A Brighter Smile // Smile Brilliant Review

Hey lovelies!  Today I want to talk about teeth-yo grill. I don't know about you, but I always strive to have the brightest smile I can have. Being an avid coffee and tea drinker, I know I am continuously staining my teeth, forever prolonging my goal of having super pearly whites. Recently, a company reached out to me, offering to let me try their teeth whitening kit. I said yes, because duh! I wanted whiter teeth-but what made me so eager to try the product was the fact that it was so custom!

Smile Brilliant Teeth Whitening

What it is: Smile Brilliant offers the service of creating custom fitted trays-your exact impressions-so you can whiten your teeth comfortably and with assurance that the whitening gel is actually coming into contact with each tooth/crack/crevice. 

1) Big difference here compared to the use of teeth whitening strips. From personal experience, I know how annoying a whitening strip can be and how inconsistent my results can be. A custom tray is a great thing to have if you are interested in whitening your teeth.

Tray Creation: The tray creation is soooo easy! At first, I really thought it would be a pain to have to "create" my own trays-totally wrong. The process literally took less than five minutes.

In this step of the kit, you will take the "base" and the "catalyst" paste and mix them together by squeezing each into each other, until you get a solid blue color of paste. Once this occurs, you can put the mix into the tray (that will create your mold). After this, you just put the tray into your mouth and bite down! Once all of this is done and your mold has had a chance to dry a bit, you send off your molds in a pre-paid envelope that Smile Brilliant provides and within days, your custom trays will be created and sent back to you! If this seems a bit confusing, just watch the short video below!

The whitening process: Once I received my trays (it took less than a week) I went forward with the process-actually whitening my teeth! I took a syringe of the gel and put a thin strip on the top and bottom tray. The amount I used was less than a fourth of the syringe (for the top and bottom combined). The whitening gel is peroxide based; "carbamide peroxide" to be exact. Smile Brilliant states it is, "22% Hi-Intensity Teeth Whitening Gel" with "no fillers or mixed blends designed to achieve the safest, fastest, most dramatic professional results in the least amount of days with the least amount of maintenance". Do I agree with this? Oh yes! It was explained to me that people often misunderstand whitening products. Smile Brilliant removes stains and restores your teeth to their natural color; in short, they become the brightest level of white that they can be. For me, I used the whitening gel and trays 4 times (2 hours the first time, 1 hour of wear for the other times) before I decided I was happy with my level of "white". I honestly think that if I used them 1 or 2 more times, my teeth could have been even brighter, but I was happy with the level I achieved and decided to just do monthly or bi-monthly maintenance uses. As for the fit of the trays, they were perfect! They didn't pinch my gums, rub up against them, or fit me weird. I don't know why the perfect fit surprised me so much, especially because I helped to create my own mold!

My top tray after it was created!

 Bottom tray and one of the syringes of the whitening gel.

De-sensitizing process: In my kit, I received the desensitizing gel that is to be used in the trays (on your teeth) right after whitening. The length of time you use the gel depends on your preference, but I used it from 10 minutes to 30 minutes (depending on how much free time I had that day). I used less than a fourth of the syringe for both a top and bottom tray application. According to the Smile Brilliant website, the desensitizing gel "temporarily seals micro-fractures and pores in your tooth's enamel. This eliminates the opportunity for teeth whitening gel to penetrate into the more sensitive dentin beneath your enamel". That explanation was pretty helpful to me and also helped present the importance of the gel for those with sensitive teeth. 

My results: The results I achieved were attained with 4 uses. Like I said, I was pretty happy with my teeth color after the fourth use, so I decided not to do another treatment for the time being. When it comes to sensitivity, I did find the whitening gel to cause a bit of sensitivity around my gum line the first time I used the gel. I expected this, because similar irritation has occurred with whitening strips. However, my second use I was more cautious, and I wiped the excess gel off my gums (that had been pushed out of the tray). Doing so really decreased my sensitivity, and I didn't find it to be a problem.

Before & After (4 uses)

Overall: I absolutely love this product. From the process of making your own trays, to the ease of application, I highly recommend this. For any one out there that would like to have professional results at home (for a fraction of what you would pay in the office) I would strongly suggest trying out Smile Brilliant! If you would like more information on the products, I will leave links below. Feel free to ask me any questions and I will be sure to get back to you!

FAQ page here.

Testimonials here. 

Purchase whitening gel & tray kit here.

Purchase desensitizing gel here.

