Two Men + Two Packages = Love (Whoa. That sounds WAY more inappropriate than I intended it to! LOL!)

At approximately 11:00 this morning, I heard a knock on our front door.  Peering through the peephole, I saw a FedEx driver waiting with a large box for yours truly.  My Coastal Scents 88 Matte Palette and laptop charger were finally here!  (I have been using my husband's old work laptop to blog.  It won't let me upload pictures, which drives me crazy!)  I got so excited that I whipped the door open, momentarily forgetting that I was wearing tapered sweat pants, slightly busted glasses that sit crookedly on my face, and no make-up.  When signing for my package, I should have scrawled "Hot Mess" in lieu of my real signature.  Ha!

[So pretty!]

All I can say about the C. S. palette is that it truly lives up to the hype.  The pigmentation is insane!  I can't wait to play around with it.  Everyone in the house is getting their eyes done tonight.  Oh, Huuuusband...  Where are yoooou?  Ha ha ha!  Just kidding!

[I barely touched the shadows...  Look how vibrant they are!]

Coastal Scents ® 88 Color Makeup Palette

Hours later, my adorable husband got home from work, mail in hand.  My NARS Blush in Crazed had arrived!  I immediately grabbed my blush brush and swiped it across my cheek.  I looked like a, a-hem, "Lady of the Night".  (A Lady of the Night who wears tapered sweats and broken glasses, that is.)  I learned my lesson, and applied it to the other side of my face with a much lighter hand.  It's a gorgeous color!  It made me look as though I had just come in from a run.  My camera phone photograph really doesn't do it any justice; I will take another picture and do a swatch when I get my laptop/camera issues taken care of.

 

[NARS Crazed]
NARS Blush

Ugh...  Speaking of my laptop/camera issues, the charger we received today is defective.  It's the fourth one we've ordered in the last three weeks.  We have had the worst time getting something that works!  Anyway, we placed yet another order today, so hopefully I'll be up and running on my HP soon.

I hope y'all are doing well!

Why did kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

I have officially jumped on the formspring.me bandwagon.  Through this site, you can send and receive inquiries.  Feel free to ask me anything you'd like!  It can be something silly (like my post title) or serious.

Click here to get started!  Or, leave your question in the box below!

Yo' face so greasy, if you had pimples, they'd fall off!

I have the oiliest T-Zone in the world.  Fifteen minutes after washing my face, it appears as though I have dunked my head into a bag of Lay's and sprayed PAM across my forehead and nose.  I should probably stop doing that.  Har har har!

[insert courtesy laugh here]

As some of you may or may not know, Proactiv now offers more than just a cleanser, toner, and healing lotion.  They have expanded their collection to include products such as make-up, lotions with SPF, and my latest obsession: Sheer Finish Mattifying Gel.

[photo courtesy of: www.cosmogirl.com because I am still having laptop/camera issues]

It.  Is.  Amazing.

After showering in the morning, I apply a very thin layer of the gel across my oil refinery of a face.  It feels and looks like a lightweight hair gel, but develops into a clear, smooth, and powdery finish once dried.  I wear it underneath my make-up and stay oil free for at least eight hours!  Since I have started using this product, I haven't busted out my Sephora Blotting Tissues once.

I highly recommend this product!  My only complaint is the price.  Unless you are a Proactiv Club Member, it is $22.00 for one ounce.  That said, a little bit goes a long way!

What do you do to combat shine?

P. S.  Don't forget to enter my giveaways!  Links are in the sidebar!  :)

A moment of silence, please...

My favorite blush has crumbled.  Not only have I hit the pan, but the outer edges have broken off and are floating freely around the case and my make-up bag.  Sadly, there's not enough of it left to warrant doing the rubbing alcohol trick.  It's time to say farewell and purchase something new.  (Tears are forming in my eyes as I type this.  Ha ha ha!)

[Check out the blush and ignore the faded eyeliner.  LOL!]

I have a $6.01 credit at drugstore.com, so I have been doing some online window shopping, trying to figure out what to buy.  I was surprised to see they carry NARS products.  Unlike the rest of the world, I have yet to jump on the NARS Orgasm bandwagon.  As I have mentioned before, I am cheap.  Again, not cheap like yo momma...  Cheap as in, I can't justify spending $25.00 on blush.  I'm a huge fan of eyeshadow and lip gloss, so occasionally I will spend a little more on those products.  But blush?  Not so much.  That said, I was at my sisters' apartment the other day, and saw that one of them owned the coveted peachy-pink rouge.  She has had it for a year and has barely made a dent in it!  I'm thinking it may be a good investment after all.

[photo courtesy of: www.sephora.com]

I am on the fence, though...  Word on the streets is, Deep Throat looks better on medium to dark gals.  My little sister has fair skin; Orgasm looks gorgeous on her.  The blush I will be tossing looks similar to Crazed or Desire.  Ack!  NARS has so many gorgeous shades to choose from; I am at a loss.

What do y'all think? 

