For the month of September (can you believe we're in October already btw?) I decided to try this new skin care regimen.  Skyn Iceland is a brand that says their products are target for "stressed skin" which probably doesn't fit me most of the time, but I thought I'd give this little trial set a whirl.

For $45, you get four products: Glacial Facial Wash; Artic Face Mist: Antidote Quenching Day Lotion, and Oxygen Infusion Night Creme. 
As a set, it's said to last you a month and while I may have skipped a day or two to try some other products, everything did last the whole month.

We'll go in order of what I didn't like:
First up is The Oxygen Infusion Night Creme.  It probably works for oilier skin than mine; it just didn't have the richness of a night creme that I like.  It does absorb quickly into the skin but since it was so "light", I used up the little jar in the month; the only product of the kit I emptied. A weird thing about the night creme; it warms up your skin.  I actually find it more uncomfortable than the day lotion (more on that later), so if you have another night creme you like, I wouldn't bother with this one.

Next up the Antidote Quenching Day Lotion: The Day Lotion didn't do as great a job of keeping my face hydrated as other lotions I've used.  Now at the beginning, I was afraid that I wouldn't have enough to last the whole month so I didn't apply as much, but with the month over and I still have half the bottle full of product, I've tried using more and it really isn't heavy enough for me.  If you have oiler skin and don't need hydration, you may find it rich enough.  I also didn't like that it doesn't have SPF in it; you'll need to add that during the day.  One thing I do like about it, is this cooling sensation you get when you apply the lotion.  It's hard to describe; almost like a tingling, not uncomfortable, but definitely noticeable.

The Artic Face Mist is a toner that you spray onto the face.  It's got a nice refreshing feel to it and my little bottle lasted all month (I still have some left).  I would use 3 to four sprays on my face and I think it's a good way to help extend other products' lives.  I would spray this on my face and while it hasn't quite absorbed, add a serum and use the natural liquidness of the mist to spread the serum around.  This way I'll use less serum and save money!  When it does absorb, my skin feels comfortable, and a little cooler, but I'll still need a moisturizer.  It doesn't have that typical toner/alcohol smell, even though it does have alcohol in the ingredient list.

The Glacial Facial Wash is a good, serviceable cleanser.  It's not great at removing stubborn eyemakeup, but as a pick me up in the morning, it's great.  LIke the Day Lotion and the face mist, it's got a refreshing coolness to it and a little bit goes a long way.  In my little bottle, I only need one pump of product to wash my face - and it's really probably only 1/2 the size of a pea in actual product.  I don't know how much the full-size bottle dispenses, but  I've used maybe a quarter of the cleanser.

So now that September is over, will I continue using the regimen?  Well I will definitely finish up the cleanser and face mist.  I'll use the day lotion in the middle of the day if my skin feels a little warm, but like I said, it doesn't have SPF.  And of course I'm out of the night creme.  If you have oilier skin, you may want to try out the kit, but the Face Wash at $30 is the only one I'd recommend.  It may seem pricey, but with how little you need, I really think a full bottle would last you over six months. The toner is pricier at $35 and would probably go more quickly.  The line of products is available at Sephora.

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Why hello there! Remember me?  I wouldn't blame you if you didn't; it's been a couple months since I've posted!  Whoopsies.  I don't really have a good excuse because yes, I'm still one of the millions unemployed, so it's not like I didn't have time.  I feel like life is trying to keep me down but I keep kicking to stay afloat.  Is anybody else tired of this recession?  I am!  So while I may not be getting paid to do anything productive, my beauty routines and purchases have not gone ignored.  I haven't been able to indulge as much as I would like, but I do have things to share with you, so hopefully you'll forgive my absence as we move forward.

So what am I looking forward to most in the coming weeks?  MAC Style Black.  Admittedly, it's a collection of pretty dark...black...makeup products, so it might not be for everyone, but it's the skincare items that have me drooling.  I missed out on the Volcanic Ash Exfoliator the first time it came out (a year ago?) so I am not going to be denied this time.  Or so I hope.  I heard rave reviews about it, so I'm a little worried that it won't be all that, so I'm trying to temper my excitement a little.  There's also a mask that I'm so going to check out as well because I love masks.  Every week or so, I can be found with a mask or two on, as I treat myself to a mini-facial.  So get thee over to your local Mac counter on Thursday, September 24th to check out Style Black.

