Has your dry winter skin been itching for some relief? Vaseline’s newest offerings- “Sheer Infusion” body lotions are getting rave reviews. If you’d like to try it yourself, you can grab a coupon for $1.50 off on Walmart’s website. Save some bucks and get relief from the ashy, flaky winter skin doldrums.

The Walmart site also has links to some video reviews by real women. I haven’t tried it myself, but with this coupon, it’s now been added to my shopping list for my next store run!

Have you tried the Vaseline Sheer Infusion body lotions? What was your experience?

My first thoughts when I came across the new line of Up & Up skin care products at Target? Excellent! New, cheaper versions of my beloved beauty products!!

I grabbed a bottle of the Up & Up All Day Complete Moisturizing Lotion, for sensitive skin, and ran to the check out. The label promised similarity to Olay’s All Day Complete UV Moisturizing Lotion for sensitive skin and is packed Vitamin E, Aloe, and broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15 protection. All for a less expensive price than my usual Olay.

Joycey Couture puts Target's store brand version of Olay Daily Moisturizing face lotion to the test!

So how did Target’s knockoff version hold up to my testing?

That evening, I took my shower and popped open the top. The lotion went on smooth with no greasy flim. It truly felt like my beloved Oil of Olay products, but half the price.

The next morning I woke up and realized my face felt a little dry. I ignored it though and went about my business- washing my face, brushing my teeth and applying my new Up & Up lotion.

Later that afternoon I looked in and mirror and realized my face had started to peel. Peeling? In the midst of an abnormally cold, but still crazy humid, South Carolina winter? Odd.

I continued to use the product for another three days before I realized my face was getting worse. The dry skin was causing my face to over produce it’s natural oils- I started to break out. That’s when it hit me- even in the very middle of a economic depression, you can’t always go for the cheapest products on the shelf. When trying to save a few bucks, I ended up wasting $6.99 and throwing the product away. Maybe Oscar will find some use for it in his trash can.

What did I buy when I head back to the store? Exactly the product the Target knock off was trying to impersonate. Hmmmph, lesson learned.

$6.99 for a 4 ounce bottle at Target stores or Target.com.

DEAL ALERT! While shopping for a better buy on my beloved Olay All Day Complete UV Moisturizing Lotion for sensitive skin I found this Amazon deal for a 2 pack!

Product photograph is the copyright of Target Corporation.

Happy Monday Bionic Beauties! Here’s some free samples to keep you occupied while I churn out some product reviews and makeup intel. Enjoy your week!!

Walmart is offering freebies of Frederic Fekkai hair care!! These are sure to go super quickly, so act fast! You can choose from either the Glossing Shampoo and Conditioner; or Technician Color Care Shampoo and 3-minute Mask.

Multitudes of women, men, and teen’s swear by witch hazel not only for skin care, but for house hold cleaning, disinfecting, treating wounds and much more. Try out a sample of Humphrey’s Witch Hazel Astringent and Toner for free!

Aloe Sense Fluoride Toothpaste – Get yourself a travel sized toothpaste sample for your next weekend trip!

The following samples are free but you’ll have to pay shipping/handling fees…

• Get a free full sized Derma e hand cream when you pay for the shipping/handling costs ($5.95). The hand cream is a $9.50 value. Simply enter TW2FB at checkout and then pay for the S/H.
• You can also grab a free sample of Body Lily lotion. This one you’ll have to pay $2 in shipping/handling fees, and it doesn’t say how big the sample will be, so I’m not making any guarantees…

~Jami

Now that you all know my fave beauty products from 2009… it’s time to share some super-special news about a few of the brands!

In honor of being named on of “Bionic’s Best of 2009″, Jeune D’age Organic skincare has offered Bionic Beauty readers an EXCLUSIVE discount! Enter “BestOfBionic” (without the quotes) at checkout and you’ll get 25% off your order! Sorry but it’s only open to USA residents. This discount expires on February 14th at midnight US ET.

Seriously ladies, this line rocks. You won’t regret it. Bionic Bronnie and I are both hooked. Have questions on what you should try, or the products themselves? Leave your questions in the comments section below and I’ll get them over to Jeune D’age (or just use their contact form). Happy shopping!!

