Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Eye Serum Giveaway

The fact that the skin around our eye area is thinner and more prone to signs of aging compared to the rest of our face is common knowledge. Yet, we hardly give it the tender loving care that it needs. Most of us would just slap on some eye cream and call it a day while we diligently apply all sorts of serums and treatments on our face. What about the eye area?

Perricone MD introduces a new eye care product, Vitamin C Ester Eye Serum, to compliment your daily eye cream. The antioxidant-packed Vitamin C Ester promotes collagen production for a firmer and brighter eye area. If you often experience dull and tired eyes, this could be the solution for you. In sync with his philosophy, Dr. Perricone recommends to combine diet, topical treatments and the Perricone MD Nutriceuticals for a holistic approach to skin care.

For US and Canada residents only, stand a chance to win a bottle of the new Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Eye Serum worth USD$50!

To qualify for this giveaway, complete the following tasks by March 11th, 2010:

1. Be a Skindeco.net subscriber/follower
2. Read and comply to the contest rules
3. Fill in your details into the Contest Machine below
4. Tell me in the comment box, "Why do you want the Vitamin C Ester Eye Serum?"

*Only entries that have fulfilled all the above tasks will be eligible



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Tutorial: Neutral Twist -- Chartreuse, Taupe and Purple

I've been missing bright colors. However, I'm at a stage where I feel that too many bright colors in one look can be overwhelming, especially for non-extravagant days.

This is a neutral look with a twist -- the chartreuse lid is contrasting to the neutral taupe but it doesn't dominate the entire look. To sneak in more color, I've used purple on the lower lashline.



Creating this look, I've experimented with several newly-acquired products. Read on to see the items used


Items Used:

Face:
Shu Uemura UV Under Base Mousse in Beige
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in #6
MAC Select Cover-Up in NC35
Giorgio Armani Loose Powder
elf Healthy Glow Powder in Luminance

Cheeks:
Benefit Dallas Powder
Benefit Sugarbomb

Lips:
MAC Sliimshine Lipstick in Bare
Urban Decay Pocket Rocket Lipgloss in Kirk


Eyes:
Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer
MAC Paint Pot in Pharaoh
MAC Eyeshadow in Pagan
NYX Eyeshadow in Iced Mocha (dupe for MAC Satin Taupe)
Stila Eyeshadow in Champagne
NYX Eyeshadow in Smokie Mountatin
MAC Eyeshadow in Fig. 1
Shu Uemura Glow On Blush in P Gold 91
MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack
MAC Glitter Eye Liner in Oxidate
Giorgio Armani Eye Pencil in Black
Maybelline Turbo Boost Mascara
Prescriptives Eyebrow Powder









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Review: The Body Shop Honey & Oat 3-in-1 Scrub Mask

In my childhood years, before he became completely blind, my late grandfather would whip up the most delicious bowl of oatmeal porridge for me. It was cooked the old-fashioned way with milk, honey and maybe just an extra spoonful of love. While I still enjoy oatmeal porridge to this date, it doesn't taste as good as the one grandpa used to make.

When I used The Body Shop Honey & Oat 3-in-1 Scrub Mask for the first time, it took a lot of resistance to hold back my tears. When scrubbed, the oat scent was exactly how grandpa’s porridge smelled like. I’d cup my nose with my fingers so that I can take in more of the scent that I thought I had forgotten.

In hope that I’m not the only silly sap, is there a product that holds great sentimental value to you? I’d love to read your story.

Read on for the review



Deep Cleanse + Polish + Moisturize

A tub of The Body Shop Honey & Oat 3-in-1 Scrub Mask contains a generous amount of chunky gooey goodness. Formulated for normal to dry skin, kaolin clay draws out impurities and restores skin’s natural balance while organic honey moisturizes and conditions. Unlike any other oat-based scrubs I’ve ever tried, the oat bits do no feel abrasive at all as they gently exfoliate without aggravating fragile skin. The oat scent released from the scrubbing is part of the experience and in my case, it’s a big one.


