Aug 29, 2013

And The Winner Is...

Congratulations, Martha Woods of Fish and ChipIns and Quick, Cheap, and Pretty!  You're the winner of The Back to School Beauty Giveaway.  In case you don't see this right away, I will be emailing you shortly. Yay!

The Loot



I'd like to give a big thanks to everyone who participated in this giveaway.  If you didn't win this time around, never fear because I definitely foresee another giveaway in the future.  Have a great rest of your week everyone!

Aug 28, 2013

Wednesday Roundup

Good morning, all! Welcome to the newest segment on Simply Skin Deep.  "Wednesday Roundup" is basically a post on anything and everything interesting/fun/sad/exciting/etc. that I've come across in the past week.  Sometimes it may be beauty relevant, other times it could just be a picture of my favorite coffee mug.  It's a toss up!  Let's see what I've found this week...

50% Off SITEWIDE on Tobi.com
Why, oh why? I decided to start budgeting myself this month and then Tobi goes ahead and makes it nearly impossible.  Ladies, you'd be silly not to take advantage of this sale.  Check it out here.

I found my dream tote for $30
For the past few weeks, I've been contemplating the purchase of a linen and leather tote, similar to what you see below.  Unfortunately, the one you see below costs about $79 here on Etsy, without adding the shipping costs.

*Photo via ottobags on Etsy
Luckily enough for me, I found a similar bag at the GAP Outlet in Hebron, Ky., for $30!  I seriously love it when stuff like this happens.
 
Just so perfect!
The Best Day Ever for Caffeine Addicts
I'm not sure what's going on, but apparently the scientific community is out to prove that coffee and tea actually aren't that bad for you and I am loving it.  According to Glamour, it turns out that the caffeine in coffee and tea reduces your risk of skin cancer. So drink up!

The best news I've read all summer.

Lexington has a juice bar!
This is only really pertinent to my Lexingtonian readers, but it looks like our little piece of Kentucky has joined the modern world.  The Weekly Juicery, now open on Old Vine Street, is serving up some delicious, freshly made juices.  I'd be lying, though, if I told you I was only in it for the juices.  They also sell Hurraw lip balms and the S.W. Basics line, amongst other things.

Pineapple Passion


Well, folks, that's our first Wednesday Roundup.  What do you think?

Aug 27, 2013

Experimentation at Its Finest: The Strawberry Oatmeal Mask

After a full day at the lake (complete with layers of sunscreen, of course), my face is breaking out something fierce.  This is the problem I have with about every sunscreen I have ever allowed to touch my face, so thank Jesus for sun hats, which is what will be accompanying me on my next journey to the lake.

Anyways...in an attempt to clear the breakout I've been rocking, I've created a strawberry and oatmeal face mask that actually smells a heck of a lot better than it tastes.  Listen up, and soon you'll be able to make one too! (Really, though, it's so easy).

What You Need
1 tbsp. of steel cut oats; Any brand will do (I'm currently using Kroger brand)
1/2 a strawberry

What To Do
Simply mash all of the ingredients together with a fork until they look like this...

Yummy!
Apply the mask for 10-15 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water.  Prepare to glow!

If you're wondering why I decided on the oats and strawberries combo, then you're in for a quick little lesson. Strawberries contain salicylic acid, a common acne-fighting ingredient that can be found in many store bought cleansers, and the oats act as a mild cleanser and skin soother, perfect for red or irritated complexions.  This mixture does it all and it most definitely helps calm angry skin.

What do you think of DIY masks?  Do you have any favorites?

Aug 26, 2013

Makeup Crush Monday: Beecology Moisturizing Grapefruit & Lemongrass Body Wash

Wow, is it really Monday already?  I can't believe it.  This makes the fact that I have my last first day of school on Wednesday feel more official and semi-depressing.  The prospect of life in the "real world" is a scary one, but I'm hoping by the time it rolls around I'll be prepared for it.  Until then, I suppose I will just have to continue to bury myself under a mountain of homework, social gatherings and of course, beauty products!

*Picture via BeautySage.com

My latest product obsession is coming to you by way of BeautySage.com, one of my favorite websites for natural product shopping.  When they have their promotions, such as free shipping or 20% off your entire order, it's like my own personal beauty heaven (but more like hell for my wallet). On my most recent BeautySage splurge, I picked up a bottle of Beecology's Moisturizing Grapefruit & Lemongrass Body Wash.  Apparently I am subconsciously loving all things lemongrass these days (see here).

