Lulu The Face Company

Over the weekend I visited Lulu The Face Company in Litchfield, CT. In a gorgeous sunny space, mirror lined walls provided the backdrop for the displays of makeup. With 30 years in the beauty industry, owner Linda Temkin set out to create a makeup line that would be more like skin care. The 100% natural and 95% vegan line uses anti-aging peptides and botanicals, as well as pure minerals which have anti-inflammatory properties to calm the skin. Though in my opinion, it's the option to have products customized that really sets the line apart.

I had a lovely afternoon socializing, trying out some new makeup, and enjoying snacks which were provided by Mockingbird Kitchen & Bar, which I will have to add to my list of restaurants to visit next time I'm in the area.

I got to have my very own custom mixed CC cream after a quick conversation with Linda about my skincare concerns, all of which could easily be addressed. Mattifier for my oily skin, sunscreen so I could skip an extra step in the morning, and a couple drops of ylang ylang essential oil to help with acne.

In addition to custom foundation colors, custom lip colors can also be blended, and given any kind of finish desired, from glossy to matte, with or without cinnamon and peppermint as plumping agents.

For anyone who loves the idea of having customized makeup sent right to their door, Lulu is launching a quarterly subscription box. The Lulu Love List Box will retail for $135, with a value of $225-$275 and contain three full size items. After signing up for the box a questionnaire can be filled out online, or local customers can set up a time to meet with Linda in person to determine how they'd like their products to be customized. Only 25 of these subscription boxes will be available when they launch next month. If you'd like to try a product from Lulu The Face Company this month, use code INSIDERAPRIL for 25% off your purchase!

           

Thanks to Lulu The Face Company for inviting me to your insider event!

Clearer Skin with MD Complete

This post is sponsored by MD Complete, with the opportunity through BrandBacker, but as always my views and opinions are my own.

I've touched on my issues with acne a bit before, and while I know my skin isn't terrible, it does bother me that now being into my thirties I still breakout regularly. As I'm always open to new products that might help to banish breakouts, when I saw the opportunity to give the MD Complete system a try I jumped at it. I've now been using the four part system for one month.



Changes I've noticed
I think the biggest difference has been with my whiteheads. Normally they show up and stick around for days and days, then leave annoying scars in their wake. After two weeks of using MD Complete I noticed that the size of the whiteheads which appeared were much smaller, and were gone in a couple days, leaving a much less noticeable trace of their existence.

How it's different from what I've been using

Exfoliating: The Clarifying Cleanser contains 2% Salicylic Acid as the active ingredient. While I've used face washes with Salicylic Acid in the past, I haven't for at least the last two years. Instead I've been using a lighter everyday wash and a more powerful chemical exfoliate once or twice a week. I like this facewash as it has a silky smooth feel and a little goes a long way.

Treating: Benzoyl Peroxide has been a mainstay in my acne regime since day one, so seeing it as part of MD Complete's treatment was no surprise. While I've used various concentrations over the years, lately I've been opting for the lowest I can find. MD Complete's Breakout Treatment contains 4.5%, roughly double what I've been using. I found it too drying so I've only been applying every other day in just the evenings.

Repairing: The Citrus-C Healthy Complexion is the first product I've ever used with Retinol. Like the breakout treatment I started with every other day usage, slowly increased to everyday. This is vastly different than the essential oil blend that I've been using. I've got a few dark marks I've been keeping my eye on and I'm hoping for some noticeable fading.

Probiotics: The Healthy Skin Probiotic is the first probiotic I've taken. There were five included and the first one I accidentally dumped out because the instructions on how to properly open them were online and not included in my box (oops). The supplement is meant to reduce stress, which is a big cause of acne. While my constant anxiety likely plays a roll in my breakouts, I didn't notice much of a difference after taking the probiotics. Likely they would need to be taken regularly for a more extended period of time for results.

The Results
Overall I'm happy with the results, mainly getting fewer whiteheads is the biggest improvement. While I'm hoping more of my scars will fade with continued use of the Citrus-C, there has not been a huge difference yet.

