This giveaway is closed.  The winner is Melanie.  Congrats, Melanie!  I certainly hope you enjoy your gift bag.

As a teen, the only thing worse than the ugly metal braces I was forced to endure was the embarrassment of crooked teeth that caused me to hide my smile and become shy and withdrawn.  Talk about a Fashion Don’t — metal braces certainly qualify, wouldn’t you say?

Fortunately nowadays there are better options available, like Invisalign.

I recently had the opportunity to attend a blogger outreach event hosted by Invisalign Teen.  I shared on Musings of a Housewife my own story of braces (I wore the traditional metal braces in high school, and now I’m wearing Invisalign to correct the damage caused by not wearing my retainer as an adult) and how much of an improvement Invisalign is over the old fashioned kind.  But even I didn’t realize how far Invisalign has come in the past few years.

Invisalign isn’t just for adults anymore.  (And it isn’t just for mild cases, either, as I previously thought.)  In fact, since I began wearing Invisalign in January of 2009, a new teen version has been created especially for the adolescent set.  The new Invisalign Teen product combines the benefits of the proven Invisalign Full system with new features like compliance indicators that gradually fade as the aligner is worn and eruption tabs that allow for the growth of secondary molars.

See those little blue dots?  They fade as the child wears them, so parents can keep tabs on their child’s compliance between office visits.  Teens love Invisalign because they don’t inhibit them playing sports and musical instruments as metal braces can and because they are barely noticeable to others.

So how do they work?

InvisalignTeen uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires. After detailed impressions are taken of the teeth, Align utilizes proprietary 3D computer imaging technology to map the patient’s complete treatment from start to finish. Teens wear each aligner for about two weeks. During this time, the aligners gradually move their teeth until they achieve the prescribed final position.

Patients typically visit their doctor once every six weeks or so to ensure that treatment is progressing as planned, and to receive their next few sets of aligners.

I can attest that they are MUCH less painful than regular braces, and best of all, they’re removable.  Although you should wear them 20-22 hours a day for them to work best, you do have the option of taking them out when you want to attend a special event (and of course when you want to eat.)

The best part about them, though, is undoubtedly cosmetic.  They just LOOK so much better than the metal braces we were all forced to endure when we were younger.  I mean, look at the difference.

You’re probably thinking, yeah yeah but what about cost?  Well, as it turns out, Invisalign is often no more expensive than traditional braces.  This varies from doctor to doctor, though, so it’s best to ask around.  There is an art to orthodontia, and it’s crucial to choose a doctor with lots of experience with the Invisalign brand.  The website even has a list of Preferred Providers who have met certain criteria to be included.  Doctors don’t request to be on the list, and there is no charge for being included.  In other words, you can trust the recommendation.  It is not an ad; it is a service Invisalign provides to assure the best results for their clients.

Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling (she goes by Dr. Jackie) is one of the top 10 Invisalign doctors worldwide and was present at the Invisalign event to answer any questions we had.  Dr. Jackie has made a generous offer to Chic Critique readers.  She is offering a $500 Invisalign Discount at any of her three New York Offices. Just mention that you read about it on Chic Critique, and she will honor the discount. Locations and additional information can be found on her website.

Now simmer down.  If you’re not in NYC, I have something for you too.  Okay, it’s no where near as awesome as $500 off Invisalign, but it’s still pretty cool.  The Invisalign Teen team (try saying that three times fast) has offered a giveaway to one lucky reader.  It’s the same swag bag we received at the event — a dental hygiene kit valued at $50 PLUS a $25 gift card to Sephora. (And we didn’t get the Sephora gift card.  See how special you are?)

To be eligible to win, please pay a visit to the Invisalign Teen website and share in the comment section anything you found interesting.  That’s it!

Finally, if you have any questions you’d like answered before you make your first trip to the orthodontist, leave them in the comments.  I will take them to the Invisalign team and get the answers for you.  I’ll post the answers in a follow-up post sometime in the next few weeks.

Whether you are a parent of a teen who needs braces or interested in them for yourself, Invisalign is a viable option that takes away the stigma of wearing metal braces.  And that, my friends, is a serious Fashion Do.

