Category Archives: Beauty

Prime Day!

Beauty, Fashion, Fun, Home, Shopping, Tech, Uncategorized, Vacation, , , ,

Get out ya wallets! It’s PRIME DAY!

Some of my absolute favorite items are on a deal this Tuesday & Wednesday – July 16-17 so grab ’em while they’re still here!

For Lounging around the house –

Krispy Kreme K-Cups for your Kuerig – 5% off so you’re ready to cruise the rest of these items

Goody’s Powder – for your hubby when all the boxes start showing up, he’s gonna have a headache, backache, etc. from lugging all your new stuff inside.

I absolutely LOVE this 3-light level lamp, It was super easy to put together – just plug and go! It’s adjustable so if you’re crafting, creating, etc. – it’s an awesome option and it’s 70% off for Prime Day! ($20.98). I put this desk together all by myself too! (insert proud emoji) It came with all the tools necessary; screws, wrench, etc. and has a built in plug on the desk face for easier access. Just make sure you put it in front of your wall plug and plug it in! And if you need some super light & fun earrings like you see in the photo – Check out my Etsy Shop (MelMaid)!

HOLY Heavenly comfort – this knit matching set is THE most comfortable thing I’ve put on my body this year. I have it in Blue, but the Kakhi and Black are on Prime Day deal for $19.35 (63% off!)

My other home lounge clothing option has a little more free-flow to it, this smooth and soft Katfan is AMAZING for that just-out-of-the-shower-lotion-ed-up-treat-yo-self night. PLUS it’s $24 (20% off!).

This Long Line Sports Bra is SO comfortable weather you’re actually working out, or didn’t really want to put on a full bra & shirt. I’ve worn this with so many different outfits and it’s lightly padded already.

For the People to see – Work & Resort Wear

I have these pants in both black AND pink. They are a heavier quality fabric, but I get SO many compliments every time I wear them. They have an awesome side “cargo” pocket in addition to ACTUAL hip pockets, but are still formal enough to wear to the office. They’re $31.99 (30% off) I’ve also thrown this belt on with them for the perfect little detail $11.91 (20% off)

If you have hair long enough to put back in a ponytail, you HAVE to check out these KooShoo brand hair ties, headbands, and scrunchies. They’re a small husband/wife company who makes sustainable hair accessories! Organic, Biodegradeable, and Plastic free. While I have fine hair, I have a lot of it, so I love the wide flat hair ties ($7.99 for 5 – 20% off), the thick rounded ones ($10.39 for 8 – 20% off) , AND the headbands (not on prime day deal but $9.99) are perfect for my pea-sized head to stay on for a full rigorous workout.

Need a light and flowy outfit for that Island Vacation? This 2-piece set is oh so comfortable, doesn’t stick to you (I sweat), and may get a few admiring whistles as you walk by. I wore this in Jamaica in early January and was handing out the link to everyone who complimented it! $31.49 (30% off!) – I’m a curvier girl with a bootay – I ordered an XL with hip measurement of 50(ish).

With 4.3 stars out of over 23,000 ratings – this dress can’t be wrong for the price! $27.99 (20% off) for your free flowing casual maxi-dress.

I love a one-shoulder moment – with a smocked top and the billowing tiers – This dress may be your go-to for after beach fun, Sunday brunch, or just going to Target! $29.98 (39% off!)

I am OBSESSED with this swimsuit – I already have it in 2 colors, AND I’ve purchased another for my sister. It’s the perfect coverage and support while remaining comfortable. Just remember to put your sunscreen on under the mesh stripes or you’ll come out striped like Tony the Tiger!! $15.19 (20% off)

Feel like throwing something on quick that’s a Halara dupe?! This tennis dress has built in shorts & pockets on both hips for easy running around. The only downside, is that it’s a full piece, so yes – you will have to take the whole thing off to pee. I actually wore this for my Wedding Rehearsal/walk through & while getting hair & makeup done! It worked perfectly under my Etsy found tulle glamour robe. So What if I’m *extra*. $30.39 (20% off)

For the Ladies –

Have you heard all the stories coming out about tampons recently? Little scary huh? You know what’s less scary?! Swapping over to a cup, I did it a year ago and OMG has it changed my life. Thanks to another scuba diver for urging me to try it – I like this brand (I tried a few; diva cup, saalt, and Peachlife) and found that this PeachLife Inc. version has the best options size-wise and comfort wise (flexibility of the silicone) for me. Why not give it a try for the same price as a box of tampons? 12-hour wear, no TSS complications, NO it’s not going to get “lost” UP THERE. I haven’t had any leaks or massacre hands yet either. The little o-ring at the pull makes for the easiest removal of all the options I tried. $14.24 for one (25% off!)