Before Starting Treatment with MD Complete

After Four Weeks of Treatment with MD Complete

Spa day at The Red Door

The Red Door Spa invited me to experience one of their signature services in exchange for this blog post. My views and opinions are my own.

For my first ever spa experience and treatment, the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa at the Marriott in Mystic Connecticut did an amazing job at setting a high bar.

From the moment I walked in the staff was friendly and attentive. As it was my first time visiting the spa, I was given a tour of the facility which included a relaxation room with complimentary refreshments, a pool shared with the Marriott, a sauna, a hair salon, a nail salon, a makeup bar, and finally shown to the changing room where there was a locker waiting for me with a plush robe.

Again, being completely new to all spa treatments, I decided to try the Red Door Signature Facial. My esthetician escorted me to a private room with low lighting and a comfortable reclined bed. She then explained every step of the facial, which started with a cleanser followed by a hot towel and steam. While the steam worked to open my pours I got to enjoy an arm and hand massage, followed by warming mitts on my hands. I was nervous about extractions - having my pours cleaned out, as I'd heard from others it could be painful, but I didn't find it to be painful at all.

Then came the most relaxing part of the facial, the face massage. The massage is meant to be bennificial to stiumulate the cells in the skin, but my goodness it felt so amazing.

My esthetician also took the time to discuss my skin care regimen and after her assessment provided me with advisements to my current routine, as well as product recommendations from Elizabeth Arden.

Once I was finished I was met by a beauty technician to freshen up my makeup. She did my eyes and lips, and I exited the Red Door Spa feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready for the day.

The Red Door makes it easy to purchase their services as gifts, and while I know I just had a birthday and won't be on the receiving end of any gifts until December, I'll put it out there all the same! I'd love to return soon to try some of their other services.

Thanks to the Red Door Spa for inviting me to try their spa services, and thanks for supporting the brands who support Chic on the Cheap!

Spring beauty favorites

When it comes to my beauty routine, I'm a big fan of the five minute face, so I stick to the simple things which deliver the biggest impact.

Lancôme Le Rouge Absolue, $34 at House of Fraser
Each season I like to find a new lip color to be my signature, so I was pouring through the pages of lipsticks at House of Fraser until I spotted Lancôme Le Rouge Absolue in152 Rouge Mars - kind of a pinky coral that I feel will be a nice change from the 151 Rouge Mythique I've been wearing all winter.

Tarte Smooth Operator Powder, $14 at Ulta
Rainforest of the Sea Marine Boosting Mist, $25 at Sephora
While I know having oily skin is better in the long run, contenting with shine is a big challenge. My current mattifiers are letting me down, but I've heard good things about Tarte's Smooth Operator Powder and Rainforest of the Sea Marine Boosting Mist, to both keep the shine away and makeup in place. I'd love to give them both a try.

Push-Up Brow Highlighting Pencil, $12 at Boom Boom Brow Bar
Another effect of my oily skin meant eyeshadows would never, ever stay in place, and it wasn't until I got Boom Boom Brow Bar's Push-Up Brow Highlighting Pencil as a freebie in a swag bag that I found the only eye makeup I ever want to use for the rest of my life. This little two sided pencil is an amazing highlighter and adds just the right amount of shimmer. Not to mention that it lasts and lasts.

Lavender & Sage Natural Deodorant, $9 at Schmidt's
After years of an on again - off again relationship with natural deodorants that were always letting me down, I finally found one that works really, really well. I might even go so far as to say that Schmidt's Natural Deodorant is working better than the aluminum based antiperspirant I'd been using. I was nervous at first because some people who've used it have had a bad reaction to the active ingredient, baking soda, but it's been a week with no ill effects.

Essie Petal Pushers Nail Polish, $8.50 at Nordstrom
For nail colors, ever the Essie addict, I'm feeling this grey shade in a big way. Even the name, Petal Pushers, has won me over.

Hexagon Makeup Bag, $9 at Forever 21
And of course I'll want a new bag to shove it all in; how could I not be drawn to this hexagonal one for under $10?

