Meet the New Additions to the Murad Environmental Shield Family!

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Brooke

Murad introduces three new products to their Environmental Shield line up! Advanced Active Radiance Serum, Instant Radiance Eye Cream and the Essential-C Sun Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 35 | PA+++.

The Advanced Active Radiance Serum ($89.00) renews the skin and works to improve brightness, clarity and radiance. This is awesome if you’re dealing with those pesky sun spots, damage or markings as well as wrinkles!

The Instant Radiance Eye Cream ($68.00) is perfect for reducing dark circles, treating and preventing fine lines. This cream is hydrating and not greasy. A little goes a long way if you just use a small amount and dab lightly under the eye.

The Essential-C Sun Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 35 | PA+++ ($25.00) is my new favorite portable skin protector. The tip-top of my forehead always gets the most sun and gets sweaty, so I need a product that fits in my pocket or handbag to reapply. The packaging is rounded, but flat and takes up little space.

Purchase Murad products at Sephora, Ulta as well as online at beauty.com and murad.com.

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My Lipstick Might Change, but Through the Seasons My Jergens Stays the Same! Enter to win $500!

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Brooke

AVEENO POSITIVELY RADIANT Intensive Night Cream Photos & Review

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Brooke

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It’s really no secret that Aveeno is one of my favorite brands in terms of skincare and still has some of my favorite body moisturizers. Now there is a new product for the face said to smooth, brighten and have you looking fresh in the morning – Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream.

From the Aveeno website:

Brighten and even skin tone with AVEENO® POSITIVELY RADIANT® Intensive Night Cream. Formulated with ACTIVE NATURALS® Total Soy Complex and vitamin B3, this advanced night cream leaves skin smooth and healthy looking. This oil-free night cream will help keep you looking fresh and luminous.

This night cream smells amazing, and a little bit of product goes a long way. If you overuse it’s definitely going to feel greasy, so start out with a small amount. You can always add on some more if you still feel dry. I used very little and when I woke up in the morning my skin still felt hydrated.

You can purchase the Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream at drugstores or at Ulta for 16.99.

***I received this AVEENO® POSITIVELY RADIANT® Intensive Night Cream complimentary from Influenster. This post also contains an affiliate link.

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Pamper Mom with Limited Edition Mother’s Day Gifts From LUSH

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Brooke

Mother’s Day is May 12th this year. If you don’t know, now you know. If you’re worried about what to get Mom LUSH has you covered with a variety of yummy items that will have mom even wanting to do the dishes. Yes, even on Mother’s Day!

I have a sampling of a few of the products below to give you an idea of the goods they have as well as get you motivated to shop for mom

Mumkin ($6.95) peers at you with adorable chocolate eye balls smelling of raspberries and citrus fruit oils for an almost too cute bubble bath. Leaving your skin soft and fragrant.

Secret Garden ($5.25) is a bath bomb full of flower petals (shhhhh it’s a surprise for Mom!) which release as it fizzes out in the tub. The fragrance is an intoxicating blend of roses and earthy scents.

The Mum ($9.95) is a reusable Bubble Bar. I love these because you just let the warm, running water hit it or swish it around in the tub for lots of soft and fragrant bubbles that smell of lime, bergamot and juniper. This is considered reusable if you let it dry in between uses. I’ve gotten a lot of baths out of just one of these before, so that $9.95 will go a LONG way if you take care of the bar correctly.

Madame Butterfly ($9.95) is another reusable Bubble Bar which smells of rose petals and lemon oil. Like The Mum, it’s reusable if taken care of correctly. The site says for up to 6 baths, but you could probably eek out a few more. I have!

Pick up any of these LUSH items (and MORE!) at your local LUSH retailer (find US locations here) or online at lushusa.com.

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Hydroxatone MEDIUM Anti-Aging BB Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF40 Swatches & Review

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Brooke

Press Sample

Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF40 is not only your one step moisturizer, SPF, and makeup base, but those with darker skin tones will be pleased that it’s also available in a variety of shades! There are five to choose from – Light, Medium, Tan, Deep Tan and Deep.

For this post I’ll be swatching Medium, which is the shade that best matches my skin tone (which is generally NW20-NW25 in MAC).

