Makeup Bags Don't Have To Be Grody!

I am trying to step up my makeup bags, it's pretty gross that next to my bedside is a 3 year old cardboard box that I got a Korres gift set in. It serves it's purpose, but pretty it aint. For the longest time, when I'd go out of town I'd wrap a big ass rubber band around it and go. Not only is it now the most hideous thing on the planet, but stuff is always falling out if it and it's clunky and a pain to carry besides. Well now I have a train case for trips, so that problem is solved, but it's definitely time to replace the bedside box. I can recycle it with  good conscience knowing that I gave it a good, long (filthy) life.
(I wrote about it previously in a blog titled My Ugly Brown Box)

Dermstore has some GORGEOUS bags, like these two to DIE FOR beauties
 The Jane Iredale Bridal Bag, which would be a perfect wedding shower gift, since it would also be something new!
Global Goddess Beauty 's sari cloth makeup bag is almost too pretty for something as mundane as makeup!


Sephora has a ton of great cosmetics bags as well, and right now they're having a freaky huge sale, too!

Tarte's Glam Bag is not only a super cute bag all on it's own, but it also comes with 6 products included for only $35!!!
 And the raccoon in me who likes sparkly things LOVES this one.....


And then there's the one that appeals to my inner 5 year old....

My First Green Grab Bag

It's $15 a month or $145 a year (a 20% discount) To Join Green Grab Bag. I'm super happy that I went ahead and got a full year subscription, not only because I saved a lot, but because I've already gotten my money back in product value in just a short time. Green Grab bag is different from most beauty sampling program out there because they focus completely on natural, organic and eco friendly companies. Even all of their packaging is eco friendly! It's a great way to find companies that you love without all of the trial and error of just guessing, especially for those folks who have to order online because you don't have environmentally friendly beauty options in your local store. While luckily some big name brands are jumping on the eco bandwagon, most of your best options take a little more digging to discover. Another thing that's great about GGB is that you generally get pretty deep discounts on the full sized products that you got to sample, so when you fins a favorite you get to save some $$!

If you're lucky enough to have a Whole Foods in your hood, you'll know why i'm so excited for the September bag! From the Green Grab Bag page:

We are So Excited:

September's Green Grab Bag Curated by Whole Body at Whole Foods Market!

No company is more on the pulse of the best natural beauty products (other than us, of course) than the Whole Body (TM) department of Whole Foods Market. We are so honored that they have agreed to curate our September Green Grab Bag!

Celebrating Organic Harvest Month (TM), their experts have chosen some of the best of the best in organic skin care, makeup, hair care and more, all of which is carried nationally in the Whole Foods stores. 

Organic Indulgences: Lip Butter in Chocolate Mint

Yummy Chocolate mint flavored balm keeps lips lusciously soft and kissably smooth with a blend of all natural ingredients. Smells and tastes like Thin Mints! Extremely emollient and long lasting. 

Full Size: 1 lip balm ($2.95)

Size Received: Full-size 1 lip balm ($2.95)

Brigit True Organics: Magic Skin Balm

This healing herbal salve combats everything from bites to burns. I am INSANE for this stuff! The perfect balm for the clumsiest gal on the planet. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT! The best healing balm I've ever used, hands down. 

Full Size: 0.15 oz ($4.20)

Size Received: Full-size 0.15 oz ($4.20)

Pangea Organics: Facial Scrub

Polish your skin this award-winning scrub that is gentle enough for daily use.

Full Size: 3.8 oz ($32.00)I am crazy for Pangea Organics. The scrub is gentle but effective and leaves your skin feeling like velvet. 

Size Received: 1.0 oz ($9.14)

JourneysMother: Lotion Pellet in Rosewood Geranium Shea

The natural alternative to liquid lotion, these little pellets melt with skin's heat for major moisturizing. Long lasting, smells fabulous and will take care of extremely dry skin in a heartbeat. 