Have those baby flyaway pieces that bug you all day? This Hair Wax Stick is perfect to give you that slicked back look without having to pull out the 80’s gel. My husband even uses this for his hair – he’s growing it out 😉 4.3 rating out of 43,000+ users can’t be a glitch – Prime day deal for $7.58 (24% off)

Another 33,000+ users influenced me to purchase these bottle cleaner tabs 6 months ago – THANK GOODNESS. We have an old camping coffee thermos that is the DEVIL to get to the bottom of – no scrubber wand is long enough! But these babies?! heck yea they work. $7.59 on Prime Day (5%)

For the Gents –

Guys, we know you work hard – sometimes we can just smell it. Do us a favor and pack some of these in your toolbox? DudeWipes – 5% off on Prime Day ($8.53 for a 3-pack)

Ready for that Summer pearly white smile? Crest 3-D White Strips 35% off meaning you could be THIS CLOSE to a whiter smile for $29.99. Or in the words of Mitch Hedberg – I’ll just get a tan instead.

Guys – we know you love your hats (we do too!) and to keep them fresh without that sweat line between the bill and your forehead – try these bad boys out. A Sweat Liner that prevents stains, and Odor. Just don’t forget it’s in there if you throw your hat in the wash… it won’t work after that wash session. $20.00 for 3 (20% off)

Don’t get stuck with a dead battery! This car jump starter is compact enough to be stashed under the seat and will save you when your car battery dies in that inopportune moment. We have one and we’ve used it for ourselves and friends/strangers more than once. 2500Amp jump starter for 8.0L gas and 7.0L Diesel engines. $59.46 (37% off – perfect Christmas gift!)

Tech –

Ladies, again… why is it that when we move in with someone – we become the keepers of EVERYTHING inside the house? I don’t know about you, but my husband would lose his head if it wasn’t attached. Wallet? Keys? Hat? pfft, good luck finding those if I’m not home. We’ve used the Tile slims in his wallet for a a while now – it connects to your phone and gives you GPS coordinates but these battery replaceable Samsung Galaxy SmartTags are fabulous for our keys. $68.19 for 4 (32% off – *adds to cart*)

Need a little extra counter space or outlet accessibility? The one-stop shop for your Amazon Echo, plus 5 regular outlets, 3 USB outlets, and 1 USB-C space wall charger. Make it your Tech/gadget charging corner without taking up that oh-so-cluttered countertop. Or for that extra desk space in your office.

With a Dog who’s FAVORITE phrase is “Car Ride?” this little magic eraser Portable Bissell is a LIFESAVER for our car upholstery. I also tested it on dining room chairs for my mother, and small spots on our carpet. I LOVE the compact-ness of this thing and have realized my age when I get excited about cleaning supplies. You’ll love it too. $81.99 (34% off)

Add a little Fairy Magic to your yard! These oh so cute fairy Solar Garden Lights come in a 4-pack for you to place around your space. $23.73 on a lightning deal (41% off)

We love our security! And Ring Devices are just one of the few items on the Prime Deals! Blink cameras (indoor/outdoor) are also available! Both require a subscription to keep your photos/videos – but it’s worth it for peace of mind.

Ring Floodlight Cam with Motion Sensing – $119 (40% off)

Ring Video Doorbell – $149.99 (35% off)

Ring Battery Doorbell – $99.99 (33% off)

Ring Spotlight Cam – 109.99 (35% off)

Blink Outdoor 4 Camera System – 5 cameras, wireless, with 2-year battery life! $159.99 (60% off!)

For your Body/Skin

PUT. ON. THE. SUNSCREEN! And use one that doesn’t include these terrible chemicals which are wrecking our oceans/water sources. Stream2Sea is one of my absolute FAVORITE companies – they are a Florida Based company with an amazing female founder/CEO. Her background in chemical engineering has allowed her to create these amazing mineral formulas to help our oceans and are safe for your skin. If you miss the Prime Day Sale, you can still get 10% off by using the code DiveIn or using my affiliate link here! There’s also a BOGO 50% off Coupon! Put the items in your cart and add the coupon PRIMEDAY to cash in! Some of their items on sale are:

Leave-In Conditioner (SMELLS SO GOOD) – Pack of 3 travel size $13.56 (20% off)

SPF 40 in a recyclable tin – $19.96 (20% off)

Boat/Camper Shampoo – $15.96 for a 16 oz bottle (20% off)

AMAZING Tinted Sunscreen SPF 20 that I use on my face ALL THE TIME – $15.96 for a 3oz bottle (20% off)

Squalane Moisturizer – $14.36 (20% off) & Hydrating BB Cream $15.96 (20% off)

2-pack; Hydrating Balm & SPF 30 Chapstick – $8.78 (20% off)

And if you’re doing underwater activities with a mask or goggles – their mask defog is the best I’ve ever used! $8.76 (20% off)

Not on Prime Day Deal but SO worth it – I get eaten ALIVE by mosquitoes every summer and Stream2Sea makes this AMAZING burn/after sun/itch gel that magically makes all the itch disappear. I’ve used it for mosquito bites, red-ant bites (Thanks NC), sun burn, everything.