What the Ulta website says about Anti-Aging BB Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF40:

Description

BB Cream acts as an all-in-one product with cosmetic beauty and skincare benefits. This perfecting multi-functional cream can act as a foundation, concealer, sunblock, and moisturizer all at once BB cream was initially formulated and used by dermatologists to help patients who received laser surgery protect, soothe and refine their sensitive skin while also providing them with a light coverage for post-laser scars, acne, and other skin imperfections.

Key Benefits:

Reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles and overall skin aging as it visibly firms and lifts; make skin instantly look flawless and more youthful
Contains a potent antioxidant to reduce free radical damage in the skin
Evens out skin tone and visibly brightens dullness and discoloration with active Vitamin C and an advanced encapsulated peptide
Contains a special blend of plant extracts to help calm and sooth irritated skin
Shields the skin with powerful broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 40
Hides uneven skin tone and minimizes the appearance of imperfections
A perfecting cream designed to visibly firm and lift the skin, brighten, moisturize and protect
Works perfectly under foundation, or all on its own
Contains a highly effective level of Vitamin C
Vitamin C help stimulate collagen used during the skin’s own regenerative process
For a complete 3-step beauty regimen, partner with Hydroxatone Milky Cleanser and Hydroxatone Age-Defying Toner.
For best results combine with Hydroxatone Microdermabrasion one to two times per week.Why is Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream so effective?
Vitamin C: Support optimal skin health by promoting the skin’s own regenerative properties help stimulate collagen used during the skin’s own regenerative process
PhytoCellTec: Formulated with an ingredient that help skin stem cells maintain their natural renewal capacity
PhytoCellTec & EMortal: Formulated with ingredients that increase the vitality of the skins’ stem cells.
Contains ingredients that support the natural renewal process of the skin
SPF 40: SPF 40 Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protects the skin from the elements including harmful UV rays and oxidative stress

Directions

Apply once in the morning and once at night to face and neck, away from eyes by using a gentle, upward motion with fingertips.

This BB Cream didn’t do much for me by way of coverage, but I was really pleased that it applied and blended so nicely. The formula is moisturizing and feels like a lotion when you first put it on. It’s not greasy and you don’t feel like you’re wearing a heavy product. This would be perfect for those pool or beach days when you want a bit of something on your face that includes an SPF.

Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF40 retails for $39.00 and is available at Ulta.

*** Products provided by iFabbo through their SHOP program. All opinions on this product are my own and 100% honest.

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Makeup Wars – Favorite Face Mask featuring Reviva Labs Light Skin Peel!

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Brooke

Press Sample

This week, the beautiful bloggers of Makeup Wars are showing off our favorite face masks! I definitely have a couple of favorites, but I decided to share with you one that I’ve loved for a few years and is very affordable.

If you’ve been a longgggg time reader of Blushing Noir (I’m talkin’ back in my blogspot days!), you’ve seen me review this face mask before. The Reviva Labs Light Skin Peel ($20.00) is my go-to mask when I want to remove dead skin cells from my face and look radiant. The mask is not harsh at all, but will leave your skin a little flushed looking (this will fade) and the smell isn’t all that lovely, but darned if it doesn’t work like no other (obviously, I’ve been a fan since 2011).

You need very little product to coat your entire face and the pot will last you many months. Smooth it on, allow it to sit for 3-5 minutes and then wipe it off. You can use a dry towel, but I use a wet one… that’s probably bad but my OCD’s don’t allow for the dry towel option lol

For the price you absolutely can’t beat it, especially since it’s all natural and works for all skin types, no matter what your age.

Normally I pop it on in the shower and then lather up with some Reviva Labs Seaweed Soap ($4.00, also shown above) but for the sake of an embarrassing photo op I did it out of the warm spray.

If you’re not too terrified of the mugshot you’ve seen here, definitely check out what the other Makeup Wars bloggers came up with! I’m dying to see their faves. I always leave these things with a mile long shopping list lol

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Jergen’s Helps the Perfect Spring Outfit Become Even More Perfect! Plus a $250 Giveaway!

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Brooke

Easter Favorites from LUSH!