Around the country, it’s finally beginning to look like SPRING. I can’t believe that it’s just the middle of March because we have had a series of lovely days here in Philly, interrupted by a few days of rain, but I can’t complain; it’s been known to SNOW here in March. It was actually nice enough to pull out my brand new Dansko sandals that came in the mail last week, and I wore them all day today on my freshly pedicured feet.

These are THE most comfortable and supportive flip flops I have EVER worn, no lie.  I didn’t know a flip flop could have this much support.  Read my entire review AND ENTER THE DANSKO GIVEAWAY over at Musings of a Housewife.

(I’m going to close comments on this post so no one gets confused.  To enter the giveaway, please comment at Musings. )

Disclosure: Dansko provided me with a pair of shoes to facilitate my review(s) and will provide a pair of the winner’s choice as a giveaway.

This giveaway is closed, and I’m pleased to announce the winning number – #27!  Congrats, Megan.  And thanks to Kymaro for providing this giveaway.

Hi.  My name is Jo-Lynne and I’m a shapewear junkie.  Hey, I’m honing in on 40, I’ve carried 3 children in this womb, and I’ve nursed for a total of 60 months.  But that doesn’t mean I want to LOOK like it.  And lets face it, most of us don’t have hours to commit to the gym, thus my love affair with shapewear.  I’m going to tell you about my favorite pieces, and read carefully because there are some good deals scattered about within this post.

Kymaro: New Body Shaper

This is the newest addition to my shapewear wardrobe.  Since my problem area is my midsection and back, I am always looking for something that will hold me in and smooth things out.  I often wear the Kymaro New Body Shaper under tighter fitting tops, and it really does a nice job.  I like that it comes under the chest area so I can wear my regular bra, and it actually gives the girls a little boost the way it comes underneath and around.  At first I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to get it on, it wasn’t as stretchy as the others I have.  But I actually like the stiffer fabric once it’s on and in position.

Slimpressions: The Have Nots

One of my tried and true shapewear pieces is similar.  It’s The Have Nots by Slimpressions.  This one works in much the same way, but it also provides shaping for the arms if that’s a concern of yours.  It’s not a concern of mine, but at the time they didn’t have the Tanks A Little.  If they did, I would have chosen that one because I do find the arms to be constraining at times.  Otherwise, Slimpressions shapewear is very stretchy and comfortable, and it’s quite long in the torso so it never comes untucked.  You can see my original review here.

SPECIAL OFFER For a limited time Slimpressions is offering Chic Critique readers 25% off the Skinny Minis with the code SMDCR25.  This offer is valid until March 31, 2010.

Shapeez: Unbelievabra

Another piece that I like a lot is the Unbelievabra Ultimate by Shapeez.  This is VERY comfortable because it replaces the need for a bra.  It isn’t QUITE enough support for my liking but I still wear it because I like the shape it gives the chest area and the control for the middle.  You can see my full review here, and you can check out their photo gallery for some seriously cool before and after pictures.

Lipo In A Box: High Waist Brief

For the bottom region, or when I need help in the midsection but my top is too bare for one of the tops above, I love my Lipo In A Box High Waist Brief.  I love how this shapes my rear view and doesn’t flatten.  I love that it doesn’t roll down or ride up.  I like it much better than the similar Spanx piece that I have. When I need major artillery, I wear this piece AND one of the other pieces on top.

WIN IT!

You can win a pair of Kymaro New Body Shapers.  To be eligible, leave a comment on this post telling me why you’d like to try it.  You can earn extra entries by following Kymaro on Facebook and twittering the link to this giveaway.  Just be sure to leave additional comments so you get the credit for them. I will randomly select a winner next Tuesday, March 2nd.

Hello, I’m Janel!   I’m a stay at home mom to 2 fun-loving and active kids and have one on the way – due on my 4oth birthday!  My biggest hope right now is to keep up with this growing family of mine!  I blog at Dandelion Dayz on mostly regular basis.  I’ve been blogging for Chic Critique every other Friday for about a year now.

Okay on to the reason why you are here!  What’s in my make-up bag?

