Thursday, June 28, 2012

Products to Protect Your Skin from the Sun from Sephora's Sun Safety Kit 2012

This week, I want to make all my followers aware that it is extremely important to protect yourself from the sun.  In my last blog, “5 Ways to Avoid Skin Cancer”, I shared some tips that people can use to avoid too much sun exposure.  But what products can you use besides sunscreen to protect your skin?  In this post, I will share some wonderful high end products that you can purchase at Sephora.  I introduce to you, the products from the Sun Safety Kit 2012.
A few months ago, I posted the photo below on my Instagram, with the mystery of what was in the box.  Some of you were curious and I appreciate your enthusiasm!  Although, I am sure you all forgotten it by now, due to the fact that I am a tad delayed with this post, the wait is over and the big product review is here!  Apparently, Sephora has been releasing a Sun Safety Kit for about 6 years now.  Sun safety is very important to me, and I am a huge advocate of protecting your skin while outdoors. Sephora includes a variety of deluxe sized samples in this kit, which gives us all a wonderful opportunity to try new and useful products!  The best part is 100% of the proceeds are donated to the Skin Cancer Foundation!  With a retail value of $193, this kit was sold exclusively at Sephora for $30.  Unfortunately, I believe this kit is now unavailable, however, you can purchase your favorite full sized products individually at Sephora or on their website







Please watch my video below and check out what my favorite products are!  If you don’t have time to watch, check out below, as I have listed all 17 products that came in Sephora’s Sun Safety Kit 2012.



ENJOY!!!


 Products that came with Sephora's Sun Safety Kit 2012



The ultimate finishing powder just got an extra dose of sun protection, for even more beautiful benefits. Apply using the Mini Flawless Application Brush that’s included to ensure medium-to-full sun protection.


A moisturizer, sunscreen, and treatment serum, this all-in-one product includes advanced brightening properties and  mineral sunscreens to provide broad spectrum sun protection from both UVA and UVB rays so that skin is left looking smooth, perfect, and natural.


An ultra-light, two-in-one antioxidant sunblock and hydrator that is oil and fragrance-free enriched with hydrators, anti-oxidant vitamins and SPF 30 protection.

This gentle, fast-absorbing daytime lotion provides optimal hydration to revitalize skin and strengthen its natural moisture barrier, while preventing sun damage.

A lightweight, anti-aging barrier that provides protection from environmental factors and UVA and UVB rays.

Prevent sunburn, cell damage, and premature signs of aging with this UVA/UVB-blocking skincare essential.

A day cream that shields the skin to fight unavoidable environmental aggressors utilizing advanced sun care technology to protect against dryness, oxidative pollutants, and UVA/UVB rays that cause photo-aging, spots, and wrinkles.

Formulated for daily use, this ultra-lightweight face & body lotion provides photostable UVA (PA++) and UVB (SPF 30+) protection while keeping skin soft and hydrated.

An ultra-light, sun-protecting moisturizer that controls shine, refines pores, provides continual moisture, and fights signs of ageing.
^^A HELLO MISS NIKI FAVORITE^^

A hydrating treatment that nourishes lips while also providing essential, year-round protection from damaging UV rays.
^^A HELLO MISS NIKI FAVORITE^^

A three-in-one moisturizer that mattifies immediately, regulates oil production for up to eight hours, and effectively reduces breakouts with  UVA/UVB protection.
^^A HELLO MISS NIKI FAVORITE^^

This multi-tasking moisturizer hydrates, energizes and protects skin while also imparting a healthy hint of radiance you get from a week’s vacation.
^^A HELLO MISS NIKI FAVORITE^^

This rich cream is a complete anti-aging treatment that targets wrinkles and works to improve overall hydration and radiance featuring light-reflecting pigments that create a healthy glow, and UVA/UVB filters protect skin from sun damage.

Prime, protect, and correct in just one step! The revolutionary formula contains DERMAXYL COMPLEX™ for anti-aging benefits and SPF 15 to guard against harmful UVA/UVB rays. 
^^A HELLO MISS NIKI FAVORITE^^

A hydrating towelette that will produce a uniform, natural-looking glow on the skin within two to four hours with one easy application.

This enriched, nourishing body moisturizer cleverly combines serious skincare benefits with a healthy touch of bronze so you can effortlessly achieve a natural looking glow.
^^A HELLO MISS NIKI FAVORITE^^


This easy to use self-tan towelette offers a uniform, natural looking glow with no streaking, mess, or fuss.



Be sure to look for Sephora's Sun Safety Kit next year!!!  If you sign up for their newsletter, you will get notified as soon as its released! 


Have a wonderful Summer everyone, and remember to have fun...but always be sure to protect your skin and yourself!


Have you purchased Sephora's Sun Safety Kit? 
Have you tried any of the products listed above? 
If so, what do you think?  Would you consider trying any of these products?
Lastly, what is your favorite low or high end product to protect yourself from the sun?

