Simple Sensitive Skin Experts Refreshing Facial Wash

 

 

 

 

I received a bag of free samples form a RiteAid grand opening and in it was a 1.7 oz bottle of Simple Sensitive Skin Experts; Refreshing Facial Gel Wash.  To put it simply, I LOVE this product. 

I feel fortunate to have discovered it because products like this don't come along too often and if they do they're usually pretty pricey.  I took one look at it's cute green packaging and expected it to have some type of fruity scent, but after several whiffs I realized it had none.   It's contents is a clear gel that contains no soap, no dyes, no irritants and no perfumes.  It was incredibly gentle on my sensitive skin and I kid not when I say you need only a drop when using it.  The lather is really strong and removed all of my make up with no problem.   

What I really appreciate is how forgiving it is to your skin.  Sometimes I end up washing my face more then twice a day (like if I go to the gym mid-day and then wash it again before bed).  This is strong enough to remove dirt and sweat, but keeps from irritating and drying out my skin.  It has Pro Vitamin B5 that helps revitalize and restore a healthy complexion.     

I definitely plan to try more products from this line, especially a moisturizer.  If the wash is this good, I am hoping for at least equal success with the moisturizers... Stay tuned to find out!

 

Retail: $6.99

Available at: drugstore.com

 

Do you have sensitive skin and use this line?  Do you have a favorite from the line? 

Who Doesn't Love Cheescake?

Hello my lovelies, this post is not necessarily beauty related but I believe it is for a great cause :)  We all know how hard it is to turn our dreams into a reality.  It takes hard work, determination, motivation, and sometimes a little help. 

Cindy Sheils from a small town upstate founded her company Cheesecake Heaven after having success with a family recipe.  The company is growing quickly and she is working hard towards the next step, hoping to land a spot on ABC's sizzling new show "Shark Tank"!  If you're not familiar with it, the show contains a panel of investors that select new businesses they believe have the potential for serious growth and success. 

It's a tremendous opportunity and a true inspiration for anyone who's ever had a dream. 

If you wouldn't mind taking just take a minute or so to register here and then vote here to help give her the chance to be considered for the show.  (Voting here does not guarantee her an audition, but it helps a lot in the consideration process).  Just click the orange hand in the top left corner :)

You can check out her site Cheesecake Heaven (maybe even try one ;) and watch for her on the show's upcoming season.  Fingers crossed and thank you all!!

XOXO

Liebster Award

Hi Lovelies! I am so excited because I have recently been nominated by Mariely of Sensational Creations for the Liebster Award.  It is a special award for bloggers with less then 200 followers and have been nominated as a "favorite" (Liebster is German) blog.  I am so grateful for the nomination and cannot thank you enough!! <3  (I also thank you for the specifics on it, as I myself was not too sure :)

I'll start with giving 11 random facts about myself, moving onto answering the 11 questions asked by Mariely (or whichever blogger nominates you) and then leaving 11 more questions for the 11 bloggers I have chosen to nominate.  So here we go! 

11 Random Facts about Yours Truly ;)

1.) I have red hair
2.) I adore all dogs and am practically moved to tears every time I see one
3.) I can recite every episode of Friends
4.) I love hoop earrings
5.) I can never have enough Sushi
6.) I love to dance, especially jazz and hip hop!
7.) I love to workout
8.) I've studied abroad in Spain
9.) I just finished reading "Devil Wears Prada"
10.) Scarface is a staple in my DVD collection
11.) I am obsessed with everything Lauren Conrad


11 Questions from Mariely at Sensational Creations

1) How long have you been blogging?
     7 months or so
2) Why you decided to join the blogging world?
     I love to write
3) Movies or TV series?
     TV series
4) What's your favorite food?
     Sushi forever!!! :D
5) Name some of your hobbies.
     Reading, working out
6) Favorite actor or actress and favorite singer.
     Nicole Kidman// Jennifer Lopez// Beyonce
7) If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
     London
8) Do you have any pets?
     1 dog
9) What's your favorite color?
     Pink!!!
10) What are you afraid of?
       Mice, rats and cockroaches.
11) What's the best thing that's ever happened to you?
       Independence


