The Beauty Counter

Review: EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone

ecoTOOLS™’ latest venture: a collaboration with accomplished actress and environmental activist Alicia Silverstone to produce a brand-new cosmetic bag collection, ecoTOOLS™ by Alicia Silverstone.

Launching in December 2009 at Walgreens and Target stores, the line includes a complete set of five cosmetic bags, ranging from a brush bag with a brush set to an overnight bag. The perfect addition to holiday travel, each bag is produced with a natural hemp material and uses a recycled PET lining. Renowned for its environmentally-friendly cosmetic brushes, bath accessories, and new bath & body care collection, ecoTOOLS™enters unchartered territory with an eco-conscious set of cosmetic bags.

The Alicia Silverstone Overnight Bag ($24.95) features two clear removable and versatile inside compartments for traveling convenience. It is very sturdy, durable and has easy-to-grip handles that makes it perfect for traveling. I don't recommend this bag if you're wanting to include a couple outfits, unless they're very, very thin. I do believe that it makes a great cosmetic bag for all of your make-up essentials. I have been using this overnight bag for my somewhat hefty supply of lip gloss and eye shadow.

Designed with convenience in mind, the EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone Train Case ($14.99) has a handy zip top, allowing for easy access and organization. Like the Alicia Silverstone Overnight Bag, it is very sturdy and durable, which also makes it perfect for traveling. With a clear removable compartment inside, you can keep organized anywhere -- whether you’re on vacation, or sitting at your own vanity!

The EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone Brush Set 5-pc. ( $14.99) and bag features four of Alicia’s must-have brushes and directions to help you create her natural look. One of Alicia’s favorite brushes is the Finishing Brush, a feathery soft brush that gives a flawless finish. Also included in the set are the ecoTOOLS™ Blush Brush, Angled Eye Shadow Brush, and Lash & Brow Groomer. The packaging of the set is made from 30% post-consumer recycled content.

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Review: Kenzo Power Cologne

The Kenzo Power Cologne ($50 - $68) is a woody citrus fragrance for him. I'm not too keen on strong fragrances on men. However, this is the case with most cologne. I was pleasantly surprised to find a men's cologne that smelled masculine, exotic and pleasant without taking my breath away. Most importantly, my guy friend loves this fragrance! Some reviewers suggested on Sephora that this fragrance could possibly be considered as unisex due to the somewhat flowery smell. Verbena, bergamot and cardmom blend with geranium and black pepper before settling into a base of vetiver and cedar. Olivier Polge's creation brings these natural ingredients to the forefront, resulting in a scent that represents simplicity, well being and a return to nature.

Colognes, first appearing in the early 18th century, are fresh clear fragrances beginning with aromatic citrus accords. The top notes of Kenzo Power Cologne, verbena and bergamot, along with middle note geranium are traditional to colognes.

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Review: Perricone MD Skin & Total Body

Targeted nutritional supplements are an essential part of Dr. Perricone's 3-Tier Approach for a healthy body and beautiful skin. This perfectly dosed daily program of nutrients is especially designed to help support a healthy immune system and improve cognitive skills, while enhancing the look of the skin. Skin & Total Body ($140) supplements support bone and joint function, fight free radical damage and stimulate healthy growth of hair and nails. They also help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and give skin a radiant and glowing appearance. It's the ideal cocktail of healthy skin vitamins.

Includes:

60 packets with each containing: 3 Softgels, 2 Capsules, and 3 Caplets
- Perricone Prescription™ Super Antioxidant Formula (2)
- Omega 3
- Derma-Glo
- Rejuvenate
- Skin & Joint Essentials
- Calcium/Magnesium Blend
- Astaxanthin

The Skin & Total Body supplements are much better than your ordinary multi-vitamins. While I didn't notice a difference in my nails, I noticed that it helped promote hair growth and gave my skin an amazingly beautiful glow. I also noticed that it improved my energy levels and it helped me relieve the symptoms of Panic Disorder. As a busy mom, I love the convenience of the packets since all I have to do is throw one in my handbag. While it is highly recommended to take two packets a day, I took one packet a day and felt just as great. Plus, they will last twice as long if you take one packet a day. I'll admit that these supplements are costly, especially during these hard economic times. However, they are well worth the investment!

