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Achieving Red Carpet Ready Skin using the SKIN INC Get Perfect Kit

February 20, 2015 by Kim S. / blog, Skincare, The Beauty Council / 33 Comments

Getting ready to watch the Oscars this Sunday has me thinking back on recent award shows, did you catch the Grammy’s a few weeks ago? I remember seeing Beyoncé and Gwen Stefani and thinking how beautiful they looked. Or what about Rihanna and Janelle Monae? On Grammy night, they all had one thing in common: flawless skin! I’m going to show you just how I’ve been incorporating the SKIN INC Get Perfect Kit into my routine to achieve flawless, red carpet ready skin just in time for Oscar night.

After a long work week, my skin needs a pick-me-up, which is why I save my at-home facials for the weekends. This weekend’s facial is even more special since Sunday night is Oscar night. While watching the Oscars, I’m going to revive my skin using the SKIN INC Get Perfect Kit. After staying up late watching all of the beautiful women grace the red carpet, my skin is going to need all of the help it can get to look refreshed and glowing in time for Monday morning.

Below is a step-by-step look into how I’ve incorporated SKIN INC and the Get Perfect Kit into my skin care routine.

1. Prep my skin

After cleaning my face, I prep my skin with the SKIN INC Pure Revival Peel. This non-abrasive peel gently removes dullness and dead skin cells. This is a vital step as it prepares the skin to absorb nutrients from the other products included in this kit.

The results from using the Pure Revival Peel are immediately seen after washing off. I even tested the product on the backs of my hands, which are dry and scaly, and noticed the dryness was gone, and my skin in the area was smoother.

2. Nourish my skin

Next, I apply 2-3 drops of the SKIN INC Custom-Blended Anti-Aging Serum to nourish my skin, which features some of my favorite ingredients in skincare products, like hydrating hyaluronic acid, as well as the skin repair boosting ingredient, CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10). The serum also includes Marine-Collagen to help the skin become suppler. Once applied to the skin, these tiny blue, green, and yellow caviar-like capsules that are infused with active ingredients (SKIN INC’s patented encapsulation technology) are released.

After applying the Custom-Blended Anti-Aging Serum, I noticed it absorbed quickly, and my skin did feel hydrated afterwards.

3. Seal

Finally, I apply the SKIN INC Pure Deepsea Mask to seal in the nutrients from the other products I applied during my SKIN INC at-home facial session. This mask contains nutrient-rich Okinawa deepsea water, soya bean extracts, and hyaluronic acid, promising to moisturize, clarify, and brighten the complexion.

Have you ever used a mask that you sleep in? Neither have I, but, there’s a first time for everything, right? That’s exactly what I do with the Pure Deepsea Mask – sleep in it. My skin in the morning looks brighter, clearer, and is hydrated.

The Pure Deepsea Mask reminds me of a gel, however, it is light, non-sticky, and doesn’t pill up or leave residue. It applies smoothly, and evenly, too.

After using the SKIN INC Get Perfect Kit, I wake up with flawless, red carpet ready skin just like the stars gracing the red carpet of the Oscars. Plus, my makeup applies effortlessly, too. And the best part about using the SKIN INC products was that it didn’t take a lot of time to achieve good results.

If you’re in the market for Japanese skincare products that are pure (no added fragrance, parabens), and suitable for all skin types, even those with sensitive skin, I suggest checking out SKIN INC products.

The SKIN INC Get Perfect Kit ($65) along with other SKIN INC party-ready specials can be found at http://www.iloveskininc.com/.

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Monat Global Rejuveniqe Oil Intensive Review

February 19, 2015 by Kim S. / blog, Reviews, Skincare / 13 Comments

PR SAMPLE

Today, I’m reviewing the Monat Global Rejuveniqe Oil Intensive that I received from the iFabbo online shop.

Monat Global Rejuveniqe Oil Intensive is a multi-tasking oil that can be used on your hair, skin, and nails. Winter, I believe is the perfect time to test out products such as this one since it allows me to see whether or not the product, in this case, the Monat Global Rejuveniqe Oil Intensive, truly remedied my problems.

