I just wanted to let you know about a giveaway that is being held by Japonesque on their Facebook and Twitter pages. Please note that this sweepstakes is not being run by me nor do I have a say in who wins. I am just informing my readers about an awesome giveaway just in time for the warm weather!

Find them online:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JAPONESQUE.createbeauty
Twitter: http://twitter.com/JAPONESQUE

Good luck to all who enter!

Cherry Kisses,

Cherry Bomb

The kit includes:

• An eye shadow palette
• Two duo lip stick & gloss
• A blush & bronze palette
• Two line & shade sticks
• A skin illuminizer

The eye shadow palette features 6 shades:  a powder/pale blue, a dark navy blue, a dark brown, a dark, but bright green, an orange, and a soft off-white. I sort of have a love/dislike relationship with this palette. The colors are rather unique, which is nice. I love the packaging it comes in, I love that the shadows feel really soft when I swatch them, and I love that they blend really really well. So what do I dislike? The color payoff. I had high hopes for these shadows; I thought the pigmentation would be great. Needless to say, when I apply them I have to really pack on the color and even then I’m not completely satisfied.

The duo lip stick & gloss is such a unique design. I actually don’t think I’ve seen this design before. I love how one end is actually a full tube of lipstick as oppose to a “liquid lipstick” that dries to look and feel like lipstick. The packaging is awesome because it is totally see-through and there’s a tiny mirror so that you can ensure your pout looks amazing! Did I mention the incredible aroma?! Oh man these lip stick & gloss duos smell yummy enough to eat! The colors are called “Velvet Brownie” and “Raspberry Sugar” so I’m sure you can only imagine how delish they smell! The lipsticks go on really smooth and are creamy. They look great on their own, but why not jazz up your look a bit by adding some gloss?! That’s what I initially thought, but I seem to have a difficult time getting the gloss out of the tube. It also seems like there isn’t enough product or it’s too dry. Either way, I was a bit saddened by the gloss. The lipstick is waterproof and smudge-proof, while the gloss is super-long wearing.

The blush & bronze palette comes with two blushers (a rosy pink and an orangey tan) and a bronzer. Don’t be intimidated by the colors of the blush! You can easily control the intensity of the colors by only applying a little bit of the blush on your brush and then going back for more if you need it. You can also tap your brush to help any excess fall off. These colors are great because you can wear them alone, or pair them to create your own color! I don’t use bronzer because I don’t think it looks right on me. Heck, maybe I just don’t apply it right?! But I did swatch it a couple of times and it looks and feels really nice; same quality as the blush. The packaging on this is identical to the eye shadow palette except of course it only contains 3 items and doesn’t contain shadows.  Both packages contain a giant mirror on the underside of the cover which is extremely helpful if you like to use compact mirrors to apply your makeup. If you carry these palettes in your purse you can definitely ditch your compact mirror since these palettes are two in one!

The line & shade sticks are another genius creation! The packaging is amazing because you have a thick and a thin version of Skinn’s Luxe Waterproof eyeliners. They really do make the perfect liner duo! I am obsessed with these liners and cannot say enough good things about them! I used the black grey liner every day after receiving this product so I ran out really quick. I will definitely have to buy more! I love how the liner glides on effortlessly and it stays in place! The liner contains shea butter, peptides, wild yam root, and grape seed extract…all things that are good for you! I also adore the fact that both ends are self-sharpening because I hate having to sharpen eyeliners! The colors in the collection are “Black Grey” and “Blue Midnight”. The only problem with these liners is that I have a hard time getting the cap off of the thin side, the cap pops right off of the thick side. Either way it’s not a deal breaker for me.

The skin illuminizer is meant to create a natural radiance that does not look fake or accentuate any fine lines. Although it is intended to compliment all skin tones, the color was just too dark for me. The illuminizer contains jojoba and Vitamin E so it will help to smooth and condition your skin. The product felt really nice on my skin and not greasy at all which is a huge plus! I also love the packaging because it comes in a see-through bottle with a pump!

All in all this is a decent collection. Some things didn’t work for me while others truly impressed me. I would have loved to have seen some mascara in here instead of the illuminizer or even as the 8^th item in the collection. I actually can’t believe there isn’t one, what girl doesn’t use mascara to complete her look?! With that being said, the Skinn Cosmetic’s Color Affair Soiree Collection retails for $68 and can be purchased online by going to www.shopnbc.com. The site also offers 2 value pays of $34 and the shipping and handling is only $5. You can’t beat the price for this many items from a high-quality brand. That’s less than $10 per product!

The bottom line: I think the collection is worth checking out, but I personally wouldn’t buy the entire collection myself. I would, however, purchase the eyeliner again! Have you purchased this collection? If so, please leave a comment with your thoughts. If you haven’t purchased the collection do you think you will?

