That Old Black(head) Magic...Or Not...

Photo Credit: Geek Chick Daily

Tonight at Midnight, some of you lucky readers will head off to the Harry Potter premiere. Alas, I will not be among you, but am planning to make it to a theatre next weekend. However, to celebrate the, well, beginning of the end, as it were, I have a link to a pretty cool, easy to enter giveaway!

Geek Chic Daily is giving away one unbelievably detailed, screen-quality Invisibility Cloak replica. The retail value on this bad boy is a whopping $395! All you have to do is click the above link (the one on the word "giveaway") and enter your email address. There are also bonus chances on Facebook and Twitter, with info available when you enter. The only catch is you have to subscribe to GCD, but that's not a bad deal. It's a great little once-a-day email newsletter about nifty, nerdy gizmos. Entry deadline is July 27th. Good luck!

Photo Credit: Sephora

Speaking of making things disappear, I dipped into the old magic bag o' samples the other day, in search of something to expelliarmus my blackheads. Sephora sent me two Boscia Pore Purifying Black Strips to try out, so I used one and gave the other to Thomas. Here's what Sephora has to say about the strips:

Each adhesive strip attracts pore-clogging dirt and oil. Its full-contact delivery system instantly applies charcoal powder, an ingredient that draws out impurities and detoxifies the skin. Silica, a natural mineral, controls excess oil while witch hazel extract, a natural astringent, tightens pores. Effective yet gentle, additional botanical ingredients provide a soothing and cooling sensation upon adhesion. Skin is left exceptionally clarified.

Pros: Some blackheads were extracted; Thomas looked a little like a cartoon puppy while wearing the strip.
Cons: I didn't notice much of a difference in pore size or clarity; I looked like a freaking Ewok.

Basically, it's an expensive, slightly larger Biore strip, and worked about as well. I had better luck cleaning out my pores by washing my face more effectively and using the occasional Queen Helene Mint Julip Masque (that gunk works wonders). It did what it said it would, but not to an extent that would justify the price. Unless you are in dire straits where blackheads are concerned, skip this. $15 for six strips, Sephora.
Final Verdict: 4 out of 10. Meh. Just...meh.

Sampler Platter: Brazilian Peel

Photo by Sephora

In case you're just joining us, I've been on a mission to actually use and review all of the samples in my ever-growing stash. For too long I've been collecting samples and saving them for that proverbial rainy day. Well, folks, the temperature's rising and the barometer's getting low. Let's do this.

Normally, I would just reach into the magic bag o' samples and pull something at random. Normally. Today's not normal. Well, really, in my house normal is relative, but that's another story. Anyway, today, Thomas and I put down a deposit on a brand new townhouse. For months, we have been trying to find something with more space and better management, and after a long and, quite frankly, painful search, we have finally found the perfect place. Thank God. To celebrate, I thought I'd take a little time to pamper myself this evening. I gave myself a mani-pedi, then grabbed my sample of Brazilian Peel, Professional Strength Glycolic Acai Anti-Oxidant Facial Treatment. Stress had left my skin looking a little dull, and I had a couple of tiny breakouts, which is unusual. I figured this might do the trick.

According to Sephora:

The Brazilian Peel™ instantly firms, noticeably smoothes, and brightens skin with just one use. Fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced after four weekly applications and a radiant, youthful complexion is maintained with continued weekly use. The Brazilian Peel™ will not cause redness or irritation.

Now, normally, when I hear the word "Brazilian", my mind jumps to hot wax, a very delicate area, and a searing pain that hurts considerably more than being hit by a car. Not exactly the most comforting thought before smearing a chemical all over my face, but hey, I'm game. The peel comes in a double-chambered syringe, which makes it look medicinal, but also a little scary. (Thomas: "What is that?!") Once I figured out how to open the container (I never claimed to be coordinated), and located the lid's landing point behind the toilet, I followed the directions and squeezed the contents into my hand. Using two fingers, I mixed the gel from one chamber with the cream from the other chamber. The mixture heats up almost immediately--and I mean, heats up--but, thankfully, cools down just as quickly. Starting at the forehead and working down, I applied the clear mixture to my face and neck. I waited ten minutes, then rinsed with cool water and patted my skin dry. The pleasant-smelling gel tightened as it dried, and came off easily. Then, I followed the treatment with my usual drugstore moisturizer. My skin feels markedly smoother, with just the slightest hint of discomfort. Really, it feels like I steamed my face over a pot of water on the stove.

So, is it worth it? The Brazilian Peel retails for $78 at Sephora. That's for four applications. Four. I ended with three applications as free samples, so I guess I won the beauty supply lottery. At almost $20 a pop, I'm using these very sparingly. I can't bring myself to use it weekly.

I can't not recommend this, since it is a good peel. If you have scars you're trying to lighten, this might be your best bet, though I would suggest seeing a dermatologist first. However, if you're like me, with generally clear skin and just a little dullness, I'd suggest a less expensive alternative. My go-to face mask is one I've been using for years: Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask, $3.99, Drugstore.com. I started using it on a musical theatre tour where I was wearing heavy stage makeup daily. It kept my pores clear, my skin smooth, and my wallet happy. Also, it makes you green, which is always a fun way to scare your husband, roommate, twerpy kid brother, etc.

I think that's the one I'm going to stick with, even if it does make Thomas ask me if I'm a member of the Na'vi tribe, or feel the need to put on an episode of The X-Files, just to mock me. In my opinion, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.