Hello, beauty enthusiasts! Welcome back to the 20th edition of our newsletter. With July 4th just around the corner, we're excited to celebrate with you by sharing the latest updates, tips, and personal stories from the ever-evolving world of beauty and skincare. This week, we’re continuing our Thursday morning release schedule, and we hope you enjoy the change!

Here's what's on tap for this week:

- Beauty News: Stay informed with the freshest developments in the beauty industry. From exciting product launches to important market trends, we’ve got all the news that's fit to print. Highlights include Johnson & Johnson facing a new class action over talc products, a study revealing only 11% of Americans use sunscreen, and the latest on injectables and snail slime skincare.

- Winner and Loser of the Week: Discover which beauty products dazzled us and which ones didn’t quite make the grade this week. It’s all about honest reviews and keeping it real here!

- What Did I Buy: Get a sneak peek at my recent beauty acquisitions. Find out what new products I’ve added to my collection this week, including some repurchases and exciting new finds.

- About the Dogs: Our furry friends, Ike, Lincoln, and Gabby, have had quite the week! From enjoying spaghetti to lounging around and splashing in Grandpa’s pool, their antics never fail to bring joy and laughter to our lives.

- In Case You Missed It: Catch up on our recent YouTube uploads. We’ve got plenty of new content filled with tips, tricks, and in-depth beauty insights that you won’t want to miss.

- Microneedling: Learn about my recent microneedling session and the positive effects it has had on my skin, from reducing hyperpigmentation and melasma to fading scars and fine lines.

- Manicure of the Month: I had my nail technician paint my nails with a chrome look. I actually bought the chrome powder online and had her apply it. Years ago, I tried this myself, but what she can do is much more impressive than when I try to “play” nail tech!

- This Week’s Giveaway: Congratulations to this week's winner, Cierra K.! Remember, just by being subscribed, you're automatically entered to win our fabulous beauty goodies. And a quick reminder to last week's winner, Jeremy H.: please check your email and claim your prize!

Thank you for joining us once again. Your support and enthusiasm are what make our beauty community so vibrant and special. Let’s dive in and see what’s new in the beauty world this week!

Joke of the Week:

Q: What did the copy machine say when it spilled it’s skincare?

A: Oh no! That was my toner!

Juicy Beauty News

• JOHNSON & JOHNSON FACES NEW CLASS ACTION OVER TALC PRODUCTS
  

• Only 11% of Americans Use Sunscreen, Study Shows
  Are you part of the small percentage?

• Is exposure to pesticides associated with biological aging? A systematic review and meta-analysis
  Exposure to pesticides is a risk factor for various diseases, yet its association with biological aging remains unclear.

• Injectables Are Trending—and We Know Why
  Fillers and neurotoxins are having a major moment.

• Snail Slime to the Rescue with RoyeR Cosmétique

  RoyeR Cosmétique is unique in that its skin care is made with organic snail slime collected fresh from its snail farm in France!

• Why your make-up may not be as recyclable as you think it is
  From materials to shapes and more, Cosmetics Business discovers why cosmetic packaging might be rejected in recycling facilities and what you can do about it

👀 What did I buy this week?👀

Don’t tell Cameraman!

• Regimen Lab Level Serum (repurchase)

• Regimen Lab Vitamin X Serum (repurchase)

• Paula’s Choice 4% BHA Pore Refining Treatment

• Paula’s Choice Lip & Body Treatment Balm (for my dad)

• Medik8 B5 Intense Liquid Hydra Serum

About the Dogs

This week has been eventful for our furry friends! They all enjoyed a special treat of spaghetti, which was a big hit. Lincoln, true to his unique personality, has taken to lounging on the back of the couch like a cat, finding the highest and most comfortable spot to oversee everything. When he's not perched on the couch, Lincoln has been enjoying some free time in Grandpa's pool, splashing around and cooling off. Meanwhile, Ike, always aiming to be at the center of attention, has been sleeping in his favorite spot in the house where he can be most in the way. It's his special way of ensuring he's never far from the action, although he’s not too thrilled with his new shoulder brace. We've been starting slow with it to help him adjust.