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I am getting back into this blogging thing just in time for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  How is that?  Well just fo you, here are the "Beauty Exclusives" that are released just at Nordstroms, either online or in store.  Most are available in stores, but there are some that I admit I have never seen in stores.  There are a lot more exclusives that I'm not mentioning here, so head to this site to check them all out.  Everything is available for preorder now (and has been, sorry!) but it starts tomorrow, so I'd head tho a Nordstrom's quickly if you have any intention of picking up some stuff.  I'll note which ones I think are more likely to sell out, if not sold out already.

MAC Look in a Box: Three looks titled Seductress, Sun Siren, and Sweet Tease.  These are good for those who need an introduction to makeup.  Each look includes 2 eyeshadows, a lipstick/lipgloss, a powder and brush, and a mascara.  All the items are permanent and would have a total retail value of about $100.  For Nordstrom's, it's $59.50.  I think these will sell out, especially Sun Siren.  If you don't have the eyeshadow Shroom or if you want to get a Dazzleglass, Sun Siren would be a good kit.

Graphic Gardens eyeshadow palettes.  Fresh Cut (L) and Graphic Gardens (R), $35 each.

MAC Lip Bags.  Those bags are really, really tiny - probably would hold about 4 lipsticks.  Just saying...I was like, why so small?  But it's a group of prodcuts valued at $57 for $35.  Very neutral and probalby one I will be skipping, but that's just me.

The two brush sets, 5 brushes each, for $49.50.  For the novice/intermediate user, these brush sets are a quick way to start building a brush collection, but if you really want to build a collection that will last a long time, the quality of these special edition brush sets is usually a little lower than those in the regular collection.  The good thing about these brushes is they generally have shorter handles, so they're great for traveling.  The bags are cute and graphic.  Actually I think all these MAC sets are likely to sell out, even if I won't be buying.

Bobbi Brown "Must Have" Set.  Wow - there's a lot of product here for $75.  A lip palette with 7 lip shades, the gel eyeliner (fabulous!) in Espresso, plus the brush, a mascara, and a two pan eyeshadow (can be replaced with new shadows when it's empty).  It's a $122 value if purchased separately, so if you love Bobbi Brown's neutrals, this is a great kit.  The gel eyeliners are great - I gave the one I had to my sister and have been looking for another one. Hmm...better hurry, this well probably sell out.

Oh Chanel how I love you.  $45 for this palette of 2 shadows and 4 lip products.  The 2 green shadows are at the bottom are just lovely and are reminiscent of the nail polish I heard Chanel is releasing this fall.  A typical Chanel quad of shadows is in the $60+ range, plus with lipsticks in the $25 range, I think this is quite a bargain for Chanel.  Not cheap, but reasonable for Chanel.  Will.Sell.Out.

If you're a fan of the Chanel No. 5 scent, you may want to pick up this bath oil.  I like the three colors, but personally find the scent too flowery for my liking.  $75.

Dior "Jazz Club" Eye Palette.  $65 for six shadows in a nice palette.  The purples, pinks, and grays would combine to create a nice range of looks ranging from the dramatic to the neutral.

Lippmann Collection of nail polishes.  $35 for 3 nail polishes is a little steep, but these polishes are gorgeous.  Ruby Red Slippers, Funky Chunky (sequined sheer black glitter) and Superstar (copper-flecked fugde glitter) are amazing looking and are one item I haven't seen in stores.

Lancome "Declaring Indigo" Brush Set. Four brushes for $52.  While more expensive than the MAC brush sets, i love the cobalt blue bag and blue detail on the brushes.  A pre-cursor to the indigo nail polish Lancome is coming out with later.  Yup. I'm excited about the fall nail polishes.  That's another post =).

Smashbox "After Hours" collection.  I'm a little perplexed by Smashbox's identity; I'm not sure if they're supposed to be a fun color young lady or a sulty, smoking evning mistress.  With this collection, I'm leaning toward the latter. $59.

Nars "Modern Love" Palette. These are 6 eyeshadows that are part of the permanent collection, but as one of the two shades in a duo.  A nice way to get your $55.  People love Nars though, and so I suspect it will sell out.

