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Happy Birthday/Bloggiversary 2: Electric Boogaloo Giveaway!

November 10, 2010 2:50 pm · Posted by oldergirlbeauty
Worth
Over
$500!!



Guys, I can't believe it is already that time of year again! Another year of trying out new products, going to fashion shows, trade shows, trying new services, meeting great new people - and sharing it all with you!

As a token of my appreciation for sticking around to read my ramblings, I want to give you guys a chance to win a bunch of goodies. This year I really wanted to make a point and share with you some of my go to faves - from the "cheaper than lunch" treat to the decadent "you spent how much?". Here's what I'm giving away:

  • Eight Body Moisture - Ginger Lime: The fresh scent wakes you up and it feels so good going on. I'm just glad my kid doesn't like lotion, or he would have taken this along with my body wash. ($24/ea)
  • Talika Lash Conditioning Cleanser: Hands down my favorite eye makeup remover. So gentle on the eyes & no weird film left afterwards. I wept when I finished my last bottle. No lie. ($24/ea)
  • Mally Beauty Volumizing Waterproof Mascara: I do not like waterproof mascara, except for this one. Seriously. When I got this one I used it for a couple of months before I even realized it *was* waterproof - it just didn't feel like other wp mascaras out there. And it makes my lashes look good, too! You'll get *2* of these, so you can decide to hoard them for yourself or share one with a friend. ($20/ea)
  • Votre Vu Duette: This combo lotion/lip balm is a multi-taskers dream. I may or may not have had words with a TSA agent at the airport when I forgot to check it, since it is a smidge over 3oz. (*Spoiler: I won!) Also, this scent is heavenly. ($39/ea)
  • Mario Badescu Lip Wax: I recently gave my tube up to my friend who had lips like Lisa Rinna used to have due to an allergic reaction. Her situation was dire. I would only willingly give up my tube in emergencies like that. It's that good. ($5/ea)
  • Mario Badescu Flower and Tonic Mask: Sometimes my face just needs a little TLC, so I'll slather this mask on for a little soothing. However, last time I grabbed it, I realized I hadn't closed it properly and it had dried out. I was so devastated I attempted to revive it with tap water. Don't do that. ($18/ea)
  • Mario Badescu Super Rich Olive Body Lotion: In the winter my legs get really dry and itchy. I squeeze some of this on before bed, rub it all in and the itchiness goes away. Heavy duty, but light moisturize. And it absorbs quickly so my sheets don't get all gross. ($10/ea)
  • CoverFX MintGlaze FX: This lip primer works great on lips, but it does amazing things on mosquito bites, too. Seriously. I don't know how, but when I used this on some nasty bites this summer - *bam* - they went away QUICK. No lie. I'm giving away *2* tubes of this, so that you can use one on your lips and one on your bites, since you really don't wanna mix the two, do you? ($22/ea)
  • Three Custom Color Cream to Powder Blush in "Morning After": I love cream blushes now. And I know some of you are afraid to try them because you might be intimidated. This almost neutral shade is a perfect way to ease into it, esp since it dries down to a powdery finish anyway. ($22.50/ea)
  • Orlane Paris Extreme Anti-Wrinkle Regenerating Night Care: Yep, this is expensive and oh so decadent. It also feels good and works really well at soothing my tired skin by absorbing fast & not sitting on top of my skin like so many night creams do. It makes it feel like my has bounced back overnight when I use it. Of course, it better for the price tag, right? And I'm giving you a jar to see for yourself! ($300/ea)

You all know I am nosy, so, this year's contest question(s) is "Have you bought or tried anything that I have written about? If so, what?". I'm really just curious if anything did so I can know if I am alone in my like for something. Anyway, enter your answer, name and email addy in the widget below, please:

I'll run the contest from now until midnight the night of the 16th and will announce the winner next week on my birthday, the 17th! Good luck!

*Disclaimer: All prizes are being provided by PR on my, and their clients, behalf.

Filed under: Giveaway Tagged with: Birthday, mascara, Blush, talika, cleanser, moisturizer, Mario Badescu, Three Custom Color, eight, CoverFX, lip wax, mally beauty, Orlane, Ask & Answer, Votre Vu, bloggiversary
Link to 10 Comments

Mario Badescu gives me a lesson in acne

July 19, 2010 2:31 pm · Posted by oldergirlbeauty

You guys might know that I seemed to be very lucky in my teen years and not have an over abundance of acne issue, and hardly any in my 20s, either. Maybe it was my birth control. or just lucky genetics, but it was even less of problem then. Welp, here I am almost out of my 30's (*Wow, already??) and it's an entirely different thing. It's not so much that I have it all the time, just when I do, it's more centrally located and usually cystic - which is NOTHING i ever dealt with growing up. I still get the random whitehead or so, which is more than I had before, but at least I thought I knew what I was doing with those. But it still seems different. So, I turned to Mario Badescu Skin Care for their thoughts on why my acne now seems so much different than when I was younger.


