@Naturopathica Skin Care Haul [normal to oily skin]

http://naturopathica.com

"Naturopathica performance-based skin care solutions combine active, certified organic and anti-aging ingredients to deliver powerful results. Developed by clinical esthetician and herbalist Barbara Close to nurture and promote a better beauty™."


Naturopathica was having a 24 hour sale for 24% off your total purchase.  I was eyeing some products and decided to take advantage of the sale.  This was my first time ordering from Naturopathica and I picked up four items (all for normal to oily skin).  


I placed my order Monday night (7/23/12) and received my order today, Friday (7/27/12).  I am very pleased with the packaging of my order and delivery speed.  Everything was packed well and nothing was damaged during transit.


I first heard about this brand from a rep that contacted me to participate in a 30 day skin care challenge (blog post here).  After trying out their kit for oily skin, I was impressed enough to keep a shopping list in mind for their next sale.


Here are the items i purchased [retail prices are listed]:

• Pore Refining Clay Mask [normal to oily skin] [1.7oz $48] - "This refining mask blends purifying Rhassoul Clay with clarifying Myrrh, Frankincense and Tea Tree to deeply cleanse pores and absorb impurities."
• Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel [normal to oily skin] [1.7oz $56] - "Formulated for dull or congested skin, this refining mask exfoliates with pumpkin enzymes to promote a clear and radiant complexion."  I am most excited to try this peel.  My esthetician uses a pumpkin peel on me all the time and I love it.  I'm hoping this one is just as good. 
• Neroli Clarifying Serum [normal to oily skin] [limited edition - available until 7/31/2012] [.5oz $40] - "An antioxidant rich serum blended with purifying Neroli, Juniper and Petitgrain to balance and clarify the skin."
• Rosemary Lemon Clarifying Mist [normal to oily skin] [1oz $26 - special price of $8 right now!] - "A refreshing blend of purifying Rosemary and Willow Bark helps tone and clarify the skin while awakening the senses."

 

Dr. Scholl's For Her Ball of Foot Cushions Review

I received this product to try and review as part of the influenster VoxBox program.  It was sent for free [along with other products] and a mandatory survey is required after testing/trying all the products.

I was super excited to receive this in my VoxBox.  I have purchased these in the past and love them.  They are super comfortable.  I used them in my heels and they made them more cushioned and comfortable.

Dr. Scholl's Ball of Foot Pads

Dr. Scholl's^® For Her Ball of Foot Cushions

Created uniquely for women's shoes, the slim design of Dr. Scholl's^® For Her Ball of Foot Cushions prevents your feet from sliding forward, so you avoid “toe scrunch”. Plus, they fit comfortably and discreetly in both open- and closed-toe shoes.

• Helps prevent ball of foot pain
• Immediate Massaging Gel™ comfort for the ball of your foot
• Only ball of foot product made with unique FabuSTEP^® gel
• Prevents toe scrunch
• Stays firmly in place
• Removable without damage to your shoes
• Discreetly fits all women's shoes

Available in:

• One size fits all

Designed to fit:

• All women's shoes

• Made with FabuSTEP^® gel to prevent feet from sliding forward
• Gel waves cushion the sensitive ball-of-foot area
• Massages your foot with every step
• Small design prevents toe scrunch

How to use:

• Place on top of your current insole
• No trimming required
• Replace every 6 months or at first signs of wear

Sheer Cover Duo Concealer Review

I received this product to try and review as part of the influenster VoxBox program.  It was sent for free [along with other products] and a mandatory survey is required after testing/trying all the products.

I chose the Medium/Tan concealer.  It like how they give two shades.  This makes the concealer good for all year, especially if you are different shades in the summer vs. winter.  You can custom blend the two shades to get the perfect match.  

I like the consistency of the concealer; It is smooth.  The coverage is also buildable.  But I noticed that it doesn't hold up as well as I would like on my super oily skin.  I got a little creasing under my eyes.  I also used it for spot concealing and redness around my nose.  My oily skin did break down the concealer.

Sheer Cover Duo Concealer

Sheer Cover® Concealer is perfect for all skin types and tones.  Our concealer is a customer favorite offering a custom blend for the various shades on your face and covers up imperfections.  It not only covers up the look of dark circles, blemishes, redness and age spots, it also moisturizes with Jojoba and Allantoin.

It instantly conceals blemishes, dark spots, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone – we’ve got life’s little imperfections covered!

KEY BENEFITS:

• Instantly covers skin imperfections for a flawless, natural look.
• Variable coverage – sheer and creamy perfect for under eye circles or more opaque for blemishes, dark spots and hyper pigmentation.
• Easy application  – glides on, won’t pull or tug at fragile skin.
• Enriched with natural, moisturizing Jojoba to help nourish and restore the skins’ natural moisture balance.
• Allantoin helps calm and soothe sensitive, irritated skin.
• Provides antioxidant protection from free-radical scavengers.
• Dermatologist-tested.

