No Poreblem New Products from touch In SOL

One of my favourite discoveries of 2018 has been touch In SOL, one that has allowed me to continue my obsession with all things Korean Beauty and one that has introduced new products that I didn't know I needed into my life. touch In SOL has appeared on this blog countless times and as a brand, it is described as one which embraces the spirit of Korean innovation, is fun, innovative and uses some of the most advanced technologies out there.

One of the most recognized products, the hero product if you like is No Poreblem. If you have never tried it then you need to, but alongside the primer are two more products that have joined the No Poreblem family and here they are.

First, we have the No Poreblem Priming Eraser, a product which is so different to a lot of primers I have ever used, this one comes in a stick format which makes it a perfect on-the-go companion. The stick itself is easy to grip and it is designed to help blur pores and conceal fine lines, it is also smoothing, mattifying and has a non-crease formula too.

The idea with this Eraser is that you use it as the final stage of your basic skincare. So once you have cleansed, toned, added serums and moisturising cream, you then, apply the primer to the areas of your face you wish to 'blur' in order to create that perfect canvas and then, using the opposite side of the pen where there is a smudging cushion, you even everything out. I prefer to use a beauty blender, but the smudger does work a treat.

If you have oily skin or, as in my case combination skin which leans to the oily side, then this Priming Eraser does an incredible job at mattifying and essentially absorbing all the excess sebum which lingers on the skin.

Secondly, is the newest arrival and that is the touch In SOL No Poreblem Priming Water - This is the product I have been the most excited about getting my hands on, ever since I was teased with it at a viewing! Described as being a base primer for hydration and the soothing of your skin, this priming water is like nothing else I have tried - and I've tried a lot of primers.

Using Bulgarian rose water, which is 100% pure and undiluted, is obtained by steam distillation from fresh rose blossoms and it smells exactly like walking through a rose garden, it is that incredible. The rose water is however there for a reason, the active ingredients provide both anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits for the skin which makes it work perfectly as a hydrating makeup primer and a mid-afternoon refresher.

It arrives in a squeezy tube and for me, there are two ways within which you can use it. Firstly, if you have clean hands, you can squirt onto the palms of your hands and pat onto the skin or you can do the exact same but with a cotton pad, it all comes down to preference but both options work just as well.  Unlike the Eraser, the priming water is designed to be used before you apply any makeup to give you that hydrated base.  What I love is how smooth my skin feels after using, it gives an almost identical feel to that I get when using a serum (which I use as well). 

Of course, the product which started it all off is the original No Poreblem Primer, the one item I have repurchased time and time again because it is that good. We all know that a good primer is an essential part of your arsenal if you want your makeup to sit right, last longer and look fabulous and for me, this is where No Poreblem comes to life.

If you have combination/oily skin and want to control that excess sebum, then this primer will tick all of those boxes. If you want to minimise the look of those pesky pores, again that is another tick in the box, obviously, it doesn't get rid of them, but it does minimise them. For me, I have combination oily skin and there are certain days of the month when I need all the help I can get to defeat that mid-afternoon shine and when that happens, No Poreblem is the primer for me. Enriched with Green tea extract which provides soothing antioxidant benefits, building an invisible barrier to the elements and Collagen which protects skin as well as helping it to look firm, smooth and healthy. 

touch In SOL have thought this through and have made this primer pump action, so it is easier to use, you can control how much or how little you need and there is then very little waste. To use, you only need a few pumps to ensure you cover the parts of your face that need it the most and once it has settled, it creates a really lovely velvety finish. This is one of my favourite discoveries to date.

Now available via ASOS, Feelunique. Cult Beauty, BeautyMart and Selfridges and it is priced at £18.

Have you tried anything from touch in SOL?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Showcase Beauty - Discovering Indie Brands

I love finding new products and new brands I might not have ordinarily come across, had it not been for this blog. I was recently introduced to Showcase Beauty, a place that defines itself as being the home of independent beauty brands. Founded in 2012, Showcase state that their passion is growing and supporting incredible entrepreneurs; from independent beauty brands to the community of stylists and influencers.  What I like is that I can browse Indie Beauty as well as K-Beauty (we all know I am obsessed with it) as well as seeing which products are popular.

