NeoStrata Skin Care Review & CONTEST!

Hi Everyone!

A few weeks ago NeoStrata contacted me about reviewing some of their products. NeoStrata is a company that develops a wide variety of skin care collections. They have a multitude of products and packages that range from Targeted Treatments, Cleansers and Toners, Moisturizers and Masques, Body Treatments, and Makeup too! They sent me the Exuviance Introductory Collection for Sensitive Skin and the Exuviance Skin Caring Foundation SPF 15. I've been using the collection morning and night as instructed and the foundation each morning for a week. The site says that in four weeks participants experience significant benefits, but after just a few days I could tell my skin was a lot softer and calmer when using these products.

Above is the Exuviance Introductory Collection for Sensitive Skin.

This collection comes with a face wash, toner, evening moisturizer, daily moisturizer, and a hydrating eye complex cream. Let me first start off by saying that the products all smell incredibly fresh and a bit tropical; definite plus.

Each morning and evening I washed my face with the gentle cleansing creme. The creme is not abrasive and my skin felt refreshed and not red as it sometimes does when I switch to different face washes. I then applied the toner with a cotton round and waited for my face to become beat red and irritated. This is did not happen. My face felt clean and definitely did not discolor at all. I used the appropriate moisturizer next and then applied a pea size amount of the hydrating eye complex creme around my eyes. I love the eye cream, definitely a fabulous product!

I was pleasantly surprised to find that NONE of the products bothered my skin in the slightest. So in true trial/error fashion I waited for the breakouts to begin - NONE! I did not break out once! Usually if a product is going to react negatively to my skin I would see something within the first 24 or 48 hours. I was so happy to see that I had hydrated, super soft, and clean skin - and that's it! No break outs, no discoloration, no irritation! It's been a week now and I only have nice things to say about this collection. Once it runs out I feel as though I will probably purchase the Evening Restorative Night Cream, Hydrating Eye Complex Creme, and the Soothing Toner Lotion. I'm really happy with this collection! It's on sale for $40, so I recommend testing it out for yourself!

*NOTE* There are several collections to choose from so if you have a certain skin type or issue NeoStrata definitely has something for you!

To the right is the Exuviance Skin Caring Foundation SPF 15. It is a liquid based formula. According to their site the Polyhydroxy Acid Gluconolactone provides anti-aging benefits. It's smudge-resistant, light-to-medium, all-day coverage and comes in eleven skin flattering shades.

It applies beautifully and has the perfect amount of coverage. I've been looking for a liquid foundation that wasn't too dry, nor too runny and this one has been working out really well. It also does not bother my skin at all as some liquid foundations tend to do. This has now become my everyday foundation.

CONTEST TIME!

I told NeoStrata that I'd be happy to review their products, but I'd be happier if they were willing to help me give away something to my followers, subscribers, and readers! They were very happy to oblige. Therefore ONE winner will receive an Intro Collection of their choice! A $60 Value!

How awesome is that?

You have THREE ways to enter:

Retweet ANY Tweet of mine about this contest!

Write "Enter Me" in the comments below and follow my blog!

-OR-

Write "Enter Me" in the comments on my YouTube Vlog about this contest!

Contest ends December 15th!

To learn more about the prize please click here

If you're interested in purchasing ANY NeoStrata Skin Care products, please enjoy this coupon (LIMITED TIME ONLY)! And consider following the company on twitter @NeoStrataSkin for information about deals and promotions this holiday season!

Thanks for reading!

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Top Favorite Makeup Items for a Perfect Holiday Look!

As the first of the holidays loom I'm sure you've already committed to yourself to a few holiday events. Whether it be Thanksgiving at Aunt Bunny's house or the annual work party you have most weekends on lock down. To save myself from going into debt before I even buy holiday presents, I like to pick out a few key separates and a makeup look that I can mix and match for all the parties/family gatherings I've agreed to attend. In years past I've stopped at Nordstroms or Neimans before every single holiday soiree and hit up the MAC counter at least twice. Add to the present I'm most likely carrying in hand and this girl is broke! I usually have to ring in the New Year with Chinese takeout - we'll maybe not that bad, but I do have to pick up that cheap-stomach-ache bottle of champagne! Below I've created a simple and sleek look that will translate to any party you're attending within the next few weeks. It's super easy to do! n the tutorial I show my Top Favorite Holiday Makeup Items. Whether it be a versatile palette, an liquid eyeliner that does not require a steady hand to achieve perfection, or an elegant lip - I've got you covered!


