Hello, beauty enthusiasts! This week’s edition comes to you after what has been a rather slow and challenging week for us. Both Cameraman and I have been under the weather, battling a nasty bug that’s kept us mostly bedridden. Unfortunately, this meant not many beauty buys or exciting updates.

I always thought that days spent in bed would feel like a mini-vacation, but this week has proven that idea completely wrong. Even the dogs are feeling the effects of our illness, with their routines disrupted and fewer playtimes than they’re used to. They’ve been giving us those sad puppy eyes all week! The good news is that as of today, we seem to be on the downside of this bug and are starting to feel better. Here’s hoping we’ll be back to our normal selves soon. I jokingly blame Cameraman for this since he always seems to bring bugs back from his trips!

Despite being under the weather, I still wanted to bring you the latest beauty news and updates. We’ve got some intriguing stories for you this week, from salon owners battling legal issues to the importance of Vitamin C in your summer skincare routine. Plus, learn why Botox for under-eye bags might not be the best idea and get an update on FDA warnings regarding certain aesthetic procedures.

This week’s giveaway winner is Tabitha. Congratulations, Tabitha! We've sent you an email with all the details on how to claim your fabulous prize. Last week’s winner, Elinor H., got in touch, but due to our illness, Cameraman hasn’t made it to the post office yet. Your prize will go out soon, Elinor! We’re still trying to reach the winner from two weeks ago whose mailbox is full. If we don't hear back by next week, we’ll be giving away two prizes!

Thank you all for your continued participation and support in our giveaways. Keep an eye on your inboxes for more chances to win and exciting updates! Let’s dive in and see what’s new in the beauty world this week!

Joke of the Week:

Q: Why did the serum always bring a notebook?

A: Because it wanted to take notes on all the fine lines!

Juicy Beauty News:

• Salon owner 'exhausted' by legal battle with L'Oréal
  A salon owner says she has been left exhausted by a long-running legal battle with global cosmetics giant L'Oréal.

• Why Your Skin Needs Extra Vitamin C in the Summer
  We all know that collagen plays an important role in keeping skin looking supple, firm, and strong. But it also goes without saying that there are plenty of external factors that frequently test the limits of all-important collagen in our skin.

• Here’s Why Botox for Under-Eye Bags Isn’t a Great Idea
  …But getting Botox for under-eye bags isn’t always the best treatment to help you look more awake and refreshed, since it can come with some risks and side effects—and, spoiler alert, just isn’t the most effective solution out there.

• FDA Warns Against Using Renuvion/J-Plasma Device for Certain Aesthetic Procedures

  … using this device has not been determined to be safe or effective for any specific procedure intended to improve the appearance of the skin.

• Mother, 40, who spent £800 on treatment to get rid of her 'droopy' eyelids reveals how it made her face dramatically swollen and her skin even MORE saggy  
  A mum splashed £800 on therapy to tackle her ‘droopy’ eyelids and eyebags - only for her whole face to balloon up for parents' evening.

👀 What did I buy this week?👀

Don’t tell Cameraman!

• Portable Red Light Therapy Device for Nose, 650nm Red Light Nasal Therapy Device with Probe
  

• AnteAge Growth Factor Serum
  

• Athleta Salutation Capris
  

• obagi blue radiance peel

  (Purchased from TJMaxx online)

About the Dogs

This week, our furry friends had a rather uneventful time as both Cameraman and I were sick. However, Cameraman did take them for a few car rides to keep their spirits up and give them a sense of adventure. During one of these rides, they encountered a pack of llamas being walked around. We have no idea what that was about, but the dogs were very interested and curious about the unusual sight.

Even though their routines were disrupted due to our illness, these little outings helped keep them entertained. Gabby, Lincoln, and Ike are all looking forward to getting back to their usual activities as we start to feel better. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we recover!

Winner of the Week - RNW - DER. BLANC Shining Toner

This toner is wonderful for most skin types including skin with signs of hyperpigmentation, Melasma, and PIH. What I also love is how affordable it is- $20! It is fragrance free which makes it a nice option for those sensitive to scents. The nice part of this toner is that it is friendly for dry and oily skin. For brightening ingredients it contains: Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Licorice Root, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tranexamic Acid, and Acetyl Glucosamine. The Shining Toner also contains a nice variety of amino acids, soothing ingredients, and antioxidants. If you haven’t tried it yet check it out at:

Yesstyle: https://ystyle.co/6B7K

Use Rewards Code NOBSBEAUTY for an additional discount!

Loser of the Week - Skincare Marketing

After doing reviews on skincare and beauty products for several years I must say I have grown tired of some of the marketing tricks they use to sell beauty products. That being said, I’m sure the marketing specialists are probably some of the highest paid positions within beauty brands (aside from the formulators and the CEO’s). Some words and marketing phrases I have gotten tired of seeing, because they mean nothing: Activator, Dermatologist Tested, Non-Comedogenic, Natural Fragrance, Clean, Natural, Medical Grade, Non-Toxic, Chemical Free, etc.

These words literally mean nothing because these terms are not regulated and there is no oversight for these sales terms. There are a few terms that are regulated, one of them is Organic. This is actually a regulated term, if you remember a few years ago the brand “Truly Organic” had to change their name to “Truly” because their products are not organic, and in fact they weren’t even manufacturing their products. Instead they were purchasing overstock and relabeling them in fun jars with fun product names.

Brands Doing Good - Lush

This may not be a personal favorite brand of mine due to the fragrance in most products, however, this is a fast growing beauty brand. Lush recently made its debut at Ulta Beauty with a nice list of products for sale! They have been giving back to the community for a while and in a variety of ways. Lush has been known for their ethical sourcing of products, and also helps causes for human rights as well as animal rights.

Lush At Ulta

In Case You Missed It

8.1 July Skincare & Beauty Product Empties 🙌 What I've Finished This Month!

8.7 Please Think Twice Before You Consider This Popular Cosmetic Treatment - This is Bad!

This weeks giveaway

The winner is Tabitha