*FTC Disclaimer* This product was given to me, free, for review. I am not affiliated with this company nor am I receiving any compensation for my review. Everything posted here is my honest opinion.

What it is: A fast-acting, line-reducing, age-reversing, eye-lifting serum…all in a bottle!

Why I love it: The consistency is amazing…not too thick, but not too thin. It doesn’t feel like lotion at all which I love. The Eye Stem Rejen feels like it belongs on a delicate area like the eye. Although I don’t have dark circles or wrinkles I can see a difference in my skin after applying the serum; it looks a bit brighter and more awake. Needless to say I would definitely purchase this for myself and for family members!

Packaging: The packaging is genius. The serum comes in a nice, sleek bottle that has a pump. Pumps to me are crucial and can be the determining factor as to whether or not I will purchase the item again. The pump on this bottle works great because it allows me to control how much product comes out. I also love that the bottle is see-through so that I know how much product is left.

How it works: Simply pump out the smallest amount of product, a little goes a long way. It is always better to use too little since you can always add more product. Get a dab of the serum on your ring finger and gently dab (or massage) into the skin around your eye and even on your eyelid. Always use your ring finger when applying product under your eye since the skin is so delicate and your ring finger isn’t as heavy as your other fingers.

Bottom line: I can’t say that Eye Stem Rejen has cured me of my wrinkles because I don’t have any…yet. What I can say is that it feels great on my skin and does not leave behind a greasy residue. Nor does my skin feel irritated after use. I gave my mom and stepmom (both in their 40s) a sample and they were in love with this stuff! The only problem they had is that they ran out! For $48 you will get a 0.5oz bottle. Although it may seem pricey it will last a long time and it is well worth it. You can purchase Eye Stem Rejen online on the Skin Cosmetics’ website.

Have you tried Skinn Cosmetics’ Eye Stem Rejen? If so, please leave a comment below telling me what you think about it!

*FTC Disclaimer* This product was given to me, free, for review. I am not affiliated with this company nor am I receiving any compensation for my review. Everything posted here is my honest opinion.

• Olivia Garden ThermoActive Ionic Boar Combo Brushes – The first completely vented 100% natural boar bristle ionic thermal round brush made with patented technologies. The brush makes for easier and better styling with total hair tension control. It also allows for unrestricted airflow which enables both sides of a hair strand to be shaped simultaneously. Olivia Garden’s ThermoActive Ionic Boar Combo brushes are available in five sizes: 1¾” (SRP: $18.25), 2¼” ($18.25), 2½” ($21.55), 3” ($21.55) and 3½” ($23.25).  Available at Ulta stores nationwide and Ulta.com.

• Bath By Bettijo Tub Teas – These tub teas will transform an ordinary bathtub into an herbal oasis. Choose from soothing lavender chamomile or relaxing eucalyptus spearmint (each come with a tea infuser). Bath by Bettijo’s Tub Teas can also be used for at-home facial steams. Good for 30 soaks. SRP: $24 each at bathbybettijo.com

• Exceptional Parfums Limited Edition Scented Candles – Make your house smell yummy with seasonal scents of vanilla, apple, and ginger with delicious-scented limited edition candles from Exceptional Parfums. The candles are available in four luscious scents: Apple Wood, Fresh Linen, Orange Ginger, and Vanilla Sensual. All candles are available in a 6 ounce tapered glass or 8.8 ounce tapered glass. SRP: $35, but FragranceNet.com sells them for $20.50 each for 6oz and SRP: $48, but FragranceNet.com sells them for $24.50 each for 8.8oz.

• Clever Girl Innovations GlamEars and GlamMat – These are the perfect gifts for the ladies on your list! GlamEars are re-usable, easy to put on and remove silicone ear shields that will protect ears from hot styling tools, hair dye, and other harsh chemicals. GlamEars have a suggested retail price of $11.95 (for a set of two) and are available in pink and purple. GlamMat is a non-slip, heat-resistant silicone hot styling tool rest. They feature a specially-designed backing that safely disperses heat away from any surface the GlamMat is placed on. The raised, decorative pattern grips hot styling tools, as well as shears, color bowls, and other beauty items. The pattern helps to prevent damage from burns, drops, and spills.  Available in three colors: opaque pink, opaque purple, crystal clear and black.  GlamMats have a suggested retail price of $21.95. You can buy both online at clevergirlinnovations.com

• Cranberry Sparkle Flutter Butter Body Butter – This is a must have for the winter! This cranberry-scented scrub removes imperfections and soothes the skin. The infusion of aloe with essential oils of apricot, sunflowers almond, jojoba, and grape seed make this body butter perfect for all skin types. It has intense moisturizing ability and soothes chronically dry, irritated areas, leaving skin feeling rich and smooth.  It’s the perfect gift for everyone, including yourself! SRP: $19.55 available at www.craterlakecompany.com.