HOW TO USE:
Using fingertips, concealer brush or a cosmetic sponge dab a small amount of concealer on area to be covered. Blend well. Start sheer, adding layers to increase coverage. Wear alone, under or over makeup. Let dry before applying makeup.

Where to Buy:

Customers can visit www.SheerCover.com or call 1-877-489-2035 to purchase Sheer Cover.
$29.95 for the concealer (non-member price) and $29.95 for the introductory system, which also includes the Duo Concealer.

influenster Spring Beauty VoxBox May 2012

influenster Spring Beauty VoxBox May 2012

I qualified for the Spring Beauty VoxBox [May 2012] from influenster.  Check out their site for more info.  I received everything for free.  A mandatory survey is required after you have tested/tried all the products sent.  Also, certain brands will have challenges [usually promoting their products via blogs or video reviews and/or following their social media] where you can win more items.

The items included with this VoxBox [descriptions from http://influesnter.com]:

• SHEER COVER - DUO CONCEALE  Ideal for hiding blemishes, age spots, redness, scars and other imperfections without heavy, cakey coverage. Duo shades can be blended to perfectly match any skin tone.  I chose Medium/Tan since I received Light/Medium in one of the myGlam bags.   
• SALLY HANSEN - SALON EFFECTS  Real Nail Polish Strips! This product wears like nail polish because it IS nail polish (with no drying time). Apply and you’re ready to go.  I received #360 Laced Up.
• DR. SCHOLL’S FOR HER  - BALL OF FOOT PADS  Whether you have on-going foot discomfort, or just a soft spot for the most stylish shoes in the store, you’re going to love the Dr. Scholl’s® For Her line. Take a few steps towards happier feet today!
• AVEENO - DAILY MOISTURIZING BODY WASH  This body wash cleanses & moisturizes for visibly healthier skin every time you shower. It’s lightly fragranced, soap free, dye-free &  hypoallergenic so it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin.
• CHAPSTICK - LIP SHIELD 365  This new product offers all season protection & moisturization for year-round exposure to the sun, wind & cold. With SPF 50+, it helps to protect from the sun’s damaging UVA/UVB rays.  I absolutely hated this product.  It did not moisturize my lips at all.  It also left a white cast on my lips.  It's so bad that I'm gonna toss it; I wouldn't even give it to anyone to try.
• BATH & BODY WORKS - FINE FRAGRANCE MIST  Discover a better, more delicate fragrance experience with the NEW Fragrance Mist Collection. With over 20 Signature fragrances to choose from, it’s love at first mist!  I received the Paris scent.  I didn't really care for the scent; it was too sweet. 
• SOYJOY - BAR  Enjoy SOYJOY with all-natural real ingredients like real fruit and whole soy! Simply baked in their Southern California bakery into SOYJOY bars for REAL energy-sustaining deliciousness.  I received the strawberry bar.  This was absolutely delish!  I was very skeptical at first because I hated the other bars that I received in previous VoxBoxes.  If you like the outside cake part of a fig newton, you'll like these bars!  So yummy! 

Picture heavy.  Please be patient.

Sheer Cover Duo Concealer Medium/Tan

Sheer Cover Duo Concealer Medium/Tan

Sally Hansen Salon effects #360 Laced Up

Sally Hansen Salon effects #360 Laced Up

Dr. Scholl's Ball of Foot Pads

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash

ChapStick Lip Shield 365

Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist in Paris

Strawberry SoyJoy Bar

Strawberry SoyJoy Bar

Palladio Herbal Tinted Lip Balm [Product Fail!]

I purchased this tinted lip balm around the same time the Revlon Lip Butters first came out.  I picked up two colors, Berry [the one I tested] and one more...that is sitting in the bottom of a bag in the corner of my makeup room.  I thought maybe this could be a less expensive alternative to the Lip Butters, but I was soooooo wrong.  


First off, I expect a "lip balm" to be moisturizing!  I have chapped lips and this did nothing for me.  It didn't moisturize my lips at all.  After it was applied, you could see the product clinging onto dry skin on my lips.  It actually accentuated the dryness!  =T


The tint was okay.  It wasn't super pigmented, nor was it sheer.  The color payoff was decent for a tinted "lip balm."


Another problem I had was the feel of it.  It didn't feel comfortable on the lips. Not only was it not moisturizing on the lips, but it felt thick...so it should have been moisturizing, right????  WRONG!


This might work on people with better lips, but I can't say for sure.  Purchase at your own risk.


If you tried this product, let me know your [good or bad] opinions!  =]


<3 kat

[UD lash curler] my personal fave for hard to curl lashes

So for the longest time, I couldn't find a lash curler that would work for me!  Urban Decay came out with this "new" style of lash curler a while ago.  I had to pick it up because of all the hype.  The difference with this lash curler is that it doesn't have the "cage" on the sides of the curler.  I thought this would be helpful for my kit, so I picked it up.