Want to receive 5% off  your purchase? Use the code: beautywithoutlimits

(This code should be typed in with lowercase letters-all one phrase! )

Thanks for reading!

XO, Kelsey

Connect with me: twitter here // instagram here// pinterest here // 

Teeth Whitening

byTavi experience//making an impact [outfit post]

Hey lovelies! I recently had the opportunity to attend a fashion show event/women's retreat to raise awareness about a very sensitive and heartbreaking cause-human trafficking. Specifically, this event addressed human trafficking in Cambodia. Before the fashion show (which showcased items from the byTavi line-more on that later), lunch was provided, informative videos were shown, and a few speakers took their turns speaking to us. Afterwards, their was a trunk show and booths where other causes were presented, allowing for even more knowledge of how we can make a difference in so many different causes. It is heartbreaking to know that human trafficking occurs-around the world, and even in my state. It is my hope that by sharing with you this post, you too can help make an impact in giving these women a voice and changing the outcome of so many of their lives.

What is Center for Global Impact? (CGI)
Quite simply they want to "Empower the poor, protect the vulnerable, and share the gospel". When it comes to their mission,

"Center for Global Impact seeks to bring the Good News of Jesus to those in the grip of poverty and bondage through education, vocational training and business development. Primarily working in Cambodia, many of those we serve are victims of — or vulnerable to — human trafficking".   

What is byTavi?

ByTavi is a project of CGI where vulnerable women in Cambodia are offered "vocational training, consistent employment, and a living wage". With this training, the women learn how to make "high quality, boutique style handbags and clothing". Beyond this, they also receive life skills and spiritual formation opportunities.  All products made are marketed in the USA-all proceeds return to CGI projects. 

Who is Tavi?

  "When Tavi came to CGI in 2008, she found herself in a desperate situation. Her husband recently taken by AIDS, she was the sole caregiver of her two young children and an elderly aunt. Being HIV positive, she was weak and had no resources to sufficiently care for herself, let alone her family. Aware of her culture’s common acceptance of trafficking children to make ends meet, she desperately sought a better solution.

 

She approached CGI and requested a sewing machine and seamstress training. Three short years after she began sewing pillow covers, she had inspired over thirty other women in her community to join a sewing team, whose products were to be labeled byTavi".

It is so inspiring to me that one woman could seek out help to change her situation, in turn changing so many other lives. Today,  byTavi helps women "realize and reach" their full potential. Women spend time in retreats, receive seamstress training, and have other responsibilities in the workshop. Through all this, they become freed from the bondage of absolute poverty.

 Shop byTavi here.

Read more about CGI here.

Below are a few pictures I snapped throughout the lunch portion/fashion show portion of the event. Unfortanetly, my seat and view were a bit obstructed by the microphone and the podium, but I was still able to get a few pictures in. Most of them are blurry, because these ladies were on the move! It is hard to label all pictures with what item form byTavi each woman is wearing, so just know that in each picture, either a dress, top, bag, scarf, or skirt is being worn. If you visit the byTavi website, you will be able to see the items shown! These pictures are geared more toward those that attended the event-I had some requests to try to document some of the outfits! I did my best! I had an amazing time at the event and hope you are inspired and interested in the cause just as I was!

 

If you know me, you know I couldn't resist the desserts after lunch! I didn't get a picture of all the lunch foods, but I couldn't miss out on a picture of yummy cookies!

 Checking out the outfits before the show!

Clockwise: Ava Ritter-who personally invited me and who was a HUGE part of helping to coordinate and put together the event. Beth, the coordinator as well-and hilarious woman, I must add! Kim Anthony, a former U.S. National Team Gymnast; she was the first African American female to be recruited and receive a scholarship to compete for UCLA's gymnastics team. She is also a keynote speaker and author. Her new book is called Unfavorable Odds and can be found here. It tells more of her life story so far. Everyone who spoke during this event had an amazing story, and I feel so blessed that I got to hear these amazing ladies speak, and to learn more about human trafficking. 

[The clothes]

In this set of pictures the items by byTavi are (clockwise): the tunic, the skirt, the top, the top, and the scarf (worn as a top!)

 In this set of pictures the items by byTavi are (clockwise): Scarf and purse, skirt, top, dress, and dress.

 The trunk show and other causes being presented; as you can see, byTavi has plenty of scarves, purses/bags/totes, and coin purses. IN LOVE!

