Make It Fancy Giveaway Winner!

Hello ladies,

Today I met with a well known connoisseur of fine dining and all things fancy! She was the perfect choice to make the winner's selection for the Make It Fancy Giveaway! She offered input on every part of the process. Let us first learn a bit about her qualifications. 

My name is Tilda. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. 

My skills include bird watching. 

And meowing.

A crystal bowl containing 780 contest entries and a fine pate were presented.

My, what prompt service. 

A bit too much garnish...

But the crystal is exquisite!

And the tasting menu, superb!

Delectable!

My compliments to the chef. 

A deliciously scented wind spirited away an entry into the topiary.

Tilda finds the winner to be quite fancy indeed!

The establishment passed the white glove test and Tilda relaxes, waiting for dessert.

Congratulations to purple-princess!

Many thanks to our giveaway sponsors: Overall Beauty, chez-delaney, Ginger Kitty Designs and
Reviva Labs.

A special thanks to Laura for escorting the esteemed Miss Tilda to the cafe.

I will be judging the Starry Temptress Giveaway soon as well as posting a new giveaway in the very near future!

Happy painting, ladies!

Reviva Labs: Almond Astringent

A fancy peony

Hello ladies,

With the arrival of warm weather, I have found Almond Astringent from Reviva Labs to be the perfect skin freshener and cleanser. The tempting fragrance of this product, in union with the skin balancing results, makes Almond Astringent a new favorite in my skin care routine. 

After washing my face, I apply Almond Astringent using two cotton rounds. I moisten one piece of cotton for my t-zone area (forehead, nose, and chin) and another for my cheeks and neck. I smooth the astringent soaked cotton over my face in an upwards motion. 

The scent of Almond Astringent is delectable. It reminds me of a liqueur soaked pastry. The aroma is gourmand, but not sweetened. The essential oil fragrance is gender neutral and would be appreciated by any almond lover.

Although Almond Astringent is recommended for sensitive and oily skin, I believe it would be beneficial for all skin types. The alcohol free formula suits my dry skin perfectly. This astringent provides a deeper cleansing effect than the moisture enhancing toners I have tried from Reviva Labs. 

Almond Astringent is a useful antidote to warm, humid days. I appreciate being able to quickly whisk away sunscreen residue and perspiration after returning from a walk. This product would be a helpful addition to a gym bag or locker. The four fluid ounce (118ml), spill proof bottle makes it convenient to carry with you. I have tossed the bottle in my purse quite a few times. 

Applying a toner or mild astringent twice daily has contributed to maintaining the natural oil balance across my entire face. Almond Astringent has helped me avoid redness and irritation on my cheeks on either side of my nose. While I don't have acne prone skin, warm weather can cause sensitivity. This astringent both cleanses and calms my skin.

Ingredients: Water, Sorbitol, Polysorbate 20, Almond Oil, Essential Oil Fragrance, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid. 

Almond oil contains natural fatty acids that help dissolve acne producing deposits from pores. Almond oil also has moisturizing properties that can bring a glow to the complexion. It is one of the most auspicious oils in helping to balance and clear skin irritation.

If you are looking for an astringent the entire household can use and enjoy, I would recommend Almond Astringent. If you decide to keep the entire bottle for yourself, I won't tell. 

Almond Astringent was sent to me for review. This product is no longer available at revivalabs.com. US residents can order Almond Astringent by contacting the Consumer Division Director at 1-800-257-7774, extension 19. I found a quick Google search yields many on-line purchase options. 

Happy painting, ladies!

Reviva Labs: High Potency Collagen Serum

Hello ladies,

Over the past few months, I have incorporated Reviva Labs High Potency Collagen Serum into my skin care routine. This product offers a pure form of soluble collagen to encourage smooth skin and add fullness, associated with youthful complexions.

In the evenings, I apply Collagen Serum after cleansing. For dry skin, this serum provides additional moisture when worn under night cream. Those with normal to oily skin can utilize Collagen Serum alone as an evening treatment.

I appreciate how this product enhances the performance of both day lotions and night creams with collagen as a key ingredient. I have noticed increased plumpness of the skin and watched fine lines diminish more quickly when I apply Collagen Serum as the first layer of moisture.

The directions recommend to use nightly every other week. I find employing trusted anti-aging serums and moisturizers in rotation yields better results. I alternate Collagen Serum with Skin Energizing Gel and Hyaluronic Acid Serum. While Collagen Serum is the least moisturizing of the three, it does effectively boost hydration.

Ingredients: Demineralized Spring Water, Glycerin (Veg.), Soluble Collagen, Hawaiian Seaweed Extract, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Beta Carotene, Simethicone, Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Benzoate (Preservatives).