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

My 100 Followers Giveaway! [CLOSED]

Thanks to Blogger, I have connected with some truly funny, bright, and fabulous people.  To show my appreciation to those who have supported me and my blog during the last month, I have decided to host a giveaway.  One randomly selected winner will receive the following products:

Korres Lip Butter in Guava
♥ valued at: $9.00

Philosophy - On a Clear Day Acne Skin Kit
♥ valued at $65.00 (A $105.00 total retail value!)
♥ This four piece set is used to prevent and treat acne, as well as fade post-acne discoloration.  It also reduces signs of aging.

[click to enlarge]

Giveaway Details

****PLEASE READ COMPLETELY BEFORE ENTERING****

1. You must be a follower of my blog, or you will be disqualified.

2. For those of you with a blog, you must blog about my contest.  Your post should include a link back to my page, as well as the photograph above.  (You may copy and paste what I've written here if that's easier!)  Please leave me a comment with a link back to your post so I can confirm it's been done.

 3. If you do not have a blog, add me on Twitter (click here)and tweet about my contest.  Make sure to include a link back to my page.  Once you have posted your tweet, please leave me a comment on this post letting me know you've done so.

4.  If you have a blog and a Twitter account, you may enter twice by completing steps #2 and #3.

5.  This giveaway is open to international followers.

6.  If you are under the age of 18, please obtain permission from your parent or guardian before you enter.

7.  The deadline is March 1, 2010 at 12:00 A.M. (PST).

These items were purchased by my adorable husband and me.  We cannot wait to send these prizes out to one of you!

Good luck!

Two Awards & One Twitter Update

AWARDS

 I was given this award by the following lovelies: Miss Natty, J-ezzy, and MakeupMama.  I think this may be the cutest looking award I have seen since joining Blogger!

 

I was also given an award from the very purty *I-LASHES.



Thank you SO much, ladies!  These awards always brighten up my day!
 
Both of these awards require that I post seven facts about myself and tag seven others to do the same.  I should technically post fourteen facts, but I'm in a bit of a hurry...  Seven it is!  :) 

1.  People are always surprised when they learn I am married to a 6'3, built-like-a-linebacker, blonde guy that I met on the Internet.  (Mail order bride websites are becoming very popular these days, you know.  I'M KIDDING!  Ha ha ha!  But, my husband and I did meet online!  ♥)

2.  I actually enjoy working, crazy as that may sound!  (Most of you already know that I am a health care worker...  Best field ever!)  The busier I am, the better.

3.  I have an unhealthy obsession with eyeshadow. 

4.  I use liquid liner on my top and bottom lids.

5.  Our cat will roll around and rub his face on your pizza if you leave your plate unattended.  (Yeah, we don't get it either.  LOL!)

6.  I refuse to wear sandals or flip flops if I have chipped polish.

7.  I played the violin for eight years.

I noticed that a lot of bloggers have already received both of these awards, so I'm tagging all y'all who have yet to receive either one!

TWITTER UPDATE

I was having some problems with my Twitter account and had to shut it down.  I re-opened it, but it's acting up once again.  Fortunately, I can still tweet; I just can't make any changes to any of my settings yet.  To those who were following me before, please re-add me.  For those of you who haven't added me yet, feel free to do so!  I am @Kate_Gene.  

I will post a Twitter button in my sidebar soon!

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

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!
  

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.

PSA: Brawny is not to be used on your face.

I used to believe a paper towel was an excellent substitute for a make-up wipe.  Who doesn't love the feel of Brawny on their face, especially around the delicate eye area?  Oh, simmer down...  It's not like vigorously rubbing a scratchy sheet across your lids can cause red, irritated eyes or pre-mature wrinkles.  Ha ha ha!

[Good thing I watermarked this photograph.  I wouldn't want anyone stealing it!  LOL!]

After years of horrifying MUAs, dermatologists, and estheticians with my paper towel-y ways, I traded them in for Almay's Oil Free Makeup Remover Towlettes.

I absolutely love them!  They do a fabulous job of removing every trace of make-up - even the little bits of glitter that can sometimes be difficult to remove.

[This belongs to a friend.  I roll out of bed looking fantastic and would never wear this much make-up!  Yeeeeah....]

What do you guys use to wipe the day away?

P. S.  I hit 100+ followers today!  Whoo hoo!  I can't tell you how much that means to me!  As soon as I can get my camera/laptop issues fixed, I'm going to post my giveaway details!  :)

Clairsonic Review

After hearing YouTubers and Bloggers rave about the Clairsonic, I entered a contest to win one.  Skin care is important, but $149.00 is a bit steep for someone cheap like me.  (No, not cheap like yo momma.  Cheap as in, I refuse to spend a lot.  Ha!)  I lost the contest, but my awesome in-laws kindly surprised me with one on Christmas Eve.  I was so excited!

[The Wonder Tool]

As soon as my adorable husband and I got home that night, I brushed my teeth and got ready to "brush my face".  LOL!  Initially, I wasn't that impressed.  I didn't think the Clairsonic got my face any more clean than traditional washing did, and hated how it felt when used on my nose.  The vibrations from the brush tickled and made me feel like I had to sneeze.