Due to the lovely Christmas song I chose to accompany the tutorial I cannot embed on an outside source, please go here to watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gMViKPAV3g

Leave me comments! Want to see more tutorials? Check out my YouTube Channel You can also Tweet with me @Makeup_Chic.

Happy Holidays!

My Favorite Nail Polishes - Right NOW!

Hi Everyone!

When it comes to shoes, handbags or even nail polishes colors I'm a repeat offender. If I love a shade I tend to hold it near and dear to my heart. The following five polish shades are my tried and true absolute favorites for the fall months. They are perfect for work, a night out with the girls, a date with your beau, or just a lazy Sunday as you attempt to make some homemade pumpkin pie!

This first shade is OPI's Lincoln Park at Midnight. This shade has much more famous sister, perhaps you've heard of her? Lincoln Park After Dark. LPAM is a little less deep of a purple than After Dark, as it has a subtle iridescent quality to it that I really love. I often can't apply this bad boy myself - dark colors and steady hands go together like Turkey and Thanksgiving. I'm a Chicken. I can't usually get this color on my tiny grow-less finger nails. Maybe that's why I love love love this shade. I can only wear it on a special occasion or occasions where I have two hours to apply polish! This shade is perfect  for day or night and it yields a very sexy sophisticated quality.

OPI's I'm Not Really A Waitress is a color that I love for holiday parties with friends. It's almost a classic red, but with a punch. I love the shimmery quality and (for once) the super easy application. This color definitely reminds me the holiday season and it's perfect when you want to feel feminine, but sexy all at the same time. This polish color changes my mood in a heart beat. It's a super warm rich shade and although red tends is synonymous with chipping, OPI makes sure the shade lasts, lasts, lasts!

OPI's Yucatan If U Want is a deep mauve shade and it reminds me a day of apple picking! Since I'm an East Coast gal I can't help but to be suckered into fall foliage events and activities. I love this shade because it's not in your face at all. It's clean and warm.

Essie's Chinchilly is a gray color that I just can't seem to get enough of. I don't normally go for such a neutral color, however this color is definitely a subtle show stopper. When wearing this shade I've had people come up to me and asking what I'm wearing. Essie's polishes by far have the best non-chipping formula. I love way it goes with my entire fall wardrobe, but makes it's very own statement.

C'mon you'd know I'd have one classic fall color. This my classic red, Chanel's Image Rose. I love this for when I want to wear something that truly reminds me of holidays. Think Macy's Window, Madison Square Garden, and "A Christmas Carol." When I'm having an Audrey moment I reach for this color. You can't go wrong with a very sophisticated red on your nails.


So that's it - my favorite polishes right now! What are some of yours?

xo!

Thanks for reading!
Want to tweet with me? Follow me @Makeup_Chic
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What's Inside: CoverGirl LashBlast Luxe Black Royale Mascara - An Article from Wired Magazine

Hi Everyone!

I found this article by Patrick Di Justo from November 1, 2010 in Wired Magazine's November 2010 Issue extremely interesting, so I wanted to make sure I reposted!

"Disteardimonium Hectorite

This molecule is like a squid with a nitrogen body and fatty alcohol tentacles. Hectorite, a powdery volcanic clay, coats the tentacles, giving them bulk and a positive charge. Since hair has a negative charge, the molecule sticks to lashes, making them seem thicker.


Propylene carbonate
A “safe” and environmentally friendly solvent, this keeps the other ingredients from separating. It’s a polar molecule, meaning that each end of it has a different electrical charge that attracts and repels different materials. But it is also aprotic, meaning it can’t release protons, which could react with those other components in the mascara.

Iron(III) oxide
Don’t wear mascara to a cranial MRI! There is so much of this dark black metallic pigment here (as much as 10 percent by weight) that its ferromagnetic properties can screw up the images, creating a splotch over your eye that the doctor will interpret as melanoma. Why is it here? Think “shiny.”

Panthenol
Dry, brittle lashes can break off, taking up to nine months to grow back. The jury is out as to whether panthenol makes hair grow, but everyone agrees that lashes can at least be conditioned and moisturized by this precursor to vitamin B5, making them less susceptible to snapping in two.


Paraffin and carnauba wax
Paraffin comes from a refinery, carnauba comes from the Brazilian rain forest, but both help carry the various pigments as well as artificially lengthen and thicken the eyelashes.

Triethanolamine
This stuff is a thickener and emulsifier and also lowers the surface tension of the mascara, allowing it to adhere to the brush and the lashes.

