Makari Discount! Exclusively for Beauty & Janine subscribers! Don't want to wait on the contest results?

Makari has extended a discount for our readers just in case you don't want to enter or wait on the contest results! Up until July 30, 2008, you will receive a 10% discount on orders of $65.00 or more. Just enter jan10 at checkout! You cannot combine this promotion with any other special offer or on the use of kits.



Love always,

Janine

Contest Details! Beauty & Janine's "Face of Makari Contest"!

1. You must be a subscriber to Beauty & Janine. Why wouldn't you want to be?

2. You must submit an article of 100-200 words and a photograph expressing your skin type, skincare concerns, problems, current skincare regimen etc. Watch grammar!

3. This is your chance to shine! You must in return document your results via Beauty & Janine blog in the form of a photo journal and/or video blog TWICE weekly for two months. If you start to get use to this, which you will! You will also have the chance to be a guest or permanent editor and write about products like myself for Beauty & Janine! How fab?

4. You must be 16 years of age or older.

Deadline is July 12, 2008 and winners will be announced July 13th at 12:00am. Three winners in total will be selected. All winners will receive a FULL Makari de Suisse skincare regimen! ALL entries will receive a sample of Makari's Night Cream regardless to whether or not you are the contest winner. Testimonials will be greatly appreciated. Please forward all entries, address and contact information to janine.walker@gmail.com and please spread the word!

Makari de Suisse! Time in a Bottle? We are doing a MAJOR contest! Discounts!

I have so many beauty products that sometimes I dream that my wallet is going to attack me in my sleep and say stop spending my money! Now that I have your attention (drum roll please!), I found time in a bottle! A miracle product! The best thing since sliced bread! Because it is my passion to bring you the best products out there with no fluff added, it was absolutely imperative that I share with you my experience starting last summer. Last Spring/Summer I had FLAWLESS skin. I have great skin to begin with but it was flawless! With that being said, I tried to repeat the same skincare regimen for this summer and I have been literally abusing my skin (and I know better) trying to get the same results. A friend of mine, whom is the director at Makari on 125th street in Harlem (His name is Romell and he is fab! Tell him I sent you.) gave me tons of samples of Makari "Night Treatment Cream" last year which is super AWESOME! I really love that stuff. So one day it hit me. This is the product that is not currently in my skincare regimen. Duh Janine! I won this writing contest on my Audrey Hepburn piece on myitthings.com and received a $200.00 gift card to amazon.com. Of course, I decided that I would spend it on the night cream. They were out of the night cream and I was so desperate that I ordered the (get this) Caviar Face cream! I'm super uber excited about this but anyways, I was a little skeptical that I wouldn't receive the same results. It dried up my period pimple in one night and brightened it dramatically in a couple of days. Those stubborn hyper-pigmentation marks are now fading and I've tried everything else! I was so insecure. I feel so much more confident about my skin now and this product changed my life. Working in beauty is tough! A lot of critics! Nonetheless, and I know this a bold statement, but this is the "Dalai Lama" of skincare. No fluff! No heavy advertising! I love it! It feels like silk is going on your skin and doesn't leave behind any funny residue. These products are a 100% natural and don’t contain hydroquinone, bleach, or chemicals. The active ingredient is called vegeclarine. I never heard of it but I know it is working wonders for my skin. Big props to the Belgium chemist and co-founder Maurice Bertrand along with Jack Aini. It seems like a lot of research went into these products. It includes ingredients such as "algae, aloe vera, caviar, citric acid, lemon, malic acid, mulberry, salicylic acid, seaweed and vitamin C." It has salicylic acid so I guess this is why it is working on my acne. Makari is made for darker skin tones, however because it doesn't have any harsh chemicals and based on testimonials from Caucasian women, it does not harm the skin and does the same wonders. You can view these testimonials on their website. It was also said to help get rid of "farmer's tan". This product worked on my brown skin at the pace I needed it to. So, when I ordered my product I had concerns that this product would not work as effectively as the night cream. I called the company and praised them and asked if it would work like the night cream. It did. So the Marketing Executive Ms. Baila Greenfeld reached out to me and said she would offer my blog readers an exclusive discount. I said better yet let's do a contest because I really want to share this product with them! She said YES! I guarantee you will love it! Please find out contest details in the following immediate post. Also, check out makari.com to read testimonials and find out more information. If you do not want to enter the contest but still want a sample, please go to makari.com to receive one. It's $0.99 for shipping and handling. EVERYONE who enters the contest will receive a sample! The winner will receive a full Makari regimen! I would love for everyone to follow up with their experience with these products.