Check out my 11 Lovely Nominees :)

Stuff 'n' Things
Thrifted Away
AllGlazedOver
BeautyGeek
BeautyByBrittneyd
TheConfessionCloset
CosmeticAddiction
FlynxBeauty
MieuMakup
EmilyAnnBeauty
FitInMyRedSoleShoes



11 Questions for my 11 Nominees:

1.) Lip gloss or lip stick?
2.) Where would be your ultimate vacation?
3.) What was the last book you read?
4.) Do you color your hair or go au naturale?
5.) What is your favorite type of music?
6.) What was your first job?
7.) What is your favorite food?
8.) Do you have any siblings?
9.) Do you have a lucky number? If so what is it?
10.) What was the worst movie you ever saw?
11.) What is the last song you listened to?

Cyber Monday is Almost Here!

Hi all, I couldn't stop at just Black Friday could I?  Here are some fab deals that are going to hit come Monday:

AHAVA: AHAVA will offer a FREE Extreme Night Treatment ($72 value) with orders over $40 with code CYBERTREAT

WHEN: Available exclusively on Cyber Monday (Monday, November 26^th)

WHERE: ahavaus.com

bliss: Enjoy up to 50% savings on select luxury items!  Also, save 30% on beloved bliss and Remede bundles and sets, and save 20% on a selection of Bliss, Remede and Elemis products

WHEN: Offer valid November 23^rd – 27^th

WHERE: blissworld.com

Stila: Stila Online Warehouse Sale: Come shop the online version of Stila’s coveted LA Warehouse Sale. Enjoy deals of up to 80% off.

WHEN: Offer valid Monday, November 26^th – Sunday, December 2^nd

WHERE: stilacosmetics.com

Also Watch for: 

Beauty.com: 12/12/12 only happens once a century and to celebrate, Beauty.com is offering 12 items from across makeup, skincare and hair categories on the site for just $12.

WHEN: Available exclusively on December 12^th

WHERE: beauty.com

Stila: Lucky LA-based ladies take note: Stila’s annual Warehouse Sale is taking place at The Doll Factory.  Stila favorites will be priced at up to 80% off, so it’s time to stock up for you and your not-so-lucky friends who live outside the city.  

WHEN: Saturday, December 15^th and Sunday, December 16^th

WHERE: The Doll Factory, 1910 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Black Friday Deals and Steals!

Hello beauties, it's that time of year again!!  Black Friday is literally around the corner and I wanted to give you a heads up to some of the gotta grab deals come the end of this week:  

Stila Merry & Bright Palette and Lip Glaze Set

Stila introduces an affordable, festive beauty set that comes with a paper-wrapped makeup palette with six gorgeous eye shadow shades, a Convertible Color in Lillium and a deluxe-size Lip Glaze in Stila’s best-selling shade, Kitten. Available on the busiest shopping day of the year and for only $10, be sure to pick one up for everyone on your holiday list – including one for yourself.

WHEN: Available exclusively on Black Friday (Friday, November 23^rd)

WHERE:  Exclusively at Sephora for $10

  

Stila Jingle All the Way Travel Palette (Facebook Promo)

Stila will be offering a buy one, get one free promotion on the Jingle All the Way Travel Palette. The palette contains a Convertible Color and six stunning eye shadows for creating wintery looks or a bold smoky eye in a matter of minutes.

