Wednesday's Deals & Steals

Happy Wednesday, GCS lovers! I've got some great deals for you today, in the hopes that you will forgive me for my spotty posting lately. (I've just started Evening MBA school, so I've been a little nuts!)

However, here is your chance to stock up on four fabulous brands, all at a fabulous price. I've included how to get the discount (in some instances you may have to click a banner to get directly into the site), the coupon code (if there is one) and also products from each brand that you may want to try, if you're new to the brand.

Happy Shopping!

Burt's Bees

The deal: Click on the text link over to the right. I can't seem to make this work in the body of this post, so I apologize. However, this link will take you directly to Burt's Bee's Outlet, where you can get select products up to 60% off retail prices.

Why you'll love Burt's Bees: Burt's Bees was founded in North Carolina, and is a great company based out of Durham. Their products mainly center around bee and honey type ingredients, but also add other fabulous natural and organic ingredients to make healthy, environmentally responsible, and (most importantly) effective products that work great on all skin types. Even better- the prices for this line are very reasonable, and the products are of high quality!

Products to try: Their Radiance Serum ($18), Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream ($6), and Avocado Butter Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatment ($9)


Clarins

The deal: Click on the link to the right of this screen, you'll see a button that says "Up to 60% off." This is a private sale that can't be entered unless you click this link- so make sure to use it! Also, Clarins also has free shipping on orders over $75.

Why you'll love Clarins: Other than the wonderful feeling of buying a bottle with French all over it (Ok, I can't help it, who doesn't love to feel European!?), Clarins is a good line for those of you who want to specifically target certain issues. Their HydroQuench line is one of the best for Dry Skin that I've ever used- I love the Cream Gel and the Mask. For those of you with very sensitive skin, don't pass up the Skin Beauty Repair Concentrate. It's $60, but I promise you'll thank me after just one use!

Products to try: Their Cleansing Milk with Gentian in Luxury Size is great for you gals with oily or combination skin- and it's on sale for $40- grab it up! It's good stuff and their bigger bottles rarely go on sale. You may also want to try their Restoring Age Control Boosters Set- it's a steal at $144 and contains great products for those of you who are hoping to prevent and reverse the signs of aging.

Jurlique

The deal: Click on the link above, and use code BIRTHDAY to take 27% off in honor of their 27th birthday! The only catch- this link is good for 27 hours, so act fast! If you order over $35 you may also consider getting a free travel-size Purely Bright Radiance Serum when you use code RADIANCE.

Why you'll love Jurlique: This is a new product line favorite for me, and their Calendula Cream is currently in my beauty bag as a great after-sun moisturizer for summer. Jurlique's products are natural, and they are great for sensitive skin. They operate their own 153-acre farm in order to maintain the quality of their ingredients.

Products to try: Calendula Cream, Purely Bright Cleanser, Soothing Herbal Recovery Gel

Philosophy

The deal: A free 27 Wishes Multi Purpose Skin Nurturing Balm when you spend $35 or more with code MYWISH.

Why you'll love Philosophy: A cult favorite with great packaging, Philosophy's body wash products are in glamour girls showers all over the world. Their products smell good, feel good, and work well. While I'm not as versed in their skin care, I have been a long time lover of their signature scent Amazing Grace. A clean, happy scent that will instantly brighten your mood and leave your boyfriend thinking that you "just always smell good"!

Products to try: Their new Hope in a Jar is hot off the press, and I'm curious for a sample. However, my favorites from this line include their fabulous smelling body washes and lotions. Amazing Grace products are also on the list to try!

Good news for local Mario lovers!

Good news, Winston-Salem, NC ladies!

Hair Body & Soul in Thruway Shopping Center now carries Mario Badescu products. Their selection is limited, but I feel certain if the demand grows, so will the supply! So, pop on over to this great little beauty spot (that also carries some great hair care brands like Phyto, Big Sexy Hair,  and Alterna) and get your Mario Badescu fix.

While you're there, do yourself a favor and pick up a bottle of OPI's Nail Envy clear nail strengthener. It's $12 well spent!

Hair Body & Soul
312 South Stratford Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27103

The Dreaded Painful Pimple

Hello again, skin care lovers! I apologize for my recent break, but in the last few weeks my husband and I have sold our home, purchased (or are in the process of purchasing) a new one, have been raising a beagle puppy, and I've been studying for the GMAT. Needless to say, our household has been fairly chaotic. Yours truly has been under some serious stress and my diet, exercise, and skin care routines have all taken a hit.

So it shouldn't have been a surprise to me at all that when I woke up yesterday- and there it was. The Dreaded Painful Pimple. Right on the bridge of my nose. Oh, it hurt something terrible! Even the most devoted skin care pro can't avoid the occasional painful pimple. Stress, hormones, diet, getting off schedule- it can all add up. And sometimes, it will add up right on the bridge of your nose. Grrr.