Love always,

Janine

Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Daily Regenerating Moisture Lotion

Hello Readers!

It's been awhile since I've gotten a chance to post because I've just been so busy with my own beautiful life so please pardon my negligence. I've missed you all. So, I've been using this Garnier moisturizer and I must say that it is absolutely extraordinary! I have tons of beauty products but I use this product on a daily basis. It has the Garnier product fragrance which I love. This makes a HUGE difference because I've been put off by excellent products because of the way it smells. It does not sit on top of your skin and it gives the skin a nice velvety texture which is my favorite. On the bottle it mentions it is an excellent make-up base and it really is. It is oil-free AND it has a SPF 15 in it so is perfect for summer. According to my research, this moisturizer is packed with vitamin C and the site mentions that instantly skin will be "smoother, softer, and energized". "In three weeks, skin is radiant, fine lines are visibly reduced, and women saw more even-tones skin." With continued use skin builds resistance against the signs of aging and reveals deeper radiance and clarity." So far, all of their claims has been true. I love that! I am urging you to give it a try. I guarantee you will love it. This product can be found at your local drugstore for about $12.99. They also have these wonderful Purifying Wet Cleansing Cloths that I adore. I've used them for just about everything. It is an excellent make-up remover. Especially, for the eyes and clean-up.

Love always,

Janine

How to Shop at Sephora!

1. Do greet the "cast members" politely or you may know them as make-up artist, skincare or fragrance experts. They are there to assist you.

2. Do not greet them and then ask for their opinion on something and then second guess them. This is a waste of your time as well as theirs. Instead listen to their advice. They are thoroughly trained on every product in the store and will be able to give you the best recommendation.

3. Do use mascara wands, lip wands, and tools provided at the station.

4. Do be conscious and do not use the mascara straight from the tube and then blame Sephora for the reason you got an infection. The same goes for lip products.

4. Do not double dip.

5. Do schedule an appointment for a consultation.

6. Do not expect a full make up application at peak hours or at all for that matter. You are technically allowed a limit of three products. It is not a makeover but instead a lesson. If you go early in the day around 10:00am-11:00am the artist do not usually mind. Also, please do not come in during closing hours on Friday or Saturday night and expect them to do your evening make-up and then get mad when they say no. This is just plain rude and show you have no respect for people's time.

7. Do not steal. It is tacky and there is nothing pretty about a thief.

8. Do not call over a cast member and ask them to clean up after you, get a product that is clearly in reach, or take your products to the cash wrap. Do not be lazy.

9. Do enjoy your shopping experience and take as much time as you need.

10. Do expect excellent client service and do not purchase anything with intentions to return it because you felt pressured.

11. Do have self control.

12. Do not spend your rent money.

13. Do not call the cast members ugly names like the B word. How disrespectful.

14. Cast members do not work on commission. Please do not tell them that they are just trying to get your money. They will gain nothing from you making a purchase.

Love always,

Janine

Skin Cancer is NOT Gorgeous. Sephora Makes Protection Pretty & Partners with the Skin Cancer Foundation!

The Beauty Retailer Continues Its Commitment to Safe Sun with New Sun Safety Kit This May, Sephora is proud to re-partner with The Skin Cancer Foundation on their second annual Sun Safety Kit. The kit, which proved to be extremely popular last year, is back and better than ever with an arsenal of safe sun skincare, and best of all, 100% of the net proceeds will benefit The Skin Cancer Foundation. More than 1.3 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year, so this year, do your part to protect yourself while helping others.

"Just 2-3 minutes of sun exposure is enough to do damage and begin breaking down the collagen that keeps skin firm,” says Stacy Baker, editorial director at Sephora. ”Cumulative sun exposure causes more than 90 percent of non melanoma skin cancers and makes you look older. Sephora's Sun Safety Kit has a roundup of easy-to-use, travel-friendly products -- all SPF 15 or greater -- to make it fast and convenient to protect yourself from head to toe from damaging UV rays."

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Sephora on this extremely successful awareness program,” said Perry Robins, MD, President, The Skin Cancer Foundation. “The outstanding success of the Sun Safety Kit reinforces Sephora’s commitment to education on keeping skin healthy skin and making people aware of the importance of sun protection all year round.”