House of Fraser provided me with compensation for this post, my views and opinions are my own.

Evian Mineral Water Spray Review

When it comes to makeup, I love natural, clean looks. I also hate spending a ton of time and having a myriad of products, so when I was given the opportunity to try out Evian's facial spray, I jumped at it.

The natural mineral water spray is nothing but natural mineral water from the French Alps, sealed at the source to prevent contamination, and nitrogen. The canister creates a fine mist which can be used to hydrate skin, intensify makeup, set makeup, and revive it throughout the day.

One use of the spray is to intensify makeup, which is done by spraying the brush and then charging it with eyeshadow to create a more pigmented, less chalky look. I loved the initial look, but I must note that the spray did not prevent the eye shadows from shifting into the crease of my eyelids after a few hours.

The aspect of the spray that I was most invested in was the ability to set makeup. I really hate when my makeup transfers to my white collars and necklines of my sweaters, button downs, and blazers. It looks terrible and is a pain to remove, so for the true test, I put on my new white striped sweater. By the end of the day my collar was makeup free!

Because I have oily skin, I did not feel the spray worked especially well for reviving my makeup unless I first used a blotting paper or two, but I was not expecting the spray to eliminate the oil from my face. It is however, quite refreshing and I enjoyed using it throughout the day.

If Evian mineral water spray is something you'd like to try, this full size, 5 oz size retails for about $7. You can also enter a giveaway to win a spray - The Wilkes Group is giving away 20 full size sprays!

To see more of what Evian Facial Spray can do for your makeup routine, visit them on Facebook!

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This is a sponsored post. Evian Facial Spray was provided to me by the exclusive USA distributor, The Wilkes Group for the purpose of this post. All views and opinions are my own.

Obiqo review and giveaway!

Body products should feel like little luxuries. While I don't mind my dollar store fare when I'm being especially mindful of my budget, I would much rather treat myself to a body wash with an enjoyable scent that leaves me feeling relaxed.

Lately my favorite products to treat myself to have oceanic elements in them, so when Obiqo recently sent me a couple of their products to try, I was delighted to find that they use marine extracts from kelp and sea lavender. Both the New Zealand kelp and French lavender are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids - all which help keep skin healthy and youthful.

The two Obiqo products I've been using for the past week and a half are the Refreshing Body Wash and the Silky Body Butter. Both include the brands signature marine extracts and sea lavender, though there is a difference in their scents.

The body wash has a strong aroma, it fills the shower and reminds me most of the scent of eucalyptus. It doesn't linger too much on your skin, which I feel is a plus. I also really like the pump dispenser, because it can also conveniently be used as a hand soap.

The body butter is very thick and creamy; with a similar but much more mild scent, I found the body cream to be nice and moisturizing. The application requires a bit of work to get it to fully absorb and is a bit greasy for a few minutes while it's still sinking in. I'm not crazy about the tub container, I much prefer a tube dispenser due to my concerns about germs. I really like using the butter, but it is strictly an evening cream for me.

The Obiqo products can be purchased online through Amazon, or in stores at my favorite places to shop, TJMaxx, Marshalls, and Homegoods. Or you can always enter the giveaway Obiqo is generously sponsoring for US readers of Chic on the Cheap. Enter via the Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Obiqo provided me these products for the purpose of this review. My views and opinions are my own.

Summer glow

My summer makeup routine is pretty minimal, after sunscreen I like to throw on a little bronzer and then use a nice bright lip color. These past few days I have been trying out a couple new products I received through the Style Hunters network; Physicians Formula Bronze Booster, and L'Oreal Extraordinaire Lipstick in Coral Encore.

The bronzer provides a very light coverage, which I don't mind, and it's not as sparkly as some other bronzers I've tried, so I applied it all over my face and neck as I would my normal powder. I feel like my results were a very subtle glow.

The lipstick is actually more of a gloss, and the Coral Encore shade is more pink than orange. I found the color to last a reasonable amount of time and provide substantial coverage. While it applies like a gloss, it is more opaque and wears more like a lipstick. I found it was best to apply it very gingerly. Too much and it would become streaky, smudgy, and end up on my teeth. I did not find the formula to be drying, and I like it enough that I would buy another color.