• Coco Penny Hair Accessories – Show off your girly side with Coco Penny’s felt, chiffon, and jersey knit hair flowers. Each hair flower is backed by an alligator clip which makes it easy to clip into your hair. The hair flowers are available in an array of colors including pink, teal, purple, yellow, gray, orange, red, and blue. The large clips have a suggested retail price of $5.50, medium clips $4.50, and small clips $3.50.  Flower sets are also available in sets of three or four; prices vary between $11.50 and $14.50 depending on the set.  All available at cocopenny.com.

• Japonesque Touch-Up Tubes – Each touch-up tube includes 5 essential brushes in a sleek and compact case that easily fits into any bag.  Choose from Silver, Black, Pink, Green, Red, Blue, and Lavender. These are the perfect stocking stuffers!  SRP: $19 each at Ulta.com and Ulta stores.

I hope this list is useful for you. If you do purchase something from the list this please leave a comment below as I’d love to hear what you got! Happy Holidays and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Just a few weeks ago, Gemvara.com launched The Naked Gems Collection, a sexy, stylish assortment of bold, statement-making earrings, pendants, and rings. This collection can also be customized with 26 gems and 8 precious metals. Prices start around $250 and go up to thousands of dollars depending on the gem and metal combination you choose. The Naked Gems Collection was designed by Corinne Grousbeck, VP, Brand Marketing for Gemvara.com and wife of Celtics co-owner, Wyc Grousbeck.

Each order takes approximately 2-3 weeks for creation and shipment. For more information, please check out www.Gemvara.com

BombayFashions.com is a premier online one-stop destination for affordable fashion jewelry and accessories. Recently introduced to BombayFashions.com is the Bella Collection which features a large selection of statement necklaces, earrings, and bangles. The average price of each product is $20!

TWO lucky winners can choose from any ONE item from BombayFashions.com’s recently introduced BELLA COLLECTION. You may choose from the following: bracelets, bangles, cuffs, necklaces or earrings. Please note: the images in this post are not the only items available for the giveaway.

The contest rules are as follows (ALL rules MUST be followed in order for your entry to count):

1. You must reside in the United States.
2. You must answer the following question in the comments below: What is your all time favorite piece of jewelry?

The contest will run for one week and will end on Wednesday, November 23 at 11:59pm EST. Winners will be chosen using random.org. Only one entry per person. Multiple entries will not be included, but please feel free to leave other comments as well! The two winners must be willing to email me their mailing address so that your gift may be shipped to you!

*FTC Disclaimer* This giveaway is being sponsored by BombayFashions.com. I am not affiliated with this company nor am I receiving any compensation or products for this giveaway.

Now: Due to the constant overuse of the term “minerals” in the cosmetic industry, EMANI (formerly Emani Minerals) has decided that they are dropping the word “minerals” from their brand name. This comes thirteen years after they led the mineral makeup movement.

Since there are no regulations for the definition of mineral makeup, countless companies use the words “mineral” and “mineralized” as an advertising ploy. Over 169 million women in North America wear “mineral” makeup, many of which aren’t aware of the real ingredients that they are applying to their face daily.

Here are some of the ingredients that EMANI uses in their products versus what other companies use (EMANI ingredients are listed in bold):

• Grapefruit extract vs. Isopropyl and Triclosan
• Green Tea vs. Petrolatum
• Honeysuckle vs. Talc, Paraben or Nitrosodiethanolamine
• 100% Organic Flower Oils vs. Mineral oil and butylated hydroxytoluene

Talc is often found in cosmetics (eye shadows, blush, face powders, etc.) because it is very inexpensive which often times makes it the number one ingredient in most cosmetic products. Why is talc bad for you? It has been shown to cause tumors in the ovaries and lungs of cancer victims. If we know this, why is talc still being used in so many cosmetics?

Since the average woman uses over 12 products a day she is then exposed to over 200 chemicals! EMANI has chosen to use the FEWEST ingredients possible in each product they create. This makes EMANI the perfect choice for someone prone to allergies, has sensitive skin, and/or wants to slow down the aging process. EMANI’s eye shadow uses only 9 pure, natural ingredients while other leading brands use an average of 26 questionable ingredients in their eye shadows alone.

