Showing posts with label Skin Care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Skin Care. Show all posts

March 27, 2011

Caudalie Vine Body Butter Review


Hello, everyone! 

First, I'd like to apologize for being M. I. A..  Jazzercise, ribbon dancing, underwater basket-weaving, and Dungeons and Dragons have completely taken over my life.  (I'm kidding!)

This post is a long overdue review of Caudalie's Body Butter.



Retail Price: $28.00 for 6.7 oz.

This rich cream is packed full of skin loving ingredients: grape seed butter, omega 6, and vitamin E.

PROS:  This body butter, like the other Caudalie products I have tried, epitomizes luxury and class.  The packaging is sleek and sophisticated, and looks lovely sitting on our bathroom counter.  It has a very subtle, fresh scent and leaves your skin looking and feeling incredibly hydrated and healthy.  I love the glowing, dewy (not to be confused with oily) appearance it gives my arms and legs!

CONS:  At $28.00, the price may be a bit steep for some.  However, Caudalie occasionally releases coupon codes; if your funds are a bit low, keep an eye on my blog for sale alerts!  Also, the butter is so rich, it doesn't sink in immediately.  A very thin, careful application will accelerate absorption.  (Once it fully settles into your skin, you'll look and feel great!)

Caudalie has yet to let me down.  Check 'em out here!

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My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry
Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

P. S.  Stay tuned for upcoming posts!
  • False Lashes Review
  • Hot Rollers Review
  • Hair Dryer Review
  • Ariel's Secret Garden Haul and Review
  • Candles By Victoria Haul and Review
  • Prizes from TWO Giveaways I Won: Hourglass Cosmetics, LUSH, MAC, and more!
  • NYX Round Lipstick Swatches
  • Zoya Swatches
  • Weight Loss Update
  • Invisalign Experience
  • Buxom Lashes Review
  • Blogging/Vlogging Controversies
Disclaimer: All images belong to Caudalie, and were used with permission from the company.  The product was 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.

November 17, 2010

SkinCareRx.com Friends and Family Sale

I am a serious procrastinator.  Most (okay, all) of my Christmas shopping is done between the 20th and 24th of December.  By the time I get to the mall, the items I want are usually sold out.  

If you should ever find yourself in this situation, do not fret.  Gas stations offer a plethora of potential gifts.  Who wouldn't light up like a Christmas tree at the sight of Cheetos and an air freshener?  Ha ha!

 [Source]

This year, I'd like to gift my loved ones with more than my usual Slim Jims and  Slurpees.  (I'm kidding!)  There are so many great sales happening right now!  SkinCareRx.com is currently hosting a great Friends and Family Sale.  They sell a wide variety of skin care products from brands such as: La Roche-Posay, Boscia, Clairsonic, and more! 

Use the code below to receive 25% off your order*!

FF25

This code expires December 1, 2010.  If you're not ready to purchase now, make sure to check 'em out on Black Friday and Cyber Monday for more deals.

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My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry
Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

P. S.  Don't forget to enter my Apothica.com Giveaway!




*excludes some brands

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by SkinCareRx.com.

October 20, 2010

Caudalie Discount Code

Hey, everyone!

Caudalie, an upscale skin care line, is having a Friends and Family sale.  Use the code FF2010 between October 21st and 25th to get 20% off your order!

[Click to Enlarge]

Their products sound amazing.  I read some reviews on Sephora.com, and was really impressed!  I literally want to try everything they offer.  LOL!  

Use the discount code at: www.caudalie-usa.com.

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My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry
Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

July 30, 2010

The Natural Skin Shop Contest

As you all know, I am a tad obsessed with maintaining vibrant, healthy skin.  Prevention is key.  Start now, or by the time you're 35, you may look like this:

[photo credit: www.myspace.com]

You have got to love (what appears to be) this gentleman's girlish laugh.  LOL!

The Natural Skin Shop
is a website that offers chemical peels, anti-aging products, and skin care products.  Everything in their store is 100% natural.  More importantly, none of their products are tested on our furry friends.  

The Natural Skin Shop is currently hosting a contest.  The blogger who drives the most traffic to their page has a shot at winning skin care products and/or cash.  Feel free to check out their blog, and enter to win!  The giveaway ends on August 1st, so hurry on over if you'd like to participate.

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

P. S.  Don't forget to enter my Pink Ice Giveaway!


Disclosure: By writing this post I am qualified to win products and/or cash prize. All views and opinions with regard to the products or company itself are my own and were not influenced, nor reviewed, by the company prior to posting.

