Sephora Sundays #2- Free Skincare Samples for Beauty Insiders

For Beauty Insiders only, Sephora is offering this skincare sample bag for YOUR type of skin- Normal/Combo, Dry or Oily skin. Free with any online order of $25 or more, this sample kit allows you to try different brands' products that are suited for your skin.

Learn more about the 4 Steps...
Each kit has a product for a clean skin care routine in 4 Steps-
1) Cleanse- your skin, morning and night.
2) Treat- your specific problem areas
3) Moisturize- to maintain hydration
4) Protect- from future sun damage

Read Sephora's article on what exactly these four steps mean here.

For a long time, I only thought cleansing would be enough. I recently discovered the wonders of moisturizing my face, even though I had oily skin. I figured why would I want more products on my face that would create more oil. However, by moisturizing I was giving my skin what it needed so it would not overdry and produce even more oil. Hence, a happy face :)

What exactly is Step #2- Treat? According to the article, it means to treat any problem areas- whether it be zits, clogged pores, wrinkles, etc. There are products you can use to combat these problems in concentrated serums or spot treatments.

For Step #4 Protect from Sun Damage- this is something that I am workingon. Since I am allergic to many SPF products (it's the chemical used for SPF protection), I have to be very careful on what products I can use. Still looking for the right product I can use without making my face look like a tomato :)

To get YOUR FREE Sample bag with a $25 Sephora purchase...
Use code: 4STEPS at checkout!


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Product Review: Facial Cleansers

I am on the lookout for a new facial cleanser right now. I have been using the Mario Badescu Enzyme Gel for about 4-5 years now, if not longer. I have enjoyed using it in the first couple of years but now I don't think that is really cleaning my face as well because I still feel a tad oily after cleaning. So I am on my quest to find a new and good cleanser for my oily/combination skin.

Here are my Total Beauty reviews on them, in no particular order:

1) Mario Badescu Botanical Gel Cleanser - I have been using this facial gel for the past two weeks, and I think it alright. I suggest you use if you have combo skin because it can be gentle on areas where it is normal and also remove some of the oil on your oily skin. When it is very humid outside, which will make your skin feel even more oily, I find that this gel just does not remove all the oil on my face. It feels nice right after I wash it but then I still feel like I have a residue, which means my face hasn't been thoroughly cleaned. The alpha hydroxy formula does not really work to prevent blackheads and acne since I do not see much of a difference. I would say this is better than the Enzyme Cleansing Gel especially for the summer.

2) Boscia Cleansing Gel ($24 at Sephora)- This is a wonderful cleansing gel that really cleans my face without overdrying my skin. I have oily and sensitive skin, and with the heat in the summer, it is feeling more oily. The cleanser is gentle and has a nice soft scent. It creates a nice lather when using it so I do not even need to use more than a tiny amount. What I like most about this is that it does not leave any residue on my face and really cleans any face makeup that I have. It is important to use this gel with a cellulose sponge so I can exfoliate my face while cleansing.

Upcoming: Yes to Tomatoes cleanser and Burt's Bees Acne Solutions gel cleanser.

To read more of my reviews..

Go to: BeautyAndAllThat's Reviews page on Total Beauty

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Sephora for Your Guy- Free Samples

Ladies: Father's Day is just around the corner (June 21 to be exact) and if you're looking for a gift for your pops or for your boyfriend, Sephora has a freebie to share with you with any purchase.

Guys: If you're planning to buy your girlfriend or mom something from Sephora, you can get yourself the Guy Supply sample kit filled with scents and skin samples.

It's a Win-Win situation here. Sephora is offering you a free 14 scent and skin sample kit (9 scents and 6 skin samples) for guys and it's available online only!

Includes:
* Giorgio Armani Emporio Armani Diamonds For Men (0.05 oz)
* Giorgio Armani Code (0.05 oz)
* Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio Pour Homme (0.05 oz)
* Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme (0.04 oz)
* Sean John I Am King (0.05 oz)
* Hugo Boss Hugo (0.06 oz)
* John Varvatos Artisan
* Carolina Herrera 212 Sexy Men (0.05 oz)
* Lab Series Multi-Action Face Wash and Daily Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 15 (2 x 0.06 oz)
* Jack Black Beard Lube (0.33 oz)
* The Art of Shaving Shaving Cream (0.27 oz)
* Billy Jealousy Hydroplane Super Slick Shave Cream (0.135 oz)
* Zirh Protect (0.1 oz)
* Cartier Declaration (0.05 oz)

More details: http://www.sephora.com/promo/handsome/

* Enter promotion code HANDSOME in the promotion code box during sephora.com checkout to receive your free men's sample bag with any online merchandise order. While supplies last. Samples may vary. One per order. Not valid in US or Canada retail stores, or Sephora inside JCPenney. Not valid on previous purchases, nor with purchases of eGift certificates or gift cards. Cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions. Sephora reserves the right to end or change this promotional offer at any time.

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Quiz: What’s Your Perfect Foundation?

Quiz: What’s Your Perfect Foundation?

Find the formula that will finally give you flawless-looking skin

How many times has your foundation looked great at the beauty counter, then “off” the next day? Take this quiz to find out what kind of makeup your skin really needs and get expert tips on making your skin look its best. Find your match

(Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link.)

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Sephora Skin Care samples for Beauty Insiders Only!

Being a Sephora Beauty Insider has its perks. (See my Sephora train case samples)

I got this offer in my email today. They are giving away 10 different skin care samples with any online order (using the code: SKINTREATS) OR you can pick it up in stores, while supplies last. Unfortunately, they are not giving away as much (they had 15 samples last time and a mini train case to put everything in).

According to their website:
At all Sephora stores on January 10, 2009 from 12 pm - 6 pm, you can receive a complimentary, one-on-one consultation from a Sephora skincare pro, and go home with the ultimate beauty must-have: an exclusive bag filled with samples of our favorite skincare products!

To find out what 10 samples you will receive...


*Bare Escentuals RareMinerals™ Purely Nourishing Facial Moisturizer (0.6 fl oz)
*Bliss FatGirlSleep (0.2 fl oz)
*Cosmedicine Opti-mologist Eye Cream with Light Diffusers (0.03 fl oz)
*Frédéric Fekkai Glossing Cream (0.03 fl oz)
*Fresh Soy Face Cream (0.07 fl oz)
*Kinerase Clear Skin Regulating Mask (0.07 oz)
*Murad Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15 (0.03 fl oz)
*Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel Duo (0.3 oz and 0.17 oz)
*SEPHORA Brand Smoothing Primer (0.05 fl oz)
*Tend Skin (0.25 oz)

This exclusive deal is for Beauty Insiders Only!

They advise you to contact your nearby store for more details and to make an appointment.