Sponge Mattia Firming Eye Gel - OUCH!

You know what this stuff does? It firms and brightens! You know what else it does? It burns and makes you scream! Okay, seriously- this a really pricey brand so I was reluctant to not keep giving it a shot, but finally I had to chuck it. The pain just wasn't worth the results. The first time I put it on, at first I was very happy. There was an instant cooling sensation that was really soothing and I could feel the skin tightening. Within about a minute however, the cooling turned into an intensely painful burning sensation that literally made my eyes tear up. I thought maybe my skin just needed time to adjust to using a new eye product, but after a week of the same results, I finally gave up. Maybe it works great for others, but if you have sensitive skin, I recommend giving this a wide berth.

Happy Holidays!

I hope all of ya'll got what you wanted and here's to a beauty-full new year!

Bauble Bar discount code

Eco Emi products

Eco Emo has been a go to for me for eco friendly beauty and lifestyle products for a coupla years now. For $15, every month I get a box crammed full of the latest and greatest. Seems like every box includes at least one item that becomes a MUST have for me that I would have never heard of without their intervention! You always get a great mix of products, beauty, home, snacks.... I love that they're a small company with a real honest to goodness individual at the helm. Makes them feel homey :-) While it doesn't have that "holy crap, I just got $150 worth of stuff for ten bucks!" thing going on, that's not really the point here. What you're getting is products made with love care and a conscience that you can feel good about using.


I was going crazy trying to remember what eyeshadow I used in this video cause I've decided that I love it. After digging through piles of palettes, I've deduced it to be from the e.l.f. 100 shadow palette.




1) Maximum Curl Defining Cream by Shea Radiance:
This is a leave-in styling hair conditioner which promises to create "perfect curls." 
Retail price: $16 for 8 oz.
2oz included- $4 value
2) Tea Tree Facial Cleanser by Zen Society Skincare:   It is supposed to "brighten" tired and dull skin. Made in the USA. 
Retail price: $16 
2oz incuded- $4 value


3) Vanilla Almond Granola by Ola Foods: 
Retail price: $5.99 for 9 oz
1oz included - $1.50 value
4)  Copper Kisses Lip Gloss by The All Natural Face: I LOVE this brand and this gloss is absolutely stunning. 
Full size! $4.60 value

5) Star Anise & Coffee Handmade Natural Soap by Dew Puff: Perfect for removing strong odors from your hands. Fish, anyone? 
Full size!  $7 for one 4.5 oz bar

6) Basic H2® Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate by Shaklee: 
Retail price: $12.15 for 16 oz.
.07 of an ounce included. You figure it out. Crazy that this is enough for a full bottle of full strength cleaner AND a full bottle of window cleaner. Freaky. 
7) Organic Fruit Snacks by Tasty Brand: 
Retail price: $29.95 for 30 bags
1 bag included - $1 value

Elizabeth Arden Holiday Collection- $350 value!

I usually get one of these every year, they're an absolutely INCREDIBLE value and are even great broken up into seperates for fabu glam holiday gifts. You can combine codes and get a few extras like free shipping. What I'll usually do is see if there's anything like and eye cream or toner or some basics that I want so I hit the purchase point and then decide what part of the gift set I want for my greedy lil' self, then the rest gets turned into prezzies.

31-Pc Limited Edition Red Hot Holiday Color Collection filled with Eyeshadow, Blush, Lipgloss, Lipstick, Mascara, & More ($350 Value!) for $48.50 with any $32.50 purchase + free shipping. Combinable!


Get a Free Visible Difference Deluxe Sample Trio + Free Shipping with ANY order. Code: GENTLETRIO. Offer is combinable, Enjoy!

Kinerase Extreme Lift Face - HOLY COW!