But now?  I love it!  I still dislike how it feels on my nose, but I'm getting used to it.  I use the Clairsonic every night with my Proactiv cleanser and have been very pleased with my results.  (The Clairsonic wash that comes with the brush is nice, but nothing to write home about.)

Just the other day, my husband complimented me on my "glowing skin".  Here is my five-head sans lotion and make-up!

 

I definitely recommend this product.  Unfortunately, as I stated before, it's expensive.  If I hadn't received the Clairsonic as a gift, I highly doubt I would have picked one up on my own.  My buddy, Nee, made a video that shows you how to exfoliate without breaking the bank.  Her trick is a great alternative and definitely worth checking out!



If you have any questions about the Clairsonic, feel free to ask!

[Me lovin' the 'sonic.  Please excuse the hair and make-up.  This picture was literally taken before bed!]

Happy Exfoliating!  LOL!

Have a great day, y'all!

Tennille thinks I'm a haute mess!

Thank you, Tennille, for this incredibly fun award!

(How cute is the award name?)

I am to list seven facts about myself and tag seven others to do the same.

1.  My adorable husband and I celebrated our TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY on January 6th!  I ♥ YOU SO MUCH, BABY!

2.  We have a tuxedo cat who has a black mustache.  (He clearly has not read my post about the Sally Hansen Wax Strip Kit!  LOL!)  ♥

3.  I was adopted from Korea into the most amazing family ever.  ♥

4.  My best (girl) friend and I look like sisters.

5.  I have a cupcake and doughnut addiction.

6.  I love country music.  Invite me to your wedding and I'll do the Electric Slide!

7.  I hate seafood.

I tag: J-ezzy, Nee, April, DSK Steph, Bombchell, Clara, and Pop Champagne!

Have a fabulous night, everyone!  :)

Um, I invented Post-Its.

My high school reunion is this year.  I'd like to thank Facebook (and the fine lines that have developed around my eyes) for reminding me that, yes, it has been a decade since graduation.  Ha ha ha!

Despite having caught up with many of my classmates online, I am incredibly excited to see everyone in person.  But, I'm not going to lie...  I am starting to panic a bit, just like the ladies in 'Romy and Michele's High School Reunion' did.  I have only six months to work off ten years of eating cupcakes and donuts!  If you see an Asian girl at the gym in a skintight shiny dress and, a-hem, "I'm Dancing to Pay for Med School" heels, say hello.  LOL!

[photo courtesy of: www.infoplease.com]

The venue has yet to be determined, but I'm already thinking about what I'm going to wear.  Any suggestions?  I'm guessing it's going to be casual or semi-formal at most, based on what the previous class did.

Ugh...  So, I am having serious laptop and camera issues.  I may have to go "Office Space" on both of them.

Ha ha ha!

But seriously, I have lots of pictures to upload, reviews to write, and tags to do.  I hope to be up and running again soon!  I'm heading out the door, but will catch up with y'all soon, I promise!

Have a great day, everyone!  :)

My second award!

I was nominated by Ms. Gaby for a second award!  (How cute does this one look?)  Thank you so much!

Rules for recipients:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which you think are fabulous.

3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

I nominate:

Gaby

J-ezzy

Nee

DSK Steph

April

Bomchell

Pop Champagne

Clara

*I-Lashes

..PiinkCupcakez..

Beautygirl24
Cheryl
Natty
Holly
Josh
Suzy
Liparazzi
M.

 Yes, I nominated some of the same bloggers as last time, but that's only because I heart them so!  Big whoop.  Wanna fight about it?  ;)

My (Late) Christmas Haul & Twitter Announcement

During the holidays, my number one priority is spending time with our family and friends.  Why?  Because they give me presents!  Just kidding!

Honestly, at the end of the day, all I really care about are my loved ones.  ♥  Material things are nice, but they aren't everything.  That said, I am very grateful to those who spent their hard earned money on me.

  Check out my haul!

[L to R - Clairsonic Mia, MAC Dazzleglass in Date Night, OPI Polish in Black Cherry Chutney, OPI Polish in Quarter of a Cent-cherry, Seven Wonders lotion, Lavera Lipstick - #26, and Lavera Lip Balm in Bronze]

Black Cherry Chutney is my new favorite polish!

Santa gave us four bags of extremely delicious cookies and fudge.  My poor husband only got a few cookies because I am a heffer and ate everything else.  LOL!

So, I hope you all had a fabulous New Year's Eve!  Being the grandma that I am, I fell asleep last night at 11:00.  My adorable husband woke me at 11:55 with a flute of champagne.  (Although, I think a glass of prune juice would have been more fitting, considering I am a senior citizen and all.)  We drank bubbly in our pajamas and watched fireworks from our back door.  It was a wonderful night!  ♥

[photo courtesy of: www.travelblog.com]

Me, partying it up on the last night of 2009

After I polished off my prune juice glass of champagne, I brushed my dentures and changed my adult diaper created a Twitter account, specifically for keeping in touch with all of you!  Follow me here.

I also ordered a little somethin' special for my giveaway, which is scheduled to happen later this month.  You all have been so supportive and kind; having a giveaway is my way of saying thanks!

Have a great night!