Blaq Vixen Beauty

eyes. Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Ivory. Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Flint. Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink.

cheeks. Bobbi Brown Blush in Pale Pink.

lips. Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Brownie. Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Pink Beige.

Based on some of your responses on Twitter, it seems like Bare Escentuals was either a hit or miss. However, I am inviting you to truly be a visionary in 20/10 - join Bare Escentuals' "Rethink What Matters" campaign. What is Blaq Vixen Beauty rethinking? You'll find out soon in due time! In the meantime, what are you rethinking for 20/10?

Every week on Friday, Bare Escentuals will feature a new discussion topic  for you to rethink. For example, today's topic is "Rethink What Freedom Feels Like." As a sort of "thank you for participating" gift, 500 of you will instantly win the bareMinerals Blush - get rather cheeky...with bareMinerals Blush!

Made with 100% pure bare Minerals, this silky blush provides the most natural, good-for-you cheek color available. Offered in a wide range of shades, bareMinerals Blush imparts a long-lasting color that may be worn alone or paired with other bareMinerals All Over Face Colors for additional dimension and texture.

This blush is free of  preservatives, talc, oil, waxes, dyes, binders, fillers and fragrances.

Available in Aubergine, Beauty, Bronze, Compassion, Dawn, Dusk, First Class, Flowers, Fresh, Fruit Cocktail, Giddy Pink, Glory, Hint, I'm Amused Rogue, Joyous Jennifer, Kiss, Laughter, Lovely, Poppy, Thistle, Tranquil, Trendsetter, Tulip, Velvet and Vintage Peach.

While you might be anxious to be one of the 500 instant winners, there's an even bigger prize to covet. At the end of March, Bare Escentuals will announce the grand prizer winner, who will have the splendid opportunity of a lifetime to choose a trip to one of the world's most fabulous places like Paris, Costa Rica, Turks and Caicos, Italy or Asia! Unfortunately, this is only available for those of you who reside in the United States (US).

But for now, go on the site, answer the questions, tell your friends, share on Twitter, Facebook...this campaign will run up until March 26, with the last question question appearing on March 19, so get your rethinking on!

Rai from LA.MORENA has teamed up with Bare Escentuals to give two (2) lucky readers a chance to win the Flawless Definition Mascara. The giveaway will end on February 5 at 11:59 PM CST. Click here to read more information about the Flawless Definition Mascara and how to improve your chances of winning!

Stay tuned as Blaq Vixen Beauty will be teaming up with Bare Escentuals on February 5th to host a giveaway. Up for grabs is the bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation!

Editor's Note: The products mentioned in this post have been provided by Phyto and Lierac through Free Beauty Samples and Creme of Nature through M Strategies Inc.

Free Beauty Samples is an innovative, Facebook-based sampling service that connects beauty brands with potential customers by sending them free product samples. Just today, I received three samples from Phyto and Lierac: the Phyto Phytonectar Ultra Nourishing Shampoo, Phyto Phytokarite Ultra Nourishing Mask for Ultra-Dry Hair, and the Lierac Hydra-Chrono Extreme Balm for Dehydrated Skin. Along with the samples, I received a booklet explaining the benefits of each product along with a coupon code. Purchase from Lierac and get 15% off your order by using the coupon code FBFREE09. This shipment was for the month of November, but I just received my envelope 2 days ago.

I honestly forgot that I signed up for this service a while ago but I am glad that I received my samples! We're supposed to get a snowstorm here in San Antonio tomorrow so I'll defintitely be reaching for the Lierac Balm. I noticed when I got back from my trip that my skin was peeling on my cheeks, nose and chin. I'm not too worried though. I'll just restart my skin care regimen and hopefully my skin will return back to "normal."

Edit: I tested the Lierac Hydra-Chrono Extreme Balm for Dehydrated Skin this past weekend. This pale rose-tinted balm applied like a gel. I marveled how easily it applied, how it sunk into my skin like silk and dried to a hydrated, but non-sticky finish. You just have to apply a smidgen or you might end up with an unappealing sticky film or your face and neck! This is perfect for those of you who have very dry skin but if you suffer from extremely dry skin, this may not be the appropriate product to heal your condition. However, I am happy to report that this balm kept my face hydrated throughout the day.

