Bobbi Brown Introduces Pretty Powerful Tuesdays Tweetstakes!

The Bobbi Brown team has announced an exciting new campaign, Pretty Powerful Tuesdays. Starting tomorrow, January 26, and going on every Tuesday until March 30, between 12:01 AM and 11:59 PM, tweet to @AskBobbiBrown and tell them why Bobbi Brown Cosmetics makes you feel "pretty powerful." Your tweet serves as an entry in to the "tweetstakes," and gives you a chance to win a variety of Bobbi Brown products. For your entry to count, you must use the hashtag #prettypowerful at the end of your tweet. Every week four winners will be chosen at random to receive some Bobbi Brown goodies (prize packs are valued at $130). All tweets and retweets must be made during the aforementioned time slot to be entered into the contest.

Each winner will receive a Direct Message from the Bobbi Brown Twitter account. There is no limit to the number of tweets and retweets an individual can submit, but each person is only eligible to win a prize once.

The tweetstakes is only open to residents of the US, and each individual must be at least 18 years old. See here for more information on the Pretty Powerful Tweetstakes.

Good luck and have fun!

Urban Decay Eyelash Primer Potion Takes Your Lashes To New Heights!

I've never been one to use an eyelash primer. I'm generally of the mindset that if my mascara cannot help me achieve the desired effect (namely, longer, more voluminous lashes), then I might need to look to a new one. Recently, however, while browsing Sephora with a friend, I decided that I would give a primer a go. I opted for Urban Decay's Eyelash Primer Potion ($20). As I am quite the UD devotee (their Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a fave!), I thought this would be a safe bet. I had also been hearing very good reviews about this product from others and I wanted to test it out to form my own opinion.

The product is meant to be applied prior to mascara (hence, primer). It applies to the lashes with a white hue, the formula of which is neither too liquidy nor too thick. The one thing I noticed almost immediately when I coated my lashes was the added length that it gave to them. It was amazing! I apply it as I do my mascara, lifting from the base of my lashes and extending outwards, and the results are fantastic. I do notice an increase in the volume of my lashes as well. The one thing I will say (and this might be the case with other - or all - primers as well), is that after applying the primer to my lashes (and letting the product set for a few seconds), I find that the mascara wand tends to stick a bit to my prepped lashes and it makes it a little bit more difficult to put on the mascara. This effect, however, is not enough to deter me from using this primer every day that I wear mascara, ever since I purchased this product a few weeks ago. The primer's wand isn't anything unusual; all of its bristles are of the same length.

I would recommend whole-heartedly checking out the Eyelash Primer Potion. I love the effect that it provides, fuller, longer-looking lashes even before the application of mascara. Urban Decay boasts a paraben-free, protein-rich formula that "conditions, fortifies, and thickens" with Silk Protein, Panthenol, and Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein.

This product is available for purchase at Sephora stores, online at www.sephora.com, Ulta stores and www.ulta.com, www.urbandecay.com, as well as other locations at which Urban Decay products are sold.

NB: I purchased this product myself.

Tragedy In Haiti, Your Help Is Needed

*Photo source is www.cnn.com

I wanted to take some time to call your attention to the recent tragedy that has befallen the nation of Haiti. As I'm sure you are all aware, on January 10, Haiti was hit by an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter Scale (the largest earthquake the country has seen in 220 years). As a result, the capital city, Port-Au-Prince, has been left in shambles. Buildings across the city have collapsed. The death toll as of now may be in the 100's of 1,000's. There are still many who have yet to be accounted for, buried beneath collapsed infrastructure. Most of the hospitals have been left in ruins, and many lines of communication out of Haiti have been shut down.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Those who have survived have been left with nothing - no food, shelter, clothing, or even drinkable water or fuel supplies.

There have been a number of fundraising efforts underway, most notably from the Red Cross (both internationally and from the neighboring Dominican Republic) as well as singer Wyclef Jean's appeal to text in donations.

Though you may feel far removed from the tragedy in Haiti, I beseech you all to help out the cause. You can make a difference. Any and all donations made to help out the relief efforts are appreciated and necessary. There are a number of organizations that have joined forces to help. Please donate what you can to help the people of Haiti. There are thousands of brothers, sisters, friends, daughters, sons, parents, and grandparents who need you. The number of children who have been left orphaned is staggering.

