Jenuine Beauty- Pure Mineral Makeup & Aromatherapy

I have talked about this company before, and this time I tried out a ton of goodies to fill you in on! 

 I'm in love withe the Cream Concealer in Fair. This was the first cream mineral concealer I'd seen, and it blends perfectly with my skin and covers any and all imperfections. It's made with jojoba oil, so it's an anti-inflamatory- perfect for blemish prone skin. I've been using it to cover up the areas of my face that aren't healed up after my accident, and a number of people that see me every day were asking me "wow! How did you get your face fixed up so fast?" No one believed me that it was this concealer because it looks so natural- not at all thick or cakey. I just say I'm Wolverine's little sister ;-)

The Mineral Lip/Blush Duo in Egyptian Sunrise is a lovely dual use color and gives a healthy glow to the cheeks and a natural sexy pout to the lips (I applied it over a clear lip balm). I can never resist a multitasker!

Appetite Synergy in Warm Spice
I like to actually dab a little of this onto my wrists so I can sniff it whenever I get the nibbles. It's such a beautiful spicy scent that it doubles as a fragrance! It works too! (Obviously it's not going to keep you from starving to death, but it does seem to affect those craving sensors.) 
From the website:
"Stop the food craving when it starts with a warm blend of your favorite spices! "Spices" is a earthy blend of 100% pure allspice, coriander, clary sage, vanilla, and black pepper essential oils. Directions: When you are sitting down to eat or when the food craving begins take 3 whiffs in each nostril of the synergy blend, breathe as deeply as you can, partially closing one nostril and enhaling with the other. The most effective weightloss is obtained with 3 different synergy blends, varrying one oil for every few days. Please remember that you must still exercise and keep healthy eating habits for the best results!"

all natural perfume in Jessamine 
Jessemine is a fruity bouquet of rare white florals, with a burst of tropical citrus, that dries down to a soft note of precious heartwoods. Subtle and flirty and without the heaviness of so many synthetic scents, but still a true perfume, not just a heavy essential oil sledgehammer.
From their website:

"Did you know that 90% of all commercial perfumes are dangerously toxic because of unregulated ingredients which are hazardous and used because they are cheap? Our Botanical Perfumes are 100% natural and made from exotic essential oils like Tuberose, Pink Lotus, Ambrette, Rose, Orange Blossom, Labdanum, Oakmoss, Geranium, and Sandalwood-as well as many others:  Combine them with beneficial Organic Jojobba oil-a valuable skin renewing plant oil that is good for your skin- And you get an exotic highly beneficial perfume which is suited to your unique body chemistry and perfect for that night out!"

 

Rainforest Lipgloss is a light,shimmery gloss that goes on nice and slick- no rubbing crayons on your mouth here!

 Two products that I got to try out that are not yet available commercially (whoo hoo! Prototypes!) were the
Botanical Pressed Mineral Foundation in Blushing Ivory and the Acne And Pain Relieving Serum.

The pressed foundation is the first of it's kind that I've seen in the indie makeup market. So much more convenient for travel or for applying on the run!

The serum has been a lifesaver for my arthritis. I keep the bottle in my purse and rub it into my hands when the joints get all achy. It's truly amazing, and I love that it actually smells nice- no nasty old man Ben Gay smell!

"Finally makeup, skin care, personal care, and perfumes which are toxin free and good for you!

Check us out at Cosmetic Database.com!

My name is Jennifer Bingham. I have dedicated the last 9 years of my life to making revolutionary beauty products that are toxin free,  and enhance the health and beauty of my clients. To date I have developed over 100 recipes, each one carefully crafted and fully researched and tested.  I use only the finest vegan, organic, and natural ingredients sourced from all over the world: many of which are rare and exotic-each one selected for it's healing properties and natural beauty enhancing abilities. Please, browse my site and enjoy what I have worked so hard to offer to you."

 Jenny is an absolute doll and a really neat lady, so go and check out her site today! 

 http://jenuinebeauty.com/

A cool new invitation designer discount etailer- Shopbop

I discovered these guys based on a friend's recommendation and got the CUTEST freaking hair clips! They look like your standard metal clip barrettes except they're GINORMOUS! I feel like an anime character or a Harajuku Girl! They have free shipping and free returns, so if you don't like something it's no big deal to send it back. They even include a pre-addressed postage paid sticker. I couldn't believe how quickly my package arrived, too!
Check Em Out Here

New choices available at Just Fabulous

HERE IS YOUR INVITE
to join Just Fabulous, who now not only has shoes, but fabulous purses as well. If you don't know about them, they're a membership club where you rate different things for how they appeal to you and then once a month they stock your personal boutique with choices based on your style preferences. If you don't like what you see, you simply answer a few questions and they send you a new batch of choices. You can choose as many items as you wish (or as few- you can always skip that month). They show photos of celebrities wearing each style, have multiple angle photos and a video of someone walking in them so you can see how they move.