By way of introduction, Showcase kindly sent me two products that can be found on the main website store and for me, it has been a great reacquaintance to both Antonia Burrell and to Bagsy Beauty.

The first product is Forest Dew Skin Conditioner by Antonia Burrell, which I have used before (here) and it has been an absolute delight to use it again. 

Forest Dew is made using 100% pure plant extracts and it aims to not only improve skin texture but to also cool and regulate skin. It is also alcohol and oil-free and it works to rebalance the skin's pH and relieve redness, something I am always keen to have in a product. It is also infused with Alpine plant extracts to reduce enlarged pores, reduce inflammation and balance sebum production, cucumber extract - an antioxidant with moisturising properties and is rich in vitamin C, and calming, toning, astringent lavender flower.

The product itself is like a luxurious silky serum and it also smells absolutely delightful. To use, you need to ensure your face is freshly cleansed and that everything you have used, such as makeup and skincare has been removed. THen, using around 6 sprays onto a cotton wool pad or if you prefer too, the palm of a clean hand, you massage Forest Dew onto the skin. When I apply it, I use slight patting motions and then massage my face to ensure all of the serum has been absorbed. On the skin, it is really soothing and cooling and it leaves my skin feeling so soft and smooth as well as hydrated after use.

The second product I have is one of my favourites from Bagsy Beauty - Wonder Wand. Described as being a two-in-one concealing and illuminating crayon, Wonder Wand is a product that is perfect for being on the go, travelling or having in your arsenal just because you can.

Most two-in-one products that I have used are double-ended, but in this case, Bagsy has been quite inventive with their product. As you can see, one side of the crayon is white and the other is nude.

The white side of the crayon works as a highlighter and it is perfect for adding some highlight cheekbones and brow bones. The Nude side works to conceal blemishes and under-eye shadows. The crayon itself is really creamy, so blending is an easy task and it applies incredibly well and there is no caking at all!

You can find out more about both of these products and Showcase Beauty itself and I would love to know if you have used either of these products.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Alpha-H The Big Deal

I adore Alpha-H and over the past few years, I have really loved getting to know the products and understanding how best to use them with my own skin, much of that advice coming from both Tommy and Michelle themselves. Having been around for 23 years, Alpha-H formulates their own products and now have over 2000 clinics worldwide offering Alpha-H facials - the dream!

As you might have guessed, Alpha-H is back on QVC with another TSV and this one is aptly named The Big Deal because that is exactly what it is. It will be available from Monday 29th October right through until Sunday 4th November and this is what you can get your hands on.

Balancing Cleanser (200ml) – I loved this cleanser from the first use. If you like a cream cleanser, then this is a really creamy cleanser which is free from dying detergents and SLS's. Not only does it remove every single trace of makeup that is on your face, even waterproof mascaras but it also works as a 3-in-1 product as it essentially acts as a makeup remover, cleanser and toner all in one. 

Enriched with aloe vera to condition and soothe alongside vitamin E to hydrate and neutralise free radicals, after using my skin feels cleansed and smooth but there is no sign of the dry taut feeling that leaves you wanting to smother your skin in as much moisturiser as possible.

Liquid Gold Firming Eye Cream (15ml) – Described as being the ultimate topical dermal corrector for the eye area with quadruple peptide technology. Using a complex of seven skin brighteners, illuminating Diamond Powder and Lime Pearl Extract which is a new natural source of gentle fruit acids derived from Caviar Lime found in the rainforests on the Australian East Coast. Abundant in citric acid and bioflavonoids, Lime Pearl accelerates cell turnover to soften and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What I absolutely love is that it uses a cool touch metallic applicator which not only ensures you achieve spot-on application but it also works to instantly refresh, smooth, cool and alleviates fatigue. 

Multivitamin Super Cream (50ml) - This silicone-free moisturiser, which is described as being a multivitamin in a jar, is enriched with antioxidants and soothing botanicals as well as fresh time-released vitamins to help combat skin fatigue and to maximise skin health and wellbeing daily.

