Showing posts with label #bbloggers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #bbloggers. Show all posts

Monday, August 14, 2017

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! :-)

Monday, May 16, 2016

Highlights: Glambition Women Think BIG #IMANxglambition #Imanalterego event in #NYC #MotivationMonday #MakeupMonday

Glambition WomenThinkBIG #IMANxglambition #Imanalterego event in #NYC, Flowers, Cupcakes
I am still in catch up mode and plotting something special for summer for my butterflies for being so patient this year!

During 2016 Women's History Month in March I attended a very special event called "GLAMBITION Women Think Big". An event intended to help empower and inspire and explore the many roles we play both in life and in business.

#Imanalterego
One of the sponsors was Iman Cosmetics who presented their newest collection #IMANAlterEgo - a collection that helps women to celebrate all of our 'moods' - they were providing makeovers and a photo booth opp. I am obsessed with their lipsticks. But as usual, they didn't change my lips. It is very rare that any makeup person changes my lipstick. Probably because I custom blend my color myself! But it's always flattering! I am digging this collection and there will be more to come soon (If I dive into the collection here, it will certainly overshadow the event recap).

There is a reason, putting on makeup is called 'putting on your face', We feel like two different people at times when we are wearing makeup - more 'in control' and ready for whatever comes your way, and when you are not wearing any makeup, I'll bet you feel a bit different.

It's OK to explore your 'alter ego', it's OK to celebrate all the different roles that make you who you are - both in life and in business.

Alter Ego - The Many Roles Women Play Panel
Above: Alter Ego - The Many Roles Women Play Panel at GLAMBITION Women Think Big event in New York City. Speakers Included: Desiree Reid, EVP of IMAN Cosmetics, Robert Willis of Universal Beauty, Sharon Nelson of National Woman Caucus, Sarah Perez Jarrett, CEO of SPT Wellness and Elizabeth Carrion of Ogilvy & Mather.

There were panel sessions that helped to empower entrepreneurs - both men and women in business who are doing big things and were willing to share the journey! 

WOMANITY Women in the Work Place Panel
Photo Credit: Dee & Co Group
Photo Highlights of the Sponsors and Exhibitors in Attendance:

Above: You may remember seeing Murphs Famous Bloody Mary Mix on these pages before, but check this post out for a refresher - Bloody Mary Mussels and cocktail (I used Murph's Famous Hot & Spicy Bloody Mary Mix to make both the cocktail and as a base for the red sauce for the mussels as well!)

SweeTess CreationZ Cupcakes
Above: Swee Tess CreationZ had such a pretty display I photographed it in separate vignettes instead of just the whole table so the details wouldn't get lost! (The first photo all the way on top of this post is from their display as well.)

SweeTess CreationZ Chocolate Covered Oreos and Sugar Cookies
Above: The Chocolate Covered Oreos and Sugar Cookies were event branded! Smart!

SweeTess CreationZ Cakepops
Above: Cakepops are awesome, delicious goodness in an easier to eat, party friendly format. I still haven't mastered the art of eating a frosted cupcake 'neatly' with cakepops I get the same goodness in a smaller bite size package.

Dr Jose Rigoberto Perez Diaz Salud Para Todos featured at Glambition WomenThinkBIG NYC event
Above: Dr Jose Rigoberto Perez Diaz Salud Para Todos featured at Glambition WomenThinkBIG NYC event. I certainly appreciate the reference to Psalm 46 on the bag! (I linked you to it if you are interested in reading it!) We were provided with health supplements that I will share more about in another post.

Limation Organic Drinks
Above: I love when events present me with brands that are 'new to me'. I greatly enjoyed Limation Organic Drinks and am happy I got the chance to try them out. Infused into a traditional limeaid you will find pure organics - lavender, exotic passion fruit, watermelon - and with summer swiftly approaching I can tell you that you *NEED* these in your life. Whether your summer beverage includes 'spirits' or not, this will be summer cocktail enhancer for sure!

Spadet Olive Oil Soap
Above: You guessed it, all natural and made with Pure Olive Oil! Spadet has a wide range of product offerings and area also great on even the most sensitve skin!

Universal Beauty Products Inc Jamaican Mango & Lime Haircare Products
Above: Universal Beauty Products Inc presented products from their Jamaican Mango & Lime line - the products are coconut milk and honey. I can't wait to try these out!

