Review | Lancome Génifique

Today's review is on a product that I've been loving for about two months now -- Lancome Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate Serum -- one of the best skincare serums I've ever come across! I have gotten the chance to use it both day and night and really see it work on me and see a difference.

I have a 1.7 fl oz bottle which is simply magnificent!

Now let's get into some basics before I share my thoughts on it...

What Lancome says:

Lancôme introduces Génifique - our serum that intensely hydrates and promotes skin's natural exfoliation, a characteristic of young skin. Result: Visibly younger skin in just 7 days. Skin looks as if lit from within – breathtaking radiant. Its youthful quality returns: cushiony soft and velvety to the touch. Drop by drop, skin is vibrant with youth, its tone becomes astonishingly even, its texture dramatically refined.

What is it? What does it do?

Lancome Génifique Youth Activating Serum is supposed to boost the activity of your genes so that the skin looks and feels younger. The 2 biotech active ingredients are Bio Lysat (stimulates gene's expression of the identified youth protein) and Phytosphingosine (re-establishes protein synthesis and promotes the development of higher quality and more beautiful skin). The main objective is to activate the youth genes in your skin and help it to work more like it use to at cell turn-over and making collagen. 

In short: it helps to illuminate your skin from the inside-out and makes your face feel smoother and look younger.

How to use it?

Do your morning and night time regimen as usual. Cleanse, exfoliate, mask and tone. Prior to moisturizing your skin, apply a pump full into your hands and massage it into your skin -- avoid the eye area. After massaging it in, pat around your face to ensure that it can truly do what it says. Afterwards, apply your eye cream and moisturizer as usual.

Price and sizing?

Beauty Blogazons | Weekly Round Up - 12/21

• Pinked Polish: Holographic Snowflakes on my nails? Why yes :) Stay festive without having to wear red and green. :)
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Twilight Venom? Destany at Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom tries out this themed lip stain.
• TheFabZilla: TheFabZilla demonstrates how to get those perfect winged (cat) eyes using black eyeliner.
• Amber Did It!: You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch, but you look so cute on Amber's nails.
• Liesl Loves Pretty Things: Liesl loves lippies! Here she plays around with a couple festive Butter London Lippy shades.
• Never Gonna Give You Up: Kara's nails are inspired by a holiday movie.
• datyorkLOVES: datyorkLOVES Weekly filled with nail art, current events, challenges and more!
• Makeup Demon: Black eyes makeup - makeup idea for a party or as fashion makeup.
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: If you love a vampy lip, but prefer a more sheer version- then check out the Burberry Lip Mist in Blueberry- it's a favorite at Lola's Secret Beauty Blog!
• Just Skin, Bones, and Nails: Check out these awesome quirky and rustic Christmas nail designs.
• Love At First Site!: Vichy Dermablend Foundation. A review.
• Très Beau Glamour: Winter's near and it's time to really think about what's important and needed. Nay shares her favorite fashion winter essentials.
• Lacquer Buzz: This week's Monday Blues is festive! Check out these beautiful snowflakes!
• Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor is always pressed for time...watch her "five minute face" video tutorial for a full face in a flash!
• SoFlaJo: In Remembrance - Nails for Newton.
• Lisa's Nail Obsession: Check out these layered dot flowers in pink and white.
• MakeUpMom123: Custom Candles for a Life Boost!
• Mama Fashionista: It's not too late to scoop up some of these awesome bath and body gifts (if you're willing to brave the last minute crowd)!
• Beauty by Miss L: Check out Miss L´s Christmas manicure.
• The Convenient Beauty: Cheating high cheekbones with Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Intensity 2.
• Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: Quick and Easy DIY Styling Tips for Flawless Holiday Hair.
• Beyond Beauty Lounge: Easy Nail Art with Striping Tape .
• Rachel's Makeup and Skincare: Rachel shares the goodies she received in her December Glossybox and Winter USA Luxebox.

Check out these ladies! Amazing posts and awesome blogs.