June 24, 2010

SkinCareRx International $180.00 Personal Microderm Giveaway! [CLOSED]

Those of you who have been following my blog for awhile know that skin care is my number one beauty priority.  Call me crazy, but I have no desire to wake up one day looking like the Asian Crypt Keeper.  (Sexy, he is not.  I'm not hatin', I'm just statin'.  Ha ha ha!)  To keep my complexion bright and healthy, I cleanse, tone, moisturize, slather on products containing SPF, and drink at least 100 ounces of H20 daily.  I also exfoliate a couple times a week utilizing masks and scrubs.

Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that is offered at day spas, medical spas, and dermatology offices.  Dead skin cells are gently buffed away with an abrasion tool and aluminum oxide crystals, leaving your skin supple, vibrant, and smooth.  It is a safe and effective way to rid of or reduce dark spots, sun damage, minor scars, and fine lines.

 [photo credit: www.thenewyoumedspa.com]

When I worked at the corporate headquarters of an upscale salon and spa chain, I got to see firsthand the benefits of mircodermabrasion.  Personally, I prefer this method of exfoliating over my current regimen as it produces results that are difficult to achieve on your own.  Unfortunately, treatment is impractical for the budget conscious; an hour long facial costs $130.00.  Luckily, there are options for those of us pinching pennies.

SkincareRx.com is generously offering to give one of my readers a Personal Microderm Set by Age Sciences - an at home microdermabrasion system.  The great thing is, this hand held tool can be used on the face and body, and is simple to use.  Exfoliating is pertinent to maintaining healthy skin; this set will do most of the work for you!


[photo credit: www.skincarerx.com]
 
Retail Value: $180.00

♥ How to Enter ♥  

You have FIFTEEN entry possibilities!

1.  Become a fan of SkinCareRx on Facebook.  (One entry.)
2.  Retweet SkinCareRx's tweet about this giveaway.  www.twitter.com/skincarerx1  (One entry.)
3.  Leave me a comment about one of SkinCareRx.com's products below.  (Two entries.)
4.  Sign up to receive SkinCareRx's Newsletter, which can be done on the bottom of SkinCareRx.com's website.  Make sure you save SkinCareRx as a contact in your e-mail to ensure their e-mails aren't accidentally routed to your spam folder.  This is especially crucial for the winner of this giveaway. (Two entries.)
5.  Write a post on your blog, using the phrase "at home microdermabrasion system" as anchor text and link to the Personal Microderm site on SkinCareRx.  Minimum 100 words.  (Nine entries.)
6.  You must be a follower of my blog via Google Friend Connect.
7.  Please leave me a comment below, letting me know how you entered.  If you create a blog post, leave me the link to your site so I may check your handiwork.  :)
8.  If you are under the age of 18, please get your parent or guardian's consent before entering this giveaway as I will need to collect contact information from you.

This giveaway is open internationally and ends July 12, 2010 at 11:59 P.M. (PST).

Good luck!
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Disclaimer: This giveaway is being sponsored by SkinCareRx.com. 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 products at your own discretion.

March 12, 2010

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

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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.

February 18, 2010

Honeycat Cosmetics Review

In 2003, I worked in the corporate office of a salon and spa chain.  The following is a real conversation I had with one of our patrons via the telephone:

Customer:  "I take baths with one of my cats.  She swims around my legs.  I use the same products on her hair that I do on mine!"  [insert cackle]

Me (masking my horror):  "Oh, that's too funny!"

Customer Crazy Cat Lady:  "Your office is close to my house...  When are you free?  I can bring her by and you can meet her!"

Me, thinking to myself:  "I am available three weeks from never.  I'll pencil you in."


Don't get me wrong; I am a huge feline fan.  I strongly believe I Can Haz Cheeseburger is one of the best sites ever created.  My adorable husband and I are proud parents to the cutest fur kid around and spoil him rotten.  However, we prefer to reserve our
TREsemmé and Crew products for our 'dos, not his.  P. S.  Our idea of a bath differs greatly from his.  Ha!

I shower in the morning, but love to take baths in the evening to unwind.  Needless to say, I was incredibly excited when Terry at Honeycat Cosmetics generously sent me a box full of delicious smelling goodness to review.  (Terry has a super fun personality, by the way!  Love her!)  Honeycat Cosmetics has been featured in multiple publications, such as OK! Magazine and Elle.  The infamous Pinkiecharm (a.k.a. Irene) on YouTube has raved about their products.  She is notorious for her brutally honest reviews, so I knew Honeycat had to be good.  I couldn't wait to test these products out!

