Modere Beauty Box Review

I love trying and discovering new products, and one great way to do this is to subscribe to a monthly beauty box subscription or sampler program. Modere just launched their new Beauty Box, which allows you to try their top beauty products for 7 days, risk-free.

Each box comes with 5 full size items, and 4 sample sizes, for $79. If you don't like the products, you can send back the full sizes and you will not get charged. The sample sized products and eye gel are yours to keep. If you want to keep everything, your card will be charged, or, if you want just one or two items, you'll be charged the MSRP listed for that product plus S&H.

A little bit of background on Modere....
Modere believes that "the future of beauty starts with a natural you." Modere bases their products on naturally derived ingredients, to make them gentle and intuitive. They are all about enhancing unique and authentic beauty.

Exfoliant
The Modere Exfoliant is designed to cleanse pores and restore your complexion. The tiny hint of prickly pear exfoliates gently, while Jojoba wax beads massage your face, leaving behind moisture. There's no need to scrub this on your face and neck, a gentle massage will do. It's also not advised to use this every day. 2-3 times a week will work!

The Modere Exfoliant retails for $12.99.

Anti-Aging Serum
The Modere Anti-Aging Serum is a quick absorbing serum that is formulated to help preserve and enhance your natural look. After cleansing or exfoliating, you should use a dime size amount of this on your face, massaging in upward, circular motions. I also like to add a little bit to the back of my hands. This is a fairly large tube (1.5 oz) so only using a dime size amount will definitely make this product last awhile.

This product comes out as a light, milky white serum, and absorbs extremely quickly. The light scent is really pleasant, but I can't quite put my finger on what it smells like.

The Modere Anti-Aging Serum comes in a 1.5 fl. oz tube and retails at $39.99.

Antioxidant Gel
Modere's Antioxidant Gel contains Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, which is a type of Vitamin C, to help preserves the nutrients in this gel until they are being applied to your skin. After cleansing you can apply a pea-sized amount to your face, neck and decolletage. If you're using the anti-aging serum as well, you can apply the gel after the serum. It's suggested to use this 2x a day, and follow up with a Modere Day Lotion or cream.

I LOVE the way this gel feels when applied. It comes out of the tube in clear form, and once rubbed in it almost takes on a powdery finish feel. It absorbs really quickly, and doesn't have a smell to it.

The Antioxidant Gel retails for $24.99.

Antioxidant Hair Serum
Modere's Antioxidant Hair Serum has me obsessed! I love this stuff. I've putting a pea-sized amount on my hair after styling, and it gives a beautiful, healthy shine, and keeps it frizz free in this humid weather we've been having in Michigan. You can also apply this to wet hair before styling. A little bit of this serum goes a long way.

Key ingredients include...Kukui Seed, Argan Oil (love!) and Jojoba seed oil (love this too!).

The Hair Serum retails for $21.99.

Dual Action Eye Gel
I've used this eye gel non stop since I received my box, and I'm loving it. I'm 37 weeks pregnant and haven't been sleeping well, so this gel has been my best friend in helping me to hide and soothe my puffy eyes and darks circles. I've been using this morning and night after washing my face, underneath my eye and over my eyes. A little amount goes a long way.

This Eye Gel retails for $29.99, but is yours to keep even if you return the box!

Stay tuned for a Modere sponsored giveaway - coming up soon on Lipgloss Break! In the meantime, check out the Modere Beauty Box for yourself and let me know what you think. If you're interested, sign up to receive the box for yourself. If you don't like it, you can send it back, you don't pay anything, and get to keep the samples and eye gel. It's risk free!

This post was sponsored by Modere. This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 Review

I'm all about sunscreen in the spring and summer, and I usually use a higher SPF on my face when in the sun. I'm currently loving Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50. It's a daily moisturizer that provides great protection from the sun, while helping to minimize aging. It's a medium-weight moisturizer, and so far hasn't caused me any breakouts or rosacea (I've used it about 10x). 

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery has no artificial fragrances, colors or parabens. Since it's a little bit thicker, I feel like I need to use a little more than my lighter moisturizer to get full coverage on my face. Plus, if I'm going to be in the sun, I like to make sure I'm evenly covered. This moisturizer blends in really well.

Some of the additional benefits listed on the Dermalogica site include:
 - long lasting hydration
 - controls triggers that lead to aging skin

This is the second Dermalogica product I have tried and have really enjoyed. Check out my review of Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster. Have you tried out Dermalogica products before? If so, which ones are your favorite? Please share in the comments below! 