Kinerase Extreme Lift Face Looking for a face lift-in-a-bottle? Look no further than Kinerase Extreme Lift Face. It's an advanced, power-packed formula designed to target and eliminate the appearance of visible fine lines and wrinkles. With soothing ingredients such as Green Tea Extract, your skin will be tighter, firmer, and ten years younger without ever feeling uncomfortable.

This stuff is seriously, freakishly, WOW.

Advanced active ingredients are clinically shown to instantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles: SNAP-8, the newest neuropeptide, smoothes the appearance of wrinkles caused by repetitive facial expressions. Pepha®-Tight, a skin-strengthening algae extract, delivers a noticeable instant tightening effect as it smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Gatuline Expression, a plant based extract, works to relax muscles to visibly smooth skin. Kinetin (N6 Furfuryladenine) helps prepare the skin for optimal moisture absorption. Green Tea ECO, a powerful antioxidant, protects cells from oxidative stress to minimize future signs of aging.

Kinerase made their name by having the exclusive right to incorporate the antioxidant kinetin into their products (article here) 

I first began using their dermatologist strength products a few years ago after being introduced to them by Skincare RX. I got a bottle of their C8 Peptide Treatment Serum and was so impressed by the results that I splurged and bought a full sized bottle for my bestie's 40th birthday. She loved it so much that 2 years later, it's still her daily treatment serum! 

Well I thought THAT stuff made me look younger? Well this is a face lift in a bottle. For reals. It works immediately to tighten and brighten skin and make fine lines disappear. It's seriously just nutty, I can't believe that what I'm seeing in the mirror is real. A few weeks ago I went to the store to buy a bottle of wine. No makeup on, but I had started using this earlier in the week. I will be 42 in February and I got carded. I realize that I do look young for my age in general because I've tried to take really good care of my skin from a young age, but this goes way above and beyond good genes and habits. I have smile lines that are just tiny little commas on the edge of my mouth, but after using this they are GONE. 

Yes, it is expensive, but you get what you pay for and it's certainly cheaper than Botox. It's also extremely concentrated so it will last you forever (and the airtight pump will keep the ingredients at their highest efficacy level.) If you're wanting something with Botox-like results but don't want to go a surgical route, I totally recommend giving this stuff a shot. If you go to a dermatologist they can probably even give you a sample to try- you can seriously see and feel the results upon the first application. 

Glossybox Giveaway - a $57 value- all full sized items! ENDS AT MIDNIGHT!

a Rafflecopter giveaway




What will you get?

Spray Misty For Me Facial Spray
Model Co shadow duo
Jelly Pong Pong Lip Blush
Novex Keratin Hair Treatment
and an exclusive Guess makeup bag!

Beauty Bar and CEW Best In Beauty Awards product reviews

I normally love L'oreal products and considering that they own Lancome, whose fiber mascara I love, you'd think that I'd love this, but nope. They must use a slightly different formula (I guess if they didn't, there'd be no point in buying Lancome, huh?) because this one is a bit clumpy and while it did add thickness, it didn't really lengthen my lashes noticeably. I used it up since it was okay, but I wouldn't buy it or recommend it.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circles – (Neutralizer shade) 


This stuff is AWESOME. And look how freaky cheap you can get it from Amazon! Whoa! Maybe the best undereye concealer I've ever used. Doesn't settle into fine lines and instantly neutralizes dark circles while also giving an overall brightening to the eye area that takes years off your face. The Neutralizer shade is what's recommended for very dark circles, but they have other shades as well. I can use this when I'm exhausted and I look like I got a great night's sleep. I love that it doesn't need a heavy hand and doesn't look all cakey. The applicator makes using it a dream- it's a very soft sponge that really gets in all of your crevices. 

L’Occitane Lavender Hand Cream 

L'Occitane Lavender Hand Cream, 2.6 oz What is it: This smooth, light-textured Lavender Hand Cream, enriched with shea butter, gently nourishes the hands, leaving them softly perfumed.