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Review and Giveaway: Serene Bath & Body

Two winners will receive the Aura Enhancer Lux Ornament Gift Set (a $49.95 value) or Goddess Lux Candy Cane Gift Set (a $49.95 value) from Serene Bath & Body.

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Entry Limit: Daily

Welcome to Serene Bath & Body, where harmony, beauty and well-being restore the body, mind and spirit. Serene offers two bath and body product lines - Celestial Farms, a metaphysically inspired line and Persephone's Wish, an all natural and organic inspired line. At Serene you can find all natural lotion, organic lotion, Dead Sea salt scrubs, all natural lip balms, all natural bar soaps, all natural liquid soaps, organic bar soaps, and organic liquid soaps.

The Aura Enhancer Dead Sea Salt Body Scrub ($12) is the best salt scrub I have ever tried! Lavender and peppermint is an unique combination that is both awakening and soothing. What makes it even more unique is that it is charged with a real amethyst crystal. Celestial Farms Salt Scrubs are specifically formulated using Dead Sea Salts which are legendary for their therapeutic and beautifying properties to the skin. Grapeseed oil is added for its regenerative and restructuring qualities. Jojoba oil is added for its superior moisturizing while neem oil is added for its overall therapeutic effect. Vitamin E is added for its antioxidant properties.

The Persephone's Wish Rosemary & Mint All Natural Lip Balm ($3.75) with give you a natural reason to smile. This lip balm will make your lips look and feel healthy with pomegranate seed oil, rosemary, eucalyptus and spearmint oils. It is made with certified organic beeswax and goes on silky smooth with no greasiness or shine.

The Aura Enhancer Foaming Hand & Body Liquid Soap ($8) is another product that is uniquely blended with lavender and peppermint. It is also charged with an amethyst crystal like the Aura Enhancer Dead Sea Salt Body Scrub. This product will leave your skin feeling clean, soft and refreshed. It's an energizing boost for the body, mind and spirit.

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

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The giveaway will conclude December 31st.

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Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.

skyn ICELAND Eye Relief Duo

An exclusive promotion for VH1 Save the Music’s Big Shopping, the Eye Relief Duo ($75) features our all-star eye products in a specially-priced package for the holiday. Deliver the 1-2 punch to puffiness with their Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels – a quick-fix under-eye patch that’s a celeb favorite for toning and firming – and follow with our best-selling Icelandic Relief Eye Cream to zap dark circles and wrinkles. Soothing nutrients and beneficial Icelandic extracts work together to deliver the stress-busting eye relief you’ve been searching for.

Luxtural Giveaway

One winner will receive Mystique Fountain Deep Hydrating Rainy Mist by Luxtural.

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Entry Limit: Daily

The first step in the Luxtural skin care regimen, the Mystique Fountain feels like a gentle mist of ocean water. A superb hydrator for any skin type, it tones, calms, cools and refreshes the skin while naturally protecting it from environmental damage. The Mystique Fountain is based upon Luxtural’s Pure Pacific Ocean Rainwater, which allows for increased absorption and moisture retention. Mystique Fountain also contains Luxtural’s special exotic extract (SEE), a one-of-a-kind complex that adds additional moisturizing and antioxidant properties. Mystique Fountain can be used as a primer or enhancer for the other Luxtural products or any time of day as a refresher. Price: $78, 3.4 fl. oz.

Luxtural®, the newest player on the beauty block, is redefining luxury skin care by emphasizing not only safety and efficacy, but the quality of their natural luxury skin care products.

Luxtural: Hand-Picked by Nature for the 21st Century Beauty Connoisseur

The brand’s unique approach to skin care is a return to true luxury – by combining the best aspects of the luxury, natural skin care and scientific industries; Luxtural achieves what no other skin care company can. Luxtural’s primary concern is a green approach to anti-aging. The powerful formulation contained in each of the three skin care products are clinically tested, hypoallergenic, free of parabens and synthetic fragrances, and are created using sustainable ingredients like Pure Pacific Ocean Rainwater. According to the brand’s founder Pnina Vilinsky, “real anti-aging starts with proper hydration,” therefore ingredients found in Luxtural are original collaborations and unique to the line.