When washed off, skin feels incredibly soft and smooth with added brightness. There really isn’t anything to not like about this mask with the exception of its not-so-deep cleansing attribute, especially if you have badly clogged skin.


After cleansing, apply a thin layer of the mask onto dry skin and leave it on (it doesn’t dry completely) for about 10 minutes. After that, start scrubbing with wet hands. Finally, rinse off the mask and follow with treatments and moisturizer.

Retails for RM59/100ml at The Body Shop outlets and USD$16.50 on the US website


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20% Off Skin MD Natural

Congratulations to Ida for winning the Skin MD Natural giveaway!

For those of you who didn't win or didn't enter the giveaway, here's a coupon code for 20% off your purchase at Skin MD Natural

Just enter SDECO before checking out

The coupon code is valid until 7th March, 2010


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V-Day Makeup Tutorial: "Two Is Better Than One" by Boys Like Girls ft. Taylor Swift

Just in time, here's the final tutorial for this year's V-Day Makeup Tutorial series.
I really couldn't think of any other look that would suit "Two Is Better Than One" other than the Taylor Swift look done by MakeupByTiffanyD.
Though I initially wanted to make my version as dramatic as hers, I decided to tame it down a few notches to make the look softer and more wearable for daytime dates.



I hope all these tutorials have been helpful and if you do recreate any of the looks, I would LOVE to see your version. Drop me an e-mail! To view all the V-day tutorials, click on the V-Day Makeup Tutorials label.

Read on for more pictures and description of items used


Items Used:

Face:
Monistat Chafing Gel
MAC Select Cover-Up in NC35
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in #6
Giorgio Armani Loose Powder

Cheeks:
Benefit Sugarbomb

Lips:
OCC Lip Tar in Hush
MAC Lipglass in Miss Marble


Eyes:
Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer
Giorgio Armani Eye Pencil in Grey
MAC Eyeshadow in Ricepaper
MAC Eyeshadow in Tete-a-Tint
NYX Eyeshadow in Greyish Brown
Stila Smudge Pot in Grey
Giorgio Armani Eye Pencil in Black
Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash Mascara
Prescriptives Eyebrow Powder
White Eye Pencil

I got a haircut. I look like a boy

"Two Is Better Than One"
by Boys Like Girls ft. Taylor Swift
(music video)

I remember what you wore on the first day
You came into my life and I thought
"Hey, you know, this could be something"
'Cause everything you do and words you say
You know that it all takes my breath away
And now I'm left with nothing

So maybe it's true
That I can't live without you
And maybe two is better than one
But there's so much time
To figure out the rest of my life
And you've already got me coming undone
And I'm thinking two is better than one

I remember every look upon your face
The way you roll your eyes
The way you taste
You make it hard for breathing
'Cause when I close my eyes and drift away
I think of you and everything's okay
I'm finally now believing

That maybe it's true
That I can't live without you
And maybe two is better than one
But there's so much time
To figure out the rest of my life
And you've already got me coming undone
And I'm thinking two is better than one

I remember what you wore on the first day
You came into my life and I thought, "Hey,"

Maybe it's true
That I can't live without you
Maybe two is better than one
But there's so much time
To figure out the rest of my life
And you've already got me coming undone
And I'm thinking
I can't live without you
'Cause, baby, two is better than one
But there's so much time
To figure out the rest of my life
But I'll figure it out
When all is said and done
Two is better than one
Two is better than one

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Update: Hey Lovely Peeps!

Just wanna say thank you so much for all of your support and encouragement. I've read every single one of your comments and they mean the world to me. I appreciate that some of you have shared your battles with skin problems, making me realize that I'm not alone.