Ahh Clairsonic.  I want one, but even a $225 special package isn't enough.  You get the Clarisonic, some trial sizes of cleansers and an 2 extra brush heads (one sensitive, one normal).  The Clairsonic won't sell out, but I'm sure this package is limited to just the anniversary sale.  A regular Clairsonic is $195, plus the $25 brush head

La Mer "The Signature Collection"  Have you heard of Creme de La Mer?  The creme that costs over $100 an ounce?  Well add a lifting serum for face and for eye and you're at $300.  But for a limited time, this is only $240.  Fans of La Mer, hurry!  The rest of us? Get back to me when the economy picks up.

Ahh Clinique, a little more wallet friendly.  This "Best of Clinique" set is only $45 and gets you 6products.  Youth Surge w/ SPF 15; All About Eyes; Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser; Almost Lipstick in Black Honey; Cream Shaper for Eyes; High Impact Curling Mscara.
And no picture necessary, but get a value sized (6.7 oz) bottle of the ubiquitous Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion or Gel for $35.

Juice Beauty "Organics to Glow" set. 3 Lip Moisturizers, 2 facial moisturizers, a hydrating mist, and a green apple full strength peel.  Only $29.

Okay like I said, there are lots of other Beauty Exclusives, so head online or to Nordstrom stores tomorrow.  Oh, the rest of Nordstroms will probably have specials too.

Wow, the past 3 months must have flown by because the third Beauty Fix shipment arrived (two weeks ago, but that's not important.)  I've talked about it before - for spring and winter.  I didn't try everything from the spring kit and didn't realize 3 months had gone by already!  It really is a great way to try some products; the brands are a mix of well-known and lesser known ones.  For example, this kit includes a Bliss serum; most are familar with the Bliss spas and products.  There's also a toner form a brand called Juara which I've never heard of.

For $49.99, it's quite a steal to get the 11 products; Bliss's "The Youth as we Know It" Concentrate that's included is full size and normally sells for $70.  Now I've tried Bliss products at the store before, but the high price points have kept me from ever buying anything so let's just say I was quite excited to see this concentrate included.  You'll also get a host of other products including a body scrub, nail polish, facial toner, makeup finishing spray, hand cream, and more. 

So what are you waiting for?  Sign up for Beauty Fix and find some new products.

This review is way overdue since I finished the cleanser and toner of this BeFine morning sampler a while ago. 

That's the official image of the so called "morning sampler".  It includes the Gentle Cleanser, Firming Toner, and Daily Moisturizer with SPF.  It normally retails (the sampler) for $20, but I got it Ross for about $5.  To be honest, I'm glad I only spent $5 because it wasn't all I thought it would be.  Now don't get me wrong, if it was the only thing around, I would use it because it didn't break me out or make my skin any worse than before, it just wasn't as great as I was hoping.

First off, the cleanser was really the downer for me.  I don't know if it's just the trial size, but the cleanser is incredibly thin and liquid, making the screw top unwieldy to try to close when my hands are wet, but I don't want to spill the product.  I did like the slight minty smell, it's kind of refreshing in the morning.  It felt like there was something thicker in the bottle, but no matter how much i shook it, it always came out liquid and runny.  It's pretty gentle, almost too gentle and I don't think it removes makeup perfectly well. The full 3.4 oz size is normally $15.99.  SKIP.


The Firming Toner is a pretty good product.  I liked that it didn't dry out my skin upon application, since toners are notoriously full of alcohol.  This one contains willow bark extract to close pores and tone the skin; witch hazel to smoothe and firm the skin; aloe barbadenisis leaf juice to boost collagen production.  Yeah, I'm not sure what that last one is exactly, but my skin didn't mind it.  The trial size comes packaged with a spray pump, so close your eyes and squirt away! $15.99 for 3.4 oz again.  I'd buy this before the cleanser if you use a toner.

Daily Moisturizer is a serviceable moisturizer that I think works best for normal to slightly oilier skin.  My skin is slightly dry and didn't feel rich enough for me.  It's also got a pretty heavy sunscreen smell that does disappear quickly; it may be off-putting to some. A little will go a long way with this moisturizer as it does spread very easily. $19.99 fo 3 oz.

