The Reviewista

I love love love Pacific soups but this oat milk version is not my favorite. I find it bitter. That said, Pacific soups get top marks for the quality and cleanliness of their ingredients, as well as for their incredibly smooth textures. #complimentary #SpecificallyPacific #PacificFoods @Influenster @PacificFoods (at Jersey City, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfuszJ4M2kB/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

After applying the GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum daily for a few weeks as directed, my lashes are fuller and longer. I wasn't seeing much of a change at first and then, one day, BOOM: big lashes. It's hard to replicate the exact same angle and show results in pictures, but I can really see the difference when I apply mascara and these lashes never end. Those are my bare lashes on the picture btw. 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - price is a little steep but the results are impressive #complimentary #GrandeLASHEnergy #BigLashEnergy @Influenster @grandecosmetics (at Jersey City, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/CehjsZes_wy/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I'd heard that macarons are the most difficult pastry to achieve, so when I decided to try and make @kitchenfunwithmy3sons 's cookie monster macarons for my Sesame Street-loving toddler, I knew I might need some help. I got the @my_french_recipe macarons mix from Amazon and a silicon macaron mat and piping tips second-hand from Mercari. Honestly, I think these came out pretty well for a first attempt! The process is relatively simple - you sift the macaron mix in one bowl, you make a meringue by beating 2 egg whites with sugar and food coloring in another, and you incorporate the two before piping them into round blobs on your silicone mat. The macaron halves rest for 15mn before going into the oven for 20-22mn, then they rest again once you take them out so the shells harden. Finally, you pipe a filling of your choice (we went buttercream frosting) on one shell and carefully bring together the second shell to build your macaron. I'll probably try from scratch at some point, but the mix is a great way to make this intimidating cookie for the first time: I give it 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Looks-wise, I'd say my macarons are a 2.5 out of 5 - I overbaked the shells by a few minutes and a lot of them came out with holes on their sides. I still think they're decent enough to serve! And they taste delicious #nomnomnom (at Jersey City, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeJGqmuuaxX/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