I'm very much relieved to announce that my skin condition has been improving after medication *HUGS WOOD!!!!*, which I will discontinue by the end of this week. Here's to hoping that I have a fresh skin for the Lunar New Year! It's Wednesday already and I feel really bad for not having any new posts up for y'all. I haven't been around my make up for quite some time, to be honest. Tomorrow's reserved for CNY clothes shopping so no new posts either. Boo! I'll try my best to have something up by Friday! I'll be away for most of the CNY week so I can't promise any posts then.

Thank you again for sticking around :) Love you all. Oh! And if you haven't, quick submit your entries for the Skin MD giveaway before it ends!

Have a great week ahead!

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Update: Hiding From the World

At least, that's what I've felt like doing for the past two weeks.

I've been rather depressed lately over my face (skin) that I practically have no mood to do anything at all except eat and watch TV, which screws up my supposed "diet". I feel reluctant to go out to meet people because I feel ugly. Since my skin can't take any makeup at all, I haven't been wearing any makeup either. Even drawing on my eyebrows and applying mascara makes me cringe because it requires me to look in the mirror. The more I see the reflection of my red, patchy, flaky, bumpy scaly, rough and wrinkled skin, the more depressed I got. It didn't help either when people thought that I didn't blend my blush properly or got punched...

Loads of whining and moaning so read on only if you think you can handle it...


Yes, I'm very emo when it comes to the skin of my face because what my skin is going through right now means I can't do tutorials, show how a product looks on me or even try any new products for that matter. Beauty exploration is a huge part of my life and it kills me that I can't play with my makeup. The only part of my face that's left looking normal is my nose and I don't think I wanna show you that seeing as I haven't been scrubbing or doing any deep cleansing, in fear that I might aggravate my skin even more.

After pertinaciously using all the methods that I know of to get my skin back to normal and to no avail, I finally consulted a doctor. You see, I've been trying to get my skin off "drugs", hoping to heal it with more natural approaches but at this point of desperation, screw natural! I wanna look normal again :(
The doctor gave me anti-inflammatory tablets and this super potent ointment that he only recommends a thin layer of application and has to be stopped the moment my rash goes away.

I just got the meds 4 hours ago so I don't know how well they're working yet but I'm hoping that my skin can make a comeback in time for the last V-day tutorial for the series and of course, all my scheduled reviews. Keep your fingers crossed for me, k? Love you all and have a great week ahead!


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Giveaway: Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion

Would you like to win a bottle of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion that beauty bloggers are raving about?

All it takes is a few simple steps and you'll stand a chance to win. The best part is, this giveaway is opened to all Skin Deco readers worldwide so everyone gets to participate!

Here's what you have to do by February 14th, 2010:

1. Be a Skindeco.net subscriber/follower
2. Read and comply to the contest rules
3. Fill in your details into the Contest Machine
4. Answer this question (in the comments below) based on the Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion review: "Which skin condition do you have that you're hoping Skin MD will help to relieve?"




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V-Day Makeup Tutorial: "Eternal Flame" by The Bangles

"Eternal Flame" is a classic and I'm afraid the Atomic Kittens didn't quite do the song justice.

For this song, I wanted the lid to be really warm with cranberry and copper and I added some teal on the lower lash line to represent a blue flame. Get the connection? The cheeks and lips are kept neutral to balance out the eyes.



One more V-day tutorial to go! Hope you've been enjoying the series so far.
*You'll get video tutorial updates faster on my YouTube channel. Please subscribe!
Read on for more pictures and description of items used


Items Used:

Face:
Stage Opening Stage Primer
Stila Perfecting Foundation Stick in d 05
I Nuovi Undercover Concealer in 4Y
Giorgio Armani Loose Powder
elf Healthy Glow Powder in Luminance

Cheeks:
MAC Mineralize Blush in Superdupernatural

Lips:
NYX Round Lipstick in Mars
NYX Round Lipgloss in Cafe Latte


Eyes:
elf Mineral Eyeshadow Primer
Benefit Creaseless Eyeshadow in Stiletto
NYX Eyeshadow in Rust (dupe for MAC Cranberry) and Copper
I Nuovi D27 Eyeshadow in Velvet (dupe for MAC Beauty Marked)
MAC Eyeshadow in Ricepaper
MAC Eyeshadow in Cool Heat
MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack
Giorgio Armani Eye Pencil in Black
Ardell False Lashes in Demi #102
Maybelline Turbo Boost Mascara
Prescriptives Eyebrow Powder

"Eternal Flame"
by The Bangles
(music video)

Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling
Do you feel my heart beating, do you understand?
Do you feel the same, am I only dreaming?
Is this burning an eternal flame?