So, what was a girl to do? Well, the first AND MOST IMPORTANT rule of Dreaded Painful Pimples (DPP) is simple- DON'T try to pop it! More often than not, you can avoid ever seeing (though unfortunately not feeling) one of these little buggers. If you leave it alone, it's quite possible that it will go away on it's own, never even breaking the skin.

Secondly, heat up your water (either by faucet, or in a stovetop pan) and using a wash cloth, make a warm compress that you apply gently to the DPP. Don't scald the poor thing! Don't try to burn it off your face. Just use tolerable, warm water and a clean washcloth. 10-15 seconds per application, and then give it a few seconds of air before applying the heat again.

Lastly, don't overload it with creams, potions, and drying agents. We all know what flaky, irritated skin looks like, and it's not pretty. You've already got a pimple, no need to dry out your skin like the Sahara. Use a gentle anti-zit cream (I like Mario Badescu's Anti-Acne Serum) and apply a thin layer to the DPP, and the area around it, after you wash with your regular cleanser. Don't forget to follow with a moisturizer! You will need it to help keep your skin in balance.

A few days of this treatment, and you should notice it begin to abate. And, in the meantime, drink lots of water and try to bring your stress levels down with some yoga, walking, or relaxation time!

Kate Middleton's Beauty Secrets

It should probably be said that I absolutely adore Princess Kate Middleton. I do. I have a printed picture of her on the side of my computer at the office. I got up at 3 am to watch the royal wedding. I buy any magazine with her face on the cover. And I am, of course, quite curious about her beauty routine! So, when you've got photographers watching your every move, how do you stay flawless?! Here are some princess-tested, media approved secrets. (And a few articles for your reading pleasure, to boot!)

Karin Herzog Skin Care Products

Ever a woman of the people, Kate is reported to be a Karin Herzog devotee. Now, there is a fairly nice price tag to this line, but it's not the most expensive line out there, so I'm impressed that Kate is using a good line that (for someone who just inherited a comfy $10 million) is actually quite mid-range in price.

Products to try? Oxygen Face Cream (only $44) and Essential Mask ($50)

Kerastase Hair Products

If you tell me you don't envy Kate Middleton's gorgeous hair, you're lying. Perhaps the most famous head of hair on the planet, Kate often wears her hair long and flowing. Now, she also pays good money for blow outs up to 4 times a week, not including special occasions (isn't every day a special occasion when you're Kate Middleton!?) which most of us common folk can't afford. However, to keep her hair in tip top shape on her own, she's rumored to use Kerastase Hair Products, which are pretty easy to find right here in the US of A! Visit their website, linked above, and shop by your hair concerns- dry, oily, color-treated, etc.

Bobbi Brown 

A popular make up line on both sides of the pond, Kate reportedly stocks up on her basics at cult-favorite Bobbi Brown. Stateside, you can find Bobbi Brown in most high-end department stores. I've been a long-time fan on the line and used their make up products on my wedding day, as well!

Products to try? Creamy Concealer Kit ($32) and a Shimmer Brick ($39) (mine's in Rose, but Bronze would do well for summer time!)

And, if you're like me, and you just can't get enough Princess Kate, here are a few articles all about her beauty secrets to help distract you during your workday! Enjoy!

From Allure Magazine- http://www.allure.com/celebrity-trends/2011/kate-middleton#slide=1

From bellasugar- http://www.bellasugar.com/Kate-Middletons-Beauty-Routine-What-Might-Cost-16101113

From Beauty Sweet Spot- http://beautysweetspot.com/kate-middletons-favorite-beauty-products/

From Shine- http://ca.shine.yahoo.com/the-cost-of-kate-middleton-s-beauty-routine.html

Thursday's Beauty Steals

Happy Summertime, ladies! In North Carolina, we have record-breaking high temps this week to welcome in the first official days of summer. I hope that others of you aren't as hot as we are here!

However, if you ask me, the best way to beat the summertime heat is to stay inside and do a little online shopping. So, below are two great steals from two of my favorite brands- Clarisonic and Philosophy- to help keep you (and your wallet) cool and comfortable!

ALL CLARISONICS 25% OFF 

Only at www.jurlique.com when you use the link and code SONIC at checkout. This is a great savings on a fabulous beauty tool that almost never goes on sale! With this discount, the Clarisonic Mia comes to a mere $89.25 down from it's typical $119. And, as an added bonus, Jurlique has thrown in free shipping and a sample of their Rose Moisture Plus With Antioxidant Complex Moisturizing Cream. So, make sure to grab yours today! You might remember a few weeks ago when I mentioned the Clarisonic as "beauty must" in my post all about gadgets. 


FREE SHIPPING AT PHILOSOPHY 


Visit Philosophy's website and get free shipping until June 22, 2012 on all of their fabulous products when you use code FLYAWAY. This would be a great time to try one of my favorite scents, Amazing Grace, or their their new "Divine Illumination" make up set! Enjoy! 

Back by popular demand- Lauren Conrad's DIY Microdermabrasion

This is by far my most-read post to date, so I'm pulling it from the archives for those of you who are new to good clean skin! Enjoy! 

