Darphynia's Diary

Since having a spinal fusion I have needed to use a laptop stand to keep from constantly looking down.  For years I took one with me, the folding table type, everywhere I went.  I still use it, but now it stays put in the house.  When I would travel, the biggest issue was with its size.  I always had to be mindful of where I sat.  During conferences I would have to make sure using it would not get in anyone's way.  Because the legs angle out, it takes up far more room than it should.  That being said, I loved that the computer would be at the perfect height and that it was relatively portable.  Yes, it was bulky, but it did the job.  Ultimately, I needed one that was more travel-friendly and space-saving.

Our friends at Ethique sent us some amazing zero-waste, sustainable, eco-friendly hair and body care.  Everything they offer comes in compostable/biodegradable packaging, making their products truly zero-waste!  And, a portion of profits go towards charities, such as The Orangutan Project and International Animal Rescue .  If only all companies were as transparent.  Now, on to the review. 1.   Glow Solid Deodorant in Lavender and Vanilla For those of you who are looking for a natural alternative to deodorant, or something new to try out, this block is worth a shot.  This deodorant kept me odor-free all day, and the scent sticks-- well, it did for me.  The soothing lavender and warm vanilla adds to its positives.  The bar also travels well.  I have an old square tin that I pop the bar into when I head to the gym or wherever I travel.  Some natural deodorants don't last.  I've used sticks, pastes, and unpackaged solids. ...

Whether you are going on a road trip, or flying the "friendly skies", the last thing you want is for your liquids to explode.  Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic, but you know what I mean.  You have everything packed, and let's say you're taking a flight, which can be stressful enough.  You get to the screening area, and unless you have TSA Pre-Check, you will need to remove your liquids bag.  Unbeknownst to you, the shampoo cap came unscrewed, leaking product all over everything.  Just when things couldn't get worse, there is a small hole in the bag, and the shampoo has leeched out into the bin.  You're out of shampoo, have to wash out the bag and wash off its contents, and now you have a bin to clean.  There is a line of people behind you, and the feeling of holding people up just adds to the current stress level. Perhaps you've decided to go on a spontaneous road trip with some friends or family, and have placed your liquids in your bag.  ...

A little un-boxing photo, literally. First off, how wonderfully simplistic is Herbivore's packaging?  It's minimal, crisp, and the containers are reusable.  The products are also vegan, natural, and cruelty-free.  For the entire month of August I used Herbivore Botanicals exclusively, with the exception of an added SPF in the morning.  I had read great things about them and wanted to see if their products were really worth the hype.  My day and night routines consisted of:  

First off, a big thanks to Revlon and Crowdtap for the products in this post.  I recently received four face products to help create the perfect photo-ready look:  Revlon Photoready™ Pore Reducing Primer, Photoready™ Brightening Primer ($12.99 and up at Ulta), Revlon Insta-Blush™ in Nude Kiss ($12.99 at Ulta), and a 4-in-1 Blending Sponge ($7.99 at Ulta), (list provided by crowdtap.com ). Left to Right:  Pore-Reducing Primer, 4-in-1 Sponge, Insta-Blush, Brightening Primer.

I have been using Valentia 's Night Revive Retinol Serum for a little over two months.  It is meant to hydrate and rejuvenate skin, while fighting wrinkles, for a youthful, glowing look.  The serum comes with a drop applicator, and has a watery consistency.  The formula absorbs fast, and can be added to your nighttime moisturizer or used alone.  If you choose to apply this during the day, be sure to use an SPF.  You always want to protect your skin. I'm sorry.  I cut of the top of the bottle, but you can see the dropper lid in the photo to the right. Bottle, dropper cap, and serum.

My bottle had a misprinted date.  I did contact them, and everything was worked out. I have been using Valentia products for some time.  This review is for their Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer ($25.00/4oz here ).  Normally my reviews are done after 30 days, but there has been a lot going on, which I will address in a different post.  Therefore, this has been about two months in the making.  After my typical day and night cleansing routine I apply this combined with their Night Revive Retinol Serum.  The pump controls the amount of product dispensed.  Typically I use two to three pumps.  Texturally, this lightweight moisturizer feels similar to a light lotion, and has a slightly citrusy-floral scent.  I don't find that it makes my skin oily after it is applied, but every skin type is different.  This moisturizer absorbs fast, and I have noticed that my face looks more even, but I don't really feel a difference.  Ingredie...

Thanks to RevivSerums and BrandBacker, I was able to try out RevivHair Placode Booster Serum .  My hair is thin, but I have a lot of it.  Due to medications, my hair has been falling out, and I have issues with my scalp.  Whenever the weather changes, my scalp goes crazy, and it takes a medicated shampoo to help things.  This serum is supposed to encourage new hair growth, strengthen hair against breakage, and help problem scalps.  The serum contains various peptides and act ingredients that are meant to revitalize, strengthen, etc.  You can read more about the product here .  The box includes enough for 30 days and a syringe, and you have to use it daily for best results.    