I believe it's meant to be, darling
I watch you when you are sleeping, you belong to me
Do you feel the same, am I only dreaming
Or is this burning an eternal flame?

Say my name, sun shines through the rain
A whole life so lonely, and then you come and ease the pain
I don't want to lose this feeling

Say my name, sun shines through the rain
A whole life so lonely, and then you come and ease the pain
I don't want to lose this feeling

Close your eyes and give me your hand
Do you feel my heart beating, do you understand?
Do you feel the same, am I only dreaming
Or is this burning an eternal flame?

Is this burning an eternal flame?

An eternal flame?

(Close your eyes and give me your hand
Do you feel my heart beating, do you understand?
Do you feel the same, am I only dreaming
Or is this burning an eternal flame?)

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Review: Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion

If you're an avid bloghopper, you may have noticed how this bottle of lotion is gaining rapid popularity. Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion bonds with the skin to act as a shield, keeping irritants out and skin's own natural moisture in. This aids the healing of the skin which results in relief from dry skin conditions, eczema, psoriasis and skin allergies.

Skin Deco's U.S. correspondent, Grace, was sent a bottle of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion just in time to help alleviate her winter skin woes.

Read on for her review and details on a giveaway offer...


The Skin MD Shielding Lotion is thinner than most lotions I have used. It has more of a gel consistency. Within a few seconds after application the lotion is fully absorbed into your skin. It leaves your hands smooth and moisturized without that greasy feeling you may get from other lotions. There is a light scent of sunscreen to it. The smell goes away rather quickly.


I am a compulsive lotion user. Every time I see lotion I use it. You would think that my skin would be soft and smooth year round. However, when winter roles around my fingertips get extraordinarily dry and my skin starts to peel. I have used many different gels, lotions and creams from drugstore to high-end brands but none seemed to get rid of the flaky skin. I was sent a bottle of Skin MD to try and I have to say I am impressed. After three weeks, my flaky skin was officially gone. From a person who has probably spent over 300 dollars in 2 years on products to get rid of the peeling skin I have to say this is by far the best product I have ever used.

My dermatologist diagnosed me with dyshidrotic eczema last month. He told me to try using cortisone based creams which didn’t work. I went back to my dermatologist last week to show him the results of this amazing product and he said I no longer had dyshidrotic eczema.

I will definitely repurchase this. Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion retails for USD$18 (4 0z.) which can be ordered from their website and they ship worldwide at a reasonable price. Do check for their store locations in four countries.

Look out for a giveaway post coming up very soon to win yourself a bottle of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion! You'll have to answer a question using information found in this review so make sure you read it carefully. The giveaway will be open internationally to all Skin Deco readers


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Rounding Up January 2009 + US Haul

Into the new month and I was spending most of my day in bed, coughing my head off. Hoping that I'm not too late, here's the round-up for January 2009:

• Nikki of Askmewhats featured some serious makeup porn by showing us how she organizes her traincase
• It's usually her in-depth reviews that get us hooked but this month, Jenn of Lipglosseater made us salivate from foodie pics!
• Xin of Pretty Beautiful says goodbye to blackheads with pictures to prove (not for the faint-hearted!)
• Don't fall for a differently packaged product with a higher price tag when the inside's just the same! I learned that from Syen of So Loverly
• Yani of Red Luscious Lips rocks purple from the eyes to the lips and offers us tips on how we can do the same
• Glad to know that I'm on the right track! Paris B of My Women Stuff posted a money tip on how you can save with separate bank accounts
• Don't you just wanna take a bite out of the Lush Sultana Soap as reviewed by Plue of Beauty Up My Life?
  
