I have a love/hate relationship with the counters at Sephora.  You know - at the register - they have dozens of products for you to grab as last minute purchases - perfectly packaged as little samples for you to try.  I don’t think I’ve gone to Sephora yet, and not grabbed one of those awfully cute little sample sized products.  This can be great - sometimes you don’t know if you want to commit to the full sized product.  It’s nice to be able to sample the product before you fork out the money on the whole bottle/product.  BUUUT sometimes, if you’re like me, you just buy things you don’t need - but look fun.

Anyway - this happens to be one sample product I was proud to have bought!  They had cute little bottles of Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir lined up next to the credit card machine.  The customer service rep told me to spray it on my face.  I did, and in 30 seconds I had this little bottle in my bag.  This is the perfect pick-me-up product for the ladies.  It rejuvenates your skin - and leaves you feeling so clean!

Inspired by the “elixir of youth” used by Queen Isabelle of Hungary, this skincare smoothes features, tightens pores and provides an instant burst of radiance to the complexion.

• Who is it for?
For all skin lacking radiance. Beauty Elixir is an exceptional anti-dull complexion treatment, and a wonderful after-shave for men.

• Ingredients
extracts of grape
essential oil of rosemary, orange blossom and rose extracts, benzoin, myrrh
essential oils of organic balm mint and mint

• When? How?
Spray on before applying your cream, or at any time of the day for an immediate energizing sensation.

• Tips from your Vinotherapist
Apply between your foundation and powder to perfectly set make-up.

You can buy the sample size for only $15, and the full bottle will run you $49.00.  Go here to check it out!

I recently received a package full of products from a brand that - to be honest - I had never heard of before.  Aloette Skin Care.

I was sent the following products to review:

- Restorative Enzyme Peel
- Time Restore Firming Serum
- Lumitone HP Pro Skin Brightening Serum
- Simply Clear Skin Care Kit (for acne)
- Warming Pumpkin Energizing Masque

Restorative Enzyme Peel: Try this alternative to harsh chemical peels today. Right before your eyes, this unique exfoliating fruit enzyme peel removes dead skin cells without the use of harsh acids or damaging granules!

• The Restorative Enzyme Peel is all natural - We do not use harsh acids or chemicals.
• Made with 54% aloe vera and other fruit extracts, including grapefruit, cucumber, papaya and pineapple.
• This fruit enzyme peel is non-invasive and has zero down time.
• Helps smooth and exfoliate skin.
• See results in one minute - That’s why this revolutionary skin care product is Aloette’s Instant 60-Second Miracle Peel.

Fortified with a combination of fruit enzymes and containing 54% purified aloe vera gel, the Restorative Enzyme Peel provides gentle exfoliation while soothing the skin. Goodbye dead skin cells, hello smooth, hydrated, glowing skin!

I tried this product, and I’m reviewing it first - because it wasy BY FAR my favorite of the bunch.  It was my first experience with an enzyme peel - and I was absolutely blown away by the results.  My skin was more radiant - more soft and glowing than ever before.  It was so easy to use - and can be done very quickly. I absolutely LOVED this product, and would suggest that everyone try it!

$39.95 - BUY IT HERE!

#1 Selling Anti-Aging Firming Serum With Over 1 Million Bottles Sold!
The Time Restore Firming Serum is Aloette’s top-rated anti-aging skin care product! In clinical testing, this miraculous herbal blend decreased the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles up to 54%, increased skin firmness up to 33%, and improved skin density up to 14% - all within an eight-week period. With over one million bottles sold, Time Restore Anti-Aging Firming Serum is one of the best-selling products throughout all of Aloette’s 29-year history. Use Time Restore Anti-Aging Firming Serum now to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, restore skin radiance and appear years younger.

This product came in a close second to the enzyme peel.  I absolutely LOVE this serum.  It goes on really smoothly - and it takes a very small amount to cover your face.  You can really notice the difference, and almost immediately!  Your face looks tighter and firmer, and at 30 years old, I can really appreciate that!

$55.00 - BUY IT HERE!

Brighten dull, ashy skin and treat uneven skin tone with Aloette Lumitone HP Pro Brightening Serum, the Non-Surgical Skin Brightening System. You will see results in just 14 days!

This skin brightening serum, with the new additions of plant-derived, non-irritating ingredients, helps reduce red and splotchy skin while treating uneven skin color and tone. Containing a proprietary blend of multiple peptides and brighteners, including the powerful white daisy extract, Lumitone HP Pro Brightening Serum brings a renewed brightness and luminescence to your skin in just 14 days. Lumitone HP Pro’s aloe vera-based formula glides on gently and keeps your skin hydrated and smooth throughout the entire day. Try the newest addition to Aloette’s anti-aging collection today!

• This skin brightener utilizes non-irritating, plant-derived ingredients designed to enhance skin brightening.
• Lumitone HP Pro enhances the brightening capabilities of our existing Lumitone complex.
• This new skin brightening serum from Aloette is substantially less irritating than other popular brightening treatments, causing less redness in customers with sensitive skin.

