this: “Because sheer-coverage lipsticks have a lower amount or different composition of fillers, they do not tend to feel drying.” Whether your sheer lippie has a satin or matte finish (like the YSL Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Sheer Matte), it’s likely to feel softer, more malleable and less dry, thanks to its lower concentration of ingredients. 

The Best Makeup Brush Sets (Approved By Makeup Artists)

Published on by Lee3 Comments

Sometimes buying a one-off makeup brush makes sense – like a replacement for one of your old brushes or one that fits a specific need, like a kabuki brush. That said, it’s usually way more time (and cost) efficient to throw your bread at a full set of cosmetic brushes. That way you’ve got everything you need, and it all matches perfectly. (Let’s not discount the shelfie potential here.) To help you find the best makeup brush sets for whatever your makeup needs and wants, we asked MUAs to share their faves.

1. For the Newbie: Real Techniques Sparkle and Shine Set, $50

Best Makeup Brush Sets

If your makeup brush collection is practically non-existent, this set serves as a one-and-done deal that covers everything you need for not a ton of cash down. “Real Techniques offers well-made, vegan brushes at a really great price,” says global makeup artist Bryan Cantor. “This set comes with 11 brushes that perform a wide variety of makeup tasks, plus a sponge with its own carrying case.” Real Techniques has long been a fave brand for us, and we couldn’t agree more!

2. For the Aspiring Pro: Morphe Babe Faves Face Brush Set, $68

Best Makeup Brush Sets

“I personally love to use Morphe brushes. Not only are they ridiculously affordable, but they are really great quality. When I first started getting into makeup, I was able to afford every single brush they offered, and I’m still using the same brushes I bought,” says Kimberly Culbertson, a permanent makeup artist and owner of Beauty Babe Club in San Diego, California. This comprehensive set includes nine natural and synthetic brushes plus a blender.

3. For the Legit Professional: Glo Skin Beauty Filled Brush Belt, $190

Best Makeup Brush Sets

Not only does a professional makeup artist need a full set of cosmetic brushes, but she needs an easy way to carry them. “This particular set includes a professional brush belt with 28 pockets that are already stuffed with 12 professional-quality vegan brushes. This gives you all the brushes you need to create a complete look, plus room for any other brushes that you care to carry,” says Cantor.

4. For the Wanderlust: It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe On The Go 6-Piece Brush Set + Case, $50

Best Makeup Brush Sets

“This is the absolute best travel-friendly makeup brush set. It’s only $50, has a value of almost $160, and comes in a sleek traveling case,” says Culbertson. The set includes six full-size brushes, including the multi-powder, foundation, eyeshadow, concealer, crease, and eyeliner/brow brushes.

5. For the Minimalist: Real Techniques Everyday Essentials, $20

Best Makeup Brush Sets

Culbertson agrees that Real Techniques is the place to go if you’re seeking quality brushes for a low price. She says their Everyday Essentials set is especially great for those who don’t need a whole slew of brushes but could benefit from owning, well, the essentials. It comes with a makeup sponge and four brushes, including a blending, crease, setting, and face brush.

6. For the Ultimate Makeup Enthusiast: Sigma Beauty The Ultimate Chrome Brush Set, $153

Best Makeup Brush Sets

Serious makeup enthusiasts, aspiring influencers, and anyone else who’s all about trying a wide range of makeup looks: this set is for you. “With a whopping 16 full-size brushes, this brush set has almost every brush a makeup enthusiast could ever need,” says Cantor. “All of the brushes are created with ultra-soft SigmaTech® and Sigmax® fibers, both of which are vegan and cruelty-free. If that wasn’t enough, the makeup brush set also comes with a free two-year warranty.” Now that’s quality we can get on board with!

7. For the Disney Fan: Spectrum Ariel Shell Brush Set, $110

Best Makeup Brush Sets

Sometimes you want a brush set that fits your aesthetic, and if you’re a Disney fan (umm, isn’t that #allofus?) then that’s a very specific niche. Spectrum makes a handful of Disney-themed brush sets, including this one inspired by our favorite red-headed mermaid. Not only does the set include 10 brushes with sea blue glitter handles, aquamarine ferrules, and splashy coral bristles, it’s all packaged in a gorgeous clam shell case you can use as either storage for your brushes or a legit purse.

8. For the Luxe Lover: Wayne Goss The Face Set, $250

Best Makeup Brush Sets

If you’ve got money to spend on brushes, you really can’t go wrong with a set created by makeup hero Wayne Goss. “If you’re really into makeup and contouring, this is the best brush set. It’s pricey at $250, but these are luxury brushes that will last you a lifetime,” says Culbertson.

9. For the Busy Body: Marc Jacobs Beauty Your Place Or Mine? 5-Piece Petites Brush, $139

Best Makeup Brush Sets

Whether you always find yourself on your way to happy hour straight after work, feel like you live out of your car, or are forever traveling, this set of petite makeup brushes by Marc Jacobs is a must. Cantor says, “The five travel-size brushes it contains are perfect for creating your look for a night out or getting yourself ready for work wherever you happen to wake up the next morning. Plus, I love that it comes with a gorgeous emerald green vegan patent leather case.”

Have you guys got any of these brush sets? Let us know your fave brush sets in the comments below.

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Glow Recipe’s New Banana Moisturizer Just Became Our Go-To

Published on by Lee5 Comments

In less than two years, K-beauty aficionados Glow Recipe has created sell-out product after sell-out product. The trend-quenching brand has transformed some of the most iconic fruits in pop culture – watermelons, avocados, pineapples – from pool float and phone cover necessities into bomb skincare products that feed your skin and your #shelfies with goodness.

