Darphynia's Diary

Image courtesy of valentia.com Image courtesy of valentia.com I have been using Valentia's True Glow Eye Cream twice a day, and their Plumping Hydration Mask once a week for the past 30 days. Sorry for the flash!  A close-up of the product. We will start with the hydration mask first.  I am a sucker for a good mask.  There are so many on the market that promise dramatic results, but don't really deliver on their promises.  I used the plumping hydration mask once a week after my normal cleansing routine .  Texturally the mask is a bit like a pudding/jelly hybrid.  It goes on cool and smells a bit sweet (fruity & floral) and medicinal.  For those who are more sensitive to scents, this may be a bit overpowering.  I left the mask on for 15 minutes, and then rinsed it off with warm water.  My skin felt tighter and was more hydrated after the first use, which was much needed.  The weather since D...

OZ Naturals has some pretty effective products that won't "break the bank".  I had a chance to test and review their Super Youth Eye Gel .  It is vegan, cruelty-free, and great for all skin types.  The pump allows to you get as much (or as little) product as you need.  At first I was taken aback because it has an oceanic smell to it.  That is due to the kelp and algae extracts in the product.  The eye gel also contains plant stem cells, peptides, and acid blends.   The gel is opaque, fast-absorbing, and non-sticky. The pump allows for controlled dispensing. It can take 30 days or longer before results being to really show, so I applied the product day & night for one month.  After my cleansing routine I applied a small amount under each eye and used a dabbing motion to make sure it sunk in.  The product absorbs quickly and stays matte.  I have dark circles under my eyes, so I was excited to finally try out somet...

So I have been reading a lot about the possible benefits of turmeric and coconut oil on teeth.  I wish there were more studies on the effects of the two on whitening, cavities, and tooth decay, but currently there are very few.  I love the both of them because turmeric is good for digestion (and I've been having some GI issues lately) plus fresh turmeric is amazing in everything, and coconut oil is incredibly versatile.  I made a pasty mixture of coconut oil and turmeric to see what the results will be on my teeth.  Instead of replacing real toothpaste for the mix during morning and night brushings I will use the paste at night only, and then follow it with my normal mouthwash ( ACT ). Coconut Oil + Turmeric.  Smells great, looks awful. I am going to try this for 30 days starting tonight, and will post the results at the end of my trial.  What are your thoughts on the use of this for teeth?  Do you have any DIY concoctions? Stay beautiful!

Why we don't talk about something that is a normal process for most bodies is beyond me.  Once a month (give or take depending on your body) the female body goes through menstruation until it ends.  The first time I ever had a period was at my grandparents house.  It is something I will never forget because I was wearing white shorts and it was around Christmas.  Of course, right?  Anyway, I used to have the worst cramps.  I couldn't take Pamprin or Midol because, to be quite frank, it would make the clotting ten times worse, so I just lived with it.  As I got older the cramps stopped and were replaced with lower back pain throughout the duration of my period and sore breasts the week before.  The sore breasts were a sign that it was approaching, which I guess was a good warning.  Within the last year that has changed, too.  I still have the lower back pain and breast sensitivity, but now the cramps have decided to make a return.  T...

It is hard to believe that Downton Abbey has come to an end.  Tomorrow night the finale will air in the US.  I have already seen it, though, and I must say that it was quite a satisfying ending.  I promise not to include any spoilers.  Just know that loose ends were tied and they filmed in such a way that there could be reunion specials in the future.  By the way, I really hope they do have at least one reunion in the future.  Even though Downton Abbey was not a historical drama, viewers witnessed changes in fashion trends, class systems, women's rights & women in business, and the toll war takes.  The historians for the program did their best to ensure accuracy.   How often do you find a show where the characters pull you in in such a way that you feel a part of things?  Quite rarely, I've found.  When Sybil was killed off, it was the first time I ever cried during a TV program.  Then Dan Stevens left the show, and ...

A friend of mine introduced my to YSL's Touche Eclat complexion highlighter years ago, and I was instantly a fan.  The product is a splurge at $42.00 a pop, but works extremely well.  YSL recently released a line of color neutralizers in violet, green, and bisque ($38.00/each). Image courtesy of sephora.com Image courtesy of sephora.com Image courtesy of sephora.com I received a neutralizer in green, courtesy of Influenster, to try out.  The creamy, unscented formula is not sticky and will stay put all day.  It is also matte, so no extra oiliness, and it is very lightweight.  A little goes a long way, and my under eye circles and redness nearly disappeared.  You can see how well the product mutes out my skin tone, so imagine that on problem areas.      Sorry for the fingerprints! I kept cleaning the package, and still... The tube out of the package. Click the button at the bottom to dispens...