Beauty Box 5: November

I was incredibly flattered when Beauty Box 5 invited me to be a part of their official blogger review team.  Beauty Box 5 is monthly subscription that delivers 5 select beauty samples straight to your doorstep.  It offers a choice of subscription options including: $12.00/month, $30.00/quarterly or $99.00/ yr. 

 

The theme for this month's box was the ultimate must haves needed to "prep, primp and sparkle".  Everything necessary to get you fully equipped for whatever a night out may bring!

 

 

 

 

Retail: $7.99

 

First up, a full size 1.6 oz sample of Secret's Clinical Strength Invisible Solid antiperspirant deodorant.  When it comes to deodorant I always go for the same one (Dove's prescription) but this had me pleasantly surprised.  The box states it is clinically proven to provide prescription strength wetness protection but seeing is believing right?  For me, this turned out to be totally adequate.  It had a sweet, cool scent that was very fresh.  It did indeed roll on invisible, and didn't form any of those icky white clumps like many deodorants out there do.  The formula was light and absorbed nicely.  However, the not so good news?  It didn't totally pass the smudge test.  Even though it glides on clear, it still managed to leave behind a bit of white residue on my black shirt.  But smudges aside, its quite effective if you're looking to evade the sweat monster.  I never felt one trace of wetness throughout the entire day and am considering purchasing it in the future.     

 

 

 

Retail: $2.49

 

Ironically the Montagne Jeunesse Glacial Cooling Face Mask was the most inexpensive item in the box but turned out to be one of my favs.  Application is fast and simple.  Just remove the cloth mask from the bag, and apply it over your cleansed skin.  This was an interesting experience for me because it was my first clay mask ever.  I was surprised when I unfolded it to see it have all the cut outs for your eyes etc.  I can't say I wasn't nervous, and may have briefly resembled Hannibal Lector, but end result?  I LOVE this mask, better then any I've tried from a tube.  I fully intend to try another.  The cloth was a smidgen too big for me and since its quite moist when you open it, I didn't bother trying to cut it down.  I just folded the edges around my hairline and let it sit for about 18 minutes (recommended is 10-15) but it felt so cool and refreshing that I wanted to soak up as much as I could.  It is made with real clay, arctic cloudberry and red grape to help cleanse pores and enhance skins natural barriers.  Once I rinsed off the bits of dried clay, my skin felt soft and rejuvenated.

 

 

 

 

Retail: $6.99

 

I'm already a fan of Aveeno products so I was happy to try the 2 oz bottle of Positively Nourishing Calming Body Wash in Lavender Chamomile and Ylang-Ylang.  The lavender scent is a sure fire way to relax at the end of a long day, and after cleansing my skin was soft and refreshed!

 

 

 

 

Retail: $4.99

 

We all know my obsession with chap sticks and lip balms.  So I tried hard not to pre-judge Body Drench's Lip Drench.. the verdict?

Satisfactory.  It made it into the emergency stash but I can't say I was impressed. Its consistency didn't have the rich or silky texture that I look for in these products.  It had more of a grainy texture, and even though it kept my lips moist, they never felt soothed.  It went on clear but I did notice a bit of white residue along the edges of my lips which made me realize it never fully absorbed.  It's good for a quick fix on a dry day, but I wouldn't expect it to do much in the dead of winter when your lips start cracking.  I realize this isn't actual chap stick, but I'd still expect that as a moisturizer, it should be a little stronger.  

 

 

 

 

Retail: $14.99

 

Now, for my favorite item in the box:  The bellapierre Shimmer Powder in Storm.  Its a gorgeous silver colour that had virtually NO fallout.  *Muah* This is the first bellapierre product I've tried and was quite impressed.  I applied a minimal amount of primer and it grabbed on ridiculously well.  Its staying power was amazing and it hadn't smudged or faded even a little by the end of the day.  Even though shimmers aren't necessarily my preference because I find it difficult to achieve even coverage and I just end up looking sloppy and too painted.  But I have to say this shimmer won me over.  It was easy to apply and I was able to build the intensity to my liking.  The colour is especially fabulous so I can sparkle for the upcoming holiday season :D 