Luxtural aims to appeal to a woman’s aesthetic preferences while still delivering high performance. “Our customer has always been a woman who seeks the best in skin care," says Pnina. "You don’t have to sacrifice luxury for effective and quality skin care products. Luxtural is truly the only one of its kind: a results-orientated skin care line emphasizing natural ingredients.”

Why Pure Pacific Ocean Rainwater?

Luxtural’s products contain the pivotal ingredient: Pure Pacific Ocean Rainwater, which is collected before it ever touches the ground, preventing it from containing additional minerals, contaminants or toxins that may be present in the soil.

According to Pnina, “for thousands of years, rainwater has been used by ancient cultures for purification and holy rituals, many of which were frequently a symbol of new beginnings.” With this in mind, Luxtural chose Pure Pacific Ocean Rainwater as the foundation for their skin care line in lieu of typical filtered or low-grade water. Pnina notes, “rain is the most natural and original ingredient that exists in nature, making it the perfect choice to be included in the Luxtural product line. After extensive research and testing, I chose the Northern Pacific Coastline, with its exceptionally clean air and ocean winds, as the source for our pure rainwater because of its soft, fresh and clean qualities.”

Review: Infiniti Cord-Keeper by Conair

My hair usually looks terrible after using a blow dryer, but this is not the case at all with the Infiniti Cord-Keeper by Conair™ Tourmaline Ceramic Ionic Hair Styler ($39.99). This blow dryer makes my hair feel so soft and touchable. It fights frizz with ionic technology so your strands are always shiny and healthy. You can also set the temperature to meet your styling needs. My hair is dry in no time, and is well prepared before using a flat iron. With a push of a button, the cord retracts right back into the handle! It is one of the best blow dryers I've used in a long time.

Features:

■ Tourmaline Ceramic™ Ionic technology - ion output helps smooth the cuticle layer creating silky, shiny hair; infrared energy protects hair's natural luster
■ Ionic technology reduces static electricity and leaves hair silkier, shinier and more manageable
■ Retractable cord retracts into the handle with the touch of a button
■ High torque DC motor delivers maximum drying power to speed up styling
■ 1875 watts
■ Cool shot
■ 3 heat/2 speed settings
■ Removable filter
■ Concentrator
■ Diffuser
■ Limited three-year warranty
■ Unit weight: 2.75 lbs

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Review: Gabriel's Aunt

Welcome to Gabriel's Aunt where Apothecary meets Colorful, Playful and Fun. Simple yet complex natural scents. Minimal packaging, recycled and re-usable. High quality natural blends. Unique scents you will not find anywhere else. Always 100% Natural.

I received the Playtime Candle ($9.60), which has an uplifting blend of Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Herbaceous, Rosemary and other oils. Since it is a soy candle, it burns clean and is long lasting (25 - 35 hours of burn time). This is one of their most popular scents. This candle is very soothing during cold and flu season. It is also good for those who may be feeling under the weather or stressed out. It also may provide relief for those who suffer from allergies. I wouldn't mind try out other scents from their collection since Gabriel's Aunt has a variety of scents that sound very appealing, especially the Southern Tea and Morning Air.

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Lavish Naturals Giveaway

One winner will receive a Lavish Her Gift Set from Lavish Naturals.

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Entry Limit: Daily

At Lavish Naturals, they create all natural, handmade soaps out of quality vegetable oils and natural ingredients. Their soaps are eco-friendly, never tested on animals and most are vegan. They are the perfect little luxury for yourself or to give as a gift.

Lavish her with this elegant natural bar soap gift set. Includes one 4 oz bar each of Happy Rose, Sweet Orange + Ginger and Sweet Almond + Aloe.

Each set is carefully hand wrapped in 100% recycled kraft tissue and placed in a 100% recycled gift box, then tied with a compostable natural fiber ribbon. This eco-friendly gift is ready for giving!

Enhance your gift by selecting an optional soap dish or soap bag.

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The giveaway will conclude December 20th.

Note: The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org.

Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.