These C, D & Zinc gummies I received through Influenster are pleasant to eat, they taste like fruit candy. They are not hard on the stomach which is a plus for a supplement. Did they boost my immunity? I don't know. But I didn't catch any bugs while taking these chews and I do believe in the benefits of good quality supplements. I'll always go the natural medicine route first if there's a chance it will help. @naturesbounty is one of my go-to brands for vitamins and supplements, the price is right and the quality is there. I only wish these gummies were sugar-free as I am avoiding carbs, and packaged in less plastic. 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ #VitaminCDZinc #vitamins #health #supplements #healthylifestyle #healthy #nutrition #minerals #vitaminc #wellness #fitness #healthyfood #healthyliving #vitamin #energy #immunity #natural #vitamind #lifestyle #nutrients #detox #zinc #diet #unfilteredhonestreviews #mamareview #productreview #influenster #voxbox (at Jersey City, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdwurvysJ_a/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I spent the last couple months testing out anti aging skincare products to ward off wrinkles and dullness. Here's a recap of the products tried, and the final Reviewista verdict: 🥁🥁🥁 drumroll 🥁🥁🥁 🧴@theordinary Argireline Solution 3/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐ 🧴@brittanies_thyme hyaluronic acid 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - it can be a little sticky, but gets bonus points for being eco friendly 🧴@pura_dor vitamin E oil 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - this one also gets eco friendly credit, but the eyedropper doesn't work well so I often spill oil 🧴@olay Regenerist Ultra Rich 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - only because the packaging isn't planet friendly 🚨 @youthlab.official red light LED mask 3/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐ 🪡 @sdara.skincare microneedling roller .25mm 3/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐ - good for assimilating skincare products, but doesn't do much in the wrinkles department 🪡 @drpen microneedle stamp 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🩹 @facialsmoothies Anti Wrinkle Strips and Triangles 3/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐ 🪄 @tripollar Stop X 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🪄 @nuface mini 2/5 stars ⭐⭐ Thank you for coming along on this journey with me! I hope it was informative and will save you doing the research and testing for yourself. Drop a comment if you decide to try any of these products! I'm really curious to know how they work for you!! #antiaging #skincare #beauty #skincareroutine #skin #glowingskin #healthyskin #selfcare #skincaretips #skincareproducts #serum #moisturizer #aesthetics #collagen #naturalskincare #antiagingskincare #microneedling #health #wellness #radiofrequency #microcurrent #unfilteredhonestreviews #skincarechallenge #antiagingskincare #wrinkles #momreviews #momsofinstagram (at Jersey City, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcgIjJ6rw0s/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I received a box of at-home hair color from @igkhair and, honestly, I almost didn't try it because I really love the @naturcolorhair color I've reviewed for you guys before. Also, I thought the blonde shade they sent - stay gold baby - would be very unlikely to work on my brunette hair (I'm going for dark ash blonde). But, I received the product for free in exchange for my honest review, so I decided to play along and give it a go. And, I'm glad I did! This hair color has a lot going for it. The box includes your usual - color, activator, conditioner. It also contains some skin protector cream and color eraser, and much better gloves than what you usually get with box color. The product was easy to use, did not irritate my scalp, and had no nasty chemical smell. It is vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free and ammonia-free. A box was just a tad too little for my long fine hair, so the lengths didn't get quite as much product as I would have liked. My fault - the instructions do recommend a second box for long hair. Post treatment, my hair feels a little drier, as you would expect from any color, but not badly so. I actually like that, because my hair has oily tendencies. The color is a little more yellow / less ashy than I would have liked, but not orange which is the risk when you go lighter. My few greys got covered nicely. I wish I'd had more product, as my roots definitely turned out lighter than the lengths, but it's not too bad. For $25 a box I would expect enough to cover any head of hair. Overall I absolutely recommend this product if you find your perfect shade. But for me, I'll stick to Naturcolor for its gorgeous ash shades and lower price point. 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Swipe ➡️ for the before photo. *Instructions and results images credit: IGK color #hairdye #haircolor #hair #hairstyles #hairstyle #haircolour #hairdo #instahair #hairoftheday #hairfashion #longhair #hairideas #darkblonde #hairgoals #style #hairofinstagram #straighthair #longhairdontcare #coolhair #hairtransformation #haircare #reviewista #unfilteredhonestreviews #complimentary #howdoyoucolor @Influenster @igkhair (at Jersey City, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcJw8kZMjAZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I've been away due to Instagram jail... But I know you can't wait to hear the rest of my wrinkles challenge! In week 4, here's what I did: 🧴 Applied @theordinary Argireline Solution, @brittanies_thyme hyaluronic acid, @pura_dor vitamin E oil and @olay Regenerist Ultra Rich in that order, twice daily 🚨 Wore the @youthlab.official red light LED mask 20mn, 3 times per week 🪡 Used a @drpen microneedle stamp on 1mm on my forehead once per week 🩹 Wore @facialsmoothies Anti Wrinkle Strips once 🪄 Did a 10-mn @tripollar Stop X session and a 5-mn @nuface mini session 2-3 times per week The verdict: 🧴 I love my new skincare routine and will stick to it. This is the best winter skin I've had in years. The oil is my favorite! My only hesitation is with the Argireline - I'm not convinced of its efficacy. 🚨 The red light mask didn't convince me. For the price it was worth a shot, but I wouldn't recommend it. 🪡 I really like the microneedling. It's not for the squeamish when you get to this needle length, but it has multiple benefits I can really see, and I happen to heal quickly each time. 🩹 The smoothies aren't doing it for me. I understand their benefit but they don't integrate seamlessly into my routine. 🪄 I am still a big fan of the Tripollar Stop X. However after reading that it can cause fat loss, I decided to only use it on my forehead and crow lines. Fat loss in the rest of the face would make you look aged just as much as wrinkles. 🪄 I was not impressed with the Nuface Mini. First, it's got some known battery issues and the first one I purchased was had to be returned. Once I got my hands on a functional one, I didn't notice a difference on skin smoothness. I think this product is best for tightness, which is not a problem for me yet. That said, as prevention can go a long way, I will keep using Nuface on my jowls to ward off any sagging. I won't, however, use it on my forehead: I get an uncomfortable feeling when I do, like my brain is getting zapped. Scary.. (at Jersey City, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcHUrj6sryv/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

