YouTube Guru Spotlight: Glam Life Guru

The first time I watched an episode of 'Extreme Couponing', my features were frozen in an expression similar to this:

[Source]

I have a lot more chest hair than Richard Simmons, but otherwise, this photograph is an accurate depiction of my appearance that day.  For those of you who opted out of Sarcasm 101, I am kidding about the man sweater.  Sort of.  (Seriously, I'm joking.  What kind of neanderthal do you think I am?!)

If you are unfamiliar with the premise of TLC's hit show, here is a brief overview:

'Extreme Couponing' features hardcore bargain hunters who save hundreds  - sometimes thousands - of dollars by utilizing coupons, sales, and reward programs.  Believe it or not, some of these savvy shoppers' transactions result in the store owing them money.  It's unbelievable!

Scoring massive deals requires an exorbitant amount of patience and time.  Sadly, some of the individuals on the show have developed an unhealthy obsession with couponing.  It consumes their lives.  My husband and I have incorporated coupons into our shopping, but on a smaller, more conservative scale.

Dumpster diving for coupons.  Crazy or crazy smart?
[Source]

Tati, a.k.a. Glam Life Guru, is a not-so-extreme coupon extraordinaire.  You won't find her hauling eight carts of free spaghetti noodles out of the store, arms raised triumphantly in victory.  She and her boyfriend, Master, visit multiple drug stores weekly, sharing current beauty-related steals and deals.  I ROFLCOPTER while watching their videos.  They're a hoot!  (Yes, I said "hoot".  Big whoop.  Wanna fight about it?)

Gaw-juss and thrifty!
[Source]

Couponing can be intimidating and confusing.  Tati breaks down specials perfectly for penny pinching rookies such as myself, and often provides links to printable coupons.  Her channel and blog are excellent resources that I have been referring to for months.  Although her subscriber count is steadily on the rise, she deserves more followers than she currently has.  Please check her out!

For you fancy folks who can read real good-like, click here for Tati's blog.  ;)

Have a great week, everyone!

xoxo,

Kate Gene

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

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

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

P.S.  Coupon Divas is another awesome money-saving resource.  Check them out, too!

Ariel's Secret Garden Sale

Ariel's Secret Garden, my favorite soap company, is currently hosting a sale.

[Photo Credit: Ariel's Secret Garden]

If you are on the market for fresh goat milk soap, you should definitely check out their Etsy shop!

[Photo Credit: Ariel's Secret Garden]

Aren't their products pretty?  If I could, I'd buy out their entire store!  LOL!

Check out my rave review here.

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

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

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

The Body Shop Friends and Family Sale

Hey, y'all!

The Body Shop is currently hosting a Friends and Family Sale.  Use the code "FFJOY" to receive 30% off your favorite items now!

Want to score some free skin care products?  Check out my Caudalie giveaway!

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

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

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

Please Note:  I am a Bath and Body Works affiliate.  If you purchase products using the link above, I will receive a small percentage of the sale.

Caudalie Review, Giveaway, & Sale/Free Shipping Code [CLOSED]

As much as I love the look and feel of high end make-up, the majority of my collection is from the drugstore.  When it comes to skin care, I am much more likely to splurge.  All the face paint in the world will do no good if your canvas isn't up to par, right?

When I was contacted by Caudalie to do a review, I was was thrilled.  Caudalie is a luxury skin care line that is sold in stores such as Sephora, Nordstrom, and Barneys.  Their products are also available online.

Read on for my thoughts on this outstanding brand.

Premier Cru

This incredibly lush cream is wonderful for those seeking to reduce wrinkles and dark spots.  Smooth a thin layer over your face and neck and turn back time!  The stubborn, semi-deep lines across the bridge of my nose have diminished significantly since I started using this product.  It's easy to see why this item is a best seller at Sephora!

PROS:  Has a moderate, heavenly scent that smells like an eau de parfum a sophisticated woman would spritz on; a miniature dollop goes a loooong way; your skin instantly appears firmer and healthier after one application.

CONS:  At $150.00, this posh cream comes with a posh price tag.  However, if your skin is oily, you only need to use it once a day.  And, as I stated before, the tiniest bit of product goes a long way!