Besides having wonderful makeup, Robyn from Purely Cosmetics also runs a beauty blog. She’s currently holding an amazing giveaway…

for a full size bottle of Perricone’s High Potency Eye Lift serum. I know this line is on many a woman’s wish list, but also on the “I don’t have the budget for that” list (it normally costs $95 for a 1/2 ounce bottle). So here’s your chance to win a bottle! It’s simple to enter, just comment and you’re golden. More entries for those who tweet, Facebook, etc. Read her article for details.

And now for some lovey themed quotes to get in you in, or out of the mood, for Valentine’s Day. For the record, I asked my dog to be my Valentine. He accepted with a “Woof”. So now I have a Valentine and don’t even need a special makeup look or dress!
For the jaded, Vday’er…

“Happy endings are just stories that haven’t finished yet.”
~Jane Smith, from the movie Mr & Mrs Smith.

And here’s one that truly speaks to me, since I believe our society has lost the definition of true love. So many people approach relationships as something disposable- like a rental agreement or a car that they’ll own for 5 years and trade in…

“Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being “in love” which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two.”
~St. Augustine

Feel free to share your favorite finds from the week, quotes that you love, or plans for Valentine’s Day in the comments below!

I hope all the Bionic Beauties out there have a fabulous rest of your week and a happy Valentine’s Day, and whatever that may mean for you.
Stay Bionic,

It’s always interesting, and sometimes quite surprising, which articles become popular. And it’s not always the initial subject that makes the article “popular” but in many cases the comments section has taken on a life of its own! Fellow Bionic Beauties making their own suggestions, sharing tips, asking questions. That spontaneous conversation is one of my favorite aspects of blogging… even if we get a bit off topic.

And now, in no particular order, the Top 10 articles of 2009 from Bionic Beauty…

With the economic downturn, many beauties are looking for ways to save money while keeping their skin in tip-top shape. So I shared my favorite ultra-cheap and all-natural face mask- The Aztec Secret Green Clay Healing Mask.

15 Beautiful Uses for Jojoba Oil – When I first started using Jojoba Oil in my skin care routine, I couldn’t believe how versatile it was. Perfect for dry, combo and oily skin- Jojoba balances your skin and can also be used on your nails, hair and body!

Combing my love for Jojoba Oil and the Aztec Secret mask, Robyn from Purely Cosmetics came up with a brand new face mask recipe!

I titled the article “Acne Tips for Teens” but it’s actually the regimen I follow myself and recommend to family/friends of all ages. If you have acne, you might find some alternative therapies here. And be sure to share your best tips as well!

Most free samples that I post go super quickly. However, these Freebies from the Past have quite a few that are still active!

Make your own eye makeup remover and save some dough! After testing the typical favorites, I decided it was just as easy, and much cheaper, to whip up my own version.

On a whim, I picked up Clairol’s Perfect 10 hair color to review it on Bionic Beauty. Some women love it, but most don’t; however the comments section has spawned a whole discussion on at-home hair color tips, tricks, brands and techniques. At this point, it’s almost enough for a short book!

5 Tips for the Matte Nail Polish Trend – Some of us loved the matte nail trend, others didn’t think it was that great. Personally, I’m still rocking my matte nails as often as possible.

Applying fake eye lashes can be tricky… after trying several brands, sizes, and varieties, I came up with this list of Tips and Tricks for False Lashes. Share your own tips too!

“Clinical Strength” antiperspirants popped up everywhere in 2009. I tested two of the main brands and fellow Bionic Beauties weighed in with their personal experiences. The comments section also has loads of information on hyperhydrosis, when to see a doctor, and tips for teens.

Later this week I’ll be publishing the Bionic’s Best (and worst) of Beauty for 2009, so please stay tuned!

Happy Friday, TGIF and all that jazz! Here’s some free samples to kick off what is hopefully a splendid weekend for you all!

