Lifestyle

Healing a Relationship With Yourself and With God While Navigating the Trauma of Spiritual Abuse

May 19, 2021 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

For the last several years I’ve been on a personal spiritual journey. I’ve been discovering what I believe and why I believe what I do. Spurred on by finding myself frustrated by different difficult situations in my church community, I found myself broken and questioning. I don’t yet have all the answers that I am looking for. The journey has had its ups and downs and twists and turns. Along the way, my beautiful kind sister, Sarah has been instrumental in helping me to navigate.

Today I am sharing a piece so graciously and eloquently written by her from her heart. She put into words what’s been knocking around my head and heart for months and years!

SarahAheron | lookingjoligood.blog — My beautiful kind sister Sarah Aheron

At the risk of vulnerability, I feel compelled to share this.
Over the past few years, I have participated in multiple conversations and shed many tears with people from different walks of life who have been deeply affected by spiritual abuse. Books, websites, podcasts, conferences, and even whole ministries are devoted to helping those who have experience with it.
For those of you who have no experience with this kind of abuse, praise God, but please be aware that the person sitting beside you in Bible study, worshipping behind you in service, or praying next to you in life group may be dealing with deeply seeded wounds planted by spiritually abusive systems, doctrines, and/or leaders. And for every person still struggling to engage in community with other believers after having experienced spiritual abuse, there are countless more who physically cannot enter a church building without reliving trauma.
“Whether subtle or obvious, spiritual abuse is a form of trauma that undermines your relationship with yourself and with God.”
The Allender Center defines spiritual abuse for their “Confronting Spiritual Abuse” conference as, “The use of religious or spiritual power and authority to control, coerce, or perpetrate harm. In many ways, spiritual abuse is a distortion or exploitation of God’s power and authority to manipulate or control others’ bodies, personhood, relationships, and autonomy through shame and fear. Spiritually abusive systems and organizations and spiritually abusive people use religious texts, theologies, and practices to harm relationally, emotionally, and physically.”
Spiritual abuse, as defined here, is the very antithesis of 1 Timothy 1:7-10, where we read,
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.”
The gospel is redemptive. It heals, restores, transforms, forgives, empowers, and frees. So, brothers and sisters, if you have suffered or are currently suffering, not for this gospel’s sake, but at the hands of some other gospel; please know that there is hope and healing as we rest in faith through the grace Jesus Christ displayed in his ultimate sacrificial suffering on the cross.
You are not alone on your journey. You belong. You are wanted...not for how well you perform; how hard you work; how consistently you attend gatherings; how connected you are; how committed you are to institutional standards; how well you dress; how intensely you serve, how eloquently you speak; how much money you give; how well-behaved your children are; how glowing your reputation is; how well you fit into a mold; how talented, gifted or educated you are; how dedicated you are to a cause…but you are wanted because you are accepted in the Beloved. Chosen. Adopted. Redeemed.
I know our healing journey may be long, and unsteady; but I believe the “Confronting Spiritual Abuse” conference may be a place to start or rest along the way.

In many ways, spiritual abuse is a distortion or exploitation of God’s power and authority to manipulate or control others’ bodies, personhood, relationships, and autonomy through shame and fear.

Thank you, Sarah for your contribution.

Click HERE to register for the Confronting Spiritual Abuse Event.
Confronting Spiritual Abuse Event is a one day, online event taught by trauma-informed specialist Rachael Clinton Chen.

Stop by and visit my Instagram page @lookingjoligood. Generally, I post pictures of food, plants and puppies, but there are pictures of makeup and beauty products as well.
I would love for you to follow me on Twitter and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good.
I would also love to follow you on Instagram and Twitter as well, so let me know your user name in the comment section below!

Lifestyle

Happy, Mother’s Day 2021…

May 8, 2021May 8, 2022 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

Happy, Mother’s Day…
To some, like me, Mother’s day is a day of happiness and celebrations. Some of us feel surrounded by love on Mother’s Day. We have wonderful mothers and grandmothers and are blessed with great children.

That is not the case for everyone. Some people view Mother’s Day as a painful reminder of loss. Loss of a mother or grandmother, loss of a child, or loss of a relationship, loss of a dream, or loss of expectations. Seeing others celebrate might exacerbate those feelings of loss.