A tip from Dermalogica: always protect your skin with SPF on a daily basis to protect against skin-aging environmental assault. 

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

LORAC VIP Sale

Stock up on your LORAC favorites during their VIP Sale, going on now. Check out the sale items here. Some sets are up to 50% off! I'm totally eyeing up the Back to Bronze Collection (pic below). 

Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup - August 3

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Rodial makes so many truly amazing products, and their Facials at Space NK are divine and luxurious! Find out why!

TheFabZilla: Once again, TheFabZilla dishes out her fondness for Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Crayon. Check out her review, swatch and FOTD feat. (Plum)age & (O)vert

Beauty by Miss L: Why is Lancome Hypnose Waterproof mascara perfect for summer?

beautyXposé: Control your hair with the Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Touch Control Digital Hair Dryer.

Never Say Die Beauty: Allison reviews & swatches new Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Shadows and they're a wow!

daydreaming beauty: Have you tried FingerPaints gel polish? Amber swatches Spring Fever & Cool Blue Harmony this week.

My Highest Self: Tina shares her thoughts on the H2O Plus Oasis line, check it out!

BeautyTidbits: Looking for a new summer foundation? Check out this new gem from It Cosmetics with an ultra-lightweight, breathable formula that won't make your skin cringe!

NARS Cosmetics' Fall 2014 Color Collection

Oh la la. This collection looks fierce. This is NARS Cosmetics 'Night Caller' Fall 2014 Color Collection. In addition to new autumnal products, the dramatic new palette also features new Night Series Eyeliners. These new eyeliners are suppose to glide on smooth and 'light up the night.' 

This collection will be available starting July 15th on www.narscosmetics.com, and in NARS boutiques.

Will you be buying anything from this collection??

Clean Eating Oatmeal Cookie Pancake recipe

I love cooking breakfast on Sunday mornings. I usually try to get creative and try new clean eating breakfast recipes. Last week I came across Rachel Ray's Oatmeal Cookie Pancake recipe and my mouth started watering. I immediately scanned the ingredient list and figured out how to clean it up. My adapted recipe below...

Ingredients:
2 cups of oatmeal
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup plain greek yogurt
3/4 cup of water
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 really ripe bananas, mashed
3/4 cup of raisins
2.5 teaspoons of agave nectar
Sugar free or light Maple Syrup for topping

1 - Combine all ingredients (except for syrup) in a large bowl. 

2 - Mix as good as you can with a wooden spoon and then pour into blender. I used my NutriBullet to blend the batter. I had to do it in about 3 different batches, which is why it's important to mix it up as good as you can before adding to the blender.

3 - Heat skillet and spray with extra virgin olive oil. Heat pancakes until bubbles form on top, then flip. Since there are walnuts and raisins in these, they aren't going to look smooth like normal pancakes, but more like a oatmeal cookie. 

This recipe made about 10, very filling pancakes. Definitely enough to feed 4 people. Since it's just me and my husband, I froze the leftovers and pop them in the toaster for a quick breakfast when I'm in a hurry. They are so good toasted!

Do you like to cook breakfast on the weekends? If so, what's your favorite dish? Please share below! And if you're interested in more recipes, check out my other clean eating recipes.

Get Ready for Back to School with MinuteClinic

I know my teacher friends don't want to hear this, but Back to School season is in full effect. Backpacks are out, school supplies are on sale, and it's time for parents to start thinking about vaccinations. Not only are they important for your child's health, but in many states, they are mandatory!

When you're ready to start planning out vaccinations, check out the CVS MinuteClinic site, which offers a variety of back-to-school vaccinations so your kids don't have to miss their first day. Before heading over to CVS, check out your state's requirements for vaccinations here.

CVS also offers the following services:

• Pre-participation sports physicals for just $39 - that's $20 off! This isn't just for sports, camps count too! Check out details here. 
• Kids off to college? CVS also offers college physicals. Details here. 
• MinuteClinic also offers a free $22 coupon book when you visit, with no purchase necessary. Available while supplies last through 12/1/14.

You can find a plethora of back to school info on the CVS MinuteClinic page, plus find the MinuteClinic closest to you. 

Also, on Monday, July 28, join the @MinuteClinic #GoBackHealthy chat to learn more Back to School tips and to ask questions. See you there!