Treat Yo Self! Its on sale 😉

*As an amazon affiliate I may receive commission from these links/sales. all prices are current as of posting date & time – subject to change or removal at any time.

What’s in my Makeup Bag?

Beauty, Travel, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

With a lot of traveling, comes a carefully curated bag of makeup for all occasions. While I tend to go overboard sometimes, depending on the trip… I do have a few staples that are always within reach.

Sunscreen: There are plenty of different options out there for sunscreen but I BEG of you, please find one that is Reef Friendly. While there is no actual regulatory organization overseeing these “reef friendly” “reef safe” stamps on products – you can be more aware by ensuring you’re reading the ingredients.

PADI has a great blog post about it here. Your basic take-aways are:

  • Avoid sunscreens containing: avobenzone, butylparaben, ecamsule octinoxate, oxybenzone or 4-methylbenzylidine camphor.
  • Choose a physical sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Nanominerals make the product easier to apply, but ecotoxicology research has determined nanoparticles are not reef-safe.
  • A sunscreen labeled “biodegradable” does not mean it is reef safe or non-toxic.

Is it more expensive – It might be. Is it better for everyone. YES. Your skin is nothing to mess around with, it’s the largest organ of the human body. Why wouldn’t you want to protect it with the best products?!

Some of my favorite options are listed here. And yes, you’ll find all the affiliate links there for easy shopping (I also may receive commission from it – so, thank you!).

Makeup-wise, my husband HATES watching me pack because I always have so much “crap” shoved in that little makeup bag. BUT I’ve dwindled it down to a few basics that can get me through any trip and I add or subtract based on the events we’re attending. For example; Our recent Girls Trip at Beaches Turks & Caicos; I packed tinted sunscreen, moisturizer, vitamin C serum, and mascara. For this upcoming Liveaboard trip in the Maldives, I have skincare only – no makeup at all (who am I trying to impress? hubby’s there already!).

For our Bridgerton Themed Global Sales Conference earlier this year? You bet I had a full array of makeup and accessories.

So here’s that basic visual, and I’ll go through a few of my favorite brands. Keeping it simple with neutral tones that can work for day or night.

Eyeshadow: This one pictured is Distributed by Jasmine La Belle from Target/Walmart/I don’t remember. And it’s great because it was cheap and I don’t mind if it gets smashed up in transit. For a splurge: Try Tarte’s Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette

Moisturizer not pictured: e.l.f Daily Hydration Moisturizer in a 2.5 oz bottle (perfect travel size!)

Foundation-ish, I’ve never really been a foundation girl and only for events – not on island (no use wasting good makeup!) I splurged for this one because I wanted quality; Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua with Broad spectrum spf 15. It’s buildable and doesn’t make my newly bronzed skin look funny color wise. It’s also super light because it’s a sunscreen makeup, not an actual foundation. Another Option I’ve used: Almay Smartshade collection.

Concealer & Powder: both by Physicians Formula; Butter Glow Concealer has an awesome lipstick like applicator PLUS a sponge – two for one! Natural Defense Finishing Powder is light, airy, and doesn’t look caked on. It’s a nice light dusting.

Eyeliner: KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner – this stuff is MAGIC. I’ve worn it in the ocean scuba diving and it doesn’t even budge. Get the Felt Tip if you wear contacts – it’s super easy to use.

Mascara: Benefit Bad Gal Bang Waterproof – again, this has been in pools, the ocean, scuba diving, etc. and it DOES-NOT-RUN.

Lip Oil (can also be used as blush): Jelly pong pong cosmetics – this probably came in an old Ipsy bag to be honest.

Dry Shampoo Options: Target usually has travel sizes of these to test out first, but I do love the Not Your Mother’s Options; Clean Freak, Plump for Joy and Beach Babe. Alternate option: I Dew Care Dry Shampoo – I used this all through our South Africa Honeymoon and it was the bomb.com.

After Bite: for those pesky mosquitoes! Stops the itch pretty quickly and is about the size of a marker so it easily fits in a purse or pocket.

Hair:

  • Goody invisible hair ties – for your braids, twists, etc. Tip: instead of pulling them out of your hair (and all that hair that breaks/comes with it), try heating up a curling iron or a straightener and tapping while the iron is hot to the hair tie. It should break easily and be removed easily!
  • Real LIfe Mermaid Hair Tie – I’ve used this multiple times while on a dive and it’s awesome. There are two elastic circles at each end where you pull your hair into a ponytail and then wrap the long piece around the tail/braid you’ve created and secure at the bottom.
  • Shampoo/Conditioner (if I have to bring it): Scuba Screen – eco friendly and reef safe! 10% off with code: mermaidmel. there’s also an awesome leave in conditioner spray that I use on the boat after dives.
  • Leave in Conditioners: Sun Bum leave in, It’s a 10 leave in
  • Scalp Sunscreen Spray: Sun Bum – Coola

Don’t Forget your toothpaste & toothbrush! Or try some swish and rinse options like Magic Gargle for those long plane rides.

Happy Traveling!