So for today, I am saying “Happy, Mother’s Day…”
to those who are Mothers 💐
to those who are Mothers to be💐
to those who lost Mothers💐
to those Mothers who have lost children💐
to those women who are step-mother’s 💐
to those women who are longing to be Mothers💐
to those women with difficult Mother relationships💐
to those women with difficult child relationships💐
to those women who have chosen not to be Mothers💐
to those women who are dog and cat Mothers💐
to everyone who is celebrating their Mother💐

Happy Mother’s Day

Stop by and visit my Instagram page as well @lookingjoligood. Generally, I post pictures of food, plants and puppies, but there are pictures of makeup and beauty products as well.
I would love for you to follow me on Twitter and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good.
I would also love to follow you on Instagram and Twitter as well, so let me know your user name in the comment section below!

Love and Life

The Best Way to Prevent Bankruptcy

April 9, 2021April 9, 2021 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 speaks about what happens when things are done without love…

If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.
If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.
If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
(The Message Bible: emphasis added by me)

So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

1 Corinthians 13 4-7 goes on to tell us what true love looks like…

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

The Best Way to Prevent Bankruptcy Is By Being Loving In All You Do.

The Best Way to Prevent Bankruptcy | lookngjoligood.blog

Lifestyle

A Canal or A Reservoir: Do not try to be more generous than God

March 30, 2021March 21, 2021 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

“The man who is wise, therefore, will see his life as more like a reservoir than a canal. The canal simultaneously pours out what it receives; the reservoir retains the water till it is filled, then discharges the overflow without loss to itself. … You too must learn to await this fullness before pouring out your gifts, do not try to be more generous than God.”
“The Two Operations of the Holy Spirit”
Bernard of Clairvaux, a 12th century French abbot, a reformer of the Cistercian order

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all three. I would also love to follow you on Instagram and Twitter as well, so let me know your user name in the comment section below!

Make up · Tips and Tricks

Is Your Makeup Application Actually Causing You To Look Older? Five Tips To Add Vitality Back Into Your Makeup Routine

March 26, 2021March 14, 2021 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

Recently, side parts and skinny jeans are being made into an enemy as a tell tale sign of someone’s age. I love skinny jeans and will alway be rocking a side part no matter what age I am. The truth of the matter is, there is absolutely nothing wrong with aging. Personally, the older I get the more I appreciate life!

While I think mature skin is beautiful, and age is truly just a number, there is no reason to make yourself appear older than you are due to makeup application techniques.

Makeup application is an extremely personal thing, if you love the way you look after you apply your makeup keep doing it exactly the way you have been. However, if you are interested in creating a more youthful appearance, here are 5 tips on ways to avoid making yourself look older than you actually are.

Five Tips To Add Vitality Back Into Your Makeup Routine | lookingjoligood.blog — Five Tips To Add Vitality Back Into Your Makeup Routine

Tip 1: Moisturize your skin and neck:

You will never regret giving your skin some extra care. Even if you have oily skin, moisturizing is essential! Moisturizers are used to improve the skin’s hydration, so instead of thinking about it as the oils it produces, think of it as the water content in the skin. If not properly moisturized, even oily skin can get dried out. Dried out oily skin will in turn only trigger your body to produce more oil. It is a vicious cycle!

If your skin is tired, oily, dry, and cracked your foundation will sink into those lines giving your face an older appearance. Cleanse, tone and moisturize your face every day!

One of my favorites has always been Cerave moisturizing cream $13 for 16 oz.

Another cult classic has always been Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel $27 for 4.2 oz.

Cerave Moisturizing Cream | lookingjoligood.blog — The life-changing moisturizing cream that only costs $13

dramatically different moisturizing gel | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com — The life-changing moisturizing cream that only costs $13

Tip 2: Choose the correct color of blush:

I LOVE blush! It is one of the magical makeup products that can be applied quickly and simply, yet will instantly add brightness and life to your face.

Adding blush to the apples of your cheeks can give the face a lifted look, but blush can quickly go from magic to tragic if you choose a color that is the wrong shade. Depending on your skin tone, a soft peach or rosy hue can add a youthful glow to the face. Choosing a shade that is too dark can make the face look dull and tired.

Two of my current favorite blushes are TARTE Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush $29 USD (available in 12 permanent shades and occasionally some temporary shades) and the ESSENCE Satin Touch Blush $3 USD (available in only 4 shades) One of my favorite blush brushes,The Wet N Wild blush brush, costs less than $2 USD and comes from the drug store.

