Find out why @Influenster + @KATVONDBEAUTY has me embracing my inner #SAINTANDSINNER #THERESURRECTIONISREAL #spon

Disclosure: I received all products at no cost to me as a member of Influenster.

Above: #SAINTANDSINNER Influenster Vox Box

After a long dry spell, me and Influenster have reunited and it feels so good, my last two Vox Boxes included goodies from L'Oreal and Smashbox respectively (if you missed it, check out that post HERE) and then I got a beautifully packaged surprise for the trifecta - the much coveted recently re-launched fan favorites of Kat Von D's Saint and Sinner perfumes!

The perfumes were off the market for eight years and recently re-launched due to fan demand with beautifully re-designed bottles. I wish we had been sent the full size bottles so I could show you all the intricate design. And because they smelled so great on me.

ABOUT 'SAINT'

NOTES (SAINT 2017 KAT VON D BEAUTY):

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Top Notes: Clary Sage, Mirabelle Plum,

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Middle Notes: Jasmine, Almond Blossom, Lily of the Valley

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Base Notes: Vanilla, Cedar, Peach, Musk Tiare flower, heart of Mandarin, Caramel, Sparkling

This gourmand scent with heart of mandarin and caramel, is a candied floral, that represents Kat's (or any woman's for that matter) dreamy, romantic and alluring side.

ABOUT SINNER:

NOTES (SINNER 2017 KAT VON D BEAUTY):

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Top Notes: Mandarin Orange, Orange Blossom, Plum

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Middle Notes: Jasmine, White Flowers, Cinnamon

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Base Notes: Vetiver, Patchouli, Vanilla, Musk

This gourmand scent that is a part sweet and part spicy represents Kat's (or any woman's) dark, sultry, and empowering side. A 'fragrant embodiment of the edgy, unapologetic and outspoken side of Kat Von D.

So SAINT + SINNER is a world of complementary contradiction:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - light + dark
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - vulnerable + empowered

and it is VEGAN and NOT tested on Animals!

Above: I thought I would feature other Kat Von D goodies I have been digging including the tattoo liner and Shade+Light Eye Contour Kit, the makeup items are mine and were not included in the Vox Box, the Vox Box solely contained the perfume samples, the animal print cosmetics case is also my own and is not sold via Kat Von D Beauty, just some fun staging!

Another Closeup of my Kat Von D Beauty Faves:

Above: The Saint Perfume is playfully resting on the box for the Shade+Light Contour Brush

Fun+Flirty Testing Ideas for YOU:

Test them both!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Hit your nearest Sephora and spray Saint on one wrist and Sinner on the other (these fade a bit quickly and take a bit to fully project) and find out for yourself whether or not you are 'Saint' or 'Sinner' or a bit of both.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Of course you can go the traditional wear Saint by Day and Sinner by Night route.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Him Test: Put a little "Saint" on your neck behind one ear and a little "Sinner" on the other and let your significant other tell you which one he likes best. No guarantee that these gourmand scent's won't inspire him to nibble a little! :-)

MY TAKE:

Influenster definitely matched me with the right campaign on this one, I love playing with Scent, and always tend to throw traditional rules out the window, if I want to wear a 'light as air' scent in the winter and a spicy, warm scent in the summer then that's what I will do. I also love wearing some men's colognes over women's perfumes.

So am I #TeamSaint or #TeamSinner - color me BOTH and not just in the sense of wearing one or the other, but I really loved mixing them both together, it gave them a bit more complexity.

On the whole in terms of longevity and projection they did leave me wanting a bit more, I found that both faded on me fast and I had to re-apply a bit sooner than I am used to. Saint is way more subtle than Sinner obviously. I consider it a perfect after shower, as an a.m./morning post-shower scent, it won't linger long and takes awhile to project so when you walk into the office you won't be offending anyone's nose or triggering allergies. Once you find yourself putting your nose to wrist because you can't detect it, you may want to re-apply.

Sinner is also not overly spicy, it's way warmer than Saint, but not super spicy, and because of it's shorter projection and longevity the beauty of it is having your special someone detect it mostly when they are closer to you which can certainly be nice.