So if you're going to purchase any of these three, I'd go with the toner, but stay tuned for more BeFine product reviews.  I think I cleared my local Ross out of their selections.

Are you confused by the numerous cleansers out there?  Are the more expensive cleansers really worth the extra money? I've tried many brands over the year, all at various price points.  Neutrogena, Clean and Clear, Biore, L'Oreal, Ponds, Cetaphil, Olay, Mary Kay, Mac, Lancome, Laura Mercier, Philosophy, and Estee Lauder are most of the brands I've tried at some point or another.  My skin has changed a little, turning more dry as I age, but I pretty much have 'normal' skin.  Anti-aging properties are nice, but I don't need them right now in my cleansers. Being a makeup junkie, I have accumulated a number of samples and testers to use up.

The past few years, my go-to cleanser has been Cetaphil.  It actually took me a while to get on board with the Cetaphil train, but now, I don't think I'm ever going to get off.  Despite my love for trying new things, I will always have a bottle of Cetaphil in my bathroom.  The past 2 weeks, I've been trying out a different cleanser - Philosphy's Purity Made Simple.

I"m sure you've heard the raves about this cleanser.  It's part of Philosophy's "Makeup Optional Skin" collection.  As a cleanser it really does work quite well. It lathers up nicely and has a slight scent, but nothing too overpowering.  Removing eye makeup, even waterproof mascara, is a breeze with Purity Made Simple.

The biggest problem I have with Cetaphil is that it isn't formulated to remove makeup.  A quick swipe with those makeup remover towels plus the cleanser is equal to Philosphy, but sometimes I would appreciate the one less step.  However, let's take a look at the price comparison.
Cetaphil: $8.50 for 16 oz. (at Costco) + $15 in makeup remover towlettes (3 month supply)
Philosophy: $32 for 16 oz.
As you can tell, even with the added expense of an extra step, Cetaphil is cheaper.

I've mentioned many times that my skin tends to run on the dry side.  After I wash my face, I tend to simply pat dry, apply a serum, then moisturize.  If I wait even a minute, the skin will start to feel tight and in need of a heavy dose of moisturizing.  This effect is more pronounced with Philosophy, so in my opinion, Cetaphil works better for my skin.  When I travel, I will consider bringing the small 3 oz. bottle of PMS (oh...how unfortunate is that abbreviation?) since I want to simplify my routine on the road.  So if you have pretty normal skin and are willing to spend the money, Philosphy Purity Made Simple is a good cleanser; you'll get great results with Cetaphil too.

Starting today at 8 A.M. (PST), head to Haute Look to for a sale on Kiehl's products.  Unfortunately, there's no information on what products will be available or how much you can save, but here's some reference material.   The sale runs through tomorrow, but there are generally a limited number of products, so they may sell out quickly.

These fabulous Manolo Blahniks are normally $830; on sale at Haute Look for $470 (43% off).  Thankfully, Kiehl's products are not that expensive, but I'm thinking products should be 25-50% off.  And if i had $470 to spend on shoes....

You do have to be a 'member' of Haute Look, if you're not, here's a link you can use with me as your sponsor.

Summer is going to be upon us very quickly, so it's important to be prepared.  Sun protection cannot be underestimated; there's no excuse not to apply SPF everyday.  To encourage the use of SPF, Allure has created a limited edition Play Safe in the Sun Beauty Box. 

It's valued at over $150, with full-size products that will protect you from the sun's harmful rays.  Here's what you get in the box:

• Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Fix
• Arbonne^® No Sun Intended Bronzing Powder
• AVEENO^® CONTINUOUS PROTECTION^® Sunblock Lotion with SPF 70
• Ban^®Vanilla Twist^™ Antiperspirant
• Burt's Bees^® 25th Anniversary Beeswax Lip Balm
• Coppertone^® NutraShield^™ Faces SPF 70+ with Dual Defense^™
• Garnier Nutritioniste^™ Skin Renew Anti-Sun-Damage Daily Eye Cream SPF 15
• jane iredale – THE SKIN CARE MAKEUP^® Facial Blotting Papers
• Jergens^® natural glow Foaming Daily Moisturizer
• JOHN FRIEDA^® Sheer Blonde^® Go Blonder Shampoo and Conditioner
• Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri Wheat Leave-in Conditioner