 

Holiday Gift Guide: Menaji Skincare for Men

The holidays are fast approaching and it's possible you may yet again, but stumped on what to buy the men in your life this year.  As tricky as it can be to shop for guys, some brands have got it all mapped out for you this season!  I was introduced to  Menaji Skincare at a holiday Beauty Press event and was pretty impressed.  Designed exclusively for men, the line carries a range of products including Face and Body Scrub, to an Aftershave Hydrator and even a Camo Concealer.  Used by celebs like Jonny Depp, Kevin Bacon and Justin Timberlake, Menaji products may be a great idea to consider.  

Exclusively for the holidays, Menaji has put together two unique men’s gift sets.  Each is beautifully packaged in re-purposed cigar box and features three of their best-selling products: 

THE JETSETTER’S KIT: 

$95.00

911 Eye Gel – Pack your bags!  This calming eye treatment gets rid of puffiness and dark circles around the eye area.  Keep it in the ‘fridge for a super cool mini ice pack feel. 

ERASER – Men erase fine lines by leveraging the molecular structure of peptides to enhance the elasticity, strength and texture of your skin.   Green apple stem cells do all the work; you just look great!

LipAgent - An SPF 15 lip balm with natural organic ingredients and a hint of mint for fresh breath.

THE BASICS KIT:

$49.00

Power Hydrator Aftershave - A super hydrating light lotion to apply after an AM or PM shave.  Infused with natural botanicals and healthy vitamins, this super moisturizer ensures a man's skin stays soft, hydrated, and ready for either an evening out or a day at the office.

Face & Body Scrub - An exfoliating and purifying scrub that delivers a natural blend of vitamins and botanicals.  Keep it in the shower for an all-over invigorating clean. 

LipAgent - An SPF 15 lip balm with natural organic ingredients and a hint of mint for fresh breath!

The sets are available immediately through their toll free number: (800) 551-5067 where you can easily place your order, as well as ask any questions about the products.  If you're unsure which set may be right for you or the person you are buying for, representatives can help educate you on the products and decide which is most beneficial.  

The line is also available at Nordstrom

Are you interested in Menaji for someone on your list this year?  Which kit are you leaning towards?  

Press Release: Colorado Aromatics Releases Seasonal Pumpkin Soap

 

 

 

 Retail: $5.50
 

Colorado Aromatics Cultivated Skin Care is a unique skin care line that utilizes the power of herbs and science to create Eco-Friendly and Functional products. All of their products contain herbs grown right on their Colorado Farm. Herbs are important for the skin to combat inflammation and oxidation that promote wrinkles and age related issues. The products are formulated by Dr. Cindy Jones, a biochemist and herbalist.

 

 

 Their pumpkin soap is specially formulated using pumpkins grown on the farm. The orange color is an indication of how much vitamin A is in the soap. With a combination of just enough clove and cinnamon essential oils,  each is created with that delish pumpkin pie aroma. Perfect for bath and shower, and yes, even for the face!  The soaps are all made from vegetable oils, no tallow and most of the oils are organic. 

 

You can check them out here 

 Colorado Aromatics also offers a full range of face care, body care and bath/shower products. You can learn more about these products at here.

 

These are perfect stocking stuffer ideas, or just someone who loves the true scent and feel of fall.  What better way to celebrate the season? :)

Exclusive Tips from Styling & Grooming Expert Jenny Balding

 

 

Redken  /Cutler Styling and Grooming Expert, Jenny Balding shares with us some of her favorite ‘do’s and creative styles to compliment any ensemble you've been rockin' this season!

 

 

• Tuck your hair into the collar of your coat or scarf for that nonchalant, “I-didn’t-even-try-to-look-chic-but-I-do” look.
• Try a loose side braid to wear with hats and caps, leaving some soft pieces popping out of either side, framing your face. This look is cool—literally. 
• Give your hair some extra oomph by lightly dusting Redken Powder Grip 03  onto the roots, then sweep hair into a twisted, disheveled up-do, and let those flyaway strands fly! 