This serum contains 10% freeze dried native collagen, a higher grade than can be obtained from solvent or heat extraction.  The exemplary quality of the collagen in this formula makes such a difference in skin texture and appearance.

Replenishing lost collagen should be part of an anti-aging skin care regimen. Collagen Serum can provide a natural solution to adding moisture and helping to restore a more youthful appearance to the skin. It's a product worth trying!

High Potency Collagen Serum was sent to me for review. This product can be purchased at
revivalabs.com and overallbeauty.com. A one fluid ounce (29.5 ml) bottle retails for $25.

Happy painting, ladies!

Make It Fancy Giveaway!

Hello ladies,

Welcome to the Make It Fancy Giveaway! Here you will find an assortment of items with which to adorn yourself. Luxuriant eye shadows, a sparkling ring, nail art image plates and beautifying skin treatments.

Let's take a look at the prize package one lucky winner will receive.

~The Gabrielle Faust Eye Shadow Collection from Overall Beauty.

~A Nfu-Oh 51 nail polish ring from Ginger Kitty Designs.

~Winner's choice of eight nail art stamping plates from chez-delaney.

~A skin care assortment of four popular products from Reviva Labs.

The Gabrielle Faust Eye Shadow Collection by Overall Beauty.

Eight decadent shades: (across/top to bottom) Vampire's Kiss, Karmic Knight, Misanthrope, Sanctified Snow, Indiscretion, Love Lost, Hourglass Sand, Aftermath.

A Nfu-Oh 51 nail polish ring from Ginger Kitty Designs.

The winner's choice of eight nail art stamping plates from chez-delaney. Below are my picks. Which eight image plates would you choose?








Detail of image plate P19 not shown.

Reviva Labs: Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Collagen Serum, Antioxidant and Texturizing Day Cream, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester, & DMAE Cream.

Reviva Labs: Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

Reviva Labs: Collagen Serum.

Reviva Labs: Organic Antioxidant & Texturizing Day Cream.

Reviva Labs: Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester & DMAE Cream.

Many thanks to the giveaway sponsors: Overall Beauty, Ginger Kitty Designs, chez-delaney and Reviva Labs!

The products featured in this post were sent to me for consideration. The winner's prizes will be shipped directly from the giveaway sponsors. All prizes are new.

The detail photos of the stamping nail art plates are from chez-delaney.com. All other photos are my own. The ring from Ginger Kitty Designs is one of a kind. It will show subtle variation to the ring pictured.

A special thanks to Denise Ashbridge for making the collage picture with all the giveaway items.

The Make It Fancy Giveaway! is open internationally for followers and e-mail subscribers. The contest runs through the end of the day March 14th. To keep this simple, I am willing to count the date as the last available time zone worldwide. As long as it is March 14th somewhere on the planet, you may still enter.

Here's how to enter:

Mandatory:

1) Become a follower or e-mail subscriber of painted Lady fingers. If you are currently a follower or subscriber, that certainly counts! Please let me know in the comments which option you choose for keeping up with painted Lady fingers. For example: I follow via Google Friend Connect or I subscribe via e-mail. Be specific. I check entries very carefully.

If you follow via Google Friend Connect, log into the proper account when you leave your comment. If you follow via Google Friend Connect, your account has to have some public aspect. It is okay if you don't follow publicly, but there needs to be some signs of humanity on your profile page. If you subscribe via e-mail, your e-mail address must be confirmed through feedburner. If you have never received an e-mail related to painted Lady fingers' blog posts, you do not have a confirmed account.

2) Include your e-mail with your entry to qualify. If you forgot to write your e-mail in with your contest entry, leave me another comment with your e-mail address.

Both 1 & 2 together = 1 entry.

Optional extra entries. There are lots this time!

3) Let me know: Tell me some of your favorite eye shadows from Overall Beauty Minerals (other than the Gabrielle Faust Collection). You can see the full line of colors here. 1 entry.

4) What is your favorite item from Ginger Kitty Designs? 1 entry.

5) Which 8 nail art stamping plates from chez-delaney would you choose? 1 entry

6) What products from Reviva Labs (other than the four pictured) are you most interested in? 1 entry.

7) Blog about the contest in a post or add contest info to your sidebar. I will definitely count your entry if your blog is not written in English. I will also count your entry if your blog is just getting started and has a small number of followers. These extra entries are meant to be inclusive and fun. Please provide a link. 2 entries. If you use one of my contest photos, add another entry. Please mention that you used a photo.

