giveaway alert: RoC® Skincare Gift basket + $200 VISA gift card! {closed}

on behalf of the RoC® skincare team, i'm so excited and grateful for the opportunity to bring you a fabulous, huge  giveaway! i've been a brand ambassador for the last two years and this is a way to give thanks! so, in this season of giving, RoC® would like to gift you with a $200 gift card and a holiday basket filled with {the best} RoC® products!

interested?

of course you are! :)

~ here's what's in the basket:

RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Night Cream {read my review here}

RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer {read my review here}

RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Serum {read my review here}

RETINOL CORREXION® Eye Cream

RETINOL CORREXION® MAX Resurfacing System

RETINOL CORREXION® Sensitive Night Cream

RETINOL CORREXION® Sensitive Eye Cream

MULTI CORREXION® 5 in 1 Restoring Night Cream {watch my review here}

MULTI CORREXION® 5 in 1 Eye Cream {watch my review here}

MULTI CORREXION® 5 in 1 Daily Moisturizer {watch my review here}

MAX Resurfacing Cleanser {watch my review here}

Daily Resurfacing Disks {read my review here}

*visit rocskincare.com for more info about the brand, their ingredients and where to buy.*

~ and here are the rules** and what you need to do to enter for your chance to win!:

1. *follow me on Twitter and tweet me {@thebeautygirl}: "i want better skin in 2015! #RoCBeautyGiveaway " {up to 3 times}
2. *follow me on Instagram, regram the giveaway photo i've posted with "i want better skin in 2015! #RoCBeautyGiveaway " and tag me @thebeautygirl {up to 3 times}

super easy so far, right? just a couple more things**:

1. this contest is open today december 15, 2014, to US residents only, 18 and over. 
2. you may enter up to 3 times each by tweeting @thebeautygirl on Twitter and Instagram. 
3. if you are chosen as the winner, please be prepared to respond to me via DM or email {beautygirlmusings@gmail.com} within 24 hours to provide me with your name, mailing info and phone number {i will send this to the people at RoC; it will be used for shipping purposes only ~ your info will not be shared or sold to any third party}

**contest ends midnight PST friday, december 19, 2014 ~ winner will be announced saturday, december 20th, 2014 here, on Twitter and Instagram!

good luck!

**read please: contest open to US residents only; entrants must be 18 or older. entering this contest means you are giving me permission to forward your name, address, phone number and email address to representatives of RoC skincare for fulfillment and mailing of contest prize. non response {within 24 hours of winner announcement} will result in disqualification and a new winner will be chosen. all personal info is kept private and will not be used for any other purpose beyond this contest. one {1} winner, chosen at random, will receive the prize mentioned. enter up to 3 times via Twitter and Instagram. more entries beyond 3 will not improve your chances of winning. giveaway sponsored by RoC Skincare. some restrictions apply. open to US residents only. entries will be accepted through 11:59 pm PST on friday, december 19, 2014. winner will be announced saturday, december 20th, 2014. thank you. :)

skincare review: 4 serums i'm loving right now...

when it comes to skincare, serums are, in my opinion, a must in my routine. the highly concentrated gems contain nutrients and technologically advanced ingredients formulated to help prevent or correct skin damage. depending on your needs and budget, there are a plethora of options to choose from.


i've been using the following products individually {though there has been some overlap with a couple at a time} over the last several months, and i'm so excited to share with you now how {and why} i love each one. they all address wrinkles and hydration, but are unique and have different purposes. i've noticed fab results from them all... 

Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum by RoC is the first on my list. over the last couple of years i've been a brand ambassador and have had the opportunity to work with the company, discovering what makes them and their products so good. while the name suggests it would be a product i wouldn't reach for {i have no severe, deep wrinkles}, the ingredients are fabulous for prevention and correction of fine lines and evening out skin tone. it has a silky, lightweight texture {which was fabulous as i used it over the summer} and it gave my skin a more even-toned, smooth, glowy look. i expected a bit of a reaction from this because the packaging said i might, but also since it contains Retinol {a vitamin a derivative that makes skin more sensitive to sun exposure}, but thankfully, i had none {i do wear sunscreen everyday}. rocskincare.com