Paychex
Above: Paychex was on hand to let business owners know they don't have to go it alone when it comes to HR services including Payroll, Retirement and Insurance.

MY TAKE:

Taking your business - whatever your business may be, to the next level requires a balance of smarts/knowledge/'know-how' and inspiration/creativity. You need a bit of both, and there certainly is no reason you can't look beautiful doing it! 

Readers Sound Off: What is YOUR Alter Ego? How do Cosmetics and Beauty Products alter your mood?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a monetarily compensated Post, this is an event recap and passes were provided for Editorial Consideration. 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.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

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.

Monday, December 7, 2015

{#Giveaway} It is @Neutrogena Rainbath's 45th Anniversary/Birthday but YOU get the presents! #Ad

NEUTROGENA® Rainbath Giveaway

Sponsored Giveaway, brought to you by Neutrogena!
NEUTROGENA® Rainbath Giveaway via Ascending Butterfly
Neutrogena's Rainbath is turning 45, although she doesn't look a day over 18 if you ask me!

I 'discovered' Neutrogena in my teens. I saw an ad that said that using Neutrogena's Shampoo is a good way to make your regular brand more effective by alternating between it & the Neutrogena anti-residue shampoo.

That began a period of me trying out tons of products in the line, with their Oil-Free Acne Wash, Rainbath refreshing shower and bath gel and their original light sesame body oil becoming my top three favorites from their line!

Now that I am blogging and get to try out tons of skincare and beauty products in a wide variety of price points, it is still Neutrogena I go back to. When I finish a system I am testing out, I let my skin 'breathe' again before starting on a new system to review by using Neutrogena for a week before I go testing something new.

It slays me to re-visit old posts, especially previous work for the same brand, and this review post of mine for Neutrogena's Rapid Wrinkle Repair (in conjunction with Allure Magazine and their Beauty Enthusiast's program) still cracks me up, check it out HERE (it outlines me and my eternal struggle with RBF, if you suffer from RBF too, can I get a 'what-what'!?) Another review I enjoyed re-reading that I did for Neutrogena can be found HERE. And a post for them that is near and dear to my heart as it's a rare glimpse into me and how I got into writing, HERE.

My mom taught me the importance of NEVER going to bed with makeup on, and on those nights when I come in and just straight up want to hit my bed hard, I always keep a pack of makeup remover in my nightstand, I love keeping these at the ready. I keep some in my purse too. This way between day and night events I can change makeup or after the gym (although in all fairness I try not to wear makeup when I am headed to the gym).
Rainbath is enjoying a 45th Anniversary/Birthday and what better way to celebrate a special occasion, than with presents?
I certainly love a good prezzie, particularly around holiday time! Our friends at Neutrogena whole-heartedly agree and they want to stuff your stocking with some Neutrogena 'goodies'. In fact a basket of Neutrogena Goodies, this may have to go under the tree as it might not fit in your stocking!

WIN IT:

One lucky butterfly will win a basket of Neutrogena Products including Rainbath - Refreshing Shower and bath gel!

Enter using the Rafflecopter Widget Below: (sometimes the widget gets stuck, if that's the case, just refresh your screen, that usually does the trick! If you don't see the widget but the words 'a Rafflecopter giveaway' just press that link which will take you to the entry widget)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MY TAKE:

Neutrogena will always be the brand I associate with my kick off into my skincare and beauty routine, and when I get the chance to write about products you will definitey find in my cabinets anyway - I consider it a really good day at the office.

You know how much I love playing 'Butterfly Claus' and giving you guys the chance to experience the products I am currently playing with!

Readers Sound Off: What is your favorite Neutrogena Product? Why is it your fave?

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FTC Disclosure: All products featured were supplied to Ascending Butterfly at no cost for Editorial Consideration. This is a sponsored/compensated Post, however 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.

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

(Not So) {#WordlessWednesday} Shh! Don't tell anyone but @SheaMoisture was my favorite booth at #BlogHer15

One of the best things about Blogging Conferences is connecting with brands, and BlogHer will always win for sheer volume and variety that's a given, they do it bigger! But for me when I can finally connect with a brand that I already love and really use on the regular it's a win/win.

Well first, it's a sort of smack my forehead and think 'DOH! Why haven't I ever reached out to them before?'

