Maegan Mariee | Thoughts & Lifestyle

I have a long, loooong history of dry skin. And this is mostly because of the fact that I never really learned how to properly wash and care for my face when I was younger. Soap and water, that was it. I was never taught to use moisturizers or toners or anything like that. So, needless to say, my skin is now paying for it.

Thankfully I've been able to remedy that by using masks and such, but hydrating your face is still super important and it's not like you can walk around with a face mask on all day. Or maybe you can, I've just yet to see it look fashionable. I was sent Valentia's Royal Rose Hydrating Serum to try and this little bottle boasts a lot of things!

It claims to 'deeply' moisturize the skin, provide antioxidant protection, soothe and nourish dry skin, smooth skin tone and texture, and boost radiance. I put off posting on this product because in the first week of using it, I didn't see any difference in my skin. It was soft after using, of course, and it smelled like roses, but no noticeable changes.

Finally, after two weeks, I have noticed that my skin is less dry around the nose area, where it is the worst, and my dark circles are just a little bit brighter. So, I'd say that this does work, if you're willing to put the money in to try it. If you don't like strongly scented things, I would stay away from it. The rose scent is incredibly strong and while it does go away after a few minutes after being applied, it's enough to give you a light headache. It did for me, anyway.

You can wear this under your regular face primer and makeup and it's great for sensitive skin. I didn't break out or have any kind of skin rashes while using this product. It's also cruelty free!

You can buy Valentia's Royal Rose Serum on amazon or check out their website for more information!

♥

*This post was kindly sponsored by Valencia and BrandBacker!*

Hello all.

What a lazy but hectic few days I've had. It's definitely put a stop to my blogging, killing all motive for me to want to do it. It's something that I hate, but when it happens, I find that there is nothing I can do to stop it. What can you do to really motivate yourself to write? Sometimes I'll look up lists that will give you example titles and content, but I find that none of it really interests me as it should. I like taking things slow and writing when I really feel like it, when the inspiration hits me. This is a way I keep blogging a hobby for me, not a career and not something that's required of me.

I've found that a lot of people go into blogging to make money, and while it definitely is possible and something you can do, I don't think it's something I'd ever really want. Sure, it would be a dream to be able to do this for work, but how long would I be able to do it before I got tired of it and it started becoming more of a chore rather than a hobby? How soon before I run out of steam and have nothing left to write about? In my experience, it might not take long.

A little moody chat for a rainy Wednesday, but it's just been that kind of morning. So for those of you that stick around and pop by my blog to see what's going on, thank you. While it really is just a hobby, it's nice to know that there are some out there that are reading and possibly feel the same. And especially all the love to those that come by my media accounts to say hello, I feel like I've been making friends all over the world right from my bedroom. And those are some of the best kind.

Here, have a photo of me hugging a cupcake bear thing.

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I'm not sure if I've mentioned this, but I have pretty thin hair. And in the winter, it gets crazy static-y. So much so that it's always super annoying and is more than likely tied back. I hate it. So because I have thin hair, I'm always looking for different ways to make it look and feel thicker. I've tried L'Oreal's new thickening hair gel. I've tried OGX Organix Biotin and Collagen shampoo and conditioner, which smells amazing, but didn't have much lasting effects.

If you follow me on Instagram (@ohmy_m) you've seen the picture up above. I teased it because A) the bag is super cute, and B) I'm generally really thrilled with the product I'm about to share with you. It's so so hard for me to get good volume in my hair, not to mention finding something that doesn't smell like you're pouring tar all over your head. (I'm looking at you Neutrogena T/Gel).

HASK has a mint almond oil collection that makes your hair thick but also making it shiny and healthy looking. My problem with some thickening products is that it makes your hair feel weighed down and greasy. I am in love with the shampoo/conditioner combo, because they did just what they said they were going to do. It lifted my hair and made it feel and look thicker. Like it actually had some body to it. They also sent me the thickening spray for the roots, which gives you extra volume.

This is good after you've just come out of the shower and are ready to blow dry your hair. Just shake it, give your roots a couple sprays and comb it in before you dry. It says you can use it on both wet and dry hair, but it gave my hair that greasy and dirty feeling when I used it while dry. So I wouldn't recommend using it with dry hair.

If you want to give this stuff a go and have some amplified hair, you can get the collection here. If you try it out, let me know what you thought!

♥



*This post was very kindly sponsored by BrandBacker and HASK*