A new feature is that you get points for every time you make a purchase, and once you get enough points your choice for that month is free! Sweet!
I had enough points to cash in for an extra selection, so I decided to check out their purses. The one I got was of SUPERB quality, and I'm getting TONS of compliments on it!

I recently got these

and am amazed at how they create this optical illusion that I have tiny feet! (I wear a size 9). I needed some light colored shoes, but I usually avoid them like the plague since they always get scuffed up and filthy looking. Because these have a wedge sole, I can wear them without getting them all funky! YAY!

Makeup trends and cult products come and go — just think Chanel Vamp nail polish and vibrating mascara wands. One craze which refuses to die down? Mineral makeup mania - and for good reason.

Mineral makeup contains good-for-you minerals such as mica, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. It’s great for skin, as it is usually contains no perfumes, talc, alcohol, dyes, or preservatives. There’s no doubt the products are safe for nearly every skin type — even those with rosacea, acne, and sensitive skin. Even better, while mineral makeup was once primarily focused on the face, it’s expanded its horizons to include mascara, lip gloss, and even fragrance—meaning we’ve got some new fun products to rifle through. Read on for our picks.

Erase and soothe dark circles with this award-winning cream infused with Vitamin K (which repairs broken blood vessels) and feed your sensitive skin with its avocado oil and jojoba ester. Use the dual shades separately or blended together.

Jane Iredale Circle/Delete $29

An illuminating, soft and supple cream to give your skin a mineral glow — apply to cheek and brow bones. glominerals gloHighlighter $16

The pretty, easy, clean way to a pop of cheek color. Water-based, so it’s pore-friendly.

Tarte Cosmetics Cheek Stain in Tipsy $30

Mist over your face for a refreshing, rejeuvenating pick-me-up, in addition to setting your make up for all day matte-stay.

Pur Minerals Fulvic Mineral Mist $17

This soft mist is a sweet escape from ordinary vanilla, and also infused with orange blossom to keep it clean and light.

Lavanila The Healthy Fragrance in Vanilla Blossom $58

Found! A mascara that does more! This little guy, in addition to lengthening lashes, also thickens and conditions.

Kiehl’s Marvelous Mineral Mascara
$16.50

An oil free, flawless mineral foundation, which won’t cake on skin or settle into fine lines like so many foundations — it prefers to diminish them instead. Active Mineral Foun An oil free, flawless mineral foundation, which won’t cake on skin or settle into fine lines like so many foundations — it prefers to diminish them instead. Active Mineral Foundation from Raw $30

Lotion Love

Something that I love about sampler boxes is the tons of independent companies I get to find out about that I would probably never have stumbled across on my own. Sometimes I even fall rapturously in love!

Take for instance Stinky D's. Their body lotion is DIVINE. Natural ingredients, highly emollient without being greasy, and quick to absorb. Simply a perfect lotion. I have it in Laid Back Lavender and I love to slather this on before I go to sleep so that the lavender will send me off to pillow island. And it's cheap too! a 2oz bottle is only $3.00! 

Stinky D's is a 2 woman operation in Utah that started out by selling their products at Utah farmer's markets. Before you know it, their concoctions were highly sought after, and it's easy to see why! My only criticism is that they need to update their website with shopping info or a link to their Etsy shop- I had to really hunt to find out how to purchase their products online! I would also like to see that information given on their bottle labels, especially as they're branching out into the cyber marketplace.

Another indie that I love is Gumdropz Luxury Bath Products. I have their solid lotion bar in Creamcake Coco-Cabana. Again, the only complaint I have is that they make themselves very hard to track down. Nowhere on the label does it say the name Gumdropz- I actually thought the company was called Coco-Cabana (the scent name) because it's the only identifying name on the label. Come on guys! Let us know how to buy from you again and send you business! 

Onto the lotion itself......

This HIGHLY concentrated form of lotion is a solid. You run your fingers across it to warm it up and make it easy to use. Solid lotions will last nearly forever- I have been using this one for a few months and there's barely a dent in it. Because it's a solid, these are perfect for keeping in your purse or for travel. Particularly good for rough patches like feet or elbows and great for the cuticles too. I keep mine at work because I wash my hands so frequently, and this keeps my skin soft without having to reapply after every handwashing. I also don't have to worry about it spilling, and in a solid form it confuses my co-workers who leave it alone :-) I wouldn't try to use this for my body as it's so concentrated it seems like it would take forever to use on such a large area, but for the hands and target areas it's c'est magnefique!