WHEN: Available exclusively on Black Friday (Friday, November 23^rd)

WHERE: Check out the brand’s Facebook page – “Stila Cosmetics” – for the details day-of: facebook.com/stila

Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color Collection for $49 (a $140 value)

GO BIG OR GO HOME. Urban Decay is offering all SEVEN of their cult-favorite chubby lip pencils for just $49. The Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color is an addictive pencil that delivers all the opaque, saturated, high-impact color of your favorite lipstick and arresting high-gloss finish in one chubby pencil. A pigment-rich formula with a dynamic bright-to-neutral shade range in creamy and sparkly textures, it’s the ideal way to bring a bit of high fashion to your everyday look. Now you can snag the entire collection for a serious steal…

WHEN: Available exclusively on Black Friday (Friday, November 23^rd)

WHERE: Urbandecay.com

Urban Decay Smoked Palette + FREE Double Ended 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Set for $49 (a $77 value)

Create a variety of show-stopping smoke-show looks with this Black Friday deal. You’ll get the Smoked Palette, the hot new palette from UD with 8 sexy shadows for any kind of smoky eye you desire, along with a FREE Double Ended 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Set. Tone it down, vamp it up, or add some color with the cult-favorite pencils and you’ll be unstoppable. New to the smoky sensation? No fear, this set comes with a 29-page “get-the-look” book that’ll get you to (black) swan status flawlessly.

WHEN: Available exclusively on Black Friday (Friday, November 23^rd)

WHERE: urbandecay.com

Brands to check out!

AHAVA: AHAVA will offer 40% off site-wide with code BLACKFRIDAY

WHEN: Offer valid November 21^st – 25^th

WHERE:ahavaus.com

bliss: Enjoy up to 50% savings on select luxury items!  Also, save 30% on beloved bliss and Remede bundles and sets, and save 20% on a selection of Bliss, Remede and Elemis products

WHEN: Offer valid November 23^rd – 27^th (note: through CYBER MONDAY as well)

WHERE: blissworld.com

Caswell-Massey: Caswell-Massey will be offering 20 - 30% off site-wide. Stock up on cult-favorite soap sets right before the holidays from not only Caswell-Massey but also the couture soap brand, Gianna Rose Atelier.

WHEN: Offer valid November 23^rd – 25^th

WHERE: caswellmassey.com

drugstore.com: drugstore.com will be offering Facebook exclusive offers to all fans. The deals extend across all categories and will be revealed at random each day leading up to Black Friday. On Black Friday, the number of deals offered will increase in both number and value.

-          26 total deals; 4 deals per day Mon-Thurs, 10 deals on Friday

-          Deals range in value, lowest $0.99

-          A progress bar on the app lets people know how much time is left on each deal and when the next one will be revealed

-          All deals are stackable

-          All deals are Facebook exclusive

WHEN: Throughout the week of November 19^th

WHERE: drugstore.com; Check out the brand’s Facebook page for the exclusive offers www.facebook.com/drugstore.com

Elemis Limited Edition Papaya Enzyme Peel

 

 

I was practically ecstatic when offered to sample Elemis' Papaya Enzyme Peel with it's celebratory limited edition packaging, in honor of it's 10th anniversary.  I have always had success with Elemis products and this time was no different.  The vibrantly colored, papaya and pineapple inspired packaging served as a sneak peek into the way it made my skin glow.   

 

 

It's an ultra luxe, velvety cream that glides on easily and smoothly.  I used an amount the size of a dime to gently massage over my cleansed skin.  As if it's heavenly, tropical scent wasn't enough to wake me up, my energized reflection definitely was.  I rinsed it off after 15 minutes to find my skin soft and revitalized.  It didn't feel anything like a peel, rather it treated my tired skin to what felt like a spa facial.   It's natural fruit enzyme papain gently dissolves dead skin cells and help reduce the dryness on my cheeks.  It's enzymes are blended into a natural milk protein base to give the treatment peel superior moisturizing properties and pH balance. 

 

It's best attribute is that it actually soothes your skin.  There are no exfoliating beads because it works without the need for rubbing.  I liked that it didn't tighten while it dried and felt comfortable on my skin.  It is perfect for those with sensitive skin and need to be cautious of irritation, (especially that winter redness I experience every year).  I use it once a week but feel it is gentle enough to use more often, especially when you need that instant "pick me up". 

 

 

As part of it's anniversary celebration, Elemis has partnered with Socially Conscious Foundation (SOCO) to help fund over 50,000 vaccinations for children in Africa. 

