Sunday, February 21, 2010

Review - Pevonia Vitamin C Concentrate

Drench your skin with this phenomenal, non-greasy, microemulsified Vitaminic Concentrate. Naturally aromatic, it combats excessive dryness, dehydration, and premature aging. Radically effective, it combines Mandarin Essential oil, vitamins A and E for anti-oxidant action visibly brightening and improving skin texture.

This Vitamin Concentrate is to-die-for, and so inexpensive at $38!! You only get about a half ounce, but it is the best half ounce of your life. This concentrate is absolutely bursting with vitamins and minerals and leaves you feeling nourished and happy the next morning. My face is positively glowing, and I am close to the end of my little pot. It is best used at night with a good cleansing the next morning. It is an oil, even though it says it isn't oily. I might not use this in the summer to be on the safe side, but during the super-dry northeastern winter I am all for it! The scent is a really lovely citrus scent that I adore, in fact it is really difficult to fall asleep without it now. You only need one pump to really saturate your whole face. I have loved everything I have tried from Pevonia and this is no exception. Love the naturalness of this line!

Review - Revoulution Organics Beauty Balm in Bronzed

100% natural and created with 85% certified organic ingredients, this beauty multi-tasker delivers an instant healthy glow anytime, anywhere. The all-in-one balm infuses lips, cheeks, eyes, and décolletage with a natural, dewy radiance. Perfectly portable and ideal for on the go, the easy-to-use formula provides skincare and color in one for a hydrating hint of tint. Free of chemicals, synthetics, and artificial ingredients, the balm contains only 100% pure, natural and organic ingredients. Formulated with cold-pressed organic olive oil and deeply moisturizing organic coconut oil, The All-Over Beauty Balm comes in three glowing shades to complement any skin tone

These girls have got the right idea!!! I love the idea of this line: made with mostly organic all natural products, good for you without any of the weird chemical compounds usually found in make up these days, and super luxurious and easy to use! This Beauty Balm is so wonderful! It is a multi-stick idea of beauty balm, so you can use it anywhere, lips, eyes, cheek bones, and collar bones. The shade I have is Bronzed, which I find most useful on my cheek bones since I am pretty pale and in the winter I tend to look strange with too much color. It is super spreadable because it is really soft and creamy, which I think makes it one of the more use-able multi sticks I have used in the past. I love it and it is on discount @ drugstore.com right now for around $25. Come on people lets support their cause, 'cause it should be all of ours as well!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Review- Dayna Decker Chandel Botanika




The influence of fresh botanicals yields the most serene intentions and profound effects, celebrating the beauty of nature as a true inspiration. Enveloped in multisensory luxury, a mesmerizing flame dances and flickers, as compelling infusions of aroma lusciously adorns the organic EcoWood Wick radiating a soft, crackling effervescence captivating your every sense.

This is definitely the sexiest candle I've ever seen. The hand-blown glass looks simple and elegant on any dresser or table, and is understated enough not to conflict with your decor. In addition to looking beautiful and boasting a subtle, classic scent, the flame flickers and crackles, almost like a real wood burning fire. This is the closest this city girl will ever get to a full fireplace! This is an easy and simple way to set the mood for an evening of romance at home, and definitely worth every penny.

Trish says: Malikah is so right - this is a really wonderful candle to have around. The wooden wick produces a warm, surreal and intimate setting with its high flickering flame and crackling sound effect. The glass encasement is not only sturdy and strong, but also bold and pretty to look at too while the candle is burning. The scent is floral-like and sweet. If you happen to be a bath type of person - then this would be the most ideal candle to have around. It's so sweet and pampering and full of warmth and ambiance - everyone deserves a treat like this at least once in a while! I wonder if it works for showers too? Probably not...but it may be worth a try with this lovely candle!

Hillary says: I three love this candle! It makes me feel like I have my own mini-fireplace, the way the wood wick crackles. It also smells delish without taking over the room. As the others have said, this is everything you want in a candle and more- great scent, great throw of scent, long burning time, attractive and as an added bonus- the cool crackling sound (which isn't loud or anything, but you can hear it when you go close to it).

Friday, February 19, 2010

Clarins Gift With Purchase

So this is a Nordstrom exclusive gift (as far as I can tell) but it is such a good deal! All you need to do is purchase two products (one must be skincare I believe) and you get a gift with purchase of one of each from three of their lines: Age Fighting (worth $100) Firming ($88) or Wrinkle Fighting ($44). It looks like there is an offer of $5 shipping, but you might be able to work out a deal if you call your local Nordstrom and see if the Clarins rep can ship it for free! There are some products in their line that won't break the bank and you can try so many of their wonderful products!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Review - Jo Malone Grapefruit Bath Oil


Instantly awakening the senses, Grapefruit is a lively, uplifting citrus with a spicy heart. Grapefruit and tangerine are combined with vetiver and rosemary to create this outspoken citrus scent.