This winter has already been pretty harsh on my hair, skin, and nails causing them to become dry and brittle. My hair was pretty much lifeless, and my cuticles were dry and cracking. Plus, when it’s colder out, I tend to turn up the heat in my house and increase the water temperatures while showering, which can dry out your skin. Thanks to the unique property of the Monat Global Rejuveniqe Oil Intensive, which mimics the body’s natural oils, my hair, skin, and nails were revived.

The Monat Global Rejuveniqe Oil Intensive contains a blend of 11 oils, 1 of which is the main ingredient: Abyssinian oil. Abyssinian oil is a rare oil that is derived from the crambe abyssinica plant that’s native to central Africa.

Does it have a scent?

The Monat Rejuveniqe Oil Intensive does smell of citrus due to the lemon peel, lime, and bergamot. It’s very light, and doesn’t last at all. If you’re sensitive to fragrances, I don’t think the scent is strong enough to bother you much.

How I used the Monat Global Rejuveniqe Oil Intensive

Hair

I added the Monat Global Rejuveniqe Oil Intensive to my scalp every other day. Also, the oil was applied to my hair while I conditioned my hair. It was then rinsed out along with the conditioner, which then revealed softer, manageable hair.

Cuticle Oil

As I mentioned previously, this oil has helped tremendously in keeping my cuticles and nails hydrated. It only takes a small amount, too!

Skin

I didn’t use the Monat Global Rejuvinqe Oil Intensive on my face; however, I did apply it to my hands, feet, elbows and knees. The results were good. My skin in those areas were hydrated without feeling oily.

Overall, the Monat Global Rejuviniqe Oil Intensive has been a good addition to my hair and skincare routine. However, at $99 per 1 oz., I do believe I can achieve the same or similar results with a product that costs less. But, if you have the money to splurge and want to treat yourself to a luxury, multi-tasking oil then check it out.

The Monat Global Rejuvinqe Oil and other Monat products can be purchased at Monat.

Ingredients: Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Adansonia Digitata Oil, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Gardenia Tahitensis Flower Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Caryocar Brasiliense Fruit Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil.

Black|Up Cosmetics Mono Eyeshadow and Waterproof Smoky Kohl Pencil Review

February 18, 2015 by Kim S. / Beauty, blog, Makeup Looks, Product Swatches / 28 Comments

PR SAMPLE

Can I just say how much I love Black|Up Cosmetics? Seriously, their products are high-end, perform well, colorful, fun, and pigmented. Their products are a makeup artist or enthusiasts dream. Just imagine how I felt when I received the reformulated Black|Up Mono Eyeshadow and Waterproof Smoky Kohl Pencil to try out – ecstatic! Keep reading to read my thoughts and to see the fun look I created using them.

Black|Up Cosmetics describes their mono eyeshadow as…

“Ultra-pigmented formulas in pure and intense colours for a perfectly even and incomparable make-up result!”

The Black|Up Cosmetics Mono Eyeshadow is currently available in 15 shades, 10 of which are metallic, and 5 of them are matte. For review, I received two of the matte shades: OAP02M (orange) and OAP11M (vibrant blue).

You’re probably wondering how well the Black|Up Cosmetics Mono Eyeshadows perform, right?

Well, I was impressed by how pigmented the Black|Up Cosmetics Mono Eyeshadows are. It took very little work, and no [white] base was needed in order to make the colors pop; however, I did use a primer to secure its staying power. And surprisingly, on my complexion, the colors showed true to color, which is sometimes hard to pull off, especially without using a white or light base. Both shades blended with ease.

The matte orange Black|Up Cosmetics Mono eyeshadow was my favorite of the two, as orange anything complements brown skin well. The blue was also pretty, and for me, a bit much for everyday use, but, I would definitely pull it out for a party or girls night out.