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup - July 27

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: July Favorites for Keeping the Skin and Body Hydrated, Quenched and Refreshed!

Slashed Beauty: So you've heard a lot about Melted lipsticks, you've heard a lot about Glazed Lip Paints, but how do they hold up side by side? Check out this comparison!

TheFabZilla: I saw. It came. I ogled. TheFabZilla reviews the new Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Killer Cheekbones Set.

Glamorable!: Check out Anastasia's swatches of Le Metier de Beaute Limited Edition Gemini Kiss Lip Kaleidoscope.

Beyond Beauty Lounge : Find out if the L'oreal Visible Lift Blur Foundation lives up to its claims.

Beauty by Miss L: Avon Art Of Change nail polish, which will change its color after you have applied top coat.

Color Me So Crazy: Do You Want to See the Very First Holographic Polish I Owned?

I Know all the Words: Looking for the perfect drugstor lipstick? Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick might just be the best yet.

Makeup Life and Love: Take a BITE out of beauty this week as Jamie reviews her latest rose gold beauty find...

Never Say Die Beauty: If you've got tough to curl lashes, check out Allison's post on

BeautyTidbits: Heading off to a summer beach getaway? Check out these 10 Beach Bag Essentials - all under $15!

Be Happy and Buy Polish: Jessica went a bit edgy and a bit pretty with one of her manicures this week.

Lipgloss Break: Learn more about a new rosacea treatment and enter to win a Cetaphil Gift pack.

And the Winners Are...

Thank you to my readers who have been entering contests. Here are the latest 3 winners:

Mary Kay CC Cream and Lash Love Mascara - Corina from Reno, NV

Year Supply of Neutrogena Sunscreen - Christine from St. Petersburg, FL

Bosley Hair Mask - Sharon from Wausau, WI

Didn't win? Keep entering! I have some fabulous giveaways going on now, which are all listed on the Giveaway page of my site.

Giveaway Break – Cetaphil Gift Basket

I can’t talk enough about how important it is to take care of your skin. Dry, oily, sensitive, no matter what your skin type, it’s important to research and talk to a skincare specialist about the right skincare regime for you.

Personally, I have dry, sensitive skin, and I’m also prone to rosacea. Yesterday I posted about Mirvaso (brimonidine) topical gel, 0.33%, a new topical gel specifically developed and indicated to treat the persistent facial redness of rosacea. Mirvaso is all about treating the redness, so you don’t have to conceal with makeup. 

The Break Up with Your Makeup portal, which you can get to from yesterday’s post, includes information on skincare tips and the treatment for rosacea. You can also enter for a chance to win a trip to the Emmys! Enter by adding your email address into the portal and clicking ‘Submit.’

If you miss the window for entering the trip, don’t fret. Galderma, who also makes Cetaphil, has generously offered to give one lucky Lipgloss Break reader a Cetaphil Gift Basket! Enter below!

 ***Giveaway***

Enter for a chance to win a Cetaphil Gift Basket!

Fill out the form below to win! There are also several different ways you can get extra entries: sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me & retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest, add me to one of your Google+ circles, follow me on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook. Make sure to list the number of extra entries in the form below. Enter up to once a day to increase your chances of winning!

This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Thursday, July 31. I will randomly select a winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!

Note: This post is sponsored by Galderma Laboratories, L.P. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Important Safety Information
Indication:  Mirvaso^® (brimonidine) topical gel, 0.33% is an alpha adrenergic agonist indicated for the topical treatment of persistent (nontransient) facial erythema of rosacea in adults 18 years of age or older.  Adverse Events:  In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions (≥1%) included erythema, flushing, skin burning sensation and contact dermatitis.  Warnings/Precautions:  Mirvaso Gel should be used with caution in patients with depression, cerebral or coronary insufficiency, Raynaud's phenomenon, orthostatic hypotension, thromboangiitis obliterans, scleroderma, or Sjögren’s syndrome. Alpha-2 adrenergic agents can lower blood pressure. Mirvaso Gel should be used with caution in patients with severe or unstable or uncontrolled cardiovascular disease. Serious adverse reactions following accidental ingestion of Mirvaso Gel by children have been reported. Keep Mirvaso Gel out of reach of children. Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

*Each gram of gel contains 5 mg of brimonidine tartrate, equivalent to 3.3 mg of brimonidine free base.