Tarte blush | lookingjoligood.blog — Photo credit: Ulta.com

Essence satin touch blush | lookingjoligood.blog — Photo credit: Ulta.com

Tip 3: Choose the correct eyeshadow finish:

The term “eyeshadow finish” describes the texture and appearance of the shadow. There are 5 basic finishes: matte, satin, frost, shimmer, and glitter. The finish of the eyeshadow will affect several factors about the shadow: the ease of use, color, pigmentation, and overall result of the final look.

When in our teens and twenties we can get away with almost every type of makeup look, on the other hand more mature skin often reacts differently to the different finishes. Just because skin is more mature doesn’t mean shimmers and glitters have to be completely avoided, it just means they have to be used in a more intentional way.

Personally, I LOVE glitter, sparkles, and shimmer, everything shiny catches my eye. I now use glitter, sparkles, and shimmer on the center of the lid and in the inner corner of the eye. Matte shades used as transitions and in the crease help to frame the eyes. Strategically placed shadows can draw attention away from sagging lids giving a lifted appearance.

One of my favorite all matte palettes is the urban decay naked ultimate basics and the Tarte Clay Play Face Shaping Palette. Don’t want to spend $30-45 USD on an eyeshadow palette? Try out the ELF Mad for Mattes Palette. It is only $10 and has 10 all matte shades.

Tarte Clay Play Palette | lookingjoligood.blog — Tarte Clay Play Palette

Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Palette | lookingjoligood.blog — Tarte Clay Play Palette

e.l.f. Eyeshadow Palette -Mad for Matte lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Tip 4: Don’t use a heavy hand when applying eyeliner:

Using a heavy-hand when applying eyeliner almost always gives an older look no matter what age you are. Think back to your 15-year-old self, when trying to make yourself look older, what was the first thing you did? If you are like me, you probably applied a thick line of black eyeliner around your entire eye.

To appear more youthful, instead of lining the entire eye with a dark eyeliner, start your line in the middle of your upper eyelid, working your way out and thickening it slightly as you go. If you want to line the bottom of your eyes, try using eyeshadow instead of liner. Using an eyeshadow to line under the eye instead of a eye pencil gives a softer appearance to the eye look. The shadow will still add detail to the look without adding weight to the eyes.

Let’s compare these two pictures: Would you believe that in the first picture I am about 5 years younger than I am in the second picture.

This dark liner around and under my eyes adds weight to the under eye area making me look older than I am.

Laura Joli | lookingjoligood.blog — This dark liner around and under my eyes adds weight to the under eye area making me look older than I am.

Tip 5: When choosing your lipstick shade, choose shades that are closest to the darkest part of your lips:

Losing fullness and pigmentation in the lips is something that naturally happens as we age. While nude lip colors are quite popular and some shades are beautiful, choosing a nude shade that is too close to your skin tone can cause your lips to blend into your skin causing a loss in your natural lip line. Instead, choose shades that are closer to the darkest part of your lips to keep a more youthful look to the entire face.

I recommend the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipsticks. With 3 different finishes and 87 shades to choose from (yes, that’s correct, 87 shades!😮), there’s definitely a perfect shade for you! You can read all about how much I love the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipsticks by clicking HERE.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick | lookingjoligood.blog — Revlon Super Lustrous Lipsticks shade 764 On The Mauve crème finish

There is nothing wrong with getting older, but there is no reason to make yourself look older than you are.

Makeup application is an extremely personal thing, if you love the way you look after you apply your makeup keep doing it the way you have been. If you have learned something today and make a change, I’d love to hear about it in the comment section below. Let me know if you try out these tips and what you think of the results!

If you like what you see here check me out on Instagram, @lookingjoligood. Generally, I mostly post pictures of food, plants, sunsets, and occasionally puppies, (what can I say, I love what I love!) There are also plenty of pictures of makeup and beauty products as well.

*Some of the above links are affiliate links

Make up · Review

Unbelievable Iconic Revlon Super Lustrous $8 Lipsticks Available In 87 Shades

March 19, 2021April 22, 2022 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood5 Comments

Sadly I haven’t been wearing lipstick much due to wearing a mask whenever I am out of the house, 😷 That hasn’t stopped me from buying new lipsticks. 💄 Revlon has been making these super lustrous lipstick for what seems like a million years. My super stylish almost 90 year old grandmother has been wearing Revlon Super Lustrous Lipsticks for as long as I can remember. #nostalgia

While they are sold in several different finishes like matte, and pearl, the crème formula is my favorite. It has a comfortable feel that doesn’t dry out the lips as some lipstick formulas can. There is no overpowering scent either. There is nothing I hate more than when a lipstick looks and feels amazing but has a terrible strong scent that gives me a headache.