It seems like everyone is carrying those little bottles of hand sanitizer around these days. My only complaint is the high alcohol content usually dries my hands out like crazy. To help maintain moisture and kills those germs, Gold Bond has a new combo Hand Sanitizer and Moisturizer out and you can grab a free sample to try it out!

Visit your local Victoria’s Secret store for a free Love Rocks scented temporary tattoo in honor of their new perfume of same name. Select stores only, visit the link above to check for one near you (usually those with skin/body care departments).

Love trying new hair care but don’t want to spend your hard-earned money? Register for free samples of Maven hair care products.

Last week I introduced you to the L’uvalla Organic Skin Care brand by reviewing their Balancing System. For ladies looking for help battling the signs of aging skin, I also tested their Age-Defying System.

During my review period, I found the L’uvalla Age-Defying System to be as incredibly gentle as their Balancing System. And that’s saying quite a bit since many anti-aging products can really create a flare up for sensitive skin types

Bionic Bronnie reviews the L'uvalla Organic "Age Defying" skincare regimen.

The Age Defying System

The Cleanser: A milky hydrating cleanser that gently removes makeup and pollution from our environment without drying the skin. The active ingredients also help will skin cell sloughing, which in turn encourages new cell growth. The end result is clean, smooth and hydrated skin. This face wash also has strong aromatherapy properties using Lavendin Oil to quiet the mind, lift mood, balance mood swings, and encourage restful sleep. Other standout ingredients include: Sunflower Seed Oil, Betaine, Hazel Seed Oil, Lotus Flower, Orange Peel, Meadowsweet Extract and Ginseng Root. The Hydrating Milk Cleanser comes in a 7 ounce plastic flip-top bottle.

Eucalyptus Toner: This toner utilizes Eucalyptus Leaf Extract to renovate and purify skin. The Eucalyptus Leaf Extract combined with Yarrow Oil work together for strong aromatherapy benefits to invigorate, soothe, and can assist you through major life changes such as menopause. Additional toner ingredients include: Maris Salt Extract, Sage Oil, Niaouli Leaf Oil and White Lotus.  This toner was by far my favorite of the two from L’uvalla. It feels wonderful on my skin! Like the toner in the Balancing System, the Eucalyptus toner is also pH balanced and it really helped clear up the splotches on my face. I used a cotton pad for application, but since it’s pourable you could use your fingers, a sponge, or anything in between. Just be sure to keep them in the glass bottles- glass is inert and won’t react with anything packaged in it. I truly appreciate the incredible amount of thought L’uvalla put into each ingredient in this toner… everything in it has a documented purpose.  Packaged in a 6.7 ounce cobalt-blue glass bottle.

Regenerating Age-Defying Day/Night Cream: Designed to nourish and hydrate aging skin.  The essential aromatic oils are Rosewood and Thyme- known to balance the mind and body, strengthen nerves, aid in concentration and combat exhaustion.  The ingredient list for this face cream is long, but a few of the highlights include Argan Oil, Hazel Seed, Palm Kernel, Castor Seed, Rosewood, Rose Geranium Flower, Wheat Germ Oil, Cypress, Thyme, Chlorophyllin-Magnesium and Bitter Orange. This lotion is a real workhorse with intensive moisture (great for winter, dry climates, or normal to dry skin types) and can improve skin texture, smooth fine lines, and reduce puffiness.

Is this face cream effective as an anti-aging skin regimen? In my opinion, I feel that long term use may help reduce signs of aging including fine lines, dull skin, puffiness, etceteras. But even the face cream on its own is deeply nourishing and packed with so many wonderful natural ingredients!  My favorite skin care products typically don’t have a list of additives and L’uvalla certainly fits that bill.

Here’s a helpful tip I picked up while testing the L’uvalla products- the company suggested mixing the two moisturizers/cream in a half and half ratio. It worked great for my combination skin. You could alter the mix to your own custom needs depending if you want more anti-aging benefits, specific moisture levels, and so on. The L’uvalla customer service was fabulously helpful in getting my ratio right.