This year’s kit comes complete with must-have travel-sized sun essentials, plus a UV indicator card – essential for monitoring the daily UV index. Packaged in an eco-friendly, waterproof travel pouch, it is the perfect kit to pack for wherever your summertime travels might take you – and remember, always practice safe sun! Sephora’s 2008 skin guardian taskforce consists of:

Korres Natural Products Watermelon Sunscreen Face Cream SPF 30 (.05oz) – Rich in vitamins and essential amino acids, this cream protects the immune system of the skin as well as prevents photo-aging.

Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Moisture Lotion SPF 30 (.25oz) – Great for all skin types, this ultra-light lotion utilizes powerful antioxidants to give extra sheer protection.

DDF Daily Protective Moisturizer SPF 15 (1oz) – The Doctor is in! Everyday protection from environmental damage with a light non-greasy feel. Cosmedicine Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion SPF 20 (.35oz) – This lightweight lotion provides UVA/UVB protection while working to control oil and reduce shine, leaving the skin even, smooth and flawless.

Juice Beauty Green Apple Moisturizer SPF 15 (.17oz) – Nutrient rich moisturizer provides broad spectrum sun protection with anti-aging ingredients to help repair past damage.

Murad Firming Bronzer SPF 15 (1 oz) – Get that bronzed summer glow without the help of the sun. This light shimmering bronzer helps firm up the skin with cornflower and rosemary and provides broad spectrum sun protection to help prevent environmental damage.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 55 PA + + + (.08oz) – Keep your skin protected and hydrated with this light, intensely moisturizing lotion with a powerful UVA/UVB sunscreen.

MD Skincare Powerful Sun Protection Pads SPF 30 (6 single use pads) – Pocket sized protection with powerful broad spectrum protection with no residue and quick absorption.

Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream Ultra Protection SPF 30 (.17oz) – Let the sun shine safely with this ultra luxurious cream that safeguards skin against long-lasting environmental stress.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 15 (.25oz) – This cult favorite has been revved up with serious sun protection to not only give a flawless finish but also to help repair past damage.

Tarte 24/7 Lip Sheer SPF 15 in “Thursday” (.098oz) – Perfect your pout with this smudge proof tint that provides intense hydration with a soft natural hue; your lips only better!

The Sephora Sun Safety Kit ($25 – an $87.00 value) will be available from April through June 2008 in all Sephora U.S. stores, as well as by calling 1-877-SEPHORA or logging on to Sephora.com.

About Sephora: Sephora, the beauty authority, revolutionized the global beauty industry with its unique retail concept rooted in a powerful combination of unparalleled brand and product assortment, distinctive store design and the beauty expertise of its sales consultants. Sephora offers clients a choice of more than 200 classic and emerging beauty brands across a broad range of product categories including skincare, makeup, fragrance, bath & body, hair care, smile care and tools, as well as the company’s own private label. Sephora was founded in France in 1969 and acquired by Paris-based LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s leading luxury products group, in 1997. Now, celebrating their 10th Anniversary in 2008, Sephora America operates more than 180 stores in the United States and Canada, and the world’s top beauty website, Sephora.com. Sephora Europe has more than 500 stores within 12 countries and has established 30 locations in China. Thanks to Sephora’s recent partnerships with HSN, a global multi-channel retailing giant, and JCPenney, one of America’s largest department stores, the beauty authority is now accessible to more clients than ever before.

About The Skin Cancer Foundation: The first organization in the U.S committed to educating the public and medical professionals about sun safety, The Skin Cancer Foundation is still the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer. The mission of the Foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research. For more information, visit www.skincancer.org, or call 1-800-SKIN-490.

Say "Yes to Carrots"!

My grandmother used to make me eat steamed carrots. I always preferred them raw because I loved to hear the carrot snap! Now I only prefer them on my eyes. Yes, that is correct. I'm a 20 year old professional and a mother of one so I often lack sleep. My eyes have lost its moisture but "Yes to Carrots Eye Can C Clearly Now" eye contour cream has restored the moisture. It is water-based with carrot seed oil, carrot juice and 26 dead sea minerals and the best part is that it is inexpensive. It is only $14.99! It's also cancer free a.k.a paraben free. I doubt very highly that it will make extremely dark circles go away but it will keep your eyes hydrated and soften them. This is especially good for the summer. The scent is very refreshing but it may be why it stung a little. So if you have very sensitive eyes, this may not be the product for you. For $14.99 it doesn't hurt to give it a try. It can be purchased at Walgreen's. I also have the "Feel the C Pampering Hand and Nail Spa" that I'm going to give a try. It's priced at $16.99. I will give you guys an update. Visit yestocarrots.com to learn more.