Marc Jacobs Glow Stick Review

So Influenster was nice enough to send me Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator to try out and review.

No its not deodorant (it just looks like it).

According to Sephora.com this is "a portable cream stick highlighter in a first-ever universal shade for instant dewy payoff."  Let's be real.  There is no way that this shade flatters all skin tones.  I'm on the lighter side and this is far too white even for my skin tone.  This illuminator feels slightly greasy on my face and does not blend well with my CC cream and concealer.  But there is hope.  I think this product looks amazing when applied to the decolletage and arms.  Nothing like looking lit from within from head to toe because let's face it, I like shinny things.  Sue me.  I also like that this product is travel size friendly and will not break if you drop it.  I do wonder if it will melt in hot weather?  To be determined.

From left to right: Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator, Becca Skin Perfector Pressed in Opal, Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Spotlight Wand in Opal

I love, love LOVE Becca Skin Perfector Pressed in Opal.  It has a golden-rosey undertone and blends so well with my skin tone.  I apply it on my cheekbones and over my blush, as eyeshadow, and on my cupids bow and lips to make them look extra luscious.  It is my absolute favorite product for making my skin look gorgeous. I highly, highly recommend it. 

For more thoughts on these highlighters and Mac Mineralize Skinfinish check out my vlog:

Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx - Does it work?

So I HAD to purchase Instant FirmX after seeing this item aired on QVC.

I'm a sucker for the power of the live demo.  

Instant Firmx™ temporarily tightens the appearance of skin and reduces the look of forehead creases, “11” lines, crow’s-feet, enlarged pores, and nasal-labial folds. With this revolutionary formula, white residue is splashed or patted away while active firming agents remain behind.  Sephora.com

I've always been aware of my smile lines around my eyes and never had a problem with them since these markings are a sign of a happy person (you know it!).  Recently, however, I noticed that I had fine lines on my forehead that no longer faded away with moisturizer.  I would apply my makeup and within minutes I noticed that I no longer had a smooth complexion as the makeup settled into my forehead lines.  So after seeing this item on QVC I made the purchase on Amazon as it was far cheaper then the $48 price tag that this item is advertised at from most beauty retailers.  Plus, I felt more comfortable starting with a temporary tightener then committing to Botox.  I love the look of Botox on others, but I'm not that comfortable with the idea of botulinum being injected into my face.  

Here are pics of my skin sans makeup immediately after washing my face:

 Those forehead lines!  

You use this product on clean, dry skin where you want your skin to become taunt.  Directions are to apply FirmX and remain expressionless for 3-7 minutes.  I'm not sure you realize how hard it is to remain expressionless...

Within 3 minutes I definitely feel my skin becoming tighter:

 My forehead wrinkles are practically nonexistent.

 Note the write residue that this product leaves behind.

Next I applied BB Cream :

So does it work?  

Overall yes.  What I notice is that once I put moisturizer or makeup on top of the FirmX my fine lines begin to resurface.  I do not think the lines are as apparent as they are sans FirmX, but I do notice them (see pictures above).  Also, my skin still feels very tight in the areas I applied the FirmX for hours post application.  

Would I buy it again?  

I'm not sure.  It works, but I'm not sure if it is worth $48.  Plus this item is marketed as a temporary solution as opposed to a treatment with long term anti-aging results.  While a quick fix is awesome, long term results are what I desire.  

If you have used this I would love to know what you think.  Feel free to leave a comment below.  

Beauty Deals and Gifts

IPSY

In addition to getting an awesome bag filled with fun samples for $10, Ipsy also offers deals on various beauty related goods at a fraction of the retail price that ship for free.  Normally I like the deals, but pass them up because I have to restrain myself or else I would buy, buy, buy.  But this month the deals are too good to pass up.

I love Pacifica Body Butter for the its moisturizing effects and the tantalizing smells.  You can use this as a hand cream or lather it from head to toe to smell delectable everywhere.  The two scents are Indian Coconut Nectar, my personal favorite, and Sugared Amber Dreams.

Indian Coconut Nectar is a sensuous and delicious blend inspired by travels to faraway destinations. This warm, sultry blend of coconut and delicate creamy vanilla is pure ambrosia.
Sugared Amber Dreams is a dreamy blend filled with sparkling sugar, heady vanilla and warm amber. An intoxicating aura of rainbow wishes, magic, and love for the bravest of hearts.

This is a great stocking stuffer.  Is it wrong that I want to buy two sets so I can keep one and give the others as a holiday gift?  For $7 (retail $12) I don't feel guilty about it.  Buy, buy, buy...

I can't believe this It Cosmetics Contour Palette is only $20!  I've wanted this kit forever so Merry Christmas to me.  I am obsessed with all things It Cosmetics.  This brand is top notch and easy to use.  I could go on and on, but I'll spare you.  If you are scared of the dark shades just remember that you can blend different colours for a more natural look.  Check out this how to video featuring the fabulous Jamie Kern Lima.
Plus, the word on the street is that this palette is great for darker skin girls.  If you already use this I would love to know what you think.

If you aren't already on Ipsy then you can't get these great deals so join here so I can get some points for your referral.

SEPHORA

I am loving this free gift from Sephora.

Sephora never disappoints with free gifts and samples and this bag is no exception.    

Not only do you get a cute bag, but you get 8 samples of awesome products with the purchase of $25.  

This offer is only good for an online purchase so take advantage of it while you still can.  Code is PARTYPICKS.

EBATES

And don't forget to use Ebates for all your holiday purchases.  Ebates is free to join and gives you cash back on all your online purchases.  Right now I have over $70 in my account from holiday shopping.

Sign up here and get your free cash on.

Do you shop?

I love to shop.  But I'm still a bargain shopper.  If I am going to shop I want the best deal and I want a little something something in return.

Shopping online is a no-brainer.  You can easily compare prices and find promo or coupon codes so you know you are getting the best bang for your buck.  I like the best bang.

I've talked about Ebates before and I will say it again: If you are not using Ebates before you make an online purchase you are loosing free money.  

Every time I know I am going to make an online purchase I first check to see if the retailer is on Ebates.  Let's use Sephora as an example:

Each retailer has a different percent cash back offer for your purchases and the only catch is you have to shop through the Ebates link.

As you can see in the above picture, Ebates will give you 4% cash back on any purchase you make at Sephora through the Sephora Ebates link.  These percentages are not fixed.  I've seen cash back offers as high as 20% for retailers that I like and purchase from (I.e. Joyus).

Once you click the retailer link you are taken to Sephora, or whichever website you desire, where you can shop around, complete your purchase as usual, and then you just wait for your big, fat check.

Get it girl!

And if you don't want a check Ebates will deposit your quarterly payout into your PayPal account.  Ebates you are so good to me.

$125 may not seem like a lot of money to some, but every little bit adds up.  This is money that I can take on my upcoming vacation and I didn't do anything for it, but shop like I normally do.  I don't get spammed.  I haven't encountered any weird viruses.  I've just gotten paid.

Ebates offers referral perks.  Sometimes it's cash, sometimes it is entries into a free trip, sometimes it is both.  Right now the referral perk is $5 for every person who signs up with my unique link and an entry into a free trip to Hawaii.

If you enjoyed this post please show me some love and sign up for Ebates using my referral link here.


Today is the last day to enter to win one of my free bracelets.  Click here for the original post with details.