If I was only going to buy one brand of hand cream for the rest of my life, this would be it. I have been using L'Occitane hand cream for easily 15 years and I never get over how rich, creamy, easily absorbed, non greasy and soothing it is. They made their fame and name on this line of hand creams and it's easy to see why. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but it's so concentrated that one tube will last you easily a year. You need a drop about the size of a pea to completely moisturize your hands. There's a ton of scents (and unscented) available, but I love the fresh, clean scent of the Lavande. The scent is subtly relaxing and uplifting at the same time- it was my work desk staple until I finally squeezed every drop out of my last tube. That's when I cut that puppy open and scraped every last teeny bit out. Then I cried. You can get it in a number of sizes, from a purse friendly travel tube to the whomper 2.6 oz tube. 

SuperGoop SPF 30+ Everyday 

Supergoop Everyday Face & Body Lotion SPF 30 ,1.5 fl oz What is it: The SPF 30+ Everyday Face & Body Moisturizer delivers ultra-moisturizing UV protection while keeping skin soft and hydrated.

This is another one of my staples. You get total sun protection without the thick chunky streaky white mess. It absorbs readily and makes an excellent moisturizer. Love my multi-taskers! They actually have it available in a giant jug because it's so awesome that a lot of folks slather it from head to toe as an allover body and face moisturizer every day. I only put it on my exposed ares, even though I realize that clothing doesn't really protect you from long term sun exposure. All things considered though, I avoid the sun and park in a parking garage, so my daily exposure is generally limited to time in the car (so get that face and those arms!) to and from work which comes to a sum total of about 20 minutes a day, and then the walk from my front door to the car and vice versa, so another whopping 30 seconds. It not only protects from the sun's rays, but it provides protection against environmental oxidants such as pollution and tobacco as well! UVA and UVB protection, withstands water for a full 80 minutes, and free of oxybenzone and parabens. Even baby safe!

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips – (Animal Instinct)

SALON EFFECTS REAL NAIL POLISH STRIPS (ANIMAL INSTINCT) By SALLY HANSEN SALON EFFECTS REAL NAIL POLISH STRIPS (ANIMAL INSTINCT) By SALLY HANSENGet salon-worthy nails in a flash with nail polish strips from Sally Hansen. Simply peel and press to get perfect nails without the hassle of using liquid nail polish. Sally knows nails are the best accessory. Now Sally makes it easy to get a salon effect any time any place. It wears like nail polish because it IS nail polish. No dry time so youcre ready to go.Application Tips:Because Salon Effects is made from real nail polish be sure to use all strips immediately upon opening otherwise they will dry out. Benefits:c Lasts up to 10 days c Removes easily with nail polish remover

GACK, I am love with these things. They are the easiest things on the planet to use and I can have wow worthy nails in about five minutes flat. These are my go tos for a lazy manicure and I keep a huge stock of them on hand for last minute party invites and such. I get huge compliments every time I use them. They also last for over a week, I've had them make it almost 2. I once read a bad review of them by someone who found them offensive because they made it look like you did amazing nail art and that detracted from the "nail artists" who work so hard to achieve similar effects. Well, do I go around getting pissed at people who dye their hair red just because mine came naturally? Chill, nail diva snobs, some of us don't have the time, patience, or ability to get fancy designs on our nails, so quit yer bitchin' and leave the Sally Hansen to us :-) 

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer

I keep reading rave reviews of this stuff, but I honestly just don't get it. It's got a thick, paste like consistency that looks like I've put putty under my eyes. It pulls as it's being applied, which seems to go against the whole point of an undereye concealer- why would you want to cause more damage? meh. I'll stick with the Maybelline above. (See Clara? I'm not a label snob!)

Burt’s Bees Red Dahlia Tinted Lip Balm

I lurve this stuff. It feels fantastic, is long lasting, super emollient and adds a lovely hint of beestung color to your lips. If you like their standard formula balm but want some color, here's your ticket to ride. This is perfect for a low key, errand running day when you don't want to go all out, but want to be a bit pulled together. This is what I'm wearing in the video.