[L - R:  Sweet Potato Pie Grooming Day Bubble Stuff, Calypso Kitty Moisturizing Tropical Scrub, Honeycat Shower Gel, & Rub My Tummy, Milk and Honey Hand and Body Cream]

[Hiss Goodnight Pink Peppermint Lipgloss in Pink Kisses]

PROS & CONS

Sweet Potato Pie Grooming Day Bubble Stuff

Pros:  Smells great, is moisturizing, affordable.
Cons:  Scent is mild and doesn't linger.

Calypso Kitty Moisturizing Tropical Scrub
Pros:  Smells AMAZING, is moisturizing, the best exfoliating body product I have ever used!

Cons:  $20.00 for one jar.  (It's worth every cent, though!  I am in love with this stuff!)

Honeycat Shower Gel

Pros:  Lathers well, a little bit goes a long way, smells like peach brandy and brown sugar, is moisturizing.
Cons:  If you're not a fan of peach brandy, you're not going to like this scent.  However, please note that the scent is mild and doesn't linger.

Milk and Honey Hand and Body Cream

Pros:  Very moisturizing, leaves your skin buttery smooth, not greasy.  Has a unique scent that smells like almond oil (and something else I can't quite put my finger on).
Cons:  Is more of a runny lotion than a cream, but who cares?  The cream - especially when combined with the scrub - leaves your skin feeling lush. [Edit: They are working on the consistency of the product!]

Hiss Goodnight Pink Peppermint Lipgloss in Pink Kisses
Pros: Extremely lightweight, not sticky, the craziest gloss I have ever seen.  (In person it looks like I have foiled my lips!)
Cons:  Glitter is difficult to remove, but that comes with any glittery product.  A bit pricey at $16.00.

I was extremely impressed by this line, especially the scrub.  The packaging is durable, girly, and cute. 
(Even their packing tape has their logo on it!)  Another bonus?  They "never test on animals -- especially sexy felines".  LOL!  Honeycat Cosmetics are sold online and at select stores and spas.  They offer a variety of items to pamper yourself with, including candles and bath bombs...  I recommend that you check 'em out!

Signature

P. S.  Just a friendly reminder:  You only have until midnight (PST) tonight to enter my BeautyTicket.com Stila Giveaway!  Link is in the side bar!
 
Disclaimer: The products were sent to me by Honeycat Cosmetics 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.



January 12, 2010

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion Review & Giveaway [CLOSED]

A representative from Skin MD Natural contacted me and asked if I would review their Shielding Lotion.  According to their website, the lotion acts as a barrier between the skin and harmful toxins.  In addition to protecting your skin, the barrier keeps moisture and oils locked inside, preventing and alleviating dryness.  They claim their product is safe to use on your face as it will not clog pores, is hypoallergenic, contains no parabens, and is fragrance free.  And last, but not least, they are a cruelty free company.  I said, "Bring it on!" - and it was been brough-en!



What piqued my interest is the fact the lotion is sometimes used to treat serious skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.  Below are some before and after photographs of a gentleman who suffered from eczema for about eight years.  He used the Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion for approximately three years and saw fantastic results.

SCROLL DOWN QUICKLY IF YOU HAVE A WEAK STOMACH!  
LOL!
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[photo courtesy of: www.skinmdnatural.com]


[photo courtesy of: www.skinmdnatural.com]

As you can see, it really transformed his skin!

Although I am not afflicted with eczema or psoriasis, I do have extremely dry skin.  My hands are especially parched.  I am the world's biggest germ-phobe and wash them a million times a day.  (I was actually on the cover of 'The World's Biggest Germ-Phobe Who Washes Her Hands a Million Times a Day' magazine.  Ha ha ha!)  My skin occasionally cracks from the constant cleansing, which is awful because cracks allow bacteria to enter the skin.  I might be 27, but my dry and wrinkled hands look 87.  LOL!  I was definitely curious to see if the Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion could soothe and heal my mitts.