With 87 different shades to choose from (yes, that’s correct, 87 shades!😮), there’s definitely a perfect shade and finish for you!

While searching through 87 shades can be a bit daunting, here is a good place to start with some of their most famous shades:
Rum Raisin (535) a creamy medium berry,
Fire And Ice (720) a creamy hot pink-red,
Cherries In The Snow (440) a creamy fuchsia,
Pink In The Afternoon (415) a creamy pink-peach,
Toast Of New York (325) a creamy bright auburn
Kiss Me Coral 750 creamy red-orange

The five lipsticks pictured below are some of my favorite Revlon lipsticks.

Softsilver Rose (430) pearlized bright silver-pink
Sassy Mauve (463) creamy deep pink-purple
Rum Raisin 535 a creamy medium berry,
Primrose (668) creamy rose-pink
On the Mauve (764) creamy violet mauve

Another shade I love is Rose Velvet (130) creamy brown-rose. It totally gives me retro 90’s vibes without the full on brown lips that look as if I just ate a chocolate fudgesicle. Aaaah, the 90s!

Rose Velvet (130) creamy brown-rose | lookingjoligood.blog — Rose Velvet (130) creamy brown-rose

The shade 430 Softsilver Rose in Pearl finish has a special place in my heart because it is my grandmother’s go to shade.😘

430 softsilver rose in pearl finish | lookingjoligood.blog — 430 Softsilver rose in pearl finish

Here is how Revlon describes its Super Lustrous Lipstick:

“The #1 lip brand in America!* This iconic lipstick is the perfect combination of high-impact color in a super-moisturizing formula.
Color that’s truly addictive to wear; we use microfine pigments so the shades are vibrant but the feeling is lightweight
Buttery—only better—thanks to all the hydration in these lipsticks
The formula is infused with vitamin E and avocado oil
This lipstick does not cake (because we only like cake when it’s baked)
91 amazing ways to play with cool, classic, and trendy colors, in 2 finishes: cream and pearl
Simply swipe on this lip color and you’re good to go“
www.revlon.com/

You can check out all 87 available shades and finishes of Revlon’s super lustrous lipstick on their website by clicking HERE, at Target by clicking HERE, or Walmart by clicking HERE. You can visit their Instagram page by clicking @Revlon.

While you are over on Instagram, stop by and visit my page as well @lookingjoligood. Generally, I post mostly pictures of food, plants, sunsets, and puppies, but there are lots of pictures of makeup and beauty products as well. 😉
What about you? Do you own any Revlon super lustrous lipsticks? What is your favorite shade? Do you notice any scent to the lipsticks? Did you have any sensitivities or irritations? Let me know in the comment section below.

*Some of the above links are affiliate links

Delicious Recipes

Cinnamon Topped Brown Sugar Muffins Recipe

March 16, 2021March 14, 2021 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood3 Comments

I’ll take any excuse I can get as a reason to bake! Today’s confection is brought to you by wanting to use these super cute Boston Terrier baking cups sent to me by my fellow Boston Terrier lover Angie! She is the sweetest, I appreciate her sending me gifts!

️These Cinnamon Topped Brown Sugar Muffins are delicious, super quick, and simple to make, I just have to share! 🧁🥰 Click download to print a copy of the recipe for yourself.🥰🧁

cinnamon-topped-brown-sugar-muffins-recipe Download

Cinnamon Topped Brown Sugar Muffins | lookingjoligood.blog — Cinnamon Topped Brown Sugar Muffins

Cinnamon Topped Brown Sugar Muffins Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1tsp cinnamon
2tbs white sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Grease or line 20 muffin cups with paper liners.
Combine cinnamon and white sugar, set aside.
In a large bowl, stir together the brown sugar and butter Add milk, egg and vanilla stir to combine. Add the flour, baking soda and salt and mix just until incorporated.
Divide the mixture between the prepared muffin cups, about 2/3 full each.
Bake in your preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown and the tops springs back when lightly pressed on with your finger.

super cute Boston Terrier baking cups | lookingjoligood.blog — Cinnamon Topped Brown Sugar Muffins

Lifestyle · Review

The Skin Brightening Effectiveness Of Vitamin C Serums

March 12, 2021February 15, 2021 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood8 Comments

Since I haven’t been wearing makeup as often during this time of staying home and mask wearing, I’ve been focusing even more on skincare. I love skincare and fully believe that the most important part of any makeup application is well taken care of healthy skin. While certain aspects of skin health are out of our control, there are certain things we can all do to improve the health and look of our skin, like daily sunscreen use, moisturizing, and always removing makeup before going to bed.

