ExNatura Makeup Remover

IMG: © D'Angelo Photo

It is such a compliment and an honor when I gain a new client from another client’s referral. Especially when it’s a new startup business in my hometown of Rochester, New York. I began working with the owner and creator of ExNatura Products earlier this year, to design a logo and packaging for the first in a new line of plant-based cosmetic products.

As a designer, I was excited to work on this project, because the beauty and cosmetic industry has always appealed to me. I'm also a makeup consumer and part of the target audience for this powerful new remover. I couldn’t wait to try ExNatura for myself! 100% plant-based ingredients make this makeup remover safe and gentle, and best of all, it’s effective, without any parabens, carcinogens, toxins or fragrances. How great is that? Perfect for people with allergies and sensitive skin. 

IMG: © D'Angelo Photo

 
I'm thrilled with the logo and packaging and I also helped select the bottle. The look communicates a product that is upscale, on-trend, pure, clean, effective and free from harmful ingredients. 

IMG: © D'Angelo Photo 

ExNatura officially launched this week and is currently available for purchase online at ExNaturaProducts.com You can also look for ExNatura Products on Facebook an Instagram.

Since web design with e-commerce isn’t currently within my wheelhouse, we teamed up with Matt D’Angelo, the creative force behind D’Angelo design. He provided strategy, creative direction, photography, web and social media design, to beautifully showcase and launch ExNatura into the marketplace. 

If you would like to learn more about ExNatura Makeup Remover or to purchase, visit ExNaturaProducts.com

Five Favorite Things

 

NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss, Sugar Pie
Every once in a while, I try new products and if I like them, I think it's worth sharing. I was looking for a new lip gloss, in that perfect "nude" shade. Not sparkly. Not sticky. Not expensive. Carmindy, on TLC's What Not To Wear (one of my favorite shows), always references a "nude lip" when she does makeovers. I found a good one by NYX (new brand to me) that was recommended by an employee at Ulta. It's a nice pale pink/nude color, with barely a hint of shimmer (no obnoxious sparkles), it's not sticky, it smells/tastes like candy, and it was just $4.99

Essie Nail Polish, Peach Daiquri

I also picked up an Essie nail polish while I was at Ulta (I wanted to use my $3.50 off coupon). I recently tried Essie for the first time and was impressed with the quality and durability of the polish, as well as the trendy colors. I normally don't pay more than $5 for nail polish (this was $8) but the coupon helped. Peach Daiquri is a perfect bright pink for spring/summer!

Bath and Body Works, Stress Relief Eucalyptus Tea Body Wash

As you know, I can't get enough of BBW's eucalyptus spearmint scented everything (lotion, body wash, home fragrance, pillow mist, hand soap, I love it all). Now, there's another scent coming in at a close second - eucalyptus tea. Andrew gave me the body wash/foam bath for my birthday and it smells heavenly. So fresh, clean, spa-like. I highly recommend it.

 

Crystal Essence, Mineral Deodorant Roll-On Lavender and White Tea

Normally, I wouldn't be talking about deodorant. But have you read any articles lately about the potentially harmful effects of aluminum in antiperspirants etc.? It feels like I've been on a life long "quest" to find the "right" deodorant (for various reasons), and the idea of something natural, without harmful ingredients sounds really appealing. So, I'm giving this one a try. It's a roll-on with a nice scent, but it does take some getting used to. It's not an antiperspirant, but it does battle odor-causing bacteria. So far, I like it. I've been giving it the sniff test throughout the day and so far so good (I think). 

Ninja Mega Kitchen System 1500
I have my husband to thank for this amazing machine. He really wanted one of these and did a lot of research (and watched the infomercial, repeatedly). I've always loved making smoothies. Lately, "super smoothies" and juicing have become very popular. Healthy recipes and energy boosting drinks include fruits as well as vegetables, protein powders, yogurt - you name it. Our favorite smoothies include frozen fruit (strawberries, pineapple, blueberries, peaches), greek yogurt, orange juice and sometimes spinach. It's a great breakfast, especially since this set comes with to-go travel cups. We also picked this one because it also has a food processor. I've never had one, and now we can make hummus, pesto, dips, dough, and other meal ideas. It was definitely an investment, but we got it at Bed Bath and Beyond with a 20% off coupon. I'm impressed with it's speed and versatility and it's pretty easy to clean.