So, I have been using this product for a little over a week on my hands and body.  Here are my pros and cons:

PROS:
  • has a very faint, pleasant scent that dissipates immediately after application
  • absorbs quickly and isn't the slightest bit greasy
  • makes your skin feel smooth
  • gives you the sensation that you are wearing a glove over your skin (I guess they meant it when they said the lotion would serve as a protective barrier!)
  • great for sensitive skin
CONS:
  • has a very faint, pleasant scent that dissipates immediately after application 
    (Yes, I listed this as a pro, but that's because I like scented lotion.  Remember, the product is advertised as being fragrance free.)
  • not the most moisturizing lotion I've ever used; I still have to use traditional lotion in conjunction with it
  • I didn't see any significant changes in regards to my hands
  • the price: $18.00 for a 4 oz. bottle, $25.00 for a 4 oz. bottle with SPF 15
 If you work in a field where you work a lot with your hands, have chronic dry spots, or worry about chemicals in make-up penetrating your skin, this may be a good product for you to try.  (Please check with your primary care physician or dermatologist if you have a serious skin ailment before trying this lotion!)

Skin MD Natural was kind enough to offer one of my awesome followers a full size bottle to try out

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
  • You must be a follower of my blog. 
  • You must leave a comment on this post.  You can say something as simple as "enter me".  "Kate Gene is the bomb.com!" also works.  ;)
  • If you are under the age of 18, please get permission from your parent or guardian before entering.
  • This giveaway is open to international readers.
  • One winner will be selected using randomizer.org.
  • The deadline is February 1st, 12:00 A. M. PST.
  • I always respond to every comment I receive, but for the giveaway, I'm gonna keep my responses to myself.  It'll make counting the entries much easier!

    Good luck!

    Signature

    P. S.  My 100 Follower Giveaway information will be posted later this week!

    Disclaimer: The lotion was sent to me by Skin MD Naturals in exchange for a review.  I am not affiliated with them, nor am I being paid to endorse their product.  My views are not influenced by anything other than my personal experience.  Please use this product at your own discretion.

    December 30, 2009

    My acne and braces bring all the boys to the yard!

    Four years ago, I decided to take the plunge and get braces.  Here is a snippet of the conversation my orthodontist and I had at my initial appointment...

    Orthodontist:  "You're going to need to have your wisdom teeth, one bottom molar, and a front tooth
    removed before we can begin orthodontic treatment."

    Me:  "Ha ha ha!  I'm sorry...  I thought I just heard you say that I need to have a front tooth removed.  I'll look like a hillbilly!  Quick!  Someone grab me a banjo and find me a close relative to marry!"

    Unfortunately, my orthodontist was serious.  Two months after my consultation, I was toothless, sporting braces, and speaking with a slight lisp.  And then, ath if I didn't already look ridiculouth, I developed a cathe of adult acne.  Why couldn't all of this have happened to me circa 1992, when everyone else my age was getting their awkward on?


    Kate Gene a.k.a. Neil Goldman in 2006

    Nowadays (thanks in part to Proactiv and chugging absurd amounts of water), I rarely break out.  But when I do, I make myself an aspirin mask.  I love how it exfoliates my skin.  So much, in fact, that I may retire my beloved St. Ives Apricot Scrub.  This mask really works wonders!



    There are different ways to do it, but I do it the Michelle Phan way.  I add a tad more honey and a little less water than she does, but otherwise our "recipes" are the same.  Her video is very informative; it's definitely worth checking out.



    My only complaint?  The mask smells gross.  The good news is, I may not have to use the mask as often anymore because I got a Clairsonic for Christmas from my awesome in-laws!  Whoo hoo!  Review to come soon...

    Have a great day, everyone!

    Photobucket

    December 27, 2009

    Sally Hansen Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit

    Frida Kahlo, a world-renowned Mexican painter, was known for her vibrantly colored self-portraits that depicted her pain and suffering.  She was also notorious for her unconventional appearance.  The late artist proudly rocked flamboyant clothing and...  a unibrow and mustache.  Now, I'm not normally a fan of facial hair on women, but Frida worked it!  You've gotta love the gal for being herself!

    I don't have a lot of facial hair, but I do like to keep things in check by using tweezers and Sally Hansen's Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit.  The kit is inexpensive and easy to use.  You just warm the strips between your hands, peel them apart, stick 'em where you need 'em, and tear them off.  Included in the box is a small container of azulene oil, which helps soothe freshly waxed skin and gets rid of any sticky residue left behind from the wax strip.



    They really work!  See?



    BEFORE:  I resembled an old Asian man/Captain Hook.



    AFTER:  I look like a clean shaven old Asian man/Captain Hook.

    Ha ha ha!

    Have a great day, everyone!

    Photobucket

    P. S.  I'm going to be doing a giveaway when I hit 100 followers!  (Eh...  It may be sooner because I'm getting antsy to do it.  LOL!)  Make sure to check back for details!  :)

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