Guggenheim Picasso Black and White Private Reception

October 4th, 2012 was Guggenheim's private reception for the opening of Picasso's Black and White. For those who do not know, the Guggenheim holds two receptions for exhibit openings. The private reception is typically held on Thursday evening and requires RSVP. The public reception is typically on Friday night. Anyone with an invitation may attend. No RSVP required. Wine and spirits are served at both events. As the private reception hosts an open bar (as opposed to a cash bar at the public reception), the private event tends to be much more packed.

The exhibit has many more pieces than expected, compared to the number of pieces displayed in the museum's past events. Most pieces are from Picasso's later works, where the black and white theme became much more prominent. It merits a visit from Picasso and modern art enthusiasts.

Some pictures from the event. A sea of black...either because people are trying to keep to the black and white theme, or because it's New York City.

'til next time. GD.

Shea Terra Organics Samples Review

Shea Terra Organics is a primarily online-based organic skincare line. Its popularity grew recently when the company started sending out samples through retail discovery subscription companies like Beauty Army and Glossybox. Some of Shea Terra's most popular products (the rose hip black soap, scented body butters, and the moroccan oil) have 4.5-5 star ratings on Amazon.com.

With such a track record, I couldn't resist getting my hands on some products. I reached out to Shea Terra's customer service asking if they are able to send out samples. They agreed to send me 5 samples for $15 flat.

The samples are:
1. Rose hips black soap deep pore facial cleanser: 1oz
2. Shea Terra pink guavas & pomegranates whipped shea butter: 1oz
3. Premium dark chocolate sugar-stone exfoliating cream: 1oz
4. Moroccan argan oil: sample tube
5. argan rosemary facial cleansing oil: sample tube

Here are my thoughts:

1. black soap: I use this soap once a day because I have very oily skin. Most people commented that they use it less because it is a very strong soap. It cleans well and my skin squeaks when I wash it off. As the soap is black, it does stain my washcloth, but the stain comes off easily when washed. The instruction says to leave the soap on face for 2 minutes (like a mask) for deep cleansing. When I first started using the soap, I found the burnt rubber smell to be so strong that I cannot stand having the product on my face for 2 minutes. But now, a month later, I've gotten so used to the smell that I do not notice it anymore. After a month of use, the appearance of my skin glows! I use to always have the occasional pimple on my face. Now...none! I remember staring in the mirror trying to find blemishes when I first realized what t his product has done for me. What the product did not do for me though, is getting rid of blackhead on my nose. Some people on Amazon said that the product got rid of their blackheads and shrank their pores. I was kind of disappointed that I didn't get the same result. After 1 month of daily use, I'm scraping the bottom of my 1oz sample. Definitely planning on repurchase soon.

2. body butter: This is very moisturizing and soaks into my skin well. Online reviews rave about the scents, but I did not particularly like the one I got. The bottle's been sitting on my nightstand without much use.

3. premium dark chocolate scrub: I used this scrub once and found that I do not like the dark chocolate scent. I'm sure the scrub works well given the company's track record, but I will not be using mine. Some online reviews I read complained that the scrub dissolves too quickly when it comes into contact with water.

4. moroccan oil: I was skeptical of using the oil on my face, since my skin is oily and I have been taught to use only oil free products. But as I'm currently nursing a severely chapped and sunburnt lip (last remnant of summer), I tried the oil on my lips and around my mouth. It is more moisturizing than any chap stick I've tried, and has yet to give me any breakouts. I'm happy with the product so will consider purchasing more when the sample runs out. Shea Terra's website does mention that the company works with a local women's group to make the oil my hand, instead of using big factories, so bonus points for that.

5. rosemary and argan cleansing oil: Again, with oily skin, I'm not going to use this oil to cleanse my skin. I tried this oil once and found that I did not like the smell of rosemary, which is very strong in this oil. This oil, however, will make a good makeup remover, which is how I will be using this product. (In case you didn't know, extra virgin olive oil is one of the best makeup removers out there, for waterproof and regular makeup, and it will not clog pores.)

If you are interested in getting samples for Shea Terra products, please contact their customer service through their website, www.sheaterraorganics.com. Full size products may be purchased through their website and through amazon.com. I prefer amazon.com as shipping is free for orders over $25. It is noteworthy to mention that Shea Terra offers a 30% discount every month for 2-3 weeks. The code changes monthly and can usually be found through a google search. The discount would cover the shipping cost in most cases.

'til next time, GD.

FTC disclaimer: I purchased the samples with my own money. This blog is not sponsored. All opinions are my own.

