Mail of the Week (August 8 - 12)

Marcelle and Annabelle products to review: I've been spoiled once again by the lovely Isabelle from Groupe Marcelle (thank you so much!). This lady sure knows how to please me! Here's what she kindly sent me:

• Marcelle Hydra-C Radiance Energizing Hydrating Gel


• Marcelle Hydra-C Radiance Perfect Fusion Make-Up in Ivory


• Marcelle Lux Eye Dust in Bronze Millionaire


• Marcelle Lux Eye Dust in Supersonic


• Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner in Blue Lagoon


• Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner in Imaginary Mauve


• Annabelle Studio Smudge Paint in Tar


• Annabelle Smoothie Eyeshadow Pencil in Grapeful


• Annabelle Smoothie Eyeshadow Pencil in Cocoaloco


• Annabelle Studio 4SHOW Eyeshadow in Eye-Candy

I'll be sure to let you know what I think of all of these products - I'm especially excited about the Smudge Paint and the Smoothie Eyeshadow Pencils!

Karmin G3 Salon Pro Professional 100% Pure Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron: I was absolutely amazed to win Sarah's giveaway as I was in the need for a new flat iron  because a) I've had my current one since high school and b) my mother has started to "steal" mine everyday and it annoyes me quite a bit to be honest! Here's the description of the Karmin G3 Salon Pro from HairTools.ca:

With New Advanced 100% Pure Tourmaline Ceramic Plates. The first iron with this advanced technology. These new plates allow your hair to slide through the plates without catching or pulling on your hair. plus the results are amazing.

• 360 swivel cord so you can easily manuever around without the cord tangling



• Variable temperture control up to 450Fwhich 


• Allows you to select the perfect tempurtare based on the hair type. If you have thick or curly hair you need an styling iron that reaches 450f.


• Professional high grade heating element that allows the iron to heat up quickly and to be used continuously without burning out during your styling.


• Dual voltage so you can bring your iron to other countries. great for traveling


• Slim handle design, no more bulky handles that make it hard to hold, with the slim handle it fits perfectly in your hands and is light to use.


• Curved plates that allow you to not only straighten your hair but you can also curl and style your hair in so many other ways. Thats why we call it a styling iron not a flat iron.


• 3 year warranty so you can rest assured that you new investment will last. if you have any problems just contact us and we will send you a replacement free of charge with no questions asked. 

I don't think I could have asked for a better flat iron (not to mention that it's hot pink)! Thank you so much for this amazing prize Sarah!

Veet EasyGrip Ready-To-Use Wax Strips sample kit: Veet were giving away this kit on their website some times ago. Don't want to miss another cool offer? Be sure to follow me on Twitter and "like" my Facebook page!

Sigma F45 Buffer Brush: Just like the majority of beauty bloggers out there, I'm part of Sigma Beauty Affiliate Program. Of course, the best part of being an affiliate is their awesome incentive program - which is way less awesome now that it has been updated, in my opinion. Previously Sigma provided complimentary products for all affiliates, regardless of their number of followers, subscribers or fans. However, this was a promotional period for the program that has now come to an end, which is very sad because now you have to have at least 1000 blog followers (or 5000 YouTube subscribers) to be able to redeem a complimentary product - not to mention that I personally think the products are way less interesting (I was aiming for the Synthetic Face Kit but it looks like I will have to do with the Cleansing & Polishing Tool). You can have a look at the new categories here. Anyway, it's just my opinion - I'm not complaining because I was lucky enough to have the chance to receive a complimentary Travel Kit in the past and now this Buffer Brush.

Now it's time to announce the winner of my Veet giveaway...

Taygan! Congrats!

Don't worry if you didn't win this time, my Sebastian Professional giveaway is open until Saturday at midnight!

♥Rain over Me - Pitbull ft. Mark Anthony

CLOSED - Giveaway: Veet Gets You Ready for Summer Giveaway

As summer is finally here, beauty regimes become more frequent. Men and women are getting ready to wear those beach shorts or short skirts. With Veet, summer beauty is just one quick step away! Veet EasyGrip Ready-to Use Wax Strips or Veet Hair Removal Cream with Hydro’Restor give you smooth and hair-free skin for up to four weeks.

If you have enjoyed my previous review of Veet products, here's your chance to win a Veet gift basket containing about $100 worth of product!

The prize:

• EasyGrip Ready-to-Use Wax Strips with vitamin E & almond-sensitive formula


• EasyGrip Ready-to-Use Wax Strips with velvet rose fragrance & essential oils


• EasyGrip Ready-to-Use Wax Strips with aloe vera for dry skin


• Hair removal cream with Hydro’Restor with aloe vera


• Hair removal cream with Hydro’Restor with velvet rose fragrance and essential oils


• Hair removal cream with Hydro’Restor with shea butter and lily fragrance


• Veet beach towel


• Straw beach bag

Rules:

• This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only (sorry!)