When filling out a beauty survey that asks what is my main “skin concern”, I always check the box that says dark spots/skin discoloration and dull skin. While some of these issues are from years of sun exposure while not wearing sunscreen, the usual cure for brightening skin is Vitamin C serums. I want bright skin! Over the years I have used a lot of different Vitamin C Serums, a lot! I’ve used expensive ones, inexpensive ones, and all kinds of in between priced ones too.

Let me give you a quick run down of some of the ones that I have tried recently…

Cerave Vitamin C Serum
Skincare Radha Rosehip Oil
Yes To Grapefruit Glow Boosting Daily Exfoliating Tonic
Asterwood Naturals Vitamin C
Vitamin c serum from Derma-E
Drunk Elephant C-firma day serum
*Some of the above links are affiliate links

cerave Vitamin C Serum | lookingjoligood.blog — cerave Vitamin C Serum

Cerave Vitamin C Serum 1 fl oz for $20 USD I have always had great success with the majority of the Cerave products that I have used. When it comes to Vitamin C serums this one is priced pretty middle of the road at $20, and it works well. I always thought it had a bit of a strange scent to it, but from reading other reviews and talking to others that have used it, I think that is just the way it smells. I have purchased this serum several times.

skincare rosehip oil | lookingjoligood.blog — Skincare Radha Rosehip Oil

Skincare Radha Rosehip Oil 4 fl oz for $15. This is a great price for the amount of product, $3.75 USD per ounce. Since it is an oil, it can breakdown some foundations and face products, so it definitely doesn’t work well underneath makeup. I usually used it at night as part of my overnight skincare routine. Over time it added some brightness to my skin but because of the heavy sticky feeling on my skin it is not my favorite.

Yes To Grapefruit Tonic | lookingjoligood.blog — Yes To Grapefruit Tonic

Yes To Grapefruit Glow Boosting Daily Exfoliating Tonic 4 fl oz for $15 While technically not a vitamin c serum, this tonic boasts that it will brighten the skin while making it glow. Every night when I use this tonic, it always gives my skin a bit of a tingling stinging feeling. I use this tonic every evening after I double cleanse my skin before I moisturize and put on serums. I have used about half of the bottle, so far I haven’t noticed a large enough of a difference in the texture and brightness of my skin to justify the added step in my skincare routine.

Asterwood Naturals | lookingjoligood.blog — Asterwood Naturals Vitamin C

Asterwood Naturals Vitamin C 1 fl oz for $13 I purchased these ones over and over again. They have the classic vitamin c hot dog water scent to them. While I did enjoy these serums at the time that I was consistently using them, I haven’t repurchased them in a while.

vitamin c serum from Derma-E | lookingjoligood.blog — V itamin c serum from Derma-E

Vitamin c serum from Derma-E 2 fl oz for $20 USD I started using it in May and just finished this bottle and I have already purchased another one to replace it. It has a nice light scent and doesn’t feel oily or weighty on the skin. It can be worn well under makeup and includes hyaluronic acid. I think it is a good product and I’m looking forward to continuing using it.

C-firma day serum | lookingjoligood.blog — Drunk Elephant C-firma day serum

Drunk Elephant C-firma day serum 1 fl oz for $80. I faithfully used this every single day for five months until I had used the entire bottle… I noticed some slight brightening to my skin, but overall I did not see enough of a difference to justify that high of a price point for something that I can get a similar quality product at a much lower price.

Overall, do I think that Vitamin C serums brighten the skin the way they promise…yes and no. With consistent use, I have noticed that my skin has a nice look to it. Have I noticed any lightening and brightening of sun discoloration, age spots, and dark spots?…No, not really, at least not an overwhelmingly noticeable difference that I would continue to pay large amounts of money for.

Out of all the vitamin c serums I have used which one do I recommend…drum roll please… I prefer the Vitamin c serum from Derma-E with a close second runner up Cerave Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C serums can be all over the place when it comes to pricing. Just because a product costs more does not mean that it is more effective. The derma-e product is a quarter of the price of Drunk Elephant C-Firma, while twice the amount as the Skincare Radha Rosehip Oil per ounce.