Caldrea

Caldrea sent me samples of their hand soap for review roughly a month ago. I received a small packet in each of their scents, as photographed below. Not shown are Sea Salt Neroli and Ginger Pomelo, as I had started using those two scents.

Having tried 2 of the scents, here are my thoughts:

The scents are very strong and linger on my hands for about half an hour after I use the soap.
The soap is slightly drying. I do need to to put on lotion after. Of course I'm comparing it to the Jergen's Cherry Almond Hand Wash that I've been using for the past 3 years, which is like a glove in a bottle.

About the scents:
Ginger Pomelo--It does smell like pomelo, but at the same time smells surprisingly like green tea. In real life I never associate those 2 scents with each other. It is slightly spicy, which I imagine is the ginger. Not a fan of the scent myself, but if you happen to be a fan of pomelo or green tea, this may be your thing.

Sea Salt Neroli--That's just say I LOVE LOVE LOVE the scent. It's supposed to remind you of a summery beach, and it does. It smells almost slightly salty, which is such an unique thing. I looked up Neroli on the internet and found out that it is an orange flower blossom. There is also a strong lemon zest scent. I loved the sample so much that I purchased the hand balm and a room & linen spray in this scent. Can't wait until they come. Did not purchase the hand soap because I found it drying like I mentioned before.

If you are interested in trying Caldrea, please contact their customer service for samples at customer-service@caldrea.com. . They are very nice, responds promptly, and will send out samples if they are available.

Caldrea products are available for purchase at caldrea.com, drugstore.com (free shipping for orders over $25), and amazon.com (free shipping for orders over $25 or with amazon prime membership). Caldrea is definitely a high-end product and is priced that way. You may be able to find discounted products on Amazon.

'til next time, GD.

FTC Disclaimer: The samples were sent to me for free. This blog post is not sponsored and I did not receive any compensation. All opinions are my own.

sunset in long island city

beautiful. happy sunday everyone. GD

Sephora Skincare IQ Event

This weekend Sephora hosted their Skincare IQ event at many stores throughout the country. Based on the online description, the event includes:

• An one-on-one Skincare iQ consultation with our in-store experts.
• Receive a FREE limited-edition makeup bag filled with
deluxe skincare samples.**
• Enjoy a complimentary mask or peel.
• Finish with an express makeup application. 

The website  states that walk-ins are welcome, but from past experience, reservations are always necessary because Sephora events are almost always book full with a long wait list.

So I got to the store at Madison and 42nd for my 10am appointment.  (I made the appointment early so I knew there wouldn't be a crowd waiting and I would not be rushed.) When I got to the store, a staff member led me to a touchscreen and told me that that was the Skincare IQ System. That was it...a computer...I couldn't hide my disappointment. The salesgirl walked through the computer system with me, and picked out some products for me based what the computer recommended. She did make me a VERY generous sample of $98 Clarins eye cream, and so was so nice that I cannot complain. But still...no mask or peel and no makeup application.

To save the day, I did receive the promised limited edition makeup bag, shown below:

'til next time, GD.

FTC Disclaimer: The products shown are given to  me by Sephora for free. This blog entry was not sponsored. No other form of compensation was given. All opinions are my own. 

Birchbox Sample Stop

This blog was a long time coming.

I was invited by Birchbox to visit their Sample Stop Pop-up during the New York City fashion week. Birchbox is probably one of the first and most established of the many "discovery retail" services out there. Founded just 2 years ago, they send out 4-5 generously sized samples to subscribers for $10 a month. I love Birchbox and knew this event would be right up my alley!

So I went! I was worried that there would be a line that I actually got there 15 minutes early. The ladies at the door were kind enough to let me in right away. Here is what the inside looks like:

An entire wall full of samples and candy to drool over.

Also set up inside the sample stop were make over stations my Youngblood Cosmetics and a Brow Bar by Benefit. Lunch was provided by 'wichcraft. I got my makeup done by the lovely Aliana Moss.

Finally, I picked out my own Birchbox.

What's inside?
Beautyblender
Perfekt skin perfection gel in luminous,
theBalm Mary Lou-manizer
Stila in the light palette
Color Club nail polish in Put a Pin in It (a rose gold, birchbox exclusive)

If you would like your own birchbox, follow the link to subscribe. (Referral link provided. If you do not wish to use the referral link, just go to birchbox.com.)

'til next time, GD

FTC disclaimer: the Birchbox Sample Stop was a free event and the products and services mentioned were provided to be for free by Birchbox and related brands. I received no other compensation. This entry was not sponsored by Birchbox. I pay for my monthly Birchbox subscription on my own.