I love reading the reviews that are out there particularly on fragrance reseller sites, they are wildly mixed with most complaining that Saint was too sweet and Sinner wasn't Spicy enough, but remember my butterflies, scent and beauty are both very much SUBJECTIVE. Scent works differently with our body chemistry, something can smell one way on someone and entirely different on somebody else, so try these on first, and then decide.

I do not find Saint 'toothache sweet' and thought Sinner was just right on the warmth and spice, a few reviews equate Kat Von D Beauty's "Sinner" to being "Opium" reminiscent. I do not find Sinner nearly as warm and spicy as Opium, but for those of you who have smelled both Opium and Opium's scented body powder, (which smell just slightly different from each other to my nose) Sinner can be reminiscent to Opium POWDER on it's drydown.

Overall: I did like both Saint and Sinner - match them to your mood on a given day, or do what I did and mix them both together!

So tell me butterflies have you tried Saint or Sinner yet, if so, which scent are you? What is your favorite scent - do you rotate but that have that particular favorite you keep reaching for more than others? Which is it? What are the notes?

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FTC Disclosure: Products were sent to Ascending Butterfly at no cost as a member of the Influenster Network, and all opinions are 100% my own!  This is NOT a compensated post although it certainly should be. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. If Kat Von D would like to send over the full sizes of Saint and Sinner so I could use the smaller bottles when they are empty as the place to create my alchemy mixing saint and sinner together using perfume funnels and taking them with me in my handbag/clutch everyday I would be more than happy too! :-)

Springing into #Beauty with these picks from @beautypress #SpotlightDay! #BBloggers

I swear this 'Butterfly-in-Chief' hasn't gone into hiding, but it's been a stress-filled Quarter 1 of 2016 so far, and things have been so nuts I haven't even felt like blogging about it. Not like me I know. #LeSigh

While I try to work my way to back to the inspirational posts you know me for, I thought I'd get caught up on some Event Recaps that are very much long overdue.

I have been attending BeautyPress Spotlight Days since 2012 (in fact here is my recap of the first one I attended in October 2012), they never fail to impress, they curate fab beauty brands/products and introduce them to Press in an informal yet surprisingly well organized format.

Here is the event in Pictures:

Above: The team behind Caolion (natural Korean Cosmetics - Korea's first pure hypoallergenic products) were super welcoming and just like we focus often on 'farm-to-table' on these pages, Caolion believes in the power of 'edible skincare' - gentle on even the most sensitive skin.

Above: This part of their collection focuses on Pores and I am definitely looking forward to trying these! (Been feeling like I could play 'connect the dots' with mine lately!)

Above: I loved the display, and I definitely love a simple to understand ingredient list! When you can pronounce each ingredient, you know you are safe!

Above: CAOLION Cosmetics Stands for [Culture + Association + Originality + LION]

Above: CoTZ has impressed me greatly since meeting them for the first time awhile back at Beauty Press Spotlight Day, they are one of my favorite Tinted Moisturizers with SPF to wear daily because of the soft, sheer matte finish. (Remember butterflies, this is a tinted moisturizer, not a full on foundation so don't expect full coverage, it's a sheer coverage but with such a great feel to the finish and a Balanced Mineral Complex. We keep inviting them to collaborate with us for a Twitter Party so I can bring them to not only our readers but all consumers in a fun, viral way. You guys really respond well to Twitter Parties, so hopefully I will bring them on board for one soon. (Feel free to comment on this post if you are interested in having CoTZ come on board for a Twitter Party)

Above: A little 'How it Began?' - Tish & Snooky's Manic Panic was born on 7/7/77 when two N.Y.C.-born sisters, Tish and Snooky, added some extra ambition to their rock 'n' roll lifestyle. Specifically catering to the punk rock and alternative crowd with hipsters coming from all over the world to shop and to see and be seen. Read More About Their Story HERE.

Above: I did a double take when I noticed many of the lipsticks matched the hair dyes - YAS!!!!!!

Above: Mitchell Black Candles lit the venue and we were given candles to take home as well. I am a candle junkie (incense as well) and I lit one of these in my Foyer and it literally enveloped the room with such a pleasant scent and warm feel. If you have any candle snobs on your gift list, give them these!