From juicy watermelon to the revered avocado, Glow Recipe has made it its M.O. to craft the most fun, at-times viral skin-care products from nature’s fruit basket. Well, insert banana emoji here, because their latest launch has arrived, and unlike anything they’ve done before.

The latest super-fruit to join their family has less of an Instagram following, but its skincare powers are definitely on par with the rest. Meet the Banana Soufflé Moisture Cream, $39, that harnesses the moisturizing, nourishing and calming properties of banana, which launches online at Sephora.com on Dec 5th (and today on the Sephora app)! We were lucky enough to get a first try of this moisturizer, and we’ve been using it non-stop for the last two weeks to ensure we can give you a thorough review!

What it is: The Banana Soufflé Moisture Cream is a lightweight moisturizer bursting with banana, turmeric and chia goodness to give you plump, hydrated and happy skin that smells like banana cream pie filling.

What it does: This bouncy, banana-packed formula helps skin recover from dryness, dehydration, stress, and irritation by delivering an intense hit of magnesium naturally found in bananas to balance moisture levels and recover skin barrier health. Potassium works to hydrate the skin while manganese gets to work on healing stressed skin – aka when you’ve overdone it on AHAs or your skin is hella thirsty.

The ingredients: Well, if not for the color. Glow Recipe’s $39 Banana Soufflé cream is a telltale shade of pastel yellow that looks like the dreamiest, creamiest, banana-filled smoothie ever blended into existence — even though the formula relies on banana water, according to Byrdie’s behind-the-scenes look at how the moisturizer is made. The intriguing ingredient acts as a source of hydrating potassium and useful magnesium, which helps keep your skin barrier happy, healthy, and properly balanced, moisture wise. Take that, other superfruits.

Soothing Centella Asiatica (aka cica, a classic K-beauty ingredient) and turmeric are full of antioxidants to protect the skin while the essential fatty acids in chia moisturize deeply. Added vitamin A, B, and C reduce inflammation and help brighten dull skin. Jojoba seed oil also makes an appearance and is amazing for repairing the skin barrier as it naturally mimics your skin’s sebum while squalane, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin boost hydration.

glow recipe banana souffle moisturizer

Who it’s good for: This is great for all skin types. It’s light enough for those with oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin and will help regulate and balance your skin while it’s also really hydrating so it’s great for dry and normal skin types too. It’s not too heavy for daytime and rich enough to hydrate all night long.

What we thought: Another little glass jar full of goodness! This richly-scented moisturizer is just as potent as its sisters, and although it has no synthetic fragrance, the first thing you’ll notice is the smell – which, as banana pudding fans, we LOVED! The texture is super lightweight and feels whipped, just like a soufflé, with a seriously addictive, gooey-bouncy consistency that melts into the skin and blends out beautifully with no need to tug or pull your skin. A little goes a long way, and once applied the formula sinks in quickly with no heavy feeling, which is rare with a product this nourishing and moisturizing.

The results: True story, trying products non-stop is testing on your skin, and the Banana Soufflé could not have come at a better time. After testing a new toner, our skin was pretty parched, sensitive and tight, and not only did we feel immediate soothing effects with this moisturizer but, within days – we used it morning and night – our skin felt hydrated and plump again. This moisturize really came through to hydrate our skin and help it feel balanced and comfortable. In 10 days, our skin is feeling its best, healthy self, and definitely looks less dull and feels fuller.

We also tried their hack of combining the Banana Soufflé Moisture Cream with the Glow Recipe Pineapple-C Bright Serum, and we loved the feel and the brightening boost this gives.

The verdict: Naturally, Glow Recipe made it easy to integrate the new cream into your pre-established skincare routine. You can pat on a dollop of Banana Soufflé cream as the next step after your serums both in the morning and before you hit the hay, or create an extra-brightening version by mixing in a drop of Glow Recipe’s Pineapple-C Bright Serum.

If you need a moisturizer to keep your skin glowing on happily, we highly recommend this. Although it doesn’t contain ingredients to target any more problematic skin issues, mix this up in the evenings with one of Glow Recipe’s sleeping masks to target other skin concerns. For us, this is the perfect everyday moisturizer that will keep your skin supple, nourished, protected and balanced, which is especially important at this time of year. It works great under makeup too, which is always a win!

Launched Party: The new fruity creation from the brand dropped on Dec. 4 for pre-sale on the Sephora app, and the following day, Banana Souffle will be available to shop online at Sephora. If you do want to test out and feel the product before purchasing, don’t worry. It will be coming to Sephora stores a few weeks later on Dec. 27. The new product will retail for $39 making it the same cost as the brand’s existing Pink Juice Moisturizer.

The Banana Souffle Moisture Cream marks one of the first products to launch from the brand since founders Christine Chang and Sarah Lee decided to eliminate their K-beauty curations. Back in June, the brand announced that it would be focusing on its in house projects (Glow Recipe and affordable brand Sweet Chef) in order to launch more innovative and exciting skin care. Now, one of those creations is here in the Banana Souffle Moisture Cream.

If you were one of the thousands of people who joined Glow Recipe’s wait list when it first launched with the Blueberry Bounce Cleanser and Watermelon Glow Mask, there’s a new product to be added to your wishlist, and this time, you can avoid that waitlist.

Glow Recipe Banana Souffle Moisture Cream $39

SEE ON SEPHORA

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