The first best thing about this pumpkin masque is the results. Customers rave about the high-quality ingredients used in this product, as well as the other organic skin care products in Southern Magnolia's anti-aging line.

The second best thing is that this masque is organic, meaning no extra chemicals were added.  But it works just as well as any chemical-heavy product found behind your local makeup counter. 

Glycolic Pumpkin Masque Review

We recently asked a customer to try out some of our organic skin care products and tell us what she thought. We gave her our Glycolic Pumpkin Enzyme Peel Masque to try after she complained about her aging, dull-looking skin. Here is what she had to say: 

"I'm a believer! This product made such a big difference in the appearance of my skin. I loved smoothing it on my skin--it didn't feel slimy, and the scent smells like delicious pumpkin puree. I noticed a difference after the first application, but it kept getting better and better with every use. Thanks for letting me try this amazing product! I'll definitely be getting more." 

Our pumpkin masque has 5% glycolic acid, which means you get professional level results from an at-home masquel. You'll feel it working as soon as you put it on your face, as the glycolic acid gets to work removing dead and dull skin and revealing a fresher, younger complexion underneath. You only have to leave this product on for about 5 minutes.

So give it a try to see and feel what our Pumpkin Masque can do for YOUR skin!

If there’s anything better than spending a night watching movies, drinking wine, and kicking back with a good face mask after a long day, we haven’t found it.

But, with the holidays are right around the corner, the barrage of extra obligations to add to our normal to-do lists is coming: planning parties, buying gifts, traveling all over to see family… and the list goes on. So, we thought we’d give you a little, friendly reminder to take care of number one (you!) while you get ready for the busiest time of the year.

Here are a few ideas to breathe some life back into your self care evening routine so you can get that beauty sleep you deserve:

1. Write down tomorrow’s tasks in your planner or a bullet journal

Ever had a good night’s sleep with your to-do list swirling around in your head? We haven’t either. The simple act of writing down what you plan to accomplish the next day can take a huge load off of your shoulders and may even help you sleep better, making it the perfect addition to your self care evening routine. Taking it one step further and scheduling the times you’re going to get your tasks done not only helps you see what you need to do, but also lets you see that it’s totally doable in the amount of time you have in a day.

At the same time, be realistic. Are all of your tasks really important, or could one be moved to another day? When you schedule your to-do’s make sure you schedule in some buffer time to account for those little, unexpected interruptions and so you can take breaks when you need it.

2. Take a minute to be thankful

It’s been scientifically proven that practicing gratitude can improve our lives. If you’re reading this right now, you probably have more to be thankful for than you realize: you have an internet connection and a phone or computer to read it on! Most of the world still doesn’t have these things readily available on a day to day basis.

A Forbes article reported that “grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and they report feeling healthier than other people…” and that “writing in a gratitude journal improves sleep”. If those aren’t good reasons to include a gratitude journal into your self care evening routine, we don’t know what is!

3. Give yourself a mini spa treatment

Maybe you didn’t have time to put a full face of makeup on this morning, or maybe you did but had to work longer than expected and even though you’re home, you can’t relax. Either way, taking ten minutes before bed to give yourself a mini spa treatment with a good face mask, a home pedicure, or a hot bath can help you break up the day and make you wake up tomorrow feeling like a million bucks.

And yes, we know this is easier said than done. What if the kids need you? What if it feels silly? What will your husband think? Honey… don’t overthink it. Everything will be just fine if you take twenty minutes to yourself. In fact, part of taking care of everyone around you is taking care of yourself!

What are your favorite ways to sneak some self care into your day? Help someone else out and share in the comments! 

Some companies claim that animal testing serves a purpose, to make sure that ingredients are safe enough for humans. The TRUTH is, there are many alternatives to animal testing for ingredient safety. In Vitro testing (testing cultures outside a living organism) for example has many advantages over animal testing, by using cell tissues and computer models. Yes, animal testing is cheaper, but extremely unethical!

There are thousands of cosmetic ingredients that are already proven to be safe. This shows that we don’t need to test more ingredients on animals, because I would NOT want any chemical that requires that much additional safety testing in my Southern Magnolia products!

Lab animals are animals too!!

According to the law, lab animals form a special category of animals that do not get many protections from animal abuse and cruelty. Why protect our beloved pets from abuse, but lab bunnies, mice and rats suffer needlessly!?

Cats and dogs are also used in experiments…. Yes, you heard me right! This is in industries other than cosmetics, but still! Typically breeds that are known for their docile nature, such as Beagles. This makes me want to cry….