Above: Grove, Hearth, Loren and Corsica Scented Fragrance Candles by Mitchell Black

Above: In addition to Candles, Mitchell Black offers Fine Stationery, appetizer plates (I would also use these as catchalls for jewelry, keys, rings, etc)

Above: Shaffali Skincare is where Ayurveda and Aromatherapy meet, utilizing Indian herbs and spices to bring out your glow and fruit and flower essences to uplift your mood and skin.

Above: Shaffali Miglani, Founder of Shaffali Organic Skincare

Editors in attendance were treated to a wonderful experience of having our pores steamed and then a facial using Shaffali Organic Skincare Products. There is a meditation and empowering mantra for each product so that the line addresses mind, body, skin and soul. I loved getting an 'on-the-spot' introduction to the range of products, the facial allowed Editors to take a moment away from 'talking business' and focus on the pampering aspect that facials provide. I loved the experience and enjoyed the products! I know I am not going to be happy when I run out of these.

Above: SmoothSkin Gold is an IPL Hair Removal Device. We did not come home with these, so I am mentioning that I did meet them at BeautyPress Spotlight Day, however I cannot provide a recommendation/endorsement as I have not personally tested the device. 

Above: Being the smart butterfly that I am, I wore my Bodipure Glove as I was getting the facial treatment from Shaffali Skincare, when I was done, I not only had a glowing face, I also had baby smooth hands too! I LOVE these!

Above: I was also happy to see a brand I know well Twisted Sista, because you know the saying is 'curly hair don't care', but girl it does care! Curls need moisture my friends! And for my fellow fine/thin hair types don't be intimidated by curly hair products, they actually are great for adding volume and NOT weighing hair down which is exactly what we all want to achieve.

Above: Freixenet is one of my favorite 'bubblies', I have a super dry palate and their Cordon Negro Brut is one of my all time faves!

Above: Mionetto Gran Rose Extra Dry is one I hadn't tried before and definitely enjoyed, most Rose's are sweet, I liked that this one had a good balance.

MY TAKE:

I can't even begin to pick a favorite with this Spotlight Day, they definitely curated a great collection of brands and I look forward to sharing individual product reviews as time permits.

Readers Sound Off: Which Product would you most like to try and why?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a compensated Post, it is an event recap and as always ALL opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#MakeupMonday} Special Effects Makeup, Body Painting and more at @TheMakeupShow 2015 NYC! #bbloggers #Beauty

One of my all time favorite things to see at The Makeup Show is the 'Special Effects Makeup' - whether it's special effects for television and movies or intricate body painting, The Makeup Show always delivers and this year was no different.

Again with it being the 10 year anniversary of the show it was SUPER crowded and I couldn't always nab the shots I wanted, but I did get these two, which I think came out pretty good!

Model being body painted at The Makeup Show 2015 in  NYC

The 3D effect of his makeup was hard to capture but it was neat to see up close!

Are you team #BodyPaint or team #SpecialEffects? Let us know here or on twitter!

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FTC Disclosure: This is an event recap, this is NOT a compensated post, no monetary compensation has been received, Press Passes to the annual tradeshow were provided to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration and all opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#MakeupMonday} Did you miss the @TheMakeupShow NYC? @Ascending1 has got you covered #Beauty! #10yearsofTMS #bbloggers

The Makeup Show 2015 in New York City was phenomenal, it had been awhile since my schedule and the show matched up and it couldn't have been more perfect that it lined up for me this year as this is the show's 10 year anniversary. 

There was literally so much to see and do that I will split my recap up into a few pieces, I know some of you prefer trade-show recaps in smaller bursts as opposed to one big post that is very long to read!

The Makeup Show put together a fun highlight Video which I thought it would be fun to share:

 

One of the sessions I made it a point to attend was "Signature Style - Ellis Faas" - as you may remember I originally shared about Ellis here on Ascending Butterfly when I got to see them on display at Elements Show NYC (if you missed that post click HERE). Vogue Paris named her "One of the most influential make-up artists of her generation" and I can certainly see why!