A day late, but happy Spring! Every year around this time I realize I haven't been quite feeling myself and then I remember how prone I am to the winter blues. And every year around this time I feel a sense of euphoria at the long, warm days ahead. The stresses of real life, of a pandemic still enduring and the devastation of the war in Ukraine are still there, but the season brings me hope. I give Spring 5/5 stars every time! What about you? Drop your favorite springtime emoji in the comments if you love Spring too 😎🤸🏻‍♀️💐🍀🌷🌳☀️🐰🐣 #spring #springrenewal #springfestival #happyspring #winterblues #winterbluesbegone #springequinox #mentalhealth #hope #newseason #unfilteredhonestreviews #nofilter (at Jersey City, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbXwwl5rRku/?utm_medium=tumblr

I was a little anxious about trying a toothpaste tablet. I knew I really should make the switch, but I was pretty sure I wouldn't like it as much as the tubes. So this was an awesome surprise! The chewtab gentle whitening toothpaste tablets by @weldental are perfectly as effective as regular toothpaste and I was immediately fine with their taste and texture. They retail in a glass jar with a metal lid, which is awesome, but I went ahead and ordered the refills since I have lots of glass jars hanging around at home. The only downside for me, is I don't find they keep my breath fresh quite as long as some other specially formulated tube toothpastes, but it's probably not the chewtabs' fault and probably has more to do with my bad case of keto breath. 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ #toothpaste #sustainbleswap #ecofriendlyproduct #sustainabletoothpaste #ecofriendlytoothpaste #personalcare #ecofriendlypersonalcare #smile #oralhygiene #unfilteredhonestreviews #momreviews #ecofriendlyreviews #sustainableliving (at Jersey City, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbS37mVrquL/?utm_medium=tumblr

Congratulations @reviews_by_taylor_renee , you are the winner of my first giveaway! You will be receiving a @beetlesgelpolish dip powder starter kit with 6 gorgeous shades. I hope you love it! #contest #giveaway #giveawaycontest #wehaveawinner #winner #dipnails #dippowdernails #dippowder #nailsofinstagram #nailpolish #congrats (at Jersey City, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbFgxpsutbB/?utm_medium=tumblr

I received these ginger chews to try courtesy of @princeofpeaceginger and @influenster. I am prone to motion sickness and had a lot of nausea when I was expecting, so I am no stranger to the benefits of ginger for upset tummies. Now I didn't wait to feel sick to try them -hopefully that doesn't happen anytime soon- so I can't speak to the nausea-easing effects, but I'll give you my thoughts on the rest. The chews come individually wrapped so they preserve well. They are about the size of the top phalange of your pinky finger, and -as their name suggests- chewy. You won't like these unless you REALLY love ginger. They are veeeery spicy. I honestly didn't finish the original ginger, but I did enjoy the lemon flavor. That said, I don't think I would want to take either if I was feeling sick to my stomach. Small detail, but I also don't love that each piece had 4g of carbs including 3g sugar. Original flavor 1/5 ⭐ Lemon flavor 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐ While it is definitely high quality, this product is not for me. When I'm feeling nauseous or before I go on a trip, I pop two of @naturesbounty ginger root capsules and that works well for me. (at Jersey City, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbEM6B8Mk82/?utm_medium=tumblr