Well, I do have a small make-up bag that goes with me to the gym and on trips.   I actually keep all of my makeup in a basket that fits into a cubby in my bathroom.  That way it’s easy for me to keep organized and handy.

The contents of the basket change often, although at any given time you will find about 6 different lipsticks and/or glosses and 10 different eyeshadow colors.

So, I thought I’d just go over the important stuff.   You know, the stuff that must go in the make-up  bag when I leave my home.  The cosmetics I use every single day.

I just have a simple faux croc black bag – it was a gift for Christmas one year…I think.     I love it because it is deep, compact and sturdy.

The contents…

Mary Kay Medium Foundation in Beige 304 – Inexpensive and easy to get from my friend – as in she leaves it on my porch.  Great medium coverage for my face.  I’ve used it for about 3 years and like it a lot.  I recently tried another brand and came back to this.

Mary Kay Concealer in Yellow – I think this is one of the best concealers around.  It has good coverage.  I blogged about concealers awhile back.  I’m happy with this one.

Clinique Loose Powder in Transparency 3 – I like to set my foundation and concealer.  I’ve used this product for about 5 years now.  It lasts FOREVER – I think I’ve had this particular canister for  a year.

Clinique Blush in Mocha Pink. Sometimes I use a bronzer instead.  Right now, it’s Cover Girl Bronzer – it’s very inexpensive and works nicely.  I like these two products but I’m not in love.

Mary Kay Mineral Eye Color Quad: This was a gift with a purchase from my MK consultant.  The colors are:  Honey Spice, Sienna,Blue Metal, Vintage Gold.   I love the Honey Spice and Vintage Gold – the ones on each end.  They are not too bright but have amazing staying power.   Like the Blue Metal – it’s not too blue on the eye.

Mascara - always Black.   Right now it’s Maybelline’s Lash Stilleto that I’m finishing up.   I just reviewed Stilleto here.   Lash Blast is my very favorite, though.  I keep going back to it.

Eyeliners – too many to mention but my favorites right now are Clinique Black Amethyst ( it has a sharpener on the cap – LOVE that!) and a dark gray one by Wet n Wild for the low low price of 99 cents.

Define-A-Brown brow pencil in Dark Brown – I’m new with this.  Liking it so far.  Thanks Moriah for the review!

Ulta Clear brow gel to keep my brows in place.  I’ve used a clear mascara or brow gel for years on my brows to keep these unruly things in place.

Tweezerman tweezers.  Hands down these are the best tweezers around.  Pricey but lifetime guaranteed and worth it.

Estee Lauder Lip Pencil in Spice Writer (color discontinued).   This was a gift with purchase and I’ve loved it!  I always line my lips after I put lipstick on so the line is not visible.  I use a color that matches the natural color of my lips not my lipstick.  Except when I wear red.  Then I line with red.

Lipstick – I have three standbys: L’Oreal Divine Wine and Clinique Chianti (They are my everyday, brighten up my face lipsticks)  and Bobbi Brown Sand Pink Shimmer (this is an awesome color with a tan or if you go out for on night on the town with deep smoky eye make-up but sadly, this particular color is discontinued    and I have not tried to replace it, yet.)

Mary Kay Lipgloss in Starry.  Or some lipgloss.  I change often.

Brushes - mixture of EcoTools which I reviewed here, Bobbi Brown and Mary Kay.   I’m kinda freaky about keeping them clean.  I reviewed that here a few months ago – Cleaning your Make-Up Brushes.

So, that’s it!   That is alotta lotta links, y’all.

Don’t forget to link your own post up and be entered into our giveaway.  Go back to Monday’s post with Jo-Lynne and thanks for tuning in all week!

UPDATE:  Congratulations commenter #46 — wooster!  Your Kiss My Face Kids products are on their way to you!

For a while now, I’ve been on a bit of a mission to “green” up my beauty routine.

Yet, while I’ve managed to find some great products free of synthetic ingredients, parabens and sulfates, I’m by no means a die-hard green convert.  There are plenty of beauty products I still use because, frankly, I like them.  And — this is how I reason it in my head — I’ve been using these synthetic products for years without issue.

But.