We need to be the change!

Many countries have already banned animal testing for cosmetics in finished products AND raw materials, including the EU, Norway, Switzerland, South Korea and New Zealand. A few states in the U.S. also ban animal testing for cosmetics, it's time for the rest of the USA to follow suit.

The Bottom Line: Southern Magnolia Mineral Cosmetics and many other other cosmetic companies have consciously chosen to go Cruelty Free, so as consumers it is up to us to send a message and buy only Cruelty Free products. This is not only about my products, this is about all of us making a choice!

Companies that do test on Animals

This list is straight from the PETA website. Some of these companies, (such as Proctor and Gamble) have declared that 'most' of their products do not utilize animal tested ingredients, but they have also stated that they will continue to use animal testing when deemed necessary.

There is a good video on PETA that is not impossible to watch. I learned a little bit more about it, including that they use baby primates, and kittens, among other animals, and that they end up blinding many of the animals, such as rabbits, that they test on. I suggest watching it if you use any of these products, and it will give you the inspiration to take the trip to a different store to buy products that not only don't use animal testing, but that also use naturally derived ingredients that are safe for you, your family, and our natural environment.

You learn more by visiting this link: http://search.caringconsumer.com

1. Less is more! Look to embrace your features and accentuate your natural face - you want people to say ‘You look beautiful,’ not ‘Good makeup!’“ So make sure to invest in a good moisturizer. (try Southern Magnolia's firm & facelift rejuvenation cream)

2. The ears, don’t forget them when putting on foundation! Ears are a part of your face, too and are often forgotten. You want your ears to blend in with the rest of your face… so if you have red lobes, don’t forget to lightly sweep your foundation brush over them.

3. Remember to tone down your eye makeup and blush if you are going bold on your lips.

4. Try not wearing mascara on your lower lashes. Applying on your lower lashes can make your eyes look droopy and draw attention to the dark circles.

5. Find a quality lipstick - there is nothing worse than uneven, smeared-looking edge around your lips. So finding a product that doesn’t feather is key. (try Southern Magnolia's vitamin E infused lipstick)

6. Stop stroking blush from mouth to ear; that technique only emphasizes gauntness as we get older. Try this technique instead, for an instant cheek lift appearance, swirl blush ever so slightly higher on the apple of your cheeks.

Watch our beautiful Makeup Artist, Francesca create a fabulous holiday makeup look using Southern Magnolia Mineral Cosmetics! You can find Francesca on Instagram @makeupbyfrancescagizzio

Most of us ladies have no shortage of moisturizers, but how are we supposed to know what the right face cream is for the right season and time of day? The options are endless!

Is There a Difference Between Day and Nighttime Moisturizers?

Well, honey, the short answer is YES! There is a difference. When we get ready in the morning, our goal is both to moisturize and protect our skin. In the summertime or in warmer climates, we generally want a lightweight moisturizer (maybe even a gel for more oily skin) that contains a natural SPF to protect against damaging UV rays, pollution, and free radicals in the environment.

In the cooler months, it’s typically best to use a slightly thicker moisturizer in the mornings to hold in hydration and avoid unsightly chapped, flakey skin. Day creams should be light, non-greasy, and easily absorbed as they’ll likely be the first layer under your makeup. Just don’t forget that sunscreen, the most important key to maintaining youthful skin.

Nighttime is when we bring out the heavier moisturizers containing ingredients that support the renewal and regeneration of our skin while we sleep. Depending upon your skin goals, whether you’re looking for anti-aging, brightening, or hydration-boosting, your ingredient stack will vary. When we sleep, our skin is no longer having to fight against the damaging factors it faces throughout the daytime hours. Nighttime is when our entire body is programmed to detox, repair, and renew. And since our skin is our largest organ, our choice of night cream should support this natural rejuvenation process.

Day Cream vs. Night Cream: Why You Need Both

Now that we know the difference between moisturizers meant for daytime versus heavier creams meant for nighttime, do we really need both? Well, that depends. If you’re a one-size-fits-all skincare minimalist without serious skincare goals, then maybe there is a cream that works for you 24 hours a day. If your daytime moisturizer doesn’t contain an SPF, be sure to apply that separately each morning before going outdoors (even on cloudy, overcast days!). Ideally, however, we’re going to see the best results from using two separate moisturizers.