Beecology's body wash is like a polite wake up call when used in the morning.  Any other time of the day, it's just plain refreshing.  Its castile soap base ensures a gentle, but thorough clean, while the vegetable glycerin, honey and aloe moisturize.  This body wash costs about $9 for one eight ounce bottle.  I suggest that you pick one up immediately!

What body washes are you loving these days?

Aug 21, 2013

Acure Lemongrass + Moroccan Argan Oil Firming Body Lotion

In my last post, "Shifting Gears", I mentioned using the same face lotion I've always used (Cerave, for those interested) in exchange for an organic body lotion.  Well, after spending a few minutes in Whole Foods, going back and forth between a few different options, I decided on Acure's Lemongrass + Moroccan Argan Oil Firming Body Lotion.  Honestly, I don't believe the firming claims at all.  Actually, I don't believe firming claims on any lotion ever, period.  Nonetheless, this is a great option for those of you that, like me, enjoy light moisture with a fresh, lemony smell sans Pledge Furniture Polish undertones.


Like my new bedspread?


I was also pleased to find that despite all of the oils in this lotion, the last thing it is is greasy.  It goes on like a dream and dries to a barely detectable finish, making it perfect for warm weather.  One of my least favorite feelings during a hot summer day is slippery legs from lotion mixed with sweat. Sitting on the leather seats in your boyfriend's car is just not cute when you're slip sliding all over the place.

This lotion costs about $10 for seven ounces.  I've paid far more for other body lotions that don't contain this many wonderful ingredients (moroccan argan oil, acaĆ­ berry, coconut oil, etc.), so it's a bargain in my eyes.  You can pick a bottle up at your local Whole Foods or online here.

What is your favorite body lotion, organic or otherwise?

Aug 20, 2013

Shifting Gears

If it's not obvious, I have been slowly (and a bit unsurely) changing the theme of my blog for the past few months.  After much research, as well as some health issues that have surfaced in my own family, I have found myself browsing through more Whole Foods' beauty aisles than those in Sephora.  I'm starting to make some lifestyle changes in one of the areas that affect my life the most, skincare and cosmetics. Fear not, though, as I never plan on switching to exclusively natural products. You can still expect the odd NARS or Maybelline post.  I mean, unless someone can magically turn Revlon Colorstay or J&J's Head-to-Toe Baby Wash into all-natural products, then a totally eco-friendly routine just ain't gonna happen! But, I'm going to change what I can while still being satisfied with the quality of the products in my routine.  My new beauty approach is more about balance than anything.

I've accepted that I may never again find a facial moisturizer that works for me like Cerave, so I'm going to continue to use that, but I'm going to switch over to an organic body lotion.  I'm just doing what I can to decrease the amount of unnatural chemicals I use on my body daily.  I've said it once and I'll say it again: you have to die from something, so if parabens and polysorbate-20 kill me, then whatever.  I had a good run.  However, if there is something I can do to prevent this while still looking good (i.e. not like a total hippie), then I'm going to do it.

Last, but not least, I've got to ask you all, my readers, to be patient with me as I enter into a full-on trial an error process.  There's going to be a lot of product testing going down, probably a lot of breakouts and most definitely, a lot of exciting new discoveries.  Also, we may find that I run back to my original all-unnatural skincare/cosmetic routines, screaming and crying.  We just don't know yet.  But let's keep an open mind, shall we?  I think it's going to be fun.

Aug 18, 2013

The Back to School Beauty Mini Giveaway

A couple of days ago, I wrote a post on some of the items that I keep in my school bag at all times.  Now you have the chance to win some of the things I mentioned!  The only requirements are that you follow my blog on Google Friend Connect, which can be found at the bottom of the page, and that you live in the continental United States.  Simply click on the blue "Join this site" button.  It's that simple!

What you'll win:

The Goods
From Left to Right: EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm in Sweet Mint, Maybelline Great Lash BIG in Blackest Black, Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets and a floral Modella pouch.



a Rafflecopter giveaway This giveaway will last from August 19, 2013 at 12 a.m. until August 28, 2013 at 12 a.m.  Only residents of the continental United States are eligible to win.