I managed to remember to use the Phyto shampoo and mask tonight. I'm not too fond of the shampoo. It actually looks like nectar but the smell is off-putting. I can't put my finger on it exactly but the only phrase that comes to mind is "mildly rancid."  From other member reviews that I have read, you have to use a little more than usual in order for it to lather. Unfortunately, I was sent a packet which contained only so much of the product. Afterwards, I remember thinking that my hair and scalp didn't feel clean. Actually, it was like I had just wet my hair and stepped out of the shower. The only aspects of this shampoo that I liked was how thick and rich it was in consistency. Maybe if I had bought the full-size, my opinion would be different.

Ever since I learned about the benefits of deep conditioning on a regular basis, I've been researching deep conditioners, masks and balms. You're probably not going to believe this, but there was a generous amount of product in the Phytokarite packet. I was able to coat about 90% of my hair with the balm. I was happy about that. I left it on for two hours by accident. It has a lotion-like consistency and unlike the shampoo, the smell was pleasant. I noticed immediately after I rinsed it out that my hair didn't feel as soft as I thought it would be. Recently, I've been mixing cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil with my Creme of Nature Professional Nourishing and Strengthening Treatment. So far, I've been pleased with this concoction as it not only detangles my hair, but leaves it soft and moisturized. I expected the Phyto Phytokarite Ultra Nourishing Mask for Ultra-Dry Hair to knock Creme of Nature out of the park. Come to find out, it doesn't compare. This is a shame because I honestly wanted to like this along with the shampoo.

Under "Beauty Updates," Susan Yara, the creator of Free Beauty Samples, reminds you monthly to rate and review your samples. Each time you share your thoughts, you are automatically entered to win a free full size product each month. Last month, one lucky FBS member won a basket of full-size Lumene products. Ms. Yara didn't say what the prize was for November but hopefully, when she updates, she'll share for December. Update: This month's prize is a gift basket from Lierac and Phyto.

Are you a member of a similar service? What products have you sampled?

A fellow beauty enthusiast spilled an invaluable beauty secret: the "pat/press" method. Finally, there's a way to "get your skin care down pat."

Risi Leanne, one of the editors of the Palacinka beauty blog, revealed, "I learned from the Clarins skin care team to always apply cleanser, eye cream and moisturizer (this is the correct order) with the "pat/press" method. Instead of moving the cream around my face in a circular motion, I warm it up in my hands - then press on. It gives my skin an instant glow and I find the product absorbs much better. My favorite is Clarins Multi-Active Early Wrinkle Correcting Lotion with SPF 15."  (beauty secret #5)

I was lucky to receive a deluxe travel-size new Multi-Active Day Early Cream from the Clarins' Facebook fan page. Unfortunately, this offer is no longer avaliable. If you missed out on this sampling promotion, I would recommend that you join the fan page as Clarins is planning an exclusive offer to their loyal Facebook fans on November 8th. You can also sign up to receive additional information about Clarins offers and products. Clarins recommends that you check their Sampling tab frequently so that you won't miss out on subsequent sampling offers and promotions.

Of course, I being the die-hard SPF 30 woman that I am, was less than pleased that this cream contained a SPF of 15. Recommended for all skin types, Clarins recommend that you apply this in the morning. I much rather use Clinique Even Better Skin Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20 (who loves ya, baby?), as I am still testing this product.

 In fact, an hour prior, I applied the "pat/press" method to my routine. I patted and pressed (firmly) the Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector serum on my scars instead of rubbing it on. Like Risi, I warmed the moisturizer between my hands and pressed it on as well. While I did feel  the product absorbed better, I can't say that I noticed an instant glow. Maybe that was because I applied it in the dark? Don't judge me. I even pressed Smith's Rosebud Salve on my lips. Denise Tunnell, co-creator of the Illusions Cosmetics line, sent this beneficial balm some months ago. It is the perfect "cease-and-desist" balm you'll need to fight off chapped, peeling lips this winter. And you (should) know this, wo-man!

Do you think you'll jump on this "press play" bandwagon?

With 10 fans so far, Blaq Vixen Beauty finally has a Facebook fanpage!

Spoiler Time: From their spa to your skin, this extraordinary anti-aging concentrate doubles as a lightweight moisturizer. Perfect for summer.

Congratulations to The Makeup Girl, who guessed: Bliss The Youth As We Know It Concentrate ($70). Remember that this Wednesday, July 1, Beautyfix 3 will officially launch. Follow Beautyfix on Twitter, join their Facebook page as a fan and don't forget that you can try Beautyfix for $19.99!