Nay's Winter Essentials (Beauty)

Hello my loves!

Only two more days before the official first day of winter and I'm pretty excited -- I'm not sure why though! A few days ago I shared my fashion winter essentials, so it's only right to do my beauty winter essentials. Don't you think?

Beauty winter essentials are as following:

• EOS Lip Balms - best moisturizing lips balms I've ever had! More so fond of Sweet Mint because it gives me that minty tingling feeling.
• Pink Lipstick - Can never go wrong with a nice pink lipstick. Can be bold, muted, light -- however I'm feeling it always adds a bit of a girly chic look to my appearance. My favorites happen to be Milani in Rose Hip and Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Color in Don't Blink Pink, Pinkerbell & Dollhouse Pink.
• Red Lipstick - Perfect for those nights out and the holidays. Loving Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Red Velvet and Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Color in 910D & 911D.
• Deep Conditioner - To keep moisture in my hair as I transition I need to have Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioner on hand. It gives me moisture, shine and the protection I need from those cold days and nights. A leave-in conditioner is also a must.
• Moisturizer - A great moisturizer that won't dry my face out is a need for me. Currently obsessing over Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream Moisturizer for my skin. Makes my skin feel completely amazing.
• Eye Cream - An eye cream is a major must! Since the eyes are sensitive and they tend to get a little dryer on me I need an eye cream that can truly moisturize and firm the eye area.
• Plum/Purple Blush - Love purple and plum blushes. They really work well with my skin tone. Currently in love with Milani Baked Blush in Fantastico Mauve and Lancome Blush Subtil in Shimmer Violet Sunrise.

I personally love these all for winter as they all cater to my needs. Absolutely like my HG (holy grail) products for winter at least.

What are your beauty essentials for the winter?

Très Beau Glamour First Giveaway Winner Is.....

Hello my loves!

Today is the day that I finally tell you all who the giveaway winner is. After a long couple weeks of going through entries and taking those that were disqualified out I have picked a winner...*hammer time*

I am very thankful for this person doing what I asked and not cheating to win a prize. I'm not going to babble on about it any longer.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Diana please check your email and respond with 48 hours or I will have to pick another winner.

You're prize package will include the following:

• Lancome Visionnaire samples (4)
• Lancome Genifique 7 day sampler
• Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover (1.7fl oz)
• Lancome Cils Booster XL Mascara  Base (full size)
• Lancome La Base Pro samples (2)
• Lancome La Vie Est Belle Perfume sample
• Carmex Healing Cream (.75oz)
• Montagne Jeunesse Fruit Smoothie Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
• Sally Hansen Floral Toe Spacers
• Bath & Body Works Coconut Mango Body Lotion (2fl oz)
• China Glaze Nail Strengthener and Growth Formula
• Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Nail Polish in Hot Cocoa
• Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Daddy's Girl
• Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Temptation
• L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Sea Fleur
• Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Candy Pink
• Artistry Light Up Lipgloss in Passion
• Mark Juice Jems Squeeze on Lipgloss in Candy Cane

Thank you all for entering and new giveaway coming soon in Jan or Feb.

Enjoy your week.

International Xmas Beauty Blogger Swap Haul!

Hello my loves!

Today I want to share with you all some products that I got from the International Christmas Beauty Blogger Swap that I did. The swap was between beauty bloggers from the US, UK and Aussie (Australia). It was hosted by beauty blogger Jasmine of Sweetaholic Beauty.

My swap buddy was a really nice girl from Aussie named Claire from Sailor Klerr -- before I go any further I want to say that this was my first beauty swap and first international swap. I thought it would be expensive to send products overseas, but surprisingly it wasn't!

Claire and I had a ball with getting products for one another. We emailed each other back and forth about what we both want to try and colors we like and we made sure to stay in contact with one another. It takes 7-10 to receive a package from Aussie which seemed like a short time to me, but either way it was worth the wait....

On to the haul ....

First off she put everything in a cute little grayish-silver makeup pouch -- you can never have too many of those. I also got a cute blue Christmas card as well.