She participated in an intimate Questions and Answers Session with James Vincent during the 2015 Makeup Show in New York City where she shared techniques to bring your makeup skills to an Editorial level in every application and how to find your own footing and make your own stand in this ever changing and evolving industry.

Here are the Photo Highlights of that session:

Above: Left: Ellis Faas Right: James Vincent

Above: Makeup Artist Ellis Faas applies makeup on a model at The Makeup Show NYC

Above: Makeup Artist Ellis Faas applies makeup on a model at The Makeup Show NYC

Above: Makeup Artist Ellis Faas describes how she created the look

Above: Left: Makeup Artist Ellis Faas and Right: Makeup Artist James Vincent

MY TAKE:

Ellis was definitely an open book and if anyone can make someone open up and share their passion and enthusiasm for the Beauty Industry it's James. The Makeup Show was super crowded this year, and while I wasn't always able to capture every moment I wanted to share with you, this was an amazing year for the show and they certainly pulled out all the stops!

It's funny because as soon as I saw her line in 2014 I had always wondered about this, but during her Q&A she mentioned getting stopped at the airport, which I figured initially from seeing the line as the packaging is shaped much like a bullet!

Did you miss the NYC show? No fears, it may coming to a City near you soon!

Catch The MakeupShow again on November 7-8th 2015 in Chicago, March 19-20 2016 in L.A. and it returns to NYC May 1-2, 2016. I hear the Dallas Show got moved from June 13th to September this year , and there will be a pop-up shop August 29th-30th 2015 in San Fran!

Who is your Favorite Makeup Artist? What is your Favorite Makeup Trend?

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FTC Disclosure: This is an event recap, this is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received, Press Passes to the annual tradeshow were provided to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration and all opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Did you miss the @beautypress Fall 2013 #SpotlightDay? Thankfully darlings I didn't! Guess what #beauty brand made their debut?

As a Lifestyle Blogger I am no stranger to conferences and larger than life events, but some give you a little more quality to match the quantity. That's what I call time well spent. It's not necessarily how much you spend to get in the door that is the true measure of an event's worth. And no butterflies, it's NOT the swag bag either. This world runs on "WHO" you know, the event that is worth it's weight in Gold is the one that makes MEANINGFUL connections happen.

They don't happen by magic, but by careful research, planning, implementation and a ton of hard work. And when you get there what you get out ultimately depends upon on what you put in, but BeautyPress Spotlight days set Beauty Editors up for success by providing a great venue, several sessions which allows each Editor to get in solid time with each brand, they keep you fed and hydrated, and most importantly curate a collection of amazing brands that address your beauty needs from head to toe! What's NOT to love?

Via Beauty Press (both online and in person at their events), I have discovered a ton of 'new to me brands' through past Spotlight Days that I have attended (you can check out past coverage by clicking HERE for May 2013 Beauty Press Spotlight Day, HERE for the January 2013 Spotlight Day, and HERE for the Fall/October 2012 Beauty Press Spotlight Day), and I always look forward to the next one because I know the experience will always be a valuable one for me!

I am going to present the Brands I met with in Alphabetical Order this time around, and happily the first brand is also the one that made it's debut and launch at this particular Beauty Press Spotlight Day which was super exciting!

The Aloe Source:

Making it's debut at the Fall 2013 Beauty Press Spotlight Day was The Aloe Source who utilize a charcoal filtration process to remove aloin and aloe emodin from it's aloe vera WITHOUT destroying the integrity of it's nutrients. Better still they partnered with an aloe vera farm right here in North America to harvest, process and stabilize organic aloe vera exclusively for The Aloe Source. I do personally consume Organic Aloe so from first hand experience I know not all Aloe is created equal. I also actually add Aloe on my own to my skincare so I was super excited to meet the team behind The Aloe Source. They provided full size samples of their Jojoba Radiance Cleansing Polish, Luminosity Masque and Vitamin C Anti-oxidant Creme. I'm currently finishing up testing another system so as soon as I'm done I'll start on this one and report back to you! They were super friendly and approachable and their love of Aloe defintely did shine through, and since I really love Aloe already I am looking forward to trying this set out. (My Aloe Plant is the only one I've managed NOT to kill throughout all my years of traveling and neglecting my plants.)