Gabby, on the other hand, has been loving all the extra cuddles, especially from Cameraman. She’s spent a lot of time sitting in his lap, soaking up all the attention. Gabby has also been enjoying the warm weather and a few delightful car rides! Over the weekend, Gabby and Lincoln hung out on the deck at Grandpa’s house, enjoying the fresh air and each other's company. Unfortunately, Ike had to stay home to rest his shoulder, but he made sure to find the most inconvenient spot to nap, keeping everyone on their toes. Despite the challenges, their antics continue to bring endless joy and laughter to our lives.

Winner of the Week -
The North Face Horizon Hat

I cannot believe I have made it 30+ years of my life without this hat! Truth be told, if I had this hat I can almost guarantee that most of my melasma, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation probably wouldn’t exist. The last couple of years I’ve made it my habit to wear this hat whenever I’m outside for any length of time, and especially in the sun! What I love about this particular hat is that it comes in two sizes (I have a very small head… almost like Beetlejuice, lol) so the small size is perfect. It also has some light elastic so it is less likely to be blown off in the wind. The other feature of this hat is the opening in the back which is made with the ability to put your hair in a ponytail right through the opening. Comes in a variety of colors, my favorite being black.

At Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cLVIF9

Loser of the Week -
Gift Cards…

Over 23% of US consumers have either given or received a gift card that did not have money on them. These cards have been drained using a so-called “draining scam.” Even up to 60% of traffic to gift card websites have been identified as malicious bots. Be very cautious where you purchase gift cards and if possible, purchase them from the company you are buying the gift card for. It has also been recommended to pay for these with a credit card so you can use your bank as a recourse in case the card has been drained. There are no foolproof ways to totally prevent this but some of these can lessen your risk.

In Case You Missed It

6.27 Beauty of Joseon Skincare 🆕 New! Jello Skin Face and Body Massage Cream Review - JELLOSKIN?!?!

6.28 Geek & Gorgeous Skincare New!🆕 Power Peptides Face Serum Review, How to Use, and Dupes

6.29 Versed Skincare Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye Balm Review - Crow's Feet, Dark Circles?

6.30 How to Layer Peptides with Active Ingredients & Get the Most Benefits Your Anti-Aging Products

7.1 May Empties - What Skincare & Beauty Product Empties I've Finished This Month

7.2 Skinfix 🆕 barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Hydrating Gentle Gel Cleanser Trial Test and Review

7.3 Best Water & Sweat Resistant Sunscreens with Strong Protection 🌞 SPF's to Prevent Aging This Summer

Microneedling-

Last Friday my esthetician microneedled my face in an attempt to help fade the years of hyperpigmentation and melasma.  She uses a brightening serum in conjunction with microneedling to help brighten up the skin, especially my forehead.  I have experienced melasma for over a decade, especially on my forehead and cheeks.  A few scars on my face also seem to have faded from the treatment as a bonus.  Scars from a car accident and a few from playing with a hairdryer when I was a baby (?!?!?) have lessened in appearance.  Microneedling can also help with fine lines and wrinkles.  I highly recommend seeking an experienced esthetician or dermatologist if you are thinking of having this done. It is one of the better anti-aging treatments that can have longer lasting benefits as opposed to injectables or even lasers. When done correctly, micorneedling is less risky than lasers and the benefits last longer than filler or botox.

Manicure of the Month:

I had my nail technician paint my nails with a chrome look.  I actually bought the chrome powder online and had her apply it.  Years ago I tried this myself,  but what she can do is much more impressive than when I try to “play” nail tech!  

What I purchased is here at Amazon:  https://amzn.to/4cs79lR

This weeks giveaway

The winner is Cierra K.