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Posted by on May 21, 2009 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Stila Lives – and offers FREE 24kt gold with each purchase of $25 or more

These days, with everyone asking to buy your gold, isn’t is nice to get a little in return? And who wouldn’t rather put some gold on lips instead of into an envelope? New 24kt Luxe Lip Gloss is yours free with purchases of $25 or more. Use code APPRECIATE at checkout.

Background
Stila Cosmetics reminds me of The Unsinkable Molly Brown.

The brand with the cult-like following has been through more hands than one can imagine. Founded by makeup artist Jeanine Lobell, Stila was founded in 1994. After finding success as an indie brand focusing on limited run colors and themes, Stila was sold to Estee Lauder Co (every formulators dream). The brand had a hard time keeping its footing though, and was sold off to Sun Capital Partners, Inc. Talk continued to plague the line of too many short-run palettes, too many costly materials and at the same time too many cheap, cardboard sets. When the site closed recently, many wondered if it was for good.

In came equity firm Patriarch Partners LLC, specifically Lynn Tilton, to save the day. Tilton has a quiet but successful history snapping up distressed companies and bringing them to profitability. Stila fans everywhere are rejoicing and hoping she can do the same for this company.

Meanwhile, founder Lobell has moved on to develop a consulting firm for beauty brands.

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Posted by on May 21, 2009 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Review: Pevonia Botanica Enzyme Peeling Cream

Product Type: Exfoliate
Skin Types: All
Use: 1 – 2 times a week home treatment
Also available as spa treatment

Organic: No
Green Category: Yes

Pevonia’s Enzymo-Sperides Peeling Cream (1.7 oz)

Reason for Use: Skin noticeably sluggish after long Wisconsin winter

Performance: Pevonia’s Peeling Cream had instant results for my skin. The formulation boasts encapsulated enzymes that don’t create a reaction until activated by the user. This meant a premixed, rich clay/titanium dioxide/starch texture that took very little product.

Steps:
1) Cleanse, pat dry
2) Apply small pea size amount to face (spatula enclosed), smooth into skin keeping away from eyes
3) Let work for two minutes. Rinse well with cloth to remove all traces. Apply lotion.

This product is meant to remove dead cells in a very gentle way, and it does. I feel it works better than salicylic acid formulations I have tried (both spa and home). There are a number of ingredients that stimulate circulation. A shot of dimethicone leaves a soft, protected finish and lemon oil a pleasant scent.

Don’t be fooled – All of these ingredients can cause irritation. For that I hesitate recommending it more than once a week. It really is a workhorse.

My only concern, as a site that focuses on natural, is the use of titanium dioxide. I suspect this is a micronized form which in leave on products has negative affects on health. However as a wash off, I am comfortable using it.

I sense I could miss this product from my skincare routine.

I recommend it.

Enzyme Peeling Cream uses a natural, paraben-free preservative.

RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Background
Pevonia Botanica is a well established prestige skincare line primarily sold in spas, and now through their new consumer site, www.shoppevonia.com .

My first experience with Pevonia was during vacation in the Caribbean. I’ve enjoyed seeing this brand grow and change over the years, including the refreshing repackaging using frosted glass and plastics. In my opinion, this was a much needed overhaul for the look. It feels very soothing and, ergonomic, if you will.

I was very happy to try Pevonia’s line again because 1) it had previously been tough to repurchase product, and some time had passed, 2) the islands played a trick on my skin and I felt the Combination formula I was steered toward didn’t really work once on the less humid homestead. Honest mistake.

I interviewed Janet Morgan from Pevonia earlier this month when we discussed the launch of the new site, SPATEEN and MEN’S LINE, and business in general. If you missed the interview, “Launches in the Luxury Market”, you can catch it here.

This is the first in a series of reviews on select Pevonia products.

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Posted by on May 21, 2009 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Vote & Support MACC Fund with Mortensen Photography

Mortensen Photography has supported the MACC Fund & childhood cancer research for nearly 15 years with their Cute Kids events. It is a time where a parent can get a beautiful photo of their child at a reduced sitting fee ($10 goes to MACC) and any portraits purchased also contribute to the fund.

There is also a third way to fund raise before the calendar comes out! You can vote in person or online for your favorite photos to grace the pages. Each vote is $1 and all proceeds benefit the MACC Fund.

We all know that donations are down for everyone this year, so if you have not given to a charity of choice, have a little spare change and want to have some fun, please click the site and vote as many times as you would like. Of course I am biased with #29, but I think any photo is worthy, and it is a worthy cause as well. Click through to what speaks to you! Voting is now through July 31, 2009. The portraits will also be up at Grasch’s June 2-8.

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Posted by on May 20, 2009 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Pepsi Natural


Pepsi has returned to its roots with Pepsi and Mountain Dew Throwback. These formulations use a combination of pure cane sugar and beet sugar. Did you know that Pepsi also makes a kosher soda for passover?

And along the natural line, Pepsi has introduced Pepsi Natural in very limited markets. Sparkling water and the real sugar blend. Have you tried this version? She’s a beaut.

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