When it comes to the products I use on my own children, I tend to be a tad more picky.  A child’s skin is thinner than an adult’s.  It absorbs anything applied to it at a much faster rate.  A child’s skin is often much more sensitive, as well.  So, when given a choice of using a synthetic product on my kids, or a product that is free of the chemical “junk,” I almost always opt for the latter. 

Problem is, those types of products have been pricey and difficult to find.

Until now.

Kiss My Face has just released a line of bath and body care products for children.  The best part?  The entire collection is free of artificial colors and fragrances, parabens and sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates (SLS). 

I’ve been using the products on my kids for the last several weeks.

I think I’m in love.

Here’s what they offer:

Self-Foaming Shampoo and Body Wash:  My kids loved that this product did the lathering for them, making it super-easy to use.  It was gentle enough to use on my daughter’s eczema-prone skin without incident.

Bubble Wash:  That eczema-prone child?  She’s been bubble bath deprived pretty much her entire life.  Every time I’ve added bubbles to her bath, her skin breaks out in a red, itchy rash.  This Bubble Wash is the answer to prayer.  All of the fun, none of the itching.

Detangler Creme:  Up until this point, detangler was the one product that I had to compromise on.  I just simply would not give up using detangler on my daughter’s hair (that would be waytoo painful an experience for both her and me).  But, when I read the ingredient list on our old detangler bottle, I found myself wondering, “Is it that difficult to make a detangler that doesn’t have all the chemicals in it?”  Well, apparently it’s not, because Kiss My Face has done it.  It.  Rocks.

2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner:  Years ago, I remember reading that those 2 in 1 shampoos were among some of the harshest you could use on your hair.  I’ve always thought that was a shame, because the 2 in 1 concept is great.  Here’s the old time-saving 2 in 1 approach in new SLS and paraben-free form.  Awesome.

Self-Foaming Hand Wash:  Frequent handwashing takes its toll on tiny hands.  My children suffered through many a winter with dry, cracked hands until I realized it was the sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates in the antibacterial hand soap that was tearing their hands up.  It used to be virtually impossible to find an SLS-free soap.  The fact that this one is SLS-free and self-foaming?  Well, I feel like I died and went to heaven.

Lip Balm Duo:  My daughter’s lips can get very dry and chapped.  This is the only lip balm she’ll let me put on her lips without a fight.  It remedies the situation in just one or two applications.

A Whale of a Soap Duo Pack:  Another SLS-free soap option, only in bar — or should I say, whale — form.  These adorable whale-shaped soaps lather beautifully and are gentle enough to use head to toe.

The Kiss My Face Kids line comes in two scents, Orange U Smart and Berry Smart.  Many of the products are also offered fragrance-free, for the super-sensitive.

And — before you go writing off these products as being just for the kiddies — I’ve used all the products myself, as well.  I loved them all.  If you have sensitive skin, or if you’re just looking to add some “greener” bath and body products to your routine, don’t shy away from this line just because of the packaging.

The Kiss My Face Kids line is available at Target, Whole Foods Market and other places where natural products are sold.  Prices range from $5.95 for the Lip Balm Duo to $9.95 for the Bubble Wash.

WIN IT!  Now — here’s the best news.  One lucky Chic Critique reader will win one of every product listed above — all of which have been generously donated by Kiss My Face.   Here’s how to to win:

1) REQUIRED:  Leave a comment on this post telling me what product you’d most like to try from the new Kiss My Face Kids’ line.

2) OPTIONAL:  Tell your friends about this contest on Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or via email.  Leave a 2nd comment telling me which you did.  You can do more than one if you desire.

3)  OPTIONAL:  Give yourself a 3rd entry if you’re a subscriber to Chic Critique.

You MUST leave separate comments for each entry; it’s the only way I can count them.  

This giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. Eastern (8:59 p.m. Pacific) on Wednesday, July 15th, 2009.  Winner will be determined by the good ol’ random number generator.   Good luck!

This contest is closed.  The winning number is 55 — congratulations Gretchen!  And thanks to Lands’ End for sponsoring such a generous giveaway!

It’s that time of year again — time for my annual swimsuit post.  I have long been a fan of Lands’ End swimsuits.  They are the perfect combination of quality and style, and I am a particular fan of their mix and match separates.