Ammonium acrylates copolymer
Listed as “practically nonirritating” when tested on the eyeballs of live rabbits, this emulsifier and pigment disperser gives a nice glossy coating to the eyelash and enhances flexibility under the weight of all that iron oxide.


Bismuth oxychloride
Another pigment with strange magnetic properties. Thanks to variations in the thickness of the oxide layer, this compound creates that shimmery pearlescent look on each eyelash. (This effect used to come from guanine, which is probably how the “bat poop in mascara” rumor got started.)


Dichromium trioxide
A dark-green pigment with odd paramagnetic effects like its cousin, CrO2, a coating for audiotape. Highly resistant to heat, light, and chemicals, this stuff could theoretically be formulated to make your eyelashes reflect infrared light — just like the best military camouflage."
 
Will you continue to wear CoverGirl LashBlast Luxe Black Royale Mascara? I don't know if I can after reading that!

I'm thinkin' more organic beauty products from now on - what do you think?

In & Out Post: Fall Addition

IN

1. Gray Nail Polish Colors

I am absolutely in love with Essie's Chinchilly polish from the Cuddle with Color Fall 2009 Collection. I know I'm a little late loving this shade, but it's absolutely divine. Gray is definitely the new nail neutral and can't keep myself from wanting to reapply! Good thing I don't have to very often; this Essie polish lasts for days without chipping!

2. Cyber Monday

This is my holy grail! Forget Black Friday - Cyber Monday is where it's at! No lines, no people, just me and my merchandise! Lots of places are promoting free shipping too! Use sites like CyberMonday.com and RetailMeNot.com to find the best deals.  And just in case you do have to wake up at an ungodly hour in order to claim your prize online, don't worry! No freezing temps, no smittens or scarves - just you and your computer -- preferably before your boss walks in the door!

3. Target Slippers that are $83.01cheaper that UGG Slippers but look just as good!

Both are extremely comfortable, both you can wear outdoors, both come in a multiple of colors, and both are super cute! But one you can buy 5 pairs of for $100 dollars!

I've been in love with these Target slippers for probably four winters now. I've had them in tan, brown, black, and even gray! I absolutely love them and I don't feel bad when I toss them at the end of the season. I don't think my UGG pair would get much mileage at all, I'd be afraid to muss them up!

OUT

1. Really Puffy-Really Long-Down Jackets

I've seen too many sensible women - fashionable women - sporting these hideous coats. I understand your desire to be warm. But honestly, these so ugly I cannot handle it. What does it matter if you're rockin' some Jimmy Choo heels or a great scarf? When you're rockin' this f'ugly garment it doesn't matter.I know you want to keep your bum all warm, but seriously at the sake of looking appalling please don't! I know that there are super chic long down jackets, but my feeling is unless you're a tall lanky lil ol' thing the lack of shape in the coat really just makes you look like a blob (let me tell you from my own experience!) - a toasty blob, but a blob. Stick with a cropped down jacket - same warmth, less embarrassment.

2. Bath & Body Products as Gifts

I know some of you may be shocked to see this on here, but I know a lot of you aren't. I love giving and receiving presents for the holidays, however I am just SO OVER bath and body gift baskets. Okay, sure maybe I'll use the body wash or the body lotion, but I'm not going to use the 500 other things that come in the basket. I usually don't totally enjoy super fragrant things and these baskets usually stink to high heaven! Now, I'm definitely not a grinch, but I can't even pawn these gifts off to friends. Who wants to smell like an apple cinnamon pumpkin strudel?  Not I! (I do love the loofas they come with though!

And that's it! My little list of all the Ins & Outs this Fall! These are fun to do, so if you liked reading this leave me a comment and I'll make sure to write these more often!

xo!

Thanks for reading!
Want to tweet with me? Follow me @Makeup_Chic
Want to watch me chat? Check out My YouTube Channel

Belated Top Five Favorite Friday: Holiday Nails!

Hi All -

So sorry for the belated Top Five Fav Friday Post! - Pls enjoy from our gal Emma! :)

Happy Friday beauties!  Have an upcoming holiday party on the books?  Read on for a fun way to accessorize and glam up your outfit on the cheap.

Nails are the perfect accessory– 100% customizable and affordable bling.  Here are five of my favorite glitter infused polishes.  The perfect addition to any holiday affair.

1.  OPI Mad As A Hatter This one wins the prize for party in a bottle, as it reminds me of New Years and confetti!  I’d pair this with a nice little black dress.  These nails are always a conversation piece at any gathering, so get ready to make friends.

