Fall 2010 New Beauty Test Tube

So it's that time of year again- New Beauty Test Tube- one of my favorite sampling programs. They mix in everything from luxe brands to (occasionally odd) drugstore items that have all been tested and recommended by New Beauty Magazine. When displaying my newest goodies to a friend last weekend, her eyes about bugged out of her head. I have made a new convert!
The concept is that they ship out new test tubes with each season for $29.95 plus shipping. The average cost value of each shipment is in the $150.00 range, so even if you don't like everything, you'll still get your money's worth. (For the record, the monetary value I'm listing is the retail price pared down to match the actual size sample sent). I like the surprise factor- you don't know what you're getting till it arrives, like Christmas!

This season's goodies?

2 full sized bottles of Slice Of Life Energy (B12) vitamins
Hero Nutritionals Slice of Life Gummy Vitamins Slice of Life Gummy Vitamins are available in a full spectrum of nutritional supplements for optimal health for all ages of adults. Slice of Life gummies are bursting with natural fruit flavors, easy to chew and are allergen and gluten free. Great vitamin supplement for people who don't like swallowing pills.
($19.95 retail price each)

roll on tube of Beauty Society Success perfume
Success

BUY IT   •   WEAR IT   •   LOVE IT Experience the sensual realization of prosperity in this floral & peachy perfume that has everyone in its midst flutter with envy and asking the question, what are you wearing? As you respond, Success of course. (retail value $19.95)

travel size of Colgate Total
(this was one of those "WHUH?" inclusions.) (retail $1.14. Um, thanks.)

Bioelements Sleepwear Overnight Biorejuvination Creme With Topical Calcium (.25oz)
A much-coveted overnight creme containing a scientific "dream team" complex of topical calcium, time-released retinol, cranberry seed oil and protein peptides. Works all night long to revitalize firming collagen and elastin, replenish antioxidants, improve moisture retention and strengthen the skin's protective barrier layer. ($9.85 value)

1 full sized can Loreal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold
The Finest Hairspray Used by the Finest Stylists

Disappears at the Stroke of a Brush
Micro-diffusion technology
Humidity protection
Elnett offers long-lasting hold with a brilliant shine and a satin touch
It's micro-diffuser sprays ultra-fine and disappears at the stroke of a brush, leaving hair clean and shiny with a satin touch.
Protects your style against the effects of humidity ($14.99 value)



Kate Somerville Cyto Cell (.16 fl oz tube)
Restart your skin’s metabolism! This innovative treatment combines years of research and cutting-edge technology. Kate brings you peptide P-199, which is a synthetic peptide that stimulates stem cell activity and restores the skin with new energized cells. CytoCell treats all signs of aging, to make your skin appear more youthful!

Peptide P-199 enhances skin tissue and cellular regeneration
Helps to improve skin tone and radiance
Improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Peptide P-199 stimulates collagen production
Helps skin look significantly smoother
Peptide P-199 promotes the birth of healthy new skin cells
($14.12 value)
Restart your skin’s metabolism! This innovative treatment combines years of research and cutting-edge technology. Kate brings you peptide P-199, which is a synthetic peptide that stimulates stem cell activity and restores the skin with new energized cells. CytoCell treats all signs of aging, to make your skin appear more youthful!



$20.00 Spalook Gift Card (off order of $100)

Moroccanoil 2.53 oz tube Intense Hydrating Mask, 10 ml bottle Oil Treatment
THE ORIGINAL MOROCCANOIL®

OIL TREATMENT
• Revives hair
• Strengthens and conditions
• Reduces drying time  ($3.18 value)

MOROCCANOIL®

INTENSE HYDRATING MASK
No heat required
• Rehydrates
• Improves elasticity
• Restores manageability ($9.71 value)

Pevonia Botanica "C' Evolutive Eye Gel (.5 oz tube)

 ''C'' Evolutive Eye Gel is formulated with repairing, soothing and hydrating ingredients to brighten and refresh the eye contour. Using time release technology, this microemulsified gel smoothes fine lines and wrinkles, diminishes puffiness and lightens dark circles, thereby encouraging a youthful and well-rested appearance. ($60.00 value!)

Sothys Pore Refiner System Complexion Perfector (.33 oz)
Sothys Pore Refiner System Complexion Perfector covers and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores from the first application. It's like a "second skin". Ultra-soft texture provides a matte finish. Universal color. Suitable for all skin types. Non-comedogenic. ($30.00 value)





 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Talika Lipocils Expert Eyelash Gel (2ml tube)
Naturally longer and fuller, darker, curlier eyelashes!