• We're pretty sure Beetrice of Beetrice's Reviews is beating guys off with a stick when she's wearing TheBalm's Down Boy! She denies it though ;)

Hop on over to the girls' blogs to see what their top post picks are!

Read on to see what flew into my stash all the way from the U.S. of A.


*HUGE GRIN!!*
If there's anything in particular that you'd like me to review, please let me know in the comment section below. Whatever's not stated is either not mine, sent to me for review (which I will regardless of requests) or are samples. Thanks, Grace, for being such an angel to help me get all these stuff and for the extra goodies too! *hugs*

1. Empty click-pens
2. MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator
3. MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation
4. MAC Select Cover-Up
5. Urban Decay Pocket Rocket Lipgloss in Kirk
6. Philosophy Purity Made Simple Facial Cleanser
7. Milani Glimmer Stripes in Terra Glimmer
8. Milani Eye Shadow in Storm
9. NYX Trio Eyeshadow in Team Spirit
10. NYX Eyeshadow in Sunset Ray, Smokie Mountain, Greyish Brown, Iced Mocha, Gunmetal
11. NYX Round Lipstick in Ceto and Frappucino
12. NYX Megashine Lipgloss in Taupe
13. Smith's Rosebud Salve
14. Burt's Bees Royal Jelly Eye Creme
15. Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash Mascara
16. Bare Escentuals Mineral Viel
17. Lush Angels on Bare Skin Cleanser
18. Bliss The Youth As We Know It Moisture Cream
19. Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer
20. Revlon Age Defying Foundation
21. Revlon Matte Lipstick in Nude Attitude
22. Red Cherry Lashes #523
23. EOS Lip Balm

Last but not least... my stash got Sugarbomb-ed!!

Unlike ParisB who can't keep her brush in, I prefer to spend some time admiring this beauty first, buy her dinner and movie, write her poetry and get a cat together before I deflower her...

Thanks, Bee, for helping us spree :D


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V-Day Makeup Tutorial: "Love Song" by 311

I can imagine that most of you are not familiar with this song. "Love Song" was the sountrack for all-time favorite romantic comedy, "50 First Dates". Ringing any bells yet?

This look was inspired by the movie's setting in Hawaii hence the summer colors of gold and teal. Bronzed glowy skin is of course, complementary to the eye makeup. The lips are kept nude.



Read on for more pictures and description of items used...


Items Used:

Face:
Youngblood Mineral Liquid Foundation in Tahitian Sun
Ben Nye Concealer Wheel
OCC Lip Tar in Uber + Foundation (contour)
Giorgio Armani Loose Powder


Eyes:
elf Mineral Eyeshadow Primer
MAC Paint Pot in Rollickin'
NYX Eyeshadow in Irises
NYX Eyeshadow in Golden
MAC Pigment in Blonde's Gold
NYX Eyeshadow in Deep Brown
NYX Eyeshadow in Hot Orange
MAC Glitter in Reflects Transparent Teal
MAC Creme Liner in Black
Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil in Bourbon
MAC Zoom Lash in Zoom Black
Prescriptives Eyebrow Powder


Cheeks:
MAC Mineralize Blush Duo in Hot Planet
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Cheeky Bronze

Lips:
Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Nude Delight
Stage Wondergloss in Helen


My biggest regret for this look was not wearing falsies. In the photos my lashes look barely visible although this wasn't the case in real life *sighs*

"Love Song"
by 311
(music video)

Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am home again
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am whole again

Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am young again
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am fun again

However far away, I will always love you
However long I stay, I will always love you
Whatever words I say, I will always love you
I will always love you

Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am free again
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am clean again

However far away, I will always love you
However long I stay, I will always love you
Whatever words I say, I will always love you
I will always love you

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