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm Red Dahlia A Hint Of Color That Cares For Your Lips. 100% Natural No Animal Testing Made In Usa

StriVectin-TL Tightening Neck Cream
You can read my review of this that I did on Total Beauty 

Strivectin NEW StriVectin-TL Tightening Neck Cream 5% NIA-114 + Protein Tighteners A clinically proven anti-aging neck & jaw line treatment to visibly restore firmness; shape and contour. For the 76% of 50+ women who are experiencing loss of firmness; elasticity; and want a skin care product to visibly correct sagging; laxity and thin; crepe skin . Breakthrough three-tiered technology to TIGHTEN; FORTIFY and STRENGTHEN neck and jaw line from within: 1. Tightens: Neck feels tighter immediately. 2. Fortifies: Skin's supportive matrix fortifies; neck looks firmer. 3. Strengthens: NIA-114 molecule strengthens skin's hold on natural collagen and moisture. Your neck regains lift and contour.

Heidi Klum Shine 
I previously reviewed that here

Shine Perfume by Heidi Klum, 1.7 oz Eau De Toilette Spray for Women Shine Perfume by Heidi Klum 1.7 oz Eau De Toilette Spray for Women. In 2011, The House Of Heidi Klum Released Shine, A Luxurious And Sophisticated Scent That Embodies The Sophisticated, Refined And Classical Woman. Not Too Sweet, And Not Too Flowery, Shine Is The Perfect Combination Of Light Floral Fragrances And Subtle Hints Of Earthy Sweetness. Top Notes Are Comprised Of Pink Peppercorn, Pear And Mandarin For A Spicy And Sweet Citrusy Scent. Middle Notes Are Made Up Of Lily Of The Valley, Mimosa Absolute And Sunflower. Sweet Vanilla, Tonka Beans And Musk Comprise The Final Base Notes Of This Incredible Scent.

Burt’s Bees Cocoa & Cupuacu Butters Body Lotion 

Another keeper from Burt's Bees. This is for those with very dry skin, as it's quite thick and rich. It keeps you moist and soft for eons, you don't find yourself needing to reapply. My mother in law puts a tube of this in my husband's stocking almost every year and he's fiercely protective of it. If I try to use it I get a retort of "you have your own lotion! This one's MINE!" We have gas heat in our house, so despite the humidifiers it still gets pretty dry so at night before bed we both slather up. When I got this tube, I was petty enough to almost not share, but I acquiesced with the caveat that he remember that the next time I wanted to use his. It smells like straight up cocoa butter, but if that isn't your bag, the scent does fade pretty quickly, a plus if you plan on using it and then wearing fragrance. 

Burt's Bees Richly Replenishing Cocoa & Cupuacu Butters Body Lotion Cocoa & Cupuacu Butters Enriched With Skin Softening Cocoa And Cupuacu Butters, This Body Lotion Is Also Formulated With Botanical Moisturizers Sunflower And Olive Oils, And Just A Hint Of Vanilla. It Leaves Skin Feeling Soft, Smooth And Healthy, Naturally. Clinically Proven To Moisturize For 24 Hours. Dermatologist-Tested Absorbs Quickly Non-Greasy Formula For Dry Skin 99% Natural Made In Usa

L'oreal Youth Code Serum

I used the Lancome Genifique Serum for a good while, it was the serum that got me hooked on using serums as part of my skincare routine. Genifique is SPENSIVE. Youth Code has almost identical ingredients and is made by the same company. Youth Code is available on Amazon for $10. Genifique is $85. There ya go. Oh- what does it do? It softens your skin, gets rid of any dry or rough patches, makes your moisturizer work better, gives your makeup a smoother surface to work with, diminishes fine lines and dark spots and makes your skin glow. So, in general, a baby's butt on your face. Without the diaper.