Other L’uvalla Products
The dual-use Eye and Lip Cream is similar to the Day/Night Creams in L’uvalla’s regimens, except it’s a bit more concentrated. With an SPF of 20, it’s perfect for day use; then just use your Day/Night Cream at night.  Due to my sensitive skin, I usually have a hard time finding a sunscreen that doesn’t irritate my face. L’uvallas Eye/Lip Cream didn’t cause any burning… I didn’t know that was possible! It works as a physical-barrier sunscreen (which are effective immediately and block all the sun’s harmful rays; as opposed to chemical sunscreens which take around 30 minutes to work and must be absorbed by the skin… hence the occasional burning.) against UVA and UVB rays. I love it!

In summary, the entire L’uvalla Skin Care product line is a wonderful skin regimen. It works well with other products. In my opinion, you just can’t go wrong if you have some L’uvalla in the bathroom! Don’t forget Bionic Beauty readers can enter coupon code BIONIC25 at checkout to get 25% off your entire purchase (valid until December 22, 2009) ~and~ later this week check back for L’uvalla Skin Care giveaway!

The L’uvalla Age-Defying skincare regimen runs $109.22 and it should last you about 3 months.

~Bionic Bronnie

FTC Disclosure: This item was sent to me free of charge in return for an honest review. The opinion in this article is based on my personal experience and was not influenced by any source. I was not compensated for this article. Feel free to read my disclosure policy for more information.

I recently spent a fair amount of time testing products from L’uvalla Organic Skin Care which originated in France.  I’m truly impressed by the quality and high standards held to all their face products. L’uvalla skin care would be a great line for anyone, but especially those Bionic Beauties who have very sensitive skin.  When I first started testing L’uvalla, they patiently taught me about why your daily skin care should be pH balanced.  As a result, I will always consider the pH value when testing new skin care products.  L’uvalla considers skin’s natural “sweet spot” pH value, which falls in the 4.4 to 5.5 range, when formulating all their products. Many soaps and cleansers have a very high pH level, which is where I learned and understood why a toner is so important (even though it’s the most overlooked skincare step). I also love this company’s 100% certified natural, organic, vegan and animal-friendly philosophy.

Bionic Bronnie reviews the L'uvalla Organic "Balancing System" skin care regimen

I frequently have skin irritations or flare-ups while product testing and it leaves my skin raw and sore. Throughout my L’uvalla testing, it never burned or irritated.

L’uvalla has two basic skin care systems (or regimens): Balancing and Age-Defying.  Each system has three steps- cleanser, toner and moisture cream. To complete the offerings, there is a nice daily sunscreen and eye/lip cream that can be used with either system.  L’uvalla also incorporates unique aromatherapy benefits into each product to further enhance the skin care experience.

L’uvalla’s signature ingredients include-

• Lotus Flower Extract: Used to cleanse, purify, act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. When considered from the aromatherapy perspective, the Lotus Flower is said to relax the soul.
• Moroccan Argan Oil: Rich in Vitamin E, essential fatty acids. This is one of the most buzzed about skin care ingredients in recent years.

The Balancing System

Foaming Facial Cleanser: A gentle, deep-cleansing and purifying face wash that removes makeup and impurities. This is intended for congested or oily skin.  It contains the signature Lotus Flower extract, Betaine, Bilberry, Madder Root, Rose Geranium Oil with a hint of Orange. This cleanser is a joy to use- foamy lather and is gentle enough to let the product stay on my face for a minute or two (for an even deeper cleaning). I felt a slight tingling, but it was pleasant and refreshing! 3.4 ounce bottle.

Balancing System Toner: A pH balancing Orange toner that is safe for sensitive skin and just about any other skin type.  It contains Bitter Orange Leaf and Lotus, Verbenia, Peppermint, Horsetail Leaf, Alfalfa, and Mistletoe. This toner calmed and soothed my skin, leaving a feeling of freshness and comfort. The toner comes in a beautiful cobalt-blue glass bottle (6.7 oz).

Balancing Day/Night Cream: A moisturizing cream that purifies and balances skin without clogging pores or leaving a heavy residue. Packed with powerhouse ingredients including Palm Kernel Oil, Hazel Seed Oil, Argan Oil, Lotus, Thyme, Clove, Bitter Orange and Cinnamon to name a few! It is a very clean, soft, gentle and effective moisturizer.  This is one of the kindest moisturizers I have ever used on my skin. It’s gentle and effective, and didn’t produce a hint of irritation on my delicate skin. 1.4 ounce tube.