BeFine Fine Food Skincare:

Before there was a Beauty Industry, What did women do to keep their skin healthy? 

That is the question that BeFine's homepage asks. The use of 'natural' ingredients really is just a return to the basics. The time and true home beauty treatments that have been passed down by the generations. BeFine uses nutritious super-foods like pomegranates, almonds and avocados combined with advanced technology and efficient and effective ingredients. It's a return to the basics my friends and I mean that in the best way possible! No Allergens, fragrance, parabens or preservatives! BeFine sent us home with samples of their Exfoliating Cleanser with Brown Sugar, Sweet Almond Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Orange Oil and Oat Protein, their Night Cream with Cocoa, Millet and Rice Bran, their Gentle Cleanser with Peppermint Oil and Leaf Extract, Sugar Cane Extract, Oat Bran Extract and Rice Bran Proteins and their Firming Toner with Ginger and Willow Bark. Now when I tell you that Beauty Press truly provides a personalized experience with each brand, in my conversation with BeFine I mentioned that I have very dark circles, they are inherited as all my Father's side of the family have them, and I will admit my stressful fast-paced lifestyle doesn't help. Without a delay BeFine handed me their Eye Blossom Miracle Eye Serum with Cucumber and Flax Seed Oil. 

Super foods within, and within your skincare as well! Photo Credit: Beauty Press

I can't even begin to say how much this simple gesture filled my heart with gratitude. I left with a smile on my face and I can't wait to test out everything and report back on how well it worked for me. It's been a lot of late nights and go, go, go lately and I need a good at home spa day! Just me, a bathrobe, great products (and perhaps a glass of wine, I mean grapes are of the earth and all! Isn't the Resveratrol in wine good for you?)

Clique by Chef Roble:

In addition to The Aloe Source which made it's debut at Beauty Press Spotlight Day Fall 2013, Chef Roble and co who not only provided delicious bites and cocktails, he also offered attendees a sneak peek of his newest fragrance CLIQUE by Roble created in partnership with Brands With Purpose. The fragrance is slated for a Spring 2014 launch!

"I find the idea of exploring the synergy between capturing the aroma of some of my favorite dishes by creating the first 'Fragrance Recipe' intriguing" - Chef Roble

Photo Credit: Beauty Press

Guests were treated to 'Blood Orange Cocktail' and 'French Toast Crunch' cocktails and desserts, notes that were also used in the fragrance, making it a total sensory experience! We also received sample vials of the fragrance to take home. Everything was delicious and we were advised to taste then smell the fragrance, and it was like sensory overload in a great way! That was unique and super fun!

Gatsby

Photo Credit: Beauty Press

Sadly no one from this brand seemed interested in speaking with me so I can only give them back what they gave me, nothing. I'll just say they were there and I'm not bothering to link to them either so if you want more info feel free to google them. Why brands do events and only speak to some people and not others still baffles my mind. God Speed Gatsby, Really. But if I want to deal with high brow snobbery I'll visit a Department Store on Fifth or Madison Avenue here in New York City wearing jeans and sneakers.....

GrandeLash-MD:

I am probably the only person who also blogs about Beauty that has never put an eyelash curler to my eyes! Those things quite frankly frighten me, so if my mascara can't give me thick lashes, then I'm in trouble because I'm not sticking anything metal anywhere near my eyeballs! Thankfully I got to meet the folks at GrandeLash-MD, which bring us Natural Long Lashes with NO side effects in just six weeks! I have also never put falsies on either, the idea of glue near my eyes also gives me pause.

Photo Credit: GrandeLash-MD Facebook Page

We received the super cute bundle as pictured above to take home (um sans the roses!) and as soon as I complete a full six weeks using both I'll report back with how it worked for me. The kit contained the GrandeLash-MD Eyebrow and Eyelash enhancing formula as well as the GrandeLash-MD Mascara. If this works well for my eyelashes then I'd love to try the haircare products as I've battled with thinning hair and now since my hospitalization last year some hair loss. I am definitely looking forward to trying this system out! And you know how much I love packaging I thought the super pink cute girly packaging was a great touch. That kit would make fantastic stocking stuffers for any ladies on your list for holidays! (I know you are thinking but butterfly I haven't even bought my Halloween Costume yet, but seriously, the earlier you start your shopping, the earlier you work your way through the list and the less stress you deal with when the holidays roll around, and they will come quicker than you think, trust me!)