Continuing the legacy of the Vitamin Profiling Collection (which you can read more about here), this concentrated cream it includes:

• vitamin A (retinol) to help reduce wrinkle depth and firm the skin; 
• vitamin B (niacinamide) to increase production of ceramides and fatty acids to build moisture; 
• vitamin C (ethyl ascorbic acid) to brighten skin tone and provide antioxidant protection and, finally, 
• vitamin E (tocopherol acetate) to promote healing, hydration and repair. 

Alongside these vitamins, the cream also contains an ingredient called ‘Pollushield’, an innovative polymer that acts like a microscopic net over the skin to prevent the absorption of toxic metals and urban grime and it is said to have been clinically proven to trap between 74 and 97% of pollutants over a six-hour period.

It uses an airless pump dispenser and on the skin, it absorbs much quicker than you might expect and leaves my skin feeling so soft and smooth to the touch.

I am sure you will agree that this is quite a trio or products and one which is an amazing TSV. If you are a big Alpha-H fan and even if you have never ever tried anything from the brand before, this is an amazing way in which you can get your hands on some amazing products.  Again, the link you will need is THIS ONE. With a combined value of over £122 the QVC offering will be less than £42

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Beauty BLVD Mattitude Lip Liquid

When it comes to liquid lipsticks, there is so much more to choose from now than there ever has been before.  BeautyBlvd. whom you might have comes across because of their Glitter Lips range, have their own selection of Liquid Lipsticks called Mattitude.

Described as being for the boldest of lips, Mattitude lip liquid is available in 12 shades which include - Apathy Club, Damn Fine, Hole In The Head, Parasol, Poison Junkie, Rapid Fire, Real Ronnie, Remedy, Secret Passage, Summer Session, Tansy and Vicious. Within this shade range is everything from the brightest of pinks and blues to more muted and nude shades.

I have shades Remedy and Secret Passage which gives me the chance to try a nude shade (Remedy) and a much more pigmented shade in Secret Passage.  BeautyBvld state that these Mattitude lipsticks deliver long-lasting, powerful colour, that glides on for a super smooth finish.  Arriving in a Lip shaped box, what I love is that the shade of the lips gives you an idea as to what shade your Mattitude will be, though it isn't an exact match.

The lipsticks come in the standard tube with a doe foot wand which makes it easier to line the lips and apply. Being a liquid lipstick though, it does cling to dry skin so you will need to make sure you have exfoliated your lips prior to application. I always ensure I apply lip balm to my lips before applying too, just to give it that base.

Once on the lips, both shades are smooth, they don't feel too dry or as though they will crack if I speak and they do dry really quickly. What I love is that they are not sticky or tacky to the touch and they have great longevity for lasting the whole day, naturally if you go out of an evening you will need to re-apply and touch up the colour.

The New Mattitude Lip Liquids are £9.50 available at BeautyBlvd.com

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

CND Vinylux for Halloween

I make no secret of the fact my favourite nail polish brand is CND Vinylux and it is the one I always opt for when having a manicure locally.  I find it lasts the longest without chipping, it doesn't send my nails that horrible yellow colour (though yes I do use a base coat), it is easy to remove and it applies like a dream, even if like, you are not the most adept at painting the nails on both hands.

For Halloween, I was kindly sent two shades which I think fit the bill really well. The first shade is Decadence, a beautiful shade of red which is incredibly bold and bright and perfect for this time of year.  

On the swatch shown below, I found I only needed one coat to get really good coverage and this was obviously without using a base coat.

The Second shade is called Serene Green. I am not usually a fan of greens or browns when it comes to nail polish, in fact, it is rare I will stray away from Berry shades as I just feel most comfortable with them, but this is a beautiful shade of green that I can't help but like.

Unlike Decadence above, this swatch has two coats on the nail wheel, but what I like about it is there is a slight, and it is very slight sparkle where the light catches the shade.

With over 70, yes 70 different shades to choose from, the CND Vinylux polishes last around 7 days, slightly longer if you use the CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat. 

CND Vinylux shades are uniquely formulated to be activated when exposed to natural light to create an enduring and long-lasting finish and they all dry naturally which helps to give that flawless finish and I am told also helps to strengthen its resistance to chips over time.