Review: Lavish Naturals

At Lavish Naturals, they create all natural, handmade soaps out of quality vegetable oils and natural ingredients. Their soaps are eco-friendly, never tested on animals and most are vegan. They are the perfect little luxury for yourself or to give as a gift.

The Happy Rose Bar Soap ($6.95) gently cleanses my skin with rose kaolin clay and gives my skin a silky feel. No fake, sickeningly sweet rose scent here. The rose fragrance is light, but delightful. It is scented with an uplifting blend of rose absolute, jasmine absolute and bergamot essential oil. The Happy Rose Bar Soap is formulated with with skin nourishing olive, sweet almond and sunflower seed oils and moisturizing shea butter.

The So Soothing Dead Sea Bath Salts ($11.99) is the ideal product when you're feeling achy and congested. I have bad allergies. Therefore, I experience sinus problems. I've noticed that the So Soothing Dead Sea Bath Salts has dramatically reduced my sinus problems. The scent is envigorating and awakens my sense of smell. It is scented with a blend of lavender, mint and juniper berry essential oils to soothe, relax and refresh.

Therapeutic Dead Sea salts are loaded with minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium and bromide to revitalize skin. Magnesium sulfate is known for its ability to ease muscular tension and detoxify.

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Review: ApHogee's Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor

As developments are being made in the hair industry, chemical treatments advance with improvements that are supposedly less damaging to the hair. We all know that no matter what the chemical treatment the residual effect will be some kind of damage to the hair shaft. An added problem is hair care. Choose the wrong daily cleansing and conditioning products and the new Keratin straightening process will be washed out weeks sooner than it should be – and for what the treatment costs that will not make any woman happy.

Hair that has been straightened by any means needs protein for re-strengthening and emollients for styling friction protection. The cuticle of straightened hair is more vulnerable to damage. ApHogee’s Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor ($5.99) provides both protein and emollients and is a great choice after shampooing for any type of chemically treated hair. The shampoo choice would be dictated by the condition of the hair that's been straightened. If hair is in reasonably good health, with little breakage, we would recommend ApHogee’s Deep Moisture Shampoo. Otherwise, for more severe damage, choose the Shampoo for Damaged Hair ($6.95).

The Keratin straightening process uses very high heat which will dry hair and can lead to breakage, split ends and appear straw-like. Moisture content is important for relaxed hair so that reversion doesn't become a problem in humidity. Women serious enough about their hair to change it’s texture should be equally serious about the care its given.

My hair occasionally gets dry and brittle. It is much worse during cold weather. I mostly stick to high-end products when it comes to my hair since most of them help me achieve better results. This is why I was a bit leery about using the ApHogee’s Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor. However, the ApHogee’s Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor does exactly what it promises to do. It instantly gives my hair strength, and with subsequent uses it has eliminated hair shedding. I use it once a week, and my hair health has dramatically improved. The price is very budget friendly. I will continue to buy it since this is fantastic product that goes a long way!

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Perricone Cold Plasma Giveaway and Perricone Code

One winner will receive a Cold Plasma (a $150 value) from Perricone.

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Entry Limit: Daily

Availability: US

Five years of intensive research guided by a lifetime of scientific insight has yielded Cold Plasma, a breakthrough in skincare technology from renowned healthy aging expert Dr. Nicholas Perricone.

Formulated with Dr. Perricone's patented delivery system, Cold Plasma addresses the 10 most visible signs of aging: wrinkles, enlarged pores, dryness, discoloration, redness, uneven skin tone, impurities, loss of firmness, loss of smoothness and loss of radiance.

The giveaway will conclude December 15th.

Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.

Indulge® Soothing Eye Gel Giveaway

Click here to see the prize you will win.

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Entry Limit: Daily

Revive a tired-looking appearance with this cool, soothing gel. Contains botanicals reported to tone, firm and reduce the appearance of puffiness in the eye area. Can be used as a mask or a leave-on product.

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The giveaway will conclude December 16th.

Note: The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org.

Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.

Review: Shear Miracles

You can expect the very best in natural and organic products from Shear Miracles since they're the only 100% natural food grade organic product of its kind. You will never have to sacrifice professional quality for natural purity. Allow the dramatic effects of herbal ingredients to transform and maintain your healthy beauty and start healing from the outside in!