LipSense

LipSense lasts up to 18 hours with just ONE application!

I wear a custom signature red daily. I have since my teens. It's a mix of a few different brands and a favorite gloss, I can't find a color like it, so I make it. I don't consider reds just for evening. Usually when I visit a cosmetic brand they will never change my lip color, even if I ask. So I was excited when Lip Sense was willing to do so. They got my enthusiasm for red and thought I'd like a color that Christina Aguilera uses from their line. Her preferred shade is a mix of Blu-Red and Cranberry LipSense topped off with their gloss which keeps lip moist and plump! I let them know that part of my 'signature' color that I blend for myself usually includes a small touch of Gold, and they custom blended a color on me that was PERFECT! This is my first time trying them out but it won't be my last. I have to reach out to them because my gift bag contained a mauve/pink, and I don't wear pink at all, so hopefully I can kill two birds with one stone and swap out for a red and work out something fun for Ascending Butterfly readers as well because I have a strong feeling you guys will LOVE them as much as I do. Their color is super long lasting, and I literally needed to use remover to get it off and was impressed that it didn't stain my teeth, transfer or wear off like most lipsticks do on me. Re-application wasn't necessary even after nibbling on delicious desserts! Put them on your radar butterflies! This is definitely another great stocking stuffer idea or gift for someone hard to buy for!

Photo Credit: Beauty Press

The LipSense team pictured above, left me with the perfect pout and definitely all smiles! I've tried really great lipsticks from a wide variety of brands, but so far none have had the transfer-proof staying power that I experienced with LipSense. (I have a feeling if they are looking for a Blogger Brand Ambassador to wear their shades everywhere, it should most definitely be me!) By the way you know just how much I love featuring brands that give back (and celebrities are only featured here when we have met them in person or they are participating in a give back initiative), Senegence makers of LipSense also founded The Make Sense Foundation in 2002 and the list of organizations they support are listed HERE.

Memoire Liquide:

Needless to say as I wear a signature red lip everyday, that I fell in love with Jamie's red lipstick!

If that name sounds familiar I give you a pat on the back for your great memory! I met them originally at Elements NYC and you can check out my full recap of my first experience them. They consistently deliver and I was happy to see them at Beauty Press Spotlight Day! I got the chance to custom blend my own fragrance with them during Elements, and I use it super sparingly! I love that they demystify the art of perfumery by allowing people to custom create their own unique scents. Haven't you always found yourself saying if I could combine the top notes from this scent with the middle notes of that one and the base notes of the other it would be perfect? Well with them you can! I haven't failed to get stopped when I am wearing the scent that I custom blended with them. You should also be sure to check out the Memoire Liquide Reserve Edition which is a collection of five ready to wear eau de parfums that are exclusively sold at spalook, Nordstrom, Murale, Beauty Habit, SkinStore and Parfum1. I definitely love what they are doing, and you should have already had them on your radar from the Elements Showcase recap, but if you missed that one, and are just reading about them for the first time here, you definitely want to check them out. I would also say Memoire Liquide would be a lovely holidays gift and a fantastic Valentine's Day experience! From the reserve collection 'Encens Liquide' is my personal favorite!

Pampadour

Photo Credit: Beauty Press

I also met Pampadour originally at Elements New York, and recently shared about their Votre Vu Sponsored Twitter Party, they are a social media website created for beauty enthusiasts, think of them as a sort of pinterest dedicated entirely to beauty, if you are already a member, please be sure to follow me there as well! I haven't had time to go and 'Pamp' everything I love, but I'm slowly but surely adding more stuff on! Roy Hakimian is one of the co-founders and he is absolutely the sweetest person you'll ever meet! If you can't get enough Beauty than you should definitely become a member of both Beauty Press AND Pampadour! They sent us home with a Votre Vu lipstick! :)

