Kate Somerville ExfoliKate

Whoa, please excuse the super crappy photo and dog hair covered blanket! I've been meaning to write this review forever because I am super excited about Kate Somerville's ExfoliKate!

I received this sample in a Sample Society box and I wish I knew how big it was, but I already threw it away. In any case, this little tube lasted me about four uses. At first, I wasn't sure what to make of this because I was expecting a scrub. Yeah, don't even ask. I don't know why I was expecting a scrub, but I guess I just equated "exfoliating" with a scrub. The actual treatment looks kind of like a green mud mask with tiny, fine, sand-like particles in it. You just apply it to a wet face in a circular motion and you can wash it off immediately or leave it on for up to two minutes. I leave it on for the two minutes and my face gets a little tingly, but nothing major. Then you wash it off and you are left with the most glowing, baby soft skin ever!

ExfoliKate contains lactic acid, fruit enzymes and salicylic acid to polish and exfoliate the face. In addition to softer, brighter skin, their website also claims that the addition of rosewood and cinnamon extract helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. There are also acne and gentle versions available if they should fit your needs better. My one gripe is that it is super pricey! But I think it's totally worth the money. Speaking of money, does anyone see anything odd here...

 Let's do the math. 0.5 oz is $19, but 2 oz is $85? That makes no sense at all! You can buy 4 x 0.5 oz bottles for only $76. That's a savings of $9 over the 2 oz bottle for the same amount!

As a sales and marketing analyst, stuff like this just drives me nuts! Oh well, after my spending ban is over, I am definitely going to buy the full size - or more likely, four half ounce tubes!

The (After) Christmas List

Christmas isn't that big of a deal with my family anymore, especially now that we are older. We don't really do gifts and I feel kind of weird asking for stuff when I can just buy it myself. In fact, I think we're heading to Vegas on the 27th, so I'll do my after Christmas shopping there! It's a bit late to make a Christmas wish list, but here are some things I'm lusting over, whether it's as a gift or as a gift to myself!

 MAC Makeup - I really haven't used MAC in forever (like since high school!). My cousins were visiting from Japan in August and they were crazy buying MAC since it's so much cheaper here. I kinda joined in and bought a Shy Girl lipstick, but now I have my eye on a few other things. First, Face and Body Foundation. I really need a grown up foundation and I think this fits the bill since it's lightweight and without SPF. Next up is the Select Moisturecover concealer which looks like a great all purpose, moisturizing concealer. Finally, the infamous Stereo Rose Mineralize Skinfinish which is being re-promoted with the Spring 2013 Apres Chic collection (in stores 12/26).

OCC Lip Tar Set - The last thing I need is more lip products, but I really want to try these OCC Lip Tars! This set at Sephora is a great deal with 5 full size lip tars and a brush for only $49. 

Isaac Mizrahi Fabulous - I kind need to smell this again to be sure, but I tried a sample and I absolutely loved it. It's fun, fruity and feminine (uh, just like Isaac?). And I absolutely love the polka dots and vintage-y atomizer. I think right now it's exclusive to QVC and Bloomingdales. On QVC.com, you can get the 1.7oz bottle, plus a rollerball for $69, which is like getting the rollerball for free.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate - I'm going to do a full review of this, but I freakin LOVE this stuff. It makes my skin baby soft and so so smooth. It's not cheap at $85 for a 2 oz bottle, but a little goes a long way. This is the perfect gift item because I don't want to pay that much myself, but I will gladly accept it as a gift!

Sanuks - I never really understood the appeal of Sanuks because let's face it, they're ugly. Sure, I've had something like 4 pairs of Toms, but Sanuks just seemed worse. Then for some reason, I bought a pair when they were half off at Sport Chalet and I fell in love. They are crazy comfortable, even more so than Toms. Sanuks call their shoes "sandals" and maybe thats why I like them. I think these furry ones will be perfect for wintertime dog walking.

iPad - I am super late to this party, but now that Verizon has combined data plans it makes more sense for me to get one. I hate the idea of paying for internet for my home, phone AND an iPad, when I'm only one person! But now my phone and iPad could share plans. I'm in the market for a new laptop, but  I really just play games and surf the internet, so maybe I could get away with an iPad?

October Sample Society

I have to admit, I think this is the most disappointing Sample Society box I have received thus far. All of the samples are really small and there aren't any cosmetic items! Boo :( Here's what I received...

Jane Iredale Tantasia Self Tanner (full size $36) - Is it just me or does the name totally make you think of Fangtasia from True Blood?? I'm not a big fan of self tanners as I'm generally pretty naturally tan year round. Plus this sample is so small, I'm not really sure if it will cover both my legs. It's safe for use on face, but I'm kind of afraid of ending up with an orange mug.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment (full size $85) - This is the item that I'm most excited to try. I love exfoliators, although I doubt I will ever shell out $85 for one! It must be quite strong since it says to use only once or twice a week.

Aromachology Clean & Fresh Eau de Parfum (full size $100) - Again, not a huge fan of perfume samples, but this one is pretty cute and has a cap. It smells alright, but kinda soap-y. I guess it would be good for after getting out of the shower.

Oscar Blandi Pronto Wet Hair Care Conditioner (full size $28) - I think I saw on a few blogs that this is meant for use after the dry shampoo. They must have misread the bottle because it clearly says to use after the Pronto Wet Instant Volume Shampoo. I wish they would have sent the matching shampoo because I like my hair products to match like that.

Erno Laszlo Phormula 3-9 Repair Balm (full size $245) - First of all, wtf does "phormula" mean?? And second $245?! WOW! I tried a bit on my hand and it is very thick and balm like. I'm sure it will be great for cold, dry winters, but yeah, I don't think I can spend that much on a moisturizer.

Herban Essentials Lavender Towelette - This was just a freebie hand sanitizing wipe. I'll probably keep this in my purse, but I always forget to use them and they end up dried up :P

That's it! This box was disappointing, but I'm usually very happy with my Sample Society boxes. I hope next month improves!