Lumitone HP (High Potency) is a patent pending blend of 5 clinically tested ingredients designed to brighten, smooth, and restore the glow to all skin types. As the skin ages it becomes dull, ruddy, and age spots begin to develop. Much of this damage is caused in earlier stages of life (from sun rays and environmental factors), but as the skin starts to age, they become more visible. While conventional treatments have relied on harsh chemicals and bleaching creams, Lumitone uses a revolutionary new combination of natural ingredients to tackle the problem – without the harmful side effects of the chemically based products.

“As aging occurs, the skin begins to become dull, unevenly toned and loses its ability to reflect light. Lumitone is Aloette’s proprietary blend of clinically tested and scientifically proven ingredients designed to brighten the skin without the use of harsh chemicals that can cause long-term damage. Lumitone works naturally with the skin to enhance glow and radiance, promoting a brighter complexion. Get back the luminosity of your skin - with Lumitone!” –Christie Cohen, Aloette Chairman of the Board.

I cannot rave about this product enough.  I was the most excited to try this - because my skin has very obvious red blotches.  I hate it - right under my eyes, I have red patches, and it drives me nuts!  I was totally thrilled to try this - and I’m very happy to report that it works - WONDERS.  It does exactly what it says, and it moisturizes to boot.  I absolutely love having this product.  I put it on in the morning right out of the shower -and when I go to apply my makeup - my red patches are all but gone.  I love this product.  A+!

$69.95 - BUY IT HERE!

Acne Treatment Lotion is perfect for adults and teenagers who suffer from acne-prone or excessive oily skin. This spot treatment lotion contains a powerful, fast-acting formula consisting of glycolic acid, salicylic acid and sulfur that works to effectively reduce redness of the skin, promote healing of acne blemishes and help prevent future breakouts. Use Acne Treatment Lotion with other products from the Simply Clear skin care line to achieve clean, blemish-free skin.

This is the one product - I wasn’t too crazy about.  I love the idea of having something that I can use - when a blemish pops up.  I don’t usually have acne, but every once and a while - they happen.  So I did get to try it out, and while IT DID WORK - it also STUNK.  I put it on my blemish - and when the product dries, it really STINKS.  I kept smelling burnt rubber (that’s what it smelled like to me) all day.  So I can’t tell you that it doesn’t work - because it did.  It zapped the blemish right away.  BUT it also smells terrible… so I dunno, the greater evil - I suppose.

$18.00 - BUY IT HERE!

This Warming Pumpkin Energizing Mask, a unique spa facial treatment, helps purify skin by opening pores and absorbing dirt, oils and toxins. The warming feature soothes while it increases circulation to support and nourish healthy skin. Contains pumpkin peel to exfoliate dry, dead skin cells to reveal fresh, glowing skin. Important antioxidant vitamin E protects skin from damaging free radicals.

Can’t go wrong with an energizing mask, right?  I love masks - I’m always trying new ones, and I’m usually impressed with them all.  This was a GREAT mask.  It really does energize your skin - leaving you feeling like you’ve just stepped out of a spa.  I love this mask - love the smell - love everything about it.  It’s really not too expensive, either - and I can appreciate that.  For those pumpkin fans out there - this is the mask for you!

$25.50 - BUY IT HERE!

Have any samples you would like Erin or I to check out?  Email us at makeherup@hotmail.com

L’Occitane ‘Honey & Lemon’ Hand Cream

Rich in shea butter and pure honey from Provence, this creamy moisturizer is perfect for softening, protecting and nourishing hands.

$20.00 L’Occitane ‘Honey & Lemon’ Hand Cream

To keep pimples under control on her slightly oily skin, Uma uses Karin Herzog’s Vita-A-Kombi cream for radiant and toxin-free skin. The cream also works to promote healing and accelerates cell regeneration, whilst minimising open pores and diminishing lines and wrinkles.

Karin Herzog Vita-A-Kombi 1: A soft cream formula designed to heal and revive the skin.

Description: Vita-A-Kombi 1 is formulated with 1% oxygen and is designed to heal and prevent skin concerns, such as blemishes, spots, sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Its rejuvenating formula speeds the recovery process and promotes faster cell turnover for an even, youthful tone. Toxins are eliminated, hyperpigmentation is diminished and the skin takes on a healthy, radiant glow. Vita-A-Kombi 1 is perfect for first time Vita-A-Kombi users as well as normal and sensitive skin. Top with Day Protection or Additional Day for skin that requires extra moisture.

Recommended Use: Apply morning and/or evening without massaging in before applying any other products or makeup.
Ingredients: Water, Paraffinum Liquidum, Glycerin, Stearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Hydrogen Peroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinol, Parfum/Fragrance.

$52.00 - BUY IT HERE!

I am a recent convert to the La Mer line I was pulled in by their great Foaming Face wash but now I have been pulled even deeper. The La Mer eye concentrate is beyond amazing you can see a difference the first time you use it but it only gets better, I can now see the lines starting to lighten around my eyes.