Discover the absolutely safe solution to naturally enhance the beauty of your lashes in just 28 days. is Lipocils expert® is composed of a blend of natural actives from the inventor of the original eyelash growth product in 1948 in France.
It has no side effect.
Whether you feel your lashes look too short, sparse, brittle or lack shine and curl, or if you just dream of longer, shinier, sexier looking lashes, Lipocils Expert is your answer…. without side effects. ($8.00 value)


Clean Perfumes 4 Hr AntiBacterial moisturizing Hand Cream, unscented (.5oz tube)
An unscented hand hydrator featuring SafetyDerm® germ-fighting technology, for continuous four hour anti-bacterial protection.

What it is formulated to do:
This advanced hand cream kills 99.9% of germs on contact and keeps killing bacteria for up to four hours, no matter what you touch next! Patented SafetyDerm™ technology harnesses Benzethonium Chloride, suspended in air-light layers of moisturizers, to veil your hands like invisible germ-killing gloves. Clinically proven moisturizers vitamin E, avocado, jojoba, and grape-seed oils help make the skin soft while Cotton Vantage™ technology uses cotton seeds and extracts that help soothe, smoothe and moisturize skin. ($5.00 value)





Latest issue of New Beauty Magazine

I fell back onto the face of the earth!

I realize I've been persona non visible recently- starting a new job is always stressful and I also went on a camping trip. But I'm baaaacccccckkkkkk........

So what do I like to do? Slap some goop on and tell you what I think of it. So today's goop?

Revlon Golden Affair Sculpting Blush in Berry Darling.

I love the dramatic look of this one! It's so refreshing to see how drugstore brands are upping their game to stay competitive with these more glamorous options. This limited edition series is in high demand, commanding in the 15 dollar range on Ebay- unusual for a drugstore blush. It is swirled with gold highlights throughout, so it gives a slight shimmer, while the dramatic colors make your cheekbones look SUPER sharp. This is one to use mainly on the cheekbones so you don't look like Raggedy Ann. The powder is ultra soft and applies beautifully. I strongly recommend using a light hand- this is a dramatic blush, especially on palefaces. If you hurry, you can catch it on sale at Brigitte's Boutique for a super reasonable $5.95.

While you're at Brigitte's check out their freakishly awesome deals on MAC cosmetics. They have their luminescent mineral face powder for only $16.50! Too bad they're sold out of my MAC Studio Select Sheer Loose Powder. Retails for $21.00, but I got mine from them for $15.00. It's feather light, microfine, and provides some mattifying without being cakey- your skin keeps a luminescence that can often be dulled by too heavy powder. A tiny bit goes a long way, so it lasts forever, too. And I really like the way it smells, too. Very clean and fresh. It balances out skin tone and helps to diminish the appearance of imperfections without looking like you tried too hard.

Wet N Wild Hot Paris Pink lipstick is a disappointment. Normally I have nothing but good things to say about this discount staple, but this lipstick makes me sad.

I LOVE the color (though I could see how it could be garish on the wrong skin tone) a semi hot pink with unusual coral undertones, and every time I wear it I get compliments on how the color works for me. Unfortunately the staying power is minimal- you have to reapply it after merely engaging in brief conversations! It disappears starting at the middle of the lips, leaving you looking as if you've been eating a banana. It smells incredibly odd, and if your lips are at all chapped, it kinda burns(!) I like the color enough that I haven't thrown it away, I just use a lip liner and a primer to keep it on for an acceptable length of time but this one is not being replaced when it runs out.

Lately I've been experimenting with various products to add texture to my normally baby fine hair. A reader gifted me a box chock full of things that didn't work for her super curly, frizzy hair. Normally I wouldn't have paid any attention to this product, but I am now a huge fan of Sunsilk Hairapy Waves Of Envy Sea Mist. You can use it on damp or dry hair and it texturizes your hair, emphasizing natural waves without any stiffness. Your hair looks like it does after you've been swimming in the ocean and it smells AMAZING! It's not easy to get beach bunny hair when you live in North Texas, but this stuff lets you fake it pretty damn well!

If you really want to pump up the volume, Rene Furterer VolumeA Shampoo for fine and limp hair is mind bogglingly effective. In just a single use there is a visible difference. It plumps up the hair and makes it look thicker and fuller. My husband noticed without my even saying anything, and a co-worker asked if I'd dyed my hair or something because she saw a big difference but couldn't put her finger on what it was. This stuff WORKS. It's available at Dermstore who's currently running a big discount special.

I'm a sucker for mineral makeup as well as indie beauty companies and Painted Laydies Mineral Powders are a great addition to the mineral makeup revolution. 

