Let's Talk Mario Badescu Skin Care

Hello Beauties <3

I need to give a BIG shout out to Mario Badescu Skin Care! Ever want to try a product before handing over your hard earned cash? Come on ladies, I know I am not alone on this one.

:::Raises hand proudly:::

I most definitely love the generosity of companies and beauty stores that allow you to experiment with their line to make sure it's a perfect fit before you purchase the full size product. I can't begin to tell you how many products I bought as a result of trying a sample of it (probably more than I'd like to admit)

I was browsing the Internet one night and came across Mario Badescu's website so being the curious beauty addict I am, I decided to look at what he had to offer. The first thing I noticed was you were able to shop by skin type which can be a handy tool for some people who are not really sure what products to use.

For me, I know my skin is normal but has a tendency to be a wee bit dry at times. To test my knowledge, I decided to take the skin analysis test to see what product recommendations I'd get.

Fast forward about 4 days and I get a package in the mail. I open it immediately and was pleasantly surprised to see a collection of deluxe and foil samples to try.

• Almond & Honey Non-Abrasive Face Scrub
• Aloe Lotion
• Buttermilk Moisturizer
• Dermonectin Eye Cream
• Orange Cleansing Soap
• Orange Tonic Mask
• Seaweed Night Cream
• Botanical Exfoliating Scrub

My thoughts:

Almond & Honey Non-Abrasive Face Scrub - This smells so good however I was expecting more of a "scrub" consistency - you know - those wonderful little particles working their magic on your face

Seaweed Night Cream - You only need to apply a small amount of this cream or else it will leave your skin feeling somewhat greasy

Dermonectin Eye Cream - This eye cream really hydrated under my eyes and it's a pretty light blue color 

Aloe Lotion - At first the name threw me off because I thought it was.....well....lotion. It is actually a soothing toner that has aloe to refresh and rejuvenate your skin

Although I liked these products very much, I feel my skin would have benefited more from their anti aging line so I think I will try that next.

Stacey <3

September Empties - Yay or Nay

Hello Beauties <3

Another month is behind us and that means more beauty products have been used and it's time to talk about the yays and nays of my September empties.

Previse Nutrify Tonic Level 1-6  Retail price $48 for 3.0 oz

A description from their website:

Our potent antioxidant elixir helps to hydrate your skin. Nutrify is not a serum or toner. Nutrify is oil-free and non-astringent. Step 2.0 in our three-step series, Nutrify follows Purify, our sulfate-free wash. Nutrify helps hydrate skin, fights free radicals and waterborne pollutants or additives like chlorine.

Nutrify Liposomal Tonic 1-6 is our latest bio-healthy innovation to help hydrate skin plus fight free radicals and surface irritants. Our oil-free tonic is unique and unlike oil-base serums. Nutrify sits deep in the dermis to help keep pores clean, hydrate the skin, plus fight free radicals and waterborne pollutants or additives. The bio-heathy tonic was crafted with Professional Makeup Artists for exceptional performance. The dual benefit, mattifying hydrator helps scavenge free radicals PLUS acts as a key, light-weight barrier to makeup that may contain parabens, triclosan and other skin irritating ingredients.

One of our signature ingredients is Bellis perennis, a daisy flower extract. The non-bleaching botanical helps stop brown spots. Our closely guarded recipe contains the highest grade active ingredients which are slowly blended to retain maximum potency. You can expect Nutrify to help fight skin oxidization, promote cellular regeneration, and even skin tone while mattifying for a cleaner appearance for both men and women. As with all Previse products Nutrify is free of parabens, silicones and skin clogging petroleum ingredients.

My thoughts on this product:

I really enjoyed using this product. The description says it's not a serum or a toner but I most definitely used it as a toner during my morning and nighttime skin routine. It left my skin feeling hydrated and ready for the day. My first thought was I would never pay $48 a bottle but since I received it in a subscription box (BoxyCharm March 2015), I gave it a whirl. To my surprise, it actually lasted me 6 months so the bottom line is, it's worth the price in my opinion. 

Nude Advanced Renewal Eye Complex - Retail price $58 for 0.50 oz

I am a huge eye cream addict especially ones that say age defying or anti aging. I was able to get 5 uses out of this sample. A little goes a long way, dab gently with your ring finger under your eyes up towards the outer part of your brow. I applied it during both my day and night time skin routines. The concentrated treatment nourishes and smooths under your eyes with omegas 3, 6 and 9, wrinkle smoothing protein peptides and moisturizing hyaluronic acids. It leaves your skin looking younger and feeling revitalized and instantly tight.