New Egg Holiday Deals - Merry Geekmas!

The Eyes have It- DermaNew Eye Creme & Murad Wrinkle Reducer Eye Cream

This stuff is wunderbar! After about a month of use, I noticed a DECIDED softening of lines in my crows foot area. It doesn't work overnight, but it DOES work. Immediately after use, you will see a reduction in undereye puffiness and after roughly a week dark circles are greatly diminished (and I was in an exhausting stage when I started using this, so I really put it to the test!) Murad products in general tend to be superb, and this was no exception. It's soothing upon application and VERY gentle, I was able to get it close to my eyes without feeling like I'd poked them with a stick. Luckily it doesn't SMELL like durian fruit which is one of the most foul smelling substances on the planet. Durian smells like barf. No joke. In countries where people eat it, they often have signs banning it's consumption in public.

Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer for eyes Intensive Wrinkle Reducer® for eyes Intensive Wrinkle Reducer for eyes, specifically formulated for the delicate eye area, reduces the appearance of crow's feet, improves skin firmness and illuminates the eye area for a more youthful appearance. This breakthrough formula features Murad's latest revolutionary anti-aging technology, Durian Cell Reform® which enhances the penetration of active anti-aging ingredients. Additional features and ingredients: •UGL Complex increases collagen synthesis •Hyaluronic microspheres increase intercellular water providing long lasting hydration •Retinyl Palmitate increases cell proliferation to improve skin texture and tone   Awards / Press: •SELF Health Beauty Award - Best Anti-Aging Eye Treatment   If you’re showing the signs of aging around your eyes in the form of crow’s feet or lines and wrinkles, this anti aging treatment is better than any eye cream you could imagine. Among the best anti aging products in Murad’s Age Reform products, Intensive Wrinkle Reducer for Eyes instantly firms and tightens and reduces the look of crow’s feet or lines. An eye treatment for anti aging effects that’s been written up by the media all over, including in Elle, Allure, Fitness, Day Spa, Latina, Self and Shape magazines. Don’t just read about how this new type of eye cream can be your anti aging treatment of choice – see the results for yourself. Don’t let your eyes reveal your age – reduce the signs of aging with this anti aging eye treatment.   About Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer® for eyes As part of the Murad Age Reform® line of anti aging skin care products designed to combat Genetic Aging, Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer for eyes combats under-eye wrinkles and crow’s feet. Instantly improve firmness in the sensitive and thinner skin around the eyes and significantly reduce the appearance of eye wrinkles over time. Often, the eyes are the first place where the signs of Genetic Aging begin to appear. Combat eye-area aging for a more youthful appearance with Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer for Eyes.

Dr Howard Murad discusses durian fruit


If you want instant, albeit temporary results, the DermaNew Firming cream is the way to go. It temporarily tightens the skin immediately upon application and lasts all day. It also makes dark circles seem to disappear and reduced puffiness like nobody's business. I liked to use this (mine's all empty now)  when my eyes were feeling puffy and irritated from allergies. They looked brighter, more wide awake and younger. And the price is great!

   

Mirenesse at Haute Look for ridonkulous cheap!

if you've wanted to try Mirenesse but balked at how pricey it is or the cost of shipping from Australia, now is your chance! For a few days only Haute Look, the luxury flash site has them for amazeballs low prices!

For example
 Normally $81, they have it for $35

My beloved Lip Bombs?
TWELVE DOLLARS instead of $35

WOW.

December GlossyBox Sneak Peek

2 of the items in the upcoming GlossyBox! A full sized Nails Inc polish and Naobay Oxygenating creme

Click here to join

Marbleized Manicure Save Tutorial video using Julep and free box code

You can see the longer video with me irritating my cats

OR
you can cut to the chase and see just the steps on the manicure....

These are the polishes I used- yay for Julep!