8) Tweet about the contest. Only once, please. Please mention @ladyfingersblog in your tweet so I can count your entry. You can also retweet one of my contest announcements to qualify. Here is the tiny url: http://tinyurl.com/4jqhctp

9) Have painted Lady fingers on your blogroll or add painted Lady fingers. Please provide a link if I haven't already commented on your blog. Otherwise please remind me. I want to be sure to count the entry even if painted Lady fingers has been on your blogroll for a long time. If you have a nail polish blog and you would like to be on my blogroll, please e-mail me. 1 entry.

10) In appreciation, I am going to add an extra entry for those who comment regularly on non-giveaway posts. I do enjoy reading your feedback! Thank you! Not to worry, I am very inclusive with this extra entry. 1 entry.

11) Make a purchase from Ginger Kitty Designs during the giveaway period. Use code PAINTED15 for 15% off. (You get a discount and the code also keeps track of the entries!) 5 entries.

You are welcome to put all your entries in one comment or return to the contest post with comments for each entry. Either way works for me. Your entries don't have to be sequential. Enter in any way you like whenever you like before the end of the day March 14th.

You are wholly welcome to enter this giveaway even if you have won recently. If Lady Luck is on your side, I support it with presents.

Best of luck, ladies!

Reviva Labs: Alpha Lipoic Acid,Vitamin C Ester and DMAE Cream

Hello ladies,

I have been using Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester and DMAE Cream from Reviva Labs as a nightly treatment. This cream offers an impressive combination of ingredients to tone and firm, guard against free radical damage and increase skin radiance.

I was visiting with a friend I have known for six years and she asked me: Why aren't you aging? Similarly, while having lunch with my teenage nieces today, Julianna commented: Your face never changes or ages. My niece Shannon nodded, while adding: True. It's kinda weird. My nieces wanted me to detail my entire skin regimen.

The consensus is daily application of sunscreen no matter what the weather and a quality night time moisturizer are the major factors. Today I am going to share with you information about a night cream I have been using for the past few months. I have almost finished my first jar and am ready to start on the second.

Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester and DMAE Cream is suitable for normal to dry skin. I think combination skin would do well with a lighter application. Because my skin is very dry, I layer this night cream over Hyaluronic Acid Serum. A thorough coating in the evening provides suitable hydration for even the driest skin. The cream has a light to medium consistency and absorbs well.

I appreciate how this night cream is emollient without being thick. Aside from the comfort of sleeping without a layer of heavy moisturizer on my face, it's also useful to be able to alter the amount of product I need to correspond with seasonal changes. I can apply the night cream more liberally in cold, dry weather and use less on warmer days. Being able to vary the amount I apply and still receive a favorable result makes Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester and DMAE Cream like having several skin treatments in my medicine cabinet.

This night cream does a notable job providing lifting action at the jaw line, chin and cheek bones. If aging shows in your family history as sagging skin, look for DMAE on the ingredient list. It can help tone the skin and show greater definition in facial contours. If you are engaging in a weight loss program, DMAE will help keep the skin on the face and neck firm and lifted.

I found the affects of Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester and DMAE Cream to be cumulative. The result of hydration was immediate. The firming and lifting increased over a few weeks. My skin texture continues to show subtle benefits even months later.

Ingredients: Demineralized Spring Water, Glyceryl Stearate, Soybean Oil, Stearyl Stearate, Vegetable Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Soy Phospholipid Liposome Gel, Alpha Lipoic Acid, DMAE Bitartrate, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Ester), Whole Wheat Protein, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D), Aloe Vera Gel, Allantoin, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, Simethicone, Xantham Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a powerful antioxidant. Both water and fat soluble, it can penetrate to multiple levels of skin cells to protect against free radical damage, which shows on the skin as fine lines and wrinkles. It is a potent anti-aging ingredient.

Vitamin C Ester is a fat soluble, while traditional Vitamin C is water soluble. This quality makes Vitamin C Ester best suited to topical application in skin cream. It can be retained more easily by skin cells and effectively protect cell membranes against free radicals. This ingredient is a wonderful guard against pollution and environmental factors we encounter throughout the day.

If you are looking for a multi-purpose night cream to heal and protect the skin from future damage, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester and DMAE Cream is a worthy and affordable option. The ingredients present in this cream are the same as those found in boutique brands many times the price.

Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester, and DMAE Cream was sent to me for review. This item is available at revivalabs.com and overallbeauty.com. A 2 ounce jar retails for $23.

Happy painting, ladies!