Next, we have the Black|Up Cosmetics Waterproof Smoky Kohl Pencil. These pencils work double duty having the ability to work both as an eyeshadow and eye pencil. I received the Black|Up Waterproof Smoky Kohl Pencil in KS03, which is a beautiful, pearlescent, vibrant blue.

The Black|Up Cosmetics Waterproof Smoky Kohl Pencil glided on smoothly. It stayed in place throughout the time I wore it, and like the eyeshadows, they, too are packed with color.

To create this look, I did the following:

Blend the Black|Up Cosmetics Mono Eyeshadow OAP02M (orange) into and above the crease
Apply the Black|Up Cosmetics Mono Eyeshdaow OAP11M (vibrant blue) to the lid and blend upwards
Using a pencil brush, apply a dark brown eyeshadow to the crease, and blend. *I used the brown from the Black|Up Cosmetics 5 Colour Eyeshadow Palette*
Line lower lash line with the Black|Up Cosmetics Waterproof Smoky Kohl Pencil.
Apply mascara or falsies.

On my face, just in case you’re wondering, I used the Black|Up Cosmetics Contour Stick, sublime powder, and blush. I LOVE their sublime powder. Oh, and on my lips I have on their orange matte lipstick that I reviewed last summer.

The Black|Up Cosmetics Mono Eyeshadow can be purchased at http://www.blackupcosmetics.com for $20.50/0.07 oz. The Black|Up Waterproof Smoky Kohl Pencil is available in 10 vibrant shades for $18.50/ 0.04 oz.

What do you think about the Black|Up Cosmetics Mono Eyeshadow and Waterproof Smoky Kohl Pencil?

Emerald Green Smoky Eye using Black|Up Cosmetics

February 12, 2015 by Kim S. / Beauty, blog, Reviews, The Beauty Council / 41 Comments

PR SAMPLE

Lately, I’ve been playing in a lot of makeup – creating fun looks. Just take a look at my Instagram feed as proof. Most of the products I’ve been loving these days are from Black|Up Cosmetics. I’ve mentioned them here previously when I reviewed their beautiful orange matte lipstick. This time around, I’m going to show you the Black|Up Cosmetics products I used to create this Emerald Green Smoky Eye.

I’m an eye shadow first girl, which means prior to applying my foundation I apply my eye shadow. Applying my eye shadow first prevent me from having to redo or touch-up my under eye products like concealer and powder, which can get annoying.

To create this Emerald Green Smoky Eye, I used three shades from the Black|Up Cosmetics Eye shadow Palette in PAL03. This palette features five eye shadows in four different textures: matte, satin, metallic, and sparkling.

First, using a blending brush, I applied the dark brown matte shade to my crease.

Second, I applied the emerald green eye shadow to my lid, and blended it up to the crease.

Lastly, I used the camel-colored matte eye shadow to blend out the emerald green and dark brown eye shadows.

Now that my eye shadow has been applied, I can now focus on my skin!

To cover up my dark circles and any blemishes I have, I used the pigment packed Black|Up Cosmetics Concealer Magic Quad in CR02, which worked well at hiding.

After that, I used the new Black|Up Cosmetics Contouring Stick in shade 03. The lighter shade makes for the perfect all-over foundation for my complexion, while the darker shade adds a slightly warm contour.

The Black|Up Cosmetics Complexion Enhancer adds a beautiful glow. I added it to my high points, like my cheekbones, and cupids bow. You can also mix it in with their CC Cream or liquid foundation, and even use it solo.

I then added some blush to the apples of my cheeks, and then I blotted out the shine in my t-zone using the Black|Up Cosmetics Two-way cake.

To complete the look, since I couldn’t decide on which Black|Up Cosmetics lipstick to use because I loved both of the matte lipsticks I received, I chose to use both: RGE38 and RGE32.

For my Valentine’s Day date night, help me decide which lip color I should wear, RGE38 or RGE32.

Beauty Deal!

Black| Up is offering our readers 20% off their products from 2/12 until 2/28 using the code: LOVE15 http://www.blackupcosmetics.com/

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