• You have to be a follower of Gaby's Beauty Blog (you don't need to have a blog)


• Blogs made solely for giveaways will be disqualified


• This giveaway ends on August 10 at midnight 

To enter (mandatory):

• Fill out the Google document form at the bottom of this post

Extra entries (optional):

• Post my giveaway on your blog, either in a blog post or in your sidebar, and include the picture above and the link to my giveaway +5


• "Like" Gaby's Beauty Blog on Facebook +2


• Follow me on Twitter and tweet about my giveaway (be sure to include @GabyFauchon and the link to my giveaway) +2

Possible entries total: 10

Good luck!!!

This giveaway is sponsored by Veet.

Summer Beauty is Just One Quick Step Away With Veet!

As summer is finally here, beauty regimes become more frequent. Men and women are getting ready to wear those beach shorts or short skirts. With Veet, summer beauty is just one quick step away! Veet EasyGrip Ready-to Use Wax Strips or Veet Hair Removal Cream with Hydro’Restor give you smooth and hair-free skin for up to four weeks.

I was recently kindly sent some Veet products to review that I've been using for the previous two weeks and I think it's about time I share my thoughts with you.

Hydro' Restor Hair Removal Cream ($9.49 for 200ml and $16.99 for 400ml)

What would you do to give your skin a smooth moisturized feeling that lasts? New Veet® Hair Removal Cream with Hydro’Restor™ works in as little as three minutes to deliver smoothness that lasts up to twice as long as shaving. Unlike razors that can sometimes cause drying and irritate the delicate surface of the skin, the new Veet Hydro’Restor™ formulation is designed to work close to the root of the hair and contains ingredients to help restore skin’s natural hydration levels. 

Key Ingredients and Benefits 

• Works in as little as three minutes for smoothness that lasts up to twice as long as shaving
• Designed to work close to the root of the hair, skin stays noticeably smoother for longer than shaving
• Unlike shaving, that can sometimes dry the delicate surface of your skin, the Hydro’Restor™ formulation contains ingredients to help restore the skin’s natural hydration levels

I remember the last time I used hair removal creams - it was a looong time ago - and the main reason why I was never keen on those products is because of the scent. Isn't it awful? I was given the opportunity to try Suprem' Essence Hair Removal Cream With velvet rose fragrance & essential oils and Hair Removal Cream Dry Skin Shea Butter and Lily Fragrance, and let me tell you - I was thrilled to try those delicious smelling products!

I was quickly disappointed though because the advertised scents can't completely cover the true scent of hair removal creams - you know, that awful chemical scent that almost make you want to throw up? Yep, that's what I'm talking about.

If you are able to forget that smell for about 3 minutes, you might actually really enjoy Veet Hydro' Restor Hair Removal Cream. I absolutely fell in love with the thick texture that was easy to apply on the skin, and the spatula really comes in handy to quickly remove the product without mess.

I was actually very surprised to see that the smoothness really lasts longer than shaving - I could see the hair slowly growing back on the third day. I'm also very happy with the results because my legs were soooo smooth and the hair removal cream absolutely didn't dry them. I didn't even feel the need to use moisturizing lotion after!

EasyGrip Ready-to-Use Wax Strips ($13.99 for 20 strips and $16.99 for 40 strips)

Get beautiful, touchably smooth skin – in one easy move at home with the new Veet® New EasyGrip™ Ready-to-Use Wax Strips for Legs and Body. Each strip acts like a liquid during application and coats short hair on legs and underarms. The inspired ergonomic design means the strips are ideal for both seasoned waxers and first time ‘wax virgins’ looking to achieve satin-like, smooth skin—that lasts for up to four weeks. 

Each strip acts like a liquid during application and coats short hair on legs and underarms. Ready-to-Use Wax Strips leave only smooth and silky skin. 

Key Ingredients and Benefits 

• Perfect smoothness that lasts up to 4 weeks
• Varieties for dry skin (containing Aloe Vera), sensitive skin (containing Vitamin E & Almond), and Suprem’ Essence (containing Velvet Rose and Essential Oils)
• EasyGrip™ tab ensures easy peel-off for better technique

- a more intuitive centre point grip 

- more gripping room

- allows for strip removal directly against hair growth

I had the chance to try EasyGrip Ready-to-Use Wax Strips With Vitamin E & Almond - Sensitive Formula, and I will not lie - at first, I was absolutely afraid to try them! I've always been kind of scared of waxing since my first experience and I tend to shy away from it in favour of razors and depilatory creams. I remember trying ready-to-use strips only one time in my life and I almost imediately forgot about them because they were not effective at all, failing to remove all of my leg hair.

I was brave enough to try these strips and I must say I was quite pleased with them. The EasyGrip tab is great - it has a rounded edge that really makes it easier to grab the strips and remove them properly. I like that each strips can be re-used abouth three times until it completely lost its stickiness.