 

Available at: Timetospa.com

 

 Have you ever tried a peel? What did you think afterwards?

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads

 

 

 

Hello lovelies, I wanted to talk about a product that has me positively glowing ;) I started using Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads  and think I shall use them always :D  They're round, dual sided pads with a smooth side to help gently remove make up and impurities, and a textured side to help exfoliate. 

I found these are really handy, not to mention refreshing.  They have a crisp, clean scent that left my skin revitalized and awake.  They come in a twist top container and are already moist when you open them.  I  added just a drop of water and watched them lather right up when applied to my face.  They don't dry out (thanks to their container) but they are rather large.  I felt bad at first, throwing one away with so much lather still left on it, but then had the idea to start cutting them in half. 

 

 

 

They're hypoallergenic and oil free which made them gentle enough for me to use almost everyday without redness or irritation.  I loved having the double sided option because it meant I could wash and exfoliate practically together, and save myself time in the morning.  They removed my face make up with ease and the conditioning cleansers and natural soy left my skin looking bright and healthy. 

 

Also recipient of Allure's Editor's Choice Award, they're definitely a must try!

 

Have you tried cleansing pads before?  Do you prefer the pads or liquid face wash?

Too Faced Full Bloom Blush

As my undying obsession with Too Faced cosmetics lives on, so lies my latest crush on it's Full Bloom Ultra Flush Powder Blush in Sweet Pink.  It is actually a part of the 2011Summer collection, but I was so psyched after my friend gave it to me that I just decided to post about it anyway (despite the season). 

 

 

 

 

My skin is on the fair side with some pink undertones (and sometimes uneven coloring) and finding a blush that matches can be tricky.  While my cheeks are already pinkish, what I prefer to do is even my skin out with some foundation and then follow up with some blush.   

This powder blush comes in an adorable black compact with pink lettering, and a small mirror inside.  It's perfect for traveling and can slip right into your purse for quick touch ups (just remember to bring an applicator brush).

 

 

 

Sweet Pink is a really warm, playful shade that looked best when I applied it to the apples of my cheeks.  It is rather sheer, but when applied over the foundation I was able to build the colour up a bit.  It has a gold shimmer that acts almost like a subtle bronzer.  It's easy to blend and wears well throughout the day.  If you're like me who has a lot of pink undertones and just needs that hint of colour this is perfect.  It's offers that soft rosy glow and gently brightens up your look without going over the top.

 

 

Available in 3 shades; Sweet Pink, Who's Your Poppy? and Cocoa Rose and retails for $19.00

 

Have you tried a blush from this collection?  What is your favorite Too Faced product?

 

Beautiful Curls for all Curly Haired Beauties

During my recent sweep of the empties cluttering up my bathroom, I stumbled upon an old stash of hair products I had set aside from many moons ago.  My new found collection of Beautiful Curls Curly to Kinky Hair products included the Shea Butter Curl Activating Leave in Conditioner, Shea Butter Sculpting Wax and Shea Butter Hydrating Curl Oil.   

 

 

 

I decided to give my locks some immediate TLC and jumped right in with the oil treatment.  I applied some about the size of a quarter to my hair dry(and mind you I have alot of hair).  I started at my scalp, skipping to my ends, then worked the rest into the middle of my strands, leaving it on for 45 minutes.  To be blunt, I am not sure if I just used too much or if this particular oil is exceptionally strong. I have done oil treatments in the past but it has never taken more then a simple shampoo and rinse to get it out.  It wasn't until after three days of shampooing and rinsing did I finally feel I had successfully gotten it all out.  My hair certainly felt softer and silkier (obviously since it had oil sitting in it for 3 days) but I stress: No matter how coarse or dry your curls are, use this oil sparingly.  It 's combination of shea butter, virgin coconut oil, West African sesame oil are all super moisturizing and did leave my hair very shiny.  It's scent is a light lavender due to its added lavender essential oil. 