There are hazards associated with preservatives that consumers are rarely told about. Some of the most allergenic and irritating preservatives release small amount of formaldehyde, which is not only an irritant and skin sensitizer, but is cancer causing and brings havoc to the nervous system. Leave on products such as facial make-up and skin lotions are of great concern because of the long exposure time and opportunity for migration via the skin into the bloodstream.

Their velvety, luscious Organic Milk & Honey Cleanser ($28) is effective and softens the skin. The antimicrobial properties in honey can also help ward off breakouts. This cleanser includes healthy oils and herbal infusions that have many anti-aging benefits when used regularly. It will promote healthy, glowing skin from the very first time it's used.

Take advantage of Shear Miracles December Special and pamper your tootsies.

With all of the hustle and bustle of the season, be good to yourself by treating your feet to a relaxing spa treatment. 'Beautiful Feet' is their organic line of foot care products made to give your feet the loving care that they so deserve!

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

100% Pure Giveaway

One winner will receive a Neopolitan Body Scrub Gift Set (a $35 value) from 100% Pure.

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Entry Limit: Daily

“As much as 60% of topical skin-care products are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream,” says Dr. Nancy Lonsdrof, M.D. an lowa-based physician, “They should be consumed with the same prudence that we use to choose our breakfast cereal.” – April 2006 issue of Women's Health Magazine. There are many toxic chemicals in cosmetic products that have been clinically proven to cause cancer, tumors, irritation and many different skin disorders. 100% products are truly 100% Pure - no synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, harsh detergents or any other unhealthy toxins.

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The giveaway will conclude December 15th.

Note: The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org.

Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.

Review: 100% Pure

As a 100% Pure and body scrub fan, it was hard to settle down with just one body scrub. They have a vast selection of body scrubs, and I wanted them all! After a decent amount of time of debating on which scrub to review, I finally settled for the Organic Vanilla Bean Buttercream Scrub ($22).

The moment I opened it, the scent filled the room! The Organic Vanilla Bean Buttercream Scrub has a true vanilla scent with a tinge of cinnamon. I could barely wait to use it. It does a fabulous job at sloughing off dry skin and reveals glowing results afterwards! It doesn't leave an icky, oily feeling like some scrubs do.

Anti-inflammatory, caffeine rich green tea and coffee de-puffs and reduces swelling while increasing circulation to alleviate and brighten dark circles. Concentrated with potent anti-aging vitamins, antioxidants, and nourishing rosehip oil.

The Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream ($19) is the best, most affordable and unique eye cream I've used so far! It instantly perks me up in the morning by making me look well rested and wide awake. I truly haven't used an eye cream that was this effective. I let my brother borrow this eye cream for a few days since he was complaining about puffiness, and he was stunned by the results! I will definitely look into buying more once my supply depletes.

If want more dose of caffeine, you might also like their Organic Coffee Cherry Caffeine Face Cream ($32), which I haven't personally tried. It sounds good though!

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Review: Bioelements Vitalization

Bioelements is a complete skincare collection that works in sync with your skin - no gimmicks, no hype and no false promises. Professional skincare experts through and through, they are dedicated to keeping your skin clear, calm and youthful. Just the way it should be.

Bioelementss believes that everyone's skin is different, so their products are designed to be as individualized as your face itself. Bioelements' experts spend day in and day out creating formulas that really work, using natural plant extracts, trace minerals and essential oils whenever possible. They hate animal by-products, artificial colorants, synthetic fragrances and pore-clogging substances, so you'll never find them in their products.

The Bioelements Vitalization ($49.50) has been great for my skin lately since my skin has been drying out due to the weather changes. It sinks in almost immediately, and is highly moisturizing. I hate how you have to keep re-applying some products to maintain moisture, but this product isn't like that at all. It maintains moisture throughout the day, and feels so great on the skin! I found it a bit interesting that this product doesn't have much of a scent, which is really good for those who are not keen on fragrance. Bioelements Vitalization is not only good for banishing dryness, but it will also help firm the skin, restore radiance and smooth away rough, brittle surface cells. Not so surprisingly, it was voted for Allure Readers' Choice, 2009.

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

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