 The web site is really helpful, with educational and informative articles on breaking down your color group and which shades work best for your skintone. I love that you can order sample packs for cheap (and pick out the colors you want included!) so you can decide if the color is really what you want. The two colors that I tried are Desert Wind and Tramp, however the line is being revamped with new colors and these are no longer available. I still recommend checking them out- order a sample pack for five bucks and find your new favorite! I love the texture on these, as well as the versatility of their use. Mine are soft, romantic colors that remind me of something Susan Sarandon would have been adorned with in the movie Pretty Baby. They blend well and have good staying power (particularly over a lid primer). Check out their site and tell 'em The Beauty Pirate sent you!

I tend to be a pretty diehard Estee Lauder fan, but their More Than Mascara Moisture Binding Formula is a mixed bag. I think of it as more of a daily wear lash conditioner that happens to also work as a basic mascara. It does nourish the lashes and seems to help prevent lash loss, but save this one for daytime use. It's not a building formula, so it may not have enough oomph for more dramatic evening looks. It certainly separates and defines the lashes, but if you have thin skeebly lashes this probably won't be as thickening as you'd like (though it will eventually fix the problem with your lashes from the inside out.) Try out a promo size like the one I have listed below to see what you think. 

Skincare RX Beauty Cache

For $29.95, this is what I received in a recent 2010 Skincare Rx Beauty Cache:
 - this adds up to a $258.93 value!!!!!
Orange Polka Dotted Bag

Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Lotion SPF 30 .25oz ($6.93 value)

about the product:

Sunscreens don't need to be thick and goopy. Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion with SPF 30 is so light and sheer, that you'll forget it's protecting you from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

who it's for:

Recommended for all skin types, ideal for oily skin.

what it's for:

Hydrating and protecting the skin from UV rays.

key ingredients:

Parsol 1789 provides UVA protection. Octyl Salicylate provides UVB protection. Gingko Biloba protects the skin from free radical damage, while increasing oxygenation to the skin cells. Aloe Vera soothes and hydrates.

why we love it:

It feels so natural, you won't even remember you have a sunscreen on.

purminerals Mineral Moisture Complex packette

about the product:

Let your moisturizer do the work for you with Pur Minerals Mineral Moisture Complex. Clinically shown to reduce wrinkles by 30% in 14 days, this cream also protects against antioxidants and improves skin tone and texture.

who it's for:

Ideal for all skin types, particularly those who want to combat signs of aging.

key ingredients:

Vitamin C and Coenzyme Q are antioxidants that protect the skin against free radicals.

$20.00 Apothica Gift Card

la Roche-Posay Redermic UV Daily Fill-in Anti-Wrinkle Firming Care SPF 15 1.35oz (full size- sells for $50.40)

about the product:

La Roche-Posay Redermic UV is a daily anti-wrinkle treatment developed to address the signs of skin aging. Ideal for skin with deep wrinkles and loss of firmness. Your skin will be hydrated, smooth, firm, and protected from future damage.

who it's for:

Ideal for aging, damaged skin.

what it's for:

Reducing fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, rough skin, and hydrating and protecting the skin.

key ingredients:

Vitamin C fights against free radicals. Madecassoside repairs the skin. Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage.

why we love it:

It is a treatment product, moisturizer, and sunscreen in one.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 45 packette

about the product:

Protect your skin at the cellular level with a light-as-air formula. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 45 Ultra-Light Fluid for Face shields the skin from both UVA and UVB rays without a thick or greasy texture. It leaves the pores clear and your skin guarded from damage that can cause fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, and even cancer. Water-resistant and fragrance-free, this sunscreen will leave your skin moisturized and smooth, while getting the UV protection you need.

who it's for:

Ideal for those with normal to oily skin who want an ultra-light, broad spectrum sunscreen.

key ingredients:

Cell-Ox Shield is a powerful blend of sunscreens that protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Cassia Alata Leaf Extract is an antioxidant that defends skin cells.

Kinerase Daily Defense Lotion SPF 30 2.8 oz (full size- sells for $121.50)

about the product:

Protect your skin from sun damage while providing all-day moisture protection with Kinerase Daily Defense Lotion SPF 30. This gentle lotion protects your skin from premature aging while improving your skin's tone and texture.

who it's for:

Ideal for all skin types, especially sensitive skin and those with dermatosis, eczema, and rosacea who want sun protection and anti-aging benefits.

key ingredients:

Kinetin improves the appearance of aging and sun-damaged skin. Avobenzone provides protection against UVA rays. Homosalate absorbs UVB rays. Octocrylene, a chemical UVB sunscreen with strong water resistant properties.

Jack Black Intense Therapy Vanilla & Lavender Lip Balm SPF25 (full sized tube-retail $6.90)

about the product

Tame tired and stressed lips with Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25. It uses gentle butters and oils to seal moisture into even the driest lips for a comfortably fresh and invigorated feel without any added gloss or shine.

who it's for:

Ideal for those with chapped, dry lips who want soft, smooth, comfortable lips.

key ingredients:

Avobenzone protects from sun damage. Shea Butter softens and conditions lips. Vitamin E protects from damaging free radicals.