Reviva Labs: Hawaiian Seaweed Beauty Mask

Hello ladies,

I have been using Hawaiian Seaweed Beauty Mask from Reviva Labs since the summer. This mask offers a blend of kaolin and bentonite clays with skin rejuvenating sea minerals. It's a fantastic balancing treatment and pore cleanser for all skin types.

Luna Pink Swirl Hibiscus. These blooms are gigantic. The largest is about eight inches in diameter.

Hawaiian Seaweed Beauty Mask feels like a classic facial treatment. Wearing this mask calls to mind a vintage icon with her hair swept up in a towel while lounging in a plush bathrobe. The mask even has a pale green tint from the seaweed.

This product would be so much fun for a family beauty night. I could easily imagine watching a movie with my teenage nieces and giving each other at home facials. It can also be used directly after the Light Skin Peel for a professional style treatment.

I apply a medium to heavy coat over cleansed skin and let the mask cure for about a half hour. What impresses me is Hawaiian Seaweed Beauty Mask doesn't dehydrate my skin the way some clay masks can. The kaolin and bentonite clays are well proportioned to extract impurities without over drying my skin. I tend to use this mask before bedtime. My skin is noticeably softer upon waking. I feel like it helps me get true beauty sleep.

The ingredients include: Purified Water, Hawaiian Seaweed Extract, Kaolin, Bentonite, Glycerin, Lubrajel, Wheat Germ Oil, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitol, Essential Oil Fragrance, Mica, Chromium Oxide Greens, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, and Citric Acid.

Seaweed is a natural source of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. It contains Vitamins A, B, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, E, and K. It also offers beta carotene, calcium, magnesium, niacin, iron, manganese, phosphorous, zinc, folic acid and pantothenic acid. Using products containing seaweed is great way to deliver healing nutrients to the skin.

Beneficial for sensitive skin, kaolin is the gentlest clay available. It exfoliates while stimulating blood circulation, surfacing a healthy glow. Kaolin clay contains calcium, magnesium, silica and zinc. Because kaolin treats the skin without drawing oil, it is a favorable choice for dry skins. It is useful for healing inflammation and treating acne.

Sourced from volcanic ash, bentonite clay is a natural skin purifier. It helps dislodge the standard pore clogging debris and oil. It's medicinal properties go further to remove free radicals, pesticides, heavy metals and toxins. Living in a major city, I really appreciate bentonite for protecting my skin from the harmful agents of pollution.

If you are looking for a gentle, skin purifying clay mask, I can recommend Hawaiian Seaweed Beauty Mask. It's a great way to deep clean your pores and add a bit of vintage glamour to your skin care routine.

Hawaiian Seaweed Beauty Mask was sent to me for review. This product is available for purchase for at revivalabs.com and overallbeauty.com.

Happy painting, ladies!

Reviva Labs: DMAE & Alpha Lipoic Acid & Vitamin C Ester Firming Eye Serum

Hello ladies,

For the past few months, I have been using an eye treatment product from Reviva Labs: DMAE & Alpha Lipoic Acid & Vitamin C Ester Firming Eye Serum. This product provides the best lifting action I have experienced with an eye serum. It also does a remarkable job of keeping my eye area looking refreshed. If you aren't getting enough sleep, this serum offers a masquerade in a bottle.

When discussing eye treatment products with a friend of mine who is very particular about her skin care regimen, she asked me what I was using. The next day she e-mailed me about purchasing Firming Eye Serum.

I apply the product on my upper and lower eye area every night before bed. I find that a medium layer works best. The directions mention using gentle tapping motions during application. I used to suffer from migraines, so I skipped this step. I found adding a little more product and delicately massaging it in proved favorable.

I noticed immediate improvement in the areas above the crease and directly below the eyebrow. The lifting action was visible within the first few days of use. I'll admit I didn't even realize I was experiencing minor puffiness beneath the lower lash line until Firming Eye Serum took away all evidence.

Firming Eye Serum also works to minimize dark circles. If your schedule is preventing you from maintaining a proper sleep cycle, this product is the best way I have found to mimic the look of being rested. I recommended it to a client of mine who is a new mother.

It also helps ease the appearance of fine lines. I see the greatest effect on lines when I use the serum twice a day rather than once before bed. While this product's ability to provide lift, minimize puffiness and under eye circles was almost immediate, the wrinkle reduction was cumulative in my case. I saw a visible change within a couple of weeks with continued reduction of fine lines during the first month.

Ingredients: Demineralized Spring Water, Olive Oil, Cyclomethicone, Whole Wheat Protein, DMAE Bitartrate, Mulberry Extract, Lime Extract, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin, Xantham Gum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth 20, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid.