[My OOTD]

 After seeing all the items at the show, I couldn't resist making some purchases and giving to a great cause. The white top is byTavi. I also bought a scarf at the show.

 Watch brand is DKNY.

 The bracelet is from Express, earlier in the winter season.

 My booties are Jessica Simpson, purchased from T.J. Maxx. I can't find these exact boots, but these are VERY similar.

 As you can see, this byTavi top was part of their "Imprint Collection".

 My necklace is very old, but I know it was purchased at Forever 21. This is a very similar necklace, although it is not as bright!

 I hope this event recap was interesting and fun for anyone reading it. If you want to learn more about CGI or byTavi, click here and here!

***This event took place at the Hilton Garden Inn in Beavercreek/Dayton, Ohio. Lunch was prepared by the chef at the hotel and holy cow-it was amazing!

 Thanks for reading!

XO, Kelsey

Connect with me on twitter here // connect with me on instagram here// pinterest here //

Vapour Organic Beauty Review

Hey gorgeous! Today I am going to take some time to review a brand that I came across about two months ago-if you are interested in more organic beauty products, this might be right up your alley! According to the Vapour Beauty website, their products are described as being:

"100% natural with 70% certified organic ingredients and 30% minerals and vitamins. There are no toxic chemicals, no parabens, no phalates, no gluten, no animal testing, no nano particles, and no irradiation".

To be honest, I don't know a ton about every single thing these products are made without; however, I know enough that I don't want those things in my products! This has led me to branch out and want to try to use better products in my everyday life. If you have been around this blog for awhile, you know I tried a bunch of mineral makeup products over the past year, nearly all of them being pretty pure in formulation, without any extra fillers or chemicals. I continue to use these products as I move forward in my quest for what I think is best for my skin!

The products I received for consideration of review are the Elixir Plumping Lipgloss, Aura Multi-Use Blush, and the Elixir Lipgloss. I can't seem to find the link for the plain old Elixir Lipgloss, which is why I didn't provide a link! Just as a general piece of info, I have had these products and have been using them for over a month! Now that all that is out of the way, let's get to the individual reviews!

 From top to bottom: Multi-Use Blush, Elixir Plumping Gloss, and Elixir Gloss. Swatches below.

        
Elixir Plumping Gloss:
In the shade "Coax", this product is described as offering "versatile color, dimension, and shine. Hydrating botanicals and organic plumping liposomes lock in maximum moisture for ultra-hydrated voluptuous lips. Never sticky or tacky, Elixir delivers superior body and shine". 

Personally, I love the formulation of this product. It is one of the most moisturizing glosses I have ever used, which might be surprising as it promises to plump! Many name brand plumping glosses I have used actually dry out my lips, which probably is due to the ingredients in them. Compared to plumpers like Too Faced Lip Injection Color Bomb, the Vapour lipgloss doesn't cause a burning or tingly feeling as it plumps. I don't mind the tingly effect...in fact, I kind of like it (does that make me weird?!) Either way, I think the plumping actually comes from all the moisture this gloss packs...I could be totally wrong, but it's almost like it makes the most of what your own lips can achieve from being moisturized! I don't find this to be sticky or tacky, which could be  a downside to some as this usually makes a product last longer. I would say it wears for a good hour before you start seeing the product fade; this includes drinking and eating! I would say the pigmentation is very sheer, at least in the shade I was sent.The taste isn't the best (not like the typical mint or fruit flavor many glosses offer), but for what the gloss does, I don't mind how it tastes.

Elixir Gloss:
In the shade "Sultry", this gloss is very similar to the plumping gloss, although you may not see the same plumping effects with this of course! Unfortunately, I can't find a description of this on the website, and I don't have the original box with me. Taste wise, I find this to have more of a flavor; one I can't exactly describe but it is better than the plumping gloss flavor! This gloss has a bit more of a tacky texture to it, but it isn't sticky...does that make sense? I want to say that maybe it's better explained as just adhering to the lips more effectively! This gloss wears about 2 hours before I really want to touch up. I adore the shade I was sent; it's more pigmented than the plumping gloss and I found it to pair well with many pink-toned lipsticks. I am actually wearing this gloss with a small amount of the plumping gloss in the picture below.

Aura Multi-Use Blush:
In the shade "Spark", this product is described as giving "a natural flush of color. These universally-flattering core colors work on all skin tones and all ages. Give the Vapour glow to cheeks, lips and eyes with one convenient stick. Aura blends like a dream for a polished look in seconds".