BlogHer15 gave me that moment and it was with a brand that I first became aware of because they were gift/swag bag inclusions multiple times at Beauty Events I have attended here in New York City throughout the years. But they weren't at the actual events. I fell in love with each of the Shea Moisture products I had the pleasure of trying out. So when I happened upon them in the expo hall of the Hilton I may have actually squealed with girlish delight (Hey! Don't judge me! It's the little things in life that excite me!)

Their range is super diverse and it was during BlogHer15 that I discovered in addition to the hair and body care products that I have grown to love, they make makeup/cosmetics as well.

I got my makeup done, and I discovered that I still need more practice in the fine art of contouring but I loved the products that were used on me and I also waited to get my hair done. The hairstylist took one look at my hair and said my ends 'were a hot mess' (they were) and told me to return the next day so he could trim them.

And I did.

And I got my first ever haircut (not just a blow out, flat iron or hair touch up) on a tradeshow floor, that was a first for me! And I have to say I absolutely LOVED the results! I have fine hair so if I over product it can look greasy at the root but the ends will still look dry because it's also frizz prone. I have to be careful not to let my hair 'bulk up' too much and when I get a quality cut I can feel the difference, I have fine hair but a lot of of it, so after it's well cut, my whole head sort of feels 'lighter' and of course feels smoother and silkier (no matter how hard I try I have never been able to replicate a hair stylist blow out at home!).

Their booth was buzzing, of course because the products are really THAT good, but they also had a live Graffiti Artist doing wall art for them at the booth, the mural was created by Seb Gorey and you can read more about the mural that was created HERE.

I left that booth feeling like a million bucks, or at least like a shinier penny that's for sure! Makeup CHECK. Hair cut and styled, CHECK. Samples of my favorite products, CHECK PLUS PLUS.

They need to put a ring on it and make me an official ambassador, #JustSayin

Here is a photo of me in front of the mural wall:

#SheaMoisture Booth Photo at #BlogHer15 #ABetterWayToBeautiful


MY TAKE:

Shh! Don't tell anyone but theirs was my favorite booth at BlogHer15. They were super welcoming, took the time to LISTEN not just try and sell, and their hair and makeup artist were totally on fleek. You know I only pause for mascot photos and avoid direct on photos of myself where possible (you all know I don't fall for 'step and repeats'), so for me to pose by myself with no mascot in site is total brand love! And while it's a small thank you in comparison for how good they made me feel, I hope they know just how much this particular blogger feels appreciative of the efforts they took into keeping up that energy and working hard to make sure everyone left their booth feeling beautiful. The hooded cardigan and top I am wearing are by MiracleSuit and the jeans are by Silver Jeans!

I want to add that Shea Moisture body scrubs are the BOMB, and I can't stress enough that their hair care products are good for ALL hair types!

Have you tried Shea Moisture Products yet? If so, which is your fave? What is your go to haircare brand?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a NON -compensated post, no monetary compensation has been received and this is an event recap (samples were provided). All my opinions are 100% MY OWN. I was a Vitabath Brand Ambassador for the BlogHer 2015 Conference. 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.

Monday, June 22, 2015

{#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.

Friday, March 20, 2015

What #Beauty Brands did @beautypress put on the radar of #bbloggers this time? Find out here!

NOTE: This is an event recap, this is not a product endorsement or review.



Please note my new disclaimer above event recap posts, an event recap is not a product review nor is it an implied endorsement, these are brands we had the chance to interface with at the Beauty Press Spotlight Day, and as we go actually testing product samples (if samples were provided), we will then highlight our specific thoughts about each product in an individual post.

The first Beauty Press Spotlight of 2015 put some brands that were new to me on my radar and I also got to meet the faces behind a few brands I was already familiar with.

Here are the brands we  met, this time in no particular order:

All Beauty Water


Pictured Above: All Beauty Water comes in three 'refreshing-tastic' flavors: Pomegranate, Cucumber Aloe and Strawberry Acai, each bottle is 16oz and contain: 2 glasses of water per serving, 8 SkinVitamins including: Vitamins A, C, D E, B3, B6, B12, and Biotin as well as 7 SkinNutrients including: Selenium, Green Tea Extract, Magnesium, Manganese, Calcium, Potassium and Zinc. They are 0 Calories, contain NO sugar and are non-GMO, Kosher, Vegan and Gluten Free with no artificial flavors, sweeteners or preservatives!