Why is adult acne different than teen acne?

Acne, regardless of the age at which we are experiencing it, can be frustrating and hard on our self esteem. For those of us suffering with adult acne the frustration is compounded because we feel like the acne that we experience now seems to be different than what we experienced as a teen. For some the methods that helped years ago don’t seem to work or cause irritation now. So is there a difference? Should adults use different products than teens to fight acne?

As it turns out the cause of acne whether in teens or adults is the same. Hormones cause an over secretion of sebum in the skin. This sebum along with dead skin cells and bacteria get caught in a pore to cause a plug which can lead to a deep painful pimple, whitehead, or blackhead.

The difference isn’t what is causing the acne but the skin itself and how it changes as we mature. As we age two things happen. Firstly, pores become larger which can make skin oily. Secondly, the skin becomes less able to retain water. It’s this strange juxtaposition that makes it more difficult to maintain a good moisture balance in adult skin. This is also why using products designed for the very oily skin that acne prone teens are prone to may not be a good solution.

While we may still use some of the same products that a teen would use in your battle against blemishes there are some things to keep in mind when choosing an adult acne regimen:

  • Try a gentler cleanser. Some acne cleansers targeted at teens are formulated to dissolve too much oil for an adult. Try Mario Badescu’s Acne Facial Cleanser, it’s formulated with Hylauronic Acid and Aloe Vera to help prevent moisture loss.
  • Moisturize. Many acne prone teens forgo moisturizer because they are so oily or they are afraid that it will cause further breakouts. For an adult the use anti-acne products without replenishing moisture could lead to dryness and irritation. Choose lightweight formulas that include moisture binding ingredients like Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid or Ceremides. Try Mario Badescu’s Herbal Hydrating Serum.
  • Try products that double task. Use products that contain ingredients that have anti-aging and anti-acne benefits. Ingredients like Glycolic Acid and Alpha Hydroxy Acids gently dissolve the dead skin cells that can lead to breakouts and also cause the complexion to look aged, dull and rough. Try Mario Badescu’s Glycolic Acid Toner.


    • Even now that we are armed with this information it is still important to understand that everyone’s skin is different and your skin care regimen must be created to work for your individual skin type. Not sure how to get started? Fill out our free online skin care analysis to receive a free personalized sample skin care regimen.

    ---

    So, it's case of "it's def me, not you" in this case. I haven't tried any of the rec's, yet, but I am definitely going to look in to them more. Have you guys tried any of these? Or have you even noticed a difference in your acne, if you get any? Lemme know, I'd like to know that I'm not the only one that notices these things.

    Filed under: skincare Tagged with: skincare, Acne, Mario Badescu, cystic acne, questionnaire, Acne Facial Cleanser, Herbal Hydrating Serum, Clycolic Acid Toner, skin care analysis
    Link to 5 Comments

    Happy Birthday/Blogiversary to ME!

    November 10, 2009 8:25 am · Posted by oldergirlbeauty


    OMG - You Can Win *ALL* of THIS!!!

    I love my birthday - like a fish loves water. I used to countdown to my birthday starting 30days prior. I try not to do that outloud any more, as some people seemed to tire of it, like the spoilsports that they are. I also like presents - A LOT. Because I am greedy like that. *shrug* However, this year, in observance of my almost 40th birthday, I have decided to give away a present to one of you - my fun readers. (*except for my fab Int'l readers, of which I know there are many. I'll try and make it up to you in the new year, okay?)

    So, I asked some of my favorite brands if they would help me celebrating my birthday, and coincidentally, my 1st Blogiversary and they agreed. Check out what one lucky reader can win:


    Talika Beauty of Your Eye Kit ($48)

    CoverFX SkinprepFx ($45)

    Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($17)and Super Rich Olive Body Lotion ($10)

    Clinique 3-Step Skin Care System (*sans bag) ($50.50), SuperBalm Moisturizing Gloss (14.00), Blushwear Cream Stick ($18.50), High Impact Mascara ($14.00) and Vitamin C Lip Smoothie ($17.50)

    Kiss Professional Manicure Kit ($9.99)

    Dashing Diva Nail Polishes ($56)


    Holy Crap - That's worth more than $300! Do I love me some great brands, or what?