Jenny’s exclusive hair care tip for this Fall:

“Leaves are changing colors, the air is getting cooler, and your hair is not cooperating.  How can you beat unruly hair during the wintry months?" 

 

 

 

• Make sure to always use conditioner to help with frizzy, static hair.  If your hair is thicker, use conditioner all over to nourish deep down to the roots.  
• Dull hair?  No problem: A gloss spray like Redken Shine Flash 02 amps up dry, lifeless locks in an instant.  
• Hair is limp after wearing a hat on a blistering day, so carry a travel size dry shampoo to boost roots midday or before a night out.  Throw your hair upside down and mist the dry shampoo at the roots, shake, and there you have it—instant, all over lift! 

What have been some of your favorite hair styles this season?  Feel free to share, I'd love to hear them!

Cynthia Gale

 

Cynthia Gale GeoArt is an amazing jewelry line that I was introduced to during this past Fashion Week.  Its various collections of affordable luxury pieces are each made with innovative designs and created from genuine inspiration. 

 

The New York Transit Museum Collection is a glorious tribute to the city that never sleeps.  The collection showcases authentic subway tokens as the face of chic cuff links, classy pendants, bold statement bracelets and more. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a true New Yorker or one who possesses a true admiration for the iconic city, this collection will sit close to your heart.  A portion of each purchase  

purchase of an original Cynthia Gale art inspired design goes to The New York Transit Museum to support their cultural design mission.

 

 

 

 With the holidays around the corner, any of these pieces would make a wonderful gift for the avid New York lover on your list.  The pieces range in price from $72.00 up to $350.00.

 

 

 One of the key Retro Metro items is the Sterling Keepsake Ring.  Enclosed in your ring is a quote which reads “One belongs to New York Instantly.  One belongs as much in five minutes as in five years” ~Tom Wolfe.  And for those who come to the city in hopes of pursuing their dreams, know just how true this feels.

 

 

 

 

 

About Cynthia Gale:

Cynthia Gale’s philosophy is simple: to create exquisite, high quality sterling silver jewelry inspired by art and the world around us.

Designer Cynthia Gale specializes in creating modern, urban eclectic, art inspired, fine craft sterling silver jewelry. Her collections are designed in her mid-town Manhattan studio and produced in Indonesia by talented artisans.

The GeoSignature Collection is Cynthia’s top of the line design collection, often one of a kind pieces, featuring artisan techniques such as repousse, filigree and granulation.

The GeoMuseum Collections are uniquely designed in conjunction with leading art museums across the United States. Inspired by their architecture or individual artistic holdings each collection captures the distinct character of the institution. Cynthia holds licensing partnerships with over fifteen of the nation’s most important museums and cultural institutions. Her passion for supporting their artistic and educational missions has inspired Cynthia to donate a portion of each purchased museum piece to further these goals.

The GeoArt Collections have evolved for over twenty years from Cynthia’s inspirations and ideas. They reflect the rich cultural history of New York City and Cynthia’s passion for it’s vibrant diversity. Her extensive overseas travel allows her to explore other cultures and lifestyles, including various belief systems which have influenced her love for meditative and inspirational jewelry design.

 

 

Do you have any New Yorkers on your list this year?  Are you interested in any of the pieces?

 

UPDATE:

 

Cynthia Gale is having a holiday sample sale! 

 

 

Where: Cynthia Gale showroom located at 8 East 36th Street 3rd Floor Between 5th Ave. & Madison Ave. 

 

When: November 23rd- November 27th 2013 &

December 2nd - December 12th, 2013 (Weekdays Only) 

 

Time: 10AM- 6PM

 

 

 

Browse everything from baubles, bangles, beads, silver, gold and birthstone jeweled items.   

 

Prices range from $10- $100 and receive 10% off on cash purchases of $100

 

Cash & credit cards accepted- No checks

  

5% of your purchase goes to DIFFA to support their charitable mission

 

Complimentary holiday shipping on orders over $100