Skin & Co Umbria Truffle Hydro-Toning Face Serum is part of an apothecary range of goodies; simple and effective, this serum is certainly worth trying if you are unfamiliar. i love the way it glides onto my skin and absorbs beautifully. it's uber hydrating and creates a smooth finish that works well with other moisturizers and under foundation. i use it twice day and my skin had no negative reaction to it. skinandcoroma.com

Beverly Hills MD sent me their Venox anti-aging serum and it was love at first use. no, that doesn't mean i saw instant results, but that i really loved the way it made my skin feel. with more use, i really began to appreciate the hydration and antioxidants. i used the creamy formula twice a day and it really helped reduce the finer lines i have around my eyes and on my forehead {wrinkles be gone!}. beverlyhils-md.com

and finally i'd like for you to meet Lumene Bright Now Vitamin C BB Serum ~ it's the least expensive on this list, but it certainly doesn't make it less of a powerful product. it smells of fresh oranges and, like the other serums on my list, has improved the look of my skin with its highly concentrated formula. i've been applying it before my sunscreen/moisturizer, and thanks to the light-reflecting pigments, my skin is always left looking beautifully radiant. ulta.com

 vitamins and antioxidants as well as advanced ingredients created by man, all of these serums deserve a space in your skincare arsenal. visit the website links for more info. let me know if you've used any of these gems or tell me about what you've been using these days! 

products featured were sent to me for review consideration; all opinions and thoughts are my own; pics taken by me :)

expert tips for creating a perfect at-home bath

did you know that immersing the body in water has been medically proven to be a very relaxing, therapeutic and a complement to a healthy lifestyle? you can find luxurious baths the Lapis Spa in the Fontainebleau Miami Beach where they offer water therapy in various ways and at varied temperatures; the deep muscle relaxation associated with a good hot bath helps to reduce cramps, tension headaches and improves muscle elasticity. this process is similar to a massage and beneficial for everyone, from athletes to those who sit at a desk all day. it has even been said that taking a bath takes you back to a time when you were in the womb, thus creating a comforting and relaxing environment.

with winter in the air and the stress of the holidays just around the corner, a bath is certainly something that will aid in relaxing. i admit, i don't remember the last time i took one, but since receiving the following tips i have to share with you, i'm thinking it's about time i take one soon…

many thanks to Josie Feria, director of Spa at Lapis {located at The Fontainebleau Miami Beach}, for  sharing these helpful tips to create the ultimate at-home soaking experience. take a look…

bath temperature 

a warm bath is best for relaxing the body with the ideal water temperature being 92 degrees fahrenheit. "test the water by using your wrist, not your hand, as it's a better gauge of how the water will feel once your entire body is submerged."

use scented bath oil 

Feria recommends floral scents like lavender, jasmine, iris and rose since they are associated with relaxation and can help to ease you into a relaxing state quicker. "adding oils to the tub {when the bath is halfway full} will help them disperse evenly throughout the water."

body scrub 

most people are used to being active all the time, so when they get in the tub their minds start racing and they become unable to relax. engage your mind by gently massaging your body with a sponge and body scrub; as the scrub buffs away dryness, your thoughts can move to something less stressful.

closing your eyes 

it's important to close your eyes during the bath to enter deep relaxation, so anything that forces you to keep your eyes closed is a great. "try cold cucumbers, an icy compress or eye pads which have been soaked in chilled chamomile tea."

bath salts

if you've had a tough workout, bath salts are like external muscle relaxants. soreness, pain or swelling are reduced, along with inflammation and stiffness, when using bath salts. they also help detoxify skin and increase circulation which helps to ease tension and revitalize the body.

candles

bright bathroom lights tell your body its go-time ~ not bath time. instead, light a few candles and place them around the room and on the edge of the tub.

cold water

if you’ve set your water temp right {somewhere between steamy and very warm}, you should be feeling quite toasty in the tub. a warm bath raises your body’s core temperature, so you’ll start sweating. Josie says, "before getting into the tub, set a bowl of ice water and a washcloth next to you and use it as a cold compress on your forehead or the nape of your neck to help keep you refreshed throughout the bath time. i also grab a tall bottle of San Pellegrino and force myself to drink the whole thing to hydrate."