Daytime moisturizers contain skin regenerating peptides and protective antioxidants such as vitamin C. A great day cream will replace lost moisturize after your morning shower and keep your skin glowing all day long. It also provides a great base for your mineral foundation. Keep your skin in balance by simply choosing the best day cream for you.

Your night cream is your evening workhorse, the moisturizer that gets down to business deep within the layers of your skin while you get your beauty sleep. Who doesn’t want to fight wrinkles while they catch some z’s? While your skin cells are busy replacing themselves throughout the night, it’s your night cream that gives your skin a boost, holds in moisture, and combats the signs of premature aging. Don’t forget to slather that night cream over your neck and chest, too, as these areas tend to be more delicate and show signs of damage sooner.

Barb’s Best Moisturizers for Day and Night

If you’re looking for effective moisturizers that won’t break your budget, look no further than these two options available exclusively through Southern Magnolia Minerals:

Firm & Facelift Anti-Wrinkle Rejuvenation Cream

Finally! Smooth, tight, younger-looking skin without hurting your wallet OR putting toxins into your body! None of us want to think about it, but skin aging is inevitable. Fortunately, there are things we can do to age gracefully and combat damage to our skin. Enter Southern Magnolia's Firm & Facelift Rejuvenation Cream, a miraculous natural alternative to all the harsh, sometimes scary, anti-aging techniques and products on the market today!

Benefit Highlights:

• Absorbs deep into the skin to restore and renew a youthful appearance
• Lifts & firms sagging skin
• Evens out skin texture & tone
• Helps eliminate age & sun spots
• See immediate results, with further results showing up on a continual basis
• Reduce crepe-textured skin
• Super-hydrate & moisturize dry, cracked, or damaged skin
• Reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles

To Use: Simply apply once or twice a day, as needed, smoothing over clean skin. Apply to your face, neck, decolletage, hands, or whole body!

Skin Revival Night Firming Cream

If you want tight, smooth, firm, and healthy-looking skin then Southern Magnolia's night cream is a dream come true! We formulated this moisturizer for mature skin; however, regardless of age, your skin will benefit from the infusion of antioxidants, plant extracts, and vitamins! Skin that once lacked vitality will be plump, soft, smooth, and hydrated. Use this cream regularly to improve skin tone, decrease facial sagging and neck folds, and reduce fine lines and age spots in maturing skin.

Benefit Highlights:

• Rich with powerful nutrients to repair & regenerate damaged, distressed skin
• DMAE & MSM work together to decrease facial sagging and neck folds
• Reveal youthful healthy radiant skin that is tight and tone
• For all skin types especially sensitive, red irritated skin
• Formulated without chemicals, gluten, perfume, oil, dyes
• 75% organic. Made in the USA. Cruelty-free. Vegan

To Use: On cleansed skin, apply dots of cream all over face and throat and massage in with upward strokes.

So there you have it, ladies. I hope this helps you understand why we believe that using both a day cream and a night cream is the best idea for your skin. If our team at Southern Magnolia Minerals can answer your questions or help you put together the right skincare routine for your unique skin concerns, we would LOVE to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us, okay?

As always, our promise to you is to inspire you to embrace your natural imperfections and empower your own genuine, authentic beauty. Our goal is to live, laugh, and love naturally with healthy, pure makeup and skincare that truly works using safe simple ingredients...this is our real beauty!

Flattering Eyeshadow Shades Just for You

Here at Southern Magnolia Minerals, I’ve created gorgeous eyeshadow shades for every eye color. Now, I know how overwhelming it can be to scroll through all the beautiful colors and not know what to add to your cart. I’m here to make it real easy for ya. For each eye color, I’m going to suggest three stunning shades that I guarantee will make those eyes of yours POP! If you don’t love it, let me know, and we’ll find something that’s sure to work for you.

The Best Eyeshadow Colors for Brown Eyes

If you have brown eyes, well, lucky you! You really can’t go wrong when picking out an eyeshadow for brown eyes. I will suggest, though, that you choose something other than brown. Brown eyeshadow on brown eyes can cause your eyes to look muddy as you lose out on the contrast that a bold color can create. Bronze and gold shades are elegant choices for highlighting brown eyes. To add intensity for a bold evening look, try blending black eyeshadow into the crease of your eyelid.

Here are the top three Southern Magnolia eyeshadow colors that I recommend for light brown eyes:

• Bewitched - Rich gold with gorgeous green highlights.

• Cinnamon Sugar- A light, neutral beige with a lot of reflectiveness but not too much sparkle. Makes a beautiful highlighter color to take you from day to night with ease! Compliments all skin tones.

