Hi!! I was just wondering what’s the secret to winning giveaways and getting products for review? Any suggestions on how to up your chances? I appreciate all help!

What’s the secret?!

Hi beautiful people! I was wondering how long after you submitted your paperwork to become a Picky Squad member that you were approved? It has been maybe 1.5-2 weeks and I even sent them an email, but got no response back. Thanks so much!!! Hope you’re having a lovely evening. 💕

Picky Squad qualification

There was nothing I disliked about this product. 

I received the Anti Hair Loss Kit & Hair Care Set including the Scalp Shampoo, Hair Tonic and Curl Cream for free from Picky and Dashu in exchange for my honest review. 🌱

They are formulated with vegan and organic all natural ingredients and are free from sulfate, alcohol, paraben, and fragrance. This kit is for those struggling with weak brittle hair or hair loss. All are easily accessible via Amazon. The packaging is very masculine and the label doesn’t seem to be aimed for the US market as it’s mostly written in Korean. 

Shampoo: 
Contains Biotin, Niacinamide, Dexpanthenol and Zinc pyrithione which help with hair loss and Allantoin, Baobab, Camellia Oil and Argan oil which replenish moisture. Has an herbal menthol scent that provides a cooling and tingling sensation on scalp which feels refreshing. Foams and lathers well and rinses off easily. Leaves hair squeaky clean without stripping the moisture out of it. My hair feels soft and shiny.

Hair Tonic:
Comes in a spray form and is best used after shower on wet hair. Contains herbal ingredients such as green tea and peony to relieve scalp irritation and hair loss symptoms. Reduces hair/scalp damage using proteins such as keratin and silk. D-Panthenol aids in blood flow to the scalp promoting hair loss. It soothes sensitive scalp with menthol and immediately provides a tingling and cooling effect.

Curl Cream:
Non sticky texture composed of vegetable oil and protein that provides moisture and nutrition. A 3 in 1 curl cream (curling, essence, hair wax) that curls, hydrates and locks in your style without the stickiness. 

Overall, it’s definitely geared towards the male population and I only used it for a short time so I can’t speak on the anti-hair loss effect, but I really enjoyed the menthol cooling sensation on my scalp and likely would repurchase. 

Cons:
-The dropper doesn’t pick up as much product
-Contains intense fragrance which can be irritating to some 
-If used daily or more there is a potential for dryness, flakiness, peeling and skin purging 
-The eye cream will sting the eyes if placed too closely 
-A tad pricey 

Overall, the products claim to improve wrinkles in as little as 2 weeks, but I didn’t notice any improvements and I believe it takes consistent use for a longer period of time to see results. I think there are cheaper alternatives on the market that do the same thing, but wouldn’t mind splurging on these once in awhile. 

SOME BY MI believes natural beauty deserves attention. The brand takes its name from the Korean word "mi" which means "beauty," and proudly manufactures all its products in Korea. 

The serum takes care of 4 signs of aging: wrinkles, lots of elasticity, uneven texture and enlarged pores with its powerful triple synergy retinol formula. It’s created with patented elastic-liposome technology to deliver active ingredients deep into the skin layers. The eye cream softens fine lines, removes dark circles and reduces signs of aging. They both claim to be mild and gentle enough for sensitive skin. Recommended for use in the evening, but apply sunscreen if using during the day. Great for those with oily skin, textural issues and hyperpigmentation. 

Key Ingredients:
-Retinol/Retinal/Bakuchiol: helps boost skin elasticity with low irritation
-Niacinamide: brightening benefits
-Hyaluronic acid & panthenol: deep hydration

Pros:
-The serum comes in a luxurious purple glass bottle with dropper 
-Alcohol, paraben and cruelty free; Vegan
-Serum texture is lightweight, milky, creamy, non sticky and absorbs well
-Eye cream texture is lightweight, creamy, non greasy and absorbs well 
-Both are moisturizing and leave skin dewy, hydrated, soft and supple 
-Didn’t irritate or dry out my skin, but I only used them 3x per week
-Easily accessible via Amazon 

Cons:
-Those with sensitive, dry skin who haven’t used Vitamin A products may experience purging, irritation, flaking and increased dryness; recommended to do a patch test 
-Not to be used if pregnant or lactating 
-Co-administration of Vitamin C/aha/bha’s can increase skin irritation 
-I noticed some pilling so I try to let this soak in before I apply my next product 
-It is a very rich cream which may not be suitable for those with oily skin 
-A bit tacky and greasy 
-$33 for 30ml

Wishtrend recommends this for beginners of Vitamin A and for those with sensitive skin who cannot tolerate tretinoin or higher dose retinoids, but I find this to be pretty potent and I am not a beginner. If you use it daily, I am sure you will experience some form of irritation. Overall, it is a great alternative to prescription strength tretinoin, but it is on the pricey side and I have yet to notice any anti-aging benefits so I’m not sure about using this long term. 

I received the Vitamin A-mazing Bakuchiol Night Cream for free from Picky and By Wishtrend in exchange for my honest review. 🌱 

By Wishtrend is a skincare brand created to make high potency ingredients accessible to everyone. Bakuchiol Night Cream is formulated with Retinal (most active vitamin A that is more effective than Retinol) and Bakuchiol (safer to use for all skin types as is a plant-based retinol) for better absorption, faster results, and fewer side effects such as itching, peeling and stinging.

The night cream comes in a fluorescent yellow color due to the natural color of Retinal, is hypoallergenic and has a smooth and rich creamy texture. It helps improves pore appearance and skin texture, reduces wrinkles and age spots while providing moisture. Best if used at night to avoid increased sensitivity from the sun. If used during the day, high dose SPF is a must. 

Key Ingredients:
-Retinal: A precursor of vitamin A that prevents fine lines, blemishes and improves skin elasticity
-Bakuchiol: Plant-based retinol that has antioxidant properties and known to have fewer side effects than Retinol

Pros:
-Artificial coloring-free, fragrance-free, ethanol-free, gluten-free, vegan friendly, cruelty-free
-Easily accessible via Amazon
-Comes in an airless pump container to keep vitamin A stable for longer (Vitamin A easily deteriorates and loses original effects when exposed to air, sun rays, heat)
-Uses a multilayer stabilizer system: special technology that improves skin absorption as well as stability from oxidation
-A little goes a long way 
-Great for cellular turnover and preventing acne 

JuliaAlexandra