Winter Skin Saviors, Part I

I am hot on the trail of anything to help shield my delicate, already on the dry side skin and hair from the very cold winter weather we've got going on here on the east coast. Not to whine, but it's really, really cold and windy lately in Baltimore. Going from freezing cold to my (finally working really well) heated home is sucking out the small amount of moisture I had in my skin and hair. I've found a few things that work up to my standards of helpful for dry skin. If you're in camp alligator skin like me, check these out for some real relief.


Votre Vu Champagne Kisses Enhancing Lip Balm is replacing my previous all time favorite go-to lip balms. It's silky smooth, lasts for a nice amount of time, isn't greasy and feels like it works deeply on my lips to keep them hydrated and supple. Some hydrating lip products seem to just make my lips flake, making them drier than when I had started. Not this. I love this.


My hands and cuticles crack and couldn't be uglier than they are during the winter months. Very few things are actually helpful. They are so bad, I haven't even dared write about my new love of Konad nail art because I'm embarrassed by my own hands. Arbonne Aromassential Dead Sea Salt Scrub makes your hands feel like new. I've been using it twice a day and it is actually getting my hands back into shape.


It leaves your hands feeling soft and blanketed by moisture that doesn't leave hands greasy. Plus the exfoliating bits remove dead skin, making your hands look moisturized, fresh and radiant. Don't just keep this gem for your hands, use it on your entire body for some serious moisture!


Every now and then, delightful unexpected treasures show up in my mailbox. MamaLox and I were getting ready for some girl time when this little wonder arrived at Chez Lox. We immediately tested Josh Rosebrook's Active Enzyme Exfoliator on our hands and marveled at how it instantly did exactly what it said it would.

According to the website, Parlour on 3rd, this Active Enzyme Exfoliator contains powerful herbal enzymes and walnut shell particles that dissolve dead skin cells to reveal fresh, luminous skin - allowing the potent blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, amino & fatty acids to deeply penetrate and fully nourish the dermis.

Our hands instantly looked incredibly radiant and felt smoother than a baby's tuckus. The next day when I used it on my face after waking up, my skin was unbelievably clear, smooth and radiant. It felt soft like silk and was perfectly balanced. It's 100% organic and is chemical-free. I know, walnut shells? But trust me, these are tiny and work wonders in conjunction with this molasses-like concoction.

Votre Vu, Arbonne and Josh Rosebrook do not test on animals. All products were sent for review.

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Gouldylox Handles the Holidays: Prize Package Two

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED AND THE WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL/FACEBOOK!

For ten days, I am going to be posting a new item in this prize package. Sometimes the same item will go into both packages and sometimes it won't. Bookmark this page and enter by leaving a comment each time a new product is added, when you promote the contest on Facebook or Twitter, or when you like the Facebook page (to the right) or follow Gouldylox on Google (below). Be sure to leave your email or way to contact you in the event you are chosen.

On the tenth day of the giveaway, Gouldylox gives to you:


the most amazing part of the giveaway so far! Every now and then I find a brand with one or two amazing products that I know I will trust over almost all other products. Earlier this year, I discovered a brand (and the store that sells them) that meets and exceeds my expectations with every product I try. Who? YBF Skincare. Prep is my go to exfoliator and is now one of my holy grail products. Each product I try is better than the next. That is why I am so excited to share some of their best products with you! I can't believe I have so much to share with you and I know you are going to love them as much as I do. Here is what you are entering to win:

Prep - My favorite exfoliator. Period.

Hydrate B- Have dry skin? Add this to your skin care regimen and see an amazing difference! This additive helps moisture reach further into the skin, delivering vitamins and ensuring dry skin is dry no more! Apply this before your moisturizer to make your current moisturizer work harder. It's amazing stuff!

Balance - This helps calm upset, broken out skin. It reduces further breakouts and helps your skin heal faster.

Nourish - This eye cream helps you look rested and refreshed, while helping to prevent future wrinkling.

Quench - This lip balm was reformulated this year to be better than ever. I have terrible chapped lips each year. And while I don't want to jinx myself, so far this Fall, I haven't had to deal with dry, sore lips. I'm 99.9% sure it's because of the Quench.

The best part? They are all full size products. This total package is worth $225! If you are in your 20's or 30's or have occasional breakouts, you need to win this! If you can't wait to win, order your own from The Skin Care Shop. Since it's the last day, get bonus entries when you either leave a message or "Like" the Skin Care Shop's Facebook page! Want even more bonus entries? Check out YBF's Facebook page and be sure to "Like" them as well! Just be sure to leave an additional comment telling me that you shared!


On the ninth day of the giveaway, Gouldylox gives to you,

A Stila Color Wheel Shadow Palette! These shadows look amazing in their presentation and look even better on your eyes, especially when applied with a primer. It comes with a book detailing loads of looks and how-to's. This palette is a dazzler!

On the eighth day of the giveaway, Gouldylox gives to you:

Another one of my favorite products this year! Peter Lamas Avocado and Olive Shampoo and Conditioner! It's no secret I love, love, love this brand. This particular shampoo and conditioner transform my hair into silky, shiny, healthy looking strands. To try it is to love it. Enter to win or treat yourself now. You won't be sorry! And check back next week - you won't believe what the last products to be added will be....
On the seventh day of the giveaway, Gouldylox gives to you,


one of my favorite products of the year! I am so happy that I get to share the amazing Duette Luxe Lip Balm and Hand Creme, by Votre Vu! This hand and lip combo super product is a nightstand must have. Check out my review from earlier this year here. This smells amazing, feels amazing and is the perfect nighttime luxe treatment. Want one for yourself without the agonizing wait to see if you've won? Pick one up for yourself!

On the sixth day of the giveaway, Gouldylox gives to you,

Korres Quercetin & Oak Instant Lift Age Reversing Eye Cream. This is one of two eye creams that gave me dramatic results this year*. Check out my review of this product here from earlier in the year. I am so excited that I have one of these to give away because I liked it that much. Don't want to take your chances? Score one from Korres now and use checkout code GOULDYLOX and save big!

On the fifth day of the giveaway, Gouldylox gives to you,

something for the man in your life. (Or the perfect thing to give your brother!) King of Shaves, makers of the number one selling shaving products across the pond, have created a Dopp Kit, suitable for giving this holiday season. What is a Dopp Kit, you ask? (I had to ask too.) It's a Men's Shaving Kit, complete with:

King of Shaves AlphaGel Shave Gel Natural: This soap-free, low-foam formula shaving gel allows men to see exactly where they are shaving, perfect for shaping sideburns or goatees and avoiding problematic areas.

AlphaGel Shave Gel Natural is fragrance and alcohol-free, making it ideal for all skin types including sensitive!

King of Shaves Azor M: Get a closer-than-ever shave with the Azor M! The unique flexible “reflex hinge” allows the Azor M’s head to bend and flex with every contour and curve of the face, making it perfect for the tough-to-reach spots like the Adam’s apple and under the jaw.

King of Shaves Face Balm: Rich in Aloe vera, vitamin E and glycerin, the Face Balm protects, moisturizes and conditions skin leaving it supple and smooth.

The King of Shaves Travel Kit retails for $9.99 at drugstore.com and KingofShavesDirect.com.

On the fourth day of the giveaway, Gouldylox gives to you,

A Tie Dye For Lip Gloss Collection from LORAC! These five lip glosses look gorgeous and when used, the tie dye colors mix together perfectly to give you the merriest of holiday pouts. Keep this for yourself or share them with your closest holiday friends.


On the third day of the giveaway, Gouldylox gives to you:

A Talika Eye Therapy Patch! Need to look rested and younger before heading out to holiday parties? This is the answer! I was personally surprised at how well these worked, but don't take my word for it. My awesome pal Anne at Beauty Xpose had a similar experience! Check this out for yourself at Talika.com.

On the second day of the giveaway, Gouldylox gives to you:

One large bottle of Lavender Whish body wash! Love the softly scented hint of lavender like I do? Then you need to check this out. The scent isn't overpowering or "older" smelling. It's a fresh take on a comforting favorite! This body wash won't dry out your skin, doesn't contain harsh ingredients like sulfates, helps to rejuvenate dull skin and has natural anti-inflammatory properties to help calm winter skin. This body wash retails for $22 and is available from Whishbody.com. If you live in Baltimore, this is one of the many wonderful products my pals at LaPapillon sell, so stop by and snatch one up!


On the first day of the giveaway, Gouldylox gives to you...


A Women of BE Collection. I am so jealous! I covet this shadow kit and who wouldn't? It comes with 20 shadows (in the small size) that are inspired and named after the women of BE. You'll get the following colors:


• 0.01 oz eye color in Beautiful Autumn, a golden pumpkin
• 0.01 oz eye color in Beautiful Lisa, a rose pink
• 0.01 oz eye color in Beautiful Melodie, a red
• 0.01 oz eye color in Beautiful Susan, a sterling
• 0.01 oz eye color in Gigi, an opal blue
• 0.01 oz eye color in Joeli, a lavender
• 0.01 oz eye color in Girlfriend Margo, a rose
• 0.01 oz eye color in Girlfriend Michelle, a pink mist
• 0.01 oz eye color in Girlfriend Tina, a green
• 0.01 oz eye color in Girlfriend Kathleen, an olive mist
• 0.01 oz eye color in Exotic Laura, a rosy clay
• 0.01 oz eye color in Exotic Sandra, a sage
• 0.01 oz eye color in Exotic Tara, a teal
• 0.01 oz eye color in Exotic Victoria, a gold tiara shade
• 0.01 oz eye color in Starlet Casey, a gold
• 0.01 oz eye color in Starlet Karen, a deep cream
• 0.01 oz eye color in Starlet Catherine, an olive
• 0.01 oz eye color in Starlet Leigh Anne, an eggplant
• 0.01 oz eye color in Radiant Rebecca, an apricot
• 0.01 oz liner shadow in Treasured Terri, an emerald
• Keepsake box
This is currently sold out on the Q, so enter and tell your friends so you can snag this one! (Photo courtesy of QVC.)


Want to win? Leave a comment below and you could be the winner! This contest is only open to those in the US (sorry!) until December 14th at midnight, pst. Be sure to leave your email or way to contact you in the event you are chosen. One winner for this prize will be chosen by Random.org on December 15th and winners notified by email. Promote the contest on Facebook or Twitter and leave me a comment telling me you shared the love. Like GR on Facebook and follow Gouldylox on Google and get extra entries! All giveaway items are supplied by the companies or PR firms who represent them.

Be sure to check out Prize Package Number One and enter to win there as well!


Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Loxy's New Job Triggered Middle School Skin Problems

Loxy recently started a new career. He left the exciting world of advertising and entered the dangerous world of being a middle school teacher. If you've seen The Wire, then you understand why, instead of inspirational, respected or influential, I lead with dangerous. Granted, Loxy's school is nowhere as bad as what is depicted on The Wire. But there are more than a few kids who are far from perfect, and Loxy has become a pro at breaking up middle school scuffles. Plus all of his posters are always wrong. (Fellow teachers will understand what a difficult task it is to maintain the proper "boards".) Middle school isn't how I remember it at all. However, I also attended school in the country, at what is now my state's leading agriculture school, so that may have something to do with the difference.

While Loxy loves his job and really wants to be a good teacher and reach at least some of the kids, it is stressful with a capital S. It is causing his normally peachy skin to turn oily and prone to breakouts. I turned to Votre Vu to help get his skin under control. I wanted him to feel more secure and I didn't want the kids to start saying things like, "Hey Mr. Lox! You oily." It seems middle schoolers point out everything to you, with no courtesy filter at all. Nobody likes to be dissed by sixth graders. (The other day, he was told several times that he looked fly, which made me beam with pride in a very strange way, even if his shirt was from Choleria.)


So what got Loxy's skin under control? Products focused on taming and balancing oily skin from Votre Vu. Loxy started by using Votre Vu's Cleaning Gelee. This cleanser helps to balance, diminishing the amount of oil without harshly stripping the skin.


Next, he used Votre Vu's Tonic for Oily Skin, which is a toner with a gentle scent that also helps to balance the skin.


On his actual breakouts, he dotted his face at night with Au Revoir, a curious pink silt and liquid combo that quickly knocks out pimples. I have used this in the past and gotten the same excellent results. (On a side note, no matter how much you want to, this product isn't meant to be shaken.)


Loxy finished his skin care routine with Habitude, a face creme for men with an SPF of 15, which protects his face from the aging rays of the sun.

The result? Loxy is no longer oily and pimple prone. Within less than a week, Loxy said his skin felt cleaner and it definitely looked more clear. Being a teacher is certainly much harder than even I expected (and I am super proud of him). I am glad he doesn't have to worry about breakouts and instead can focus on teaching middle school kids about indigenous people of the Amazon.

Product was provided for the purposes of review. Votre Vu does not test on animals.
Images taken by me and from Flicker/House of Sims.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Drink It In: Votre Vu Snap Dragon

Last summer, I reviewed a drink for your skin that worked nicely, but tasted less than desirable. This summer, I got the chance to check out a similar good-for-your-skin beverage by Votre Vu.

Snap Dragon is a drink that contains "Mango, Pomegranate and Acai Berry. The flavors are blended with an antioxidant mélange of red, white, and green teas. Collagen has been added to restore the skin, along with a re-balancing botanical boost from Aloe Vera, Foti, Ginkgo Biloba, and Baobab Fiber. Free of sugar and preservatives, the recipe is topped off with a healthy garnish of seven daily vitamins."

It's clearly packed with all kinds of skin-benefiting ingredients, but is it drinkable? Even better, does it taste good? Would you want to drink it? What stopped me from adding the previous drink to my daily regimen is that while it worked, I didn't look forward to drinking it.

That isn't the case for Snap Dragon. This drink is as delicious as it is vitamin-packed. It doesn't have preservatives or added sugar and if I could, I could easily see me subbing this for my beloved diet drink of choice. Snap Dragon is available in a variety of sizes and probably costs less than you would expect. I loved the taste - check it out!

This product was sent to me for the purposes of review. Votre Vu does not test on animals.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

My New Bedside Best Friend : Duette Luxe Lip Balm & Hand Creme

How great is this? It's a hand lotion, lip balm and mirror, all in one from Votre Vu, called the Duette Luxe Lip Balm & Hand Creme. It smells fantastic, is hydrating, and is in one amazing container. You have to check this out!




The hand cream is a thicker than the body souffle, but it smells just as delicious (almond oil and coconut). When I woke up in the morning, my hands felt fantastic. My cuticles did not magically repair themselves overnight, as I hope and pray for each evening, but I bet if I give it a few nights, they might actually improve. This moisturizer contains sunflower, grape seed and jojoba oils combined with moisturizing and healing aloe and wheat proteins.

The lip balm is soft and leaves your lips a little glossy. It contains coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax and has a slight coconut flavor. It's perfect to apply right before you go to bed, ensuring you wake up with perfectly supple, kissable lips.

Finally, this adorable package comes with a little mirror in cap, just in case you need to sneak a peek when no one is looking. I am definitely keeping this by my bedside. I love it!

The Duette Luxe Lip Balm & Hand Creme is available from Votre Vu online and retails for $38.

I was sent this product for the purposes of review.

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Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Your Legs Need This : Votre Vu Almond Pie Rich Body Souffle

Today is the first day I am wearing a dress to work. My legs haven't seen a faux tanner in months and they haven't really been exposed to anyone who doesn't live at my house for at least 6 months. Nervous about showing my gams, I shaved carefully and lathered them in Votre Vu Almond Pie Rich Body Souffle.

This body cream is so hydrating and smells so sinful that a little winter dust on my legs won't stop me from showing them off. Fortified with Sweet Almond Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Macadamia Oil, and Vitamins A and E, it can't help but leave your stems ready for whatever the day throws at you.

This is one of the only body lotions or creams I have tried that actually leaves my skin feeling hydrated but not greasy for the entire day. The almond oil gives this a delicious scent that is noticeable, but not overpowering. Every time I wear it, Loxy asks what smells so good and one of my co-workers asks if I am wearing that lotion again when we meet at the microwave.

It comes in a huge container and lasts forever. While I don't have sensitive skin, I am told that it works beautifully for ladies with tricky skin, despite the fragrance. Check it out at www.votrevu.com.


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Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Getting Rejuvenized at La Papillon Spa, Round Two

After the results of my first Rejuvenize Peel at La Papillon Spa, I decided I wanted to see what a second peel would achieve. I was clearly happy with the results of the first one, but like any obsessive compulsive beauty addict, I wanted to see what could happen if I did it again.

So four weeks later, I took the plunge and went for a second one. (Four weeks is the recommended amount of time between peels for optimal results.) Madeleine, the owner of La Papillon and esthetician extraordinaire, told me what to expect for the second peel - possibly less peeling, more results and that everyone peels differently. Got it.

The first time around, the peel itself was only slightly uncomfortable. This time going under the acids was no big deal (other than they were still very sharply scented). I went home, didn't wash my face and it was like any other evening. No big deal.

The same goes for the next morning.

And then a day later, just like last time, I started to peel at the 36 hour point. My mouth cracked first and spread to the area around my nose and lips. Unlike during the last peel, my skin wasn't overly sensitive and didn't really feel as if I had a bad sunburn. I continued to peel like a pro all day on Friday, Saturday and most of Sunday. I was able to go to work on Monday, with only a trace of peeling skin still in my hairline. This peel was much less inconvenient and my skin was nowhere near as sensitive as it was the first time.

Also similar to last time, my skin was a little out of whack when I went back to using my products (around day 6). My skin was a little more dehydrated than it normally is and needed a little more TLC. Here are the products I used during and after my peel:

Cetaphil - I used this as my cleanser and it actually burned slightly when applied. I have no idea how that is even possible, but it did. It didn't hurt like it was the end of the world, but in hindsight, I would probably pick up an even milder cleanser for next time. (SkinMedica has one they suggest for use during peels.)

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel came in handy when my skin was begging for some hydration at the end of my peel. This isn't an instant fix, but over a few days, it had my skin back to normal. I used this starting on the fourth day.

HydroPeptide Anti-Wrinkle Repair and Prevent Treatment (Love this! More in a future review) is a complex blend of peptides that help skin heal and look its best. It acts as a skin shield while soothing irritated skin. I also used this starting on the fourth day.

On the Monday before I went back to work (the start of the 6th day) I used Skin Zyme and Clean Zyme by Jan Marini to systematically rid my skin of the flakes that were hanging on. This two-part cleanser and mask are capable of amazing things, but go slowly with this product. My skin was not sensitive to products by day five and I don't have sensitive skin in general. If you have sensitive skin, I would wait a few days to use this. When you are ready, this product removes all remaining dead skin like magic.

Once I added makeup back into the routine, my skin became a little red and irritated. Votre Vu Attentive Serum was a life saver, soothing my skin and getting rid of any redness, pronto.

Lastly, starting a full week after my skin was peeled and back to normal, I began using Jan Marini's Enlighten to help the stubborn dark patches. This is a light lotion that dries in a way that leaves your skin feeling amazing. (All of the Marini products dry down in a way that is remarkable. Especially their AntiOxidant Sun Screen.)

Be sure to speak with your esthetician before using any of the products above on freshly chemically-peeled skin. My skin is not sensitive and definitely more tough than delicate. Every person reacts differently and a pro who knows you should help you select products for during and after your peel.


(Before the 2nd peel. After the second Rejuvenize Peel)


So how were the results the second time? Magnificent. My face is so luminous, I think I glow in the dark. My melasma on my cheek is significantly reduced, as are the spots on my nose. The texture on my cheeks is definitely improved as are the milia I had under my eyes, on my cheekbone.
(The tiny milia - keratin bumps - lodged deep under my skin have been exposed and removed as a result of the peel.)


I am sure use of the Enlighten is going to help continue to fade the melasma over the next few weeks.


(Before and after on cheeks. Brown patches of melasma have been reduced.
This peel does not address redness, only melasma and showing newer skin. To address redness, I would need to undergo IPL treatments.)


Would I do another round? I am curious to see what a third round of peeling would achieve, but don't know how much more my skin can improve. There are slight dark patches that could still be reduced and the texture around my nose near my cheeks isn't perfect. But the improvement I have seen is pretty incredible.




(Before the first peel*. After the first peel. After the second peel.)



What do you think? Would you go for a third round? (If you double click the pictures, they will open in different window and really show off the changes.) Have you had this peel? Tell me about it in the comments!

I paid for the second treatment. I also paid for Cetaphil and SkinCeuticals B5 Gel. Other products were sent for the purposes of review.

*My changing hair color has nothing to do with the peel. Thanks for needing clarification on that, Loxy. You of all people may have noticed that my natural color changes often. :-)

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Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Sensitive Skin Saver : Votre Vu Attentive Serum

I recently had another Rejuvenize Peel and am currently in the healing stage. My skin isn't quite ready for my regular products, but I need to show my skin a little TLC. Red, sensitive and still finishing the final peeling process, my skin yearned for a little moisture, but many things I tried made it red and inflamed.

Enter French line Votre Vu's Sensitive Skin Serum, Attentive. Attentive is made with sensitive skin friendly ingredients like lactose and milk proteins, which soothe, alleviate redness and help block potential environmental toxins. Extract of Horse Chestnut of India reduces inflammation while calming angered skin. It contains a vegetable-based glycerin that literally pulls moisture out of the air and into the skin. Extract of Laminaria Ochroleuca reduces sebum flow and has natural anti-bacterial properties that soothe delicate skin.

My skin without any products was slightly pink and flushed from the peeling process and the newly revealed skin was definitely more sensitive than my skin usually is. Many products, including Cetaphil, stung a bit when applied (which honestly shocked me). I washed my skin and gently patted it dry. I then applied Attentive. Within moments, the redness was reduced, and my skin felt calm. I normally don't suffer from sensitive skin, so I was so happy that I had recently been introduced to Votre Vu!

This is seriously a sensitive skin saver! If you have delicate skin, you must check this out!

This product was sent to me for the purposes of review.

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Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.