Grapefruit Bath Oil gently fragrances and moisturizes the skin. Lush and softly foaming, it's pure relaxation.


Sooooo..... No. It isn't for the people out there who are penny pinchers. And yes, if I had to actually buy this product I would definitely go to the store and get a sample first, but this is one of the most amazing products I have used for my body/bath time indulgence probably ever. So in all actuality I work for Jo Malone, so I was able to get a mega sample so that I would know what I was talking about when I sell the product. Score. I tried it in the bathtub, for my bath and I was overtaken by the incredibly indulgent and wonderful aroma of grapefruit. Energising and awakening, but in a very relaxing way. It bubbles and foams a bit and turns into milk as soon as it hits the water. The oil hydrates the skin in a sumptuous way..... mmmmm...... I'm reliving things here...
Sorry, ok so I was thrilled with the bathtub experiecne from this product, but if you are anything like me you don't drop $60 on a bathing product, regardless of how little you need to use. I tried it today as a moisturizer. OMG. I'm done, I NEED to owne at least one bottle of this oil, it doesn't have to be grapefruit, it could be, but any of her fragrances are equally wonderful. It is winter. My skin hates me this time of year. Regardless of how emmoilient a cream is my skin doesn't always just soak it up, and oil really does the trick when I really need some moisture. All in all I have been able to smell it all day, my skin is beautifully silky and moisturized and I had to use basically one pump for my whole body. I am in love. Ask for it for a gift, indulge one day, whatever you have to do you have to try this oil!

Review - Illamasqua Eyebrow Cake in Thunder

Give your eyebrows the edge. Shape and define to frame your eyes and enhance your expressive
side. Match with your natural colour or experiment with different tones for an alternative look. Be strong, be striking, give your eyes attitude. Mix with Illamasqua Sealing Gel for a look that lasts all night. Alternatively use with water or by itself. You are the canvas.

A few years ago, I got sick and tired of tweezing/waxing/shaving my eyebrows. So I got them tattooed. I absolutely loved how they looked but I didn't realize there would be yearly maintaining. Yes, every six months to a year I would have to go through all that excruciating pain all over again! Oh Joy...not! I realized that by using a brow powder, I could simply fill in the line that was already there. I started experiencing with many different brands. Then I came across Illamasqua. It was love at first sight. It goes on so easy, so precise and looks so perfect. The best part is, it takes only a couple of minutes. This gives you flawless brows that look like they have been filled in with a liner.
Its a bit pricey compared to other brands. However, when it works it is definitely worth the money. Illamasqua is new to me & I am loving it!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Review - Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Beige

This shimmering, brush-on powder creates a candlelight glow. Works well with pink, neutral and peach blush shades.

Seriously people, just "add it to bag"!!! ( ok you only find it funny if you follow the link so......)
I am a total Bobbi Brown girl. Bobbi Brown has all these yummy products that smell just as natural and delicious as they are made, and their perfect woman is one who likes to look super natural and immaculately groomed. Thus: Me. The Shimmer Brick is one product that I have actually purchased multiple times, as the first one took a nasty break during a trip I went on. I don't think this is a normal occurrence, just one I was unlucky enough to have happen to me. It is basically a shimmery bronzer that one can use all over the face to accentuate the structure of your face. It is picked up easily with any hard packed blush brush (I use my elf one) and is distributed easily on the face. The best part, of course, for me is that this shimmer brick doubles as a blush and bronzer for me (yes I am that pale). I absolutely adore it, and I will continue to purchase it as many times as I need to!! Please do yourself a favor and try one of these bricks of wonderfulness. You will not be dissapointed!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Review - Save Your Lips Grapefruit-Mango Lip Balm


Save Your Lips® moisturizing nutrient-rich antioxidant lip balm is a special treat for your lips. This moisturizing but non greasy lip balm protects your lips while also nourishing them with organic Aloe Vera and organic Yerba Mate. Cruelty-free, no parabens, just natural and organic ingredients.