Things I Like

I've been diggin' a few things lately, so I thought I'd share them with you. First, a very tasty salad from Panera Bread - Fuji Apple Chicken. Or you can get the new Roasted Turkey Fuji Apple. It's got all-natural, antibiotic-free chicken (or roasted turkey), mixed field greens, romaine lettuce, vine-ripened tomatoes, red onions, pecans, Gorgonzola, apple chips and white balsamic apple vinaigrette. Sooo good. And that dressing - yum. 

JCPenny or JCP, has given their brand a complete makeover, including the look and feel of their stores, pricing structure and products. No more coupons needed, midnight madness sales or door busters. They have lowered their prices and they offer month-long values. 

I like their new "fair and square" positioning and revamped marketing. Their commercials, direct mail pieces and store signage are cute and clever. I'm also impressed with their clothing and merchandise. Each time I stop in, I seem to find something I like, and the prices are great. While browsing the sale/clearance rack, I found shirts for $4, dresses for $7 and sweaters for $6. I've even been pleasantly surprised upon checkout to learn that my items were even less than they were marked. Score! Well done JCP. I hardly used to shop there, now you can't keep me away. 

Conair You Curl XL Hair Styling Iron. I bought this curling "wand" a few months ago (from Ulta, when it was on sale) and I really like it. It did take a while to get the hang of using it. There's no clamp like a regular curling iron, so I had to learn to wrap and hold my hair without burning my fingers! It does come with a partial "glove" which I found difficult to maneuver with. 

It helps me get curls/waves like this. Some days are better than others. It does take a bit longer to curl all my hair, especially since my hair is so long. What's great though, is that the heat (up to 400 degrees F!) holds my hair for a long time. I usually still have nice loose waves through the next day. Definitely worth the effort. 

Ulta eye shadow in "Seashell." This is a really nice eye shadow. It goes on silky smooth and comes in over 90 shades! I used my free reward coupon last month to try this color. It's very pretty and perfect for spring/summer.

Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato. I think the chilled version of the caramel macchiato has been around for a while, but I only recently tried it. And fell in love with it. Of course. It's got espresso, vanilla syrup, milk and buttery caramel sauce. Hello! Certainly not an every-day treat, but a once-in-a-while-need-to-indulge treat. Thanks to my gift card.

Five Favorite Beauty Products

Once in a while, I get asked what products I use on my face and hair. Here are five favorites that I use on a daily basis (get it, basis...happy cooincidence).

#1 Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash 
This stuff is great. It really removes all the dirt, oil and makeup. I have tried many kinds of face wash and I keep coming back to this one. It's not heavy and I love the light fresh scent.

#2 L'Oreal Active Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15
After I wash my face, this moisturizer goes on. I shopped around for moisturizers that were light yet kept my face smooth but not oily. This one is my favorite because a little goes along way and the SPF is built in. It goes on like a dream and it's better than expensive department store brands. 

#3 Cover Girl Clean Pressed Powder
I've been using this one for years. Probably since 8th grade. Usually in classic beige. There's nothing like opening a new compact and swiping that soft cotton disc across smooth powder for the first time. Anyone else know what I mean? It's hypoallergenic, won't clog pores and it covers great. 

#4 Maybeline Define-A-Lash Volume Mascara
Can't forget the eyes. I have been a long time connoisseur of mascara and this one is my favorite. In black. I like the brush and I like how it coats my lashes. It's a little tough to take off, but that means it stays put throughout the day. Look for the one in the hot pink metallic tube. 

#5 Pantene Pro-V Fine Hair Solutions Flat to Volume Shampoo and Conditioner
It was like finding an old friend. I used to use Pantene in high school, then I switched to other brands, like Herbal Essences (which is still a good one). When they launched their new formulas and packaging, I tried a sample and was hooked again! The flat to volume shampoo and conditioner for fine hair feels like it was made for my tresses. It looks so healthy and shiny. My favorite part - my hair retains the fragrance long after I have blow dried and styled. I like having good smelling hair. Don't you?