Susie and Mandy along with their FABULOUS Pedi Creme

And if you'd like to get a free Julep maven box like the one above, just use the code FREECOLOR

BCBG Max Azria Bon Genre

Perfume.com has the 3.4 oz for $51.95 as opposed to the list price of $75, an awesome deal. (If you click on the photo, it'll take you there.)  I'm surprised that they refer to it as being a rocker chic scent, a little leather with the lace. To me, or at least ON me, it's a very sweet and heady scent. It smells like very expensive hard candy, tons of raspberry. A lot of overly sweet scents smell cheap to me, but I found this one to be pretty addictive. I don't get the tough aspect that they refer to, I feel extremely girly when I wear this, but nothing wrong with being girly! It strongly reminds me of a more sophisticated version of Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lovers Lil' Angel.

Handmade Goodies Extravaganza!

I always like to give support to handmade sellers-  I think that handmade items are great because they have tons of personality and tend to be unique. Who wants the same stuff as everybody else?

Sadly, sometimes all the support in the world doesn't help. I've been raving about Cherry City Bath & Body for years, but when I tried to contact Amy, I never heard back and the Facebook page hasn't been updated in a loooong time. This makes me super sad since I had intended to stock back up on her fantabulous leave in conditioner spray. So that sucks, because she had awesome products and I have never seen a detangler/conditioner spray as awesome as this one. Let this be a lesson to ya- if you like a seller, shout it from the rooftops! Send business their way! Let them know what you like about their stuff. Don't let them go the way of the dodo.

Lucky for me, there's still other wonderful sellers out there. For instance:



If you watch my videos, then you've seen me wear her jewelry constantly. (Like here and here) Her prices are awesome and I love the way she mixes whimsical, fun and funky.

I recently purchased this set:
  which has gotten tons of raves. I actually bought a ton of stuff from her, I'll do a dedicated video soon! In the meantime, you can get a mystery bag of jewelry from her for a great price!




Owl Say designs makes some of the coolest stuff on the planet. Diaper bags, wallets, passport covers, you name it! I love the adorable retro designs.

I have this rucksack which I got an incredible deal on because it was an oopsie (not quite centered.) No biggie to me, I still get TONS of compliments on it and it's so unique and original! You can even pick out what color threads you want! And did I mention how inexpensive they are? Crazy!
 





Blessed Beads specializes in handmade rosaries and rosary bracelets, but has other items, too, including the beautiful keychain that I show off in the video. She uses gorgeous semi-precious stones, so these are not your cookie cutter, store bought pieces. She'll also do custom orders! 

I think this rosary bracelet is stunning!

  What can I say? I'm a sucker for spicy scents in general, and high glycerine soaps in particular, so this one really twirls my skirt! A 4oz bar is only $5.99 and this leaves your skin oh so very soft! Between the high moisture and the mild exfoliation, you won't be able to keep your hands off of yourself . Now I need to try the bath salts in the same scent! There's also a spiced goat's milk soap that has me intrigued........Yum.......





Okay, so ridiculously adorable, right? From plain old cuteness to the most awesome dress-up gear like, EVER- this is the shop for you. Whether you have kids or are just a kid at heart, you can't beat the super cool goodies and the even more super cool prices. And I SO know a lady that will be wanting this here good doctor....

And the Snow White mask? Seriously, where were these when I was a kid? And surely ya'll wont judge me for wanting to wear this on my adult noggin, will ya?





Here we find jewelry that's both classic and classy. I love the beads that she uses and the sturdy build of the pieces (yet they look so dainty!) Below are the earrings I'm wearing in the video, and I'm particularly partial to the textured beads on either side of the Murano glass.




Ohhhhhh, but this bracelet- I'm in love! Absolutely stunning with a gorgeous art deco sensibility.


So where are you doing your holiday shopping? Why not give your bucks to indie artisans instead of throwing your money down the corporate gullet this year? Let 'em know The Beauty Pirate sent ya!