How do you spell "AMAZING"?

S-I-G-M-A M-A-K-E-U-P.  It's true.  Don't believe me?  I'll have you know I won my third grade spelling bee...while dressed as a pilgrim.  (Don't ask.)

[Dear Blogger:  Why the h-e-double-hockey-sticks is my picture sideways?  You make-a me crazy sometimes.  xoxo,  Kate Gene]

You have undoubtedly already heard and read a million and one good things about Sigma Makeup.  YouTubers and beauty bloggers from all around the world have been going gaga over their products for months.  While I have yet to try any of their make-up, I was fortunate enough to get my mitts on their Eye Brush Kit.

[Sigma Make-up Eye Kit, Retails for $39.00]

These brushes truly live up to the hype.  Many compare their brushes to MAC's.  I do not own any MAC brushes, so unfortunately, I am unable to do a comparison.  (Check out Natty's review for more information on how they stack up against one another!)  These brushes are durable, have a nice handle weight, and are wonderfully soft.  The quality is astounding.  I am beyond impressed.

My only complaints?  I experienced minimal shedding when I first began using a couple of them.  (Which, by the way, is no longer an issue.)  Also, the small angle brush is a bit flimsy.  I may actually utilize this as a lip brush.

I strongly encourage you to follow Sigma Makeup on YouTube, as well as on Twitter.  Sigma is constantly doing giveaways/contests, and their staff is oodles of fun to talk to.  Kathryn, who works in marketing, has been such a joy to work with.  By the way, if you need a registered dietitian, check out her Facebook page!  She's friendly and caring; I am actually considering recruiting her to help me get my front butt in check!

Don't know what a front butt is?
..........

[photo credit: www.photobucket.com]

Ha ha ha!

Speaking of giveaways, I was lucky enough to win Sigma's cute 217 blending brush via Picturesque Makeup's blog.  (She, like Kathryn, is also a doll and creates beautiful, natural looks on YouTube.  Check out her YouTube channel here.)  For blending, I must admit I prefer the 224.  However, do not underestimate this little guy; like Janine a.k.a. A Petite Diva, it packs a powerful punch!

[photo credit: http://media.onsugar.com]

I cannot wait to try more of Sigma's products.  They have turned me into a fan for life!  I hope y'all are doing well and I apologize for the lack of posts and responses lately...  My adorable hubby ♥ and I have been running around like chickens with their heads cut off!  I hope to catch up on all things Blogger soon.

Have a lovely day!



Tweet, Tweet:  http://twitter.com/kate_gene

Ask Me Questions Anonymously:  http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

Disclaimer: The Eye Brush Kit was sent to me by Sigma Makeup , free of charge.  I won the 217 brush in a giveaway.  I am not affiliated with the organization, nor am I being paid to endorse their products.  My views are not influenced by anything other than my personal experience.  Please use these products at your own discretion.

Honeycat Cosmetics Giveaway Winner

First, let me just tell y'all, I had a blast reading through your contest entries!  Your fur kids all sound precious.  :)

Some of you may recall that I posted this photo of our bundle of fur:

Don't be fooled by the wide eyes and sweet face.  He can be very sleazy when he wants to.  We blame the mustache.

Ha ha ha!

Anyway, on to the winner!

Congratulations, ASHLEY ELAINE!  Whoo hoo!  (BTW, if you aren't following her, you should.  Besides being stunning, she blogs about all kinds of things -- not just make-up.)  You have one week from today to claim your prize.  Please e-mail me with your full name and mailing address and I'll ship you your Honeycat goodies!  My e-mail address is: kategeneblog [at] gmail [dot] com.

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

Tweet, Tweet:  http://twitter.com/kate_gene

Ask Me Questions Anonymously:  http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

Candles By Victoria Review & Online Party

After months of being tortured by YouTubers (TiffanyD, sayanythingbr00ke, AllThatGlitters21, LePooke, etc.) raving about how amazing Candles By Victoria candles are, I placed an order for some Blueberry Cheesecake refresher oil to use in my tealight burner.  I received my order two days later (!) and was overwhelmed by how fragrant my package was.  Her products pack the most powerful punch ever!  The inside of our mailbox and surrounding area was scented.  Very impressive considering the little glass vial was wrapped in layers upon layers of bubble wrap, tape, and covered in packing peanuts.  I had to use scissors to get through the Candleman's handiwork.  XD