B. Kamins Maple Body Lotion .41oz ($1.75 value)

Product Description: A warmly scented therapeutic body lotion infused with honey, soy and our signature Bio-Maple™ compound, renowned for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties. Absorbs quickly and pampers body from head to toe with rich shea butter, leaving skin velvety soft and supple... the perfect after-bath indulgence.

B. Kamins Bio-maple Lip Balm 4ml tube ($3.00 value)

about the product:

Care for your lips with the same attention that you give your skin with B. Kamins Chemist Lip Balm SPF 20. It softens and deeply moisturizes the lips, reducing the look of lines, as it protects from UVA and UVB sun damage.

who it's for:

Ideal for those with dry, chapped lips who want moisturized, soft, and protected lips.

key ingredients:

Bio-Maple firms and hydrates. Beeswax forms a protective barrier. Octinoxate protects from sun damage.

Skin Medica Facial Cleanser 1oz ($4.95 value)

about the product:

A gentle foaming cleanser enriched with chamomile, a natural soothing agent. SkinMedica Facial cleanser thoroughly removes environmental pollutants and excess oils, leaving skin clean and prepared for the treatment products in a daily skin care regiment.

DermaNew Firming Eye Creme 4ml ($9.90 value)

about the product:

Think you have to live with drab under eyes because your skin is sensitive? With DermaNew Firming Eye Cream you can reduce the look of dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles, and dryness without causing damage or irritation.

who it's for:

Ideal for those with dark circles, wrinkles, and sagging skin around the eyes who want a smooth, firm, and bright eye area.

key ingredients:

Pentapeptide-3 reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Shea Butter smooths and softens. Green Tea soothes and fights free-radical damage. 

Pevonia Botanica Power Repair Line Deluxe Trial Sized including: (total $22.00 value)

Marine Collagen Concentrate

about the product:

Spring into action for the sake of your skin. With Pevonia Age-Defying Marine Collagen Concentrate you can stimulate your skin's ability to produce collagen, restoring fullness and firmness to aging skin.

who it's for:

Ideal for those with aging skin who want to firm, smooth, and revitalize the skin.

key ingredients:

Marine Collagen firms and plumps the skin. Glycerin attracts moisture to the skin. Jonquil prevents wrinkles and smooths the skin.

Enzymo Spherides peeling Cream

about the product:

Uncover the radiant skin below the buildup with Pevonia Botanica Enzyme-Spherides Peeling Creme. It uses pore-purifying enzymes encapsulated in micro-spherides preventing them from becoming active until they are applied to your skin.

who it's for:

Ideal for those with aging, acne-prone skin who want a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and blackheads.

key ingredients:

Pineapple Enzymes digest dead skin cells. Lemon purifies and brightens. Calendula has antiseptic and healing properties.

and C Eye Gel

about the product:

All eyes will be on you with Pevonia Botanica 'C' Evolutive Eye Gel. With your dark circles banished and your sagging skin lifted, your face will brighten every room you enter. The soothing gel formula also cools and calms tired eyes.

who it's for:

Ideal for those with aging skin who want to reduce puffiness, and dark circles around the eyes.

key ingredients:

Vitamin C lightens, brightens, tones, and tightens. Squalane hydrates the skin. Gingko Biloba stimulates collagen.

2 full sized ColoreScience Eye Pencils with built in sharpener (in Blondes Have More Fun and Shades Of Gray) (value of $15.80 apiece- $31.60 total)

about the product:

Traditional eye pencils are formulated with mineral oil and dyes. Colorescience eye pencils are formulated with jojoba oil to moisturize and iron oxides to colore. All natural mineral pigments accentuate eyes with soft, deeply saturated colore that glides on smoothly.

 Right now they have a deal going where if you spend $100 at SkinCareRx you can add a Beauty Cache For Free. use Code BEAUTYCACHE at checkout.
Otherwise one of these is only $29.95!

They don't make 'em like they used to.....

I came across a box with some things I'd collected from my grandmother's house when she passed away that reminded me of her too much to get rid of. My grandmommy was a pack rat to the extreme that I look like a minimalist in comparison. That crazy woman saved EVERYTHING. In tribute to her, I saved her little pot of Revlon "The Rouge". I never saw her use anything else, yet somehow it seems to have quit being manufactured in the sixties. Did she stockpile the stuff or something? It doesn't even have a color name or anything. It's just "The Rouge" like no other such thing existed. It's got a little powder puff in it for those perfect, um, circles on your cheeks. Strangely, it's not even stinky. Maybe they preserved it with some sort of radioactive toxin. That'll add a glow to your cheeks!