The residue left on my legs by the wax has to be removed by oil - water won't do. That's where the cleansing wipes come in handy, even though I was not able to completely remove the wax only with them

Overall, I would not recomment these strips for every day use because one pack barely lasts for more than two half leg treatments for me, so it can get quite pricey, but it's great to pack in your bag for a holiday or if you are in a rush.

Disclaimer: These products were sent to me for consideration to review. I was not paid for this review,  I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

Mail of the Week (July 3 - 8)

My prize from Tass' giveaway: After having heard so much rave about the Posie Tint, I'm happy to be able to try it for myself! Here's what Tass included in the package:

• Benefit "That Gal" Brightening Face Primer
• Benefit Mini Benefit Pose Tint
• Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow

Thank you Tass! (:

Veet products to review: I was kindly given the opportunity to review some new products for Veet - just in time for summer!

• Suprem' Essence Hair Removal Cream With velvet rose fragrance & essential oils
• Hair Removal Cream Dry Skin Shea Butter and Lily Fragrance
• EasyGril Ready-to-Use Wax Strips With Vitamin E & Almond -  Sensitive Formula

peta2's zombie survival pack: peta2 has a very cool campaign going on at the moment called Flesh is for Zombies. Yes, according to them, if you eat meat, you are a zombie! I think it's cute and funny, and a great way to raise awareness (:

Biotherm Aquasource sample: Biotherm Canada was offering free samples on their Facebook page some times ago, but now the offer has ended.

Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care sample: Dove was offering a sample of  their new Dove with weightless Nutri-Oils on their Facebook page some times ago. Be sure to follow me on Twitter and "like" my Facebook page to be in the know for more great promotions like this one!

♥ Dirty Dancer - Enrique Iglesias ft. Usher & Lil Wayne

Mail of the week (and last week)

Mail of last week (July 5th - 9th):

De'Longhi 2 Cup Espresso/Cappuccino Maker from CSN Stores: In this post, I told you that I have been approached by the Promotions Team over at CSN Stores for the second time because I have been selected as CSN Preferred Blogger. I was offered the opportunity to review one of their products. Back then, I chose to do a review on Perfect Petzzz Golden Retriever Puppy, but I had to change my mind because the people from CD3 Inc told me they would love to send me a Perfect Petzzz Golden Retriever to review. So, as I wanted to buy a cappuccino maker for some times now, I figured out this would be the perfect opportunity. Stay tune for my upcoming review!

Tena sample pack: Luckily, I don't experience bladder weakness (yet!) but I will use those samples as pads. I was sent:

• 2 Ultra Thins Moderate Absorbency pads
• 2 Ultra Thins Heavy Absorbency pads
• Information leaflet

August 2010 issue of Glamour magazine

Playtex Gentle Glid On-the-Go Pack (4 tampons): Samples are no longer available.

Pantene Color Preserve Volume Hair Solutions Shampoo and Conditioner samples (50 mL)

Veet Easy To Use Wax Strips sample pack:

• 1 large body Veet Easy to Use Wax Strip
• 1 small facial Veet Easy to Use Wax Strip
• 1 perfect finish wipe
• 1 coupon offering $1.00 off any Easy to Use Wax strip

Samples are no longer available. 

The coupons I ordered from Save.ca for my friend Sara.

b°liv Off With Those Heads Blackheads Sebum Gel sample

Mail of the week (July 12th - 16th):

Perfect Petzzz Golden Retriever: I was contacted by the people from CD3 Inc to review a Perfect Petzzz Golden Retriever. I'm so excited as I've been wanting one of these for such a long time! It's adorable!

 Lacoste Love of Pink fragrance sample: Go here for a sample.

August 2010 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine

Alberto European Free Gift + Free samples from P&G, U by Kotex, Veet and Lacoste

OMG I couldn't believe it when I found this on Facebook yesterday! Alberto is offering you a a coupon redeemable for a free full-size Alberto European styling product of your choice! All you need to do is become a fan of Alberto on Facebook, then add the Alberto European Free Gift application, and fill out the form!

Offer available to Canadian residents only.

But hang on, there's more!

Thanks to Edwina, I discovered this great website, redflagdeals.com, which offers deals, coupons and freebies mostly to Canadian residents, but some of those are also available to US residents.

I already told you about P&G brandSAMPLER in my previous post, but it's not too late to sign up if you haven't yet!

Offer available to Canadian and US residents only.

Next, if - like me - you are curious about the new U by Kotex line, order your freebies here.

Offer available to Canadian and US residents only.

You can also order a free Veet Wax Strip sample kit here.

Offer available to Canadian residents only.

And finally, fill out the form here to order a free Lacoste perfume sample (Challenge, Essential Sport or Love of Pink).

Offer available worldwide.