Do you have a favourite nail polish brand?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Phase Zero Blushers

I have absolutely loved getting to know Phase Zero Makeup. If you have never come across them before, they are exclusively available to Love Me Beauty and over the past few months, I have been lucky enough to review the Lipstick Collection, Liquid Eyeshadows (here), Eyeshadow Palette, Metallic Foils and today it is the turn of the blusher family and one bronzer.

What I absolutely love about these products, aside from the shades, is just how handy the packaging is.  Small enough to slip into your makeup bag and each one has a mirror in the lid, making them even more handy.

I am not usually a fan of blusher, I have flushed cheeks and often don't find blushers work for me and I instead opt for a bronzer, but within this little lot there are at least two blushers that I have used more than I had expected too.

First up is Hidden Agenda, the only blusher within the pack. I like my bronzers to be fairly matte with as little orange undertone as possible and this is exactly what I have right here. This matte bronzing powder doesn't leave that muddy mucky mark on the skin, instead it does what a bronzer should do and that is to brighten and warm up the complexion and it is such an amazing shade, it will work for all skin tones. Priced at £7.50.

When it comes to the bronzers there are six to choose from and each one is totally different to the next which I really like:

• Straight Flush - a beautiful bright, almost Barbie shade
• Heart Throb - Is a beautiful bright vibrant pink and 
• Sweet Peach - Leans towards the soft coral side of pink
• Cotton Candy - Is a soft candy pink
• Making Moves - Reminds me of Rockateur a little with the shimmer from Benefit, but it is slightly more pigmented and not as sparkly when applied.
• Gold Rush - Is a sparkly gold toned blusher with a slight golden sparkle.

Again, each one of these blushes comes packed inside its own compact with a mirror and the two shades I have been using more than expected is Gold Rush and Making Moves which are just stunning.

The swatches shown above are not edited, you see them as I did when I did them one by one. The only difference between the two is the top swatch is shown as daylight as the sun came out and the bottom is without a flash.  

The formula on each of these blushers is just amazing and whilst the powders are finely milled, they feel velvety when applied on to the skin. The shades are, as I've mentioned, very pigmented so you really do get an impressive colour pay-off and they are all blendable, buildable and long-lasting. Like Hidden Agenda, each one of these blushes is priced at £7.50 and I am hoping there might be more shades added to both.

If you have never tried anything from Phase Zero, then you can grab yourself £5 off your first order if you use code Rachel5 at checkout on Love Me Beauty for every qualifying order of £10 or more.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

ESPA-The Sleep Experience Collection

Sleep - such a luxury and something we should all be getting enough of, but seldom few do, myself included.  I am a huge fan of products which help you wind down, relax and de-stress in order to drift off and let my body rest.  

ESPA's Sleep Experience Kit (here) is one I was delighted to receive.

Wind down and calm your senses with ESPA’s Sleep Experience; the secret to a good night’s sleep. This collection of sleep-enhancing skincare and body products will help ease you into a restful slumber so you awake to well-rested, beautiful, healthy-looking skin.

If that description isn't enough to draw you in, then I don't know what will be, but to me, it sounds just incredible.

Packaged inside the most delightful travel case are four products which are designed to help you soothe and relax ready for the night ahead.  If you are familiar with ESPA products, the one thing you will note is just how wonderful they are and whenever I use anything from this brand, I am immediately transported back to a Spa where I want had a massage using ESPA products and it was incredibly relaxing. 

The first product out of the bad is the Overnight Hydration Therapy. Described as being an intensely hydrating overnight treatment mask. Packed full of incredible ingredients such as Chicory Root Extract which helps to reinforce the skin's natural barrier function, Konjac Root and Hyaluronic Acid help to hydrate and smooth. Then there is a pure blend of ingredients which include Cedarwood, Ylang Ylang and Lavandin Essential Oils and together they help calm a busy mind whilst finally Lavender which gently releases its soothing and restful properties as your head hits the pillow.