Full Size: 1 bag of 43 pellets ($10.00)

Size Received: 1 pellet ($0.23)

Glam Nation: Natural Perfection Eye and Makeup Remover

This organic cleanser can tackle even the most stubborn mascara. Haven't used it yet, despite my excitement- Ooopsie! I can't find what I did with the rest of the stuff from my bag!

Full Size: 2.0 oz ($29.99)

Size Received: 0.1 oz? ($1.50)

Annemarie Borlind Naturesome Nature Effect Fluid

Full size $86.99 for 50ml 1.69 oz

And again, the two things I was most excited to use, I can't find what I did with. When I find them I'll let you know!

Size Received:  (.5 oz Retail Value $25.73!)

So the total value? $43.75! Not too shabby for $15 and the peace of mind of having healthy skincare!

Unsightly Dimples You Can Do Without: Six Steps to Getting Your Cellulite Under Control

Every year, women around are the world constantly struggle with one of their worst nightmares ... cellulite on the skin of their thighs and buttocks. Some may not experience the first ripple of cellulite until they reach the age of 40, while other women may start to experience it as young as age 18. It's estimated that 85% of women over age 20 have some degree of cellulite and the other 15% think they do.

Cellulite is not a medical condition, but the result of localized adipose (excess body fat) deposits and edema (fluid retention) within the subcutaneous tissue beneath the surface of the skin. The accumulation of these fats and fluids create a dimpled effect sometimes referred to as the "orange peel" or "cottage cheese" effect. As unsightly as this may seem, it occurs mainly in post-adolescent women for a biological reason: to ensure enough fat calories are available for pregnancy and lactation. Consequently, there is no real "cure" for this condition and there is no way to prevent it. The best we can hope for is reducing or minimizing its appearance.

With the constant and relentless pressure to live up to the impossibly high standards of beauty embodied by the models we see in the glossy pages of fashion magazines and the successful stars up on the big screen, women everywhere spend millions of dollars a year ($12 million in U.S. department stores alone!) on expensive products and treatments specifically designed to diminish the appearance of cellulite, including lotions, creams, gels, "Medi-spa" and other "aesthetic" treatments involving hi-tech devices.

Although cellulite can affect both men and women, it is rarely found in men. This is due to the differences in the way connective tissue behaves in men and women. In women, the long fibers of connective tissue tend to segregate fat into channels (think down quilt). As the fat channels expand the perpendicular connective tissue remains fixed causing a "tethering" effect that leads to the puckered appearance of the skin. In men, the connective tissue is arranged in a criss-cross pattern so the appearance of the skin remains relatively smooth even as the fat expands.

There are a number of aggravating factors that cause cellulite, the most prominent being the influence of hormones like estrogen and progesterone which are known to stimulate lipogenesis (fat cell generation) and inhibit lipolysis (the break down of fat stored in fat cells). Additional contributing factors include water retention and perhaps the biggest culprit of all: poor circulation. That's why most cellulite treatments focus on lymphatic drainage, increasing micro vascular circulation, reducing the size and volume of fat cells (decreasing the tension on surrounding connective tissue), and promoting lipolysis.

While creams, lotions, and gels may be able to firm the skin and improve the overall look of cellulite, no topical application can offer a long-term or lasting solution. More radical treatments come in the form of surgery or hormone therapy. Many women opt for liposuction or its successor "liposculpture" as a way to literally "suck" the fat out in an attempt to eliminate their cellulite. This method appears to work, but since it doesn't address the underlying causes of cellulite, there is no guarantee that the condition won't eventually return. The inherent risks of surgery aside, this procedure can also weaken the skin, which means that as you age and your skin naturally becomes thinner, the appearance of cellulite can become even more pronounced. So far, hormone therapy has resulted in a lot of adverse side effects so it is not widely used.