Blemish Potion and Sen7 Fizz, whats hot products


Pictured Above: whats hot! showed off two products, Blemish Potion (above on the upper shelf) and the Sen7 Fizz (on the lower shelf) a fragrance atomizer that is actually TSA friendly so you don't have to leave your favorite scent home for fear it will be taken from you at the airport!

cureology beauty

Pictured Above: cureology beauty certainly caught my eye with the butterflies on their poster, they make haircare products that use only ingredients available from renewable/sustainable resources, packaging with post consumer material, organically grown ingredients, are a cruelty free brand that doesn't use animal testing and they donate 10% of their proceeds to the Breast Cancer Cause. I definitely love supporting brands that give back!

Grand Central Beauty

Pictured Above: Grand Central Beauty - There wasn't a time when this booth was by itself so we have a candid photo above with the Grand Central team mid pitch! They offer "S.M.A.R.T." skincare with SMART being an acronym for Smooths. Moisturizes. Anti-Aging. Redness-reduction, Tones. They are also cruelty free and they are made with pride in the USA.

My Amazing Hair Secrets

Pictured Above: My Amazing Hair Secrets offers a Shampoo, Conditioner, Quick Dry Shake'n Spray (that cuts your blow dry time in half), a Repair & Shine Secret and a 'My Amazing Color Boost+ Secret that helps to protect and intensify hair color while helping to also maximize shine and luminosity. Their website even offers '15 steps to a perfect "Amazing"  30 Minute Blowout!

NUTRAFOL, Hair Loss Dietary Nutritional Supplements
























Pictured Above: Co-Founder of NUTRAFOL, Giorgos Tsetis holds up NUTRAFOL for both men and women, these clinically formulated supplements promote thicker, fuller, faster hair growth as well as improved texture, by repairing and revitalizing damaged hair follicles, minimizing hair loss due to stress, combating hair loss due to hormonal imbalance, helping the body build resistance to stress and protects hair against damage from excessive styling or excercise and counters the effects of (lack of) sleep or nutritional deficiences. - This is definitely one of the products I look most forward to starting on as I am a lifelong insomniac!

Ottilie and Lulu at BeautyPress Spotlight Day February 2015, Skincare for Tweens and Teens, all-natural skincare and beauty


Pictured Above: Ottilie and Lulu provides an all-natural skin regimen for tween and teen girls including cleansers, moisturizers, sun protection solutions and blemish treatments. Their products are all dermatologist tested and allergy tested and contain natural ingredients, never to early to get started on a healthy skincare routine!

Pour le Monde Parfums at BeautyPress Spotlight Day February 2015, Certified 100% Natural Prestige Fragrance



















Pictured Above: Pour le Monde Parfums are the only CERTIFIED 100% natural prestige fragrances in the world! And they also give back to charities including: Cancer Support Community, Guiding Eyes for the Blind and The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. there is a huge difference between natural versus synthetic perfumes butterflies, and please remember 60% of what you put on your skin gets absorbed into your bloodstream!

























Pictured Above: Primp and Polish Manicure with Nail Art!

MY TAKE:

Sadly a lot of bad behavior by super entitled "Print Editors" marred my experience. While some of us patiently waited our turns in line to meet a brand rep many "Print Press" felt it was OK to walk right in front of the line, and instead of brand reps asking them to wait their turn in line like everyone else, if the person said "I'm Print" the brands more than 75% of the time allowed it, marring my opinion of them both quite frankly. Perhaps for the next show I should tout my print credentials and see if it allows me to skip the lines too......And as many brands went 'vial size' for 'bloggers' this time around you won't see as many individual product reviews on this show as a vial size is not sufficient to test the efficacy of any Beauty Product. There were some brands who did provide sufficient full size test samples and those will be given individual features in the future.

I am finishing up a supplement I am currently testing and will start on the NUTRAFOL system next, so I will keep you posted on my progress with them at the end of the testing and report my results in a separate post.

I loved that many brands included this time do give back a portion of their proceeds to benefit charity, and that a movement toward natural, chemical free products are prevailing with many emerging brands. Me and All Beauty Water definitely have something major in common, we both believe that Beauty definitely starts from WITHIN.

Which product mentioned would YOU most like to try and why? 

(Who knows if a lot of you are interested in the same product I may be able to have them come back and do something nice for YOU! So don't forget to let them know you saw them featured here first when you connect with them via Social Media!)

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FTC Disclosure: 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.