Secondly is one of my favourites from this collection and it is the Soothing Bath Oil. One of my favourite ways to wind down and relax is in a hot bath where I can forget the days stress and have some me time.  Described as being an aromatic bath oil to help relax a busy mind, again there is the inclusion of some amazing ingredients such as Sandalwood, Rose Geranium and Frankincense all of which come together to help unwind with their soothing and restful properties. Then we have Myrrh, which I adore as and it also helps to ease the mind, while finally, Sweet Almond Oil deeply nourishes for beautifully supple skin.

Thirdly is the Tri-Active™ Advanced Night Booster and this is a product I have never tried until now. Described as being a potent beauty supplement to help boost overnight skin recovery, transforming your day cream or serum into an intensive, age-defying night product, for skin that is revitalised and visibly radiant. To use, all you need is a few drops mixed in with your moisturiser and then apply to your skin as you would normally do.  The scent of this oil is quite strong, but in a good Spa like way, using ingredients such as powerful plant cells from the ‘Four O’clock Flower’ are combined with Caffeine and Bidens Pilosa, a natural source of bio-retinol to improve skin texture and tone. Whilst Canola Oil and Winged Kelp soothe and protect.

Finally, we have the Soothing Body Oil. Described as being an aromatic body oil to help relax a busy mind and for me, when matched with the soothing bath oil, you have one incredible dream team. Using a soothing blend of Sandalwood, Rose Geranium, Frankincense and Myrrh with nourishing Sweet Almond Oil, not only does it leave my skin feeling soft, smooth and supple, but the scent itself is absolutely incredible.

Putting everything together from this Sleep Experience Collection, there is no doubt that each item fits perfectly within the relaxation category and it really does do wonders to soothe and de-stress.  For me, the Overnight Hydration Therapy Mask and the Soothing Bath Oil are the stands out products and I would happily purchase full sized of both.

ESPA Sleep Experience RRP £30 (Worth £40) Launches September 2018

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

theBalm Cult Classics - Mascara and Eyeliner

I am absolutely loving getting myself acquainted with theBalm Cosmetics, there are so many products that I had just never tried until now.  When the Cult Classics box arrived instructing me to 'Treat Myself' I was gobsmacked at just what was included.

As you can see, this is one amazing PR package and I had no idea where to start with even trying the products, but I was drawn to the bottom right-hand corner when I saw two mascaras and an eyeliner trying to catch my attention.  There will be further blog posts in coming weeks featuring everything within this box, so if there is something you really want to know about, then please do let me know.

Founded by Marissa Shipman in 2004, she wanted to wake up and love what she did every day. and like many of us, Marissa is obsessed with beauty. So, she quit her job, made a plan and started mixing ingredients and it is from here that theBalm was born. All of theBalm products are talc-free, paraben-free and cruelty-free too.

The first item out of the box is Mad Lash Black Mascara and this was the first mascara I have ever used from theBalm but it was the wand which drew me. Described as being a mascara that will 

Lengthen your lashes with the Mad Lash Mascara - Black from theBalm. Creating an ‘out of this world’ look, the mascara is able to capture each lash to deliver extreme length and volume.

You can't fail to notice the bright packaging that is presented before you and inside, the tube is an exact replica, print wise, of the box.

With a richly pigmented black formula, the wand, as you can see is slightly curved which theBalm refer to as being 'Injection moulded'. What I have found is that the wand is perfectly curved with bristles long enough to read the smallest of lashes.  

The formula is liquid like but not overly-wet which I am thankful for because this is one of my pet peeves when it comes to mascaras.  I have fairly long lashes, so a formula that is too wet weights them down.  I like how this mascara fans out my lashes without giving that spidery effect and depending on your preference, you can layer the mascara and add one or two coats without it clumpy or flaking off.  I also found it incredibly easy to remove with my usual eye makeup remover and cotton wool pad.

The second Mascara is called Scuba and this one is quite cleverly named because it happens to be waterproof or as the description states:

If we could have one thing on a desert island, we’d want SCUBA. Avoid smudges, drips or runs with this incredibly water-resistant black mascara. The lengthening, “pool”-proof formula makes sure your look stays flawless, above and below the waves.

Again, the packaging is really eye-catching with the glamorous looking diver kitted out in all her accessories.