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Brooke

Press Sample

Easter is coming!!! Even if you don’t celebrate the holiday, it’s fun to play with the beauty products that it inspires – like these new goodies from LUSH!

Henata ($7.95) is it a hen? It is a piñata? It’s both! When you smash this hen on the side of your tub (this takes some muscles) and out comes a bath bomb egg and soap rose petals. The scent is sophisticated yet citrusy scent and makes you feel alive and relaxed at the same time. If you don’t want the flower petals all through the bath you can let this one fizz out in a mesh bag to catch them.

Fluffy Egg ($6.95) smells deliciously sweet and will turn your bath water pink and your skin soft. LUSH releases this one every year and it’s always a favorite. Warning: this may make you hungry!

Carrot ($7.95) has a yummy, fruity scent and will turn the bath water a fun orange color. This makes a ton of bubbles and lasts forever! Simple hold the carrot by the greens and it will make bubbles as the water hits it. I’ve used this through four of my kids baths and it’s barely shrunken down at all and doesn’t make their sensitive skin itch.

Egg Hunt ($7.95) features a fresh, fruity scent to suds up bath and shower time. The lather is green and creamy, leaving the skin soft. With these soaps it’s important to keep them away from water in between uses so that it can last longer.

Pick up any of these LUSH items (and MORE!) at your local LUSH retailer (find US locations here) or online at lushusa.com.

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Aveeno Clear Complexion BB Cream Swatches & Review

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Brooke

Aveeno has long been my go-to with their Skin Relief line. With my sensitive skin, especially in the dry Winter months, I need all of the help I can get and Aveeno was the first brand that I tried that got me there.

Now they’re giving me one better with the launch of their Clear Complexion BB Cream! The shade swatched in this post is in Fair to Light and is unfortunately the only shade available at this time. Hopefully there are darker shades to come!

What Aveeno says about their Clear Complexion BB Cream:

Contains ACTIVE NATURALS® Total Soy Complex to help even tone and fade marks, revealing more flawless, naturally beautiful skin
This multi-benefit BB Cream provides treatment to past, present and future skin imperfections:
Past—helps blend away imperfections from breakouts and fades the look of marks from past breakouts
Present— instantly evens, brightens, moisturizes and nourishes complexion with lightweight coverage
Future—broad spectrum SPF 30 protects skin from sun’s harmful rays and helps to prevent further damage
Oil-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic

The Aveeno Clear Complexion BB Cream provides a medium coverage without feeling heavy on your face. On days when I’m keeping my makeup natural I can actually forgo another foundation when I use this product because it hides my imperfections so well. In the Winter I’m plagued with an oily t-zone and dry cheeks and this product doesn’t maximize those issues or make them worse.

This dispenses out as a sort of whipped mousse like texture and one pump will be enough. I’ve found it was easier to dot the product all over my face then blend with my fingertips rather than use a brush.

Overall, I’m very pleased with this product and the only con I can think of is that it’s only available in the one shade.

Aveeno Clear Complexion BB Cream is available as of February 2013 at national food, drug and mass merchandisers for an SRP of $14.99-$16.99 (2.5 fl. oz).

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Pond’s Luminous Clean Skincare Line Photos, Review & GIVEAWAY!

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Brooke

What makes me feel luminous is a good nights sleep. That is totally something you take for granted before you have kids. Once in a blue moon my kids will stay over night at their grandparents and the type of sleep I get is on a whole other level. It’s an actual deep sleep. On a more material note, shopping in general also makes me feel luminous. Nothing can lift the spirits and make you glow more than finding an awesome handbag on sale or finding your perfect red lip.

Pond’s has this new line of skincare to aid in luminosity, aptly named Pond’s Luminous Clean.

What POND’S says about their new Luminous Clean Line:

POND’S® Luminous Line keeps skin looking bright and luminous all day. The line includes a Wet Cleansing Towelette, moisturizer and collection of cleansers that brighten dull skin. The Towelettes are enriched with moisturizing ingredients and soft white Kaolin clay known to act like a magnet, to gently draw out dirt, makeup and deep-dwelling impurities leaving skin bright and luminous. The latest addition to the POND’S® Luminous Line, POND’S® Luminous Moisture™ Day Lotion with SPF 15 is enriched with illuminating minerals. The weightless SPF 15 formula contains UVA and UVB sun protection against skin-damaging rays. The complete Luminous Line is available at mass retailers, select drugstores and supermarkets nationwide for a suggested retail price of $4.99 – $5.79.