Blueberry Cheesecake smells insanely good.  The blueberry notes are definitely dominant, however, every once in awhile I detect hints of cream cheese and graham cracker crust.  The Adorable Husband and I have been burning the oil non-stop.  Sadly, the bottle is now half empty.  (Simmer down, Sunshine Sally.  Just because I say things are half empty, does not mean I am a Debbie Downer.  Ha ha ha!)  I placed an order for a sixteen ounce Blueberry Cheesecake candle a couple days after receiving my oil, as well as some scent shots.  My package is scheduled to arrive tomorrow.  If you need me, I'll be waiting by my mailbox all day Wednesday.  ;)

Included with my order was a free scent shot in Pumpkin Vanilla.  It's incredibly strong and spicy, but the vanilla tones it down a bit.  I really like it; it will be perfect to use during the fall!

I will never purchase oils or candles from anyone else ever again!  Victoria and her gang are super sweet and their customer service is outstanding.  On a scale of one to ten, I give Candles By Victoria a fifteen!  :) 

♥ CANDLE PARTY ♥

Put your party hats on, ladies!  I am hosting an online Candles By Victoria Party. 

[photo credit: www.devotimationalblog.com]

Hello,

I wanted to invite you to my online candle party with Candles By Victoria! Candles By Victoria offers a large selection of wonderful, highly scented candles at prices we can all afford and the best part is you can shop in your PJ's!!

After placing your online order your candles will be shipped directly to you from Candles By Victoria. All orders will be shipped within 2-7 business days. All you have do is visit the link below and if you decide you would like to place an order please leave this host/hostess number (2277) the comment box during the check out process or email this host/hostess number along with your name to victoria@candlesbyvictoria.com.

Even if you decide you can not order at this time, stop in and sign the guest book to enter in the free monthly candle giveaway! There is no purchase necessary to enter. My candle party ends March 26th so don't delay order your candles today!!

Thank you so much and enjoy the party!!

Candles By Victoria ~~ Secure Online Ordering!!!
www.candlesbyvictoria.com
Online Candle Party

USE THE CODE 'ELLE' FOR 15% OFF!

P. S.  Kate Gene's PSA of the Day:  Candles do not have flavors.  They have scents.  (It always cracks me up when I hear people say that!  LOL!)

I like goooooold!

Benefit's Creaseless Cream Eye Shadow and Liner in 'Recess' is a pretty, shimmery gold base.  The packaging is super cute and, more importantly, it works extremely well!  At the end of the day, my shadow looks exactly as it did in the morning: smokey and crease-free.  Believe it or not, this is my first real eye shadow base.  I normally use Cover Girl's Aqua Smooth Foundation in 'Buff Beige' as a primer.  (For the record, it's fantastic to use with pressed shadows!)

Benefit's products are great, but can cause serious damage to one's bank account.  Fortunately, a little bit goes a long way.  Two light light swipes with my fingertip is all I need per eye.  I love pairing this base with deep brown and gold shadows.  It adds just a hint of shimmer on my lids and makes my gold toned shadows pop.  (I got a little carried away the other day and applied it all the way up to my brows.  I looked more glittery than the girls that shake their money makers for "college tuition"!  OMG...  I just had a visual of Elizabeth Berkley yelling, "I'M A DANCER!"  Bahahaha!)

[photo credit: www.ulta.com]

Here is a neutral, natural (well, natural for me) look I created the other day:

Products Used:

♥ Benefit Base (obviously)
♥ NYX Eye Shadow in Iced Mocha
♥ Coastal Scents 88 Matte Palette
♥ Almay Liquid Liner in Black
♥ Loreal Voluminous Mascara in Blackest Black & Korres Mascara

I hope you're all having a fantastic day!  Is anyone else suffering from "springing forward"?  I sure am!

Korres Review & Discount Code!

In two months, I will be twenty-eight years old.  I am wise enough to know that, in the grand scheme of life, I am young.  Our fridge is free of prune juice, the need for adult diapers is non-existent, and I make sure my indicator is off after I change lanes on the freeway.  Not once have I left a Bingo hall with my arms raised in victory; my fanny pack overflowing with my winnings, good luck Treasure Trolls, and colorful daubers.  (Everyone knows you must be at least eighty to win Bingo.)  However, I definitely don't feel and look as youthful as I did ten years ago.