The wand for this mascara couldn't be more different to Mad Lash if it tried.  Straight as a die, the bristles are much shorter and more condensed but it is incredibly pigmented and it doesn't clump whether you add one coat or two coats, which I find really impressive.  Unlike Mad Lash, this is a slightly thicker formula but it is just as easy to remove with eye makeup remover.

Finally, we come to Schwing and it is a matte black tapered felt-tip liquid eyeliner that describes itself as follows:

This liquid liner is a home run! Built with a uniquely thin and tapered felt-tip applicator, Schwing gives you careful control over subtle strokes and bold lines. Create winning looks with this rich, matte-black finish that won’t smudge, flake or take forever to dry. Plus, Schwing comes in a compact and pocket-friendly package — score!

I am not a regular user of eyeliner, but on special occasions, I do make the effort and apply a small amount and I tend to favour liquid liner over pencil, I find it easier to work with.

What I like about this eyeliner is the not the nib, which is easy to control, but the actual pen itself. Quite large in shape, it is easy to grasp and control as you apply the liner.  It dries to a non-smudging matte finish which doesn't budge through rain or tears but thankfully with a little eye makeup remover, disappears very quickly.  It is buildable without becoming cakey and it is also not in the slightest bit irritating.

I am incredibly impressed with all three of these products. I adore the mascaras, though I am a bit of a mascara-fiend and love trying new ones. If you are a fan of theBalm Cosmetics or have seen something that grabs your attention, then you can find the products on Lookfantastic (here), BeautyBay (here), Superdrug (here), Feelunique (here).

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Erborian A-black-ADABRA Collection

One of my favourite products from Erborian is the Black Cleansing Oil (full review here) and as soon as this AblackADABRA gift set arrived, I couldn't wait to share it.  

Featuring three incredible products, it is a great insight into Erborian as a brand. Best described as being a combination of Korean Herbal Science meets Modern French Luxury, it is well worth looking in to.

Treat yourself to a skincare trick by casting a skin-perfecting spell this Autumn with the A-black-ADABRA collection. The magical ingredient? Charcoal, known for its detoxifying, mattifying, and purifying properties. 

As far as Korean women are concerned, Charcoal is the ultimate do-it-all ingredient and even though it has been around for hundreds of years, there is no shortage of beauty products on the market that promotes Charcoal as their main ingredient. For Erborian, they use the powers of Binchôtan, a type of charcoal made from evergreen oak wood. Thanks to the high adsorption capacity of this charcoal, the carbon pores attract a maximum amount of impurities, leaving your skin clear and decongested. 

As well as being known for its detoxifying, purifying and mattifying properties, Charcoal is renowned for being relentlessly tough on excess sebum, making it a life-saver for oily skin. Thanks to the high absorption of charcoal, the carbon pores attract a maximum amount of impurities. 

Inside this gift set is three products and they are:

Black Scrub (15ml) - This black scrub is formulated with Charcoal powder and cotton micro fibres and is a triple-action exfoliating purifying mask. 

This fresh gel helps to rid skin of impurities, eliminate dead cells and absorb excess sebum, for a mattifying effect. 

The ingredients for the Black Scrub are:

• Charcoal Powder Purifying
• 7 Herbs complex Soothing, Hydrating, Anti-oxidant
• Natural Cellulose Absorbs the excess of sebum
• Arginine pH Adjuster

What I really like about this scrub is that it isn't at all overly-abrasive but it does an absolutely incredible job at exfoliating the skin and absorbing excess sebum, which for me, owing to my combination skin, is an issue.

Black Cleansing Oil (190ml) - This is one of the best cleansing oils I have ever used. 

As soon as it comes into contact with warm water, its silky black texture transforms into a light emulsion and it removes impurities, excess sebum and traces of even stubborn waterproof makeup. 

The final product within the box is the Charcoal Konjac Sponge and it is described as being the perfect accessory to naturally cleanse, exfoliate, and nourish skin.

The konjac sponge is made from an Asian plant that has long been used in Korea to cleanse the face and body. With added bamboo charcoal, known for its mattifying benefits.

This is such an amazing box of products and it retails for just £35.  If you have never used anything from Erbrorian, then this is an amazing place to start.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.