There are a number of FDA-approved treatments that use equipment designed to stimulate the flow of blood and lymph, and tighten skin by manipulating the underlying connective tissue. The two most commonly used and effective treatments are Endermologie® and TriActive™. The former is a French-designed form of deep-tissue massage combined with suction that pulls the skin into a handheld machine where it's compressed and rolled to increase blood and lymphatic flow. Treatment is done in a series of 30-45 minute sessions over several months. With the latter, a laser device combines rhythmic suction massage with superficial cooling and laser pulsation. The treatment protocol is very similar to Endermologie®.

Both techniques have been proven safe, effective and easy to use, but like liposuction, these treatments are expensive and there is no guarantee that the cellulite won't return. Newer laser procedures designed to get under the skin and burn off the fat have been recently introduced into the market place with questionable results.

So what can you do to manage and minimize your cellulite if you don't have the funds for, or are not inclined to subject yourself to, these procedures? Here's a quick run down of some things you can do that will help:

1. Daily exfoliation of the affected areas can help to stimulate circulation, bringing more blood to the area and moving lymph out --clearing out toxins that often become locked up in fat cells. Use a body scrub made from sea salt, brown sugar or a combination of both. Rosemary essential oil stimulates circulation and blood flow while Grapefruit, Lemon and Juniper Berry can assist with detoxification of the tissue. Follow up with a body oil or lotion that has Lavender essential oil to help balance and regulate the skin.
2. Drink plenty of purified or filtered water to help keep your cells hydrated and regularly flush out toxins from your body. This will improve the overall appearance of your skin and help improve your energy level as well.
3. Eat a balanced diet high in fiber, protein, phyto-nutrients, and generous amounts of healthy fats (Omega 3s found in nuts, flaxseeds, and fish oils). Eliminate trans-fats and processed sugars. This will ensure you get the necessary nutrients you need to promote healthy cell regeneration, fight free-radical formation and balance your hormones. Add spices with thermogenic (fat-burning) properties like cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, or curry to your foods and remember that protein stimulates your body's metabolism, which promotes fat-burning as well.
4. Exercise regularly. This also helps promote your body's fat-burning mechanisms, increase circulation and blood flow, and lymphatic drainage.
5. Get a regular massage. Massage, especially deep tissue massage, has many health and therapeutic benefits including enhanced lymph drainage, improved blood flow, and increased detoxification. Consider an aromatherapy massage using some of the essential oils mentioned above.
6. Minimize skin damage from overexposure to UV rays. Try not to spend too much unprotected time in the sun and avoid sunburns. These can weaken the skin and make it more vulnerable to free radical and cellulite formation.

Since cellulite can't be prevented or completely eliminated it's important to find a way to make peace with it. Taking good care of your body and your skin can help minimize its unsightly effects while supporting your ability to maintain perspective.

Copyright Dropwise Essentials

Donya Fahmy, is a green business owner and the creator of Dropwise Essentials' spa-quality aromatherapy body products that help you safely relieve stress, increase vitality, improve confidence, or simply manage your emotional state any time or place without popping a pill. For more free tips and valuable information visit www.dropwise.com and subscribe to the Dropwise Health & Beauty News Ezine or blog feed.

Juice Beauty Giveaway

Sign up here

Free shipping and discount codes for Delias

Total Beauty Collection With Product Reviews and a $5 discount

The Total Beauty Collection is already about as good as it gets, and they've only been around a few months! Of course, Total Beauty has a lot of power behind them as one of the top rated beauty websites out there. unlike most of these collections, this one is not a subscription. You get on the mailing list, and you'll get an email each month when the newest one is released. They tell you what's in it and you decide if you want to get it or not. Of course, this does take away from the element of surprise, but it does add to the element of NOT being disappointed! As an added bonus, when I got my collection, I got a smaller tube of Blinc mascara than what was pictured in the ad and what I saw that other bloggers got. I emailed their customer service about it, and they sent me an upsized sample the next day! You can get your own at http://www.totalbeauty.com/collection and right now you can get one for $10 instead of the usual $15.