    So, because it's *MY* birthday, I get to make the rules, sort of. Enter in the box below, one entry per person, randomly picked winner, etc. HOWEVER, I would also like to know what has been your favorite thing that I have written this past year, because I am all nosy like that. :)


    The contest closes at Midnight on the night of the 17th, after I have enjoyed my entire birthday, and I will announce the winner on the 18th. Good luck and thanks for playing in my playground with me. :)

    Filed under: Giveaway Tagged with: Birthday, Giveaway, contest, Clinique, Dashing Diva, talika, Kiss, Mario Badescu, CoverFX, Blogiversary
    Link to 7 Comments

    Chillin' with Mario

    August 24, 2009 8:47 am · Posted by oldergirlbeauty

    I know that I have mentioned the Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs And Rosewater before, but back then I wasn't even keeping in the the fridge. When I switched to storing it there this summer, it definitely amped up the love. The cold refreshing spritz to the face startles the hell out of you at first, then it just feel so good and cooling. And with the "good for you" ingredients in it too, its better than just spraying water in your face.  It's a great wake up spray, too, but I tend to just use it when I come in from outside and need a quick pick-me-up to get thru the heat.

    Another of the ways to cool down, and clean up, is with the Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion.  This astringent is "Sulfur and soothing Cucumber based, acne fighting formula that is non-drying and non-irritating". You are supposed to use this after you have washed your face to get rid of all the extra dirt still there, but I will use this as soon as I come in from being hot and sweaty and just get all of the nasty dirt off of me quick - then I'll wash properly at some point after that.  Even if I do use it after washing at night, cold or not, it just makes my face feel clean - with out being squeaky.  Now, I am not normally an oily girl, but this really does seem to help keep my skin form breaking out, at least from that.

    Oh, and speaking of breaking out, Mario Badescu just launched a new "Acne Resource Center" on their site. It's their central location for acne information, including its causes, how to get rid of it and even get introduced to their "tried and true acne treatment regimens". It's really got a ton of info with even videos of how to use some of the products.

    Filed under: skincare Tagged with: Lotion, cucumber, Mario Badescu, spray
    Link to 0 Comments

    Holy crap, it's hot.

    July 20, 2009 8:18 am · Posted by oldergirlbeauty
    I am not even playing. These triple digit temps here in Oklahoma have been miserable. (*what did I say the other day? 104 should only be the answer to what is 52 + 52.) Granted, while it's a chilly 94 today, I *know* that the triple digits will be back. It's Oklahoma. It's what we do. But, since I have lived here my whole life, I've picked up a few ways to beat the heat at the end of the day. And, while the products may change, the thought remains the same.

    I have an extra fridge out in the garage, and I have a shelf in the door that I keep a bunch of beauty products that feel oh so good when put on cold.
    The things I have in there currently range from toner, to masks, to masque, lotions, sprit and scent:
    In addition I have a couple of other items that doesn't go in the fridge, but are still important for summer use:
    I'll let you know in the next few posts why I like this stuff enough to give it shelf space in the fridge.
    Tagged with: Bath and Body Works, mask, Avon, tinted moisturizer, talika, gel, masque, Mario Badescu, spray, fridge, Rauman, Tammy Fender
    Link to 2 Comments

    The Makeup Show swag

    June 2, 2009 12:34 pm · Posted by oldergirlbeauty

    Okay, let's talk about the goodies first. Goodies are good, right?Now, I didn't get to finish the tour at the blogger preview so I didn't swing some of the things they did (*ahem - OCC Liptar in Grandma or a Luminess Airbrush Tanning System, but I did get to meet Pat McGrath, so there's that. Ha.). Anyway, this is what I walked away from the show with:

    So, there we have it. Not a bad haul of neat new things to try. As I post about the vendors to follow, I will talk about what I've tried and my thoughts on them, too.

    See anything you like? :)

    Tagged with: smashbox, The Makeup Show, Mario Badescu, embryolisse, Three Custom Color, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Face Atelier, Stia, Crown Brush, Giselle Cosmetics, Pencil Me In
    Link to 1 Comment

    Broadway bound....or at least that general area

    May 15, 2009 10:14 pm · Posted by oldergirlbeauty
    Hiya Lovelies!

    I may have mentioned this, but I will again, in case you didn't know - I'm going to NYC this weekend. Heck, as I type this, I am enjoying a beautiful NYC night thru the windows. (Making my 2hr delay on the Dallas runway due to "weather conditions at LGA" even more suspect. *sigh*)

    Annnnyway - I am so excited to be here and to do all of the great things I have lined up. Like, getting my brows done by Eyebrow Specialist Elke Von Freudenberg, a facial at Mario Badescu, a custom bra fitting by Linda the Bra Lady, attending The Makeup Show and getting my makeup done (and checking out the new dolce & gabbana makeup) by a little known artist named Pat McGrath - I am hoping she does a fine job. ;)

    In addition to these things, getting to meet some of the loveliest beauty bloggers out there face to face. I can't wait to put faces with the names and blogs that I enjoy so much.