• Pearly Plum - Plum pretty with a satin finish.

My favorite eyeshadow picks for dark brown eyes:

• Moon Light - A cool metallic grey with purple undertones. Very reflective and great as a highlighting accent.

• Sparkle Blush - Soft, velvety texture with rich, dense color that blends easily. Perfect for day or nighttime wear. Brown satin finish.

• Silver Stars - A great silvery accent to any makeup look and won't irritate eyes--no glitter or sparkle.

Choosing the Best Eyeshadow for Green Eyes

When it comes to making your green eyes stand out, the purple color family is your BFF! You can’t go wrong with all the pinks and purples. Look for shades of mauve, lilac, violet, and plum. For a soft day look, try a light shimmery brown. Change it up with a muted purple for a stunning evening look.

• Aubergine - A deep eggplant purple with a beautiful sheen. Gorgeous on all skin tones. Southern Magnolia shadows are never glittery.

• Mystic - This mystical purple rubs down to a beautiful brown sheen when applied. Try it on your cheeks too!

• Moon Light - A cool metallic grey with purple undertones. Very reflective and great as a highlighting accent.

Complementary Eyeshadow Colors for Hazel Eyes

Hazels--usually a blend of brown, green, and gold--pull from both warm and cool color families. Pull from the best of both worlds with golden tones to pull out the warm sparkle in your eyes, or choose light pinks and purples to accentuate green tones.

• Bewitched - The rich golden tones in this eyeshadow beautifully complement the gold flecks in hazel eyes.

• Lavender Pink Matte- For a soft look with a matte finish, this pastel mineral eyeshadow is the perfect choice to highlight green shades.

• Rosé- Live it up with “rosé all day" and notice how your hazel eyes stand out! You'll love this long-wearing shadow for days, nights, and everything in between.

Bring Out the Natural Vibrance of Blue Eyes

Earthy tones ranging from coral and orange undertones to slate grays and taupe will give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to playing up blue eyes. Create a smokey eye with a contrasting palette of warm browns and deep espresso. Don’t be afraid to mix colors to create the effect you desire.

• Taupe Brown-The warm tones in this eyeshadow provide the best contrast for your cool blues, making it easy for your eyes to shine naturally .

• Carnival- This copper satin eyeshadow is the perfect backdrop for your blue eyes, making your eyes pop in all the right ways.

• Pearl Beige - Peaceful, warm, and neutral with a hint of fun! This orange-tinted beige has a satin finish and works great for a variety of makeup looks.

Play Up Grey Eyes With All Natural Mineral Eyeshadow

A rare find, gorgeous grey eyes are easily maximized with steely silvers and greys. If you want your unique grey eyes to appear even lighter, opt for darker smoky tones such as charcoal or even black. Pair this look with a nude lip to allow your eyes' natural grey tones to distinguish themselves.

• Temptation- Create a sexy smoky eye look with Temptation, a dark shimmery gray eyeshadow that looks amazing with any eye color. Use by itself or blend with other colors to add complexity and depth to your smoky eye!

• Limerick-A feathery, sparkly gold with a hint of green that wonderfully highlights the upper eye.

• Pearl Blue- A cool and carefree pastel, this color compliments multiple eye colors and will complement your rare grey beauties beautifully.

Discover the Magnolia Minerals Difference

With a neverending selection of eyeshadow palettes to choose from on the market today, I appreciate you giving Southern Magnolia Minerals a home in your makeup bag. We’re so much more than just a cosmetic company. I do my best to address my customers' needs and desires, and that’s why I’ve created a makeup line that’s organic, non-toxic, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and made in the U.S.A. We truly are one of the most eco-friendly makeup brands in existence. Oh, and did I mention that our makeup is also affordable?!? You deserve the very best, and I don’t think you should have to break the bank to get it.

With Southern Magnolia Minerals, you don’t have to worry about makeup allergies or sensitive eyes. You can safely enjoy this season’s hottest gluten-free, talc-free, and paraben-free makeup colors. The ingredients I use are never tested on animals, so you can go wild with all the mineral eyeshadow colors knowing you’re being kind to the planet and our beloved furry friends.

The best part of choosing a small business like Southern Magnolia over the big name brands is that the personal attention you want is just a click away. I know many of my customers by name, and I hope to get to know yours, too. If you have any questions or concerns at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out, and I’ll extend to you my very southern hospitality. Drop me a line anytime at barb@smmcosmetics.com. Thanks for stopping in, honey!