Here are some ways you can be involved. The following are just a few of the organizations accepting donations:

Giving Children Hope - www.gchope.org

Doctors Without Borders - www.doctorswithoutborders.org

American Red Cross - www.redcross.org, phone (800) 257-7575, or text "HAITI" to 90999 to make a $10 donation

YELE Haiti Earthquake Fund - www.yele.org or text "YELE" to 501501 to donate $5 via cell phone

Of course, there are many other groups that are involved in relief efforts. Please be cognizant of frauds! There are always inividuals who use tragedy to take advantage of others at a time of need. Be sure that your donations go to recognized agencies.

Thank you all for listening.

xoxo The Beauty Chick

CARGO's Spring 2010 Collection Will Make You Blush!

Although I generally don't write consecutive posts on the same brand, CARGO's Spring 2010 collection has completely caught my eye! It boasts four vivid hues of blush, one repromote and three new shades. Don't be scared off by the bright colors. While certainly bold, these cheek colors promise to provide wearable tints that can be worn by all of us regardless of skin tone. I'm digging the product names, too! During this bout of cold weather, I like to let my mind wander off with thoughts of warmer climes.

The Blushes ($24 each):

Amalfi - shimmering hot pink (NEW)

Cannes - soft peach (NEW)

Key Largo - tropical punch (NEW)

Laguna - tropical melon (repromote)

Makeup guru Sam Fine has cited Laguna as one of his favorite blushes. He has used the color on many of his celebrity clients, including Tyra Banks, Vanessa Williams, and Iman.

All of the blusher shades are so Spring-appropriate. I, for one, tend to opt for brighter pops of color on my cheeks as the weather starts to warm up. Each can be worn intensely or sheer, depending on how light your hand is when applying the color and on what type of brush you employ.

CARGO's formula is also incredibly silky and smooth to the touch (I can speak from experience with their other blushes!) The powders also blend nicely and are long-lasting.

Amalfi

Cannes

Key Largo

These blushes will be available in the Spring at CVS, Beauty 360, Ulta, and other independent beauty boutiques.

I can't wait to check them out! Have you used CARGO blushes before?

NB: I reported yesterday that CARGO will no longer be available at Sephora locations in the U.S. as well as on their U.S. website. I wanted to provide you with a list of retailers that will continue to carry the brand.

Within the U.S.:

Sephora stores within JC Penny

Ulta

Beauty 360


Internationally:

Sephora (Europe)

Murale (Canada)

Boots (UK)

Beauty Bargain: All CARGO Is 50% Off At Sephora!!

So there is some good news and some bad news to report. The good news is that right now the entire CARGO cosmetics range is 50% off at Sephora stores and online at www.sephora.com! I have already been to a few of the Sephora locations near my home, and the CARGO displays are beginning to look pretty picked clean. I was able to snatch up a blush in Tonga ($12) and the Water-Resistant bronzer ($14). Lucky for me, they were the last ones of each! I might go back to see what else I can get my hands on. The brand boasts some real winners!

And now for the bad news. Does a discount of 50% sound too good to be true? Well, dear friends, this blow-out sale is taking place because Sephora will no longer be carrying the CARGO line. It's disappointing, for sure, but you will still be able to purchase their products at other retailers such as Ulta and Beauty.com so all is not lost!

I hope you can all take advantage of this sale! Run, don't walk, to your local Sephora to check out the goods!

Are their certain CARGO products you love? Ones you dislike? Tell me about them!

Beauty Basics Product Rave: adesign Pointed Foundation Kabuki

I've been through the gamut of instruments to help me achieve the most flawless foundation application possible - MAC 190, 109, sponge wedges, fingers...you name it! While I've found each method has its advantages, I have been blown away by a brush that I purchased in May but have only starting using in the past couple of weeks. This brush of which I speak is the Pointed Foundation Kabuki ($26) by adesign.

Designed to allow for flawless and even application of foundation every time (or for use with your moisturizer!), this little brush is perfectly crafted with a tapered tip that helps to get the product into any an all crevices (think: around the nose, around the eyes, etc.) on the face. It blends the product so easily into the skin, and your complexion is left without the dreaded streaks. The bristles of this brush are also rather densely packed and I find that they pick up just the right amount of foundation and deposit it without patchiness, blending it seamlessly. I also love the way the kabuki fits perfectly into my hand, as I'm generally one to grip brushes close to the ferrule anyway.

I haven't found anything like this brush in my cosmetic-researching travels thus far, and I really think this a great investment and a welcome addition to any makeup lover's collection. I first learned about adesign at The Makeup Show, and I am hoping that they will be making another appearance at this year's event! I just might pick up a few more brushes including their long-handled version of the pointed-bristled brush (which sold out before I could get my hands on it).