I had my first proper eyebrow consultation this week, courtesy of @winkbrowbar (literally - they brought me in for free as part of their brow artist training program). Coming in, my eyebrow care history, just like my eyebrows, was sparse. I overplucked in the early 2000s, never really quite managed to grow them back, and started to get them threaded on a regular basis 2-3 years ago when my wedding makeup artist told me I really needed to. The technicians who took care of me (one student and one teacher I imagine) were so friendly and seemed super knowledgeable. They took the time to discuss my eyebrow concerns, even my skin concerns in general, before giving their prescription: brow shaping (through threading) followed by brow lamination and tinting, to de-accentuate the "meat cleaver" shape -their word- I was sporting, fill in spaces and stretch the hair as fast as it would go, then darken any blonde hairs. They also recommended their brow growth serum which I purchased at the end of the session ($60). They seemed pretty confident that with continued use of the serum, I would be able to forego the brow lamination next time and stick to threading. If not, they're really good salespeople 🤣. The final result took a moment to get used to, because it felt too dark. But after my first face wash, the color seemed to fade just slightly and I started to really dig my new eyebrows. One is not shaped as nicely as the other, but that's really a function of what they had to work with in the first place. >> Swipe all the way right for the "before" photo >> Overall I highly recommend the experience. I would definitely go again, not as a regular treatment, but on occasion (it's $27 for threading, $90 for brow lift and $28 for tinting). --- #archaddicts #browgoals #browlift #eyebrowlamination #hennabrows #browshape #browsbrowsbrows #laminationbrows #browtransformation #browtinting #unfilteredhonestreviews (at Wink Brow Bar) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbBVU1jr0g0/?utm_medium=tumblr

In week 3, I got impatient, so I looked into other at-home anti-aging techniques. I decided to try radiofrequency (@tripollar_official ) and microcurrent (@mynuface ) and ordered some like-new ones from @facebookmarketplace & @mercari for half their regular price. The Tripollar arrived in time for week 3! What I did: 🧴 Applied @theordinary Argireline Solution and @brittanies_thyme hyaluronic acid with @olay Regenerist Ultra Rich am, with @ROC retinol anti aging night cream pm 🚨 Wore the @youthlab.official red light LED mask 20mn, 3-4 times 🪡 Used a @drpen microneedle stamp on .75mm on my forehead and between the eyebrows once 🩹 Wore @facialsmoothies Anti Wrinkle Strips 2 or 3 nights 🪄 Did a 10-mn @tripollar Stop X session 3 times And my impressions: 🧴Still loving the hyaluronic acid. Tough Argireline feels good on my skin, I am not really experiencing a botox-like effect. The retinol night cream makes my skin dry, and I read it's not great with microneedling, so I stop after a few times. 🚨 I'm going in to work more often, and now that I can't just pop the mask on at my desk, I'm not finding the motivation to do it daily. If it's making a difference - I can't really tell. I'll continue to use it a few times a week, because that's supposed to be enough to help. 🪡 My forehead still feels nice and tight, and recovers quickly after the microneedling. I'm pretty sure this is helping! 🩹 I'm not really sure that the effects of these build up over time. Also, they're the opposite of sexy haha. I'll continue to use them until they run out, but I probably won't buy them again. 🪄 The Tripollar Stop X is impressive. It's a little boring to do, but after the first time I saw immediate results, and again the next times, though less noticeably so. It works by warming layers of fat in the skin, which is supposed to tighten the skin and stimulate production of collagen. Week 3 verdict: I don't know if it's really visible in the pictures, because my skin still wrinkles with forced facial expressions but, at rest, my skin looks so much more plump and smooth. Also, it seems to stay hydrated a lot better than before. I'm pumped about the results so far! (at Jersey City, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca_NDgYsjo0/?utm_medium=tumblr

*GIVEAWAY ALERT* I'm so excited to host my very first giveaway as a thank you to my first 2500+ followers. To celebrate, I am giving away the very first product I reviewed for you guys, the @beetlesgelpolish dip powder starter kit in a gorgeous selection of shades. 👇🏻 Here's how to participate 👇🏻 - follow @mariereviewsstuff on Instagram - like and save this post - tag 3 friends in the comments section - *optional* share this post to your stories and tag @mariereviewsstuff for an additional entry 🖋️ The fine print 🖋️ - this contest will end on Sunday March 13 at 11:59pm ET - I will draw a winner from all eligible entries that have completed the requirements above, using a random number generator - unfollowers will be disqualified - I will announce the winner by updating this post and will also DM them to ask for their shipping address - this contest is not sponsored by or affiliated with @beetlesgelpolish Good luck, ladies and gents! --- #giveaways #giveaway #giveawaycontest #giveawaytime #giveawayalert #contest #free #win #freebies #contestalert #freegiveaway #freegiveaways #instagiveaway #contestgiveaway #competition #beautygiveaway #beautycontest #nailsgiveaway #nailscontest #nailsofinstagram #dippowdernails #dipnails #dippowder (at Jersey City, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca54h-mMCiU/?utm_medium=tumblr