Oh. My. God. I knew already that I liked June Jacobs because of their fabulous Pore Cleansing Facial Wash, but I swear, this June Jacobs - Green Tea and Cucumber Body Balm made me feel like I was really at a spa. Being massaged by fairies. While being fed cherries by a Greek god. It's so incredibly luxurious that I can hardly describe it. According to them

 "Paraben and preservative free, this luxurious body balm with a delicate bouquet of green tea and cucumber blends the moisturizing miracle of shea butter with nourishing oils of squalane, sunflower, jojoba and sesame to hydrate and replenish lost moisture. Enhanced with soy and rice extracts to help retain moisture and plump the skin. Powerful patent pending anti-oxidant blend of white, red and green tea extracts combined with goji berry, pomegranate and grape seed extracts help to neutralize free radicals, protect the skin from environmental toxins, and combat the visible signs of premature aging. Leaves both the skin and the senses refreshed and revitalized. "

All I know is it makes me feel like a pampered rich lady. MEEEEEOW!
June Jacobs Green Tea and Cucumber Body Balm

 

 I saw a lot of complaints about the $15 Pevonia gift card included, but I don't think that people actually bothered to GO to the Pevonia site. Not only do they not charge shipping, but they have a number of items that are $15 or under. So instead of a sample size, I got to pick a full sized item from one of my favorite brands! I picked out the , but I just ordered it Tension Relief Foot Gel by Pevonia Botanica for Unisex - 1.7 oz Gel so I haven't gotten it yet.

 Whoa- this stuff is BADASS. I already reviewed this previously, but needless to say, I am colored impressed. It makes my lashes so long that I have to wait for it to dry or else I get mascara on the lenses of my glasses. This is the first of the tubing mascaras that was sold in the US, so they have it down pat and it shows. This stuff doesn't come off when you sweat or cry or swim, but somehow with the right amount of light pressure and some water, the tubes just slide right off! It's pretty cool! It's NOT for those who want the natural look, but if you're going for volume, this'll knock you out.
Blinc Blinc Mascara Black 0.21 oz

Wow, there just wasn't a loser in the bunch here! I am NUTS about Alterna products, they make probably the best hair care products in the biz. They've been heavily promoting their new Bamboo line and you will not hear complaints from me! The Luminous Shine Mist makes your hair absolutely glisten, it gives you shampoo commercial hair. Seriously awesome and it smells divine, I could wear this like perfume. When I use this my husband likes to sniff my head whenever I walk by. it not only makes your hair glisten, but it also makes it soft as a baby's butt and tames flyaways, all without weighing your hair down.

ALTERNA Bamboo Luminous Shine Mist 4 oz

What a treat to get a sampler in which I absolutely LOVE everything in it! Keep it up, Total Beauty!

3 FREAKY awesome Murad deals! $29.95 for kits valued at $100 or more!

Okay, I LOVE Murad, I've raved about their products for years. Well now is your chance to try them out at a super mind blowing deal- they have three starter kits on crazy nutjob cheap sale, as well as free shipping! I AM SO gonna have to get me one of the Enviromental Shield Kits, the stuff in there is awesome.

Save $10 on your First Purchase of our Environmental Shield Introductory Kit originally $39.95 (a $125 value) Promo Code: SAVE10MURAD
Environmental Shield® Introductory Kit

Combats the effects of environmental aging with Essential-C Cleanser to wash away impurities, Active Radiance Serum® to restore clarity and Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30 to improve hydration, firmness and elasticity. The result? improved radiance, boosted collagen production and younger-looking skin that's protected against future damage.



Cleanse
Tone

Essential-C Cleanser, 1.5 FL. OZ.

Antioxidant Vitamins A, C and E neutralize free radicals and other environmental aggressors while Phospholipids bind moisture to the skin. Essential-C Cleanser establishes a well-hydrated foundation for application of a treatment product.