I can't say this was my favorite oil, but it is free of mineral oils, soy, gluten and synthetic fragrances (which makes it a good contender for a second chance).  It is also not tested on animals :)  I do plan to try it again in the future but just on my ends and in minuscule amounts.   

 

 

After trying the Sculpting Wax and Leave in Conditioner, I had better luck with both.  I found the leave in conditioner worked best when applied to my wet hair and let dry naturally over night.  I like to switch it up in the winter and take advantage of the cold weather to flat iron my curls, and I noticed the leave in conditioner actually made it easier.  It left my hair so soft and gave my hair some added weight, which helped keep it straighter longer.  The sculpting wax was perfect for smoothing my fly aways and adding shine.  Both are super nourishing and hydrating for curly hair and overall I sincerely do like this line.

     

Happy to have tried it, I believe in it's results and I believe in it's mission.  Beautiful Curls was created by Alaffia and contains certified Fair Trade handcrafted Shea Butter. Alaffia aims to deliver not only strong, healthy curls, but assistance to it's people of Alaffia in West Africa, where at least 10% of all sales are donated.

 Any other curly haired lovelies ever try this line?  Were you left with good results?

 

Free Beauty Events November Contest

Hi lovelies, it's the beauty lover's favorite time again!  FreeBeautyEvents is once again hosting their monthly contest and this month's prizes are totally fab.  Ten lucky winners will receive:

 

St. Ives Body Lotion Naturally Soothing Oatmeal & Shea Butter, Olay Total Effects 7-In1 Wet Cloths Cleanser, and Olay Complete All Day UV Skin Shield Moisturizer Lotion SPF 15 for Normal Skin.

 

 

The Contest runs from 11/1/2012 to 11/30/2012, winners will be chosen on 12/1/2012 and notified by 12/15/2012.  To enter go to FreeBeautyEvents.com and supply your name, email (only used to contact winners), and zip code.

 

The Contest runs from 11/1/2012 to 11/30/2012, winners will be chosen on 12/1/2012 and notified by 12/15/2012.

 

This is a really fantastic website I use to stay in the loop about what is going on in the worldwide realm of beauty.  FreeBeautyEvents is actually how I heard about the Rite Aide grand opening in my area a few weeks ago where I walked out with a goodie bag of samples and coupons.  You can follow them through:

                                                      Tumblr
                                                      Twitter
                                                     Facebook


Hurry to enter and good luck!


Also, on select dates in November and December Walgreens will be having their Sally Hansen event. Demonstrators will be showing their exciting new product – Insta Gel Strips. If you free samples, head to the CVS L’Oreal event on December 1^st. Demonstrators will be giving out samples of L’Oreal Day/Night Cream and L’Oreal Day Lotion 30 SPF. You can keep up to date on information like this at freebeautyevents.com where spas and retailers promote their events. Vendors can also advertise their events but submitting it here .

Have you checked out FreeBeautyEvents yet?  Did you attend any in your area?

Celebrate the Holidays with Algenist

 Make holiday shopping easy this season and snag one of Algenist's limited edition gift sets.  Algenist  QVC's Rising Star Award recipient, has wrapped up some of it's ultimate skincare essentials into two fantastic limited edition gift sets.  The Firming & Lifting and Anti- Aging Expert Duo Holiday Gift Sets both contain Algenist's revolutionary Alguronic Acid to visibly reduce signs or aging and leave skin looking revitalized for the new year.   

The Firming & Lifting set includes the Firming & Lifting Cream, Eye Gel, and Intensive Mask. Each is specially formulated with Alguronic Acid and ProPeptide3 to boost skin's production of structural proteins; elastin, collagen and proteoglycans.  After strengthening the skin's structure, the formula continues to ease the effects of gravity and sings of aging, to ultimately leave skin looking toned and firm. 