Results from their website:

• 100% said the eye area was moisturized and hydrated*
• 88% said this product helped smooth wrinkles around the eye area*
• 97% said the eye area was soothed*
• 88% said the eye area felt nourished and firm*
• 88% said the eye area appeared more luminous*
• 79% said this product was more effective than other anti-aging eye products they have used*

*Results observed in a consumer panel survey after 4 weeks

Nude ProGenius Omega Treatment Milk - Retail price $58 for 1.0 oz

This sample lasted 3 uses for me. Some serums have more of a liquidy consistency but this is a cream serum and I actually prefer this type. A skin-quenching serum packed with omega-rich super foods that promotes smooth, luminous, healthy-looking skin. This lightweight, fast absorbing but intense serum delivers instant hydration and nourishment to thirsty skin and can be used both day and night

Results from their website:

Immediately after use:

• 100% said it quickly absorbs into skin*
• 90.3% said skin feels revitalized*
• 90.3% said skin feels instantly hydrated*
• 83.9% said it helps even skin tone*

After 2 weeks of use:

• 100% said skin feels smoother*
• 83.9% said skin feels hydrated throughout the day*
• 83.9% said skin appears rejuvenated after use*
• 80.6% said skin feels more youthful*

*Results observed in a consumer panel survey on 31 subjects.

Nude Cellular Renewal Moisturizer - Retail price $88 for 1.7 oz

I was able to get 5 uses out of this possibly old sample, I think it may be a discontinued or revamped moisturizer. I could not find it on their website but was able to find their Advanced Renewal Moisturizer. I found this anti aging moisturizer to be hydrating and lightweight but had a not so nice smell to it.

Kirkland Signature Daily Facial Towelettes - Retail price $11.99 for 150 count

Included in this box are 4 - 30 count flip top recloseable lid packs and 2 - 15 count resealable travel packs. I absolutely love these makeup wipes from Costco. I use them every night to remove my makeup although I still pour a little makeup remover on them just to help remove my waterproof mascara with ease. I do not like tugging on my eyes and lashes if I don't have to.

Pamper yourself with an effective and complete skin care solution that offers a deep clean and will not irritate your skin. This mild formula has cucumber, chamomile flower extract and aloe and will remove all traces of makeup, dirt and oil leaving your skin glowing and refreshed, No need to rinse your face afterwards.

GlamGlow SuperMud Clearing Treatment - Retail price $69 for 1.2 oz

I love facial masks but this mask is not one that I would purchase in the future. Not because I didn't like it or that it had a negative effect on my skin but because its main purpose targets, prevents and heals problem skin which benefit my normal skin. This treatment mask helps fight all the common skin concerns including breakouts, discoloration, black and white heads, razor bumps, and in-grown hair. What I did like about it and benefited from was that it draws out dirt and cleans out clogged pores leaving skin soft, smooth, bright and healthy looking. 

MUFE Ultra HD Foundation - Retail price $43 for 1.0 oz

This was a sample from Sephora in Y345 Natural Beige but it was a little too light for my face during the summer months so I had to add some bronzer.  This is my HG foundation at the moment.

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation - Retail price $39 for 1.0 oz

I received samples if this foundation in Sand and Golden. I actually liked the way this foundation looked on me and lasted throughout the day. Although I'm loving the MUFE Ultra HD foundation, this is a very close second for me. As far as the color goes, Golden was a better color match for my skin tone.

Overall, my September empties were a Yay except for the Nude Skin Care moisturizer. I'm not sold on it.

Let's see what I will use in the month of October...........until then....


Stacey <3

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist + beautyblender = The Perfect Couple

Hello Beauties <3

We all love our beauty products and I bet we love them even more when they are multi-functional and serve many different purposes. Who wouldn't want more bang for their hard earned buck!

Pair these two products together and you have a match made in heaven!

Here is the secret beauty tip I discovered between this couple...........

Let's start off with my foundation routine. I apply my MUFE Ultra HD foundation with a Sigma F80 flat kabuki brush and then blend it out with a beautyblender. I do love the finished flawless look, however I do not like having to get up and go to the bathroom to wet the beautyblender. I know what you may be thinking, it's not a big deal, but once I'm sitting at my vanity I like to stay put. (I hope some of you understand the feeling)

Rewind a month.....I attended a Rouge event at Sephora and one of the brand reps I talked to was from Jurlique. The truth is, she came up to me with a free sample of a night cream and introduced herself so I was immediately reeled in -  hook, line and sinker! Free stuff, yes please!

She was giving away a free 3 piece deluxe sized set that included a day cream, face oil and a mask with any Jurlique purchase. Although I love free stuff I try and make sure the products I'm buying makes for a practical purchase. Doesn't always work out that way but one of the products that intrigued me was the Rosewater Balancing Mist because I love the smell of fresh roses. Its not overpowering by any means but you definitely get a quick whiff of roses.

Fast forward to today.....remember earlier when I mentioned about the benefits of having a product that is multi-functional, Not only does this product tone, hydrate and restore your skin, it can also be used with a beautyblender instead of plain boring tap water.

This revelation was gold to me....I no longer have to get up to wet my beautyblender and my skin is reaping the benefits of blending my foundation with rose water instead of tap water. Just give your beautybender a few spritzes and blend away. I also use this Rosewater Balancing Mist after cleansing my face and before my skin care routine for added hydration. Talk about serving multiple purposes...I'm a believer for sure!


Stacey <3