While I love the fact that it was a gorgeous sunny day at the beach for these photos, you can actually see the products better in my previous two posts!

The Rundown
Maxi Dress c/o OASAP
Sandals "Keira" Trask via in.d giveaway
Bag "Kaylee" Trask via in.d giveaway
Braided Belt Thrifted similar
Chain Link Bracelet Thrifted similar
Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Gold Framed Monogram Ring c/o Onecklace
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Tangerine Crush" L'Oreal

Simple Skincare Review and Giveaway

When it comes to looking and feeling my best, a lot of care goes into finding clothes that flatter my body, but nothing is more important than having skin that looks clear and feels healthy. 

I've struggled with acne for half my life, and spent a lot of time drying out and exfoliating my skin in an attempt to combat it, until I finally had the revelation that I needed to be kinder and gentler with my regiment. Finding products that I felt good about putting on my face was harder than I thought it would be, but I'm very happy Simple Skincare found me and asked me to try out their new line of products, all free of dyes, artificial perfumes, or harsh irritants that can upset skin.

Simple recently polled women across 40 major US cities and found out many of us are not doing the best we can to care for our precious faces. From remembering to take our makeup off at night (27% of women reported they will go two days without washing their face), or wearing sunscreen (59% of women don't), to eating right and exercising daily, Simple decided it was time to raise awareness and started the "Kind to City Skin" initiative.

Simple sent me six products to try, three kinds of moisturizers, two types of wipes, and a face wash. I love the foaming face wash, a little bit goes a long way and it left my face feeling really clean. It had no problem getting my makeup off.

The wipes, I have become addicted to. The facial wipes are the best for traveling, and also for those nights when you come home and just want to face-plant on to your pillow, but know you also should take your makeup off first.

The eye makeup remover pads work so well - they had no problem gently removing my water proof eyeliner. The pack costs $7 and contains 30 pads... which is the same price as my current makeup remover, except that lasts for months and these would only last one month (or less). Still, I'll probably buy them.

Of the three moisturizers my favorite is the protecting light moisturizer with SPF 15. As stated, it is very light, absorbs quickly into skin and offers protection from the sun. Essential to wear everyday, I will definitely continue to use this.

Next is the nourishing cream; a little heavier but I still liked it. No SPF, so it's a good one for the evenings. The downside for me is the jar. I don't care for having to put my fingers into containers.

My least favorite is the gel moisturizer; I felt like it left my skin feeling sticky, and again, no SPF.

Unlike many of the women who Simple polled, now that the days are getting longer and the air is getting warmer, I try to be prepared to be out in the sun more. While Simple's SPF moisturizer will be replacing the one I currently use, I do use one. My downfall is of course, in the reapplication, which should be done every two hours.

Healthy diets can help improve your skin, and some of the best foods for your skin are actually my favorites! Brussels sprouts (try this amazing recipe, pan seared with cranberries and blue cheese), walnuts (I love to put them in my pesto instead of pinenuts), salmon (parmesan crusted, please), and avocados (oh my god these go with everything; breakfast, lunch, or dinner).

I'm joining Simple and making an effort to be kind to my city skin, and I hope you will too!

Simple is offering one Chic on the Cheap reader their own set of Simple Skincare products, valued at $53. Contest is open to US residents, enter using the Rafflecopter below.
Winner will receive:
Simple Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer ($10.99)
Simple Nourishing 24-Hour Day/Night Cream ($10.99)
Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15 ($10.99)
Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes ($5.99)
Simple Eye Make-up Remover Pads ($6.99)
Simple Foaming Facial Wash ($6.99)

You can also win prizes from Simple by following them on Twitter @SimpleSkincare and participating in the #CitySkinChallenge - they will be tweeting out daily challenges to help you reveal your best skin.

I'm participating in this sponsored campaign for Simple Skincare on behalf of One2One Network. As always, my views and opinions are my own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway