Beauty Product Review/Chic 'n Cheap Living Contest: Cure Gel (Gentle Exfoliator)

How do you renew your skin?

I love Cate Blanchett and her skin is remarkable - {Source}

My skin regime has varied over the years and included everything from Neutrogena facial soup to the Clinique 3-step system (both great gentle cleansers).  But I always had a cleanser, some type of exfoliant, and a moisturizer (now I'm moving onto serums).  My husband loves his St. Ives peach apricot scrub because he says the rough scrubbing beads make him feel really clean (really I think he just likes the smell!)  But if you exfoliate too much you can actually damage your skin because the beads are too abrasive (hence why sugar scrubs aren't really recommended for the face).

So I was intrigued and happy to try Cure Natural Aqua Gel via Ppali Beauty (the first official distributor in the US); the company found me and offered a bottle of the gel after I first mentioned Cure in my winter beauty essentials post. Cure is s top-selling Japanese beauty product that my cousin first discovered in Singapore (ahh the things one discovers when she is waiting around in a drugstore!)  It is an exfoliating gel with no scrubbing beads and removes .01 mm of dead skin only leaving healthy skin intact.

I used Cure roughly twice a week for a few weeks.  I would apply a little on my freshly washed face at night.  It is a little bizarre to see my top layers of old skin clump up and come off after using the gel.  You need to quickly rinse your face after using the gel to remove all these bits which are still on the surface of the skin.  But I used this after applying makeup a few times and felt that it also worked to get my makeup off more cleanly; generally I did feel like it exfoliated my skin.  Cure also states that one of its main benefits is to allow a user's existing beauty products (moisturizer or serum) to work better.  I can't vouch for this aspect because I only used Cure for a few weeks.  But I did find the exfoliating to be very gentle and easy.  It would make sense that my products will absorb into my skin more easily after using Cure.

Likes
- It does what it says - gentle exfoliating
- Gel felt clean and left no chemical residue

Dislikes
- Dead skin clumping is not cool - rinse quickly!

Cost
- $36

Now for the giveaway - get your own bottle of Cure and 10 sample packets for travel or to share with friends.  This giveaway is open worldwide  and will be open for 11 days (woohoo!)

Also please let me know if you are having trouble with the Rafflecopter widget - if so, I'll just have entries be in this post's comments.

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Tropicana Trop50 Review and Chic 'n Cheap Living Contest: Spa Week $50 gift certificate (US and Canada)

One of my lifestyle resolutions (not just a New Years resolution) is to eat healthier.  We have done this by cutting the amount of sugar, carbs, and meat that we eat on a daily basis.  This has not only resulted in leaner physiques for us, but a generally more positive feeling about how we look and feel.

I was asked to do a review of Tropicana^® Trop50^®- a line of fruit juices with 50% less sugar and calories.  The campaign behind the juices - True Resolutions - is a great way for people to share their deeper motivations behind their resolutions.  This really reflected my own recent diet resolution - yes I wanted to eat better so I could fit in my old clothing, but I also wanted to make smarter eating choices for the long run so I could live a longer, healthier life (my husband's genetics definitely work against him so we make a team effort to live healthier).

I tried the Tropicana Trop50 orange juice with vitamin D and Calcium (gotta love extra vitamins).  It was like fresh orange juice with a thinner consistency and didn't have the taste of orange juice from concentrate.  It was light and refreshing but didn't taste too diet-like.  I don't like to drink any diet drinks because of the strange aftertaste.  But I would definitely try this juice again.
I don't usually eat or drink many sweet things, but this juice was a nice and guilt free treat.

A visit to the spa is also a welcome want to treat yourself.  I am giving away a $50 Spa Week gift card so that you can indulge and congratulate yourself as you make strides towards your own true resolutions.

{Image Source} 

   

Use the Rafflecopter widget below (simply click the buttons to the right of each option to note your entries) to register your entries.  This is the first time I'm using this tool so let me know how you like it!

In addition, you can reveal the truth behind your New Year's resolution on Facebook here and receive a $1 off Trop50 coupon for yourself and 50¢ off coupons for 50 of your friends. You can also enter a sweepstakes to win a $1000 gift card (NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends 1/31/12. See Official Rules for details.). 

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chic 'n Cheap Living Contest: $100 Shopbop gift card and DVF dresses

My closet is full of dresses - it's just a staple wardrobe item for me (that and I love the ease of a single piece of clothing!)  Dresses are amazingly versatile as well.  Tibi dresses, like this one, are long and luxurious statement pieces.

But DVF dresses, like this Savannah long sleeve dress make such a fun statement by using a great print (imagine wearing it day to night!)

If comfort and warmth are key, sweater dresses are chic and sensible options.

I've partnered with Shopbop to give away a $100 gift card so you can get the dress (or anything else) that works with your holiday wardrobe.  Check out the designer clothing sale as well at Shopbop

{Le Rules}

1. This is for the Chic 'n Cheap Living family (aka blog followers - Blogger, BlogLovin, Google or other Reader) because you rock!  New followers are always welcome!

2. Please include your e-mail address if you do not have a blog or Twitter ID.

3. Check the blog to see if you win.  If you win, please e-mail me within 3 days.  I would hate to redraw a winner but everyone deserves a fair chance.

4. Sorry, no Pennsylvania bloggers are eligible (Shopbop rule, not mine!)

First entry:

What are you excited about this holiday season?

Bonus entries (leave a separate comment for each entry):

1.  (+1) Become a Twitter Follower AND tweet about this contest with this line: "Win $100 from @cncliving and @shopbop #style #giveaways #contests http://su.pr/3Ij4mp" - This can be done daily

2. (+1) Become (or remind me if you are already) a Facebook Fan - for my friends who love to keep up via Facebook! (I changed Facebook fan pages, please come here!)

3. (+2) press the +1 button at the end of this post to +1 on Google
4. (+2) Blog about the contest/sidebar w/a picture on your page linking back here.

5. (+2) Become (or remind me if you are already) a Bloglovin follower here.

6. (+2) I just joined bloggers.com - follow along here!

I'll leave this contest up until December 2nd, 11:59 pm PST.  This is open to readers worldwide!

Good luck!

Chic 'n Cheap Living Contest: Watercolor print giveaway by Cate Parr/Silver Ridge Studio (International)

This giveaway has been in the works for a long time and is the end of my belated blog birthday series of giveaways (happy birthday little blog!)

My pen pal, Cate Parr is the fabulously transplanted English rose that now resides in Los Angeles.  She recently became a full-time artist (congratulations!)  Cate operates Silver Ridge Studio on Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop/silverridgestudio) and is one of my favorite artists, fashion or otherwise.
She is graciously giving away a print from her model ink watercolor series.  Please see my review of her prints here.

Want a 10% discount off anything in her store?  Please e-mail me at cncliving {@}gmail.com to get the code (per Cate's request, this discount is only limited to the first few people that request it).

Now you can win your choice of any of her 8" x 10" prints!  Here are some ideas:

 

 

{Le Rules}

1. This is for the Chic 'n Cheap Living family (aka blog followers - Blogger, BlogLovin, Google or other Reader) because you rock!  New followers are always welcome!

2. Please include your e-mail address if you do not have a blog or Twitter ID.

3. Check the blog to see if you win.  If you win, please e-mail me within 3 days.  I would hate to redraw a winner but everyone deserves a fair chance.

First entry:

Comment below - what is your favorite painting from Cate's shop?

Bonus entries (leave a separate comment for each entry):

1.  (+1) Become a Twitter Follower AND tweet about this contest with this line: "Win a Cate Parr @etsy #fashion print from @cncliving #art #style #giveaways #contests http://su.pr/250EJs" (or use the Tweet button below!) - This can be done daily

2. (+1) Become (or remind me if you are already) a Facebook Fan - for my friends who love to keep up via Facebook! (I changed Facebook fan pages, please come here!)

3. (+2) Blog about the contest/sidebar w/a picture on your page linking back here.

4. (+2) Become (or remind me if you are already) a Bloglovin follower here.
5. (+2) I just joined bloggers.com - follow along here!

I'll leave this contest up until May 14th, 11:59 pm PST .  This is open to readers worldwide!

Good luck!

Chic 'n Cheap Living Contest: Jimmy Choo for H&M crystal mesh bracelet/cuff

Who loves sparkly accessories?  Well I hope that it's you my dear because I've decided to give away a sold-out Jimmy Choo for H&M jeweled, mesh bracelet/cuff!
I was lucky enough to live by a few H&Ms when we were in London so I got a couple of things from this collection. I totally forgot I had this bracelet (I have one already) and thought it should make its way to one of you awesome readers.  It's fun, a little edgy, and a great way to dress up either an LBD or a white t-shirt and jeans.

My blog birthday is also coming up next week so all the more reason to celebrate!

{Le Rules}

1. This is for the Chic 'n Cheap Living family (aka blog followers - Blogger, BlogLovin, Google or other Reader) because you rock!  New followers are always welcome!

2. Please include your e-mail address if you do not have a blog or Twitter ID.

3. Check the blog to see if you win.  If you win, please e-mail me within 3 days.  I would hate to redraw a winner but everyone deserves a fair chance.

First entry:

Comment below - what is your favorite accessory? 

Bonus entries (leave a separate comment for each entry):

1.  (+1) Become a Twitter Follower AND tweet about this contest with this line: "Win a Jimmy Choo for H&M bracelet from @cncliving #fashion #style #giveaways #contests http://su.pr/1NW3PH" (or use the Tweet button below!) - This can be done daily

2. (+2) Become (or remind me if you are already) a Facebook Fan - for my friends who love to keep up via Facebook! (I changed Facebook fan pages, please come here!)

3. (+1) Blog about the contest/sidebar w/a picture on your page linking back here.

4. (+2) Become (or remind me if you are already) a Bloglovin follower here.

I'll leave this contest up until April 15th, 11:59 pm PST .  This is open to readers worldwide!

Good luck!

Chic 'n Cheap Living Contest: Spring wardrobe kick-off - Win anything of your choice from J.E.M. Apparel (US)

What are you wearing for spring?

Something light and bright?

Mini tux tank, $18

Cuffed Shorts, $46

Stasha Carryall Tote, $60

A vibrant addition to the office?

Ruffled Shoulder Sleeveless top, $25

Prep School Tulip Skirt, $35

Belted trench coat, $78

Are patterns making an appearance?

2-way Striped Dress, $48

Filigree Flower Earrings, $12

Floral Print Trench Coat, $54

Deal alert

Get 15% off now with code "CHICNCHEAP15"

Well you're in luck my dears because I've teamed up with J.E.M. Apparel to give away your choice of any item from the website (apparel, jewelry, accessories) when you comment below!  Use the discount code on their already reasonable prices to shop now!

{Le Rules}

1. This is for the Chic 'n Cheap Living family (aka blog followers - Blogger, BlogLovin, Google or other Reader) only because you rock!  New followers are always welcome!

2. Please include your e-mail address if you do not have a blog or Twitter ID.

3. Check the blog to see if you win.  If you win, please e-mail me within 3 days.  I would hate to redraw a winner but everyone deserves a fair chance.

First entry:

Comment below - what is your favorite item from the shop AND become a Facebook fan here (if you don't have an account, just say so!)

Bonus entries (leave a separate comment for each entry):

1.  (+1) Become a Twitter Follower AND tweet about this contest with this line: "Win anything from J.E.M. Apparel for your spring wardrobe via @cncliving #fashion #style #giveaways #contests http://su.pr/1UEMKF " (or use the Tweet button below!) - This can be done daily

2. (+2) Become (or remind me if you are already) a Facebook Fan - for my friends who love to keep up via Facebook! (I changed Facebook fan pages, please come here!)

3. (+1) Blog about the contest/sidebar w/a picture on your page linking back here.

4. (+2) (or remind me if you are already) Become a Bloglovin follower here.

I'll leave this contest up until March  30th, 11:59 pm PST .  This is open to readers with readers with US addresses (don't worry international friends, there are more contests that you can join!)

Good luck!