 

Retail: $145.00 

 

 

The Anti- Aging Expert Duo Set contains two of Algenist's most powerful formulas; the Targeted Deep Wrinkle Minimizer and hero Concentrated Reconstructuring Serum.  The two combined with alguronic acid help promote cell regeneration and improve skin's elasticity.  Resulting in smooth, even skin texture, it leaves skin primed for flawless makeup applicaiton.  *Independent consumer testing on the immediate results of the Targeted Deep Wrinkle Minimizer revealed 100% reported fine lines and wrinkles were immediately smoother in targeted ares*   

 

Retail: $105.00

Neydharting Moor Skin and Body Care Launches in the U.S.

As European based skincare line Neydharting Moor Skin and Body Care celebrates it's official launch here in the United States, this luxe spa- strength skincare line brings you an experience like one you're never had.  It is the only skincare line in the world with the rights to use the proprietary and hydrating Peat and Peat Water, exclusively from the cherished Neydharting Moor in Austria.  Translation? 

 

They are the only skincare line who's products contain these extraordinary elements.  And why are these elements so special you ask? 

"These ingredients are proven to offer skin remarkable anti-aging and healing benefits and properties that can’t be replicated by science,” adds Neydharting Moor Skin & Body Care Creative Director Nicola Gross.

Peat water contains 1,000 naturally sourced botanicals and herbs, 300 of which have proven anti aging benefits.  A blend of ingredients taken directly from the moor combine peat with advanced peptides to help restore skin's radiance, maximize hydration, and immediately fight signs of aging at bay.
 

"From its beginnings more than 30,000 years ago in Austria, the Neydharting Moor has been sought after for its perceived healing powers.  As early as 800 B.C. the Celts discovered the Moor’s magic. They drank and soaked in the waters – using the black mud as a medicine that was believed to have miraculous healing powers. In 1525 Paracelsus – the famous pioneer of chemistry and modern medicine – believed that he had found in this Moor the Quinta Essentia:  the five essential elements that remedy illness and engender health. The Moor’s mud came to be prized as a beauty therapy and European nobility built villas and spas on its shores. Louis XIV, Napoleon and Josephine all became Moor devotees, indulging in its precious gifts."

Source: According to 30-day Consumer Trial Groups conducted by The Beauty Company in May 2010.

 

 

I have been using the Intensive Hydration Cream AM, Regenerating Night Cream Face and Neck, and Ageless Eye Cream for several weeks on my typically dry skin and can't help but relish it's new soft, suppleness.  These incredibly rich creams glided on smoothly and absorbed nicely without lingering on my skin.  I found them to be so efficient that I only needed a dollop to get the job done.  Packed with anti oxidants to help regulate skin cell rejuvenation and vitamins A and E, I saw an improvement in my skin's natural glow and was even more pleased to see they never made me break out.

 

To be truthful I don't use eye creams often but am trying to get into the habit and Moor's Ageless Eye Cream has been a great place to start.  It's liquidy texture was actually that of a serum and gently soothed my skin.  Since using it I've noticed a reduction in dryness underneath my eyes (every winter someone comments on it but not this season! ;) due in part to it's added jojoba seed oil. It dried quickly and felt light on my skin.  

Free of sulfates and not tested on animals, this luxe line is a fabulous addition to the U.S. market that will cater to your skin and leave you feeling pampered. 

Moor Products:

Revitalizing Toner – an invigorating toner made with 90% Neydharting Peat Water to refresh and revitalize the skin.

Intense Hydration Cream AM – a hydrating daytime moisturizer that firms skin and restores elasticity.

Ageless Eye Cream – a delicate eye cream infused with age-defying antioxidants to minimize wrinkles and reduce puffiness.

Intense Regenerating Serum – a potent antioxidant cream-gel to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while firming the skin.

Repair and Renewal Cream – a dynamic peptides treatment that visibly improves the appearance of skin.

The Balm – a moisturizing balm for dry, irritated or sensitive skin.

Intense Body Cream – soothes and moisturizes to deeply nourish and protect dry, sensitive skin.

 

 

 

 

Products were complimentary of PR and these opinions are open and honest. I did not receive compensation for this post.