To be honest, I didn't really like it when I tried to use it on other people.  I found the opening too narrow (it wouldn't open up as much as I would like).  My fave lash curler for my kit is by Kevin Aucoin [I will post a review on it later].


[my lashes]
I have suckie lashes!  They are stick straight [except for the lashes on the outer corner of my right eye - they bend inward and it's SUPER annoying!] and will not curl...or so I thought.  In makeup school, I told the instructor the same thing.  She didn't believe me and had me sit for a demo.  After she tried to curl my lashes, she finally believed me when I said they don't curl.


[what i used before i found this lash curler]
Since a traditional lash curler didn't work, I moved onto heated lash curlers.  I found two that I really like; One made by Yaby and another by Blinc [both purchased at IMATS].  They were great, but it took too long as times.


[why i love the UD lash curler]
It actually curls my lashes in seconds!  I don't know why this one does the trick, but it does!  


Let me know if you tried this lash curler and your thoughts!  =]


More photos...

[LUSH SOLID SHAMPOO BAR] KARMA KOMBA

I got this bar about 5 months ago durning the holidays. I was soooo skeptical at first, but loved it after trying it once. I used up the whole bar in about 5 months [side note: I try to wash my hair every other day] and the cost is only $10.95. I would say that is rather inexpensive compared to some shampoos I have purchased in the past.  Also, these are soooooo travel friendly.  When I fly, I never check-in my bag.  So I love how this is a solid shampoo!  It won't spill in my bag and I have more room for makeup/beauty stuff in my "liquids" baggie.  =]


[How to use]  
Just run the shampoo bar across your damp hair.  The LUSH website says about 3 passes, but I usually run it across my hair about 6 times.  I guess it's because I have longer hair?  Or maybe I just want a really good lather.  By the way, this little bar creates such a good lather...surprisingly!  =]



[Features - as stated on the LUSH website]
No more knots - Fantastic at detangling wavy, curly hair.
Lavendin - Contains lavendin that is soothing, calming, and works to calm the emotions.
Flake bar - Essential oils keep dandruff at bay.



[My hair type]
I have super oily hair with dry scalp...how annoying [and opposite] does that sound?!?!?!  


[Would I repurchase?]
YES!  I currently picked up 2 other solid shampoos from LUSH to test, but this one is definitely a keeper.


Let me know if you tried any solid shampoo bars from LUSH...and your thoughts.  =]

March YouTube Giveaway: Kat Von D True Romance Palette in Truth

Sign in with your Facebook account for FULL NAME + email address.  You MUST click "Do it!" and fill out the form in order to confirm your entry for each option.

Naturopathica 30 day (skin care) challenge

from http://www.naturopathica.com/products/regimen_kits/76-regimen_kit_normal_to_oily

REGIMEN KIT: NORMAL TO OILY

Discover the power of a natural skin care regimen. This 30 day Normal to Oily skin renewal program has a morning and evening ritual for radiant skin.  See visible results with this skin care regimen kit with Aloe Cleansing Gel, Oat Facial Polish, Plant Stem Cell Serum and Rosemary Oil-Reducing Moisturizer.

PLANT STEM CELLS: Due to recent scientific advancements, Swiss scientists have discovered that these naturoceuticals derived from the wound tissue of plants can improve cell vitality. These concentrated liquid cell cultures are proven to increase collagen synthesis and hydration as well as increase suppleness and elasticity in the skin.


ALOE CLEANSING GEL: A foaming sulfate-free cleanser with a refreshing blend of Aloe Vera and Lavender gently clarifies the skin while maintaining natural moisture
OAT FACIAL POLISH: Soothing Oats and Jojoba Beads gently sweep away dry, flaky skin, removing impurities and leaving the face soft and radiant
PLANT STEM CELL SERUM: An ECOCERT certified organic concentrated serum, designed to significantly slow down the aging of cells due to inflammation caused by UVA photodamage and oxidative stress
ROSEMARY OIL-REDUCING MOISTURIZER: An astringent blend of Rosemary and Willow help to absorb excess sebum while nourishing devitalized skin with moisture

2011 Holiday Giveaway Winners!

All winners must send me a YouTube message ***within 48 hours*** with complete shipping address to claim their prize.  Check back often for new winners (are you hoping they don't claim their prize???  lol)!

NEW WINNERS MUST SEND ME A YOUTUBE MSG **WITHIN 48 HOURS** WITH COMPLETE SHIPPING ADDRESS TO CLAIM THEIR PRIZE. (new winners posted 1/19/2012 @ 11:38  PM PST)

Congrats Tiffany Chiu!!!

Congrats Ana Salha Maytah!!!

Congrats Destanee Smith!!!

Congrats Rachel Metcalf!!!
Congrats yuna azua!!!

Congrats Sarah Hann Gim!!!

Congrats Sarah Chen!!!
Congrats Savannah Reese!!!

 $25 AMEX GIFT CARD

Congrats bailey goodnight!!!
Congrats Shannon Miller!!!