A Shout Out to A Pair of Pomeroys

It's no secret that my blog has needed a makeover for quite some time and while I can be pretty creative, digital design is absolutely not my thing.  I just want to give a huge thanks to Matt and Blair Pomeroy of A Pair of Pomeroys Design and Print for turning my hand drawn logo design into something I could use here on Simply Skin Deep.  It looks heaps better than my previous handmade banner, if I do say so myself.


Apart from turning hand drawn images into digital designs, A Pair of Pomeroys also specializes in design and professional printing.  The service you will receive from them is top notch and they are such are a pleasure to work with.  Also, they are reasonably priced, which is a bonus.  Check out their personal blog here.  Thanks again, Matt and Blair!

Weekend Ramblings: Sephora Brand Jumbo Liner

Ok, let's have a moment of shallow honesty: I sometimes judge store brand makeup (hopefully I'm not the only one here).  It's like buying generic Pop Tarts.  Maybe they're both strawberry flavored, but you know you're eating a generic Pop Tart and the filling tastes a little different, even if it's not.  It's for this reason that when I'm in Sephora, I tend to opt for name brands such as Clinique, YSL, Tarte versus the Sephora brand.  Maybe they're not much better, but I get the peace of mind that comes for a few extra dollars.




Well, I was in a pinch the other day and ended up buying the Sephora Waterproof Jumbo Liner 12 Hour Wear in Brown.  Something about the Sephora display, with all of its products laid out in an easy-to-find format is comforting when you need to leave in a hurry.  Anyways, I made my purchase and I've been using this eyeliner for the past few days, both as a shadow and liner, and I am absolutely thrilled with its quality.

The Jumbo Liner comes in a wide range of shades, from White to Electric Blue Matte.  The Brown shade I bought is more of a bronze, perfect for a sultry summer eye.  Application is a breeze with the large tip and though it is an amazing eyeliner, I prefer to use it as an eyeshadow, then use a more matte brown liner around my eyes like I usually do.

At $14 a pop, you honestly can't beat the price.  You'd be hard pressed to find this quality of an eye shadow/liner stick in any of the name brand collections at Sephora.  I'm totally a believer in the Sephora brand now.

How do you feel about generic makeup brands?

Aug 15, 2013

Class Act: Back to School Beauty

I remember the first ever purse that I carried to school.  It was beige faux suede with colorful, embroidered flowers all over it.  If you were a mid 90's to early 2000's kid like me, you probably already know that I bought this work of art at Limited Too.  Inside this purse is where I kept my 12-year-old self's beauty arsenal, which included heaps of sparkly lipgloss, probably one of my mom's old Clinique powders and of course, a Bath & Body Works body spray of either the Sweet Pea or Pink Grapefruit variety.

Though I still haul around a good amount of beauty products on a daily basis, they are all a little more practical.  Here are the products I don't head to class without (and you shouldn't either!).

So many options!

Oil Blotting Papers:
Helloooo, sweaty walks to class!  I haven't missed you at all.  Last year, I had the benefit of living in the sorority house and therefore only had a five minute walk to class every morning.  This year, though I am ecstatic to be living with my five best friends, I am not so lucky.  Oil blotting sheets help me not look like a hot mess after a 15-minute walk to school on a hot day.  (Quick tip: if you're not looking to shell out the cash for pre-packaged oil blotting papers, toilet seat covers and cheap cafeteria napkins work just as well).

My new favorite multi-purpose product this year!

Multi-purpose Cheek and Lip Stain:
I have to admit that I am not always so put together for early morning classes.  In fact, sometimes I roll straight out of bed, put on a headband and shoes and call it a day.  But as I've gotten older and gotten to know more people around campus, hiding behind a hoodie on a rough morning doesn't always cut it.  Sometimes you've just gotta put your best face forward, even if that means only taking two minutes to slap on some cheek and lip stain in the nearest bathroom. Josie Maran's option is lightweight and long-lasting, two of the main reasons why I love it!


My two personal favorites: Maybelline Great Lash BIG and Lancome Hypnose



Mascara:
I could go on and on about my love affair with mascara.  I often go without foundation, but my face feels so naked without at least a smidge of eyeliner and mascara on.  And being that eyes are one of the first thing people notice about you, why wouldn't you want them to stand out?


Now pack up all your beauty goods into a bag or pencil case and slip them into your backpack.  You're ready for school!  And keep an eye out, because I will be doing my FIRST EVER GIVEAWAY here in a few days!