The best advice I can give you when it comes to brightening the skin and decreasing premature age spots…

Use sunscreen daily to prevent sunspot and premature aging

Use Suncreen | lookingjoligood.blog — Use Sunscreen

If you like what you see here check me out on Instagram, @lookingjoligood. Generally, I mostly post pictures of food, plants, and puppies, (what can I say, I love what I love!) There are also plenty of pictures of makeup and beauty products as well. 😉

What about you? Have you used any vitamin c serums? Did you notice any difference? Did you have any sensitivities or irritations? Let me know in the comment section below.

*Some of the above links are affiliate links

Empties

One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure…More Accurately, One Woman’s Trash is Full of Beauty Treasures

March 5, 2021February 14, 2021 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

Coincidentally, it always seems as if I run out of everything at the same time! All of a sudden I end up with a bunch of empty beauty product containers on my bathroom counter. Since I write a beauty blog I am forced to save them all and take a photo of them all together and also individually so that I can tell you all about my beauty empties, you’re welcome. 😉

Empties | lookingjoligood.blog — One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure…More Accurately One Woman’s Trash is Full of Beauty Treasures

In this post I don’t plan to give an in-depth review of each of these beauty products, but instead I will do a speed review while also letting you know if I have already repurchased, or plan to repurchase each product, or if I have since found something that I like better. I have tried to link everything when possible. If you are wondering, I purchased the majority of these products at Target, Walmart, Amazon, and Ulta.

Are you ready? It’s going to be a long one! Let’s talk trash…

Skin and Co Whipped Cleansing Cream
Murad Resurgence Rapid Collagen Infusion
Colgate Whitening crystal mint
Nivea Moisture Lip Care
Aveeno positively radiant 60 second in-shower facial
Trader Joe’s Facial Toner
Aussie 3 minute miracle
Dr Teal’s Rejuvenating Eucalyptus Body Lotion
Cerave SPF 30 Facial Moisturizing Lotion
John Frieda Brilliant Brunette
Caress body wash
Derma-E Vitamin C
Yes To Grapefruit Tonic
Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Kids Extra-Moisturizing Detangler
*Some of the above links are affiliate links

Skin and Co Whipped Cleansing Cream 3.38 FL oz $26 USD at Ulta Beauty I was so sad to finish this cleansing cream. It has a nice smooth texture and a light pleasant scent. It leaves my skin feeling clean and smooth without over drying or leaving a greasy feeling. I loved this so much that I cut it open so that I could used every single drop of the product in this tube. I have already repurchased this cleansing cream.
10/10 Recommend

Murad Resurgence | lookingjoligood.blog — Murad Resurgence Rapid Collagen Infusion

Murad Resurgence Rapid Collagen Infusion 1 oz for $79 USD. It is a light non-greasy formula with a lavender scent. I am not a fan of the scent, but it isn’t overwhelming or overpowering and doesn’t linger the way the scent of some facial products do. Murad boasts that this product will improve the look of the skin in two hours…I’m not sure why they would lie like that, but after consistent use of this product I feel like it’s made a difference in the look and feel of my skin. At $79 for 1 oz, this product is not cheap! Is it totally worth the high price… maybe, did I repurchase it, yes.
10/10 Recommend

Colgate Whitening crystal mint 4.6 oz $1 USD at Dollar Tree. I have extremely sensitive teeth, because of that I cannot use many types of toothpaste. I switch between this Colgate Whitening crystal mint toothpaste and sensodyne pronamel toothpaste (4 oz for $6 USD). I’ve been using them together for about three years and haven’t noticed any increased sensitivity to my teeth. Yes, I have already repurchased this toothpaste.
10/10 Recommend

nivea lip care | lookingjoligood.blog — nivea lip care

Nivea Moisture Lip Care 4.8 g $3.50 USD for a double pack. I’ve been using this moisture lip care for years. It is smooth in texture and is unscented. I have been repurchasing this nivea lip care for years… that is until I accidentally purchased the Vaseline Original Lip Therapy (4.8g $0.97 UDS) Vaseline one is in the same exact blue and white packaging, it is a very similar product, but I like it just a little bit more than the Nivea one.
I still 10/10 Recommend the Nivea Moisture Lip Care, but I have been repurchasing the Vaseline Original Lip Therapy instead.