Monday, June 25, 2012

5 Ways to Avoid Skin Cancer

Hey everyone.  This is a very different article for me today, as I wanted to share with you a few health and skin care tips to avoid skin cancer.  I just got back from vacation yesterday.  I was in Wildwood, New Jersey for a few days with my mother and sister and while sitting on the beach, I could not help but think about how many individuals took proper precautions to protect their skin.

I am a huge advocate when it comes to skin protection against the sun.  I wrote this article awhile back, but decided to share it now, since its that time of year where people are more prone to being outside.  Just moments before writing this article, I received the news that my father was diagnosed with Skin Cancer…AGAIN!  Two years ago, he had Melanoma on his upper left arm and last year, on his hand.  Unfortunately, we were not shocked by this recurring diagnosis.  Not only is he out in the sun most of the day, but he has light hair, eyes and skin; a completion that commonly attracts Skin Cancer.

More that 3.5 million people have Skin Cancer in the United States, making it the most common form of cancer.  Over two million in that statistic is diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC).  Although treatable, if not caught, Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), the second most common form of Skin Cancer, can be fatal.

While rare in pediatrics, 3% of children cancers consist of Melenoma and has risen 2.9% since the early 1970s.  Skin Cancer in adults is much more widespread, especially in Caucasian males over the age of 50.  Most older adults are very cautious of Skin Cancer due to the fact that as the skin ages, it is common to develop moles and age spots, which can promote concern.

So in what ways can you prevent Skin Cancer?

1)    ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREEN – Choose an SPF of at least 15 and one that not only blocks UVA, but UVB rays as well.  And yes, it is possible to contract cancer of the lip, so always have lip balm on hand as well. I believe anything SPF over 50 is really just as effective as anything lower.  If you see a sunscreen with an SPF of 75, I don't think its any better than an SPF of 45. 


2)  KEEP YOURSELF COVERED – My statement of the season is, “I want a big obnoxious hat.”  I’m not saying that to come across as a Hollywood diva, but I genuinely want to protect myself from the sun; especially since I have a family history of Melanoma, it increases my risk to develop cancer.  To really protect yourself, you can buy clothing that is made from sun protecting fabrics.

Me & my "Big Obnoxious Hat"

3)    CHECK YOURSELF – As I mentioned, it is common to contract moles and age spots after a certain age, but no matter what, always check yourself.  Follow the A,B,C,D,E rule:

Asymmetry – The mole or mass does not look the same on both sides

Border – The mole or mass has blurred or jagged edges

Color – Darkening, spreading, or multiple colors of the mole or mass

Diameter – Be cautious if the mole or mass is larger than ¼ inches in diameter

Elevation – Is the mole or mass raised above the skin and uneven at the surface?


4)    TANNING BEDS ARE A NO NO – Unfortunately, today we have these shows that promote major tanning (::cough:: ::cough:: Jersey Shore).  If using a tanning bed, you can increase your risk of skin cancer by 75%. If you are like me and want a tan, but against a tanning beds and baking in the sun, opt for a spray tan or self tanner (I am no in love with St. Tropez Gradual Tanning Lotion).


5)    SHADE – At the beach, use an umbrella.  The sun’s rays are at its strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM…prime beach time.  Yes it’s a pain to drag a big umbrella through the sand, but just think of the long term benefits.


As you can tell, this is a cause that is very important to me.  Yes, I cam back with a bit of sun burn on my back, but at least I did what I could to protect the rest of my skin.  I am going to do a few blog posts about the importance of skin protection and I will share with you a few products that you can use to avoid sun damage.  Stay tuned for some upcoming videos and products reviews!

For more information about Skin Cancer and how to protect yourself, 
visit The Skin Cancer Foundation at skincancer.org.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Guest Blog #2 With SFR Beauty

I have been asked to write ANOTHER guest review for SFR Beauty.  I cannot begin to tell you how much I love working with them and writing articles for their blog! I am enjoying it so much and I could only hope to team up with them some more and write helpful reviews for all you wonderful readers!!! Well...I certainly hope they are helpful ;)



Thank you so much to SFR Beauty for giving me another opportunity to work with you and trust me in reviewing these prodcuts.  It was a pleasure an absolute pleasure I look forward to parntering up with you again in the future.


Have you ever tried The Secret of the Himalayan products?  If so, what did you think? 
 If you haven't and want to try, check out SFR Beauty for purchasing information. 

Monday, June 18, 2012

Beauty Army Kit - May 2012

Another month...another Happy Girl!!!  This post is a bit late (as was my last review on the May Glossybox), but better I do it now, than not at all!  I need to share my happiness again with the world!! Beauty Army strikes again :)


Check out my video below to see what I thought about this month's products (I think you can tell already that I am quite pleased!

ENJOY!!!


The Products from my Beauty Army Kit


Kellett Skincare 




Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter



Weleda Refining Toner


Atopalm Intensive Moisturizing Cream





Indie Lee: The Body Lotion (Lemongrass)





NYX Provocateur Mascara


So yup...Happy lady...Happy Happy Happy!!! I got to pick out my samples for June yesterday, so I cannot wait to get my kit!  I hate waiting, but in the end, its so worth it!!!

Have you tried Beauty Army???  If not, do you want to???
Do you want to try a beauty box subscription???  If so, which ones???