This little box o' happiness  came sooner than I expected. A look inside the box. I recently made a purchase through the Lush UK site.  Even with shipping the products can be cheaper.  Things have changed, so the difference isn't as good as it used to be, but I digress.  About a week ago I bought a few things, and the parcel arrived exactly 7 days after it was dispatched. I'm not sure if every product is unwrapped when it ships, but everything was this time (except for the soap).  When I have placed orders in the past, products were usually wrapped in a cellulose film with an ingredient list sticker.  I digress...  What's in the box?  Well, let's take a look!

In case you didn't know, I L-O-V-E Razer.  They make wonderful, efficient gaming gear among other products.  I have pretty much everything Chroma.  Is it necessary?  No, but it's aesthetically pleasing; plus, there are millions of color options.  Who doesn't love customization?  When the Razer Blade Stealth was unveiled at CES, it won a "Best of CES; Best PC" award.  They then made history, as Razer won their sixth consecutive "Best of CES" award.  I am so proud to know the people behind the brand.   Image courtesy of razerzone.com Image courtesy of  razerzone.com The Stealth currently on sale, which varies in price (i.e. $1,599.99 reduced to $1,449.99 for 512GB, UHD).  Side note:  If you have the student discount, save it.  The current sale price is a better option.  You also get FL Studio 12 included with your purchase.  I was fortunate enough to get one, and all I can say is, "WOW!" ...

LUSH Cosmetics recently launched new hair care .  There are more solid conditioners to choose from, as well as a new solid shampoo and a solid leave-in conditioner.  When I was last in the shop I purchased a piece of Avocado Co-Wash  (3.5oz/$15.95) and Queen Bee  (3.5oz/$16.95).  The shampoo is quite soft and pliable-- much like the old version of Big Conditioner.  You can either pinch a small piece off ands it, or use a whole chunk.  I find that using a larger piece is far easier.  It has a sweet, fruity (almost like Froot Loops or Trix), vinegar smell, but the smell once it is rinsed out is light and slightly sweet.  My hair was left soft, hydrated (not oily), and shiny.  I will definitely repurchase this.  Since it's in the shower and contains a lot of oils/butters, it might melt.  It may also not last as long because of the same reason.  I suggest keeping it in a container and pinching off a small portion.  Lather...

  Face masks are a wonderful addition to any skincare routine.  I love to use them when I'm winding down for the night.  I was able to try out Valentia's new Skin Detoxifying Mask , and I LOVE it!  My skin is not sensitive, and is combination (oily T-zone, and dry around the hairline).  This vegan mask

MAKE Beauty creates professionally formulated skincare and makeup that are user-friendly and "designed for personal experimentation."  You may be wondering what that means.  That means you are able to customize your look and tailor every product to your specific needs.  You can go from barely-there to super-pigmented in just a couple of steps.  Blend, layer, and play to your heart's content.  Their makeup formulas contain high-quality pigments that can be toned down or cranked up, depending on your mood.  Want a no-makeup look?  No problem!  Headed out for a fun night on the town and want a bold, super-pigmented look?  MAKE has all you will need. I was sent a mini eye shadow & mini lipstick to try out (see my Instagram post here ), and I must say that I love both of them.  The eyeshadow is a wonderfully neutral color that looks great by itself or blended with other colors.  Taffy is the color of the lipstick I received...

Image courtesy of Valentia.com Valentia’s Lifting Serum is a lightweight, fast-absorbing cream that contains:   Seaweed extract, lactic acid, and argan oil.   Those are just some of the ingredients that help to make skin look its best.    I have been using this product for approximately 37 days, and have noticed a change in the texture and firmness of my skin.   My face feels slightly lifted, so I am hoping that continued use will yield even better outcomes.   You don’t need a lot during application.   I like to apply one pump after cleansing and toning during the day and night.   I pat it on my face, leave it for a minute, and then rub it in using circular motions.   This travel-friendly product fits easily into the quart-sized bag for carry-on liquids, and the glass bottle can be reused to house favorite ( Valentia ) skincare.   Follow them on Instagram and Facebook .   Try out their skincare, take a photo,...

Image courtesy of valentia.com Valentia has some pretty effective products that are made in the USA and are also vegan friendly.  Their Royal Rose Hydrating Serum is one of them.  It is a lightweight, lightly-fragranced serum that delivers soothing hydration to skin.  I have been using this product day and night for the past 30 days, and am quite pleased with the results.  One pump is all my face needs.  After cleansing and toning I applied one pump of the serum, patted it all over my face, then rubbed it in.  The formula is fast-absorbing and virtually weightless.  I noticed a hint of rose scent, but that quickly dissipated.  Damask rose essential oil is one of the ingredients in the serum, which is known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.  Vitamin B, which reduces sunspots and hyper-pigmentation, is also included, as well as primrose oil for moisture along with its other quality ingredients.  Within the secon...

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...