 When I opened the makeup pouch this is what I saw:

 A bunch of makeup and a letter from her -- so sweet of her to do!

 First couple things in the bag where items I can intake -- lol -- such as candy, tea and yeast extract. She did add in two regular mentos, but I ate that at work on Thursday cause I was hungry. The tea is by Adore Tea out in Australia and it's Christmas Tea; it's a blend of Ceylon tea with cinnamon cloves, almond and a hint of fruit -- sounds yummy! The Kraft Vegemite is definitely something new to me, but she sent me two small ones -- I will try it out.

Beauty Blogazons | Weekly Round Up - 12/14

• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Can a lip gloss curb your appetite? Destany tests Joey NY lipFIT to find out!
• Pinked Polish: Check out My new favorite Holo polish, Chirality The Symbiote!!!!
• Adore A Polish: Time to have a look at Kristina's nail care essentials.
• Makeup Demon: Going to the Disco party or photoshoot - here is the idea of disco makeup!
• Stephanie Louise- All Things Beautiful: Maitri Garden Handcrafted Jewelry Review +INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY!
• TheFabZilla: It's a cheeky situation! TheFabZilla reviews BECCA Beach Tint Duo (Lip & Cheek). See if it's worth the hype.
• The Beauty Think Tank: It's Run a Mile with Lindsay Day 2012! Will you participate!?!
• Beauty by Miss L: Miss L reviewed Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Your Eyes/Enhanced Starter Set.
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Curious about Lola's Secret Beauty Blog's Top Pick Holiday Skincare, Body Care & Haircare Products? Drumroll, Please...
• Mama Fashionista: In this Gift Guide, Melvita and Jurlique go head to head in a war of the roses (who will come out on top?).
• Beauty and Fashion Tech: Darling Girl Cosmetics Review and Video.
• Girl Gloss: Make Up For Ever HD Foundation Review.
• Polarbelle: Polarbelle finds true gold in hair care with the ghd Pink Cherry Blossom 1" Flat Iron. This puppy can do anything!!!
• Lisa's Nail Obsession: Santa is comin' to town...are you ready?
• Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor swatches all shades of the latest LMdB Kaleidoscope, Bauhaus!
• Betzy's Makeup: Check it out for some great holiday recipes featuring Torani Flavors.
• Lipgloss Break: Enter to win a Clos du Bois Pixi Cosmetic Bag. There are 5 up for grabs!
• Vicerimus: Yulia of Vicerimus gets inspired by Spring 2013 fashion trends and incorporates them into her nail routine.
• Rachel's Makeup and Skincare: Rachel from Rachel's Makeup and Skincare swatches the many items from the Lorac Eye Candy Full Face Collection.
• Très Beau Glamour: Looking for a nice Holiday makeup look to create? Check out Nay Denise's Silver Sparks tutorial using Lancome beauty products.
• The Beauty Delicacy: Day 1 silver + gold holiday nail art challenge.
• The Passenger Element: Revlon lip product haul - swatches.
• Amber Did It!: Oh Christmas Tree, a festive tape mani Christmas tree.

Looking for a great holiday read...check these posts out!

"Building" My Wardrobe

Lately, I've been feeling like I need to really rebuild my wardrobe and I've been finding it a bit hard to do so. I have comprised so many list of basic and key pieces that I need in my wardrobe, that I've decided to share a few of them with you all in case any of you want to rebuild your wardrobe as well.

Now keep in mind, these are my opinions on what key pieces should be in your wardrobe when rebuilding it because they go with just about anything and can be dressed up or down...

numero uno - Light Blazer
Structured linens and cotton blends in anything from brights to stripes. I'm looking for colors like pink, white, mint, blue and stripped detailing to give my basic looks some life.

numero dos - Knee-Length Skirt
Pencil shapes or bouncy a-lines with not too short hems. These are perfect for work, nights out and those who attend church, like myself. They can be solid colors or printed.

numero tres - Crisp Shirt