SX Liquors

Liquor Sponsor for the Fall 2013 Beauty Press Spotlight Day was SX Latin Brands! Makers of SX Cha Cha Cha a Reposado Tequila with a hint of lemon and honey (pictured above very first bottle to the left), SX Cafe Doble a Reposado Tequila with Coffee and a Hint of Honey and Cloves, SX Blanco a Distilled from Cane 86 Proof Vodka (second bottle from the very right),  SX Negro which is a Vodka Infused in Anejo Casks and is 96 proof (pictured to the very right above), SX Azul a Vodka with a hint of Berry, Vanilla and Rosemary; SX Rosa a Vodka with a hint of Coconut, Watermelon and Cilantro, SX Verde a Vodka with a hint of Apple, Lemon and Basil, SX Calypso an Aged Rum with a hint of lemon and mint (picutred above second bottle to the left with green label), and last but not lease SX Samba which is a Rum with a hint of sweet lime and vanilla! These would definitely look beautiful on your bar for upcoming Halloween or Holiday Parties!

Uberliss

Thankfully for every rude person you find a nice one, and so for the haircare brand that chose not to speak me, there was another one in attendance that seemed way more interested in being there and making connections. Uberliss is the world's most advanced smoothing system that elimates unwanted frizz and tames unruly hair with a blend of Keratin, Cysteine and Buriti Extracts! Frizz is the bane of my existence and I have to do a combo of blow out and flat iron to my hair daily if I want to to wear it straight, so I definitely can't wait to try this out! It is compatible with other chemical processes and their products are forumlated WITHOUT Formaldehyde or aldehydes, so if you were hesitant about trying products with keratin in the past for fear of Formaldehydes than Uberliss is perfect for you! They sent us home with Full Sized Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner, as well as the Uberliss RituOil which is an Orchid and Argan Oil Complex that seals cuticles to create softness and shine and protect against thermal damage (you know like blow dryers and flat irons!). I can't wait to test out this system and report back to you. I would also love to visit an Uberliss Salon and I will definitely post my before and after on Ascending Butterfly when I do. I'm actually ready for a hair change so this sounds like a perfect excuse to try something new, you know for the sake of JOURNALISM!  (yeah that's the ticket!) :-)

Vitaman

Despite the distance from this event, I still have to admit this story from meeting this brand still makes me laugh, they are an Australian company that when they met ME told me they couldn't understand me because of my 'super heavy accent' and where was I from. The only thing that anyone can say that is 'discernible' about the way I speak is that it's distinctly 'New York' as I was born and raised here, my mother was born and raised in Manhattan and my Grand-mother was also. But I have never been told it's hard to understand me before. So this was a bit of a strange experience for me, but I do give them credit for managing what had to be crazy jet lag from the time difference and travel so well! Vitaman developed Australia's first comprehensive natural male skin and hair care range that contains natural and highly active ingredients sourced from Australian Indigenous Native Plant, Fruit and Herbal Extracts. They launched in 1999 and their co-founders had been living in the same building directly opposite each other for six months and met randomly in the elevator (which they call 'the lift'). They launched with 9 products and the line has expanded exponentially ever since.

We were sent home with a sampler pack that included trial sizes of their Face Scrub, Face Moisturiser, Shave Creme and After Shave Balm.

My Take:

As always Beauty Press curated a great variety of brands and provided an interactive, fun and dynamic experience that allowed Editors and Beauty Bloggers to network with the brands as well as each other! As I begin testing the products I took home with me I will post more comprehensive reviews but thought I would start with an overview that gave you an idea of the brands that were in attendance. I will definitely reach out to many to see if we can offer reader giveaways in the future but until then it doesn't hurt to visit each brand on their social media pages and let them know you saw them featured here!

Butterflies, which amazing product most caught your eye, which would YOU like to try first?

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FTC Disclosure: I am a member of the Beauty Press Network. This is not a compensated post. This is NOT a sponsored post and all opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

@Influenster really hit the nail on the head with the #ParadiseVoxBox #Beauty, #Haircare + something for #feet too!

#ad: This is not a compensated campaign, however an Influenster #ParadiseVoxBox was sent to us for editorial consideration. Full Disclosure Below.