E.L.F. Has all mineral makeup on sale for 50% off

elfonomics - be beautiful for less. In today's economy why pay more? Shop e.l.f. cosmetics for Affordable Makeup.

Bath BOMBS

YOU TAKE THE GOOD YOU TAKE THE BAD, YOU TAKE THEM BOTH AND THERE YOU HAVE THE FACTS OF LIFE, THE FACTS OF LIFE.......

Tova Eye Cream SUCKS! Shouldn't something that's meant to be used in the eye area be safe to get in your eyes occasionally? I got some in the corner of my eye and thought I'd gone BLIND. My whole eye turned red and no matter how much I tried to flush my eye with water, it burned for a good half hour. NOT a good quality in an eye cream. I threw the rest away. I wouldn't give this stuff away to my worst enemy (well, actually I might get a giggle out of that- I can be vindictive). By the way- the woman who formed this company is Tova BORGNINE. She's married to actor Ernest Borgnine.

 Somehow I get the feeling that her "facelift in a jar" didn't come out of no jar. Unless the jar came bearing scalpels.

Oh, Diana B- why hast thou forsaken me? I have used tons of Diana B products and always been rapturous. I have a Diana B candle that I've never used and just keep it in my daily essentials box so that when I open it up to preen, the lovely smell envelops me. So why does the Black Fig scent make me wanna gag? It smells like grave dirt. I saw one review referring to it as a "Beautiful and mysterious fragrance" and all I can think is that person must be a necrophiliac. The first time I used it, I thought maybe my sense of smell was off that day so I used it again the next evening before bed. The hubby refused to come near me, and because the scent lingered, I actually changed the sheets the next day. Acquired taste?

Noteworthy for Target Sweet Almond Foot Scrub

On the bottle under Directions it says to scrub the rough spots on your feet with a pumice stone until smooth and then scrub feet with the foot scrub. So the point of the "foot scrub" would be to, um.......? A washcloth has more scrubbing power than this. I normally like the Noteworthy stuff, but this stuff is pointless. I'm using the rest of mine as a shower gel. 

Lastly, worst lip balm ever? You know the lip balms they sell at drugstores and big box stores that are licensed products flavored like different candies and such? For example, I have one that's Hershey's Chocolate and one that's Junior Mints flavored. (theoretically, anyway.) A lot of times around Christmas they'll sell them in a plastic candy cane as a set. The first ingredient is ALCOHOL (excellent for keeping your lips hydrated, eh?) followed by petroleum, wax, paraffin, and a bunch of chemically names. It feels like trying to rub a crayon on your mouth. Know how when you eat or drink, usually you'll have a 'lipstick ring' on your mouth from where the lipstick came off? This stuff applies that way. It'll only go on the fleshiest parts of the lips so you feel like you didn't put it on correctly or missed the whole inner lip areas. Bluch. I'd rather suck on a candle.

So enough of my whining already!

Primed And Ready

Urban Decay, all is forgiven for my not caring for your De-Slick In A Tube. (That's right, you owe me one!) The Pore Perfecting Complexion Primer Potion is divine. I used this before putting on a mineral foundation 9 hours ago, and I have not had to even powder my face once. My pores are visibly smaller, my t-zone is oil free, and my foundation still looks fresh. This goes on clear, so it'll work for all complexions, but I would not recommend those with really dry skin use this one, as it has a mattifying effect that I would think would dry out already dry skin. You also need to be sure you don't use too much of it- a pea sized amount will cover your whole face. 

Before putting on my primer, I used the new RareMinerals Purely Nourishing Facial Moisturizer. I have to admit that the first time I used it, I was completely  thrown off by the smell and wasn't sure I'd care for it too much, but I have to say, it's grown on me (not the smell, thank God!). I still think that all the people who's reviews I've read said it smells great are INSANE.....  While I still find the scent wonky, I finally started to notice the benefits to my skin. It absorbs almost immediately with no film or greasy feeling and leaves your skin feeling moisturized without that heavy feeling. This is a good summertime/humidity time moisturizer- especially for those with oily or combo skin. A lot of times when I wake up, my face seems somewhat oily from my previous night's ministrations, but I've found my t-zone to remain fairly oil free into the morning with this one. 

Their description?