bath robe/nice bath sheets
 "nothing jolts you out of a zen state like going from a warm, luxe bath to a measly, threadbare robe or old dingy towel. get a plush terry cloth robe or fluffy towels that allow you to feel warm and comfortable."

multitask
make the most of your bath by using the time to also give yourself a face and hair treatment. both the skin and hair respond very favorably to the moist environment created by a steamy bath. to cleanse your face, apply a clay mask to the skin avoiding the eyes, allow to remain on the skin for 7-10 minutes then remove gently with wet washcloth. to soften and hydrate your hair, apply conditioner or hair mask to wet hair then cover in plastic cap and hot towel and allow the conditioner or mask to remain on hair for duration of bath for 15- 20 minutes. wash and rinse thoroughly.

music
"play relaxing music to sooth your mood and aid in the process of relaxation. visualization is also a great tool to enhance relaxation in the bath," says Josie. complimented by music, visualization exercises can transport you to your own private nirvana…caribbean beaches anyone?

relax afterwards
leave the smart phone alone for an hour or so and just enjoy time for yourself. get a glass of tea and read or listen to music. want more coziness? "heat a towel in the microwave and wrap around your neck and take a deep and well-earned nap."

 thank you again to Josie Feria for these fabulous tips!

 if ever i'm in miami…

so, tell me ~ which of these suggested tips will you, {or maybe do you already} incorporate into your bath time? any fave products you include in your ritual? share in the comments!

info and images courtesy of pr representing Josie Feria of Spa at Lapis {located at The Fontainebleau Miami Beach}

winter beauty: Obiqo Silky Body Butter + Smoothing Eye Cream

Obiqo skincare combines nutrient-rich sea kelp from new zealand’s pristine waters with the very finest natural marine anti-aging extracts and powerful antioxidant properties of french organic sea lavender. this beauty brand was recently introduced to me, and it was this description that caught my attention.

i've been using Silky Body Butter and Smoothing Eye Cream for a few weeks and i can't stress enough how i think you need these gems in your life. since using them, i've noticed on my skin looks better, feels amazing and they're just a treat to use!

the rich-textured Silky Body Butter really is silky and lush; it absorbs quickly, smells fabulous, and i just love it. it's perfect for using right out of the shower, but of course can be used anytime and anywhere on the body that needs moisture. i especially love applying it right before bed ~ its a guaranteed way to wake up with soft, smooth skin!

Obiqo Smoothing Eye Cream is a luxurious treat for my eyes at the end of the day {and so refreshing when used in the morning}. thanks to its gorgeous rich formula, this fragrance free, non-irritating {in my experience} cream keeps dryness and puffiness at bay. 

 i've had such a fabulous experience with Obiqo; so much so that i'm ready to try out some of their other items {like the Restoring Night Cream and the Radiant Day Cream}. and the best thing about this luxurious brand is their products are so affordable! 

you can get more info about Obiqo products at obiqoskincareusa.com and purchase online at amazon.com

products sent to me for review consideration; all opinions are based on my own experience; pics taken by me :)

skincare review: Radical Skin Perfecting Screen SPF30

sun protection is an important part of my skin care routine, so when i was sent a new facial sunscreen from Radical Skincare, i beyond thrilled to try it.

and…

yes, i'm pretty excited about it!

 
not only does Radical Skin Perfecting Screen protect my face from harsh UV rays with a non-chemical spf 30, but it's a skincare gem because it contains light-reflecting pigments that help create a beautiful, luminous finish that is still matte and lasts all day. 

without Radical Screen on the left, with it on the right. :)

 this unique, pearl-toned, slightly shimmery formula applies beautifully, absorbs well and is definitely a new fave of mine. if you have the opportunity, don't take my word for it, try it for yourself. your skin will thank you! :)

visit radicalskincare.com for more info.

product sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

beauty review: Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation spf 20

happy wednesday, loves…are you having a beautiful week? 

if you're anything like me, any day can be made better by treating yourself to a new beauty goodie. i love discovering something new and adding it to my beauty buy or get-more-info-about list {please tell me you do this, too!}.

all of this is to tell you that Shiseido has a new product {actually 2 more, but i'll get to that in a minute} and it should bring a smile to your face ~ you should be excited about it...