Gentle Buffing Cream 

 This scrub is extremely gentle and excellent for sensitive skin.  It can be used on the face, neck, and décolleté once or twice a week.

PROS:  Normally, I rely on gritty scrubs for exfoliation.  That said, this product works just as well as some of its more abrasive competitors.  Thanks to the chilly December weather, my skin was quite the dry mess prior to my using this product.  It did wonders after just one use, leaving my face feeling not only smooth, but cleansed.  My forehead and cheeks looked especially radiant and hydrated.

CONS:  At $35.00, this scrub costs more than my usual exfoliant.  However, the product worked so well, I think it's worth the price!

Anti-Ageing Serum Eyes and Lips

Experiencing sagging eye lids?  Wrinkles around your eyes and lips?  Suffering from chronic puffiness and dark circles?

PROS:  I worried that this product might cause milia around my eyes, but it didn't.  Once it was smoothed on, it filled in the fine lines beneath my eyes.  I also have one fine, vertical line above my lips; this helped reduce its appearance. 

CONS:  Prevention is key.  Using anti-ageing products in your twenties certainly doesn't hurt.  However, I think this product is best saved for those in their late twenties and beyond.  (My "geriatric" behind falls into this category.  Ha!)

Travel Size Hand and Nail Cream


 

My hands are chronically dry from hand sanitizers and constant washing.  (O.C.D., anyone?  LOL!)  I couldn't wait to test this product out!  Caudalie's Travel Size Hand and Nail Cream is the perfect size for your handbag or clutch. 

PROS:  Rich; creamy; lightly fragranced in a pleasant scent; incredibly moisturizing; non-greasy; super affordable at $5.00.  My hands have done a complete 360 thanks to this fun-sized product!

CONS:  None.

Vinosource Cream Mask

This incredibly moisturizing product can be used as a mask, cream, or both!  Smooth a thin layer over your face and neck, and allow it to set for fifteen minutes.  Rinse it off with warm water and prepare to be amazed!  Or, leave it on in lieu of your traditional moisturizer.

PROS:  It is a dual purpose product.  After one use, my dull winter skin looked revived and vibrant!  I achieved especially amazing results when I used this mask following the Gentle Buffing Cream.

CONS:  None.

Giveaway

The wonderful folks at Caudalie are generously allowing me to give away two of my favorite products: the Vinosource Mask and Hand and Nail Cream!

Mandatory Rules

1.  You must be a public follower of my blog.

2.  You must "like" Caudalie on Facebook.

3.  You must leave a comment below letting me know how you entered.

Bonus Entries

Worth FIVE points each!!!!

1.  Follow my jewelry blog: EightSeventeen Jewelry.

2.  Tweet about my giveaway.

3.  Write a blog post or add my giveaway to your sidebar using the photo above.

This giveaway ends December 23, 2010 at 11:59 P.M. (PT).  Open to U.S. residents only.

Discount & Free Shipping Code

Interested in picking up some of Caudalie's products now?  Please refer to yesterday's post for discount and free shipping details!



Overall, these products exceeded my expectations.  I will definitely be purchasing from Caudalie on a regular basis going forward!

Happy Holidays!

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

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

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

Disclaimer: All images belong to Caudalie, and were used with permission from the company.  The products were sent to me by Caudalie 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.

Private Caudalie Sale, Upcoming Review, & Giveaway!

Hello, My Fellow Skin Care Junkies!

Caudalie is currently hosting a private 15% off sale and offering free shipping! 

[Click to Enlarge]

This awesome event officially kicks off on December 10th.  However, for my readers, the code (HOLIDAY) is valid immediately!

Not sure what to get?  Come back tomorrow and read my Caudalie review!  

(Bonus:  I will be giving away two of my favorite Caudalie goodies.)

Happy Shopping, everyone!

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

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

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

EightSeventeen Cyber Week & Other Random Things

Happy Belated Thanksgiving, everyone!

I hope you all enjoyed the holiday.  Sadly, I had/have the flu and missed out on all the food, fun, and festivities.  Ugh...  I think it's time to invest in some masks.