I think this is my favorite out of the three items I was sent. It really is very versatile! I have used it on my cheeks and my lips, but I am excited to see how it would work as a cream eyeshadow. I have pretty oily eyelids, so it would be interesting to see the lasting ability. The way I apply this is directly to my cheeks in an upward slanting motion. After this, I buff it out using a stipple brush. I find that doing this makes me look like I have a natural glow, and really makes it foolproof to apply! For lasting power, I would say that this lasts all day on me. I have pretty oily skin, but mostly in my t-zone, so I am not sure how this would work on someone with extremely oily skin everywhere. I do set it with a translucent powder, as I set all of my makeup, so I think with powder the lasting power should be no issue! I haven't had any problems with breakouts from this product. On my lips, it seems to be pretty moisturizing, although lasting only as long as a chapstick probably would.

Application technique! You can also see the shade on my lips in this photo.

Buffed out.

Voila! End result!

You can find more Vapour Organic Beauty products HERE.

Hopefully you find this review helpful! If you currently use natural, organic, or vegan products, I would love to hear about them! Leave me a comment below or email me at kelseylenay@hotmail; you can find me on twitter @kelseylenayyy or instagram @kelseylenayy

Thanks for reading!
XO, Kelsey

**As started before, I did receive these products free, for consideration of review. Vapour Organic Beauty has no influence on my opinion of these products, as no brand or company ever will! I genuinely enjoy these products and am offering my honest opinion of how they performed on me personally!

The Ridiculously Awesome Giveaway!

Hey there! It is giveaway time! I am so excited to be pairing up with an awesome group of ladies to bring this fun giveaway to you! What you need to know:

This giveaway IS international.

One winner will get all the months ad space.

The total of the entire giveaway is $350+.

This giveaway begins Monday, Sept. 16 at 12 am EST, and ends Wednesday September 25 at 12 am EST.   

Get your entries in using the Rafflecopter widget below!

 

Diaries of an Essex Girl // Niescior's Notes //

Beauty Without Limits // Boone and Owl // Crazy Perfect Life / Gee Whiskers! // H & K Style Journey // Karly Kim //

Love Me, Dani Marie // PINKx3 // Realities of Brandi // Re'solve // Scarves etc. // The Rancic Army

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We're Going Through Changesssss

Hey there. So as everyone has probably already heard, Google Reader will be no more on July 1st. What this means I am not completely sure; but I do know that you should back-up your reading list by another method so you can keep your blogs straight! I don't know if Google Friend Connect will go away with Google Reader, but I  know that most people follow me via GFC. I have always had Bloglovin' as an option to follow my blog, and I highly suggest it! (Click here to follow me). It keeps your subscriptions really "neat" and "tidy". I also have the option available to follow via email. If you would like, you can always follow along with me on twitter, as I almost always link my newest post there! These are just a few options, but hopefully those that enjoy my blog will stick around! Don't be afraid to link your blogs below also! Do you have a favorite way to follow blogs? Let me know!

As always, thanks for reading!
XO, Kelsey

Origami Owl Giveaway (Jewelry!)

Who thinks it's time for a giveaway? I do! In honor of this blogs 1st birthday coming up, hitting 200 followers (what?!) and because I found something you guys NEED to have, it's time to do a giveaway! You might remember in this post that I showed off a really unique necklace. Unique, because I designed it myself! Meaning it's me, it's cute, and not many other people will pick the exact combination that I did.

 

I did pay for the necklace myself, and lucky for you all, my friend who is an independent designer offered to do a giveaway on my blog! Before we get into the giveaway details,  I will let you hear from the independent designer herself:

Hello Lovely Ladies {and Gentlmen}, I am Cassandra King, Independent Designer for Origami Owl. I would love to help you design a piece of meaningful jewelry and to help you get started I am partnering with the lovely Kelsey Gates to do a $25 giveaway. Origami Owl is customized jewelry that you create by picking out charms and placing them in a locket that represents your style, beliefs, and personality. Each finished product is unique to its maker. Better yet, each locket has a double magnetic closure that allows you to get creative and change the charms inside your locket. This feature gives you the freedom to change your necklace as much as you like. Please let me know if you need any assistance. Have fun shopping and Good Luck!!