I’ve been wearing the same Lands’ End tankini for about five years.  I absolutely love it.  It’s from the faille line, and this is the only picture I can find of me wearing it, which I realize does next to nothing for showing you the suit, but I couldn’t resist the picture of 6-month-old R in her swimsuit and sunhat.  JUST LOOK AT THOSE CHUBBY LEGS!  Don’t you just want to nosh on them?

There are may debates among mothers — breastfeed vs bottlefeed; co-sleep vs crib; work vs stay at home; and I daresay, skirted swimsuit vs non-skirted swimsuit.  Yes, I’ve read convincing arguments on both sides, but I firmly believe that there comes a time in every woman’s life when she should no longer bare her hind end for the world to see, and my time has DEFINITELY come.

Enter the Lands’ End Swim Mini.

I like the swim mini because it’s not frumpy like many skirted suits, and it comes in two lengths (I prefer the longer style.)  And this year it also comes in a control version to help with that pesky belly bulge so many of us moms battle.

My suit is still in remarkably good shape, considering how much I’ve worn it the past few years.  With a pool membership and 3 kids at home during summer vacation, I’m in the sun and chlorine ALL summer long.  But I’m ready for something new, and I was particularly interested to try some of the newer features — namely the Trim Lines collection.  I also love the fact that you can now order a suit in your specific bra size.

So one day last week I spent about 30 minutes on the Lands’ End website perusing swim suits and ordered 3 different styles to try.

I absolutely LOVE the new patterns this year.  I had a hard time deciding which ones to order.  As it turns out, my favorite pattern that I received is this Daylily Orange floral.  Isn’t that just so summery and fun!?

But in the end I am keeping this suit because the top fit so well.  It’s supportive and flattering and CUTE, and the Trim Lines Swim Mini with control lining is simply the best invention since the tankini was born.

My only complaint is that I could use about another inch in the waistband of the skirt — an inch in height.  I find myself stretching it as high as I can so that it doesn’t create a bulge of skin at the top of the skirt.  I know that I’m high-waisted, so perhaps it’s my body shape that is the problem, but it sure would be nice if it gave me another inch of material to work with.

The top comes down over the band to that horizontal seam that you see in the picture so there is plenty of overlap, which allows me to bend and stretch and pick up naughty children without exposing my midsection to the rest of the pool — a gift to everyone involved.

If money grew on trees, I would order this halter tunic swim top in that gorgeous Daylily Orange with a navy blue skirt, but unfortunately there are no money trees growing in my yard at the moment so I will be content with my one new Lands’ End suit and wear it joyfully.

WIN IT! After receiving my swimsuits in the mail, I emailed my contact at Lands’ End and asked if they would be interested in sponsoring a giveaway, and guess what!?  They do!  So one lucky Chic Critique reader will win a FREE Lands’ End swimsuit of her choice.  Here’s how to win.

1) REQUIRED:  Visit the swimsuit section at LandsEnd.com and look around.  Leave a comment on this post telling me which suit you would choose if you win.

2) OPTIONAL:  Tell your friends about this contest on Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or via email.  Leave a 2nd comment telling me which you did.  You can do more than one if you desire.

3) OPTIONAL:  Give yourself a 3rd entry if you’re a subscriber to Chic Critique.

You MUST leave separate comments for each entry; it’s the only way I can count them.  I will use a random integer generator to select the winner on Saturday, May 16th.  Good luck!

]]> http://www.chic-critique.com/2009/05/lands-end-giveaway.html/feed 234 http://www.chic-critique.com/2009/03/good-golly-its-a-giveaway.html http://www.chic-critique.com/2009/03/good-golly-its-a-giveaway.html#comments Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:00:43 +0000 Lisa {Take 90 West} http://www.chic-critique.com/?p=1500 ***Time’s Up!  Thanks to Random.org, the winner of  the Instant De-Puff Eye Gel is commenter #29… Beth!  Shoot an email to me Beth, lisa@take90west.com and I’ll get your eye gel in the mail so you can start de-puffing!*** If you are anything like me, you have more than one tube or jar of eye cream open [...]]]>

***Time’s Up!  Thanks to Random.org, the winner of  the Instant De-Puff Eye Gel is commenter #29… Beth!  Shoot an email to me Beth, lisa@take90west.com and I’ll get your eye gel in the mail so you can start de-puffing!***

If you are anything like me, you have more than one tube or jar of eye cream open and half used. 