Aug 14, 2013

Lina Hanson's Global Body Serum

I am happy to announce that only about 30 days and one bout of food sickness later, I am back on my blogging game after what seems like years spent abroad.  I had some wonderful adventures while in China and Ecuador, but it sure feels amazing to be sleeping in my own bed again.  And besides being greeted by your enthusiastic parents, sisters, golden retriever and yorkie poo, there is just one other thing that makes a homecoming sweeter.  That is a lovely new beauty product waiting for you, of course!  In this particular case, the product I would be referring to is Lina Hanson's Global Body Serum*.

My roomies and me (all the way on the right) after a long day at a clinic in Ecuador.

For those of you that do not know, Lina Hanson is a makeup artist and natural skincare expert to the stars.  Her celebrity clientele has included everyone from the likes of Emma Stone to Brooke Shields.  Through her own appreciation for natural products with a purpose, Lina Hanson created a product line with the mantra of "Green can still be glamorous!".  What a true statement, as her Global Body Serum is one of the most glamorous products I have used in a while.  You see, I'm a sucker for packaging and when I opened the box to find sleek black bottles, I just knew it would be love.
 

*Photo via linahanson.com

Upon first impression, I realized that the Global Body Serum smells like a sophisticated Creamsicle (I do mean that in the best way possible).  Its scent is that of a sensual grapefruit and real vanilla combo rather than a Fanta and Mister Softee ice cream float.  And luckily enough for us, the smell is only half of the thrill.  After applying the serum, tight skin is soothed and moisturized almost immediately and it will stay moisturized for a long time.  The Global Body Serum is a bit thick, however, so spreading it requires a little more work than your average body lotion.  But honestly, after smelling and using this stuff once, I think that's something most people will be willing to disregard.

There is only one real problem with this serum and that is its price point.  At $63 per 3.4 ounces, getting addicted to this stuff would be a pricey habit.  However, this brand ethically sources their oils from around the globe and that can get expensive.  I would totally splurge on this product again and again.  It's hard to say no to a product that makes you feel a bit like royalty after each application!



The * denotes a product which I was sent free of cost.  Reviews will remain objective, regardless of how the product came to me.

Aug 2, 2013

Back from China, Leaving for Ecuador

It's official.  Jet lag has set it and it is definitely working its magic.  Normally I'm an early riser, but 4 a.m. is definitely over doing it.  I want to sleep, but I can't, which is going to make the long day of travel I have in front of me extra fun.

*Photo via colourbox.com

I've been home from China for 1.5 days and today I leave for Quito, Ecuador where I'm going to work as an interpreter for a medical brigade.  Unfortunately, I'm thinking my wifi situation may be worse there than it was in China, so here's your heads up that you may not see a blog post for about 10-11 day.  I hope you all can survive ; )


So... have a wonderful week everybody.  I look forward to getting back to regular blogging upon my return.  I've got plenty of Asian beauty posts, and maybe even a giveaway, planned.  It should be a good time!

Aug 1, 2013

Jurlique Purifying Foaming Cleanser

I just need to start this post off with a resounding "Whomp, whoooomp".  I so wanted to like Jurlique's Purifying Foaming Cleanser and all of its natural goodness, but unfortunately, some things just aren't meant to be.
*Photo via Jurlique.com
I am constantly pushing my skin's limits when it comes to skincare.  I know that in most cases, fragrance and my skin don't mix well, but Jurlique's cute bottle claimed to be a "refreshing foaming cleanser to remove the day" and those words were good enough to make me ignore my skins typical aversions to both lavender and tea tree essential oils, two key ingredients. Bad idea, Addison.

Ok, I'll admit I am being a little dramatic.  It's not like this cleanser causes me to break out in horrible hives or anything, my face just gets all red and tingly after using it. However, that little bit of irritation is a lot more than my trusty J&J's Head-to-Toe Baby Wash has ever caused (seriously, I don't even know why I try different foaming cleansers at this point).  I love my oil cleansers and cleansing grains, but sometimes a girl just needs something with a little foam. And while J&J's isn't totally chemical-heavy, it doesn't quite fit the natural bill I'm trying to incorporate into my skincare routine.

I suppose the search for a natural, minimally fragranced (and reasonably priced, unlike some *cough* Jurlique) foaming cleanser continues!