Louis Vuitton, anyone?

[Source]

For those of us on a budget, have no fear!  There is an incredibly safe, inexpensive, D.I.Y. option available:

[Source]

Ha ha ha!

I am currently offering free shipping on my jewelry website.  Check it out!

Did anyone else fall in love with this gorgeous look from MissChevious?  It's perfect for any holiday party!

One last thing...

Expensive Pink is currently hosting an amazing giveaway.  Head over to her site and enter before time runs out!






That's it for now!  More posts, reviews, and giveaways are on the way!

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

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

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

Cherry Culture Sale

Now is the time to stock up on NYX products, ladies!  Woop woop!

My NYX Wish List:

♥  Orange Soda Lippie

♥  Circe Lippie

♥  Smokey Look Gloss

♥  Barbie Pink Gloss

♥  All of their eye shadows (LOL)

Happy Shopping!

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

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

Don't forget to enter my International $180.00 SkinCareRx Microderm Giveaway!

ONE DAY SALE: 50% off The Body Shop!

There is a catch, though...  You must purchase a $5.00 gift container to receive the discount.  Still, that's not bad considering The Body Shop's prices!

I have been wanting to try this Body Butter for ages:

[photo credit: www.thebodyshop-usa.com]

Has anyone tried this scent?  Is it as delicious as I am imagining it to be?  It has to be "I'd take a spoon to it if it weren't toxic!" good.  ;)

Click here to be routed to the sale!

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

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

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!

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.  ;)

N. Y. C.'s Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder

A couple months ago, I purchased the mega-hyped N.Y.C. Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder (720A/Sunny) at my local Ulta.

One thing a lot of people complain about is the fact it's difficult to find a natural looking bronzer without shimmer or sparkles.  I, for one, don't mind getting my Edward Cullen sparkle on.  (However, I prefer keeping my shirt on when glittering in the sunlight, unlike my favorite vampire.)

[photo courtesy of: www.sigmatwiomega.files.wordpress.com]

Having said that, matte bronzer is better for contouring.  It also seems more winter-friendly, if that makes sense.

Here is my pros and cons list:

Pros:  matte, natural color, doesn't break my extremely sensitive skin out, dirt cheap at $2.99

Cons:  no hinge on the compact, takes a bit of elbow grease to build up the color

Would I re-purchase this?  Yep, but I'm still going to try out other matte bronzers in the meantime.  Any suggestions?

Have a great day, y'all!

P. S.  Ulta is currently offering 20% off your entire purchase.  Go check it out!

www.ulta.com

Caramels, Chocolate Lip Balm, & Cherry Culture... Oh my!

Last night, my adorable husband surprised me with an early Christmas gift...  Fran's Salted Caramels!  I almost lost it, I was so excited!  I read about these chocolate and salt covered caramels over a year ago, and have been going crazy wanting to try them.  Word on the streets is President Obama has these flown in to him.  Good enough for the leader of our country?  Good enough for me!  LOL!  Believe it or not, I'd rather receive treats than jewelry or any other gift.  Crazy talk, I know.  I am hardcore candy and baked goods addict!

In addition to the delicious caramels, my husband also got me Sweet Beauty's Organic Chocolate Lip Confection Balm to review.  It smells like it should be edible and has a creamy consistency.  The packaging is really cute; definitely more grown up in appearance than the Lipsmackers I usually tote around!  It's not as long-lasting as some of the other balms I own, but perhaps that's due to my scarfing down a box of caramel goodness and nachos after applying it.  ;)

♥  THANK YOU SO MUCH, HUSBAND!  ♥

In other food-related news, Cherry Culture is offering 20% off all orders until December 27th!  (Get it?  Food-related?  Cherry Culture?  I'm SO clever!)

*cricket...  cricket...  cricket...*

Ha ha!  EPIC JOKE FAIL.  Anyway, click on the link below to be re-directed to their site.

Happy Shopping!

****  UPDATE  ****

12/23/2009 - I am loving this lip balm!  I don't have to re-apply it very often after all, which is nice.

I've learned my lesson...  No more reviews until I've used a product for more than fifteen minutes.  ;)