Aveeno positively radiant | lookingjoligood.blog — Aveeno positively radiant

Aveeno positively radiant 60 second in-shower facial 5 oz for $8.50 UDS. I am a believer in exfoliating the skin. I’ve used all kinds of different types of exfoliants. This one is great because it leaves my face feeling smooth and looking “radiant” and fresh after I use it. It gently exfoliates my face without any sensitivity or over drying. Yes, I have already repurchased this Aveeno positively radiant 60 second in-shower facial.
10/10 Recommend

Trader Joes Facial Toner | lookingjoligood.blog — Trader Joes Facial Toner

Trader Joe’s Facial Toner 4 oz for $4 USD. This spray is hydrating and refreshing with a light not overwhelming rose scent. I use it twice a day every single day. I have repurchased this over and over again.
10/10 Recommend.

Aussie 3 minute miracle | lookingjoligood.blog — Aussie 3 minute miracle

Aussie 3 minute miracle 16 fl oz for $5.50 USD I love this stuff! It makes my hair feel so soft and smooth! It is thick and creamy. It is infused with avocado and jojoba oil which gives it a nice light fruity scent. I prefer this conditioner over many of the high-end more expensive hair conditioners that I have used. I have repurchased this over and over again.
10/10 Recommend.

Dr Teal's Body Lotion | lookingjoligood.blog — Dr Teal’s Rejuvenating Eucalyptus Body Lotion

Dr Teal’s Rejuvenating Eucalyptus Body Lotion 18 fl oz $5 UDS. Back a while ago when I was in physical therapy for my hurt arm I used to take a lot of epsom salt baths, and I feel in love with the Rejuvenating Eucalyptus scent of the bath salts. I purchased this lotion because I enjoy the light pleasant fresh and clean scent. It is a thinner consistency lotion that sinks into the skin quickly. While I don’t necessarily think it is the best lotion I have ever used when it comes to the softening of my skin, I enjoy the scent. I have already repurchased this lotion.
7/10 Recommend.

AM Daily Moisturizing Lotion with 30 spf by Cerave | lookingjoligood.blog — AM Daily Moisturizing Lotion with 30 spf by Cerave

You can read all about how I feel about this Cerave SPF 30 Facial Moisturizing Lotion by clicking HERE I have already repurchased this lotion several times. I love it, I use it every single day. I will alway be repurchasing this Cerave SPF 30 Facial Moisturizing Lotion.
10/10 Recommend.

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette | lookingjoligood.blog — John Frieda Brilliant Brunette

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette 8.3 fl oz for $12 USD. I’m getting to the point in my life where I have some gray hair but not really enough that I need to start consistently dying or coloring my hair. While I don’t necessarily think that this colour deepening conditioner has made any difference in the amount of gray hairs I have, I love the way it makes my hair feel and smell. I still have just as many gray hairs, but I have also repurchased this, I really love the scent.
1/10 recommend for colour deepening, 10/10 for scent and conditioning

Caress body wash | lookingjoligood.blog — Caress body wash

Caress body wash 18.6 fl oz for $5.30. This used to be my absolute favorite body wash…then they changes the scent and formula. I still like it, I don’t love it the way I once did. A few years ago I wrote a post all about how much I loved this Caress body wash. You can read all about it by clicking HERE. So, long story short, since I am super sensitive to scents and this one doesn’t give me headaches I have continued to repurchased it, and will continue to repurchase it.
The original scent and formula 10/10 Recommend…. the new scent and formula 6/10 Recommend

Derma-E Vitamin C | lookingjoligood.blog — Derma-E Vitamin C

You can read all about how I feel about this Vitamin c serum from Derma-E by clicking HERE In that post I shared about how I feel about vitamin C brightening serums in general and which ones I prefer the best out of all the ones that I have tried. While I do like this tonic I have not repurchased this at this time.
8/10 Recommend.

Yes To Grapefruit Tonic 4 fl oz for $15 USD As with the Derma-E Vitamin C, you can read all about how I feel about this Yes To Grapefruit Tonic by clicking HERE. I shared about how this one works as well as how I feel about vitamin C brightening serums. While I do like this tonic I have not repurchased this at this time.
6/10 Recommend.

Shea Moisture Kids Detangler | lookingjoligood.blog — Shea Moisture Kids Detangler

You can read all about how I feel about this Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Kids Extra-Moisturizing Detangler by clicking HERE I have already repurchased this detangler over and over again many many times.
10/10 Recommend.