Happy #InternationalWomensDay! For a long time I was a woman who doesn't particularly get along with other women. I found it hard to establish and maintain a relationship with another woman, let alone a group of women. It seemed to me women were more difficult, emotional, complicated. In reality, I was just intimidated and misinterpreting the truth: women are determined, compassionate and multitalented. As I got more confident in my own skin, I started seeking and appreciating female friendships. Today, I am so thankful for my support system of strong, intelligent, empathetic women. Never had this been so true since becoming a mom, and receiving the support of other mamas. So this international women's day, I am proud to be a strong woman, raising a strong little lady. Tag one or more amazing women in comments to show your admiration and support 💕 (at Jersey City, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca3gbNRMhEh/?utm_medium=tumblr

I am seeing some results and learning so much about anti aging skincare! Here's a recap of what I did in week 2: 🧴 Applied @brittanies_thyme hyaluronic acid serum am and pm with @olay Regenerist Ultra Rich 🚨 Wore the @youthlab.official red light LED mask 20mn daily 🪡 Used the @drpenusa microneedle stamp on the .75mm setting once 🩹 Wore @facialsmoothies Long Forehead Anti Wrinkle Strips every other night My impressions: 🧴I am still loving the hyaluronic acid, and have started applying it on my (very dry) hands too. For week 3, I'm going to add a nighttime moisturizer @rocskincare Retinol Correction Deep Wrinkle Anti Aging Night Cream. I've used it in the past with some success and I think it would make a good addition to this routine. 🚨 I'm still unsure about this one, but it's easy to wear when I'm working at my desk. So I'll keep at it and time will tell! 🪡 Now that I am using longer needles, I need to rest the skin longer between sessions. My forehead gets red and "angry" looking directly after microneedling, and I may see a few tiny drops of blood. The skin calms down quickly though, and looks completely normal the next morning. I can definitely see and feel my skin working to repair itself after a session and I think the results will add up with time. I may increase the needle length to 1mm for week 3. 🩹 My skin is really smooth after using the strips overnight, but it soon returns to its wrinkled state. I get the concept of preventing your muscles from making the movement that indents the wrinkles, so I'd love something that helps achieve this during the day too (can't exactly walk around with what looks like scotch tape on my face). I was recommended @theordinary Argireline Solution to that effect, "the next best thing after Botox", so I think I'll give that a try. Week 2 verdict: my skin is feeling quenched and soft, the wrinkles have slightly improved but I can tell it's short term and I'll have to persevere in order to see lasting results. Stay tuned for week 3! #unfilteredhonestreviews #skincare #skincarechallenge #antiagingskincare #antiaging #wrinkles #momreviews #momsofinstagram (at Jersey City, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/CalabLosOs6/?utm_medium=tumblr

I'd been feeling a little all over the map recently, and what really helps when I am feeling this way is to have a clean and organized home. I'd recently added a couple of new (second-hand) pieces to my wardrobe, so I knew it was time for a closet purge and dresser reorganization. I am so guilty of cothes-hoarding thoughts like "but this has sentimental value" or "it may come back in fashion" or, the classic "I'll fit into it again one day", so I tried to be ruthless and only keep things that I've actually worn in the past few months. After a wardrobe purge, I separate the rejects into 3 piles: 👕 High value, good condition items: try to make a couple bucks! List them on @mercari , @poshmark or @facebookmarketplace 👗 Any value, good condition items: donate or pass them on. I find charities can be really selective about the clothes they take, so I post my unwanted clothes on @buynothingproject 👖 Any value, poor condition items: use as rags, or recycle via a private clothing recycler Aaaaaah, I feel better already :-) #closetpurge #closetorganization #mariekondo #reusereducerecycle #earlyspringcleaning #unfilteredhonestreviews (at Jersey City, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/CafcjtcFp36/?utm_medium=tumblr