If you are interested in this brush or others in the adesign range or to find retailers near you, visit www.adesignbrushes.com.

Have any of you tried any of the line's offerings?

NB: I purchased this product myself.

This One's For The Curls: LUSH Curly Wurly Shampoo

This review goes out to all of you who are looking for a shampoo that will help hydrate and cleanse your "curly wurly" locks. I had been interested in trying a LUSH shampoo, and on a recent trip to one of their stores (I'm quickly becoming an addict, I tell you!), one of the sales associates recommended that I check out Curly Wurly, the brand's shampoo designed to hydrate dry, unruly curls, leaving them shiny and frizz-free.

The formula contains a mixture of natural, healthy, and nourishing ingredients, such as vanilla, coconut (it actually contains little bits of coconut!), papaya, free-range eggs, and an assortment of natural butters. It is also preservative-free. The scent is absolutely amazing, and I would go so far as to say it smells good enough to eat! The shampoo comes housed in a 7.8 oz. tub that retails for $19.50. Though the price may seem to be a bit steep, it is important to keep in mind that one container should last quite a while. Really only a small amount (may vary a little depending on how thick or long your hair is) need be applied at each wash.

I have really been enjoying the product. I am finding that after washing with the Curly Wurly shampoo my tresses feel more moisturized, softer, and more manageable in general. The amount of frizz is diminished and my hair feels very clean. The one thing I do have to say about the shampoo is that its consistency is quite different from those that I had previously used and to which I had become accustomed. It is rather thick and paste-like, and it does not lather in the hair the way traditional shampoos do. I find that it applies best when worked between the fingers first and then spread throughout the hair. I concentrate a lot on the ends of my hair as well, the areas that tend to experience the most dryness. As I mentioned previously, the formula does contain actual bits of coconut in it, which might bother some. I have heard that some people find that removing/washing out the coconut can be difficult, but I myself have not experienced that at all. That again, could also depend on the thickness of the hair, though. My hair, I would say, however, is moderately thick.

If you're dealing with unruly curls, I definitely recommend giving Curly Wurly a go. If you are curious about test driving it before you commit to a tub (it only comes in one size), don't hesitate to ask your LUSH associate if it would be possible to try a sample. I can't guarantee that you will be able to keep your noses out of the product, though. The smell is so deliciously intoxicating!

You can find Curly Wurly at LUSH boutiques worldwide as well as online at www.lush.com.

NB: I purchased this product myself.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant: Gentle, Yet Invigorating

My skin has been acting mighty strangely lately. Though it has been feeling dry and even a bit flaky, I've been finding myself dealing with frequent break-outs. I have been trying out new skincare routines - separate products for morning and night time (I'll include a separate post about my new regimen). Thus far I have been very happy with my latest find from Dermalogica. Dermalogica's philosophy is to deliver products that are free of irritants (those that can cause break-outs, for example), are high-quality, and appeal to the professional community.

The brand's Daily Microfoliant has become my "weapon of choice" at night time. It is a rice-based powder, that when activated with water, lathers to become a very gentle and thorough exfoliant. It is intended to be used after cleansing. Although I was at first skeptical about the power of a powder exfoliating product, I completely changed my mind after using this product. It works deep down to remove any excess skin debris, while working to smooth and tone the skin, helping to improve its appearance over time. I have been very impressed with the way my skin has been feeling, invigorated and exceptionally clean. The exfoliating beads are so fine that they permit the use of the cleanser on a daily basis without irritation. It is recommended for all skin types. My skin can be rather sensitive at times, and I have had no problem using this exfoliant.

In addition to the rice base, the formula contains a blend of ingredients that work together to achieve its intended results. Papain, Salicylic Acid, and Rice Enzymes work to gently exfoliate away any dead skin cells, and the brand's own Skin Brightening Complex acts to help balance the skin's pigmentation. Skin-soothing agents such as Green Tea, Ginkgo, and Oatmeal leave the skin feeling calm and refreshed.

To find a Dermalogica retailer near you and to receive more information on the product range, visit www.dermalogica.com.

NB: This product was sent to me by a PR representative for my consideration. Though I did not purchase it myself, my review was in no way influenced by my receipt of a sample. I am dedicated to providing reviews that are 100% my own opinions, bias-free. If I ever feel that I cannot give my readers honest feedback on a product, I will not present a review for it. I am here to inform, and publishing untruthful thoughts is neither beneficial to those who visit my blog nor to me.