Description

Bare Escentuals patent-pending, 100% pure RareMinerals Complex uses its unique electrolyte delivery system in combination with an exotic Resurrection Plant Extract to deeply nourish and hydrate skin. Clinically proven to optimize your skin¿s ability to absorb and retain moisture for plumper, firmer, brighter and healthier-looking skin. Bare Escentuals RareMinerals clinically proven, 100% pure RareMinerals Complex extracted from rare, virgin soil contains a new generation of active minerals that keeps skin brighter and healthier-looking. It delivers multiple benefits without irritation to help refine pores and reveal more luminous skin. You'll experience extraordinary results in the pursuit of your skin's total health.

 To get my eye shadow to behave today, I used Pop Beauty Eye Magnet Primer. This many hours later, my eyeshadow still looks freshly applied. After my bike accident, I had some damage to my eye that has made my right eye water really badly, and my eye makeup has been wearing off on that eye, but this has kept it in place. I like to dab it on first and then use my finger to spread it over my lid so it doesn't go on too heavy. This is a tinted primer, so it might not work on all complexions. The tint is the perfect shade for me however, and does a great job of covering up a mole on my eyelid that can show through lighter shadows. It also intensifies your shadow colors cutting back on the number of layers needed and provides a perfect blank canvas to play with.

All of these items are available at ULTA Beauty.

So, onto another topic- Carmex- friend or foe? My hubby asked me the other night why I still keep it around when I have all these luxe products about and the only explanation I can think of is that it has some sort of nostalgic value for me, like Noxzema Cream or Bonne Belle. It's like Vicks VapoRub for your mouth. When I use it I feel like a sick person being taken care of by my grandma. Did you know it was invented in the 30's by a guy on his stove top and sold out of the trunk of his car?  It's still owned by the same family, which gives me some small hope for the American Dream. We've all heard the rumours that Carmex is addictive, but according to Snopes.Com, this is nothing more than an urban legend because people get so attached to the "lip rush" from the menthol. So I can continue to comfort myself occasionally with Carmex, but only if I'm not planning on doing any smooching :-) 

And the winner is...... ME!

Nothing makes my day like being totally thrilled by everything that touches my skin.

I took my shower today using the ever fantastic Korres line, this time in Fig. The showergel is so rich and luxurious that my skin feels ridiculously soft and pampered, and the scent isn't so heavy that it will overwhelm you. Sometimes fig can be an acquired taste as far as scents go, but I love that theirs smells juicy and earthy without that weird rotting fruit smell that some fig scented products have. And unlike a lot of products this luxurious, it's only $13.00 for a huge bottle!

Afterward I finished off with the matching scented Body Butter.

The body butter is extremely rich- a little goes a long way. If you try to apply a big glob like it was a regular lotion it will take you a decade to get it all absorbed. Unlike most lotions, this one is just as good for rough elbows and heels as it is for the rest of your skin. Did you know that fig is known for increasing cell renewal and for providing antioxidant protection against free radicals? It also increases elastin production and soothes irritated (ie; post shave, bug bitten, etc) skin.

Every now and then, a product comes along that leaves me near speechless. Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner is a freakin' miracle! I am NOT kidding. I don't know how I lived without this my whole life. I did an extremely close up magnified inspection of my face before use and after, and I couldn't even believe it was the same skin! One use and my pores were IMMENSELY, noticeably smaller and tighter, and true to it's name every single last blackhead was gone. (I've been sleeping with my hand pressed against my cheek the last week or so and have subsequently developed a jillion blackheads on that one cheek.) I am flabbergasted. And to a girlfriend of mine who constantly worries at her skin (you know who you are) remind me to slap some of this on your mug next time you come over. it will rock your world!

All of these are available with free gifts and free shipping at Dermstore




Now I know a lot of people who are concerned about the animal or chemical byproducts used in perfume production, and therefore tend to shy away from scents or they think their only option is straight patchouli, making them smell like a Renaissance Faire. So boy was I glad to discover Acorelle! They are completely organic scents that actually smell like PERFUME, as opposed to that heavy smell of too much essential oil use. Subtle and sophisticated enough for the most discerning senses. I have some in Jardin Des Thes (Tea Garden), which smells like a floral white tea. Despite having patchouli in it, you don't smell the patchouli, it just adds the tea like earthy base without overwhelming the other scents. It's an invigorating and seductive scent, but again, so subtle that it doesn't knock you over the head. When I wear this, I like to sleep with my wrists right up by my nose so I can smell it as long as possible :-) It ain't cheap, but if you're looking for a true perfume that's still organic, this one is an excellent way to go.

Available at the super duper cool Moi Organics, a super awesome site that seeks out organic skin and body care items without sacrificing the luxe and the bling! It's a great site, with lots of info on green cosmetics, including tutorials on making your own! They give free samples too!