2.  Zoya Cheryl I adore this subtle shimmery brown– it combines the best of both worlds by exuding pure chic while remaining office appropriate.  This red toned brown has fine particles of copper and brown shimmer throughout.  I would pair this color with anything from dark jeans and a turtleneck to a gold sequined mini with leopard flats.  Gorgeous!

3.  OPI Crimson Carol You really can’t go wrong with a glittery cherry red in the winter.  This color was released as part of OPI’s holiday collection last year, and is easily dupable.  Crimson Carol has a mix of gold and red glitter.  Orly, China Glaze, and Sephora by OPI all have similar options this season, so take your pick!  Rock this one when you have candy canes on the brain and a red cup from Starbucks in hand.

4.  Chanel Illusion D’Or This one is an all time favorite.  Worn alone, Illusion D’Or is a somewhat sheer soft gold with flecks of gold glitter and circular blue translucent confetti discs.  Layer over black for a stunning multidimensional look.  You can still snag this at Chanel.com, but I also spied a Sephora by OPI sister color.  Looks Like Rain Dear (page 19 in the holiday catalog) appears to have a similar mix of glitter particulate.  Sephora’s version is far more opaque, but will certainly provide a similar effect to layering Illusion D’Or over a gold base.

 

5.  OPI Visions of Sugarplum This shimmering eggplant purple has flecks of bright purple glitter that reflect lilac under direct light.  I especially love the formula of this polish, it is smooth and rich.  I’d pair this with a bright jewel toned top or dress.

Which of these is your favorite?  Let me know in the comments below!

XO

E & A

Stay tuned for the Smashbox WINNER tonight!

Top Five Favorite Friday: Lip Combos!

Hey Everyone!

It's Friday once again! I hope you all had a good week, mine was tumultuous to say the least. I'll be very happy to sleep in tomorrow :)

My post today calls out my Top Five Favorite Lip Combinations! Below are the pairings I have been swapping on and off for quite some time now. I'm sure out of the five you'll definitely see at least one that interests you. There are days/looks that call for a nude lip, a girly lip, a night out lip, a date night lip, and an everyday lip. Please enjoy!

1. A Nude Lip

This first combination is my absolute favorite nude lip. I love MAC's Myth Lipstick, but I don't love quite how nude it is. As a girl with a plump pout and naturally pink lips, it's sometimes difficult for me to pull off a nude lip. However, I've found that if I layer a nude lipstick, such as Myth with a slightly tinted gloss, like NARS' Chihuahua, I'm left with a nude lip that isn't too terribly matte. This lip is absolutely gorgeous with a traditional smokey eye.

2. A Girly Lip

When I want a day of shopping with my girls or I'm wearing something really feminine, I gravitate towards this lip combination. I first put on MAC's Pro Long Wear in Overtime. This is a nice creamy lipstick line from MAC and I love it's longevity. Next I layer on top NYX's Smokey Look gloss. NYX has some of the prettiest glosses and a very wide variety of them! Furthermore, they're really affordable! And for me, affordable means I can afford to lose them. I lose everything! I'd much rather have a $5 gloss in my purse than a $25 gloss any day!

3. A Perfect Everyday Lip

If ever there were only one lip combo to choose from this one would be it. This lip gives me that  almost nude lip I crave, but without being nude at all. The lipstick is an extremely creamy nude/peach and the gloss matches perfectly. I wear this lip a lot when I'm at work or amongst people I want to look polished around, but I don't necessarily want my makeup to take center stage.

4. A Date Night Lip

I know what you're thinking; you've read in magazines that you're supposed keep your lips pretty nude for a date. Well, ladies - I disagree! I love layering a deep pink underneath a subtle pink gloss. When I meet that special someone out I want my lips to be girly, but playful. Using a deep mauve/pink color helps you achieve that look. And let's be honest, after drinks, dinner, and dessert don't you think your lipstick will have worn away a bit? You'll be perfect for that goodnight kiss!

5. A Night Out Lip

You knew a red lip was going to fall in line somewhere, right? I'm absolutely in love with Stila's Paint Your Pout Red Palette and even more in love with the Cool Red shade. Using a lip brush I first outline my lips and then fill. I skip the liner and instead use concealer, and with a brush, sharpen the line around my lips. Then I take MAC's gloss and highlight the center of my lips. This creates extra shine as well as the illusion of extra fullness. Perfect for a night out!


And there you have it! My Top Five Favorite Lip Combos!

Remember my Smashbox Contest is Going On!

CLICK HERE TO
ENTER TO WIN!








xo A
Thanks for reading!
Want to tweet with me? Follow me @Makeup_Chic
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