Recently, I ran across a recipe for a "do-it-yourself" microdermabrasion on Pinterest that claimed to be from one of my favorites, Miss Lauren Conrad herself. So of course, I had to try it!

Now, before we go into the recipe and the results, let me just say that technically microdermabrasion is a cosmetic treatment that works to reduce acne scars, discoloration, fine lines, and other imperfections with the use of a mechanical tool and some type of solution. It is a non-surgical procedure that abrades less deeply than it's more intense cousin, the dermabrasion. While the two processes do have some similarities, the recovery time on a microdermabrasion is much less, making it more popular with people who are looking for an instant pick me up and brighter skin. I have to admit, I have never had a professional microdermabrasion, as I have sensitive skin and was recommended to stay away from them by my facialist. So, if anyone has any stories they would like to comment, please do!

I have, however, used over-the-counter "microdermabrasion" products, which give ok results but are a bit of a mis-nomer. Basically, these products are using this term as a marketing strategy, as the popularity of the microdermabrasion has grown significantly in the last few years. It does not mean these products won't work for you, it just means that more than anything, you are really getting more of a strong exfoliation instead of a real microdermabrasion.

But, I digress. Let's get to Lauren Conrad, shall we?!

So, here's her recipe. It's very simple. 3 parts baking soda, 1 part water. I had to play with this a bit to really get a good paste, but you'll know when you've found it. Don't go too overboard on the water, as you really are looking for a paste that you can pick up with your fingers and use as a scrub.

So, once you have your paste, apply it to a clean face (one that has been rinsed of make up) and start gently scrubbing in a circular motion. Keep adding the paste as needed, until you have really given yourself a good scrub of your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin, as well as the the entire jaw line, which can be prone to blemishes and is often ignored. Rinse with warm water.

I didn't notice huge results (this will not eliminate fine lines or discolorations), but I will say, my skin felt nice and soft and very clean. Also, I had a bit of a dry spot on my chin, and I probably should have avoided scrubbing that area, as too much scrubbing on a sensitive patch can lead to redness. But, it didn't seem to be bothersome.

All in all, I will try this again. Not bad to have on hand if you need a little pick me up before bed or if you are out of your regular exfoliating scrubs. And of course, the price tag is lovely!

Hey, Baby!

Last night, an old friend and I got to catch up over the phone, and she told me that she is expecting again! Wahoo! So, in honor of her impending delivery, I decided to give a little shout out to the soon-to-be-mamas out there with a few products guaranteed to make your pregnancy skin, or babies new skin, as healthy as it can possibly be.


When you're pregnant or nursing, your body is going through some major hormonal changes, and you may begin to notice some not-so-lovely side effects of your wonderful new bundle. Skin texture can change, and stretch marks may appear. It's absolutely imperative to take the best care of yourself and your skin during these nine months, so that your after baby skin will be just as glowing as your before baby skin! Not to mention that spending a little time each day will help to relax you, which is important!


So, while I was cruising this great new website I've found, www.DermStore.com, I found a few great products for moms-to-be! Even better, using promotional code REMINDER will get you 10% off your order, and a free subscription (without auto renewal) to Better Homes and Gardens or Fitness Magazines. 


1. Mama Mio Congratulations Kit- This may be my new gift at every baby shower. A great 3 piece kit with shower cream, body cream, and tummy oil for helping to prevent stretch marks, from a brand that has some great mom-centered skin products.


2. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Body Milk- This is one of those products the whole family will love. Scentless and non-greasy, it's good for husbands and children, as well as expecting moms who can't seem to stomach the stronger scents of other lotions and creams. I love La Roche-Posay's sunscreen, so while I've never tried this stuff, I imagine it must be good!


3. beginning by Maclaren 100 Percent Pure Essential Oil- Yes, this is the same brand that sparked the high-end stroller phenomenon. They've now got a line of mom-and-baby products, as well! beginning is a great line of products, and this particular product is nice because it comes in Orange, Patchouli, and Lavender scents. For the mom in need of relaxation, put a few drops of Lavender in some warm water, and allow the scent to steam and fill the house with a relaxing, slumber-inducing scent. Or, if you're still feeling that first-trimester exhaustion, use the Orange oil to help perk you up and give you a bit of energy- since you can't have that Diet Coke!


4. Anything from the brand Episencial- Most of this brand is targeted to children, but I was a sucker for the darling Eric Carle graphics from The Very Hungry Caterpillar on the bottles. Try the Peaceful Bubbles or Snuggly Lotion for a happy, healthy baby!

5. Belli Acne Control Spot Treatment- Because you'll have to swear off many of your prescription and non-prescription anti-acne products for at least nine months, if not longer, Belli has created this fabulous little product that you can actually use during pregnancy, to help keep any hormone-induced acne flare ups under control. Tea Tree Oil, a natural anti-septic, helps to fight off bacteria, in the place of ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which should all be avoided during pregnancy. 


So, I hope you enjoy some of these great products, and this website. Here's to a beautiful nine months!