And if you are a whole lot like me, you wake up in the morning with puffy eyes that make you look as though you had a pretty hard  night the night before.  Only no, it wasn’t because you threw a few too many back at the town tap, it’s because you probably stayed up late helping little Joey with his science fair project, walked your sweet baby girl back to bed after a bad dream more times than you can count on one hand and had to rise early to do a morning clothes hunt to ensure your family is getting out the door for the day unwrinkled AND with matching socks on.

But if that’s just me then y’all are some lucky, and organized, chicks.

So when I wake up in the morning, THE PUFF, it is unavoidable.  My eyes are puffy and swollen every single morning.  It is awful.  And as much as I’d love an unlimited plastic surgery budget, it just ain’t happening, so I make do with my assortment of lotions and potions.

There aren’t too many products that I use all the way to the bottom of the jar because a newer, better product always seems to land in my lap.

I was in Bath and Body Works a few months ago shopping for a Christmas gift and I couldn’t help but overhear a conversation one of the sales clerks was having with a gentleman.  Apparently, the man was having some allergy problems and was suffering from puffy eyes. 

So naturally, he ended up at Bath and Body Works?  I guess so. 

It’s pretty obvious this man was not my husband.

The clerk recommended Instant De-Puff Eye Gel by Patricia Wexler.  She said, and I quote, “This stuff is magic.”

Well, as soon as I heard magic, my ears perked up and I had to check out this said magical product.  Because my beauty regime could always use a healthy dose of magic.  For real.

And because I am an impulse buyer, and it was magic, I picked up a little tube for myself. 

And y’all?

The sales clerk did not tell a lie.

Ms. Patricia Wexler?  Girlfriend is a genius.

And her Fastcription Instant De-Puff Eye Gel?

‘Tis magic.

See for yourself.

And please keep in mind that these photos are taken BEFORE makeup.  And brow pencil.  And caffeine.  So pretty much before I would go out in public, yet here I am putting them up on the Interweb.

Before

Then…

After

Now.  Please tell me you all can see that.  Right?  In the after shot I do believe I have an actual lower eyelid showing along with a less swollen upper eyelid, where in the before shot?  Not so much.  I’m not imagining that right?

Patriciat Wexler Instant De-Puff Eye Gel sells for 19.50 at Bath and Body Works.

But today, one of you can win a tube for free just by leaving a comment on this post!  I know!  How great is that?  Thank you Bath and Body Works for helping to rid our mornings of  ALL THE PUFFY one little tube of magic at a time.

So leave a comment, and next Thursday I’ll use Random.org to pick a winner.  Couldn’t be an easier than that.

Now, forget you ever saw any ol’ pictures of all my puff, and carry on with your day.

I like spas as much as the next mom, wife, woman, but unfortunately the cost of a day at the spa doesn’t fit in my budget as often as I would like.  Because of this I am always on the lookout for home spa treatments.  When I first saw Eyeslices I was intrigued. 

What are Eyeslices you ask?  Let me just tell you that you are in for a treat.

Eyeslices are disposable eye-treatment pads, basically hi-tech cucumber slices!  When you first receive them they are in sealed compartments to ensure freshness.  Now I have to say that I was somewhat intimidated by the slimy feeling when I opened the package, but once I put them on my eyes I quickly forgot the about it.  I felt immediately calmer as the instant coolness soothed my eyes.  For my trial session I wore them for about 5 minutes and when I removed them I couldn’t believe how rejuvenated my eyes felt.

The soothing feeling comes mostly from the Aloe Ferox that is released from the pads.  This Aloe is certified organic because it is tapped directly from the leaf and free of pesticides.  The other key ingredients include Regu Age, which is a soy and rice peptides that helps with the reduction of dark circles and puffiness, Biodynes that act as a soothing anti-inflammatory for the skin, and Pentavitin which hydrates the skin.  These ingredients make Eyeslices perfect for relieving tired eyes, puffiness, redness, and even improve the appearance of dark circles and fine lines.