**These entries are optional-however, the more entries you complete, the more chances you have to win! I do ask that if you can, please "like" the listed facebook page to thank Cassandra for teaming up with me to do this!


 a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
Good luck everyone! This giveaway will run until March 18th! Winner will be randomly picked, and will be sent an email! Cassandra will then contact the winner and explain how to use their $25 gift certificate! :)

XO, Kelsey  

GlamourMeJewels Giveaway!

Hey everyone! In the spirit of Valentines Day, I wanted to do a giveaway! Now some of you may have awesome plans on V-day, but this girl doesn't...but it warms my heart knowing I have all of you out there being lovely followers! So in return (and with the help of GlamourMeJewels) I am doing a Valentines Day inspired Giveaway! I was lucky enough to receive the LIMITED EDITION Val Bracelet-and you get one too! Isn't it the cutest?

I came across GlamourMeJewels months ago, when I won a bracelet in a giveaway. We can all thank Emily for making me fall in love with the pieces (she was the one hosting the giveaway!) I now follow GlamourMeJewels on instagram, and the pictures of all the jewelry seriously makes me drool. Such a girly-girl! If instagram drags you in, just head over to the etsy shop and take a look around ;) Anyways, I just love the piece I received, and whoever wins the limited edition piece will for sure love it too! Feel free to like the GlamourMeJewels Facebook page here!

HOW can I win!?

1. Simply be a follower of this blog, via GFC (required).

2. Complete additional options for more entries!
3. Be sure to leave an email address in the comments; if you win that is how I will contact you!
*The giveaway will run until [almost] next Tuesday, closing at 11:59 P.M on Monday night.

GOOD LUCK! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations Allison! I will be in touch with you through email and tweeting! Winner has 48 hours to respond :) I hope you like it! 

Giveaway Time!

It's giving season! I am so excited to have teamed up with some amazing girls for my first giveaway! A big thank you to Kaitlin for putting all of this together!

Check out the list below to see what each blogger is giving away!

1. Kaitlin from Kaitlin Leigh - A Starbucks Glitter Tumbler

2. Brandi from Brooklyn State of Mind- $15 Target gift card & a Holiday Glam Surprise

3. Melissa from Grin & Barrett- $25 Starbucks gift card

4. Meg from You're Meaghan Me Crazy- Crocheted Infinity Scarf

5. Haley Brianna from The Ink & Anchor- Ad Space

6. Crystal Taylor from Billie Jean- $15 Anthropologie gift card

7. Kelsey E. from Stories of Kel- 1 Premiere Ad Space

8. PipLey Vintage- 30% off all store items include sale items

9. Stephanie from The Vintage Modern Wife- ELF Eyeshadow Palette

10. Kelsey G. from Beauty without Limits- 1 Month Ad Space

11. Amy from Not Your Average Baby Blog- 1 Month Ad Space

12. Abbey from The Makings of a Mess- Ad Space

13. Brittany from The Domestic Geek- Ad Space

14. Jessica from Sew Do Something- $20 Gift Certificate to her shop

15. Lisette from Northern Belle Diaries- 2 Month Ad Space

16. Sarah from Scissors and a Whisk- Frost Bitten, Twice Shy Nail polish Set

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Good Luck!!

My Birthday Outfit!

It's not late or anything... okay, maybe ten days late. Better late than never, right?! I loved this outfit. I have actually never wore the dress before, and I have had it for over a year! This is what I wore out to dinner on my birthday : )

 Dress: Charlotte Russe

Belt: Old, no idea!

Tights: Rosa's

Boots: Macy's

Bracelet: Forever 21

 

Awkward stance.. haha

Awkward once again! Complimentary birthday sundae at Outback Steakhouse : )

My birthday went pretty well, even though I was sick. My food was delicious and I left feeling like I might die because I was so full! All in all, it was a good day!

Xo, Kelsey

The Big 1-6!

So those of you that follow me on twitter may have saw that today, my younger brothers Caleb & Cameron (twins!) turn 16 today! Yay! So in honor of that, I made sure to get a few pics for the big day! Check back, I will be updating this post with pictures soon :) Until then, how about a "Happy Birthday" to my brothers? Ayy?

Possible Issues with my Blog?

Hello everyone! So I just wanted to ask if anyone has noticed any problems lately with my blog. I have been keeping an eye on my statistics, comments, views, etc. I have noticed this past week a lot of inconsistencies and it is making me think maybe I am having an issue I am not aware of. Do you notice anything not working correctly? Does my comments box work? Any feedback would be great! Also, have you been having any issues with your blog lately?

xo