When rising from the couch, I make a noise.  (You know what I'm talking about...  That strained noise your grandma makes when she's trying to get out of her seat.)  I consider HSN television.  ("Ooh, that sweater with the giant sequined poinsettias IS a must have!  Should I call in to speak with the host about it?")  And here's the kicker:  I have wrinkles.  The lines that used to spring up only when I squinted, smiled, smirked, frowned, and wrinkled my nose are now permanent parts of my face.  And, similar to a tree, you can tell how old I am simply by counting the rings around my neck.

If you've been following me for awhile, you already know how important skin care is to me.  It's one of my most blogged about topics.  I am beyond excited to review these products because I have seen first hand how wonderful they are! 

[L - R: Quercetin and Oak Night Age - Reversing Cream, Body Butter in Jasmine]

Quercetin and Oak Age - Reversing Night Cream

PROS:  This product should be named "The Fountain of Youth in a Jar".  Despite being luxuriously thick and creamy, it absorbs fairly quickly, leaving behind no greasy residue.  It makes my face and neck feel smooth, soft, and supple.  The best part?  Within just two days of use, my parched and flaking winter skin was completely healed.  My fine lines were visibly reduced and my complexion looked brighter.  Sounds unbelievable, right?  I went online to read reviews and found that many others had similar experiences.  This.  Stuff.  Works.
CONS:  Retails at $52.00.  However, a little - and I mean a little - goes a long way.  I plan on purchasing this again, again, and again!

Body Butter in Jasmine

PROS:  This product makes your skin feel buttery smooth, soft, and silky.  It has a creamy, dreamy consistency, yet it absorbs very quickly.  I especially like how soothing it feels when applied to my hands, which are chronically dry from excessive washing.  The scent is pleasant.  I detect really sweet, floral notes.  My adorable Hubby and Mom said they thought the butter smelled more like candy than jasmine flowers.  Either way, it's nice.  I would love to have a bottle of this on hand at all times.
CONS:  Retails at $29.00.  However, as with the night cream, a little bit goes a long way. 

[L - R: Provitamin B5 and Rice Bran Mascara, Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Face Primer, Lip Butter in Jasmine]

Provitamin B5 and Rice Bran Mascara

PROS:  This mascara separates my lashes unlike any other I have used.  There is absolutely no clumping - just lengthening.  If you prefer really natural looking lashes, this is a great product to try.  Bonus:  The tip is shaped in such a way that you can get to those hard to reach lashes.
CONS:  The formula is on the dry side, flakes a bit upon application, and is a bit difficult to remove.

Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Face Primer

PROS:  The tiniest bit goes a loooong way.  (I have accidentally squeezed out too much on a few occasions.  Whoops!)  While it doesn't make fine lines or wrinkles disappear completely, it definitely makes them less visible.  I applied it over my moisturizer daily and allowed it to fully absorb before applying my make-up.  My bronzer and blush applied smoothly and evenly and lasted all day.
CONS:  This product would benefit more mature skin best; anyone in their mid-twenties and younger probably wouldn't gain anything from it. 

Lip Butter in Jasmine

PROS:  This product smells heavenly.  I detect notes of caramel and freshly spun cotton candy.  I seriously open the jar whenever I'm in the bathroom just to inhale its delicious scent.  When applied, it makes your lips feel smooth, but not slippery.
CONS:  It must be applied with your finger or a brush.  (Oh well.  This product smells too good for me to care.  ;))

Korres' products are all natural; they do not infuse their goods with pollutants such as mineral oil, synthetics, or silicones.  I have sensitive and acne-prone skin, so this is extremely important to me.  None of the products I tested caused irritation or blemishes.  The packaging is eco-friendly, durable, pretty, and sophisticated.  Anything from their collection would look gorgeous on a vanity or bathroom counter top.  Korres has truly impressed me beyond belief and turned me into a fan for life!

♥ DISCOUNT CODE ♥

Korres is kindly offering my readers a one time discount of 30% off any order of $25.00 or more.  Enter in the code "KATIE" when checking out.  This offer is valid until April 15, 2010.
www.korres.com

Disclaimer: The products were sent to me by Korres to review, free of charge.  I am not affiliated with the organization, nor am I being paid to endorse their products.  My views are not influenced by anything other than my personal experience.  Please use these products at your own discretion.

20% off Cherry Culture! Woop woop!

Click below to be redirected to Cherry Culture's site!

Move over, Kleenex! Ski masks are where it's at!