Treat
Repair

Active Radiance® Serum, 0.33 FL. OZ.

This clinically proven, environmental aging treatment protects and repairs skin with a remarkable new Vitamin C technology that delivers 50 times the free radical neutralizing power of prior generations. This unique formula provides superior all-day protection against environmental aggressors that assault skin every day. Active Radiance Serum helps to restore tone and smooth texture and is clinically proven to improve skin firmness by up to 63% in just 15 minutes.



Hydrate
Protect

Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30, 0.7 FL. OZ.

Increased Vitamin C power and SPF in Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30 provide powerful protection against environmental damage. Next generation Vitamin C and the patented Skin Repair System improve radiance, firmness and elasticity.



FREE GIFTS!

Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel (0.25 FL. OZ.), Essential-C Night Moisture (0.25 FL. OZ.) and Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15 (0.125 FL. OZ.).




Murad Resurgence Anti-Aging Skincare $39.95 (a $107 value) Plus FREE Shipping

Get Rid of Acne 30 Day Supply $29.95 (a $88 value)
Acne Complex® Introductory Kit




Acne Complex is a maximum strength regimen that delivers rapid results without dryness or irritation. Murad Acne products are both effective and gentle because they are formulated with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and enriched with hydrators, anti- inflammatories and antioxidants according to Dr. Murad's recipe for skin health. 92% of users experienced a reduction in acne breakouts in just 3 days*.



Cleanse
Tone

Clarifying Cleanser, 2.0 FL. OZ.

Prevent breakouts with this maximum strength cleansing gel. Antibacterial agents eliminate 99.9% of irritating surface bacteria while Salicylic Acid heals blemishes and prevents future breakouts.



Treat
Repair

Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel, 1.0 FL. OZ.

Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel's patented Hydrogen Peroxide delivery system enables Retinol, Glycolic and Salicylic Acids to penetrate deeply for maximum effectiveness. Cell turnover is stimulated, breakouts are controlled, pore-clogging impurities are eliminated and clarity is restored. Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel is clinically proven to reduce acne in 92% of users in just 3 days when used in combination with the Acne Complex regimen.



Hydrate
Protect

Skin Perfecting Lotion, 1.0 FL. OZ.

This oil-free moisturizer provides ultra-light hydration while minimizing pores and refining texture. Queen of Meadow and Algae Extract penetrate to clear pores and balance oil production. Retinol encourages healthy cell turn-over while Arnica soothes irritation.



Bonus Gifts!

Free Clarifying Mask (1.0 FL. OZ.), Free Acne Spot Treatment (0.25 FL. OZ.) and Free Upgrade to Priority Shipping.

QVC New Beauty Test Tube

New Beauty 8-Piece Test Tube with Magazine August 2012 Test Tube

A-D New Beauty 8-Piece Test Tube with Magazine Auto-Delivery ADbkendA227283.Receive this item now, then rec a new test tube w/new items & magazine in Aug,Oct,Jan,Apr,Aug,Oct'13. 7 total shipments. Cancel anytime.Shipment#2:August'12. (1)1 fl oz philosophy love sweet love 3-in-1 gel,(1)1.7 fl oz bliss lemon+sage body butter,(1)0.12 oz Mally Liquid Lipstick,(1).074 oz LauraGeller Spackle Eyeshadow Primer, (1).5 oz Smashbox Photofinish Primer,(1).17 oz Josie Maran Argan Oil, (1) 2 fl oz Ojon Restorative Conditioner,(1)0.5 fl oz Algenist Firming & Lifting Cream, (1) Magazine. USA/Morocco/Canada/Germany.

QVC's latest New Beauty Test Tube is out, so while I wait for delivery, here's a look back at a previous Test Tube..... (for those unfamiliar with the Test Tube, it's available quarterly and you can sign up for auto ship. It's $29.95 plus shipping.) There's a link below for free QVC shipping, don't know if this applies to the Test Tube or not.