    I am hoping to take lots of pics & vids and just annoy you guys with well deserved jealousy on your part by posting them for your (and my) enjoyment! And you *know* that I will be posting in almost real time on my twitter account, if you care to be annoyed by me even quicker. I have a feeling I will get a tad overwhelming - just an fyi and apology up front for that.

    I am so excited to be here!
    Tagged with: nyc, The Makeup Show, Pat McGrath, Mario Badescu, Dolce and Gabbana Makeup, Elke Von Fruedenberg, Linda the Bra Lady
    Link to 2 Comments

    "And the wind comes sweeping down the plains..."

    April 2, 2009 12:25 pm · Posted by oldergirlbeauty
    As I type this, we are currently under a Wind Advisory, with winds up to 40-50mph. This comes in the same week as an odd Spring snowstorm and tornado watches, with a few thunderstorms thrown in for good measure. Ahhhh.....Spring in Oklahoma.

    So, it is any wonder than my skin is all "WTF, Mother Nature?"? Yeah, I didn't think so, either. Luckily, I have two things I have been carrying around with me this winter/spring to help my freaked out skin from being all tight/parched/itchy, which just drives me (more) batty. First up is my Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs And Rosewater. This is listed as one of Martha Stewart's Must Have's on their site, and it's no wonder she loves it. It contains all kinds of good for you extracts: Aloe, Bladderwrack (yeah, I had to look it up, too), Herbal, Rose and Gardenia. It smells good and makes my face feel so much better, without being soaking wet. It takes away the dry tight feel I get in this wind and cold.

    My other go to product is my Mario Badescu Lip Wax (SPF 15). It contains Lanolin, Palm Oil,Mineral Oil,Paraffin, Beeswax, Rose Hips Oil, Vitamin E Oil and Black Currant extract. It has a pleasant taste, but the main thing is that it doesn't get all gummy on my lips and in the corners, which always bugs the heck out of me. It also lasts a long time, which with the SPF 15 helps since you never know what the weather is going to be doing around here. Now, I might have mentioned I carry a few lip products in my bag before, and, yes, I have added this to it - well, it's not that I added to the list, it's that this has the #1 spot of being used on the list, which is saying something.
    Tagged with: Mario Badescu, lip wax, facial spray
    Link to 5 Comments

    Ignorance is not always bliss...

    December 15, 2008 8:35 am · Posted by oldergirlbeauty
    So, there was a time when I would get to go to New Orleans on a regular basis (alas, no more). On one of my trips, we found this great little place called Earthsavers that was part beauty/health products and part day spa. (I had one of my best back massages there after driving down to NOLA on year.) Well, this was before I had a clue what I was even looking for in a beauty/health product - not that I am an expert now, by any means. I just knew I liked looking at all the neat products and would get a pimple now and then. So, one of the ladies there suggested that I get some stuff called "Drying Lotion". 

    It looked like calamine lotion and oil in an expensive little bottle, but, she said it would work and I was on vacay - so, of course money gets blown like it just doesn't matter. I took it back with me and put some on that night. And my pimple was inflamed and worse the next morning!  I was all, "uhm, this stuff sucks". But, I said, maybe its the "get worse before it gets better" thing. So, I tried it again the next night. And it wasn't any better. One of the other girls on the trip made out like a bandit when she offered to take this off my hands.

    Fast forward 6 years. I rarely get whitehead pimples and I have learned that I do not react well to salicylic acid in products. Hey, guess what the main ingredient is in Drying Lotion? Yep. So, its not that the product was bad at all, I just didn't know what I needed back then. Luckily, I was able to try some more Mario Badescu products thru their generous customized sample program, and a great local store called The Makeup Bar. 

    After talking to the MUA/SA at the store, we decided that since I mostly only got those damn deep cystic pimples, that just begged to be eff'd with, the sulphur based Buffering Lotion would be great for me. And damn if she wasn't right. This stuff is great and works wonders, if you want my opinion (which I guess you do if you are hanging out here with me, eh?). Seriously, this stuff can make even the most stubborn deep pimples go away without surfacing or even coming too close. I usually start to put it on when I get the hint one is starting and it doesn't even become painful since this stuff works so well and fast.  Yes, this bottle is also $17, but it is lasting me a long time, as I usually put it on with a cotton swab - its too runny to put on with a finger, it goes everywhere. But it works so much better than any OTC stuff you can find out there, to me, that it is worth the extra dollars to save the time and energy to get pissed off that the other stuff isn't working and you end up with a big red hurty deep pimple anyway. This is so worth it to avoid all that to me.
    Tagged with: Acne, pimples, Mario Badescu, nola, Drying lotion, Buffering Lotion, Earthsavers
    Link to 4 Comments