Have you made it this far? Good for you for sticking it out😉

Like what you see here? Stop by Instagram, and visit my page @lookingjoligood. Generally, I post mostly pictures of food, plants and puppies, but there are pictures of makeup and beauty products as well. 😉

What about you? Have you used any of these products? Did you love them hate them? Did you repurchase any? Let me know in the comment section below.

*Some of the above links are affiliate links

Review · Tips and Tricks

The Top Four Secrets To Keeping Your Long Hair Healthy

February 24, 2021February 25, 2021 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood4 Comments

For the majority of my teens and twenties…and thirties… I kept my hair styled in a short above the shoulder bob. For the first time in years, I have long hair. Until recently, I had not been concerned with heat protection, special brushes, or detanglers, now keeping my hair strong and healthy is a high priority.

Here are my top four secrets I have adopted to keeping my long hair strong and healthy.

Laura | Lookingjoligood.blog — My current long hair

Protect your hair when it is most fragile
Hair is the most fragile when it is wet. Do not dry off your hair with a towel. The rough friction caused by the towel can cause fragile hair to break. Wrapping your wet hair on top of your head in a heavy towel can also put unnecessary pressure on your hair causing breaking to those fragile hairs around the hairline. Instead, I recommend using an old t-shirt to wrap your hair in. It is not only lightweight, but also surprisingly absorbent. I also recommend getting a brush specifically made for brushing wet hair. While there are several different types and brands, I recommend the one from the brand The Wet Brush.

Wet Brush | lookingjoligood.blog — The Wet Brush

2. Protect your hair from heat
Over time using heat to style your hair can cause hair damage giving the hair a dry and brittle appearance. Heat can also cause breakage and split ends, making it harder for your hair to lie flat. To get your hair back to its healthiest and shiniest, always use a heat protectant when heat styling your hair.
On the recommendation of YouTuber Jessica Braun (@jambeauty89 on IG) I purchased the Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Kids Extra-Moisturizing Detangler. She has long beautiful shiny hair. While it is marketed as a kids product it has done wonders for my hair. When I use this spray I am even able to let my hair air dry without it looking frizzy or greasy. When I am heat styling my hair, it not only detangles, but also acts as a heat protectant. The detangling spray along with the Wet Brush used together are amazing at smoothing out and easily gliding through wet hair precteting it while most vulnerable!

Another heat protectant I absolutely love and recommend is the L’Oreal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Sleek It Iron Straight Heatspray $4 for 5.7oz. My hair is soft, shiny, and super smooth every time I use this spray. It claims to protect hair up to 450 degrees!

Loreal Blow Dry It Quick Dry Primer Spray | lookingjoligood.blog — L’Oreal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Sleek It Iron Straight Heatspray

3.Use a silk pillowcase and silk hair ties
If you are anything like me, you move around a lot while you are sleeping. All that friction between your skull and pillow can wreak havoc on your hair. I suggest buying a silk pillowcase. The smooth silky texture causes less friction which in turn causes less breakage. Another way damage and breakage can happen is from hair ties. I have been wearing a silk scrunchie whenever I pull my hair back, especially at night when I’m sleeping. I feel like these little silk changes have made a big difference in the health and strength of my hair. You can find the Mulberry Silk Bed Pillowcase I chose by clicking HERE. The nOir Jewelry Ombre Leopard scrunchies I have been using came in a set of three. Click HERE if you’re interested in purchasing a set for yourself.

nOir Jewelry Ombre Leopard scrunchie | lookingjoligood.blog — nOir Jewelry Ombre Leopard scrunchie

4. Stop using shampoo
The biggest change that I made… I stopped washing my hair with shampoo. I know, I know, you might not be convinced or want to try it for yourself. I still condition my hair daily when I shower, but about two years ago I stopped using shampoo. This little change has made a big difference. My hair has never been shinier, stronger, or healthier since I stopped using shampoo.

Here is a list of some of my favorite conditioners:
SheaMoisture Treatment Hair Masque for Extremely Dry Hair Manuka Honey and Yogurt
Aussie 3 minute miracle
John Frieda Brilliant Brunette
Shea Moisture Manuka Honey and Yogurt Conditioner

What about you? Do you have long hair or are you growing out your hair? Have you tried any of these methods to protect your hair? Did you notice any difference? Let me know in the comment section below.

Like what you see here, stop by Instagram and visit my page @lookingjoligood. Generally, on Instagram I post mostly pictures of food, plants and puppies, but there are pictures of makeup and beauty products as well. 😉

*Some of the above links are affiliate links

Looking Joli Good

Kindness is beautiful!

Tag: make up

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