Michelle Doan, EMANI founder, lifetime entrepreneur, and mother, refuses to compromise her company’s integrity by using harsh chemicals and fillers in her products. Therefore, EMANI formulates their entire line of vegan and natural cosmetics to be high-performing all while reducing skin allergy risks. Not only has EMANI been successful in removing dangerous pollutants from their cosmetics, they are constantly improving business practices in order to help the environment by minimizing their carbon footprint and potential waste in landfills. To ensure this, EMANI uses both biodegradable and recyclable product packaging materials.

Being green, natural, and vegan doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice being sexy and glamorous. EMANI is known for having a line of show-stopping cosmetics that range from flawless-skin foundations to runway-ready eye, lip, and cheek colors. If you want to look and feel gorgeous while being socially and environmentally conscious, then EMANI is the right brand for you!

For more information about EMANI, please go to their website www.emani.com. You can purchase their products on their website, at Boston Beauty, and other fine international beauty retailers.

**Thank you to CLD PR for providing me with the information and the images.**

Curel Itch Defense Lotion

First, here are some important things you should know about Curél® Itch Defense® Lotion (this information has been provided to me):

1.      1.  The breakthrough formula rebalances four essential components of healthy skin which includes the following:

·         Ceramides: Restores skin’s barrier function and regulates skin’s ability to hold moisture

·         pH Levels: Brings pH to a healthy level to bring skin back into balance

·         Moisture Levels: Contains humectants to boost moisturization and emollients to leave skin feeling protected

·         Cellular Turnover: Minimizes dry, flaky skin and smoothes skin surface balancing the dry skin cycle

2.      2.  Used to relieve dry, itchy skin. It helps to control flare ups and helps to keep irritation from coming back by rebalancing the skin.

3.      3.  It has passed 8 different safety tests. It is dermatologist-recommended, pediatrician-tested, and allergist-tested. It has been granted the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance™.

4.      4.  Is safe enough to use on babies 6 months and older.

Less is definitely more when it comes to this lotion. The first time I used it I had so much lotion on my body that when I got into bed my sheets started to absorb the lotion. This had absolutely nothing to do with the lotion itself, I just used way too much. Luckily, the lotion didn’t alter the color of my sheets or leave any stains behind.

Every time I use this lotion I am amazed at how it works. My hands had gotten dry to the point where I could see my skin starting to flake. I applied Curél’s® Itch Defense® Lotion and instantly felt the relief. How the lotion feels when it is first applied is a bit hard to describe – originally I thought it felt thick and that it was going to be greasy, but the more I rubbed my hands together I started to realize that it’s quite lightweight and very moisturizing. My skin absorbs the lotion and there is no greasy film or stickiness left behind. Only soft, smooth hands. I can’t stop rubbing my hands together because they feel so soft! I also don’t have to wait for my hands to dry before touching anything which is a huge plus! Although scented lotions can be fun, I am glad that this one is fragrance-free. I’d rather use a lotion that does what it says it will than one that smells yummy and under performs.

I think Curél® Itch Defense® Lotion works like a charm. I don’t suffer from eczema or overly dry, itchy skin, but my skin is quite sensitive and it tends to go out of whack when the seasons change. This will definitely be my go to lotion for the winter! This lotion isn’t something that you use once and you are automatically cured of your skin dilemma, but I can see how it can fix your skin after continued use.

For $7.99 you get 13fl oz of lotion and I think it is worth every penny! I definitely recommend this product to anyone who suffers from dry, irritated skin regardless of what causes it. Click here to find where to buy Curel® Itch Defense ® lotion and other products by Curel®.

I hope that my review has helped you in your decision to buying lotion. If you have used this product please leave a comment below as I would like to know what you think about this product.

*FTC Disclaimer* This product was given to me, free, for review. I am not affiliated with this company nor am I receiving any compensation for my review. Everything posted here is my honest opinion.

The video I am sharing with you combines two methods: soap and olive oil. The soap deep cleans while the olive oil conditions the bristles so that they don’t dry out! Such an amazing idea and the best part is that it works! I tried this method last week and I must say I actually enjoyed washing my brushes.

The video is by Michelle Phan, who is very well known on YouTube. I hope you enjoy this video and I hope you will try this awesome technique.

Just click on the link to watch the video: Squeaky Clean Brushes!

Also, if you are looking for awesome brushes that won’t break the bank you should go here. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

What method of washing brushes works best for you? If you’ve tried the soap/olive oil method, do you like it? Comment below, I’d love to get your in

The winners are:

1. Jenniffer
2. Charissa
3. Kristy
4. Amanda

Congratulations ladies!! Please email me with your name and shipping information so that I may get your lotion out to you. You have 24 hours to send me an email or else you will forfeit your prize.

Thanks again to everyone who entered! I will be hosting another giveaway soon, but in the mean time I hope you continue to enjoy my blog.