DMAE is one of my favorite skin care ingredients. By stimulating the muscles, it provides lifting action and helps prevent sagging.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is utilized in skin care as a potent antioxidant. Because it is soluble in water and oil, alpha lipoic acid can enter more areas of a cell. This is an auspicious quality in helping heal the skin from free radical damage, including fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitamin C Ester (Ascorbyl Palmitate) is a useful component for helping to prevent free radical damage and repair its harmful effects, showing on the skin as fine lines and age spots. A special form of Vitamin C that easily penetrates the skin , Vitamin C Ester can help protect cells from environmental factors such as pollution.

If you are looking for a multi-purpose eye treatment that can help with lifting action, reducing puffiness and dark circles while minimizing fine lines, Firming Eye Serum will deliver.

DMAE & Alpha Lipoic Acid & Vitamin C Ester Firming Eye Serum was sent to me for review. This product can be purchased at revivalabs.com and overallbeauty.com.

Happy painting, ladies!

Reviva Labs: Vitamin E Oil Stick

Hello ladies,

I have a new favorite product to share: Reviva Labs Vitamin E Oil Stick. If you are looking for a lip moisturizer, you will find that and more in this simple tube. Vitamin E Oil Stick is a fabulous treatment product that offers sun protection, as well as healing and anti-aging properties.

Waterlilies at Longwood Gardens.

I have been using Reviva Labs Vitamin E Oil Stick for the past month and keep discovering new benefits of this versatile product. As a lip balm, I appreciate its sheer emollience. It works beautifully as a layer under lipsticks and glosses.

Vitamin E Oil Stick won't disrupt the application of other lip products or cause the color to run or bleed. I have been layering gloss immediately over Vitamin E Oil Stick with no issues. There is no need to wait a few minutes to let the product set. I really appreciate the convenience.

I could see men enjoying this product as well. Vitamin E Oil Stick is moisturizing without being glossy. There is a light, gender neutral scent and no discernible taste. I asked all the men in my life to smell the product and examine the packaging to see if it was appealing to them. Used to being part of such research, I found them all to be in agreement it's suitable for men.

Vitamin Oil Stick contains an SPF 15. Aside from protecting lips, it is safe to use for shielding the eye area from UVA/UVB rays.

The ingredients include: Soybean Oil, Candelilla Wax, Beeswax, Castor Oil, Octylmethoxycinnamate, Ozokerite, Oxybenzone, Cetyl Esters, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Olive Oil, Allantoin, and Linden Essential Oil.

The skin healing properties of Vitamin E are well documented. This product is very soothing to chapped skin. Having recently suffered a cold, I can attest how grateful I was to have Vitamin E Oil stick on hand to calm the tender skin on my nose. Especially for those readers with children, I would recommend keeping a tube in the medicine cabinet. It would be helpful during allergy season as well.

This product also contains allantoin, an ingredient extracted from the comfrey plant. It is known for its ability to promote cell renewal and assist in moisturizing the skin. Allantoin is often utilized in anti-aging products.

Check out this post in which Mary from Body and Soul expresses her devotion to the Vitamin E Oil Stick and shares her feelings about its effectiveness as a cuticle treatment. I am entertained by her product usage photo and her picture assuring us she will never run out.

I feel a similar sense of enthusiasm for Vitamin E Oil Stick. I carry a tube in my make up bag for daily use. A great multi-tasking product, Vitamin E Oil Stick is one of Reviva Labs' top sellers. I certainly recommend it.

Vitamin E Oil Stick was sent to me for review. This product can be purchased at revivalabs.com or overallbeauty.com. The retail price is $4.00.

Happy painting, ladies!

Naturally Beautiful and Polished Giveaway Winner!

Hello ladies,

The time to select the winner for the Naturally Beautiful and Polished Giveaway has arisen!

We begin with 656 hand written contest entries, mingled with birdseed.

Here comes Yellow Sun, the illustrious cockatiel!

To cast some light onto the proceedings,

Yellow Sun circles around the bowl.

and offers a backwards glance.

He ruffles up his feathers...

And picks up the name of the winner!

Congratulations to Zara!

What a bright fellow! Thanks so much, Yellow Sun!

Check out Zara's blog: Never Unpolished. She has lots of pretty swatches of fashion forward shades.

Many thanks to Overall Beauty and Reviva Labs for sponsoring this giveaway. A special thanks to my sister Claire and my friend Sarada for all manner of photographic assistance and pet stewardship.

There are more chances to win at painted Lady fingers! Stop by the Ladies' Choice of Eight Plates Giveaway for the opportunity to win Konad image plates from OC Nail Art. Best of luck!

Happy painting, ladies!