The great thing about Eyeslices is that they can be used up to 10 times before they need to be replaced.  Now while this means that you don’t want to use them every day, you could definitely get a good month or two out of a set.  They even come with a cute case to keep them fresh for the next time you need to take a visit to your spa!  Visit Eyeslices to read more about these fantastic creations.  You can purchase the starter package for $20 and then the refills are $15. 

But, before you go and buy your own pair why don’t you try to win Eyeslices here!  I have one package of Eyeslices to giveaway to a lucky commenter.   All you have to do is leave a comment telling me why you need to relax or what you do to relax.  That’s it!  Well all have enough stress in our lives, why should a giveaway require you to jump through hoops too!!  Of course, I’m all about extra chances though so if you subscribe to Chic-Critique or if you share this giveaway on Twitter feel free to leave an additional comment to increase your chance of winning.  I will draw the lucky winner on Friday.  Good luck!!

If you’re looking for the Moroccan Mystery Scavenger Hunt, that is happening at my personal blog, Musings of a Housewife!  Please CLICK HERE for your chance to win a gift pack ($170 value) of the Body Shop’s new Moroccan Rose line.

This giveaway is over.  Congratulations to Bianca who will be receiving the Mineral Makeup Eye Shadow Kit from Bramble Berry!

I love mineral eye shadow.  In my experience the colors tend to be a bit richer than regular shadow and it never irritates my contact lens wearing peepers.  About a month ago I received the Neutrals and Metallic Mineral Makeup Eye Shadow Kit from Bramble Berry.

This kit has everything you need to make up to 10 shades of eye shadow in one sitting.  It contains various powders and clays that you mix with any combination of 9 neutral shades of mica to create a wide variety of eye shadows in blacks, grays, golds and browns plus little pots to store your shadow in.  It even has little spoons to measure and scoop out the ingredients.

But the key to this kit is the recipe book.  Without this I wouldn’t have had a clue as to where I should start.  And I was still a bit timid when it came time to make that first batch.

When I had a solid half hour to myself I set up a drop cloth on my table with all of the components of the kit and set to work.  I measured very carefully, mixed very cautiously and marveled as a beautiful dark brown shadow appeared before my eyes.

There was no mess.  The shadow looked great.  And it was so easy.

After weeks of not having time to myself to blend some new colors I got desperate and grabbed the kit as I went to the bathroom to supervise as my daughter brushed her teeth.  No drop cloth this time and I didn’t worry about perfect measurements.  It’s not like I need to be able to reproduce the exact same color every single time.  By the time Princess’s teeth were clean I had two more shadows in my makeup bag!

One of my favorite shadows is a custom blend I created by mixing patina with gold to get this gorgeous green that makes my eyes pop.  For a great everyday look that goes with almost everything I cover my crease and lower lid with medium brown and then brush my custom green along my lashes.

The other shadow I love is the pearly silver recipe from the Mineral Makeup Guide.  Bright, shimmery silvers are predicted to be a hot color this spring and I’ve already go the perfect shadow ready to go.

The colors are so rich you don’t need use much shadow.  I didn’t have to pile on the product like I do with lower quality shadows.  And this stuff has lasting power.  I usually can’t get eye shadow to stick around for more than 4 hours without shadow primer.  The colors I mixed with my Brumble and Berry eye shadow kit were still going strong after 6 hours – no primer necessary.

I’m addicted.  It is so easy to whip up a new color or tweak one of the shades sitting in my makeup bag.

Even better, one lucky commenter will get the opportunity to create their own custom blends of eye shadow.  Bramble Berry has graciously offered to giveaway one Mineral Makeup Eye Shadow Kit in Neutrals and Metallics.

To be eligible leave a comment below and let me know what your favorite shade of eye shadow or which pigments you would blend to create your signature eye shadow color before 8 AM EST Saturday January 31st.  At that time I will chose a winner with the help of Random.org and notify the winner.

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For more chances to win some great stuff visit Bloggy Giveaways!