But what really sold me on this product is what happened under my eyes. I have had severe allergies most of my life that have unfortunately left me with dark under eye circles and puffiness that won’t budge. That is until now… I am two weeks into using La Mer’s Eye Concentrate and my under eye circles are gone and on top of that the puffiness has also disappeared. Though the price is high you need barely a dab to cover both eyes one tub will last a long time and the results are undeniable.

*Editors note* My son somehow got my La Mer Eye Concetrate tub and was eating it, I think my shrieks of horror upon this discovery could be heard across the city. I nearly cried and he did cry when I took it away I guess it’s also tasty because he was licking his lips for more. I know have it kept safe behind two locked cabinets.

La Mer The Eye Concentrate

A Redbook 2007 MVP (Most Valuable Product) Award Winner, this concentrated, ultraluxe eye treatment quenches and conditions impressionable skin. The Eye Concentrate significantly reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness, lines and wrinkles, encouraging the eye area to look and feel healthy, supple and luminous as never before.

The Eye Concentrate is infused with three unique forms of Miracle Broth™: the original, a concentrated form and a new, encapsulated form designed to optimize continuous release to the skin. Known for its healing energies, the Miracle Broth™ infuses skin with the energy it needs to focus on renewal.

The Eye Concentrate works in tandem with a specially-engineered, silver-tipped applicator which helps cool the skin, immediately improving micro-circulation. Rich in hematite, a naturally magnetic mineral known for its energies, The Eye Concentrate works over time to dramatically dissolve the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. The eye area appears healthy, more vital.

Improving clarity and discoloration, an exclusive marine ferment penetrates the skin with a powerful wave of activity. The appearance of discoloration and unevenness is dramatically diminished. Skin that looks tarnished and dull regains a healthy radiance and brightness as it is brought back to its most luminous center.

Improving tone, The Eye Concentrate utilizes a wealth of precious marine and plant ingredients to help skin reinforce its natural support system. Skin that has lost its elasticity and suppleness is gently smoothed and toned, vastly reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Stamina and resilience are greatly restored. A wealth of anti-oxidants defends the eye area against future damages.

$160.00 La Mer The Eye Concentrate

Ok, I have one more little obsession….

So you can’t escape all the beauty ads these days promising radiant skin, I have tried more than a few but found little to be excited about. Upon suggestion by a beauty expert of La Mer I tried their Radiant Infusion and I finally found that radiant skin I have been chasing. The Radiant Infusion toner starts going to work right away and within days my face was glowing, and my pores are much less noticeable.

La Mer The Radiant Infusion 

This high-potency, next-generation infusion delivers extreme radiance, clarity, pore-minimizing and tone. With bio-fermentation and physics as its heritage, The Radiant Infusion’s vital ingredients – ionizing sea salts, Radiant Ferments and super anti-oxidants – are suspended within a radical, fluid architecture. Expanding and contracting as necessary, the mesh-like sea gel works with La Mer’s exclusive Deconstructed Waters™ to deliver extraordinary activity on demand, settling into the landscape of the skin where needed.As The Radiant Infusion drenches the skin, it sets in motion a continuous wave of radiance-enhancing benefits. Immediately, skin looks bright and refreshed. Pores that may have lost their integrity look tightened and refined, toning the skin’s appearance. A natural source of electrolytes essential to the body’s well-being, Ionizing sea salts work in The Radiant Infusion to release a flood of beneficial negative ions, immediately energizing the skin and awakening a healthy, more vital and luminous appearance. Created with a blend of rare blue and white sea algae transformed through a meticulous bio-fermentation process, a combination of Radiant Ferments delivers a powerful cascade of activity. Precious marine extracts and sea botanicals infuse the skin with energy, instantly boosting clarity, luminosity and brightness and helping bring skin to its most radiant center. Augmented with La Mer’s exclusive Lime Tea and a super anti-oxidant cocktail, The Radiant Ferments work to prevent the appearance of future discoloration, helping skin discover a refreshed, renewed, radiant life.

$90.00 La Mer The Radiant Infusion

I have really pale skin so from time to time I try a self tanner to get a little color. Most self tanners I tried have some major fault to them either the scent, streaks or I am left looking orange. I finally found a great self tanner, Jergens Natural Glow leaves the perfect hint of color without the awful smell or streaks. And because it gradually adds color you can control how dark you get buy building on the color.

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

Firms and tightens skin as it creates a healthy summer glow just by moisturizing

* Clinically proven to firm skin

Moisturize into a firming glow. Jergens® natural glow Firming Daily Moisturizer formula with collagen & elastin delivers clinically proven firming benefits to improve skin elasticity and a subtle skin darkening complex to create a natural-looking, summer color. Begin to see a firmer appearance after just 2 weeks of daily use.

$5.99 Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisture Lotion

Brand New! Bliss ‘Steep Clean™’ Mask

This 15-minute facial-in-a-bottle will transform even a permanently clogged t-zone into a scene of extreme clean while helping to remove dead cells and dark spots to the point that you’ll find yourself wondering why Bliss would risk launching a product that’s so blindingly good at clearing complexions that it might put their facial tables out of business. Includes botanical skin brighteners and prevents clogged and prominent pores.

$54.00 Bliss Steep Clean