#ParadiseVoxBox from Influenster with products from Dr.Scholl's, Goody, Suave, Olay and NYC Color!

I have tried out some not so stellar subscriptions boxes lately, so bad in fact, that I just haven't had the same rush/thrill I usually get when a new one arrives. I know the normal reaction would be 'Yay! A box full of stuff!', but when you have to go back and write about it and realize that not as much of it worked for you as you originally thought it would, it gets harder to drum up the same enthusiasm you had when you first open it. For those boxes I opted to follow our parents age old advice about when you don't have something nice to say....(don't say anything at all.)

Thankfully Influenster saved the day with a box I could get jazzed about!

Contents of my #ParadiseVoxBox (in alpahabetical order):

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Dr. Scholl's For Her High Heel Insoles

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Goody TangleFix (Gentle Hair Detangler Brush)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - NYC - New York Color Sparkle Eye Dust Color in '882 Smokey Topaz'

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Olay Fresh Effects Shine, Shine Go Away! Shine Minimizing Cleanser

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Suave Professionals Moroccan Argan Styling Oil

My Take:

This box knocked it out the park because absolutely everything was truly useful for me. Most people aren't quick to take the plunge with subscription services because they are always afraid the makeup will be some garish color they'd never wear, or they will get a ton of products they don't use. And I can understand that as I for one don't like when boxes come with self tanner as I have color and I don't need self tanner products. But with this box Influenster definitely hit a home run. We are now in fall and my high heel boots are coming out of the closet, and the Dr. Scholl's inserts have made all my favorite boots that much more comfortable. I already use Dr. Scholl's in my flats and sneakers and love that they know have insoles made for heels as well. I use them in my high heel shoes and now for fall will put them inside my boots with heels as well. SCORE!

I loved the gentle detangler brush as well from Goody, I am 'tender headed' and I hate getting my hair tugged at to detangle it, this makes it much easier to detangle my hair without the need to use extra product to do the job. I have fine, thin hair so I hate having to add a detangler product to my hair which weighs it down, so I am definitely loving this brush and haven't stopped using it since I got it! I'm going to run out and get these for my nieces and nephews because like me, they hate getting their wet hair detangled! I have a feeling they are going to love the Goody detangler brush and how gentle it is just as much as I do! SCORE!

The Olay Shine Minimizing Cleanser is just up my alley as I have oily skin, and usually have to use a mattifying product under my Foundation. I am using this with a cleansing brush and together they have been an amazing one-two punch for my face! (I will definitely share more about the brush soon, in fact you are going to have a chance to win it too so stay tuned!). SCORE!

The New York City Sparkle Dust is perfect for a night on the town, I do use a primer first and then apply this slightly wet for a more dramatic eye look. I will try to get a picture of just my face close up when I am wearing this so you can get an idea of how it works against my skin. I'm a beige/sand in many foundations and have hazel eyes. I don't do dramatic eyes too often, but when I do, I love this Smokey Topaz Color! SCORE!

Last but certainly not least was the Suave Professionals Moroccan Styling Oil. This styling oil definitely gives you that 'fresh out of the salon' feel AND smell. For my thin hair with most styling oils a very little always go a very long way with me, and this one is the same, I don't need to use much at all, especially if my hair is still damp. I also love to put it on my ends post styling for a little extra gloss/shine and especially on my bangs after I have flat ironed them. (My bangs are grown out right now, but I do plan to cut them again, so when I do I'll take a close up shot of them with a drop of this on it!). SCORE!

Everything in this box particular box was perfect for me, and the folks at Influenster have certainly set the bar high for the next box! I am so bummed I wasn't able to attend the twitter party they held to celebrate the #ParadiseVoxBox, because I certainly really loved this one! I wouldn't hesitate to fully recommend any of the products in this box!

Which of these products would you most like to try? or if you have tried all of them already, which is your particular favorite butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a paid campaign, no monetary compensation has been offered. Ascending Butterfly is a member of Influenster and Influenster boxes are randomly sent to members for editorial consideration and our honest opinons of the products. All opinions expressed herein are 100% my own. See our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for full information.