So, you all saw my post yesterday about how amazing I think the company Save Your World is. Today I am going to tell you about the other product I was lucky enough to have been able to try. Save Your Lips Grapefruit-Mango Lip Balm . Need I say more?? It is packed with good for you vitamins and minerals and their signature Yerba Mate (which apparently is really good for you) so it really moisturizes and leaves your lips super soft and silky. The flavor is light so you don't eat it off your lips (big plus in my book) but the smell is intense which is great 'cause its a super pick me up if I'm feeling run down during the day. I love it, and this one saves another acre of rainforest. Can you think of a better gift???? give someone a $4~ lip balm aaannnddd a hand-made certificate saying they are saving an acre of rainforest (this must be made by you btw ;). Awesome.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Review - Save Your Skin Shower Gel


Save Your Skin™ moisturizing shower and shaving gel is a skin nourishing shower experience. Also, nourish your GREEN HEART by Saving 1 Acre of Rainforest for 1 Year with every bottle purchased. Cruelty-free, no parabens, just natural and organic ingredients including organic Yerba Mate, the nutrient-rich, antioxidant alternative to green tea.

Do you love our Planet? Of course who would say no, right? With that being said I think that all of us say that we will do more, but life gets in the way and we don't do as much as we would like. At least that is how it is for me.....
The company Save Your World gives us really easy, inexpensive ways to make a difference. Their products are all natural, organic, paraben-free, cruelty free, and made with the sort of crunchy down to earth goodness that you can really feel good about purchasing. The best part of the whole mix is that by purchasing many of you are ensuring the safety of 1 acre of rainforest for 1 year. I mean, really???? For something that you need anyways? I'll take it. Any of it.

I tried a few products from this co. both of which I love, but my most favorite would have to be the
Save Your Skin Shower Gel which is made with organic Aloe Vera and Yerba Maté. It is sooooo wonderful! The flavor mine came in is Regal Blossom, and it smells amazing. Just like a full bodied floral, perhaps rose and jasmine, it is just so romantic. The gel is thin, and quite a strange color, but it lathers beautifully, moisturizes my skin with the aloe and all in all is just a fabulous product. For only $10~ (ok a bit on the pricey side but hey RAINFOREST remember!!) you can enjoy your shower with a clear conscience!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Review- Aveda Hand Relief

Incredibly rich moisture therapy soothes dry, chapped hands—leaving them noticeably softer and smoother. Hydrating plant emollients, humectants, exfoliating fruit acids and anti-oxidants—including vitamins A and E—help diminish signs of aging and provide optimal relief.

• Increases moisture levels and elasticity in skin with continued use.

This here is a great little hand lotion. Although it's a bit greasy for my tastes at first use (I prefer fast absorbing lotions and this one can stay a little greasy/slick for a few minutes after applying it) it does the job fantastically. It's not overly perfumey or scent saturated and it really does revitalize stressed out skin (like the bottle says). During the cold weather, while the rest of me looks like I'm in my 20's, to my chagrin my hands look like they belong to a 90 year old woman. After using this lotion a few times today, I have to say my hands definitely are less red and chapped and have lost that old dried out look that other hand lotions fail to deliver so quickly. A small bottle is around $7 so it's definitely something to pick up and have in your purse for when your hands are looking really rough.

Hillary Says:
My dry hands love this hand cream. My nose loves the fresh, slightly lemony scent. My conscience loves the fact that Aveda does not test on animals and make their products in the U.S.A. I, as a whole, really like the texture & wearability of this cream. I use it sparingly or just on the backs of my hands for day. I slather it on big-time before bed. One of it's first ingredients is aloe, but it also contains the emollients glycerin & Vitamin E. Now if they just made it with sunscreen (my personal crusade).

Deedlejuse Says:
This is definitely a really good, down to business sort of hand lotion. It is a bit greasy when you first apply, but nothing beats it for moisture and staying-power. My only problem with it was I really didn't like the smell. It was super natural smelling, like you had been rolling around in the green house after all of the plants had been thrown on the ground. It is probably great for a lot of people, and I'm sure that most people like that green sort of smell. The smell didn't stay for too long though, and after the first few minutes it is just a really great lotion. I bet that if my hands were a little bit more dry I would absolutely swear by this and not be picky about smells!

Trish Says:
My hands - they have been so dry and chapped lately, it's helpless. As soon as the temperatures drop, it's back to desert-like conditions on my hands. In need of major relief, something more than my average hand lotion, but not as rich and heavy as a body cream (although I have gone there), I broke out this tiny sample of Aveda's Hand Relief lotion. And let me say it works! Even on the roughest, driest of conditions, a small amount quickly absorbed into my skin, hydrating the surface and conditioning it at the same time. Because this sample is small, on my first couple of tries, I either used too little - and needed to apply more although I found that the lotion does sink into my skin beautifully or I used too much and had to let the hands dry out a little. Once I figured the right amount for my poor hands (a dime size will do) - I noticed just how well the lotion worked! It is smoothening, conditioning and fully softening, without stripping away any natural oils. Other positive factors for me include the nice blend of plant emollients and hydrating vitiamins, which you can really feel working into your skin, as well as the fresh natural scent that goes with Aveda products. Lovely stuff - especially for winter hands!