Sunday, June 17, 2012

My Guest Blog With SFR Beauty

I have had the absolute honor of writing a guest blog post for SFR Beauty.  I was contacted and asked if I would be interested in writing up a review on Island Essence products and immediately said YES!!! 



Thank you so much to SFR Beauty for giving me the opportunity to work with you and trust me in reviewing these prodcuts.  It was a pleasure working with you and I look forward to parntering up with you again in the future.

Stay tuned for another one of my reviews with SFR Beauty COMING SOON...

Have you ever tried Island Essence Products?  If so, what did you think? 
 If you haven't and want to try, check out SFR Beauty for purchasing information. 


Thursday, June 14, 2012

Two More Blogger Awards!

A BIG, HUGE, ENORMOUS THANK YOU to two of the most beautiful and gracious bloggers.  Nicole Webster from Nicole Webster Canadian Beauty and Style Blog and Simera from Beauty Makeup Addict were two of the first bloggers I have met when I first started Hello Miss Niki.  I immediately became fans of their blog and soon enough became friends and we speak via Twitter, Facebook and more on a daily basis.  You ladies are wonderful!  Thank you for your constant love and support!  Nicole awarded me the Kreativ Blogger Award and Simera gave me the One Lovely Blog Award.  


The rules are pretty similar for both, and I am supposed to share 7 facts about me...so here I go!

7 Random Facts:

1) I am extremely close with my family!  They mean the world to me and life wouldn't be what it is without them!

2) I have been married to the love of my life for 2 years and we have the best puppy in the world, my 1 year old black lab, Olive.  They make me so happy!


3) I do not drink caffeinated coffee!  ONLY DECAF!  People think I'm crazy for not needing the extra boost, but it honestly makes me too anxious to function!

4) I collect Willow Tree Figurines from Demdaco.  I have a ton of them all over my house and the full Nativity set that I put out for the holidays.


5) Margaritas are my FAVORITE cocktail!  Original, on the rocks with salt is all I need!

6) I LOVE hot food!!!  I can eat hot cherry peppers and jalepenos like they are candy!

7) I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the holidays!!! I am a total nut, Christmas FREAK!!!  You will see how crazy I am once Thanksgiving rolls around!!!  Blogging around the holidays is going to be so much fun!! HAHA


And there you have it!  Its so difficult to come up with 7 Random Facts.  And now, onto the nominations...


Rules:
Post a link to the blogger who gave you the award.
Answer the questions.
Share 7 random things about yourself.
 Pass to ten bloggers.











CONGRATULATIONS LADIES!!! YOU ALL DESERVE IT!!!



Rules:
Share 7 random facts about yourself
Award this blog to 7 bloggers








CONGRATULATIONS LADIES!!! YOU ALL DESERVE IT!!!

And there you have it!!! I thank each and everyone of these amazing bloggers for all of their love and support! Its always so much fun talking to you ladies!  You never fail to bring a smile to my face!  Its always great talking to people that have their love for cosmetics, beauty and blogging in common!

Have a BEAUTIFUL Weekend!!!

My First Glossybox - May 2012

Yes I know...we are mid-June and I am only reviewing my May Glossybox now.  I still have my Beauty Army Kit review, so as you can tell, I am falling a tad behind.  Better late than never I always say!  Anywho...I got my very first Glossybox and OH MY GOODNESS I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!  I believe I was part of the first edition boxes in the US, but I have been reading reviews from bloggers in the UK who have the Glossybox and I always see such positive feedback.  I was thrilled to see it came to the states and had to get my hands on it.  I was a bit shocked by the price.  I have had the Birchbox at $10 a month, and the Beauty Army Kit at $12 a month, so I was stunned to see a $21 per month box.  I wanted to give it a try anyway and see if it was worth it, and it honestly was!  The products that they sent were well worth the $21, as the one product I received was a sample of a full sized product worth $100.  Furthermore, this was a Glossybox - Beauty Around the World, which means that all the products featured are from different countries; from Italy and South Korea to France and the USA.  I am not sure if this applies to every Glossybox, but I was so excited to try different products that I may not be able to get in the US on a normal day!  




Below is a video about what I thought about my first Glossybox.  I did mention that I was impressed already, but here is a play by play review of each product I received.

ENJOY!!!





Again, here are the products I received, just in case you missed it!
(these photos are not the size I received)

Phyto Masque Express Haute Hydration (France)



Marvis Whitening Mint (Italy)


Burberry Lip Mist in No. 2 Copper (UK)


Amore Pacific Rejuvenating Hydro Gel (South Korea)


Zoya Beach & Surf 2012 Summer Collection in Rory (USA)

* MAKEUP BRUSH I RECEIVED
NOT PICTURED *

So there you have it!!!  I fell into the Glossybox hype and was nothing but pleased!  Not sure if I will do a full video next month.  I have a feeling I may get bored doing videos about it...we'll see.  I will definitely do a blog about it though, since I insist on sharing it with the world  :)

Have you tried the Glossybox?  If so, what do you think?
If no, do you want to try it?
Do you get any beauty boxes?
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