Head over to Allure to get your box for $39.99+tax.  $5 of the purchase price goes towards the Skin Cancer Foundation

Well, you've now seen some recommendations for green beauty products at reasonable prices (i.e. mass merchandisers).  I apologize for this upcoming list if you're like me and money is tight right now.  Many organically based cosmetic lines are not cheap and that is something I can't explain.  Quite honestly, price is a huge concern for me and while I am not against spending $10-$20 for a cleanser, it better be a large container.  I can get 32 ounces of my beloved Cetaphil for about $17 at Costco, while this little bottle of Juice Beauty cleasner is...not so cheap.

Sephora has quite a large number of "natural and organic" brands, so I'm not going to mention them all.  Just look at the website and look for this logo

I picked up this kit from Skyn Iceland at 15% off, so I'll let you know how this works. It's supposed to be a month's worth of each product, so stay tuned.

I've heard a lot about this brand and have seen it at Sephora.  Lisa Price is the creator of the products and much of her line is supposed to be based on stuff she made at home with her mom.

One of the main reasons I want to try Nude Skincare is the packaging.  I love the modern, sleek looking containers; plus I've heard the products are great.  But when a night cream is $78, I have to pass for now.

Cargo Plant Love.  I think they were one of the first brands to use compostible packaging materials along with natural ingredients in the line of cosmetics.

There are a lot more organic/natural brands available at Sephora, here are some non-Sephora brands.

Pangea Organics.  I've only used their body soaps, but they have a whole line of skincare and body care products.

Technically, I don't know if Aveda is considered organic, but they do claim to be natural and I think they try to use organic ingredients when possible.  I have tried their products and generally I've been pleased with them; I just rotate brands quite a lot.  I love the Phomollient foam; it gives my hair the volume I crave.

Not everything from Origins is Organic, but they do have some certified Organic products.  Origins has also started a recycling program, so you can defiinitely start there.  I like Origins' products (A Modern Friction - love!) but they're generally more than I want to spend.

Nail polish isn't one of the most 'green' products out there, but being "3 Free" is a start.  Butter London is not the only brand of nail lacquer to be 3 Free, but thought I'd mention them since I haven't tried them, plus they're more expensive than my beloved O.P.I, Zoya, or China Glazes.  Which, coincidentally (or not so much), are also 3 Free.  See, being green doesn't have to be expensive.

All right, that's a very brief overview of some more pricey organic/natural beauty lines.  There are probably many, many more that are worth a mention, so if you have any recommendations, please share with the other readers.  And just remember, every day can be Earth Day.

Tomorrow is Earth Day, so I'm going to be rather conventional and offer up some brands that are eco-friendly.  Whether or not you are an active environmentalist or an accidental conserver, there are a number of beauty items that will keep the green in your wallet.

Burt's Bees.  Affordable and natural.  They've earned  the Natural Seal.

Yes to Carrots (Tomatoes and Cucumbers too!)
This a vegan, paraben free line.  They use fruits and vegetables sourced from organic farmers and don't test on animals.

Technically, Every Man Jack is a line of hair/skin/shave/body care products for men, but I figure since guys don't want to deal with fussy products, it's a good way to get simple with your bathing routine.  I used the soap scrub and loved it.  It was this wonderful citrus scent (there are others), and each bar lasts quite a while.  For the soap bars, you get 3 of them for about $5.  All their products are vegetable based, sulfate and paraben free.

Eco-Tools Brushes.  Made from synthetic fibers, recycled aluminum, and bamboo handles; I love these brushes for their soft bristles and affordable prices.

L'Oreal Bare Naturale Mineral Foundation. I just talked about this; it has the added benefit of being gentle and natural.

L'Oreal EverPure - a vegan, sulfate and paraben free line of products, especially for colored treated hair.

I've never tried these next lines, but thought I'd offer them, since I've seen them at the store.

Avalon Organics is available online or at natural food stores like Whole Foods.  They have a pretty full line of skincare, body care, and haircare products.  While not Suave cheap, shampoos and conditioners are about $9 each and cleansers around $10-12.

Giovanni Organic Cosmetics

So those are the basic lines that I've seen readily available at mass merchandisers.  Up next: Green products for a little more Green.