i certainly am!

the luxury brand has added color products to their fabulous Future Solution LX Collection. what i'm gushing about specifically is the fabulous full coverage Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation SPF20. 

available in 11 shades {i use B60}, this gem utilizes new light technology to create radiant skin; with its creamy, lightweight formula, it creates a gorgeous tone to my skin and keeps it looking great all day.

in addition to the coverage, the new Radiance Foundation has skincare benefits. ingredients in the formula aid in reducing visible signs of aging like loss of firmness, wrinkles, visible pores and uneven skin tone.

i'm loving this fusion of skincare and makeup ~ you should definitely consider checking out for yourself. the luxe Future LX collection also includes a loose powder that can be worn alone or used to set the foundation. it's also a multi-tasker. :)

Shiseido Future Solution LX Radiance Foundation is avaluable now and you can get more info on their website, shiseido.com

product featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

skincare review: Murad Transforming Powder

bonjour, beauties ~ hope you're doing well...

i've been relishing some fab skincare goodies as of late, including this new one from Murad.

the powerhouse brand has expanded its arsenal of acne products thanks to the recent release of its first-ever powder cleanser, Transforming Powder. this water-activated cleanser provides the ideal amount of exfoliation to help blemish-prone skin get {and stay} clear but without the risk of irritation.

this dual-action powder is formulated with exfoliating bio-enzymes and dissolving jojoba beads to quickly transform from an exfoliating scrub into a light, foaming cleanser with the addition of water. the enzymes aid in breaking down oil, dirt and dead skin cells, but unlike other exfoliators, is super gentle and rinses away easily.

  over-exfoliation can be a problem, and especially so if if you have acne-prone skin. this is, as i've already mentioned, really kind to my skin. other ingredients {pumpkin seed extract and salicylic acid} work to keep pores clear, manage oil production and encourage cell turnover, a fab benefit for keeping skin looking youthful as well!

so, it's another win for Murad! i've really enjoyed the last few products sent to me to try. are you a fan of Murad products? what are your faves?

be sure to visit murad.com for more info.

product featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

best beauty: BB and CC Creams

 two skincare items i'm still obsessed with are BB and CC creams. since the fall season has started, it's the perfect excuse opportunity for you {and me!} to change or try a new one. while perusing the InStyle UK website i came across two lists i thought you'd enjoy, which just so happens to feature BB and CC creams.

here are a few picks that stood out to me…

Estee Lauder Double Wear All Day Glow BB Moisture Makeup SPF 30 ~ i love the Double Wear foundation, so i can only image this BB to be just as fabulous, but in a lighter, skin-nourishing way.

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream ~ i've tried this one; wear it alone or as a base. if you're a fan of Smashbox, you'll love this! 

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream ~ my daughter uses this one and loves it. i have yet to try it myself, but stay tuned, i will soon enough...

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream ~ this looks great for creating a gorgeous, dewy glow. it's hydrating and also oil-free so it would work well on all skin types.

Bobbi Brown CC Cream SPF 35 ~ i'm a fan of Bobbi's makeup and {from what i've read} this seems like a great treat for the skin.

Cover FX CC Cream Time Release Tinted Treatment ~ i'm a fan of the new BB Mattifying Gel, so i'm guessing this anti-aging treatment won't disappoint.


check out InStyle UK's full list of BB Creams and CC Creams ~ are any of your faves on the list? which ones do you want to try the most? let me know in the comments!

all images acquired via InStyle UK

fall beauty: start fresh with Laura Mercier, nyakio and RéVive

the best thing about a new season {or anything for that matter}, is the idea of a fresh start. it's the opportunity to begin again, reinvigorate and/or try something new. in this case, i'm dishing products for your skin, an important subject in my life and i'm sure certainly high on your list as well.

a few innovative, season-appropriate offerings from Laura Mercier, nyakio and RéVive have been put on my radar that are fabulous picks for starting off fresh this new season...

to smooth things over, consider RéVive Intensité Line Erasing Serum. described as an ultra-luxe serum, this product promises to help reduce wrinkles instantly and overtime. the secret ingredient  sounds a bit odd, but technology these days is crazy good, so i can imagine that the cone snail venom extracted from marine, freshwater snails, really works. it's pricey, but if you have the money to spend... 

 Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide will amp up your coverage and give your skin a gorgeous, natural-but-better look. i've been using this beautiful new foundation and it's a game-changer. the buildable, medium-to-full coverage does exactly what it says: delivers a smooth, seamless complexion that lasts. available in 24 flawless lightweight, oil-free shades, this is a gem i can't recommend high enough.

keep your "eye" on the prize. nyakio Firming Eye Balm with Baobab Complex is a balm  that utilizes baobab oil, from the African "tree of life" to help skin feel instantly firmer, reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles and brighten the eye area. i've not tried this myself, but every nyakio product i've used has given me beautiful results. hopefully i can try this next!

visit the respected sites for more info and here's to a happy, healthy, gorgeous fall season!

info and images provided to me by PR; Laura Mercier foundation was sent to me for review consideration

backstage beauty: makeup artists share their skincare must-haves

when you want to know which skincare products are the best, makeup artists are among the best people to turn to ~ they deal with skin all day after all, and know how important well-prepped {and taken care of} skin is to the result of every makeup look.

at many ny fashion week shows this season Weleda Skin Food was spotted being used backstage, including Greg Lauren, Meden and Rebecca Minkoff, among others. this multi-duty beauty product was used as a primer and as a "skin gloss" on the cheekbones; Sarah Lucero, Stila makeup artist and global director of education and artistry calls Skin Food a must-have staple in her team's makeup kits.

Weleda Skin Food is a unique, ultra-rich whole-body cream that deeply hydrates, restores and protects the skin. when applied, skin is left looking soft, supple and has a healthy glow. sounds fabulous, right? you can find it at usa.weleda.com

in another part of the beauty world, Emmy award winning makeup artist, Sarah Woolf uses L’dara Advanced Anti-Aging Serum to prep the skin of contestants on Dancing With The Stars every week!

Sarah raves about the anti-aging serum, stating that "L’dara Advanced Anti-Aging Serum works better than a primer, it evens out skin tone and you can literally feel and see the difference." celeb fans include Candace Cameron Bure and Peta Muragatroyd.

L’dara Advanced Anti-Aging Serum is an antioxidant-rich serum that works to reduce discoloration and the visible effects of sun damage. it boasts a light-weight texture, promises to smooth the complexion and work to dramatically decrease the look of fine lines and wrinkles. if you've ever watched DWTS, you know the the makeup always looks fabulous, so i'm curious to discover more about this one! visit l’daraserum.com for more info.

info and images courtesy of featured brand's pr representative

beauty review: yumzezz natural body scrub

yumzezz [yuhm-zeez] noun, plural 1. nutrient rich skin treats that smell good enough to eat & are natural enough for most discriminating skin surfaces.

beauties! who doesn't love dessert or a sweet treat? in my home we always eat something sweet, typically after dinner, everyday. it's truly an enjoyable event and i highly recommend it. :)

but i digress…

i was sent some yummy, inedible, body scrubs to try out from a new brand, yumzezz, and i think they're quite fabulous.

everything in the yumzezz range are handmade and made to order. this ensures only the freshest product possible is delivered to you, and since most of the creations are heat susceptible, they're also packed with cold packs to retain that freshness. you'll also be happy to know that everything is paraben, mineral oil, petroleum, phthalate, formaldehyde and artificial color free {love that!}.

all three body scrub "flavors" were sent to me ~ Coconut Lemongrass, Fruiter, Mocha Crunch ~ and yes, they smell just as good as they sound. i think my favorite is the Mocha Crunch {smells like coffee and chocolate!}, but i like how my skin feels after using Fruiter {which, among other ingredients, contains seeds of fabulous fruits like strawberries, blackberries and raspberries} the best.

Mocha Crunch

Fruiter

Coconut Lemongrass

the freshness of these products really stands out and is appealing to me {i love fresh veggies and fruit and shop for them every few days myself, so…}. also, i love the fact that the founder created the products because she had a need {and want} for products that would help her dry, sensitive skin; she wanted products that would nourish and pamper but still be good for her.

yumzezz is certainly a brand i think you should check out ~ visit the website for all the details, yumzezz.com. enjoy!

products featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)