The Pond’s Luminous Moisture Day Lotion contains SPF 15 but it’s not greasy at all, a very little will go a long way. It has a lovely rose scent that isn’t over-powering and didn’t make my sensitive skin react.

The Pond’s Luminous Clean Cream Cleanser is gentle enough for daily use to purify the skin of dirt and any makeup. This product also helped in brightening my dull skin that I seem to be plagued with in the winter months!

I love that this line includes not only a regular cleanser, but also an exfoliating cleanser. My skin is rather sensitive, so I couldn’t use an exfoliating cleanser everyday. However, I think it’s absolutely necessary one or two times a week, depending on what your skin can handle. The Pond’s Luminous Clean Exfoliating Cleanser is just gentle enough that I can actually use it every day if I wanted, which is helpful in renewing skin radiance. I err on the side of caution, though, so I used it every other day for the purposes of review.

My absolute favorite product from this line is the Pond’s Luminous Clean Wet Cleansing Towelettes. These are so perfect for when you’re feeling over-tired, ridiculously lazy or less than luminous. The towels are textured, but still soft. They are nice and thick so you don’t have to worry about them tearing while you’re wiping your makeup off. 30 come in a pack.

So, what about the giveaway? How about giveaways! PLURAL! The first one is taking place directly on the POND’S Facebook Page and they’re partnering with Molly Sims to help women look luminous!

Supermodel Molly Sims Shares Secrets to Looking Bright & Luminous in the Digital Age Partners with POND’S® for “30-Day Luminous Photo Challenge”

Smartphones are turning every moment into a candid photo opportunity, which means a glowing complexion is more important than ever. That is why POND’S®, the iconic beauty brand known for giving women beautiful skin, is partnering with supermodel Molly Sims to help women look luminous every day.

A fashion model, actress and new mother, Molly Sims knows a thing or two about looking radiant – even when there is no red carpet or runway in sight. “Every day is a photo opportunity so I always want my skin to look its best. As a longtime fan of the POND’s® brand, I love the new POND’S® Luminous Line of cleansers and a moisturizer that brighten dull skin,” says Sims. “They make my skin look bright and beautiful so I am always camera-ready.”

This month, Sims joins POND’S® to help women experience the “luminous effect” that comes with having great skin. Together, they are launching the “POND’S® 30-Day Luminous Photo Challenge,” a 30-day photo sweepstakes featuring daily challenges to inspire women to share photos of their happiest, most radiant moments. Thirty prizes will be awarded so women can live life more luminously. From March 4 through April 2, women can upload pictures to the POND’S® Facebook page or share via Twitter or Instagram by using the hashtag #LuminousEffect.

Visit POND’S® on Facebook to enter the “POND’S 30-Day Luminous Photo Challenge,” get tips on how to look luminous from Molly Sims, and to join the beauty conversation.

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Giveaway time!!

This giveaway is open to US residents only and will end at 12:00am EST on March 15, 2013.

You can enter this giveaway via the RAFFLECOPTER WIDGET that will be at the bottom of this post.

*** Entries placed in the comments will not be valid and will not be approved. ***

The ONLY mandatory entries on the Rafflecopter Widget are the first two – to follow Blushing Noir via BlogLovin’ and to follow Pond’s Facebook Page (where, in case you just skipped right down to this part hehe, you can also enter another contest – the Pond’s 30-day Luminous Effect Photo Sweepstakes Promotion!)

To enter, please wait for the Rafflecopter Widget to load. If it doesn’t, try to refresh. If you still have issues (sometimes if you’re using Google Chrome it can be a pain) please contact me via the comments or email. Additional terms and conditions are listed on the widget. Please contact me with any questions!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This prize will ship directly from the sponsor.

Disclosure: I participated in this sponsored campaign for One2One Network. I received product to facilitate my post and monetary compensation, but all opinions stated are my own.