If you have sensitive skin and hesitate to invest in a new skin care brand, I highly recommend L’uvalla’s Balancing System. It is high quality, gentle, and can even help reduce irritations and sensitivities. To save you even more money this holiday season, L’uvalla is offering Bionic Beauty readers an exclusive discount! Enter the coupon code BIONIC25 at checkout, and get 25% off your entire purchase (valid until December 22, 2009).

L’uvalla Balancing System costs $101.62 and will last you 2-3 months depending on personal use.

Next week I’ll provide a thorough review of L’uvalla’s “Age-Defying System” which is perfect for women looking for help battling lines, loss of collagen, and other problems common to aging skin. Plus you’ll have a chance to win an entire system from L’uvalla. Stay tuned!
~Bionic Bronnie

FTC Disclosure: This item was sent to me free of charge in return for an honest review. The opinion in this article is based on my personal experience and was not influenced by any source. I was not compensated for this article. Feel free to read my disclosure policy for more information.

Part 4 in my Jeune D’age Organics skin care review series features their Prevoir Face and Body Lotion. Yes, you read it right, face and body lotion. This all-over lotion is extremely moisturizing and leaves skin soft and moisturized, without being greasy or oily. This is the final step in Jeune’s 4 step skin care regimen. When I finish the daily regimen, my face is simply glowing!

The ingredients include Coconut Oil (chock full of healthy triglycerides and also acts as an antimicrobial), Aloe, Olive Oil and Shea Butter for balanced hydration. Green Tea is loaded with natural Vitamin C and aids in preventing dark spots, pigmentation problems, and acne. Copper and Zinc assist in protecting your skin from breakouts, oxidation and pollutants while helping with cell turnover.

Every product in Jeune D’age’s skin care line is incredible. Every ingredient is included for an actual research and you can tell that many, many hours of research are behind this products. You don’t see many standouts in the skin care world, but Jeune D’age is one few that leads the pack!

Jeune D’age Organics “Face and Body Lotion” costs $29.95 for 6.76 oz. bottle or check out the full line Gift Set for $97.50 (a savings of $17.30!).

Full ingredients listing for Previor Face and Body Lotion:

Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe Vera) Juice, Cocos nucifera (Organic Coconut) Oil, Aspalathus linearis (Organic Rooibos Tea) Extract, Emulsifying Wax NF, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Palm Stearic Acid, Simmondsia chinensis (Organic Jojoba) Oil, Olea europaea (Organic Olive) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Natural source of DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol), Natural source of MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), Camellia sinensis (Organic Green Tea) Extract, Butyrospermun parkii (Organic Shea) Butter, Salix nigra (Organic Black Willowbark) Extract, Daucus carota (Carrot) Oil, Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide gum), Citric Acid.

Don’t miss my previous Jeune D’age reviews!
~Bionic Bronnie

I recently took a trip to a pretty dry climate. I’m one of those rare gals who adores humidity. My skin dries very easily and the humidity helps keep me from getting flaky. Between the humidity decrease and the dry airplane air, I knew I’d need to slather extra moisture on my face.

My solution? I mixed up a custom Tinted Moisturizer.

1. I started with an empty mineral makeup sample jar- but any small tub would work (such as a pill container, lotion sample bottle, lip balm tin, etc).
2. Then I added a few pumps of my Lexli Day Lotion (with SPF 15) and…
3. Next I added my Purely Cosmetics’ loose mineral makeup (I used California Blonde). Add your minerals slowly- add a bit, then stir to check the color, repeat until you get your desired coverage and color level. Since the lotion goes on transparent, you really just want the minerals to give you a bit of coverage.

So instead of carrying my minerals in powder form, I keep a small tin of this mix in my purse at all times. It’s perfect for touchups (much less messy than dusting minerals while you’re on-the-go) and traveling! Plus your skin will stay moisturized and healthy. Can’t beat that!