Birchbox top ten...

Remember my post about box subscriptions last year? I've been very pleased with my Birchbox subscription. Mailbox bliss every month. And you never know what you might find inside when you open it. In addition to your monthly samples, Birchbox includes market finds. My favorite was Ghirardelli's newest flavor chocolate bar. It's so new that I can't find it in stores. Darn. Guess I'll have to take a trip to San Fran.

I've received many samples that don't appeal to me like perfume and hair products. Not a problem. My tween neighbors gladly take them off my hands. A Birchbox subscription would make a lovely gift for any product fanatic in your life. Or, you can treat yourself to one. Go ahead. You deserve it!

My top ten…

best of birch box by maureen-4 featuring a blue black mascara

Whish body cleanser / Whish gift sets kit / TheBalm blush / Eyeko blue black mascara, $29 / Nars cosmetic / Laundress Wash And Stain Bar / Women's Animal Knotted Elastic Hair Ties, Pack of 3 - Twistband / Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream, #7 The Honest Company Healing Balm via Pinterest.

What's on your vanity?

I'm a minimalist when it comes to makeup and other beauty products. I don't sit at a pretty dressing table to primp and admire myself like this:

via

My beauty regimen takes place standing at my bathroom vanity. I like uncluttered spaces, so all of my stuff is stashed away in cabinets and drawers. If my husband were to show up early from work one day and announce "pack your bags we're going to Jamaica," I would grab these five items -- in addition to my thongs and string bikinis, of course -- in a jiff.

My love affair with Mason Pearson brushes began in high school. My first brush stood the test of time from high school into young adulthood when my dog chewed it up. I've had my current brush for more than 10 years. My medium-bore bristle and nylon junior retails for $125. Is it worth it? Every penny.

Second is my Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System. The Mia retails for $119. Good deals abound online and at some department stores. I bought mine at Dr. Q Cosmetics. Clarisonic has a wide range of products at different price points, including cleansers and serums. The Mia came with the gentle hydro cleanser, but I switched back to Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, which I've been using for years. Available at most drug and grocery stores, it is cheap and dermatologist recommended. Added bonus: It can be used to eliminate lice!

Our household could not survive without Aquaphor Healing Ointment. The product tag line says it all:

It soothes. It protects. It helps heal. You might say it works wonders.

Trust me when I say it does. I use it for cuts, rashes, chapped lips, cuticle cream, eye makeup remover, moisturizer for dry hands and much more. Again, this is an inexpensive product and widely available. Go get some if you don't already have it.

On the more indulgent side, I love L'Occitane shea butter hand and foot creams. My sister got me hooked on them, and I've been addicted ever since. The company has three storefronts here in Atlanta if you want to peek in and enjoy a small slice of Southern of France. L'Occitane products make great gifts. Beautiful packaging too. Not cheap, but worth it.

Last, but not least, Moroccanoil hair products. My stylist Heather who I've been seeing for 12 years recommended it. My hair looks like a Brillo pad in heat and humidity. If you have this problem, get some. The oil eliminates frizz, conditions and speeds styling time. A 3.4 oz. bottle retails for $43. Not super cheap, but it lasts and works.

Do tell, what's on your top five?

Beauty Alert: Dr. Q Cosmetics Giveaway!

Via

Madonna’s anti-aging secret is out of the bag, and it’s available right here in Decatur at Dr. Q Cosmetics. My fave aesthetician Heather Schardan has just added it to her treatment offerings, and I was one of her first clients to try it.

What is it you ask? An oxygen facial. Developed in Australia by Intraceuticals, the super facial is known as hydraulic layering—a three-step process to get the best vitamins possible deep into your skin.

Here’s how it works:

1. Using what looks like an airbrush, a therapist uses cooling, pressurized oxygen to deliver a vitamin-rich serum.
2. Next, a hydration gel is applied that prevents moisture loss.
3. Finally, a binding cream is applied that provides a layer of intense hydration.

Unlike other facials and laser treatments like photorejuvination, Heather says clients see instant results. Your skin looks plumper, more refreshed and refined, and tighter. So it’s a great to do before a big event, like a special holiday party or a stroll down the red carpet. Other benefits based on my personal experience: it’s relaxing and pain free, there is no need for numbing aids, and you don’t experience flaky peeling skin that can accompany some chemical peels.

Heather in her luxe spa room.

Dr. Q Cosmetics offers an extensive menu of services. I have tried almost all of them, and endorse them wholeheartedly. Heather offers monthly specials and open houses. I just scored a free Skin Bella facial – one of my faves – at her holiday open house. Shoot her an email to get on her distribution list.

Not only is Heather awesome at her job, she is a very giving person. She spends some of here time working with cancer patients for the Look Good Feel Better program. She rocks!

And, because she is so nice, she’s giving away a one-hour oxygen facial – a $150 value – to one of my lucky readers. If you too want to hydrate, lift and tighten your skin follow these simple giveaway guidelines:

• You must be a subscriber. Let me say that again, you must be a bluemopheads subscriber.
• Leave a comment on this post asking to be entered.
• Send this post to a friend and ask them to subscribe. They must leave a comment that says something like “Marni just told me about your awesome blog, please enter me in the Dr. Q giveaway.”
• Only those who comment will be entered.

Both you and your friend will be entered. Refer several friends and you will be entered multiple times.

If your comment is rejected, try using your gmail account. If all else fails: email me. 

The winner will be chosen by random.org. 

The deadline is next Friday, December 15. Good luck!