Said it before, but I'll say it again......

LORD BLESS YOU CHERRY CITY!

Not to be a broken record here, I realize that I am continuously praising this company to high heaven- but I have to say, the Lush Locks Leave On Conditioning Spray has saved me with my currently disabled arm. To lift my right arm to be able to wash and condition my hair is still a horrible pain in the, um, arm. With this spray, I can use my good arm to spritz and brush through and my hair is soft, bouncy, shiny, and smells like a zillion bucks. I love that it has vitamin B5 and wheat protein in it (so it truly is a conditioner, not just a shine spray).

I use the Bergamot & Coriander in the morning for a wonderful pick me up to start the day, and when I do a night hair washing, the Honey Pear & Praline is a soothing midnight snack as I drift away. Of course there are hundreds of scents to choose from, so you can find your own Nirvana. There's even a new scent called Good Karma, and any items chosen in that scent will have 100% of the profits donated to the Willamette Humane Society! That right there makes me want to give these guys a big smooch! 

Vegan and cruelty products handmade in small batches as you order them, Cherry City just keeps getting more and more awesome. I am proud to have watched the evolution of this dynamo!

I just got tons of new products to tell you about in scents I haven't tried yet, and I'm really excited- so stay tuned!

Out Of The Box Patriotic Sampler

 Holee Guacomole! Sooooooo much homemade goodness! Visit www.outoftheboxsampler.com to get yours today! They have two size boxes available and on their blog and forum are always running cool contests for handmade giveaways. Keep your eyes open for my announcement of when my reviews start appearing on their new It's Raining Reviews site!


Ugly Duckling Designs

Wax tart in Pink Watermelon Scent
Wax tart in Orange Dreamsicle scent

Mommy's Moon

cell phone charm

Tansy Creek Candle Co.

Red White and Blue votive candle in Sugar Berries

A Penny For Your Thoughts

 handcrafted Father's Day card

Jodi's Craft Emporium

Plumeria Soy Candle Tart

Bittersweet Elements

Eyeshadow sample pack

Clean Queen Soap Company

Apricot Cybilla Sugar Cube Scrub

Faith Creation

Very Vanilla Bath Gel

Nitelily Glamour

1 pair earrings

Rocky Corner Soapworks

L Squared lavender & lime soap
Sweet Dreams Amber Romance soap

The Briare Patch

Red White & Blueberry scrubby soap

SBS Teas 

Healthy Heart Blend Herbal Tea
Personal Tea Bag

Batty's Bath
Cucumber Shea Butter Soap

Country Keepsakes
Candle Melt in Kudzu

Pure Expressions
handcrafted greeting card

Naturally LeLa
1 Bath Bon Bomb in Dreamer

Shearwater Falls
Healthy Skin Scrub

Rhoda Rose
chocolate dipped pretzels

Colorado Catnip Toys
monkey catnip toy

Brown Road Candle Company
1 full package Twigs & Berries tart melts

Cool Therapies
Lavender Chamomile Bath Soak

Cutie Pie Cards
itty bitty hand crafted birthday card

Seaside Soap And Candle
1 decorated fragrance free votive, chunk Lemon Verbena soap

Muddy Puppys
 Ginger Mint Dog cookie

Capricorn Soap Company
Herbes de Provence Bath Soap

Out On A Whim
large retro style gift tag

Sugar Cookie Couture
1 decorated sugar cookie

T&D Candles
Chunk candle in Apple Blossom

Angel Made Scents
Apple Butter Caramel Shot Tart

Cattail Candles
Cut out pillar candle

Gel DLights
Apple Pie Slice container candle

Delicious Scents Of Soy
Tart Brittle in Welcome Home

Kruger's Creations
red white and blue glycerin soap in Blackberry

Motion Darkroom
1 meringue cookie
OOPSIE! No picture! Sorry :-(

Bowerbird Soaps
Peppermint Patriot goat's milk soap w/peppermint extract

A Bath Shoppe
Moonlight Path cold process soap

Ingrid's Goodies
Melt In your Mouth peanut butter cups

Giftcards By NLo
1 sympathy card

Scentspirations
2 Tart melts shots, one in Monkey Farts, one in Lick Me All Over

Strawberry Fields Candles & Gifts
soy candle in metal container in Wedding Day scent

The Pink Dillo
red white & blue scrapbooking tags

Hippie's Bath & Body
Buttercreme Lip Balm

Mylingy's Purr-Fect Candles
glittery Blue Raspberry tart melt

Luminous Scentsations
3 Kiwi Watermelon tart melts in red white & blue

Sweet Suite
little teeny handmade card and envelope