Just the other day, I was hovering over our bathroom counter, smoking out my left eye with one of my favorite loose shadows.  I had a tissue protecting my cheek and was carefully patting it on, layer by layer.  When I finally stepped away from the mirror to examine my handiwork, I saw that my lid was shimmery and grey -- and so was the bridge of my nose and forehead.  I looked like a hot mess.  Screw tissues...  I need to start wearing ski masks to protect the rest of my face!  

If I'm going to look creepy, I want to at least have a cute purple mask like this:

[photo credit: http://iliketoridemybicycle.files.wordpress.com]

I have viewed countless videos on applying loose shadow, yet more often than not, I end up making a mess of myself.  I stumbled across this video this morning and found it quite interesting...

Have any of you tried this trick?

P. S.  Don't forget to enter to win my Honeycat Cosmetics giveaway!

Retro Tag

The super cute Nee (a.k.a. KITTYLOVESMAKEUP on Blogger and bebexo on YouTube) tagged me in this really fun tag.  Check out her blog and YT channel if you haven't yet.  She is down to earth and always comes up with fun, wearable looks!

1. Post a picture from your childhood (less than 13 yrs old).
2. Write about the picture.
3. Tag your friends and readers.

I apologize for the picture of a picture.  We don't have a scanner, so I had to do this the ghetto way.  The glare from the frame's glass adds a little something extra special, don't you think?  Ha!

This is a photograph of my sister, Rae, and I circa a million years ago.  Can you tell which one is me?  I'll give you a hint: I'm not the one red in the face, gasping for air.  Ha ha ha!  I was giving my crying baby sibling a hug a.k.a. practicing my Ultimate Fighting choke-hold.

I tag... everyone!  After creating a list, I decided to scrap it because I'd love to see all of your baby pictures!

 Have a great weekend, y'all!

Honeycat Cosmetics Review Part II and Giveaway! [CLOSED]

The always fun Ms. Terry at Honeycat Cosmetics was kind enough to send me a couple more goodies to try.  Even more exciting for all of you, she gave me two items to give away!
  

[L - R: Vanilla Cream Grooming Bar Soap, Whisker Slickers - I'm in Heat Lip Balm]

VANILLA CREAM GROOMING BAR SOAP

Pros: has a faint, pleasant scent (smells like almond oil to me); didn't irritate my sensitive skin; leaves your skin feeling hydrated, soft, and squeaky clean
Cons: contrary to the name, I didn't detect notes of vanilla or cream; scent doesn't linger

WHISKER SLICKERS - I'M IN HEAT LIP BALM

Pros: very soft (but doesn't crumble); incredibly emollient; clear; cinnamon scent; tastes sweet
Cons: it can occasionally make your lips feel warm, which I don't mind, but may bother some

Both products feature Honeycat Cosmetic's signature girly and sassy packaging.  I tend to gravitate towards over-the-top fruity and bakery scents, but these products have a nice, almost aromatherapy-like aroma to them.  It's great, because I think the soap would appeal to both Honeycats and Tomcats.  ;)

♥ GIVEAWAY ♥

[L - R: Sweet Potato Pie Grooming Day Bubble Stuff, Hiss Good Nite Lip Gloss]

To learn more about these products, click here.

TO ENTER:

♥ You must be a follower.
♥ Leave me a comment below, telling me about your fur kid!  If you don't have one, "enter me" will suffice.  :)
♥ If you are under the age of 18, please get your parent/guardian's permission before entering as I will need to collect your full name and mailing address.

This giveaway is open to U. S. and Canadian residents and ends March 19, 2010 at 12:00 AM (PST).  One winner will be randomly selected using random.org.  Thank you, Terry, for sponsoring this giveaway!

Good luck!



P. S.  Here is a picture of our cute little fur baby in a Whole Foods bag.  We adore him and his mustache.  (Someone clearly didn't read my Sally Hansen Wax Strip review.  XD)

100 Follower Giveaway Winner!

The winner of my 100 Follower Giveaway is...

  

 

PIINKCUPCAKEZ!

Congratulations!  

Please e-mail me your full name and mailing address so that I may ship you your prizes.  My e-mail address is: kategeneblog (at) gmail (dot) com.  You have one week to respond, otherwise I will randomly select another winner.

Thank you to all who participated!  For those of you who didn't win, know that I will be giving away some Honeycat Cosmetic goodies very soon!

Have a wonderful night!

P. S.  I apologize for the lack of posts, tweets, and comments; my adorable hubby and I are both ill.  I hope to be up and running again soon!  Until then, I'm going to lie on the couch, whine, drink lots of fluids, whine, take medicine, and whine.  ;)